Before I begin this blog post I will say that it may get a bit political. I have had these thoughts running through my head for days and have tried to organize them in a way that allows me to speak my voice without being defensive. This is my expression of those thoughts.
The first thing that I will address is that I am about to bring a beautiful little baby into this crazy and dangerous world. That alone scares me more than anything else. My husband and I will have the challenge of raising my baby boy to reject the expectations placed on young boys; expectations like being a "tough manly man" and "boys don't show emotions." My boy will never hear the expression "boys will be boys" come out of my mouth. My goal is to raise my son to be respectful to all, to hate none, and to love whole heatedly. He will be raised to trust in God and to never treat a girl or woman as less than. There are a lot of obstacles that my husband and I will fight against while bringing our son up in this broken world.
Turning to the current events happening in our world, it makes me sick to see what is happening. Any of the supremacy groups are not created out of good. They are created out of hate for someone else. It astounds me that these groups are still around in our year of 2017. I do not see the Black Lives Matter group as a hate or supremacy group. They were created to acknowledge and make public the injustice they face in their lives and to bring about change of good. I do acknowledge that there are extremists within this group and those bad seeds give the group as a whole a bad name. No one should ever use hate or violence to promote or further their agenda. Any person or group who does this receives no support from me.
There's the issue of the taking down of statues around the country of confederate personnel. I believe that taking down these statues is wrong. They have been standing for years without any complaints. I don't understand what people are so scared about in regards to these statues and monuments. They are not going to come alive and start the Civil War again. The people of today are doing a pretty good job of doing that themselves. The statues are a part of history. They stand as a reminder of what happened in our dark past and what we never want to happen again. The people that these statues represent may have fought on the wrong side of history and fought for a cause that we know was wrong, but that doesn't mean they were bad people. They lived in a different time. They fought for a cause that they believed was worthy, for a way of life that they grew up with. We now know that way of life caused unimaginable pain for an entire group of people and that part of history should never be repeated again, but those generals and figures weren't necessarily evil or bad. Their actions and the things they stood for, yes.
My heart is heavy and distressed. This great nation and country that I love is being torn apart and is at war within itself. I love learning about the Civil War from both sides, but it is not something that I would like to see repeated. I can only hope and pray for peace and acceptance of all people, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. I grew up loving and accepting all. My only wish is that my children will grow up with the same love and acceptance. I wish for peace in the world, but that peace first needs to be found within our own great nation that stands under God.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Thursday, August 3, 2017
All You Need is a Bit of Spirit!
For those who know me well, they all know about my (not so) little baby Spirit. He's a Siberian Husky that we got from a rescue shelter at the beginning of November 2016. He's the light of my life and my little toddler puppy. He's currently 1 year and 8 months old.
When we first got him, we had a lot of problems. His first family had him as a puppy. They also had another dog that was older. They claimed that Spirit (then named Lucian) was aggressive and was mean to the older dog. He was a puppy!! It's almost like they had never experienced a puppy before. This family decided to take Spirit to the vet to have him put down. The vet, bless his heart, couldn't possibly put down a puppy. So he called a lady who rescues huskies and husky mixes. She took him in, changed his name to Spirit, and a few months later we adopted him.
I don't think his first family did any sort of training with him at all. We had to not only train him to fit in our family, but we also had to fix the problem behaviors that he had from his previous family. Neither my husband or I had ever had a dog before. Spirit is the first dog for both of us. We had no idea how to train Spirit or how to tell what he wanted. We quickly learned that he hated being in a crate. So we nixed that idea and let him have free rein in the house. After he destroyed a lot of things from the bedroom, we started blocking it off. Being a husky, he's not only mischievous, but he's also really smart! He would figure out how to jump over any of the barriers that we put up. We soon learned that by standing the crate up, we could block off the bedroom and Spirit wouldn't jump over it.
It has taken quite a while, but we figured out how to "doggo proof" the house when we leave and how to tell what he wants. He recently did a beginners obedience class and graduated. We want to continue having him in training. It is good for him to be around other dogs so he can learn to socialize with other animals. Spirit is our baby and we both love him more than we thought possible. He has the biggest heart. He loves everyone and everything. He still has all the crazy puppy energy and the toddler mentality.
When people first meet him, they can be a bit intimidated. He likes to jump up and give kisses. It makes me angry when people who don't know him well, judge him. Those who have been a part of his journey since the beginning know how far he has come and how hard we have worked with him. He is a sweetheart and a big lover. His happy doggo smile and silly derpy face can melt hearts. He's even won over some people who claim they're not dog people. Is he perfect? No, but what animal or person, for that matter, is? He still has a lot of growing to do, but for now, I am very happy with his progress. I can't imagine what my life would be like without my husky!!
When we first got him, we had a lot of problems. His first family had him as a puppy. They also had another dog that was older. They claimed that Spirit (then named Lucian) was aggressive and was mean to the older dog. He was a puppy!! It's almost like they had never experienced a puppy before. This family decided to take Spirit to the vet to have him put down. The vet, bless his heart, couldn't possibly put down a puppy. So he called a lady who rescues huskies and husky mixes. She took him in, changed his name to Spirit, and a few months later we adopted him.
I don't think his first family did any sort of training with him at all. We had to not only train him to fit in our family, but we also had to fix the problem behaviors that he had from his previous family. Neither my husband or I had ever had a dog before. Spirit is the first dog for both of us. We had no idea how to train Spirit or how to tell what he wanted. We quickly learned that he hated being in a crate. So we nixed that idea and let him have free rein in the house. After he destroyed a lot of things from the bedroom, we started blocking it off. Being a husky, he's not only mischievous, but he's also really smart! He would figure out how to jump over any of the barriers that we put up. We soon learned that by standing the crate up, we could block off the bedroom and Spirit wouldn't jump over it.
It has taken quite a while, but we figured out how to "doggo proof" the house when we leave and how to tell what he wants. He recently did a beginners obedience class and graduated. We want to continue having him in training. It is good for him to be around other dogs so he can learn to socialize with other animals. Spirit is our baby and we both love him more than we thought possible. He has the biggest heart. He loves everyone and everything. He still has all the crazy puppy energy and the toddler mentality.
When people first meet him, they can be a bit intimidated. He likes to jump up and give kisses. It makes me angry when people who don't know him well, judge him. Those who have been a part of his journey since the beginning know how far he has come and how hard we have worked with him. He is a sweetheart and a big lover. His happy doggo smile and silly derpy face can melt hearts. He's even won over some people who claim they're not dog people. Is he perfect? No, but what animal or person, for that matter, is? He still has a lot of growing to do, but for now, I am very happy with his progress. I can't imagine what my life would be like without my husky!!
Thursday, July 13, 2017
America's Game: Baseball
Baseball is America's game ... right? Well, that's what it used to be. Now, at least in the case of John O'Donnell Stadium, it's about the attractions and the beer nights.
