Smith Says 11/11 | Columnist | Berkeley Independent

Printer friendly version |

E-mail to a friend |

0 0 comment(s) |

Smith Says 11/11

Published Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:46 AM

By Julie R. Smith
Berkeley Independent

He snores like a hippo. I’m a lousy cook. But so far, so good.

The problem with anniversary columns is that eventually they start to sound like reruns. But what the hoo, here goes: In two weeks, Widdle Baby and I will celebrate our fourth anniversary.

Many marriage counselors would say we’ve beat the odds already, considering that we’re different religions; were both divorced for many years; are fiercely independent; and dated just a few months before eloping. (Plus we’re both Sagittarians. Two Sags in the same house is supposed to be the kiss o’ death.)

Yet here we are, happy as drunken clams.

Now, Widdle is smart, generous and witty (with the best man-hands on earth), but here’s what really sealed the deal.

One night, early in our courtship, we were discussing our daily routines, in that sly way people do when sizing each other up as romantic partners.

“What do you do after work?” he asked.

Instead of telling the truth, which was, “Drink wine and run until I sweat it all out,” I said, “Oh, you know, I run and hit the gym.” (This is called “the gospel truth minus details.”)

When I asked Widdle what he did after 5 p.m., his eyes went dreamy. “Watch TV. Nap. Eat. Watch TV,” he purred, and at that moment I knew we would marry.

I realized that here was a man who would never be bored. Here was a man I didn’t have to entertain, one who knew how to enjoy the simple things in life.

Widdle had a career he loved, loyal friends and a family less crazy than mine. All good. If he didn’t yearn to hike the Russian steppes with a Mongolian llama, he’d encourage me to go. He was perfect.

Not once have I regretted the vows we spoke at the Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas. Even as I walked down the aisle quaking from head to foot—once divorced, you tend to quake at any wedding, not just your own—I knew the man who faced me was the right guy.

I was smiling giddily, shaking, walking too fast and praying I didn’t fall off my stiletto-heeled sandals. Widdle, calm as a summer day, folded my hands in his and squeezed reassuringly. And so the deed was done.

On the flight home he put his lips next to my ear and over the roar of jet engines murmured, “You can’t believe what you just did, can you?”

“Exactly!” I blurted. He smiled and squeezed my hand again. “We’ll be just fine,” he said, and he was right.

Today, Widdle and I enjoy just hanging out together. I don’t drink much any more, but: I still sit up til 2 a.m. reading Eudora Welty and hide chocolate all over the house (in case someone’s blood sugar plunges suddenly in… the laundry room, for example.)

Widdle still does his thing too: When he’s not working he’s cooking, catnapping or yelling at me to come and see something on TV. He explained “American Idol” to me, and I explained why Truman Capote is a genius. A simple life, but it wears well.

Now if I could just do something about his snoring.

Julie R. Smith, who loves being Widdle’s wife, can be reached at widdleswife@aol.com.

Comments

Notice about comments:

Berkeleyind.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Berkeleyind.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not Berkeleyind.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.

Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by reading our terms and conditions, and then signing up below!

Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Most Viewed
Most Commented

104 East Doty Avenue | Summerville, SC 29483 | 843-572-0511 office