Damian and I have plans to travel, one day. Spend some time working in a few countries other than Canada, and see the sights. At first we were thinking France. Damian's sister lives in Mozambique, and that might be interesting (as long as you don't mind having all your stuff stolen every other week). Eventually I voted for Iceland or Ireland, because they both start with I. And are experiencing economic booms.

This is a long-term plan, of course. Looong term. Once I get some graduate work under my belt, say. One of the reasons we thought about this is because Damian has EU citizenship - he was born in England (though he moved quickly to remedy the situation, and landed in Canada when he was four). No lineups, no visas, no work permits, just walk in and set your bag down and say to the nearest guy in a suit "Are you hiring, sirrah?"

Anyway, for me to benefit from the lovely EU passport, I have to be married to whassisname. And it can't just be a sham marriage. I have to be married to him for four whole years!

Him: You mean we have to be officially married?
Me: Yep.
Him: And the decade that we've been together already doesn't count?
Me: Nope.
Him: A decade. Wow. That weirds me out.
Me: Oh, stop, you incurable romantic you.
Him: No, I mean, ten years! And I'm still just getting to know you!
Me: (waves) Hi!

The benefits of marriage, it's been pointed out, are numerous, particularly at first: holding a wedding means that you get lots of stuff. You get to host a dinner party that's all about you. And if one of you is hospitalized, you don't have to argue with the nurses about visiting hours. And, of course, people suddenly take your relationship seriously, despite the fact that you've been living together for longer than most married people stay married.

But I've been warned that, before you get married, you have to cultivate rich friends. Because they give the best gifts. So, if you're rich, leave me a comment so that I can add your name to the "Pro" column. Otherwise, well, we'll just elope instead.