Getting Committed. . . No Institution Needed

Yep, we've been living in sin for about a year; strictly for financial reasons though.  I would love to have a barefoot beach wedding with a flowy pink dress and Prince Eric in khaki shorts and a decor of mixed vintage shabby chic (check out my pinterest page if you want more visuals).   But until Melody finishes college we will continue to shack up without legal status.  At least we have the option to be legally married, I can't say the same for our gay family and friends.  Does it really matter?  Can't you love someone and be committed to them regardless of your orientation?  The US divorce rate is something like 50% . . . is gay marriage really going to lead to a downfall?

I was browsing our local newspaper when I saw an article about the Little Log Church & Museum  in Yachats and their annual Valentine's Day Commitment & Renewal Ceremony.  I emailed Prince Eric and asked him "hey, want to get fake married on Friday, it's only a $10 donation?"  Sparing no romance here.  The plan was to not only have the ceremony for us, but to surprise our moms whom we were just going to "invite to dress up in red and go to Valentine's dinner".  Unfortunately, due to the size of the church, and they are allowing 28 couples in for this group ceremony, there will be no room for viewers.  So, Plan B was to sneak in Melody, our videographer, and then meet our moms for dinner.  But, by then it will be almost 7 pm.  Depending on where we ate, one or both of our moms would be having to drive home in the dark.  The central coast does not use street lights and it gets very dark along the roadways here; not good on older eyes. 

Okay, plan C:  let's throw a last minute party at our house on Saturday!  Oh wait, we have an out of town softball practice this weekend. 

Plan D: Post video on my blog and brunch with moms on our way out of town!  We'll have to throw the open house later.  Oh wait, Melody has plans with friends.

Plan E: Okay, we'll get someone to take a few still pictures.  One mom has company, other one wants to wait until we can all have brunch

Plan F:  Pictures and a blog post it is!!

And after all, isn't that was commitment is all about?  Compromises, combining families and committing to a shared goal . . . even if the road is uncertain and bumpy.

Here's what I've learned about love:

• I can be a Strong Independent Woman, but let people know of my plans so they don't worry.
• I'm not always right, nor do I need to be.
• We can fight and disagree, and it doesn't mean either of us are bailing out.
• Football's not really that bad but it's okay if I'd rather read a book.
• Sometimes I pay, sometimes you pay and no one keeps track.
• Sleeping in the other room because I snore really loud doesn't mean you don't love me.
• Meeting online isn't just for losers.
• None of these things are exclusive to straight relationships.

Prince Eric always previews my posts and wanted to share his own list:

What Prince Eric has learned about love:

• Being a step parent is harder than it looks
• It's okay to record a game and watch it later.
• I have to remember that I'm not a "one" anymore and compromising isn't losing.
• Love will sneak up on you if you're not paying attention.
• Gnomes are cooler than you think.
• True love will follow you where ever you may go.
• Meeting online isn't just for losers.
• None of these things are exclusive to straight relationships.