Oops. Almost forgot.

Today, The Other Half and I celebrate [and I use that term loosely] our 25th wedding anniversary. I can't believe we've lasted this long and I know he can't either. 


In an hour, I'll be off again for the 5th day of the batizado. So far, I've been out from 11 in the morning till about 10 every night. After which, I sit down at the computer for another few hours, sorting pictures to share on facebook. Adrenalin and aching bones make it impossible to sleep anyway.


I staggered out of bed at almost 7 this morning, looked at all the likes and comments on the batizado pictures [funnily enough, way more than here], uploaded a few more, fed Georgia her brekkie, and prepared her dinner. 


With 30 glorious minutes to spare, I thought I'd write a really quick post with the help of this article, just to mark Our Big Day.


Here are some excerpts from the article [which is about 25th wedding anniversary ceremony ideas], followed by my responses.


Recreating the First

• Pull out your scrapbooks, your wedding dress and your fondest memories of the event 25 years ago and do it all over again. You will have to make some substitutions for the pastor or a parent if they are no longer living; your flower girl and ringbearer will no longer be children. Make your substitutions meaningful to both of you, such as asking your current pastor to officiate and having the grandchildren throw flower petals and carry the ring. Use your original vows, music and elements.

  
  

  What wedding dress? What flower girl and ringbearer? 

  
  

  We got married at a civil ceremony in our work clothes. It was attended by my parents and our neighbours, one of whom was a witness to the signing [after my mother refused to be one]. After the ceremony, we went back to work.

  
  

  Before you sigh and go, "Oh no, poor thing." I have zero regrets about this.

  
  

  Your Dream Wedding
  

  • Perhaps your previous wedding was small, hurried and not all you wanted, or perhaps you gave in to parental pressure and you had the wedding they wanted. This time around, take the time and expense to create your dream wedding. Select your vows, Scripture readings and music, using elements that mean something to you and your spouse. Use your current wedding rings or purchase a new set to commemorate your 25 years together.

    
    

    The ceremony described WAS my dream wedding. Simple and cheap. It's easy to do this when you don't have 500 friends or a large extended family. 

    
    

    Who You Are Today
    

    • Your life has changed dramatically in 25 years, and your wedding ceremony can reflect that. Have your son, daughter or all your children walk you down the aisle. Alternatively, use your children as your wedding attendants, and give each one a separate part in the ceremony. Write your own vows to reflect how your life differs from your first days together. Include thoughts about your current and future dreams. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Honor the things you appreciate most in your life today.

      
      

      What children? 

      
      

      The biggest difference between now and 25 years ago is probably that we argue less. Or we've learnt how to switch off. [Would you agree, Cushion?]

      
      

      You know what our current dreams are - move to somewhere exciting. As for our future dreams - how on earth would we know? We're not exactly  in the future yet, are we? 

      
      

      Oh! Hang on. They mean, dreams for the future! Duh.

      
      

      Comfortable clothes and shoes - now THAT, I like. A lot.

      
      

      Private Ceremonies
      

      • Your 25th anniversary ceremony can include only the two of you. Have a candlelight dinner and reminisce about all the blessings you have received. Repeat your old vows, or pledge your love, friendship, kindness and understanding to your mate. Include flowers and music, or celebrate to the trickling sounds of water in your meditation fountain. Exchange new rings or jewelry that reflects the changes in your life, such as birthstones for each child and grandchild, or matching necklaces or bracelets.

        
        

        After careful consideration [and because I'm knackered and would like an early night], the quiet private evening might actually happen! 

        
        

        I've decided to forgo the hot forro, samba and batucada party tonight and come home immediately after training instead! Why would I want to mingle with the gods of capoeira and the Brazilian consul when I could be home with The Man and The Dog? Seriously.

        
        

        I should be home by 8.30pm, just in time to settle in with the Other Half for a night of telly [perhaps a pre-recorded Game of Thrones Season 2, episode 2] and a takeaway meal of Vietnamese cold salad with barbecued pork, with Georgia snoring away on her bed by our side.

        
        

        I would love to do this to the trickling sounds of water. Unfortunately, The Other Half hasn't finished the water feature yet.

        
        

        I think it's going to be a good day and a good night.

        
        

        Happy Anniversary, Cushion!

        • • Thanks for letting me sleep in every day this week and washing up and taking in the laundry and bringing me coffee in bed and not complaining once.  What more could I ask for?

        • • 
            

        • • Love ya! :) x