Very Cold, Very Dry

Today marks 16 years since Eric and I were exchanging vows in front, our friends and family in the hot summer heat. It seems like yesterday and so long ago at the same time. I look back at those photos, and see such young, hopeful individuals who came together as one. We had a whole life ahead of us.

We have lived a lot since that day. We’ve resided in 4 different states (including Boston, currently), drove across the country four times, got a beloved dog who was our third family member for a decade, worked in a variety of different industries, grieved loss of loved ones, made friends near and far, all while discovering who we want to be for each other and ourselves, and the life we desire and deserve.

Throughout those years, we have built traditions and rituals that will always be a part of our marriage. Big or small, they have become a piece of our relationship puzzle. Things that bring us together when times are great, or tough, or when we need something special on a random Wednesday night.

I cannot recall exactly when it started, but making and drinking martinis became a weekly ritual. Something to look forward to after a long week of whatever was kicking our ass. The act of mixing the ingredients together, getting those cold glasses from the freezer, and preparing the garnishes was a symbol of relaxation, letting all our worries and problems melt away, even for a little while.
Then, when we made a little more money, we went out and commemorated our martinis dressed to the nines.

So, to commemorate our 16 years of being together, let’s take us through some of our favorite photos of us drinking the best cocktail on earth: The Martini.

I could count the number of photos people have taken of the two of us on both hands, yet we have hundreds of us taking pictures of each other holding martinis. It’s something we have to do before whenever we go out.

When we go out somewhere fancy, we make sure to DRESS fancy. Every time we would go to our favorite steakhouse in Boston, we would dress like we were coming from a black-tie event. Eric wore his sharp white tux, and I in a cocktail dress. Our motto is look like you are either coming or going to somewhere better.

While we still try to dress up here and there, we have steered a bit more casual these days, but we always make sure to look sharp. You can’t wear sweats out to dinner when drinking a martini (except at home, who cares!), but the cocktail must not be disrepected!

When we first moved to Boston, it was like a whole new world opened up for us. We went from being in Central Florida where you could go to every chain restaurant known to man within a 5-mile radius to locally owned restaurants in little neighborhoods. Every Thursday night, we would meet up in the North End (Little Italy) and start with a martini at a local restaurant. Eventually, the bartender had glasses in the freezer, ready for our arrival. They would practice perfecting the perfect lemon peel. Then, we would head off to dinner at another local favorite to coat our stomachs with sauce and a bottle of red wine. At one point, when we told the bartender we had to leave for a reservation, she was shocked! She thought we just came for a drink and then headed home.

That tradition dwindled when we wanted to try other places and our jobs changed, but it will always be a core memory for us.

Still, we always make time to discover new places and try their martinis to see how they rank. Yes, ranking martinis is a hobby!

But, after all these years, our favorite tradition is to have cocktail hour at home. In our sweats, watching our favorite TV shows, or listening to jazz while reading or swiping on our iPads. Having a spread of charcuterie and olives to snack on.