Love The One You're With

Yesterday, The Husband and I wished each other 'happy 6 years since our first date'  I'm not joking - we actually say sappy things like that to each other.  Every month on the 10th (dating month-iversary) and then the 13th (wedding month-iversary).  Yes we are giant dorks. And to make it worse - The Husband remembers more often than I do!  I started reminiscing over the last 6 years that we have known each other. It's like a lifetime - like I don't remember my life before him. Yes, I had a life before him but I can't remember what it was like NOT knowing him. 

Last week, The Husband and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. Three years. It is a lot of time and none at all at the same time. Things are so different in so many way since the day we said ‘I do”.  It isn't always easy that’s for sure.  Actually our first year of marriage was the toughest.  We didn't have to adjust to living together; we had already been doing that!  We were given a lot of obstacles to overcome, big decisions that I had never dreamed of having to make.  I mean when we got married, I hadn't made a car payment, mortgage payment, applied for a non-student loan. I hadn't bought a car or house – nothing major.  The Husband had to make decisions for his business, house, vehicles, it was a mess. It was stressful and it was hard.  We were both stressed for different reasons.

He ended up taking a step back from his business and found a job working for another company. He was there until the company shut down – a mere four months later. Then he was able to get another job with a much larger company.  He was away a lot. He would be gone for a week, home for the weekend, and leave again on Sundays.  It was hard on us, on our relationship.  He was stressed because he wasn’t happy, because he was never home. We didn't do a whole lot when he was home, we spent a lot of time in ‘solitude’, no socializing  - with anyone. We needed those moments for us, to catch up, recover. Get in our snuggles. 

But here we are three years later, weathered the storm and made it to the sunshine. We are so much better for it, so much stronger.  Look, the reality is that marriage doesn't make a relationship easier. In some ways it can be harder.  There is change and compromise and thinking about the ‘we’ instead of the ‘me’. Sometimes that transition isn't fun.   At the end of the day, there is no one I can imagine being stressed with, waking up next to, going on dates with, or with whom I could imagine running around the house chasing me while the giggles are unending and the silliness never stops.

We celebrated our third anniversary the day of, the way we always do.  We go to our favorite restaurant in town for dinner then make our way to ice cream.  This year the restaurant was more crowded than I have EVER seen it! We had quite the dining experience, drawn out over a couple hours. After dinner, we decided to wander around Total Wine to make room for dessert! J 

The third wedding anniversary gift is leather or glass/crystal.   We bought The Husband some new tequila to try.  NEWS FLASH (to me): The Husband really likes Tequila. I had NO IDEA.  I thought his bevi of choice was rum! So anywho – the tequila is in glass so there you go J we are also ordering him a leather sheath for his fishing pliers.  Look at that – he got the traditional AND modern gifts!

So this was a NO BRAINER for me – leather. PURSE or SHOES?! I went with purse. I’m so glad I did.  I was so excited when it was delivered that when I got home, I had The Husband take some pictures for YOUR viewing pleasure. PLUS it is super adorbs! 

 

  

We have a lot to learn as a couple and as individuals.  We are still young and have so many new things to experience together.  I'm not an expert and I know I'm not the perfect partner - ask my family.  This weekend my parents, husband and I were discussing chores, cooking, laundry, etc and I ACTUALLY said "if someone else is going to do it for me, why should I do it too".  Yeah - entitled/spoiled/princess-complex much?! I am very fortunate that The Husband helps with the chores and the cooking and doesn't expect me to do all of it. 

Here is what I know FOR SURE :

• You have to make time for each other.  Life gets in the way, you get busy, there’s family, chores, friends, work.  We all get caught up in the whirlwind that is this crazy thing called life.  It isn’t always easy.
• You love for the things they do right, you love for the ‘flaws’ or the annoying habits they have.  Maybe they slurp their drink when they aren't using a straw; maybe you don’t like the way they scroll through the guide when you are browsing for a tv show; regardless – you love them anyway.
• When it gets hard, stay and fight.  When you are totally committed to your spouse, there are very few things that can’t be overcome and worked out.
• The grass is not always greener.  What you get in social media is what the ‘host’ wants you to see.  FB, blogworld, Twitter, Instagram, etc – you are seeing THE. VERY. BEST. of people and their relationships. Keep that in mind and don’t compare what you have to what they have.   

