inbetween

September 13, 2004. The one year anniversary. The single most perfect day I've experienced.

I got to school early, took a piping (PIPING! It hurt!) coffee to class, met a cool engineering grad student with a wicked Indian accent, and had a great lecture.

Spent some time in the Office. It was good, I didn't do much, but started people on the road to understanding what my absence will really mean. They're beginning to understand just how much really needs to be done on a regular basis. Seems like things are looking up there. I think the successes we've had in the previous year will really be carried forward.

Then some boring classes kicked in. Listening to Music was dull. We talked about pitch and timbre, dynamics and tempo... the musical lexicon goes on... and on... and on... In History of Mathematics, we discussed Ice Ages, Jurassic Park, and the Matrix (twice!). I wanted to jab a stir-stick in my eye for entertainment.

On my way home I found the (second) perfect present for my boyfriend, a beautiful, hand made paper lantern.

I met with Ben before dinner. We kissed, and exchanged presents. Then we kissed more. And we kissed, and then met up with some friends. We sat down to dinner early (early!) at a wonderful Tepan house. Watching someone cook food on a hot grill a foot from your face is just fascinating. Dinner was fabulous conversation, fantastic food, and amazing ambience. It was a little expensive, but I think worth it. I haven't been hungry all day.

And of course, Ben was sitting next to me the whole time. Yay.

About twenty people joined us for after dinner drinks at the pub. Lots of conversation, interesting people, and fun. And not too much drinking, just a great time. Nobody got hosed, there was no drama, no fighting. It was just great.

And then we walked home, just the two of us. We held hands down the street, under the sodium arc-lights. We talked, and analyzed, and talked some more. It was romantic. It was simple and uncomplicated. It was perfect.

I want more days like that. I want more anniversaries with you Ben.