Artifacts from Version 1.0

In cleaning out the attic I came across many old treasures. I was really excited to find my old journal that had some of M's emails to me when we dated in 2003. I also kept a heart she made out of a dollar, our ticket stub to the Matrix movie and the card that came with the flowers she had delivered to my office. She was the only one that ever had flowers sent to me at work.

M's Favorite Word

In learning about M's negotiation style, I realize her strategy is to just say no. And she has a cute way of saying no multiple times. So, I did a count and today, she said "no" 111 times. It just means I have to rephrase the question so that her saying "no" works in my favor.

Koala

M calls me "Koala" because I like to sleep and eat twigs and leaves. Sometimes I fall out of trees, as well.

Vow Material

M: "If you went to jail, I would commit a crime so that I could go to jail and be your main b____."

Honestly, that was so sweet and made my day. If we ever got married, it should totally be in your vows. Doris and I saw a special on tv about women in prison and it ain't pretty. I would definitely need M there.

Momentous

Due to the fact that I was moving to DC, that M was making me her domestic partner, my family would be 3 hours away in NJ, and I wanted to get all my legal stuff done before my benefits ran out, I contacted my lawyer today to draw up a health care and fiduciary power of attorney. This means that in the case something happened to me, M would be the one who would make decisions and have access to me at the hospital and to my medical records.

I had to pause at the fax machine. This was huge. This was kind of like marriage. I was placing my life in her very capable, thoughtful and caring hands. I got a little teary.

The Artistic Genius of Beangarden

I don't even know how to describe it. M loves these contemporary men's shirts and has been searching for years for a women's version. How hard is it to find a shirt, you might say. Well, the women's shirts are pretty much tank tops with rather girly designs. She got a hoody and it turned out to have little hearts on it and this long sleeve tee has "femme" in gothic lettering.

So, back in September or so (even I am amazed that I was able to keep it a secret for so long), I asked Doris' best friend A who is very crafty and an artist, if she could paint a shirt for M. I bought the non-iron shirt from Brooks Brothers (M's favorite shirt) and gave A a few things I wanted on the shirt but this is all her.

I gave the shirt to M on Tuesday night and M was like, Brooks Brothers makes shirts with hearts on them? Then she saw the rest of the designs. She LOVES the shirt and is as impressed with the work as I am. We love that the M in anomolli is red, the ah on the inside of the cuff, the thoughtful placement of the heart and dagger, and the gorgeous detailed red-dipped wings in the back. I love how the wings curl so beautifully at the bottom. A did an amazing job.

Weeeeee-ooooo-weeeeeee-oooo-weeeeeee!

I love M. Not only does she help me and my family with technology issues without making us open a ticket (and writes great product reviews), she entertains us with camera effects on Skype. Last night, we spoke to a giggly unicorn, a bear that told us to use a lighter to start forest fires, a smiling shark and a reindeer on crack singing "red-nosed REEEIIINNNDDDDDEEEEEEERRRR!!!!!"

She also has all of us going "Wee-oo-wee-ooo-weee" all day (Lil Wayne's Mrs. Officer). What would I do without her CDs in class? What would I do without my sweetie? Can't wait to see you tomorrow, babe.

M

In the middle of summer, in the middle of the day, in the middle of a thousand people out for lunch, I travel in midtown to get the middle letter of the alphabet, my M.

M is my center, the heart of me. A reminder to strive for balance, to not be pulled in one extreme or another. It is also water, to cool, calm and soothe the fire that sometimes rages in my soul. To flow with grace wherever the currents lead.

I was worried about having it on my wrist but it really looks like I just drew on myself. Take that Corporate!

8/1: Yesterday my admin said it looked like "MP." Last night, L said it looked like "if" and M said it looked like a lighter for a grill. It's funny to hear everyone's interpretation of it. This morning, mom was like, "is that a tattoo??!?!!" Um, no.

Note: I do not recommend Red Rocket Tattoo. Sure, they have convenient hours but they are rude. For large pieces, I love Emma Porcupine. For everything else, I'd go to NY Adorned. A warning about NY Adorned. They have unbelievable jewelry - watch your Amex.