can you feel the love?
Thank you for all of your well wishes on our 11th anniversary! The day was a mix of the good and…the interesting.
It all started with Ali deciding to work from home so we could spend some quality time together. He lavished me with loving words like “SHHHH I’m on a conference call!” and “Stay off the house line, my Cisco phone needs to charge.”
When our morning pleasantries were out of the way we enjoyed a quick lunch at The Montage, complete with statements like “I just have to send this email. Real quick. I promise.”
After lunch we picked Maya up from school and decided to drop her off at my in-laws place. I was assigned the task of navigating through the scary Friday afternoon gridlock while Ali sat in the backseat, fired up his mi-fi and laptop, and conducted business on the move.
Dinner was nice. We enjoyed some Mexican food interspersed with calls to and from Ali’s travel agent and text messages to a variety of people. Our night concluded when we got home and Ali said, “I really wanted to watch a movie on the DVR but it’s too late now.”
It was 8:30 pm.
All technology snafus aside, I declare this anniversary one of our best. Why? Well simply because Ali got the hint that I didn’t want new 19″ rims or a wi-fi printer this year. Instead, he bought me a book
And people think I’m the high-maintenance one in this relationship? I don’t get it.
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Well I hope when he was on the phone with his travel agent he was planning a romantic trip for you and him!
Ali was planning a romantic getaway but it was for him and his laptop!
hahaha classic line.
Sounds like our fella’s are caste from the same dye Ameena, we 3 (my guy, me & his iPhone) had an awesome time out at dinner the other night at one of my favourite restaurants & then off to the theatre. Not sure how but he can send emails, text people & even disappear off for 5 mins to make half a doz phone calls & manage to keep a decent enough conversation all at the same time – amazing how the mere male has finally figured out how to multi task isn’t it, …… I don’t even notice anymore. Much !!
Have an awesome week & enjoy that book 🙂
So romantic. But really, it sounds like you two had a good day together, and at least had some time spent together, alone.
I love the photos.
maybe he was booking your next vacation when he was on the phone with his travel agent. So glad to hear it was one of your best yet. and i love that you got what you wanted, especially the fact that it was a book!!
I wish Daisy, but Ali was planning (and left for) a romantic getaway to Dallas for him and his laptop!
Sounds like a great anniversary overall. I love the way you both roll with the others’ punches, so to speak. And that gift is perfect!
Books are great gifts!! (says the nerdy English teacher) 🙂 Glad y’all had a good day!
Seems like the book represents actually hearing what you want, so that’s cool.
My older sister has been raving about that book. I look forward to your thoughts on it – I haven’t seen it yet…urgh – I want an E-reader – would really crack down on clutter!
As an aside – what do you get to eat at Mexican?
So far I cannot put it down. And I had a tostada salad…it was awesome.
hahahaha! men. i don’t think they realize how little $ it actually takes to make us happy.
So, you’re telling me I have to wait a full 11 years for my husband to figure out the perfect gift? Despite my hints that it isn’t a new bathroom sink or a pair of work shoes that I need anyways? Not sure I’m that patient…:)
Well some husbands learn faster than others. I suggest you establish an Amazon Wishlist to maximize the chances of him figuring it out!!
You got something you want and it looks like you had a fun dinner. Happy belated anniversary!
Love the “8:30 is too late!” comment — I get like that too… if the movie isn’t on by 9, it’s not gonna happen. All in all, looks like you had a lovely and humorous anniversary!
I must say, it sounds like working from home is much more of an ordeal than just going into the office… ha ha
In any case, it’s a much bigger ordeal for me when Ali works from home!
awww go Ali for going off the wishlist! That’s all I ever want most holidays… though I’ve never ever celebrated an anniversary! We got married july of last year so maybe its time to change that? 😉
glad you guys had fun! ❤
And you had chocolate covered strawberries- sounds perfect to me. Happy Anniversary!
You know, I always tell Mr P what I want. I rarely get surprised because I pick out my “surprises” myself LOL.
You know what is really cool about you and your husband? Even though you may have your eccentricities, you love each other anyways. I think good marriages are all about acceptance. You kind of grow together into one wierd person LOL… a person only a mother could love 😀
*kisses* HH
p.s. note to self: I must start an amazon wish list!
Yes you must! It’s a brilliant way to be obvious but not too obvious about what you want.
And best of all — you look fabulous!
Thank you Shanna!
Hahaha.. I’m sorry but Ali is just funny I think. And you know what, maybe there is a big surprise waiting for you. Maybe he’s planning to take you to another Paris trip (yay!) for a romantic getaway. Maybe he’s busy on the computer & phone were just him, covering his acts for that plan. You’ll never know.
Congratulations again!
I love the thought of a Paris getaway Lydia but he was, in fact, on the phone planning his own trip to Dallas…unfortunately.