I used to love going to see the River Bandits play. The stadium was a little old, but there was plenty of seating and it was fun. We'd get some popcorn and ice-cream without breaking the bank. I agree, the stadium needed to be rebuilt and updated. I was excited when they reopened with the new stadium. It was new and pretty. The one thing that was surprising was the amount of box seats as compared to the general admission seating. At that time, the berm seating was bigger. There were spots behind the right and left field for people to sit in the grass.
As time went on, the owners kept adding more and more attractions. There was the tiki bar behind left field, the hot tub, the kids zone, the beer nights, the Ferris wheel, and now, the amusement rides. On top of all this, the prices of food and drinks have gone up to astronomical prices. A 12 oz cup of Whitey's ice-cream is now $5 when my two sisters and I used to be able to all get our own for less than $10. A trip to the ball game now will cost about $20-30 for one person, and that's if you're doing ticket, popcorn, drink, and ice-cream.
The new additions to the ballpark this year are 2 amusement rides. There is now a double-decker carousel and a drop and twist ride. This is in addition to the Ferris wheel. Their claim with the rides is that all the proceeds goes to a charity. I'm all about helping out local charities. My issue is that because they felt that people need to spend more money on rides, the prices for the food and drinks went up.
When I go to a baseball game, I go because I want to watch the game. I would much rather drive an hour away to go to a small town baseball game where the stadium's focus is around the game than go to one here in town where the stadium's focus is on anything but the game. My issue is that the ballpark is so focused on making more money that they are forgetting about the reason for going. I've ridden the Ferris wheel once. That was enough for me. If I'm going to spend money on a baseball game, I'm going to spend my time watching the game, not going on rides. I would go to an amusement park if I wanted to ride rides.
What are your thoughts? Should baseball stadiums go back to focusing on the game?
I used to love going to see the River Bandits play. The stadium was a little old, but there was plenty of seating and it was fun. We'd get some popcorn and ice-cream without breaking the bank. I agree, the stadium needed to be rebuilt and updated. I was excited when they reopened with the new stadium. It was new and pretty. The one thing that was surprising was the amount of box seats as compared to the general admission seating. At that time, the berm seating was bigger. There were spots behind the right and left field for people to sit in the grass.
As time went on, the owners kept adding more and more attractions. There was the tiki bar behind left field, the hot tub, the kids zone, the beer nights, the Ferris wheel, and now, the amusement rides. On top of all this, the prices of food and drinks have gone up to astronomical prices. A 12 oz cup of Whitey's ice-cream is now $5 when my two sisters and I used to be able to all get our own for less than $10. A trip to the ball game now will cost about $20-30 for one person, and that's if you're doing ticket, popcorn, drink, and ice-cream.
The new additions to the ballpark this year are 2 amusement rides. There is now a double-decker carousel and a drop and twist ride. This is in addition to the Ferris wheel. Their claim with the rides is that all the proceeds goes to a charity. I'm all about helping out local charities. My issue is that because they felt that people need to spend more money on rides, the prices for the food and drinks went up.
When I go to a baseball game, I go because I want to watch the game. I would much rather drive an hour away to go to a small town baseball game where the stadium's focus is around the game than go to one here in town where the stadium's focus is on anything but the game. My issue is that the ballpark is so focused on making more money that they are forgetting about the reason for going. I've ridden the Ferris wheel once. That was enough for me. If I'm going to spend money on a baseball game, I'm going to spend my time watching the game, not going on rides. I would go to an amusement park if I wanted to ride rides.
What are your thoughts? Should baseball stadiums go back to focusing on the game?
Thursday, June 15, 2017
"Can I touch your belly?"
Well, I am officially 6 months pregnant. It is crazy to think how fast time has gone by. I only have 3 more months until this little baby boy blesses my life with his presence. He is just like his mommy and daddy.
Luckily, I haven't had many encounters with strangers involving touching my belly or giving unwanted advice. The only thing that has happened that tends to be a little strange is when they ask me about the name. It usually goes a little something like this:
"Do you have ideas for a name?"
"Yes we have a couple that we are choosing between."
"Oh, what are they?"
"My husband and I are actually keeping the name to ourselves until the baby is born."
"Oh."
A very awkward encounter. It makes me feel like we are being selfish for keeping the baby's name a secret. We are pretty open when it comes to talking about the baby. We decided we wanted one detail that we keep to ourselves. It makes it seem a little more special.
I am very adamant about people not touching my stomach unless I ask them to. I have never liked being touched by people, so it's no surprise that I don't want strangers to touch me. I have not run into this situation, but if I do, I will not be afraid to tell them no.
The one thing I have been hoping to avoid is the debate on circumcision. That was the first thing I thought of when I found out we were having a boy. I have avoided it so far, but I'm sure it will come up in the future. I am not opposed to people trying to be nice and sharing advice, but I think in the end, I am the one who is going to know what's best for my child.
This pregnancy has not been at all what I thought it would be like. I didn't have any morning sickness. I had a lot of fatigue and tiredness. I haven't had a burst of energy during this second trimester that all the articles and people say I should. My belly button has not popped out yet. I feel really small for being 6 months. People haven't come up and asked me about the baby. It might be because I look a lot younger than my age. Regardless, I have not had that magical pregnancy experience that everyone talks about. Maybe in these last 3 months I will have some magical moments, but until then, I will enjoy every little thing that happens with this little angel inside of me.
Luckily, I haven't had many encounters with strangers involving touching my belly or giving unwanted advice. The only thing that has happened that tends to be a little strange is when they ask me about the name. It usually goes a little something like this:
"Do you have ideas for a name?"
"Yes we have a couple that we are choosing between."
"Oh, what are they?"
"My husband and I are actually keeping the name to ourselves until the baby is born."
"Oh."
A very awkward encounter. It makes me feel like we are being selfish for keeping the baby's name a secret. We are pretty open when it comes to talking about the baby. We decided we wanted one detail that we keep to ourselves. It makes it seem a little more special.
I am very adamant about people not touching my stomach unless I ask them to. I have never liked being touched by people, so it's no surprise that I don't want strangers to touch me. I have not run into this situation, but if I do, I will not be afraid to tell them no.
The one thing I have been hoping to avoid is the debate on circumcision. That was the first thing I thought of when I found out we were having a boy. I have avoided it so far, but I'm sure it will come up in the future. I am not opposed to people trying to be nice and sharing advice, but I think in the end, I am the one who is going to know what's best for my child.
This pregnancy has not been at all what I thought it would be like. I didn't have any morning sickness. I had a lot of fatigue and tiredness. I haven't had a burst of energy during this second trimester that all the articles and people say I should. My belly button has not popped out yet. I feel really small for being 6 months. People haven't come up and asked me about the baby. It might be because I look a lot younger than my age. Regardless, I have not had that magical pregnancy experience that everyone talks about. Maybe in these last 3 months I will have some magical moments, but until then, I will enjoy every little thing that happens with this little angel inside of me.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Memorial Day Weekend
2 blog posts in 2 days! I guess you could say this makes up for that 2 month span where I didn't post anything... Life got in the way, as they say.
