It is the emotional, cultural binding that matters to them as much as the legal status.

But you can do that now, without legal status. I have been to several non-legal weddings that were just as emotional and binding than signing a piece of paper from the state.

I know some odd people. Of non-legal straight weddings I've been to, one was a couple who didn't want The Man in their relationship, one was a bride who was scared of needles so got legally married in New York months before their wedding in MA, one was a couple who got legally married in MA for political purposes and then had a wedding in NY.

Sweet potato latkes! That does sound really good. I've had latkes two days in a row and suddenly remember why I feel so full when visiting family.

I think only in the US.

Here, by the way, the name is kusbara (both in Hebrew and Arabic).

Yes! Didn't know it has another name in the fresh form.

I think only in the US.

Throughout Latin America too. I never remember that it's known as coriander.

Grocery shopping has been achieved. Couldn't decide between mashed potatoes, stuffing, or arroz con frijoles, so I got the makings for all and I'll see what my mood is on Thursday.

And because I'm trying to be good in preparation for the gorgefest, I had a salad with grilled chicken for lunch. Go me.

But you can do that now, without legal status. I have been to several non-legal weddings that were just as emotional and binding than signing a piece of paper from the state.

I don't think it's the same. Getting married is not just a private commitment but a public gesture. So it becomes, in part, about your status in the community. About how big a circle you can draw around your life. Is the gesture only going to encompass part of your life? I am a gay person who has a commitment ceremony within the gay community and amongst my accepting friends and family. Or is it to be fully enfranchised in your culture. The distinction of the latter is significant.

Throughout Latin America too.

I meant in English, and actually almost said that. Or are there two names for fresh and dried coriander in Latin America?

I don't think it's the same. Getting married is not just a private commitment but a public gesture. So it becomes, in part, about your status in the community. About how big a circle you can draw around your life. Is the gesture only going to encompass part of your life? I am a gay person who has a commitment ceremony within the gay community and amongst my accepting friends and family. Or is it to be fully enfranchised in your culture. The distinction of the latter is significant.

Wait, that was my point! I guess what I'm saying is the legality is hugely important, and the difference between what we were saying is the definition of culture.

I meant in English, and actually almost said that. Or are there two names for fresh and dried coriander in Latin America?

I've only ever known it as cilantro. And actually didn't know it existed as a dried ingredient until I went to college.

I got 70%.

I got 72%, but I guessed on a lot of them.

I got 76%.

Still haven't done latkes. But I'm going to shred the potatoes and make them for dinner.

fresh and dried coriander

The US different names are for the leaves and seeds, not for fresh vs. dried -- I'm not sure anyone does dry cilantro, because, why, but I'm neurotically compelled to fix the distinction...

Getting married is not just a private commitment but a public gesture. So it becomes, in part, about your status in the community.

my wedding ceremony was very private. As in, it involved no one in our community. I feel that our commitment to each other is private and personal. The reason for making it legal was strictly to protect each other