Today, June 27, 2003 is the 12th anniversary of the first date with my ex. I know I'm "carbon dating" myself for saying this, which is something I usually don't like to do, but I think it's a significant enough occasion. I know in this diary at least I don't talk nearly enough about my ex. I guess I don't like drudging up the past. Apparently she doesn't either. I remember her mentioning to me fairly recently that she doesn't want to be introduced as my ex-wife. I guess in a way I kind of carried that fact like a medal of honor, for me it was like saying for once in my life, I had this beautiful woman, but I guess for her it's more like a badge of shame. Although I personally see no shame in the whole thing, I can see how, from a female perspective, losing your husband might be. I guess I have to respect that, especially since she has become something more to me than just my ex. She has become a very good friend to me. 

Tonight, for the first time since our divorce, we celebrated our anniversary together. We went out to Cafe LaGuardia for some Cuban food and some drinks. I had Mojitos and she had Sangrias. The food there was great. Afterwards we caught a movie, Charlie's Angels 2. Not a bad movie, lots of action scenes, decent special effects and plenty of silliness. Though it was a tad corny at times, I caught my share of chuckles. Although there can never be another Ray, in a way she is beginning to fill some of the void left behind when my cousin and best-friend died.

At this time in my life where friends are difficult to come by, few and far between, I really appreciate the fact that we have maintained contact with each other. I find it ironic that we as friends have somehow become closer and more unconditional to each other than most of our relationship. It's nice to have someone to just hang out and have fun with. I do admit that there is a part of me that wishes we could resume our romance, but I know she has a boyfriend, so for now at least I have to respect her boundaries. So now our anniversary is a celebration of our friendship. I think I will begin referring to her as my best friend, I know she will like that new designation. :)