Today starts my three day weekend! It also means a whole day full of cleaning and preparations because my husband and I get to play host for a big cookout at our place! I have been waiting for an opportunity and a chance to have a big get-together at my place for a while. As we are living in my aunt and uncle's old house, all of my family has been here before, but the majority of them have not been here to see it with me living here! My aunt and uncle used to host many of the family gatherings in the big front yard. I want to start doing that again, especially now that the weather is finally cooperating.
As a host, this means that everything has to be perfect! I've never been very good at being a hostess, so this is my chance to show that I've got it. I also get to share my little surprise.... announcing my baby's gender! (most of the family doesn't know I'm doing this). Thankfully, my husband has climbed aboard the crazy wife train and doesn't mind helping me make this cookout perfect. I guess you could say that I have some of my mom's influence guiding me. Whenever people came over, she would want the house to look perfect. I kind of understand that now. I want to make a good impression on the family who has yet to see our little dwelling. We're going with a whole patriotic theme, which leads me to my next point.
Celebrating Memorial Day has a whole new meaning for me. I always thought of it as a good chance to hang out with family and have a fun day off. Having a brother-in-law in the Air Force, a cousin who was in the Navy, and other family members I didn't meet that were in the military makes me realize how lucky I am to be here. I was too young to really understand when my cousin was in the Navy. We used to call him Navy Davy and that was the only thing I knew. Now being older and having a family member currently in the Air Force, it makes me understand better. He may not be overseas in a war, but there is the chance that someday he might be. My brother-in-law spends most of the year in a completely different state, away from family, and serving our country.
Mostly, I am thankful that I get to spend this Memorial Day weekend with all of my family. I am thankful that I have a beautiful dog, even if he is a pain sometimes. I am thankful that I have the world's best husband and a precious angel growing inside of me. I am thankful that I have enough money to pay my bills every month. Even with all the struggles I face, I am still very blessed in my life and I have a God I can thank for that. Even if you don't have a family who was in the military or is currently, this day is still a day to give thanks for all the men and women who have served our country so we can continue to have blessed lives.
Friday, May 26, 2017
First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes Baby
Well, since it's been announced on social media, I guess I can say here that my husband and I are expecting our first baby! He and I had to hide our bundle of joy for the longest time! It seems like my husband and I just got married yesterday, but it's really been 7 months!
Life has been going pretty well for my husband and I. We've been working on that tricky part of life called finances. Luckily, I've gotten better at it. Unluckily, we've had more added to our load. We both got new cars and had to finally get our own car insurance. The whole two car payment thing is not fun. It is hard to be "adulting" (as they say) but it has also been a good way for us to grow together as a couple. There are very few in life who are completely set monetarily and we happen to not be one of them. Life throws some tricky curve balls, but we've been ready to go to bat and handle whatever is thrown at us.
My husband has been hard at work at his job. He really got the luck of the draw with it! The job suits him perfectly and his 2nd boss is his cousin-in-law. He's been such an asset to the company and I love having him come home with good stories about work, instead of telling me all the bad things that happened. This job is one I hope he'll be able to reach milestones and advance at.
This summer will be a whole new experience for me. Being 5 1/2 months pregnant now, I couldn't imagine what kind of job I wanted to have. I was offered a position to work at the summer daycare at the school I'm at now. It is the perfect opportunity for me! I love working with the preschoolers and I won't be working weekends!
This is the first summer that I have multiple trips planned! I am going with the 7th and 8th graders from school on their trip. The last time I went was when I was an 8th grader myself. It is even more cool that I am going to be with my mother as an adult and not a student. My family is also having a family reunion. That is what I am most excited about for the summer. I cannot wait to be on a real vacation where the sun shines and I don't have to do a thing!
As it is the end of the school year, that means this gal gets more time to get caught up on her blog and do more blogging on different topics. I appreciate all those who read my blog! Writing is something I find enjoyment in and this blog allows me to freely share my life and opinions with you all.
I look forward to making more posts this summer of my adventures being pregnant in the worst months of the year!
Life has been going pretty well for my husband and I. We've been working on that tricky part of life called finances. Luckily, I've gotten better at it. Unluckily, we've had more added to our load. We both got new cars and had to finally get our own car insurance. The whole two car payment thing is not fun. It is hard to be "adulting" (as they say) but it has also been a good way for us to grow together as a couple. There are very few in life who are completely set monetarily and we happen to not be one of them. Life throws some tricky curve balls, but we've been ready to go to bat and handle whatever is thrown at us.
My husband has been hard at work at his job. He really got the luck of the draw with it! The job suits him perfectly and his 2nd boss is his cousin-in-law. He's been such an asset to the company and I love having him come home with good stories about work, instead of telling me all the bad things that happened. This job is one I hope he'll be able to reach milestones and advance at.
This summer will be a whole new experience for me. Being 5 1/2 months pregnant now, I couldn't imagine what kind of job I wanted to have. I was offered a position to work at the summer daycare at the school I'm at now. It is the perfect opportunity for me! I love working with the preschoolers and I won't be working weekends!
This is the first summer that I have multiple trips planned! I am going with the 7th and 8th graders from school on their trip. The last time I went was when I was an 8th grader myself. It is even more cool that I am going to be with my mother as an adult and not a student. My family is also having a family reunion. That is what I am most excited about for the summer. I cannot wait to be on a real vacation where the sun shines and I don't have to do a thing!
As it is the end of the school year, that means this gal gets more time to get caught up on her blog and do more blogging on different topics. I appreciate all those who read my blog! Writing is something I find enjoyment in and this blog allows me to freely share my life and opinions with you all.
I look forward to making more posts this summer of my adventures being pregnant in the worst months of the year!
Monday, March 20, 2017
Spring is Here/ 6 Months of Marriage
As it's been over a month since my last post, I should probably catch you up. First, my husband and I were going through some really hard financial times. He lost his job, which happened at a really bad time. He applied for a job working with his cousin's husband. It was the perfect job and was pretty confident that he would get the job. We spent three weeks waiting to get the okay that he could start working there. The HR department was unorganized and their mistakes put a huge strain on our life. My husband and I had a hard time figuring out how he could collect unemployment. We ended up not getting any unemployment because we couldn't figure it out. That drained our bank accounts. He finally was given the okay to be at work. The HR thought his drug test was lost, and magically one day, it showed up.
My husband has been working at his new job for about a month. It is the perfect job for him and for us. His cousin's husband is his boss. The two of them get along really well and are pretty close outside of work. My husband gets to drive a forklift all day, which he loves. He has opportunities for advancement within the company and 6 month raises. His job is close to home (for now) and he never has to work weekends. The best part is that he got benefits right away. We were able to get health, vision, and dental for less than $300 a month. Since it is a big company that he's working for, the insurance is very good.
