It's hard to believe, but ten years have passed since saying "I do" to El Hubbo. And as he is usually the "butt" of most of the jokes and blogs I write, I thought I'd give him a little surprise anniversary gift and let everyone know just what my favorite things are about him, and why he can't get rid of me.
10. He is MY Romantic Hispanic. He still asks me out on dates, occasionally sends flowers for no reason, and will on occasion watch a chick flick with minimal complaining. As we were "older" when we married, I was realistic enough to expect that all of that would stop within one week of our wedding vows. But the old guy still surprises me!
9. He is a battle-worthy opponent. Fights and arguments are seldom. We each are strong-minded individuals not afraid to voice our opinion, sometimes vigorously. I cannot run roughshod over him, and he is aware that I am not a doormat, either. All of this translates into a mutual respect, and a basic understanding that neither one of us is entirely sure who would win an all-out war, so it is best to enjoy our military detente.
8. He is generous to a fault. This man has taught me more about true generosity than most people I have known. He gives of his time, money, energy, etc. to anyone who needs it, often to his own detriment. And, he doesn't ask for anything back. He is seldom skeptical of people's motives (an issue I struggle with), and sometimes this character trait is taken advantage of. But, his example to me and to our children in this area is highly valued, even if I don't express it much.
7. He cares. Everything he does, he does because he cares. He cares about his students, his stock-showers (even when his wife is threatening to go give whomever calls after 9:00 p.m., emergencies not-withstanding, a good piece of her mind), and last-but-not-least our families. He spends hours upon hours taking care of others - from early morning to late in the night. He helps with household chores, running kids here and there, shopping, etc. Even when his hip hurts him so bad he can barely stand, he offers to help. He loves teaching, loves agriculture, and loves us. Enough said.
6. He can not only finish my sentences, but read my thoughts. Non-verbal communication is an art form, and El Hubbo and I are masters. We can see something, or read something, or whatever, and I can almost word-for-word tell you what his opinion is, and vice-versa. NO ONE in the history of my life, has been able to accurately predict what I will want for breakfast, let alone know exactly what I am thinking at any given moment. I never would have thought it possible, but there you have it.
5. He actually likes my independent nature. This is good - especially as it has apparently been genetically passed on to the other woman dominating his life - Little Sunshine, who has him wrapped around her finger and could brand "sucker" on his forehead and he would say "Thank you." He actually wanted a woman who didn't need taking care of. (Careful what you ask for.)
4. He takes care of me. I don't usually need it, but sometimes it is admittedly nice to have someone take care of you. And he does it well. He has learned my favorite "comfort" meals when I am sick (chicken and dumplings or biscuits and gravy) and he makes them. He gets the kids dressed and ready most mornings. (Much appreciated as I am NOT a morning person.) There are times when you maybe CAN do something, but it is nice when someone makes it where you don't HAVE to, and he does that for me.
3. He can cook. Let me say that again, THAT BOY CAN COOK! I am a pretty good cook, but El Hubbo is equally as good most of the time. Although I must sometimes slap his hands as he reaches for the spice cabinet because he thinks "it just needs a little something" and he runs the risk of over-seasoning, I will say he is fun to cook with. And when it comes to smoking meat (briskets, ribs, whatever else you want on the grill), there are few that can touch him.
2. He makes sure to talk to me everyday. For eleven years now, we have spoken every day. This is quite a feat considering he travels A LOT. It may only be a quick phone call to say, "I love you", but he makes sure it gets done. Even when he was away, found himself floating down a river in the middle of the night, lost in the country around Junction, TX, he worried more about getting out of the water and getting to where he had cell reception before midnight so he could check in. Even though he woke me up (which is generally an avoided offense), I have to admit that it makes me feel special that he puts that much effort into something so small that ends up meaning so much.
1. He's one of the best men I know, and I'm lucky to have him in my life. That's right - he ranks right up there with my daddy, my grandpas, and Cal Ripken, Jr. There are few that I place on pedestals and will entertain no disparaging word against, but he is included in this small and elite group. Ten years have not dragged on like a prison sentence, they have flown as he keeps me on my toes, I keep him guessing, and we both spend a lot of time laughing with and at each other.
Well, that's only ten things, there are more, but we'll stop there as I'm pretty sure you are ready to gag with all this lovey-dovey stuff. Despite the endless fodder he provides me for my blog, he is good-natured enough to laugh at himself and let me put it out there. It's been a fabulous ten years, and I'm looking forward to many, many more.
I LOVE YOU, EL HUBBO! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
4. He takes care of me. I don't usually need it, but sometimes it is admittedly nice to have someone take care of you. And he does it well. He has learned my favorite "comfort" meals when I am sick (chicken and dumplings or biscuits and gravy) and he makes them. He gets the kids dressed and ready most mornings. (Much appreciated as I am NOT a morning person.) There are times when you maybe CAN do something, but it is nice when someone makes it where you don't HAVE to, and he does that for me.
3. He can cook. Let me say that again, THAT BOY CAN COOK! I am a pretty good cook, but El Hubbo is equally as good most of the time. Although I must sometimes slap his hands as he reaches for the spice cabinet because he thinks "it just needs a little something" and he runs the risk of over-seasoning, I will say he is fun to cook with. And when it comes to smoking meat (briskets, ribs, whatever else you want on the grill), there are few that can touch him.
2. He makes sure to talk to me everyday. For eleven years now, we have spoken every day. This is quite a feat considering he travels A LOT. It may only be a quick phone call to say, "I love you", but he makes sure it gets done. Even when he was away, found himself floating down a river in the middle of the night, lost in the country around Junction, TX, he worried more about getting out of the water and getting to where he had cell reception before midnight so he could check in. Even though he woke me up (which is generally an avoided offense), I have to admit that it makes me feel special that he puts that much effort into something so small that ends up meaning so much.
1. He's one of the best men I know, and I'm lucky to have him in my life. That's right - he ranks right up there with my daddy, my grandpas, and Cal Ripken, Jr. There are few that I place on pedestals and will entertain no disparaging word against, but he is included in this small and elite group. Ten years have not dragged on like a prison sentence, they have flown as he keeps me on my toes, I keep him guessing, and we both spend a lot of time laughing with and at each other.
Well, that's only ten things, there are more, but we'll stop there as I'm pretty sure you are ready to gag with all this lovey-dovey stuff. Despite the endless fodder he provides me for my blog, he is good-natured enough to laugh at himself and let me put it out there. It's been a fabulous ten years, and I'm looking forward to many, many more.
I LOVE YOU, EL HUBBO! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I wish there was a "like" button on your blog, like there is on Facebook! This one is a keeper!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Windy Acres! Positive feedback keeps me motivated to keep writing!
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