It is not always easy and sometimes it isn't that fun, if we are being completely honest.  But it is ALWAYS worth it =)

You can read about our first date, wedding recaps, and anniversary one and two.
Happy Tuesday!

Love The One You're With

Oh Wednesdays - I Really Adore You

I love Wednesdays here in the blog-o-sphere.  It has become my favorite (sort of my only) day of blogging.  I really enjoy the WILW link up.

My mom told me a long time ago that she can tell when something is amiss.  I quit talking about that area of my life. When it was relationships, I would avoid the subject altogether...sometimes I just wouldn't call home for days. Then something would change and I would be back to right. 

Once she told me about this little habit, I have been very aware of it...you know the 'break-the-glass' metaphor? How I Met Your Mother dedicated an entire episode to this concept. Well it has come to my attention that in addition to not calling home or talking about the issue underneath, I have also avoided my happy little blog. That realization made me sad!! I have LOVED blogging and the entire blogging community.  Looking back, I kind of let it slip all of November and then I was better for a little bit...I think it was because of the holiday season. It always makes me so happy!

So here it is Wednesday - the day I look forward to posting.  I link-up and talk about all the things that I love.  It is anything from a new piece of jewelry to some candy I just had to my amazing husband and wonderful family.  It always makes me happy and puts me in a better place when I link-up. 

I thought about this over the weekend and Monday I started a new habit.  Whenever I can, I think about the things I am loving that day.  It has for the most part helped my mood outside of The Issue that I don't want to talk about. I am so happy that Jamie started this link-up and that I found it one December day back in 2010 =)

So without further adieu - I am linking up!

I'm Loving that I cut my bangs yesterday.  No seriously I LOVE it!

I'm Loving that we are halfway through the week

I'm Loving Grumpy Cat!  The Husband and I were looking at various pictures and really having a good laugh about them.  This one is SOOOO my husband. 

I'm laughing at this again! I can't help myself.

I'm loving that last week, I was able to run 12.6 miles throughout the week. The shoes and inserts I have are incredible.  I have felt absolutely NO discomfort since investing in them! I'm really blown away by this.  I think getting back into my routine of running and starting to see results already are helping push past things.

I'm Loving the amazing people in my life who support me and pick me up when I am down. I'm so blessed with amazing family. My extended is included in this - some of you have been especially supportive and loving recently.  You'll never know how much that means to me. Family - you are the absolute greatest!

I'm loving that today my sister and I were total twinsies!

We even wore the same colored pants today! I'm so blessed to have an awesome sister. I can't wait to shop with her again - that may have to be a recurring thing!!

I'm loving my husband. He works so hard for us - to give me everything I could ever want.

He does everything he can to give us the life we have and to reach the goals we have set for ourselves.  It isn't always easy - after nearly three years of marriage, we are still learning about one another, ourselves, and our relationship. I love every moment, all of them, the good, the silly, the serious, and the occasional fight.  There is no one else with whom I would rather fight.

What are you loving?
Be sure to link-up!

Its Tradition...

"... he always waves at the gate."
I will be SO impressed if anyone other than my mother knows what movie 

this quote is from mainly because it is a bit obscure lol

I don't know why it became a tradition...

I can't remember if it was me or my sister who started it.

All I know is that it is a silly thing but we always laugh a lot when it happens.

The tradition is that my sister and I always stick the bows from presents on ourselves...

Its just what we do. Its silly and it ALWAYS provides tons of laughter and fun. 

I swear one day my parents are just going to buy us each a bag of stick on bows!!! =) 

      

After looking at just these handful of pictures I would venture to say my sister started this tradition =) 

I have limited access to my photos here on my lunch break but I think you get the idea.  I hope it made you smile on a Friday!