My husband and I are starting to set some goals for the next year. One of our biggest goals is to build our savings back up. With his new job, it will not be hard to start building a cushion in our savings. Ideally, we would like to buy a house before our one year anniversary. We also want to get new cars for both of us. My husband needs a new car desperately. The only problem is that we won't be able to trade in his car, so we will most likely have to sell it for parts. Either way, we won't be getting much at all for it. I have a two door Fiat. With my big husky dog and the amount of transporting I do of other people, I feel it's time to finally get a bigger car. As my car is only three years old, I will be able to trade it in for a good price. I have taken care of it and kept it clean. I've had it for two years and treated it like my baby. I would love to get a van. A Dodge Caravan was the first car I drove in. Because of this, vans hold a special place in my heart. My plan is to have that happen before July. My family is taking a big family vacation and having a van to drive down would be more convenient than renting one.
My husband and I have reached six months of marriage! Most people say the first year or the first few years of marriage are the hardest, but we are trucking along! Yes, we've had financial difficulties. Yes, we've had some circumstances occur that we could have never predicted, but all in all, my husband and I have a strong marriage. We continue to become closer and build this family of ours. These first six months have been so amazing and God continues to bless my life in unexpected ways. I can hardly wait to see what else He has in store for my husband and I in the next six months!
My husband has been working at his new job for about a month. It is the perfect job for him and for us. His cousin's husband is his boss. The two of them get along really well and are pretty close outside of work. My husband gets to drive a forklift all day, which he loves. He has opportunities for advancement within the company and 6 month raises. His job is close to home (for now) and he never has to work weekends. The best part is that he got benefits right away. We were able to get health, vision, and dental for less than $300 a month. Since it is a big company that he's working for, the insurance is very good.
My husband and I are starting to set some goals for the next year. One of our biggest goals is to build our savings back up. With his new job, it will not be hard to start building a cushion in our savings. Ideally, we would like to buy a house before our one year anniversary. We also want to get new cars for both of us. My husband needs a new car desperately. The only problem is that we won't be able to trade in his car, so we will most likely have to sell it for parts. Either way, we won't be getting much at all for it. I have a two door Fiat. With my big husky dog and the amount of transporting I do of other people, I feel it's time to finally get a bigger car. As my car is only three years old, I will be able to trade it in for a good price. I have taken care of it and kept it clean. I've had it for two years and treated it like my baby. I would love to get a van. A Dodge Caravan was the first car I drove in. Because of this, vans hold a special place in my heart. My plan is to have that happen before July. My family is taking a big family vacation and having a van to drive down would be more convenient than renting one.
My husband and I have reached six months of marriage! Most people say the first year or the first few years of marriage are the hardest, but we are trucking along! Yes, we've had financial difficulties. Yes, we've had some circumstances occur that we could have never predicted, but all in all, my husband and I have a strong marriage. We continue to become closer and build this family of ours. These first six months have been so amazing and God continues to bless my life in unexpected ways. I can hardly wait to see what else He has in store for my husband and I in the next six months!
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Life Update
Recently, my husband lost his job. The search for another job has been hard and frustrating. The good part is that he's at home to do chores around the house and we both get the weekends together. Luckily, a job opportunity is at hand and hopefully, my husband will be working by next week.
The best part has been that we get the weekends together. We spent our Saturday cleaning the entire house while trying to avoid the dog. Spending the day not doing much at all on a Sunday is the the best. We have been able to get so many things done around the house that we have not have time for. Even when my husband goes back to work, I will still be glad that he and I had some time for just us.
We've been married now for almost 5 months. Time has flown by so fast. We've faced our difficulties, even this early on, but nothing has been too much for us to handle. Every day is a gift and I am always thankful to call him my husband. I like to imagine what our lives will be like 10 years from now. I am so in love with him now and the love I have for my husband continues to grow every day.
We have so many plans and ideas that we want to do in our lives. We are also aware that there are things that can happen that we cannot plan for and that's okay. I used to be so focused on having things happen the way I wanted and planned, but now I've learned that it's okay to accept life as it happens and changes.
So much has been happening in my life. Well, it feels like there's been a lot of things happening when in reality, I spend a lot of time being exhausted and watching Netflix. But, on the bright side, there are many exciting things to come in my life that I will be writing about when they happen.
One of these things will be about my upcoming family vacation that I have been preparing for. If you have anything that I should write about, please comment!
The best part has been that we get the weekends together. We spent our Saturday cleaning the entire house while trying to avoid the dog. Spending the day not doing much at all on a Sunday is the the best. We have been able to get so many things done around the house that we have not have time for. Even when my husband goes back to work, I will still be glad that he and I had some time for just us.
We've been married now for almost 5 months. Time has flown by so fast. We've faced our difficulties, even this early on, but nothing has been too much for us to handle. Every day is a gift and I am always thankful to call him my husband. I like to imagine what our lives will be like 10 years from now. I am so in love with him now and the love I have for my husband continues to grow every day.
We have so many plans and ideas that we want to do in our lives. We are also aware that there are things that can happen that we cannot plan for and that's okay. I used to be so focused on having things happen the way I wanted and planned, but now I've learned that it's okay to accept life as it happens and changes.
So much has been happening in my life. Well, it feels like there's been a lot of things happening when in reality, I spend a lot of time being exhausted and watching Netflix. But, on the bright side, there are many exciting things to come in my life that I will be writing about when they happen.
One of these things will be about my upcoming family vacation that I have been preparing for. If you have anything that I should write about, please comment!
Monday, January 16, 2017
First Valentine's Day Together
My husband and I dated for 3 years before getting married. (Our 3 year anniversary was 2 days before our wedding). During those three years, my husband and I never spent a Valentine's Day together. I always had to make a choice of having him there for my birthday or for Valentine's and I chose my birthday every year.
This year will be the first time we get to spend Valentine's Day together. I love the holiday. While some people argue that you shouldn't devote just one day to celebrating your love for someone, but instead, they should celebrate their love every day. While that is a nice sentiment, I love holidays and this one is devoted to my love for my husband. I plan on doing something very special for him that I usually don't do. I either want to take him out to dinner somewhere fancy and get all dressed up, (that part is for me) or I want to cook him a big dinner with candles and romantic music. I want to get him a box of chocolate or his favorite candy and maybe give him a massage.
Even though we spend every night together and we get to spend the rest of our lives with each other, this is our day to express the love in a way that we do not get to do every day. This isn't the only day or holiday that I express my deepest love. Other holidays that I get to do it are Christmas, his birthday, our days off together, which we never have, and on days when I decide to do something special out of the blue.
It makes me sad when the people who are single put down such a special day. My father used to buy chocolates for my sisters and I every Valentine's day and have them on the table for us before we went to school. Just because I didn't have a boyfriend doesn't mean that someone didn't love me. If you are single on Valentine's Day, do something special for yourself. You deserve to feel special and loved. If you don't love yourself first, no one will. Those who are single, either by choice or by life, should love Valentine's Day just as much as those who are committed.
It's true that society has turned such a special day into a commercialized buying frenzy just like they have with all the other holidays. I don't buy into that. To me, Valentine's day is a time for me to do something special for my husband. Yes, I will buy him a card and yes I will probably buy him chocolate. However, I don't need to spend tons of money to make my husband feel special and loved. All I have to do is one simple thing to let him know I love him.
