Change is Good

 

Joe and I got married on March 30, 2013. It was a beautiful day that I will never forget. We said our vows, exchanged our rings, and joined our lives as one. Looking back over the year and half of planning and preparation for this day, I am glad it's over. But my life was forever changed that day. And being on this side of my wedding day, I couldn't be happier. It's been almost a month; everyday I am thankful for my husband and I love being married to my best friend. So how has my life changed since being married? Here's just a few thoughts...  

From Momma's House to My House...uh, Our House 
Well, I moved out of my parents house and moved in with my husband into our new home. That hasn't really been difficult - the leaving my parents part - because I was ready for this. I knew it was coming and I eagerly awaited the day when I could say that I moved out for good. I feel like a real adult now. :) But, it has been a change in moving in with my husband. For one, sleeping with someone and sharing a bed is a little weird, after sleeping alone for 27 years. It's getting better, and I love the waking up and snuggling part, but the getting to sleep I'm-tired-and-you're-in-my-space part, that's still a little difficult. But that's just it. The whole you're-in-my-space part - that's been the most difficult (and fun) part of marriage so far. There's always someone in your space. And it's not all about me anymore. It's about us. Everything we had as individuals has been brought into this marriage and is now shared...our personal space, our "privacy", our attitudes, our baggage, our ideas...everything is out there in the open. Yes, it's liberating to be so open with someone and know that they love you no matter what, but sometimes, I still want my space. We're learning how to balance time together as a couple and time apart as individuals. I don't want to lose who I am in the fact that I'm a wife. My husband doesn't want that either. We need to find a good balance, and we will, in time.  

Priorities: Sleep vs. Sink Full of Dishes?
Another thing that changed for me is that in becoming a wife I've also become a homemaker. Cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, organizing, decorating, making meal plans and grocery shopping, clipping coupons, the list goes on! And it's all things that I've never really had to do before (because I lived at home and Mom did it!) But I've had an amazing example of what it looks like (Thanks, Mom!) and so I feel prepared to rise to this challenge. So far, I feel like I've done pretty well and I'm learning what works best for me and my husband. Again, it's about balance...and priorities. Sure, I'd love to sleep an extra hour in the mornings, but I know that if I do, I'll be stressed when I get home from work because I didn't think ahead about what to make for dinner, or do that load of laundry that needs to be done, or wash that sink full of dishes. And my husband (when he's off and home in the evenings) likes me to spend quality time with him. I just can't do it all! Can I? I believe I can, if I prioritize what's important and make adjustments where necessary. I show my husband that I love him by cooking him a good meal, getting the laundry done, and keeping a clean organized home. And just for the record, my husband does cook dinner 1-2 times a week and clean the house 1-2 times a week, so I do have help from him. He really is amazing! 

I love being a wife and everyday I pray that God will help me to be a good wife, to love my husband and to respect him as I should. God is still working on me, and thank God my husband understands that I'm not perfect (yet!). I'm still becoming the woman I want to be...