I don't know why we do what we do but I hope it is something we always do together.

Happy Weekend!

Do you have silly traditions with your family?

The Kennedy Wedding Extravaganza

We had SUCH an amazing time at their wedding this weekend! 

SHE was absolutely breathtaking! and he was so excited. 

There are so many moments that I loved.  

I can't wait to see the pictures their photographers took!

    

After the ceremony, we had about two hours of nothingness while the bridal party did their pictures.  The bride and groom wanted to be a part of the cocktail hour, sooooo we went to check into our hotel.  I would have never thought I would stay in a hotel IN the city where I live, BUT our thinking was that if we stayed at the hotel, we could shuttle back and forth to the reception and not have to worry about driving. It was nice - the room was cute and we had a nice view. 

On the way to check in, we stopped for some adult beverages and some Wendy's. Somehow, we had managed to skip lunch and dinner wasn't going to be for another few hours. oops! Good planning lol =) After eating and re-energizing, we opted for a mini photoshoot before finishing our drinks and heading to the reception. 

  

The cocktail hour centerpieces were so cute!

  

Reception Room

  

Right after the bridal party entrance =) Loved this moment <3 p="p">

 

Me and the stunning bride =)

 

They had a photobooth as one of the 'favors'.  Two were printed for the guests to keep and then one will be put in a book for the bride and groom.  I bet they are going to have some fun ones to look at! =) 

The DJ didn't play a single slow song and the dance floor was packed the ENTIRE night. I was so honored to be such a big part of helping make their day so perfect.  We were definitely the people who knew them the least amount of time but it was so fun to meet the people behind stories that we had heard. 

I can't wait for her to get back and hear all about their honeymoon! AND of course see all the amazing pictures and see their pro photos...which their photog told them would be done by the end of next week!!! eeeeek!! Hopefully he got a bunch of the detail shots of the projects I did/helped with so I can share =) 

Alright lovelies - I am partying tonight for my girl's birthday. So excited! Yay Friday! 

What are you getting into?

Five Years of Happy

Yep - That's how long The Husband and I have been an 'us'

It is crazy to think all the milestones we have hit together; 

all the memories we have made; 

all the things we have done in a few short years. 

You can recap from last year here

The biggest thing we did together this year was buy a house.

We bought a HOUSE people! EEEE! 

I can't believe it has already almost been a year since THAT happened!

We have been to two weddings - November last year and this past weekend.

We have spent a LOT of love and time on making our house a home.

We went on vacation for a few days.

We fished a LOT this past year.

Notice a trend? 

"WE".

There isn't much that we do without the other.

There are many who don't understand this. The idea of being in constant communication literally all day, sounds exhausting to some, ridiculous to others. That is just how our relationship is - that's how we love it. If one of us is tired, we don't stay the extra hour at a party, or go out alone.  To us, time together is THE most important thing.  At the end of the day, he is who I have, for better and for worse...its in our wedding vows. 

I can't believe today we celebrate five years of awesome together =)  When The Husband woke me to say he was leaving for work, he said "Happy Anniversary. I have loved every second of the past five years." Melts my heart! He is so sweet and I can't wait to see what many many more years has in store for the two of us 

Here is a teaser from the wedding we went to this past weekend - recap tomorrow 

The man standing next to me is incredible in so many ways.  I am so thankful every day to be a part of his life and he a part of mine. The past five years haven't always been a walk in the park and getting married didn't mean it all suddenly fell into place and everything got easier.  I do NOT have it all together and we are certainly not a perfect couple - we are perfectly imperfect but beautifully happy.  We wouldn't have it any other way.  

Happy Halfway Through The Week!!!! =)

I Don't Even Know My Last Name

The other day, my co-workers and I were discussing our maiden names. One of the ladies here asked what mine had been. I looked at her kind of shocked and made some smart-ass comment about her being crazy, acting like she doesn't know. She just stared at me.  Then everything clicked into place and the light bulb came on! She didn't know me then - she's never known me as anything other than Mr. J's Wife.

