Five Years and Counting

Last week, Zack and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. It's hard to believe that's been that long! As it happened, the DC area Supply Corps Ball was the day after our anniversary, so we celebrated by going to the ball. Finding a dress for a formal occasion when you're 28 weeks pregnant is not easy, but I think I did okay.

And of course, Zack always looks great in his uniform. When we arrived, they were serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres. One advantage of the baby bump is that servers see it and head straight for you with plates. :-) I guess they figured I'd be hungry. They weren't wrong. I enjoyed my mini quiche and bruchetta and drank an orange juice while chatting with a few of Zack's work buddies and their spouses. I also enjoyed looking at the dresses of all the other people. I'm not even remotely fashion forward, but it's always fun to see what people wear. This year, dresses that only went over one shoulder seemed to be quite popular. Everyone looked great.

Eventually, they let us into the dining area. Always on top of things, Zack had informed the officer who sold him the tickets that I was unable to drink champagne this year, and asked if there would be some sparkling something for me to put in my glass during the traditional toasting, it being our anniversary and all. As a result, they left a bottle of sparkling cider for us at our table with a very nice card. I felt special. :-) The speaker this year was much better than last year. I had my doubts when he promised to keep his remarks short, since the speaker last year said the same thing and then left me staring at my salad for entirely too long. However, this gentleman spoke very concisely and eloquently on the topic of transitioning from the Navy to civilian life. He had some good information, some entertaining stories, and he got through what he wanted to say with remarkable efficiency. Then it was time to eat.
The food was, of course, delicious. I had ceasar salad, salmon with mustard sauce, asparagus, carrots, and rice. It was lovely. For dessert, there was cheesecake, which I don't really like, but I'm told was very light and fluffy, and regular cake, cut, as the tradition goes, by the oldest and youngest servicemen at the function. The regular cake was yummy. We did all the traditional toasts (which take less time here than in Japan since we don't have to toast the Emperor or the JMSDF), and then the partying began. Zack and I were seated directly in front of a speaker, and we're not much for dancing, so we got up chatted with a few more friends before heading out. It was a very pleasant evening, and fun to get dressed up and eat a meal with grown ups. We had a great time.