What are you doing for Valentine's Day?
This year will be the first time we get to spend Valentine's Day together. I love the holiday. While some people argue that you shouldn't devote just one day to celebrating your love for someone, but instead, they should celebrate their love every day. While that is a nice sentiment, I love holidays and this one is devoted to my love for my husband. I plan on doing something very special for him that I usually don't do. I either want to take him out to dinner somewhere fancy and get all dressed up, (that part is for me) or I want to cook him a big dinner with candles and romantic music. I want to get him a box of chocolate or his favorite candy and maybe give him a massage.
Even though we spend every night together and we get to spend the rest of our lives with each other, this is our day to express the love in a way that we do not get to do every day. This isn't the only day or holiday that I express my deepest love. Other holidays that I get to do it are Christmas, his birthday, our days off together, which we never have, and on days when I decide to do something special out of the blue.
It makes me sad when the people who are single put down such a special day. My father used to buy chocolates for my sisters and I every Valentine's day and have them on the table for us before we went to school. Just because I didn't have a boyfriend doesn't mean that someone didn't love me. If you are single on Valentine's Day, do something special for yourself. You deserve to feel special and loved. If you don't love yourself first, no one will. Those who are single, either by choice or by life, should love Valentine's Day just as much as those who are committed.
It's true that society has turned such a special day into a commercialized buying frenzy just like they have with all the other holidays. I don't buy into that. To me, Valentine's day is a time for me to do something special for my husband. Yes, I will buy him a card and yes I will probably buy him chocolate. However, I don't need to spend tons of money to make my husband feel special and loved. All I have to do is one simple thing to let him know I love him.
What are you doing for Valentine's Day?
Sunday, January 8, 2017
High School vs. College
There are people who say that high school is the best four years of your life. On the other hand, there are people who say that college is the best four years of your life. I have to side with those who say college. While I did have some good times in high school, I really became who I am and made lifelong friends in college.
Yesterday, I saw a picture on Facebook. It was of a girl who I went to high school with at her wedding with a bunch of other girls that went to the same high school. The caption said something about staying friends after 8 years. I had associated with some of those girls when we were in high school and I might have even called a couple of them friends. It's been four and a half years since I've been in high school. There is only two girls who I talk to anymore and we don't even talk that often. I understand that life moves on and people drift apart but, with all the experiences we had together, it would be nice to at least keep in touch. I know that communication goes both ways, but trust me, I did try to no avail.
College was the fastest but best four years of my life. I made really good friendships that I know are going to last a lifetime. They all live in other states, but that doesn't stop our friendship. I also had the opportunity to get to know older adults that I worked with on campus. I was able to connect with people of all ages and life experiences. I reinvented myself and became the person that I am today. While freshman year was rough and full of bad decisions, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. The girls that I became friends with were present on my wedding day and celebrated my special day with me. I had no high school friends at my wedding and I only invited one of them (she wasn't there because a mix up of dates).
I did have many good experiences in high school. I had good and bad times, but what I remember most is leaving the school without a best friend and without that big group of friends that all the other people in my class had. I did have friends throughout the four years of high school, but none of them continued that friendship with me after we graduated.
I love my life now. I have a great group of women that I will continue my friendship with throughout our lives. I have a wonderful husband, my fur baby, my two families, and a long, exciting road ahead of me. Will I go to my 5 year high school reunion (if we have one)? Probably not. There really is no one that I long to see right now. No one from high school contacted me to congratulate me on my wedding and marriage. Only one person has reached out to talk about my life. To be honest, I'm really disappointed in my former high school classmates. I would have loved to stay in touch and to stay friends, but I guess I wasn't important enough in their lives as they were in mine. The friends I do have are from college and jobs I've had, and to be perfectly honest, that is quite okay with me. I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Yesterday, I saw a picture on Facebook. It was of a girl who I went to high school with at her wedding with a bunch of other girls that went to the same high school. The caption said something about staying friends after 8 years. I had associated with some of those girls when we were in high school and I might have even called a couple of them friends. It's been four and a half years since I've been in high school. There is only two girls who I talk to anymore and we don't even talk that often. I understand that life moves on and people drift apart but, with all the experiences we had together, it would be nice to at least keep in touch. I know that communication goes both ways, but trust me, I did try to no avail.
College was the fastest but best four years of my life. I made really good friendships that I know are going to last a lifetime. They all live in other states, but that doesn't stop our friendship. I also had the opportunity to get to know older adults that I worked with on campus. I was able to connect with people of all ages and life experiences. I reinvented myself and became the person that I am today. While freshman year was rough and full of bad decisions, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. The girls that I became friends with were present on my wedding day and celebrated my special day with me. I had no high school friends at my wedding and I only invited one of them (she wasn't there because a mix up of dates).
I did have many good experiences in high school. I had good and bad times, but what I remember most is leaving the school without a best friend and without that big group of friends that all the other people in my class had. I did have friends throughout the four years of high school, but none of them continued that friendship with me after we graduated.
I love my life now. I have a great group of women that I will continue my friendship with throughout our lives. I have a wonderful husband, my fur baby, my two families, and a long, exciting road ahead of me. Will I go to my 5 year high school reunion (if we have one)? Probably not. There really is no one that I long to see right now. No one from high school contacted me to congratulate me on my wedding and marriage. Only one person has reached out to talk about my life. To be honest, I'm really disappointed in my former high school classmates. I would have loved to stay in touch and to stay friends, but I guess I wasn't important enough in their lives as they were in mine. The friends I do have are from college and jobs I've had, and to be perfectly honest, that is quite okay with me. I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Body Image
I never used to be obsessed with how I looked or how people saw me. I was able to put on the clothes that I wanted and didn't give it a second thought. I could go and play with my friends and not worry if my stomach looked fat or if I had on the right makeup. The first time I can remember where I worried about how I looked was in the fifth grade. I was one of the tallest girls in my class, which was not a good thing at that age. I was even taller than a lot of the boys. I can remember worrying about clothes. I would wear mascara and powder on my face. I wore a choker because that was cool. Beyond fifth grade, my thoughts about myself were no longer positive.
I was never happy with how I looked. I hated the way clothes looked on me. I was obsessed with trying to make myself looked smaller than I was. I was jealous of the pretty girls in class. Their hair was always perfect, their makeup flawless, and they could make uniforms look like they belonged on a runway. I could never compare to them. I was a shadow on the wall that the boys looked over. I was a nerd who always had my nose in a book.
Getting in to high school was even worse. I attended a Catholic high school, the only one in my city. A big majority of the population was kids who parents were extremely wealthy. The kids were stuck up jerks and snobs. They looked down on the kids who didn't have Uggs or Sperry's or whatever the name brand trend was that year. I never had the "in" shoes or the newest cell phone. I had a phone that slid up to a keyboard, I wore knock off shoes, and my parents weren't anywhere close to wealthy. While I would never trade my family or my life for anything, at the time I was extremely jealous. I was a nobody in my high school. I was shy, quiet, and overlooked. Theater and music were my things. Even in those, I was still the outcast. No matter where I went or what club I joined, there were cliques. If that wasn't enough, add the perfect hair, the perfect bodies, and their parents' money and a nobody would start to really doubt themselves.
