Flourish in Progress

When two people get married after dating just 18 days, surprises are part of the package.

In our case, it was the Classic Romance Wedding Package.

Names in lights on marquee. That won me over. That, and Harv’s insistence that I upgrade, for an additional  twenty dollars, to the eight-rose bouquet.

We held hands and talked on the limo ride from the hotel to the chapel.

I told him that I loved him. He made googly eyes and told me that he loved me.

Then, I asked him when his birthday was.

It’s the small things that make love grow.

(I’m feeling especially sentimental today. Harv and I had a lovely lunch and it’s just five days until our fake-iversary. Fake-a-what? I’ll explain tomorrow.)

Photo: Jerome Shaw

Cal: So, Mommy, I hear you have a blog.

Me: Yep, I sure do.

Cal: Has anyone talked to you about internet safety?

Me: Um.

Cal: Just remember YAPPY, Mommy. Did you tell anybody this stuff?

• Y- Your Name
• A- Address
• P- Phone Numbers
• P- Passwords
• Y- Your Plans

Me: Why isn’t it just NAPPY? Or NAPPP? Why is it your name and your plans? That’s hard to remember. See, I already forgot.

Cal: Be real, Mommy. I’m trying to save your life.

Me: Cal, you’re the bestest kid ever. That’s why you get to live here for free. No, honey, I absolutely did not tell a soul that my name is Elizabeth or that I live in Los Angeles, just down the street from Trader Joe’s. No one is ever going to know that I spend most of my days at home and that the front door is usually unlocked. And sweetie, even if someone did come in unannounced, I have that pepper spray cleverly hidden on the right side of the bed, underneath the mattress. I’ve never told anybody about that secret weapon.