Wedded Wednesday - Sacrifices

Rob HATES getting up early. Me, on the other hand, as much as the actual act of getting out of bed early is not my strong suit, I enjoy getting up early. I would much rather go to work early and get out early than go in late and get out late. For Rob, being a night owl, the 9-6 schedule has worked perfectly for him for the past 3-4 years. I don't particularly care for the schedule since it really cuts into our time together, but it's not that big of a deal. So, when Rob came to me the other day and mentioned that there was a shift opening at work for 7:30-4:30 and that he was thinking about taking it, I was floored. I couldn't comprehend that he would actually voluntarily get up earlier.

He said that he hated that we couldn't spend very much time together in the evenings since by the time he got home and we ate dinner, it was time for me to go to bed. So, he wants to switch to an earlier schedule. This is one of those occasions when showing your love doesn't require diamonds or shiny things. This is one of the most thoughtful things he's done and I"m SO excited for him to be getting home earlier!!

Wedded Wednesday - In Sickness and In Health

We all said it when we got married (well, almost all, but you know what I mean). When we got married, we vowed that we would stand by our husbands/wives no matter what. In moments of happiness and sadness, rich or poor, sick or healthy. I said the vows and I meant them. But, I have to admit I'm not very good at taking care of my sick husband.

What can I say? It really takes a lot for me to give sympathy. Blame it on teaching 12-15 year olds. "Oh, you forgot your homework? For the 3rd time this week? Wow, that stinks. And what would you like me to do about that?"

Well, Rob requires a lot of care when he's sick, which I don't think is uncommon among men. I try really hard to care for him and to be supportive and loving. But, I know I'm not very good at it. It's a weakness. He came home last night running a low-grade fever (not really breaking 100 much) and it's lingered for today and this evening. There's not much I can do for him, besides give him Tylenol and make sure he eats and drinks. So, I go about my business. But, I know there are things I can do better and I'm going to try harder. Because that's what being married is all about. Caring for one another and giving 100%, 100% of the time.

We'll see if I still have a bit of sympathy in  my heart...

Wedded Wednesday

Running a home. I think this is one of the greatest struggles we dealt with as a newly married couple. Determining the routine of our house. Who would cook? Who would clean? Who is in charge of finances? We had our fair share of tiffs in association with learning the ropes of home ownership, but almost 2 years into our marriage, I think we have ironed most of it out (haha, only to have it upset again by a baby, hopefully).

We were as green as it gets when it comes to homeownership (and I'm not talking eco-friendly). Neither of us had lived on our own before, even through college we both lived at home. We had never experienced caring for ourselves. I must say, I think I adjusted a lot more quickly and efficiently than Rob. While I had never lived on my own, I definitely knew the basics of running a home. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, general maintenance. Though Rob would never admit it, I'm still the one who does most of the housework. Even cutting the grass. I have to laugh because I'm the one that had to light the pilot on the water heater when it went out and I put the Christmas lights up. I think I even changed the headlights on his car and put air in his tires. What can I say?

The business has definitely affected the balance of these activities. But that's okay. There are times when I feel frustrated about the lack of help on his part, but a small mention of my feelings and he's asking how he can help. He's good like that (I think it's a guy thing that you have to ASK for things to get done). He's awesome about cleaning up after dinner and usually takes the dogs out.

This is what marriage is all about, right? Finding your niche. Making it work. Learning together. We'll see what I'm saying about things when we throw a little one into the mix. :)

Wedded Wednesday - Rob Says

I'm totally stealing this idea from Meredith (you should check out her blog anyway, this is also where I got the photography lessons from). So I thought I'd give Rob a little space on the blog. I mean, I talk about him an awful lot, he deserves it right?

1. As most of my blog readers know, you started a business. What is it? Why did you do it? Have you learned any good life lessons?
We are trying to bring something new to the gaming world.  We want people to have a place to go to to participate in video game events, tournaments, midnight launch parties, etc. and have fun.  Every event is also free.  We have always had a passion for video games and simply looked at 1. What do gamers want?  2. Is anyone giving it to them?  Gamers want much more and that is what we're here for.  I have learned to have patience, things move slowly with a business but always work out for the best.

