How Soon is "TOO SOON"?

That Dude and I have a running joke about our ability to "take things slowly" (or better stated, our lack thereof!) When people ask about our relationship and how long we dated, I always laugh before answering. He and I had been best friends for years and, during the winter of 2008, as things went downhill with my ex, I found myself spending more and more time crying to him about how I'd "NEVER find my forever man". He was always great about telling me to pray about it and to do whatever I felt was really best for me. Eventually things ended and then suddenly in February 2009 That Dude and I began to notice the feelings that were developing between us. We discussed it and agreed to "take things slowly" since I'd so recently broken up with my ex. We continued to hang out regularly and in March we decided to date exclusively with the strict rule that we'd "take things slowly" for fear of what a romantic relationship could do to our friendship if it didn't work out (we had dated VERY briefly when we first met but had decided that friends were all we were meant to be - we weren't so sure that we'd be that lucky the second time around.) We quickly realized how much we cared for each other and two months later, That Dude proposed to me on my 26th birthday, and two days short of seven months later, I was walking down the aisle!

As you can see, we have a slightly different concept of the meaning of the word slow than most people! So of course what was intended to be a serious conversation turned into lots of laughter last night when I said that we should revisit our premarital compromise on how long to wait before trying to have kids. When we first discussed it, I wanted to wait around one calendar year before beginning to try to get pregnant and That Dude (who is slightly younger than I am, and therefore not thinking about babies yet) felt that a more reasonable amount of time to wait would be AT LEAST three to four years. After lots of talking and praying, we finally agreed that we'd wait the one year (with the understanding that it may take us a little while to actually conceive since I had an ovary removed at 18. As we got closer and closer to the wedding though, I began to feel more of a need to wait it out and enjoy each other and he began to think more and more that we should begin sooner than later! Now that we're married though it's not just a thought to ponder, it's a reality that we have to think about every time we (ahem) lay with each other.

Although we know that in the end it's a decision that only we can truly make for ourselves, we've begun to seek advice from people whose opinions we value. Which brings me to you guys. If there is anyone with an opinion on this topic leave me a comment.

Just BECAUSE...

I screwed up dinner BECAUSE I wasn't paying attention BECAUSE I was angry and hurt BECAUSE That Dude asked if I'd mind if he went to the pool hall with his friends after dinner...

I felt hurt and angry BECAUSE I was trying to surprise him with a dinner that I KNEW he'd love BECAUSE I love him and want to see him happy and I felt unloved BECAUSE I felt like he didn't want to spend time with me.

And he ate it and said it was great but I know he was lying BECAUSE I was eating the same thing and it pretty much sucked.

Sigh...

Living on a Budget...

It's much harder to stick to a budget when we don't have a stove! Yup, that's right. Ok, I do have crock pot (thanks Titi!), microwave (thanks super great sale at Target) and a hot plate (thanks pretty cool boss for letting me borrow it). But still and all, it would be easier (and a little cheaper) if I could cook on a stove.

Day 11

We're not feeling well. :o(

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Post Wedding Blues...?

I heard time and again over the last 6 months about the "Post Wedding Blues" and how, after all of the planning and stressing to make it all PERFECT, the day would go by so quickly and I'd wish there had been more to it all. Well, here we are, day 10 since the wedding and I'm feeling nothing short of joy, just as I have every day since the wedding! **And, as a simple side note for all of those who said, "Just wait until one of you is sick, or cranky, or has a bad day at work..." I beg to differ since he's home with Pink Eye and I'm annoyed that I had to leave my house on what feels like a single digit temperature day, without gloves or a hat and get on a crowded train to go to work with a stuffy nose and mild fever, yet I'm still smiling!**

While I'll admit, the wedding day was indeed non-stop and I couldn't believe how quickly parts of it were over (like, who hit the fast forward button at the ceremony?), by the time we left the reception site (around 9pm) I was beat! I couldn't imagine dancing to one more song, or talking to even one more person.

All of this to say people should stop projecting their issues and insecurities onto others! I'm a living testament that you don't have to live by the standards of the norm. In fact, I'm calling my experience, "Post Wedding Bliss" instead!

Anybody else experience Post Wedding Bliss after getting married?

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Merry Christmas and NM Here We Come!!

Just shooting off a quick post to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May we remember the true reason for the season as we walk through the day. That Dude and I will be spending the day with my family since his family doesn't really do holidays. Whatever you decide to do, I pray that you have a safe and God-filled day!

And before I go, I'd like to share that I won the contest over at KingdomMama's blog! That Dude and I are beyond excited and can't wait to travel west together and the first time for both of us! Yay! And if you're still thinking of organizations to support before the year is over, you still should really consider giving to Compassion International. They really do rock!

Ok, I'm off to prep for my day. Talk to you soon!