I miss your 11th anniversary! Happy (belated) anniversary to you and Ali! Ali may be more high maintenance, but you look super gorgeous in those pics, Ameena – love the shirt! I’m impressed that Ali bought you something off the wishlist! I’m looking forward to hearing how you like the book.
And, as sad as it sounds, 8:30 DOES sound late to me – Peter and I are usually in bed by 10, sometimes before. Yes, we are an old married couple 😉
You and Ali look wonderful together 🙂 A very happy anniversary to you both!
Thank you Jessie! So far I LOVE the book.
missed* instead of miss. Duh. 😉
You are funny! Glad you had a mostly decent time! 😉
Today is our anniversary (13 years, hold your applause). Is it wrong to say I’m excited to be in the office? We’re going to mexican later too (with the boys). As for the book? That’s the nicest present EVER.
Happy Anniversary Lauren! I hope your 13th is even more fantastic than our 11th!
Oooh,Ii see chocolate covered strawberries – yumm! I’m glad to see that you and Ali were able to spend some time alone with each other, Ameena. Hubby and I can’t leave the kids alone unless it’s with my mother in-law, K is very attached…sigh. I think maybe you need teach me a thing or two about mothering. Looking beautiful in your pics as always. I love the shirt you’re wearing!
Thank you LeQuan! But I assure you I’m in no position to teach anyone anything about mothering!!
Looks like a fun day… is there any way you can confiscate his phone next time?
He doesn’t let go of it for even a second so I’d have to say confiscation is impossible.
Yeah, yeah. I don’t buy it. 🙂 Happy 11th to you. We just got home from a trip to the mountains, celebrating our 10th.
Happy 10th Anniversary! I guess a ton of people get married in June!
And you got to enjoy the evening for yourself! I consider this a win!
lol that was very sweet of him!
hahaha he got you a book from your list, but did he put his laundry in the hamper? 🙂
Im glad you two had a good anniversary.
For Ali to put his laundry in the hamper…well that would just be crazy. A book is really more than he can handle already.
Looks like you had a lovely day Ameena! I cannot wait to read your review about the book. I am reading Bharati Kirchner’s Shiva Dancing and having a real hard time. I can read bad books but superfluous details just for the purpose of filling pages and slow plot bugs me to no end. Okay, that review wasn’t needed here.
Glad that you two had fun sans Maya!
This book is amazing Priyanka! I cannot put it down. Kirchner’s books are a bit dull in comparison!
You guys are awesome- can’t wait until we hang out again! (and really woman, how is it that you manage to look flawless in EVERY picture?) 🙂
You are so sweet Azmina, thank you for the compliment!
I see those chocolate covered strawberries too! I guess for me that would kind make up for the best anniv ever. But since you got your book u still have other things on your list for the year right?
No I really don’t! Except maybe for Ali to pick his socks up? I’m not too demanding, am I?
Gorgeous photos! I do give Ali props for at least suggesting that he work from home on your anniversary. It’s the thought that counts, right? 😉
I definitely give him props for the present!
Thank you Sam! I give him props for the present as well. 🙂
The simplest gifts are often the best! 🙂
Belated anniversary Ameena!!! You both look wonderful together!! As usual loved the writeup and the photographs 🙂
Thank you Nishi!
My theory is, the more maintaining the one needs, the more the other can get away with! It a wicked evil game… but somehow it works. It does sound like a wonderful day. Mexican was involved.
books make the best gifts, truly.
8:30 pm is too late for us to watch a movie…it’s sad.
You two are so cute together! I’m glad you had a fantastic anniversary, Ameena!
I love the way you write your posts 🙂
I wonder what your husband would do if all of a sudden all of his electronics stopped working, haha.
Well he’d rush off to find out why they weren’t working. Of course!
Some of the best gifts are the least expensive! 🙂
I was laughing, really laughing at all of his romantic overtures. We rarely make any big deal on our anniversary and I too get annoyed if Shaune buys something expensive I don’t need. You two are a lovely, lovely couple to look at.
Thank you Kim!
He lavished me with loving words like “SHHHH I’m on a conference call!” and “Stay off the house line, my Cisco phone needs to charge.” < – Made me laugh out loud
Sounds like when my husband is home to "spend time with me." The dear did take care of me (between phone calls) following my recent surgery. At one point I heard him on the line explaining, "Yeah, sorry. I'm back. I had to help my wife down the stairs." His full-timers sent me a get well card.
He took care of you and got off a work call to do it? Now that is impressive!
