10.

10 years together.

And here we thought we wouldn't make it past the deal-breaking 2.5 years.

Every one of those days, I've loved you like no other. Let's be real for a minute, though. There were definitely times during which we experienced feelings of anger, frustration, misery, and loneliness; but through all of our fumbles, I always knew we'd find each other again and again. You can be a total poo-face at times, but you're also my best friend. I adore you.

We may not yet have children or own our own home, but I think we've decided to measure the "success" of our relationship in other ways. That we're happy together is enough of a measurement. That we've never separated or taken a break also matters to us. That I still giggle at your jokes and feel that you support my endeavors as I support yours means that we're winning at this thing called love. As you recently pointed out, we've been together long enough to have threadbare bath towels. That may well be the most important indicator of success :)

10 years ago, I chose you for your spunk, individuality, intellect, and compassion. We've lived in three different cities, adopted one loving dog, and enjoyed many hobbies together. You bet your buns I'm looking forward to the next ten, twenty, thirty years together. What we've built together fills me with joy, admiration, and hope for our future.

And now we have tattoos to commemorate this occasion--our own interpretation of the number 10.

{Philip's tattoo}

{my tattoo}

And true to your fashion, you decided to include your "one-more-photo-face." God, I love you so much.

*Photos edited from various ABM Actions.

New Tattoo!!

{don't mind the red, hairy arm, ugh}

My second tattoo! The excitement to get it drove me crazy all week--it didn't help that I had to take my last round of Comps earlier that day to complete my Master's Degree. These photos were taken right after she finished the tattoo, blood, gross arm and all. Phil also got a new tattoo. We went to Artist at Large here in Wichita and had them done by the awesome Shelly.

I love it so freaking much! For all the pain of getting the color (which I think hurt more...), I totally want more already.

It's still healing now, all scabby and gross. Blech. I'll post clean photos when it heals, obvs.

Sooo... I GOT A TATTOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone, meet Owliver. {Owliver, meet Everyone.}

You guys, I finally did it. I got my first tattoo! It'll be a week old tomorrow, and I've wanted another one since the moment I left the shop on Saturday. For reals! I'm totally in the "planning my next tattoo" group. It didn't hurt NEARLY as much as I thought it would, and Philip was next to me, talking to the tattoo artist and myself. That was a pleasant distraction. At times, I would look at Philip to talk with him and totally forget about the pain and that I was getting a tattoo. The artist was pretty awesome--Chad at Artist at Large Tattoo here in Wichita. He said he's moving back to the area from KC. Chad also did Philip's new tattoo.

{based on a vintage owl embroidery pattern}

It's on my left arm just below my elbow. We're thinking about getting personalized tattoos of the word "TEN" or number 10 for our ten year anniversary in April. Maybe I'll get another one before that, too. Many ideas and plans.

Hooked for life, yo.