Wedding anniversary

Today is my wedding anniversary. Eight years ago at 1pm on 27th December 2003, I married my gorgeous hubby at the stunning Nutfield Priory. We have been together for over ten years now, and married for eight and they have been the best years of my life.

Most people thought we wouldn't last eight weeks, let alone eight months or years. To be honest, I think we doubted it ourselves, and the pressures were immense (purely of our own making of course) but we stuck it out and I'm so glad we did. It's still not always easy, but it's worth it.

Celebrations were a bit low key; after Christmas we're always exhausted. And after yesterday's long walk in the fresh air the backs of the old calves were aching a bit. So we went to Hever Castle. It was lovely and almost deserted - aren't places nicer without loads of other people in them? We went round the castle itself and then wandered round the grounds admiring the lake, the topiary and just the beauty of the place. We saw loads of ducks, swans and a few rabbits, and had a nice lunch in the cafe. Tonight we're going out for dinner, just the two of us.

I do think it's important, in the busyness of life, not to forget to create a bit of quality time with your partner. We're both a bit older, tired-er and fatter, but we still more than like each other's company. Probably more than ten years ago. Time together is precious, so switch off the phones, ignore the doorbell, or go out into the fresh air to do something you both enjoy on your own (ie don't take the kids or the elderly family!) and remember why you love each other. We don't always agree, and we argue like anyone else, but we always make some time for each other on a regular basis. And no more important time than now, on our wedding anniversary.

So we're here despite all the malicious remarks and nastiness we've gone through, and good health permitting we'll be here in eight years time. It's nice to know you make the right decision sometimes, isn't it?