We just had a big weekend!

Let's see. It all began last Thursday with the, Culture Archives and the State: Between Socialism, Nationalism and the Global Market conference. (A mouthful, right?) Ben's professors asked if he would work at this conference being held at OSU. He was pretty much paid to hold hands with an Afghan man, and stick to him like glue until Saturday. Okay, so really he did quite a bit of translating in the midst of all this, but DID also hold hands with this man as they strolled around the OSU campus. True story. Really, the guy wanted to hold Ben's hand and what was he to do? Refuse? NEVER! That would be such poor manners. In AFGHANISTAN. Pause here and picture the scene with me. Ben is showing a dear Afghan guest the wonders of an American university campus. Mind you, it's complete with girls who so love the fact that it's finally warm here in Ohio that they think they must begin to act out scenes of Baywatch baring bikinis, tanning oil, and not much else. Afghan friend, accustomed to burkhas and headcoverings, says America is beautiful. He says he loves it here. He pauses to take pictures. He embraces my husband's hand. Yikes! Don't get me wrong, Ben can hold hands with the best of them when on their turf. I just don't think that he was quite prepared for the whole American-man-hand-holding.

On Friday, Ben turned 25 and got his steak and fries.



On Saturday, Ben drove us to this great little bohemian town called Yellow Springs. It's about an hour away from Columbus and it boasts our favorite restaurant, The Winds Cafe. The best way to describe it is a place where you can eat organic, locally-grown food done very fancy, but not in the least bit stuffy. Afterwards he took me to the historic Simon Kenton Inn, a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. We had the nicest room in the place complete with a swimming pool-like bath tub. No lie. Breakfast the next morning was incredible. As I complimented the owner on her cooking, she laughed and pointed to her belly and said, "This isn't from eating 99 cent hamburgers! I eat well and cook like that for my guests." A great way to do things, if I do say so myself. This was our first time at a bed and breakfast and we loved it. We think that these places will be the route we take when we need a hotel from now on.




On our anniversary, Ben made a point of asking me some questions from the book, Letters to Lovers: Wisdom for Every Season of Your Marriage, by Tom and Jeannie Eliff. Tom Eliff committed to ask his wife 10 specific questions every year of their marriage. They aren't easy questions to ask, or to answer. They spurred on some great conversation between the two of us. If you are married, check out the questions. Both you and your spouse will be blessed by the conversation that follows and the insight that is given. I'm so grateful that Ben cares about me and our marriage so deeply that he will ask even the hard questions. I have a wonderful husband. It has been a good year.

For about a month, Ben has been planning a surprise for our first anniversary this weekend. I have no idea what we are doing, but he has wanted to tell me what it is for weeks now. I've remained strong. So this evening we are going somewhere and I have to pack a bag. I love surprises!

What does my sweet husband want to do for his 25th birthday? "Really, I'd love to go somewhere where I can eat steak and french fries." Boys. (Last year on my birthday, do you know where we went? A vegan restaurant.)

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dearest Ben. Happy birthday to you! I love you, sweetheart.

P.S. Please don't go around holding hands with any middle-aged, Afghan men today. Please? :) (More on that another day).