In all honesty, that sort of caught me off guard. I know we aren't defined by our names but it is weird to think that people I meet NOW, will only know me as Mrs. J....

I guess it shouldn't have shocked me like it did or caused me to pause a moment. The reality of it is, I don't really recall my life when J wasn't in it. Yes I know I had a life and everything and everyone led me to him but it seems like a distant memory. We have done so much together in the last 4.5 years that most of the memories I recall or stories that are told are more recent; pertaining to US.

When I do think about that time [so long ago ;)] I don't think about the boys I dated or the friends I had, I recall all my family time.
J and I sometimes joke that there were no others before him just as there were no other girls before me.  It is silly but it makes us laugh a lot. Sometimes I want to talk about different experiences we both had with other girlfriends/boyfriends from the past. Those experiences we had, molded us for this relationship - why not talk about them?  Now, don't get me wrong - I don't want to know all the romantic details about it all, I just like to hear the stories...I REALLY like to hear the crazy ones. Hearing about all the crazy he has encountered is like a twisted form of positive reinforcement that I am super awesome -- which I know I am but we all like to hear how awesome we are from our significant other.

 

Today we celebrate our SECOND wedding anniversary. So much has changed for us in the last two years.  When we said "I do", The Husband wasn't working for anyone but himself; he worked full time for his own company. In January of last year, he decided we needed more stable income and he got a job working for someone else. It has come with its own set of adjustments but him taking on this new role allowed us to save for a down payment and buy our house in October.

 

I have learned so much about myself and our relationship in the past two years.

-I have learned that just because someone tells you never to go to bed angry/mad, doesn't mean you have to stay up all night resolving an issue. We have found that we can sometimes agree to disagree and not go to sleep mad at one another.  We have worked out disagreements the next morning when we aren't feeling so emotional and can be more objective to the situation. 

-I have learned to keep my mouth shut...this is a big deal for me. I generally speak before I process what is being said.  This has gotten a lot of feelings hurt and definitely gotten me into trouble. 

-I have learned how to think about what is best for the TWO of us, instead of him being an after thought. 

-I have learned that our relationship is stronger when we pray together.

-I have learned that laughing and being silly is so very important. We chase each other around the house and end up in bed tickling and giggling.  This has led to some of our very best conversations. 

-I have learned that I require a TON of attention. It is a little sad but I need a lot of attention; that is my high maintenance quality. I don't need things, I just need snuggles and cuddles, hugs and kisses. 

-I have learned that we enjoy dinner more sitting side by side; I enjoy sitting across from him to look at him and all his handsome, but I like holding hands, sneaking small kisses on the cheek or forehead, feeling his hand on my knee, having his arm around me. Yes - we are the couple who sit side by side while dining out =) 

There is so much left to learn. There are so many things in store for our future.

Our First Anniversary 

In case you haven't looked before, check out the wedding tab OR you can check out the following links:

Getting Ready

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Formals/Bride & Groom

Reception

Cake

Toasts

Special Dances

Garter and Bouquet Toss

Dancing

Tonight we will be sharing a romantic dinner of The Husband's choice. I asked him to pick and place and make reservations and not to tell me. I love surprises =) Happy Tuesday y'all!!

Dating My Husband

Alright people - we are getting into the homestretch for the weekend! YAY!! This week has been so long for me - the days have flown by but the week is creepy crawling by.

The Husband and I have been together about 4.5 years...I know it is not that long in the grand scheme of things but it is my longest relationship.  Anyway - we have been so busy with the house and moving and then holidays and birthdays. Life is finally starting to slow down for us a little bit.  This means more time for us to be a couple again.