I wasn't fat in high school, but I definitely wasn't skinny. My hair wasn't flawless and I had a skirt that didn't fit right. I would constantly pull at my shirt so my stomach wouldn't look fat. Winter was the best season for me, because I could wear sweatshirts to hide myself. Spring and Fall were the worst. I had no sweatshirt to wear over and would constantly obsess over how I looked. I never went a day without makeup. I hated going to the pep rallies, because then I would see the cheerleaders and the dancers who had the kind of bodies that I could only dream that I had. I got made fun of by the boys in my class because I was quiet, wasn't the ditsy airhead that most of the other girls were, and because I was always reading a book.
When I finally went to college, I was able to reinvent myself in a way. I went to a school in Minnesota where no one knew me. Over time, I started to find my place. I wasn't the social outcast anymore. I was still an outsider, but I had a lot of friends. I gave myself a tough girl exterior and made my appearance send a message of "don't mess with me." This was how I protected myself and all of my insecurities.
I have never felt good about my body. I always have the notion of wanting to change my appearance. I now have a husband who constantly tells me that I'm beautiful and gorgeous. He will make me feel amazing and I don't doubt myself when I'm with him. It's when he's not with me that my critical brain takes over. Getting dressed is a long ordeal. I go through at least 4 outfits before finding one that is suitable.
I work with second graders. I haven't noticed a lot of body image issues with the class that I help in, but I can't help but see them in the future with thoughts of how they're not good enough and it breaks my heart. All I want is to help other girls see how beautiful they really are. I want them to see that they're good enough. One day they will see the models in the magazines or see girls in their class with their perfect bodies. I want other girls to know that it's okay if they don't look the same as everyone else. I want all girls and women to know that it's okay to be who they are.
Someday I hope that I can feel comfortable in my own skin. I hope that someday I can stop dreaming of having the body that the models have. Someday, I hope that I can put on any piece of clothing that I want and not doubt that it looks okay. One day, I will achieve those aspirations, but until then, I can only love myself as I am now.
I was never happy with how I looked. I hated the way clothes looked on me. I was obsessed with trying to make myself looked smaller than I was. I was jealous of the pretty girls in class. Their hair was always perfect, their makeup flawless, and they could make uniforms look like they belonged on a runway. I could never compare to them. I was a shadow on the wall that the boys looked over. I was a nerd who always had my nose in a book.
Getting in to high school was even worse. I attended a Catholic high school, the only one in my city. A big majority of the population was kids who parents were extremely wealthy. The kids were stuck up jerks and snobs. They looked down on the kids who didn't have Uggs or Sperry's or whatever the name brand trend was that year. I never had the "in" shoes or the newest cell phone. I had a phone that slid up to a keyboard, I wore knock off shoes, and my parents weren't anywhere close to wealthy. While I would never trade my family or my life for anything, at the time I was extremely jealous. I was a nobody in my high school. I was shy, quiet, and overlooked. Theater and music were my things. Even in those, I was still the outcast. No matter where I went or what club I joined, there were cliques. If that wasn't enough, add the perfect hair, the perfect bodies, and their parents' money and a nobody would start to really doubt themselves.
I wasn't fat in high school, but I definitely wasn't skinny. My hair wasn't flawless and I had a skirt that didn't fit right. I would constantly pull at my shirt so my stomach wouldn't look fat. Winter was the best season for me, because I could wear sweatshirts to hide myself. Spring and Fall were the worst. I had no sweatshirt to wear over and would constantly obsess over how I looked. I never went a day without makeup. I hated going to the pep rallies, because then I would see the cheerleaders and the dancers who had the kind of bodies that I could only dream that I had. I got made fun of by the boys in my class because I was quiet, wasn't the ditsy airhead that most of the other girls were, and because I was always reading a book.
When I finally went to college, I was able to reinvent myself in a way. I went to a school in Minnesota where no one knew me. Over time, I started to find my place. I wasn't the social outcast anymore. I was still an outsider, but I had a lot of friends. I gave myself a tough girl exterior and made my appearance send a message of "don't mess with me." This was how I protected myself and all of my insecurities.
I have never felt good about my body. I always have the notion of wanting to change my appearance. I now have a husband who constantly tells me that I'm beautiful and gorgeous. He will make me feel amazing and I don't doubt myself when I'm with him. It's when he's not with me that my critical brain takes over. Getting dressed is a long ordeal. I go through at least 4 outfits before finding one that is suitable.
I work with second graders. I haven't noticed a lot of body image issues with the class that I help in, but I can't help but see them in the future with thoughts of how they're not good enough and it breaks my heart. All I want is to help other girls see how beautiful they really are. I want them to see that they're good enough. One day they will see the models in the magazines or see girls in their class with their perfect bodies. I want other girls to know that it's okay if they don't look the same as everyone else. I want all girls and women to know that it's okay to be who they are.
Someday I hope that I can feel comfortable in my own skin. I hope that someday I can stop dreaming of having the body that the models have. Someday, I hope that I can put on any piece of clothing that I want and not doubt that it looks okay. One day, I will achieve those aspirations, but until then, I can only love myself as I am now.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Marriage, Religion, and God
My husband and I belong to different religions. I was raised a Catholic and my husband was raised an Evangelist. While those are both very different in beliefs, my husband and I respected each other's religions. We both agreed early on in the relationship that we would never make the other convert. We made a decision that we would find a religion and a church that worked for the two of us as a couple.
Three and a half months into the marriage and we have yet to act on that decision. I work in a Catholic school, which means I go to mass every Wednesday with the whole school. My husband cannot attend any service because of having to work on Sundays. I would like to find a church that accommodates both of our beliefs and time requirements.
I consider myself to be a pretty religious person. My religion and connection with God is mostly personal. I find myself praying on my own whether I'm in the middle of making food or while I'm driving. Even when I would forget to pray or talk to God for a while, I would always feel like it was forgiven.
I've always had the notion that God was by my side regardless of what I did or didn't do. The one and only time where I had serious doubts about my faith and God was during the loss of my baby. I had never doubted God the way I did for about a month. It felt like I was being punished for not wanting a baby in the first place and because I did something wrong. I couldn't understand, and still can't, why God chose to take my baby away from me and let other people keep theirs. Instead of turning towards God in my time of need, I turned away from Him. I allowed my pain and anger to take hold of my emotions and thoughts. Seeing a baby or someone who was pregnant caused horrible feelings inside of me for the first month. Slowly, I began to start thanking God for all the blessings I do have. I thanked Him for the opportunity to have seen my baby's heartbeat before He took my baby up to Heaven. I prayed that God would bless my husband and I with another child when the time is right.
