Yesterday at lunchtime I was rooting through our pantry and found a can of pork and beans that John had picked out the last time we shopped together. When I had asked him why he got pork and beans he told me they’re pretty good with hot dogs.

So that’s what we had for lunch: hot dogs and pork and beans. I realized I’ve never had pork and beans before. Does that mean I failed as a college student? (I have had Ramen, though.)

And I’m surprised to announce that I totally loved the meal. Is that weird? Who knew that hot dogs were so good with pork and beans?

Well, John did. In a couple weeks we’ll celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary. Over the years he has gradually introduced me to various new things I never knew I could appreciate.

FOOD
1. Hot dogs with pork and beans
2. Cheap frozen pizzas (even the Tony Roma’s are good with enough basil and pepper sprinkled on top. In fact, from John I’ve learned that pepper makes just about anything tastier, and from me he’s learned the same thing about basil.)
3. Cheez-Its, frozen prepared meals, and pepperoni

OK, after reviewing my list, perhaps his food influence hasn’t been the healthiest…

FLICKS
1. Star Wars
2. Star Trek
3. Indiana Jones
4. Lord of the Rings

I’m embarrassed to admit that the first (and sometimes the second and third) time I saw these movies I did not understand them. At all. Something about space? OK. Something about cobwebby underground caverns and snakes? OK. Something about little people, a ring, and lots and lots of fighting? OK.

John and I just finished watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. And once he explained a few things to me I totally GOT it! And you can just ask him who was bugging him every day: “Can we watch more Lord of the Rings today? Huh? Can we?”

Same with Star Trek. Before the most recent movie came out we watched one of the more recent Star Trek movies (don’t ask me which one). I’ve probably seen it before, but apparently a lot of it had gone over my head. This time I got it, enjoyed it, and was ready for the new movie–which I LOVED.

I never thought I’d enjoy any of these movies, and look at me now. Practically a sci-fi/fantasy movie junkie.

FUN
1. Hockey (When I met John and found out he played ice hockey in college I recall thinking, “BOR-ing.” But once you understand the rules, it’s a pretty great game. We’ve even been to an NHL game in LA, and I was screaming right along with everyone else.)
2. Roller coasters (OK, I’m not as completely sold on the idea of doing loop-de-loops as John wishes I were, but I’m proud to report that I can handle some roller coasters. And this after being the biggest wimp west of the Mississippi growing up.)
3. Water sports (I grew up a little afraid of water, so I never thought I’d enjoy being in the water. John started to break me down when he took me jet skiing at a company party a few years ago. And then again when we went canoeing and snorkeling in the ocean off the coast of Grand Cayman. And again when we snorkeled at Cozumel. Slowly, he’s turning me into a water woman.)

I could go on. Basically, it’s a good thing I picked who I picked to marry, since it turns out your spouse helps mold you into whoever you become over the course of your life. Who knew I’d be a pork and beans-eating, Lord of the Rings-watching, hockey fan?