We have started dating again which includes a lot of laughter and flirting. I love it and I miss this aspect of our relationship - the dating.  I think dating your spouse is very important to the growth and nuturing of a marriage -- all dating; going out with friends, other couples, family. It is all so important, especially because you don't want to isolate yourselves from those that have been supporting your relationship and your growth, from family to friends who helped introduce you to one another to all the people who support you as a couple and as an individual.

So we went on a movie date on Saturday with my family. Tuesday we went out for Valentine's Day - nothing fancy. We had gift cards for Red Lobster so we went there and I had a really yummy meal: pecan crusted wood-grilled shrimp with a cherry glaze. DELICIOUS! I love spending one on one time with The Husband - and dates are always so much fun!

Last night we went on another date. We met after work and went to my favorite Mexican restaurant. I devoured that food - it was so delicious! Afterwards, we dropped off my car at his parent's house and went to the Magic game. We had pretty good seats - THANKS AERON! - and really enjoyed one another's company. We had so much fun.

    

As we walked back to our truck, J asked if I had fun. I told him I did. But I told him it wasn't necessarily fun because the game was awesome or anything. It was fun because we laughed a lot and goofed off and interacted on a friend level. This is an imperative part to my relationships. You have to stay friends; they should be your best friend.

The Husband is 100% my best friend - the person I want to talk to when anything happens, who I want to know things first.

Do you still date your significant other?
Do you flirt with them still?

My Cup Runneth Over

I believe I am allergic to life - my eyes get all red and watery at nearly the drop of a hat.

I've decided I am allergic to the following (but not limited to):

proposals

weddings

sweet parent/child commercials

loving commercials

happy movies

sad movies

Heck I am even allergic to someone getting hurt.

Seriously - I was watching the FSU game this weekend with the Husband and got choked up. SERIOUSLY?! during football?! I don't even care about Oklahoma OR FSU. For those of you who didn't see, an FSU receiver was knocked unconscious at the goal line during the first half of the game. I seriously got choked up watching the medical staff place him on a stretcher and take him out of the stadium. For those of you who care, he did come back to the stadium on his own, out of uniform to watch the rest of the game.

I can't figure out when I became allergic to so many things. I think it all started right after J proposed to me. Before, I was emotional when the time was appropriate but now I feel like it is ALL. THE. TIME. I was watching an old Friends episode a couple weeks ago and BURST into tears. LITERALLY. No I am not pregnant...that is usually the first thing I am asked at work by the women I work with.

I'm not really sure what has happened in the last two and a half years - but I am way more prone to crying than I ever have been. I cry when I am happy, mad, sad, frustrated, excited...it really is bordering on ridiculous! I don't know how to make it stop!! I mean, I have always been one to feel better after a good cry, but I feel like I am getting all teary eyed about nothing. Gosh - at least before, there was purpose to my emotions. Now I feel like I am on the crazy train and someone else is driving haha!

In other news - some things are being restructured at work which is why I haven't been able to comment on all your lovely little blogs. Between work changes and us prepping to move and all the DIY stuff we are getting into, it is seemingly never ending. We are excited to start packing up some of the stuff this weekend and getting a handful of projects finished.

You should see my list of DIY projects and list of things to buy. It is getting out of hand. I am slowly coming to the sad realization that I won't be able to do all of the things I want by the time we move in, but at least now I have some organization going on with all of it. I can't wait to share everything with you =)

Have you found that you are more emotional since you got engaged/married?
How do you deal with it?! =)

Secrets, Surprises and Smiles...Oh My!

Last night, I walked into a house smelling delicious. There was something cooking.  The Husband cooked for me and it was ready to eat when I walked in the door!! He made potatoes Au-gratin and baked cream cheese stuffed chicken. Can we say 'YUM'?! I was so impressed and overwhelmed. He really is incredible. The man made me dinner and cleaned up before I had gotten home from work! I'm seriously a lucky lady =)

We have been living on our own (together) for four years now. I am honestly shocked at that revelation. I always worried that when I lived alone with someone, conversation would eventually be forced. I mean what in the world could we talk about every single day?! It wasn't just J that I worried about this -- I always worried that conversation would run out with whomever I was with. We don't have that problem - we always have something to talk about =)

We still manage to surprise one another and plan little happiness-es whenever possible - whether it is as simple as picking up the other person's favorite treat on the way home or cooking a new recipe and having it ready when the other person gets home.

