stuff jen says: Feb. 23: Thirteen happy years

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary. I still feel lucky every day that I got to marry Victor, someone who makes me laugh so much and so often, someone who is more patient with me than I deserve, someone who has our engagement photo, 1996 probably had pa-lenty of regrets in the past 13 years. Ha ha, Pal! Too bad—you’re stuck with me now!

When we first got married, every night seemed like a slumber party. I couldn’t believe that I got to hang out with my best friend every night! I kept waiting for that feeling to wear off, but it still hasn’t. Laying next to each other, talking and giggling until we fall asleep… it’s the best. Sure, the excessive snoring has frequently made me question my love for him, but once my middle-of-the-night murderous rage has dissipated, I usually love him again by morning. Sometimes noon-ish.

It’s in the past year, as we’ve gotten answers for my ongoing health issues, that I’ve come to see exactly how strong my husband is, and what a perfect partner he is for me as we walk through my cancer fight together. I’m so thankful for all he does. He’s a good guy. I’m a lucky girl.

Two of the many, many snaps from our wedding reception:

We were both getting pretty tired of smiling by now We thought this part was the CORNIEST

And here’s my favorite picture from February 23, 1997:

Happy anniversary, honey! Here’s to many more happy years together! I love you best.

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facts of jen's life

So, who do you think you are? I think I’m Jen. People who don’t know me sometimes call me Jenny. That’s weird.

Tell me about yourself. I was born a small black child, and am now a grown-up, or at least my kids think I am. I’m in my mid-40s and live in the ‘burbs of Portland, Oregon. My husband is Victor, and my kids are Katie and Jack. Read this if you want the real and very long scoop.

Tell me things people might not know about you. I am an ordained minister and can perform marriages. Why no one has asked me to do this for them yet, I do not know. ● At the request of my Disney-hating friend Ed, I got mouse ears embroidered with the name “Satan” and I didn’t even get kicked out of Disneyland. It’s quite possibly the ballsiest thing I’ve ever done. ● I “helped” write this book, published in 2012: You Take it From Here, by Pamela Ribon. My name is in the back, and I’m still geeking out about it. ● I recorded a song in a studio in 1994 and it got local radio play for a few months. At least two times I turned on the radio in the car and my song was playing at that moment—very cool. ● I nearly died from a zit in 1986. I am not making this up. ● Victor and I once appeared on The Tonight Show. Really. If you can find a VCR, I’ll show you the tape.

I read some of your posts and I think you might be an alcoholic. I drink way less than I write about drinking. If I ever STOP talking about booze, then it’ll be time for an intervention.

What do you love? Books. Coffee. Fonts. Broadway musicals. San Francisco. Bacon. Rum. Law & Order. Naps. Butter. Home. Crack cocaine. iDevices. Words. Disney vacations. You.

If you could punch anything or anyone in the face, what/who would it be? Cancer. I was diagnosed with lymphoma in November 2009. I kicked its big fat ugly ass and am in remission now. ● Comic Sans. ● People who won’t take responsibility for their problems—the “I didn’t do anything to deserve this!” attitude. Look in the mirror. That’s who to blame. ● Celebrities who are famous for no reason. Y’know, if we stop looking, they’ll go away... ● Bad grammar and spelling and the dummies who use it.

You seem bitter. Did someone piss in your Cheerios? I’m not bitter. I think unicorns-and-rainbows stuff isn’t very interesting to read, so I tend not to write that way. But also, now you’re being kind of a jackhole.

It seems like no one ever comments on your blog posts. Why is that? Most people comment on the Facebook links. I don’t know why.

What if I want to tell you something? Two ways to reach me: leave a comment on a post, or e-mail me at jenniferTAKETHISPARTOUTmanullang at gmail-dot-com.

7 comments:

L. LoriFebruary 23, 2010 at 7:10:00 AM PST
Even though I think marriage is outdated and "happily ever after" is just for Shrek, I think you two are great for each other and love you both LOTS!!!

I won't say "Happy Anniversary" because, well, you know...but I will say continue to enjoy each other more than anything!

xoxo
MomFebruary 23, 2010 at 7:34:00 AM PST
Jen, Vic is the perfect person for you! I love you both!! AND this union has given me the most amazing grandchildren! Thank you!!
emcitychrisFebruary 23, 2010 at 7:56:00 AM PST
Don't you know divorce is the new marriage, get on it! :) Happy anniversary Jen & Vic!
AnonymousFebruary 23, 2010 at 10:10:00 AM PST
aw happy anniversary Jen! I feel the same way about my hubby - love the middle of the night jokes and chatter!
Dan KaempffFebruary 23, 2010 at 1:42:00 PM PST
Maybe you and my wife should form a "Snoring Spouses Support Group?"

Congratulations on Lucky 13! I'm happy for you both!
AJFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:09:00 AM PST
Yes, the excessive snoring has also made me question my feelings for Vic :).
Hope your anniv. dinner was marvelous!
EdMarch 2, 2010 at 2:32:00 AM PST
I remember that day well! Happy belated anniversary!

Hey, please don’t leave an anonymous comment.
Select “Name/URL” below and you can use whatever name you want. No registration required.
Thanks! –Jen

Feb. 23: Thirteen happy years

7 comments:

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