today's a little different

I'm spending today like I've spent every other day this week. My books are open, my hands are sore, and my mind is absorbing yet more legal details.

Today, however, has a little golden edging. I'm still studying, but I have welcome interruptions from my friends and family in the form of phone calls, email, and even some very cool, very mysterious parcels. It's my birthday.

But the best part of today is that it marks our tenth anniversary.

Ten years ago, we'd been spending a lot of time together. We went for long walks by the ocean. We slipped off to cozy little coffee shops for hours of conversation. He was a graduate engineering student, and he helped me with my homework when I struggled. All the signs were present, but we were both too shy to admit it.

Ten years ago this evening marks the moment when he showed up on my door with a dozen long-stemmed red roses for my birthday.

I had a final the next morning, so he didn't stay long. We both hemmed and hawed a little bit and parted with a chaste hug. But we both knew something had changed. No man brings a dozen blood red roses for his gal pal.

Forget studying. I called one of my best friends and spent an hour on the phone with her deconstructing the very sweet card that came with the flowers. There wasn't much to deconstruct, actually, as he was quite clear, but these things require consultation with one's female friends and sisters.

After the phone call, I went and nervously knocked on his door.

And that's where it all began.