We share secrets and laughter. We spend time in bed when we get home from work and we talk about our day. We eliminate the world for a few moments, just so we have no other distractions. We constantly discuss the upcoming move and our plans for the house. We continue to discuss the design and layouts of the rooms. We talk about the floor -- where one type should stop and the next stop. We talk about the upcoming holidays and whether we want to begin a new tradition at the new house. We discuss the future both tomorrow and years from now.

I am sure it is nauseating to some how often J and I talk or that we would rather spend time together than anything else. We are very affectionate and we cuddle - a lot. as in, all. the. time.  Even when we sleep! We just can't get enough of each other. Even though we have taken some heat from friends who have harassed us for our constant displays of affection, I hope the feelings we have never goes away.

Have you ever come home to a cooked meal and a clean house?
What does your significant other like to do to surprise you?

What I Have Learned

Today marks a mere eleven days until my sister gets married. She will walk down the aisle as a single woman and come back holding the hand of her new husband. Watching her go through these past few weeks leading up to the moment that family start arriving and all you can do is wait, has got me thinking about the last sixteen months of my life.

That's right people -- I have been somebody's wife for a smidge more than sixteen months. It is strange to think that I have not always wore a wedding band with pride, that I wasn't always his wife. 

I have learned so many things about who I was before and the person I have become in a few short months.

I have learned lots of good things about myself; I have become a really good cook. I'm an incredible baker. I have learned how to make J laugh. I have learned how to love unconditionally. I have learned to look at the brighter side of a situation.

I learned that I was selfish...I was so sure that I was already living for us and our relationship before we took the plunge and said "I do". I have learned that wasn't necessarily the case.
I was selfish. I hate to say that about myself because I like to think I wasn't. I was -- big time. I think I realized that about myself about a month into our marriage. I can't remember what the exact moment was or what was going on but I remember stopping in my tracks because at that moment I wasn't concerned with us, I was concerned with how whatever it was would effect me. It wasn't something conscious, it was there, underneath it all. I had no idea.

It was during that moment that I adjusted my way of thinking. I had to figure out how to put aside the 'all-about-me' mentality. It needed to be about what was best for us and our future as well as our present. We had to learn from our past -- both in our relationship to that point and past relationships. 

I think a lot of my selfishness was bred. I was raised to be thoughtful and courteous and caring. I have found that I dated a lot of guys, some of whom taught me about my own strength and others who expected me to be a different person. Sometimes it was for their family, sometimes it was for their friends and still, other times it was for the guy I was with and what he expected from a significant other.
When the last big relationship I had before J ended, I promised myself I wouldn't compromise the person I am or my values and I certainly wouldn't change. If someone didn't love me for exactly who I am, well that was just tough and I would move on. I held on to that pretty tightly. I didn't want to lose myself again in the person I was with - even if it meant losing that person.

I held fast to me -- I learned quickly that I tend to be slightly offensive. OOPS! Where other guys and their friends have told me it was me being a b!tch, J explained that some people just weren't use to my way of thinking or how outspoken I was. Well that made more sense. I wasn't going to change - just wear a different proverbial hat, if you will, when interacting with certain people.
I use to hate to admit that I did that -- wore different faces for different people. But in reality, you have to, for the most part. You act differently with your co-workers, friends and family. That's just the way it is -- then within those groups you have a different 'hat' for different circles.

I have always, and still, struggle with that. We are all so encouraged to be the person we are, yet we are expected to act a certain way based on the climate. I struggle -- I have an opinion on pretty much everything but I am not necessarily diplomatic in the way I present it. I feel like honesty really is the best policy on all things. I have learned to better convey ideas, especially if they are contrasting to the originator's idea.

