Today marks five years of marriage for me and Joe. It seems like just yesterday we started our long distance relationship…and yet, when I think about how far we’ve come, I can see that it’s been five years. We’ve worked through the crap that you need to go through after the “honeymoon” stage is over. We’ve moved a few times. We’ve both been without jobs for awhile. We purchased our first car together. Have two cats together. Travelled together. Learned from one another. Planned new goals with one another.

Tonight we went to one of our favorite spots down here in Old Towne Orange. PJ’s Abbey used to be a church but has since been converted to a fabulous restaurant. They have delicious food, warm and friendly service, and an intimate environment. Plus…they’re located just down the street! We each had a glass of wine with dinner and the Habachi trio. The chicken on this dish is to-die-for! For dessert we shared a large helping of creme brulee with a wonderful raspberry sauce on top. Yummy!

As for gifts, well Joe gave me some money to go shopping with…what more could a girl as for? With a new job under my belt, I could use some new digs. Normally, I don’t play by the rules, but this time I actually purchased something for the year. The fifth wedding anniversary gift is traditionally wood. So, I went to the Bombay Company and purchased a handsome gaming set. You can play Backgammon, Checkers, Chess, Cards. It’s a really nice wooden set that will look great in the living room we don’t have currently. Joe taught me how to play Backgammon…I’ll um…need some more time with the game set…let’s just say that.