The past month, I have reflected on how wrong I was to doubt God and to doubt His plan for my life. I realized that even in the toughest of times, I should always be thankful that I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on the table, and money in the bank. I should never lose sight of the wonderful things in my life. God has a specific plan for me and my job is to trust in Him and enjoy the adventures.
Religion and God has a huge part in my life and in my marriage. God is the steady rock in an otherwise turbulent river that is my life. He is the rock that I turn to to thank for everything that I have, He is who I ask for help in my times of trouble, and He is the foundation for my marriage. Without God, I wouldn't have the life I have today or the husband that I love so much.
I have no doubts that He will bless my husband and I with beautiful babies and a prosperous life. I have no doubt that He will walk by my side throughout my whole life. Religion is important to me and my husband. It was always be in my life and my prayer life will always be a staple of who I am.
Three and a half months into the marriage and we have yet to act on that decision. I work in a Catholic school, which means I go to mass every Wednesday with the whole school. My husband cannot attend any service because of having to work on Sundays. I would like to find a church that accommodates both of our beliefs and time requirements.
I consider myself to be a pretty religious person. My religion and connection with God is mostly personal. I find myself praying on my own whether I'm in the middle of making food or while I'm driving. Even when I would forget to pray or talk to God for a while, I would always feel like it was forgiven.
I've always had the notion that God was by my side regardless of what I did or didn't do. The one and only time where I had serious doubts about my faith and God was during the loss of my baby. I had never doubted God the way I did for about a month. It felt like I was being punished for not wanting a baby in the first place and because I did something wrong. I couldn't understand, and still can't, why God chose to take my baby away from me and let other people keep theirs. Instead of turning towards God in my time of need, I turned away from Him. I allowed my pain and anger to take hold of my emotions and thoughts. Seeing a baby or someone who was pregnant caused horrible feelings inside of me for the first month. Slowly, I began to start thanking God for all the blessings I do have. I thanked Him for the opportunity to have seen my baby's heartbeat before He took my baby up to Heaven. I prayed that God would bless my husband and I with another child when the time is right.
The past month, I have reflected on how wrong I was to doubt God and to doubt His plan for my life. I realized that even in the toughest of times, I should always be thankful that I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on the table, and money in the bank. I should never lose sight of the wonderful things in my life. God has a specific plan for me and my job is to trust in Him and enjoy the adventures.
Religion and God has a huge part in my life and in my marriage. God is the steady rock in an otherwise turbulent river that is my life. He is the rock that I turn to to thank for everything that I have, He is who I ask for help in my times of trouble, and He is the foundation for my marriage. Without God, I wouldn't have the life I have today or the husband that I love so much.
I have no doubts that He will bless my husband and I with beautiful babies and a prosperous life. I have no doubt that He will walk by my side throughout my whole life. Religion is important to me and my husband. It was always be in my life and my prayer life will always be a staple of who I am.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
The First Months of Marriage
When my husband and I were preparing for our marriage with premarital counseling, we discussed many subjects. Some of those had to do with who would do the chores around the house, who would handle the finances, and etc. It was clear what my expectations were. He already knew my thoughts on the "traditional" wife's responsibilities.
I am not the "traditional" wife and I never will be. I hate to cook, I don't know how to bake, and I have no interest in staying at home to take care of the house and children. It was made clear to my husband before we were married that I wouldn't be cleaning the whole house by myself everyday and he would not have dinner cooked and ready for him when he came home. I would, however, split the cooking and cleaning chores with him. The best part was that he loved to cook and do the outside work (things that I hate doing).
It was a bit of an adjustment when we started life as a new married couple. Sharing a bank account was scary and caused me to be anxious. I was used to having full control of my money. We had already agreed that I would take care of paying bills and handling the money, since I am good with finances. I did have to learn how to not micromanage every bit of my husband's spending, but at the same time, voice my opinions and thoughts about how we were spending our money.
I also had to get used to being alone on the weekends. I do not work on Saturday and Sunday's and my husband usually does. I have a whole two days of mostly being by myself, aside from the dog. When I don't feel like going anywhere, I stay at home. My one thing that I can do to make myself feel productive is to clean the house and take the dog out in the yard to play. Basically, I felt like I spent my time off cleaning the house every week and my husband spent his days off playing video games and hanging out with his friends. I started to feel like the typical 50's housewife that keeps the house clean for her man and is the responsible one while the husband gets to enjoy the house without the work and gets to do what he wants.
It wasn't my husband's intention for it to feel this way, but he didn't do any housework on his own without me writing a list or telling him. It took me voicing my thoughts and opinions (something I'm not very good at) for him to get it. I didn't realize that doing chores wasn't the first thing that entered his mind when he has time off. Communication has been something that I've had to get used to. This doesn't mean I never talked to a person when something was off or wrong, but I was never good at letting people hear my full voice. I would hide inside myself and shut down if someone made me mad or angry. In fact, it's something I'm still working at and continue to struggle with, but it has become easier with my husband's help.
When we start having children I don't want to stay at home. I have no interest in being the wife who spends every waking minute cleaning up after children and keeping the house in perfect order. To be clear, I love children and my children will be my pride and joy, but I also love working and making my contribution to the family. I am used to working multiple jobs and keeping busy. I don't think I could ever give up having a job or a career. I want to be able to have my own career that I am proud of and that my children and husband can be proud of. One of the reasons I want to be a school counselor is so that I can work the same hours that my children will be in school and so I can spend my summers devoting all my attention to my children. My mother has been a teacher my whole life and her job in the school always seemed to work well with the schedules of my sisters and I.
While I may be independent and stubborn, my husband and I have learned how to live life together, at least for now. We've been married for almost 4 months and our marriage couldn't be any better. I look forward to the blessings that we will continue to receive and the adventures that life takes us on. Our marriage is only going to grow stronger and our lives are only going to get better.
I am not the "traditional" wife and I never will be. I hate to cook, I don't know how to bake, and I have no interest in staying at home to take care of the house and children. It was made clear to my husband before we were married that I wouldn't be cleaning the whole house by myself everyday and he would not have dinner cooked and ready for him when he came home. I would, however, split the cooking and cleaning chores with him. The best part was that he loved to cook and do the outside work (things that I hate doing).
It was a bit of an adjustment when we started life as a new married couple. Sharing a bank account was scary and caused me to be anxious. I was used to having full control of my money. We had already agreed that I would take care of paying bills and handling the money, since I am good with finances. I did have to learn how to not micromanage every bit of my husband's spending, but at the same time, voice my opinions and thoughts about how we were spending our money.
I also had to get used to being alone on the weekends. I do not work on Saturday and Sunday's and my husband usually does. I have a whole two days of mostly being by myself, aside from the dog. When I don't feel like going anywhere, I stay at home. My one thing that I can do to make myself feel productive is to clean the house and take the dog out in the yard to play. Basically, I felt like I spent my time off cleaning the house every week and my husband spent his days off playing video games and hanging out with his friends. I started to feel like the typical 50's housewife that keeps the house clean for her man and is the responsible one while the husband gets to enjoy the house without the work and gets to do what he wants.