I have learned that I need affection all the time. I really like hugs and I am not afraid to tell my friends and family that I love them. I do love them -- my friends have become an extension of my family. My family consists of the most important people in my life.

I have learned that I want to be accepted and loved. I know most people feel that way - but I use to try to convince myself that I didn't care. There has been an incident recently-ish that I have found myself a target of sorts. I am really unsure how it all came about or why I had been singled out but it was really hurtful. It happened and I have moved on -- my big thing is WHY. That's all I want to know. I had a similar situation happen in college. I thought this girl was my best friend. We lived together for three years and there aren't many pictures I have from college that she is not in. This still hurts me because I came home one day from visiting my parents and she had just moved out. No note, no notice, nothing. She hasn't spoken to me since. That was like 4 years ago -- she has since gotten married, I have gotten married. I have emailed her and tried to talk to her on facebook but I have never gotten a response. I just don't know what happened -- all of a sudden she was gone.

Wow -- sometimes writing it down, helps so much. I was feeling all misty and teary at the beginning of this post, trying to figure out what was weighing on my heart. Apparently a lot of stuff that I needed to say out loud.

I can't believe my sister is getting married in a few short days -- July 30th. I am so ecstatic for her and  Douggles -- yeah I call him that (sounds like snuggles haha). I am just thrilled beyond belief for them and slightly envious of their upcoming honeymoon. *Sigh* How I would love to go on our honeymoon again!

Have you had an light-bulb-on-moments recently?

Easily Distracted by the Excitement of the Impending Weekend

Happy FRIDAY! FINALLY! UGH! this has been such a long week. I'm sure it is because I have been desperately seeking the 3-day weekend. My husband is FINALLY going to get two days off in a row. I'm pretty stoked -- I'm not going to lie. TWO whole GLORIOUS days with my main squeeze! OOO I can hardly contain my excitement!

Meanwhile, here I sit, at my desk, at work. I wish we had season transition breaks -- you know, that first week of each season everyone gets a paid week off. How freaking awesome-sauce would that be?! Yeah that's right -- it would be....side tracked, what was I saying again? Oh right...

J has worked every day for at least the past twenty days. He has to work tomorrow doing HIS company work. But then Sunday and Monday he is ALL MINE. I don't even know if I want to share him.

You know what is a lot of fun -- looking at homes. all of them -- even the nasty ones, where you walk out thinking, someone would need to throw some cash at you before you would make an offer. Yeah, we looked at one of those last night. It wasn't completely bad -- had super potential and the kitchen was ultra cute. BUT yeah it was THAT BIG...it looked like the pretty slate tile was DIY...which I am not against, but it was done poorly. They also put an addition on the house that didn't have central air. The bathrooms were disgusting and would need to be immediately gutted. The master bedroom had a small window -- it felt like the timeout room! It was very interesting haha. Had it been 50K LESS we may have entertained the idea of getting it and completely re-doing the home. THAT would have been a lot of work. In theory it would be great...I don't know that I am ready to take all that on. I am tired. I don't know if I want to take on that kind of project when our days in our current home are numbered. I am tired...have I mentioned that?!

Every time I say that I think of Monster-In-Law when Wanda Sykes says:

" I am sick. I am sick, sick, sick of yo' shit. And when I'm not sick, I'm tired. I am sick and tired"

It makes me giggle, usually during complete silence and then people look at me out of the corner of their eye like I'm a loon. I'm not a loon, I just feel the need to be entertained at all times if I am not sleeping. =) It's a fun quality although I think it catches J off guard because a lot of times, the giggling or comment comes out of the blue...to him, for me I had a completely normal train of thought...

So I'm not 100% sure about what we will do this weekend. My boss invited us out on the lake on Monday with some other people from work. He wants to see J, it has been a while since they got to hang out and he really likes J. I guess it depends what we do on Sunday and how late we are out and whether or not I'm tired...