2. We're going on 2 years!! What is the best part of being married? What has been the worst? Any advice for the newlyweds out there?
The best part of being married is not having to constantly say goodbye and go a day or sometimes two without seeing that person.  The worst part is money, buying and filling a house with stuff is expensive...  My advice would be to double, triple, and quadruple check yourself financially before deciding to buy a house and get married. 

3. We're trying to have a baby. How do you feel about this? What do you expect? How do you think our lives will change with a new little life?
I feel like I am slowly preparing myself mentally for this and I honestly don't know what to expect.  I think we will be even busier but I also think it will bring us together in a way that nothing else can.

4. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Spending more time with my grandpa before he died...

5. Is your life today where you imagined it would be five years ago?
My life is right about where I hoped it would be, sans being a published writer. 

6. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Hopefully, retired, with kids, and happy. 

7. What is your favorite meal that I make? What is your least favorite?
I love it when you make scrambled eggs, also your salsbury steak is amazing.  Their really isn't anything you make that I don't like.

8. What is a lesson you learned as an adult that you wished someone would have taught you growing up?
To be patient, if you're meant to have something you'll get it.  Just sit back and relax, do your best, work hard, and everything will work out in the end. 


Do you like hearing from Rob? It's funny, he is the funniest person I know (and several people can attest to this), but his writing is always so serious... maybe I'll do a verbal interview next time. 

Wedded Wednesday

Wedded Wednesday is a collaboration
of married bloggers sharing their inspirations,
anecdotes, struggles and thoughts regarding
the amazing union of two separate people, as one.

Being married to an entrepreneur has its moments. I am SO proud of Rob. I am proud of his accomplishments and his drive to make the best life he can. I am grateful for the sacrifices he makes for us and his desire to make us "rich so we can retire early and spend all of our time with our kids and families." He has worked so hard.

You know what's coming.

This has been a difficult week for us. We have spent the last week and a half prepping and planning for the grand opening and now it's come and gone. But, the stress still lingers. I tend to be unusually calm under pressure. I feel like I think clearest when I'm in situations that require big decisions. Rob, on the other hand, gets emotional and loses some sense of logic. He tends to get impatient and defensive and my attempts at a calm discussion don't always end nicely. But, we balance each other out and we manage.

Leah reminded me of communication today. There have been moments when I feel like if I just suck it up and hold on to the emotions I'm feeling with the stress in our lives, it will be better. But, then I remember the times I've done that before and the problems it has caused. I know, though, that this too shall pass. Rob will not always be stressed and I will not always be stressed because he is stressed. I take comfort in knowing that at the end of the day, we'll be together side-by-side and loving each other more than ever.

Wedded Wednesday

I thought I might take on the challenge of this theme I saw on another blog. Here goes.

It is Wednesday, right? Okay, good.

What is Wedded Wednesday? Read for yourself:

Wedded Wednesday is a collaboration

of married bloggers sharing their inspirations,

anecdotes, struggles and thoughts regarding

the amazing union of two separate people, as one.

Saturday will be our 20 month wedding anniversary. I know what you're thinking. Who still counts months? It's kind of our thing. The number 13, that is. Our first date: August 13, 2008. Friday the 13th to be exact. Our first kiss? 13 Days later. We got married on June 13, 2008. Also Friday the 13th. So every 13th of the month is special. Its a little thing we share. I love it.

I remember the first time I understood what it felt like to be in love. To love someone so much that it hurt. It was January 2005. I cling to that feeling. Relish in its glory. In its pain. To have those fleeting thoughts of accidents and this could be the last time when he walks out the door. Only to have them swept away by a kiss.

Our wedding day. When we made that commitment that not matter what, we'd keep remembering that feeling of love so deep your heart hurts. It makes me smile. When I changed my name. I joke about my last name, but I'm proud of it. I'm proud of him.

The fights and arguments. I consider them moments made for future entertainment. The first feelings of accomplishment at doing something together. Buying a house, car, lawn mower. Putting the Christmas tree up together.

Cherishing the time we have on this earth and knowing I am blessed enough to have him to share it with. That is wedded bliss.

Purely. Simply. Love.