It wasn't my husband's intention for it to feel this way, but he didn't do any housework on his own without me writing a list or telling him. It took me voicing my thoughts and opinions (something I'm not very good at) for him to get it. I didn't realize that doing chores wasn't the first thing that entered his mind when he has time off. Communication has been something that I've had to get used to. This doesn't mean I never talked to a person when something was off or wrong, but I was never good at letting people hear my full voice. I would hide inside myself and shut down if someone made me mad or angry. In fact, it's something I'm still working at and continue to struggle with, but it has become easier with my husband's help.
When we start having children I don't want to stay at home. I have no interest in being the wife who spends every waking minute cleaning up after children and keeping the house in perfect order. To be clear, I love children and my children will be my pride and joy, but I also love working and making my contribution to the family. I am used to working multiple jobs and keeping busy. I don't think I could ever give up having a job or a career. I want to be able to have my own career that I am proud of and that my children and husband can be proud of. One of the reasons I want to be a school counselor is so that I can work the same hours that my children will be in school and so I can spend my summers devoting all my attention to my children. My mother has been a teacher my whole life and her job in the school always seemed to work well with the schedules of my sisters and I.
While I may be independent and stubborn, my husband and I have learned how to live life together, at least for now. We've been married for almost 4 months and our marriage couldn't be any better. I look forward to the blessings that we will continue to receive and the adventures that life takes us on. Our marriage is only going to grow stronger and our lives are only going to get better.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Reminiscing on 2016
As I sit here on the second day of 2017 drinking my coffee, eating my simple lunch of microwaved leftover pot roast, and looking at my half-cleaned house, I start to think about all that I was blessed with in 2016.
I graduated college after four very grueling years. I worked harder during the four years of college than I ever have before. Did I have fun every day and have the "well-rounded" college experience? No. Did I have a 4.0 all four years and get involved with a thousand different activities? No. I was working most of the four years and spent more time at my jobs than I did being in class, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. I learned so many life lessons and came out ready to handle anything the world could throw at me. My graduation day was one of the best days of my life. I didn't know what I was going to do next or where I was going to work, but I was confident in myself.
I chose not to start graduate school right away. Instead, I wanted to start working and get experience under my belt. I ended up working for a company that I had worked for in high school. I helped mentally and physically handicapped adults and children. While I was good at it and have a passion for the work, it wasn't the type of experience I was looking for (I had already done it for 4+ years). I started to waitress at a restaurant that I had also worked for in college as extra income. I hated the job, but I loved the extra cash.
I finally got a job where I could gain experience that would be useful towards my intended career. I was offered a position as a teacher's aid at my old middle school and helped with the after school program. It has been a blessing to be able to work with the most amazing 25 second graders. It is challenging, but so rewarding.
It did start to become difficult seeing where I wanted to eventually end up; as a school counselor. I decided to look for a program that was completely online. I found a program that I could finish in 2 years and was offered through an accredited school. While it doesn't start until June, the idea that I will finally start to work on my Master's degree is exciting.
I got married in September to the most wonderful man. He is everything I dreamed and prayed for. Being a wife was weird and new territory for me and I had to learn how to "adult." Our relationship was no longer Skype and texting all day (I was in Minnesota for college and he was in Iowa for 75% of the relationship). We had to learn to live with each other's quirks and differences. So far, the married life has been wonderful, despite some things that we could not have predicted.
In October, my husband and I found out we were expecting. It wasn't something that we were trying for and had decided to wait for a few years. Nonetheless, we were excited and so thankful. Things were going great and I got to see my 6 week old baby's heartbeat through ultrasound in November. The next day was when things went wrong. My husband took me to the emergency room where we found out that I was losing the baby. In all my daydreams and hopes for my life, I had never imagined I would lose my first baby. It was and is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with.
The two things that has made it easier is my husband and our amazing fur baby, Spirit. We rescued our 1 year old Siberian Husky from a rescue shelter. He has been a handful, but we wouldn't trade him for anything. The cuddles and loves he gives me are so worth his sassy and stubborn ways. We want to eventually get him a friend, but he is quite the special dog and it will require another special dog to deal with him.
2016 was mostly good for me. I have an amazing husband, and a supportive and loving family who continues to grow. I am more than ready to see what 2017 has in store for my husband, my fur baby, and I. While nothing in our life is absolutely perfect, it is everything I could ask for.
I graduated college after four very grueling years. I worked harder during the four years of college than I ever have before. Did I have fun every day and have the "well-rounded" college experience? No. Did I have a 4.0 all four years and get involved with a thousand different activities? No. I was working most of the four years and spent more time at my jobs than I did being in class, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. I learned so many life lessons and came out ready to handle anything the world could throw at me. My graduation day was one of the best days of my life. I didn't know what I was going to do next or where I was going to work, but I was confident in myself.
I chose not to start graduate school right away. Instead, I wanted to start working and get experience under my belt. I ended up working for a company that I had worked for in high school. I helped mentally and physically handicapped adults and children. While I was good at it and have a passion for the work, it wasn't the type of experience I was looking for (I had already done it for 4+ years). I started to waitress at a restaurant that I had also worked for in college as extra income. I hated the job, but I loved the extra cash.
I finally got a job where I could gain experience that would be useful towards my intended career. I was offered a position as a teacher's aid at my old middle school and helped with the after school program. It has been a blessing to be able to work with the most amazing 25 second graders. It is challenging, but so rewarding.
It did start to become difficult seeing where I wanted to eventually end up; as a school counselor. I decided to look for a program that was completely online. I found a program that I could finish in 2 years and was offered through an accredited school. While it doesn't start until June, the idea that I will finally start to work on my Master's degree is exciting.
I got married in September to the most wonderful man. He is everything I dreamed and prayed for. Being a wife was weird and new territory for me and I had to learn how to "adult." Our relationship was no longer Skype and texting all day (I was in Minnesota for college and he was in Iowa for 75% of the relationship). We had to learn to live with each other's quirks and differences. So far, the married life has been wonderful, despite some things that we could not have predicted.
In October, my husband and I found out we were expecting. It wasn't something that we were trying for and had decided to wait for a few years. Nonetheless, we were excited and so thankful. Things were going great and I got to see my 6 week old baby's heartbeat through ultrasound in November. The next day was when things went wrong. My husband took me to the emergency room where we found out that I was losing the baby. In all my daydreams and hopes for my life, I had never imagined I would lose my first baby. It was and is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with.
The two things that has made it easier is my husband and our amazing fur baby, Spirit. We rescued our 1 year old Siberian Husky from a rescue shelter. He has been a handful, but we wouldn't trade him for anything. The cuddles and loves he gives me are so worth his sassy and stubborn ways. We want to eventually get him a friend, but he is quite the special dog and it will require another special dog to deal with him.
2016 was mostly good for me. I have an amazing husband, and a supportive and loving family who continues to grow. I am more than ready to see what 2017 has in store for my husband, my fur baby, and I. While nothing in our life is absolutely perfect, it is everything I could ask for.
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