I have decided that I am going to run a half marathon in December and then the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon in February. I am really intimidated because after the first marathon I ran, I couldn't run for about a month. I'm hoping it was just my body adjusting. I am consistently running 4 miles so I figure if I start training now, I can take a little more time and be Little Miss Amazing by the December race. Then I can sorta take it easy and just keep up my miles for the February race. Anyone else try to run 2 halves that close together? I am hoping to motivate my dad into it and maybe train a little with him. I think I would like to set the goal of running better than my first half. I also didn't sleep or eat well the night before my first half -- seriously may have only gotten 3 hours of sleep. SO I am hoping that I can figure out better eating and get more sleep. I think that all really had an effect on my time.

I realized last night that EVERYTHING in my life becomes a competition. It is ridiculous. While looking at homes, I was so hell bent on making sure everyone loved the house I picked out not the house J picked out. I was being so stubborn I couldn't see good things about the one he picker OR bad things about the one I picked. How silly of me! J and I walked back into the homes on our own to discuss with one another what we did and didn't like about each house. We also discussed furniture position and use of each of the rooms. That helped me not be SUCH a baby and though I pouted inside for a long time, before we made the trip home, I found myself being excited no matter what because it was a new start for J and I and we were looking at beautiful homes that WE liked as a couple. YAY!

I hope you have an amazing 3-day weekend. I can't wait for the day to be over so I can make my way to the store for some wine and head home to snuggle with the man...although after his LONG LONG day, I am pretty sure he will sleep from the moment he gets home until the alarm goes off on Saturday haha. Oh well, I like to snuggle with him anyhow =)

Happy Friday!

Happy Endings

Thoughts??  Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

.....

.......

EW! What?! NO!!!

Not THAT kind!!

I'm talking about the show on ABC that just started last week...

Anyone watch it?? I have watched one episode...I think its pretty hilarious!

In the ONE episode I have seen, the husband finds out that his wife went to a marriage counselor...just to see how they were doing. BUT she never told him.  He found out anyway and by the end of the episode they agree on talking to one another before speaking to a counselor.

That got me thinking about a post by Kate over at Every Mile a Memory called Are You Your Husband's Girlfriend? 

I really enjoyed her post about continuing to do the little things that were important long after the 'newness' of the relationship wears off and once he puts a ring on it. Part of what she talks about makes me think of communication and how it is so important to maintaining the friendship that started before the romance did...for most anyway =)

I talked to J about it the other night as we cuddled on the couch.  The term Kate used was 'Forever Girlfriend' -- J thought it was so cute.  I know over the past year since the wedding I HAVE slacked in my overall attempts to be a 'girlfriend'.  He, without a doubt, still loves me and thinks I'm 'The Hot-ness That Is' but I know he loves when I make an effort. I still try to dress up (or get dressed at some point for those days on the couch) and I spritz some perfume/body spray every morning.  But I am not talking ONLY dressing up or being presentable but also in my attitude.

I have lately been very quick to get frustrated when The Husband isn't seeing my perspective or understanding my POV. It use to be I was patient and would attempt to explain myself in a different way so that we were on the same page as far as what I was trying to convey.

Stress or not, I know I need to make that effort.  When I am frustrated so is he and vice versa.  It didn't use to be so but it is nice for someone to share in the same emotions.  On the other hand, if he is pouting about something that I think is silly, I may start pouting because he is being a brat...OK that scenario is usually the other way around, but whatev =)

The point is that YEARS from now, I want to have an even happier and healthier relationship with the man I call Husband than I do today. 

I promise not to take myself so seriously; be more patient about everything; play his silly games, even if they are annoying at times -- ESPECIALLY since he almost ALWAYS plays mine; be passionate about us and our relationship.

The explanation/equation Kate gave to help all the women out there really understand what was going on with their man was:

Always remember that men need to feel admired.

Pride + Ego = Man

Feeling admired is a male need.

Being needed is a male need.

Are you YOUR Husband's girlfriend?

Go on, go get your happy ending!

STILL not talking about THAT kind!!

Happy Friday!