Love it….I guess you have to give him points for at least “trying” to do something nice?! And he did remember the date so points for that too…? Trying to be glass half full here…. 🙂
I want to give him points but I fear that American Express reminded him of the date…
Ameena, how come this sounds so familiar? I cannot remember one outing not seeing my Quay Lo talking on the phone with his clients or reading and replying emails on his handphone. Is everything so urgent? Oh well, I should not complain, at least he still do remember to celebrate important dates with me and take time to be with me. Ever since I started my food blog, look like his turn to feel how it is like to see me have my eyes on my iphone instead of him. hehe
Snort! I love it! It’s my birthday this week and I gave Scott a list of like 3 things. He keeps complaining it’s too short. But these 3 things have been on every list since we started dating. A teapot, a yoga mat, and a blender. That’s it, seriously! Instead, I have gotten some wireless router that was supposed to make Tivo easier, but didn’t; a universal remote that was supposed to change channels upstairs and down, but didn’t; and a crap ton of jewelry I rarely have an excuse to wear.
Oh yes…we have the Universal Remote as well. Which didn’t work, just as I predicted.
Excellent 😀 Its good to know that you guys had “FUN” lol … book wow …he’s getting there 😛 hehe..
Happy anniversary!! I love your top by the way 🙂 And no you are not high maintenance at all 🙂
It sounds like a successful anniversary! My husband can’t set his technology to the side either and it drives me crazy. He actually brought his Ipad camping in the Smoky mountains just so he could play angry birds. What book did you end up getting?
He bought me “Secret Daughter” by Shilpi Gowda. So far it is amazing!
What book again? Ahh…books are forever. And we can still be high maintanence…but realistic in your expectations.
It was a book from my wishlist: “Secret Daughter” by Shilpi Gowda. It is fantastic.
Happy Ani – just a night out is a treat!
Cute pictures of you two. 🙂
I went on a date night with my fiance last Saturday…had to tell him to get off of his smart phone five times until I snatched it and put it in my purse!
A book! perfect.
one day all of technology is going to malfunction and Ali is going to have a melt down.
I just had one anniversary celebration so far and it was awsm with just one official call in between. Wondering with 11 years what’s it gonna be 😛
I used up all my funny in my last comment to your old post. D’oh. So I will leave a straight comment.
You are so hot!
And you are an awesome friend for saying so!!
Hee hee, looks like dear Ali learned something after all! A book seems like a great gift for you.
…8:30 p.m. is my dinner time…
I’m so glad you two had a lovely anniversary (you deserve it!) And I’m glad you had such a great time at the Mexican restaurant. We’re going to a fancy pants Mexican restaurant in a few days. Thanks for sharing (and for your sweet words on my own blog, as always!)
Congrats my dear! Wow 11 years! Awesome mA. Hey at least he knows where to find your wish list. I circle things in magazines and ads and say hey this is what I want for my birthday/anniversary/mother’s day and he will buy me a pair of running shoes. 🙂 You guys are a beautiful couple! Congrats again!
Happy ( belated) Anniversary dear.
awww. you look so stunning just like a newly married couple on their honeymoon:P
Thank you Asma!
Yea it’s easy to see who the high maintenance person is here 😉 At least with all his computer skills he did get the right gift right?? Congrats again to you – looks like a great lunch!! No cooking is always better, I take that back…no cleaning after cooking is ALWAYS better!!!
A book is any day better than a printer.and that too not tech related 🙂
You both look absolutely adorable.
what was Maya’s gift ? did she make a card. Loved her previous card you posted.
Kat’s blog, Tenaciously Yours, brought me here and I can’t stop reading! I love your writing style and your candor. I will be back for more 🙂
Thank you Mads and welcome. 🙂
Totally random, but everytime I see a picture of you, I’m just speechless because of how beautiful you are. (This sounds soooooo lame, but I just needed to let you know.)
Wow Kath…thank you for the ultimate compliment! I am speechless reading this.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Ameena, I have NO children and am way past the possibility of having any, yet I still say those same things. I still think I could have done it better! I guess we just need to let each person reach their own perspective on what is right when it comes to raising their children. Of course, then there are those sreaming, annoying children next door…I’m sure if they were MY children…
After Anthony Weiner’s debacle, I’m glad that Ali’s just using the phone for business and NOT His Bizness. XD
What’s the book on your list? What film did Ali want to watch on your anniversary?
I love the Montage, and I’m happy you had a lovely time! Talk about an auspicious day!
The book that Ali purchased from my wishlist is Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda. I am almost done with it and it is fantastic! Ali wanted to watch the DVR’d Knight and Day…which he watched the following night…which was terrible!
I’m off to reactivate my Amazon wishlist! 🙂 What is it with guys and the laptop?!??
Oh yay! What was the book?
Hi Khara – It was a book from my wishlist: Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda. It was fantastic!
Overall sounds like a wonderful celebration of the two of you 🙂 And personally I think it’s pretty cool he looked at your wish list…I am going to have to give Ali a thumbs up here 😉
happy anniversary!!! And you aren’t lame-os for not starting a movie at 8:30…I tell Glenn if he doesn’t start the sexy before 8:30 he ain’t getting it!