I’m simply unable to stop myself

Over the weekend, Marcus and I celebrated our 11th anniversary by going out to dinner and visiting an area book store.

As is our wont, we separate moments after walking through the front door, stroll solo down the aisles and peruse volumes that catch our attention. Then, much like at parties, we’ll reunite for a short time to catch up on our latest discoveries and examine current endurance levels. If our spirits are high, we’ll part again and continue the browsing. Otherwise, we’ll check out and head home.

During our first check-in on Saturday night, M remarked that after just 15 minutes in the store, I had already found two books to purchase.

“It’s still early,” I warned.

The next time he saw me — about 20 minutes later — I was carrying an entire basket filled with books, a sight that made him laugh and shake his head at the same time.

Here’s our loot:

M and I recently had the pleasure of taking a very quick trip to New York City. We celebrated the 9th anniversary of our first date by enjoying a long walk through Manhattan, eating real pizza, splurging on ice cream sundaes from Serendipity 3 and generally just loving every second we got to spend together.

Other things that happened:

* We tried two new restaurants — Five Napkin Burger and Polpette — both of which were excellent.

* According to his Fitbit, M walked more than 70,000 steps. Because he’s insane.

* I walked about a third of that and still managed to develop huge, squishy, debilitating blisters on both of my feet. The last two days of the trip were spent hobbling, which made me feel old. Very old.

* We had the opportunity to see movies in the morning and late at night, neither of which we can do in New Hampshire.

* The company of friends was thoroughly enjoyed.

* A rousing game of Cards Against Humanity ensued, one that will be forever remembered for its hilarious use of tentacle porn and corn starch.

* M turned me around on a hot button political issue.

* A fictional president fired his wife.

* I finally learned who Castle’s father was.

* We went on a shopping spree at The Strand. Here’s what I’ll be reading in the months and years to come: