I haven't blogged in a little while, I feel like so much is going on that this is the last thing on my mind. Let's see what first? Wedding planning... well we are 55 days away. That feels really surreal, like is this actually happening. We've been planning and planning and it's almost here and I still don't know if I really believe it's going to happen. The majority of the planning has been pretty easy, I started kind of panicking a bit ago so I started a task list, assigned owners and due dates and take it one step at a time. I also made Bart read it, step by step... afterwards he thanked me over and over again for everything I've done for the wedding. :-) Oh, I also started having really weird irrational fears... what if I planned this entire thing and no one comes? What if everyone hates it? What if I go to try on my dress and I hate it? Or it doesn't fit? What if I forget to pick up my dress? Such random and dumb little fears but I still have them. So far out of 180 people, we only have 67 people coming - EEKS! Oh and then I found out that a lot of my mail is being returned to sender randomly, I have a case open against my mail carrier but it's just ridiculous. DELIVER MY DAMN MAIL!!
In other news, I'm still teaching kickboxing. I really love it except they have a new theory where they want us to teach the exact same class every single class... not sure how long I'll last with this new theory but I will try it first. I still love it and think it's one of the best work outs ever. I did start the Advocare 24 day challenge the beginning of the month. I'm not doing nearly as good as I did last time - I need to kick this up into high gear.
I also accepted a new position at work. I'm really excited to get back into leadership and take on a new challenge. It was really weird when they sent out the announcement, I got so many emails that said it was a much deserved promotion - I think that is maybe the best compliment ever! I mean I know that I work my butt off and do my best but I didn't know other people saw that too. It's a really good feeling to work hard for something, have it pay off, and have other people notice - it doesn't always work out that way, I feel very very lucky. I also feel really lucky to have the mentors and support system that I have. I may have driven a couple of you crazy while I was making this decision but your guidance and advice is so so so appreciated!!! Of course my babe made sure that I felt very special and let me know how proud he was of me. He's just the best man ever!
Of course only I plan a wedding, begin instructing kickboxing, and take on a new job all at the same time. Let's see how many life changes can happen at once! I mean, if you're going to do it, do it right? A friend of mine at work told me her perspective of me and how I will never be happy or satisfied just "living" I always need new challenges to keep me excited and motivated and going. This conversation opened my eyes because it's true - I don't like to let things happen to me or sit around waiting, I prefer to make things happen. Ok - enough of this "I am woman hear me roar" crap. :-)
Next up is my shower and bachelorette party, everything is going to move along so fast. I can't wait!! LOVE YOU ALL :-)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Number After 29
Well it's official... I'm that number after 29. I don't know what it is about that number that I don't love but I will continue to refer to it as "the number after 29." I wanted to be far far away on that day so that no one would even mention that number. Some friends of ours got a really great deal in Myrtle Beach so we followed suit and planned a long weekend getaway. Work has been a little hectic lately, add wedding planning and people's drama to the list and we needed to get away. We spent a lot of time on the beach. I did learn that my version of "relax" and Bart's version of "relax" is a bit different. We did purchase him a boogie board and it was the best damn $14.99 we ever spent, kept him entertained for HOURS :-).
Some pics from our trip...
Some pics from our trip...
When I got home there was birthday surprise after birthday surprise. My wonderful co-workers got me new kickboxing gloves. My mom and Joe celebrated birth week and send me something new every single day! My brother, sister, nephew got me my first ever lululemon - an awesome jacket. I have a feeling this will be a new obsession. The cards and birthday wishes and bottles of wine were so appreciated. My friends and family are the BEST and I'm so grateful to have you all in my life.
So I know that the year after the number 29 will be a great one. I know there is so much to look forward to. I get to marry the love of my life and experience all the firsts of being a newlywed. I get to go on our honeymoon to the beautiful St. Lucia. This year is going to be truly amazing, I know it... not going to lie, I still don't really love that number.
Monday, August 5, 2013
My Latest Obsession - KICKBOXING
I remember when I was young, I hated that my parents had me in softball because I hated to sweat. My mom still tells people that to this day. I think it was more the fact that I sucked at it and when you have a brother that grew up to be a professional baseball player, you find something else to do that you’re good at… I mean come on, how do you compete with that? I got really into dance when I was little because of my best friend, Crissy. I loved dance class. Throughout high school I was really into cheerleading and running. I loved to run, I was terrible at it but didn’t care – I just loved it. Over the last few years I’ve tried a number of new regiments such as spinning, boot camp and most recently kickboxing.
I’ve been kickboxing since about last October, so for about 10 months now. It is my new obsession. You get that cardio/boot camp stuff – we run and do jumping jacks, push up , burpies (if you don’t know what burpies are call me – everyone should have to endure this kind of pain) and you also get out some aggression with hitting and kicking and punching and yelling – it’s pretty awesome! I mean not that I’m going through anything stressful right now that I would need to get aggression out (like planning a wedding, or being on 28 projects so far this year).
I go to a martial art’s studio for kickboxing. To me the benefit to this is you are surrounded by trained martial artists who know about form and technique. I feel like kickboxing at a lot of gyms isn’t a whole lot different than a boot camp or aerobics class. I also love that we have the actual bags to train on. Master Lanre at my school thinks of it as more of a pre-Tae Kwon Do class (with burpies).
A couple of months ago, one of my instructors told me I should teach class and I jokingly said let me know when you have an open position. He brought me up to Master Lanre after class and said “talk to him”. Since then I’ve been working with Master Lanre to train and improve my instructing skills. This started off with teaching portions of the kickboxing class to the Black Belt class. Talk about INTIMIDATING! The first class I had a little mouse voice and was shaking like a leaf, come to find out they don’t do these basic steps much anymore and by the end of 15 minutes, they were sweating all over the place and absolutely exhausted (Monica – 1, Black Belts - 0).
In addition to the instructor training sessions, I’ve also been taking some Tae Kwon Do classes. It is an interesting experience to go from practicing being in front of the class and the “expert” to going to the back of the class where I know NOTHING. It is much more difficult than I anticipated. I love the fact that I’m learning the “right” way to do the kicks and punches but the forms are SO CONFUSING – I feel like I’m just flailing my arms and legs hoping that I’m faced the same direction as the rest of the class. As dumb as it may sound – the hardest part for me is the “yes sir” aspect. Now, my mother raised me right, I say Mr. and Mrs., even a sir or ma’am every now and again. But having to say “yes sir” after every command makes me feel weird. It makes me feel like it is years ago before women’s rights and when men ruled the world or something. I believe in respect and understand that you show respect to those higher than you so I’ll go with it, still feels weird.
So far I’ve taught about 20 minutes of the Black Belt class 4 times and about 3/4 of the kickboxing class that I take. I’m really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to grow my skills, so much to learn and practice. I also hope I can help people achieve their fitness goals – the part I’m most excited about is to start with a new class and watch them transform over time, giving them motivation and support. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
A few months ago, we had a class outside on the street. Bart came and snapped some shots, thanks to Crystal for coming and trying it out with me!
I’ve been kickboxing since about last October, so for about 10 months now. It is my new obsession. You get that cardio/boot camp stuff – we run and do jumping jacks, push up , burpies (if you don’t know what burpies are call me – everyone should have to endure this kind of pain) and you also get out some aggression with hitting and kicking and punching and yelling – it’s pretty awesome! I mean not that I’m going through anything stressful right now that I would need to get aggression out (like planning a wedding, or being on 28 projects so far this year).
I go to a martial art’s studio for kickboxing. To me the benefit to this is you are surrounded by trained martial artists who know about form and technique. I feel like kickboxing at a lot of gyms isn’t a whole lot different than a boot camp or aerobics class. I also love that we have the actual bags to train on. Master Lanre at my school thinks of it as more of a pre-Tae Kwon Do class (with burpies).
A couple of months ago, one of my instructors told me I should teach class and I jokingly said let me know when you have an open position. He brought me up to Master Lanre after class and said “talk to him”. Since then I’ve been working with Master Lanre to train and improve my instructing skills. This started off with teaching portions of the kickboxing class to the Black Belt class. Talk about INTIMIDATING! The first class I had a little mouse voice and was shaking like a leaf, come to find out they don’t do these basic steps much anymore and by the end of 15 minutes, they were sweating all over the place and absolutely exhausted (Monica – 1, Black Belts - 0).
In addition to the instructor training sessions, I’ve also been taking some Tae Kwon Do classes. It is an interesting experience to go from practicing being in front of the class and the “expert” to going to the back of the class where I know NOTHING. It is much more difficult than I anticipated. I love the fact that I’m learning the “right” way to do the kicks and punches but the forms are SO CONFUSING – I feel like I’m just flailing my arms and legs hoping that I’m faced the same direction as the rest of the class. As dumb as it may sound – the hardest part for me is the “yes sir” aspect. Now, my mother raised me right, I say Mr. and Mrs., even a sir or ma’am every now and again. But having to say “yes sir” after every command makes me feel weird. It makes me feel like it is years ago before women’s rights and when men ruled the world or something. I believe in respect and understand that you show respect to those higher than you so I’ll go with it, still feels weird.
So far I’ve taught about 20 minutes of the Black Belt class 4 times and about 3/4 of the kickboxing class that I take. I’m really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to grow my skills, so much to learn and practice. I also hope I can help people achieve their fitness goals – the part I’m most excited about is to start with a new class and watch them transform over time, giving them motivation and support. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.
A few months ago, we had a class outside on the street. Bart came and snapped some shots, thanks to Crystal for coming and trying it out with me!
These bags are my favorite and kicking is my favorite
This is a front block. The man in front in all white is Master Lanre.
This is a front jab. Make sure you are hitting with your first two knuckles, keep you arm straight out but don't lock your elbows.
Keep your arms up to protect your face :-)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Engagement Party - Summer Soiree Style
Kicking off the wedding celebrations, my wonderful family threw us an engagement party in Iowa this past weekend. Mom and Joe have been preparing their home for weeks to make it look just perfect. Mom and Alice did an amazing job of decorating and adding all those special touches that made the party feel extra special.
We all traveled home Thursday night, on Friday Mom, Joe, Bart and I went into town and got some big things accomplished! We got Joe a suit for the wedding, Bart a suit for the wedding, stopped and saw the dress mom picked out and officially ordered it, and Bart and I got our wedding rings! I was soooooooo excited to finally get the rings as this is something Bart and I have been researching and looking and looking and researching and FINALLY found 2 perfect rings :-). Couldn't be happier! Michael at Shamrocks is even giving Bart a great idea for our one year anniversary (gotta love having a family friend that is a jeweler)!! After a nice lunch at the view we went home to start setting up for the party. Crissy and Miss Elly came out for a visit - that little baby is so freaking cute, walking and all!! The boys set up a tent which after taking a couple hours to complete, Joe promptly decided he didn't like it and took it back down (man I love a perfectionist!!).
Saturday morning it was time for the final touches and setting up for the big party! Everything looked absolutely wonderful!
This was the first time that our families met! It was so wonderful that everyone was able to join the party and meet each other.
We all traveled home Thursday night, on Friday Mom, Joe, Bart and I went into town and got some big things accomplished! We got Joe a suit for the wedding, Bart a suit for the wedding, stopped and saw the dress mom picked out and officially ordered it, and Bart and I got our wedding rings! I was soooooooo excited to finally get the rings as this is something Bart and I have been researching and looking and looking and researching and FINALLY found 2 perfect rings :-). Couldn't be happier! Michael at Shamrocks is even giving Bart a great idea for our one year anniversary (gotta love having a family friend that is a jeweler)!! After a nice lunch at the view we went home to start setting up for the party. Crissy and Miss Elly came out for a visit - that little baby is so freaking cute, walking and all!! The boys set up a tent which after taking a couple hours to complete, Joe promptly decided he didn't like it and took it back down (man I love a perfectionist!!).
Josh and Boogie got in a little pool time
My furry nephew lounged in the sun watching his little brother.
Saturday morning it was time for the final touches and setting up for the big party! Everything looked absolutely wonderful!
True Iowa style, we have a huge trough of beer... I'm pretty sure this was Bart's favorite part of the decorations :-)
Josh kept saying that there was a homeless man that kept hanging around... he ended up staying for the party.
This was the first time that our families met! It was so wonderful that everyone was able to join the party and meet each other.
Bart, Andy, Ala, and Monica
My parents, Bart's parents, Bart's Aunt/Uncle, Josh/Alice, Bart/Monica
Bart and I (before it got cold)
My wonderful maid of honor Crissy!
All of my bridesmaids were at the party - look at that pretty bunch!!
Alice, Me, Crissy, & Amanda
I cannot thank them enough for coming back to celebrate - it means so much to me that they were all there and kicking off the wedding celebrations. I am one lucky girl to have these 3 ladies stand up with me on the big day!
Bart and I (after it got chilly)
So many relatives and neighbors and lots of people I may or may not have known came and drank and joined in the celebration. Bart and I are so lucky to have these people in our lives, this experience would not be nearly as special or memorable without these people around us! Bart's cousins Andrew and Laura surprised us by making the trip - not sure how I didn't get a picture with them - but we really loved the surprise and we're soooo glad they made it!!!
A huge huge huge huge thank you to Mom, Joe, Josh and Alice for throwing this summer soiree and making us feel like the luckiest kids in the world!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Wisconsin visitors and a 4th of July trip to Northern Wisconsin
Summer is finally here and we're enjoying every (rainy) moment of it. The end of June, Bart's parents came for a visit. This was the first time they've been to our apartment. I was really nervous, hoping it was clean enough and ready for new visitors. Over the years, I've learned a lot from my sister-in-law about hosting out of town guests and tried to apply all my notes (ex: have a full set of towels ready for them when they arrive so they don't have to ask).
Bart's mom arrived via Amtrack on Saturday afternoon, we went to pick her up and took the train and a bus to our neighborhood. Marzena was excited to try out our dirty/smelly public transportation system and being the weekend of Pride, it was just that :-). We walked around Division for awhile and had some lunch then came home to relax for the evening.
Sunday, Bart's dad also came for a visit, we went to a Chicago White Sox game and then spent the day walking around the city.
It was great to have Bart's parents come to visit and see where we live and our favorite spots.
4th of July weekend we were invited to go on a much needed getaway for northern Wisconsin to our friend Rick's lake house for the long weekend. We were so eager to get away to a place where there was no cell phone reception, no Internet, nothing for a whole 5 days!!! We left Wednesday after work and got to the Cabin right at sunset!
My good friend Jenn and her two kids celebrated with us at the cabin. It was so great to catch up with Jenn and revisit her love for large pours of wine :-). The next morning we woke up to the beautiful sight of nature and green and trees and water (things we don't see much here in the city.)
We spent our days in the lake floating on rafts, drinking margaritas and laughing a lot, I even talked everyone in the group into being pulled behind the boat on a tube, something we used to do a lot as kids. I still had my skills but we were able to get Bart to take a bit of a tumble (he he he). Rick bought the most amazing raft called the "Relaxation Station" its AMAZING! Alex absolutely LOVED the water and played all day long without a peep. We had fun paddle boating, jumping off the dock, tye dying t-shirts, and not worrying about a thing!
Friday night we went into town for a Fish Fry... I know what you're thinking... how did they get Monica to a FISH FRY?? Lucky for these clowns other options were offered. We had the most amazing experience at the restaurant. Jenn has two wonderful and amazing children, if you ever want to hear about our love for her children, Bart and I could talk about them all day long! Jenn's son, Alex, has autism and sometimes can express himself in a loudish manner that will make people stare. Sometimes I think people are rude or curious or ignorant or assholes or maybe just don't know what else to do. Our waitress told us she is a special needs teacher and asked Jenn if she had certain apps for him to help him communication - it was really great that she was willing to offer her advise and kind words. After dinner Rick took the kids for a walk on the lake and Jenn, Bart and I finished up our bevys, as we were leaving the couple next to us told us that her mother was a special needs teacher as well and she just wanted to compliment Jenn on how good of a mother she is and how well behaved her children were and that she was really impressed. The whole dinner was just wonderful. Jenn is a wonderful mother and I learned so much from her this weekend. You know what, I also learned a lot from Katie this weekend, that girl is 10 going on 40 and the best big sister I've ever seen! Do me a favor, next time you're in a restaurant and some one's child is upset, instead of staring offer up a smile or some nice encouraging words... you have no idea how much you may brighten someones day!
Saturday was another fun day in the sun followed by some evening sparklers... I mean it was 4th of July weekend and all..
I'm consistently reminded of how lucky I am to have Bart in my life. He played Mr. fix it, chef, bartender and was so wonderful with the kiddos. I'm one lucky girl!
Sunday was a LOOOONNNNGGGG day it took us 8.5 hours to get home because of holiday traffic!! We are so grateful to have friends like Rick to take us to this beautiful cabin, we cannot say thank you enough!
Oh and this is the ONLY picture I got of Rick the entire trip. This is him spooning "road kill" the stuffed animal. Yep he's flipping off the camera.. yep this is still getting posted since he wouldn't let us take any other pictures. LOVE YOU RICKIE!!!!
Bart's mom arrived via Amtrack on Saturday afternoon, we went to pick her up and took the train and a bus to our neighborhood. Marzena was excited to try out our dirty/smelly public transportation system and being the weekend of Pride, it was just that :-). We walked around Division for awhile and had some lunch then came home to relax for the evening.
Marzena and her "lalunia"
Ladies who lunch
Sunday, Bart's dad also came for a visit, we went to a Chicago White Sox game and then spent the day walking around the city.
It was great to have Bart's parents come to visit and see where we live and our favorite spots.
4th of July weekend we were invited to go on a much needed getaway for northern Wisconsin to our friend Rick's lake house for the long weekend. We were so eager to get away to a place where there was no cell phone reception, no Internet, nothing for a whole 5 days!!! We left Wednesday after work and got to the Cabin right at sunset!
Jenn, Bart and I
Saturday was another fun day in the sun followed by some evening sparklers... I mean it was 4th of July weekend and all..
Katie, Jenn and Bart - I have no idea what Katie is doing but I LOVE IT!
YEP those are HOMEMADE TYE DYE shirts!! I'll make one for ya if you want one ;-)
I'm consistently reminded of how lucky I am to have Bart in my life. He played Mr. fix it, chef, bartender and was so wonderful with the kiddos. I'm one lucky girl!
Sunday was a LOOOONNNNGGGG day it took us 8.5 hours to get home because of holiday traffic!! We are so grateful to have friends like Rick to take us to this beautiful cabin, we cannot say thank you enough!
Oh and this is the ONLY picture I got of Rick the entire trip. This is him spooning "road kill" the stuffed animal. Yep he's flipping off the camera.. yep this is still getting posted since he wouldn't let us take any other pictures. LOVE YOU RICKIE!!!!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Registry War is OVER!
Let me start this out by saying my fiance is a saint to deal with me everyday, believe me I know this! One of my least favorite parts of the wedding planning process has been the registry. We have two registries - one for our honeymoon at Sandals (this one was easy and fun) and one at Bed Bath and Beyond (this one was not easy). We struggled a bit in the beginning with the whole concept - we're not a young, just starting out couple, we both had places before we moved in and a lot of miss-matched items. It felt weird to ask for all new stuff, as I consulted my married friends, multiple blogs/articles, and the knot.com, it was unanamous - set up a registry because guests like it and you get discounts on anything on there not purchased just for having one.
We ventured to Bed Bath and Beyond on a snowing day after work to a small one in the city. Fun fact, every BB&B has different stuff and the small ones have less options. We met with a very chatty consultant who showed us the 5 china patterns they had and then sent us off to scan away. I would have never guessed it but my fiance LOVED scanning whatever he could find at the highest price. Half way through we had a serious, "let's think through what we really need/want" chat and continued on our way. We both left frustrated and ready to be out of there.
So let's talk china for a second. I never thought of myself as a fancy china wanting kind of person but the thought of china is intriguing to me. I love my mother's china that she has from Joe's grandma and I love Bart's mother's china. I love getting them out on holidays and using the fancy plates. I love being the only one who wraps them up so they are safe. I love the tradition of it all. I loved the thought of some day sitting around the table hosting holidays with our family using fancy china. What I don't love is the cost of china. I have gone back and forth and back and forth on this china concept. We agreed on a pattern and then a good friend of mine picked the exact same pattern for their wedding china so we started from scratch. We went in a second time to a much larger BB&B and spent over an hour mixing and matching and trying to find something we both liked. I was so overwhelmed by the sales lady, so was Bart, at some point I was ready to cry and he was walking out of the store... miserable!
Finally, last night I decided I no longer wanted china, if we got that china I would be reminded of this miserable process and really Bart could care less about china. We decided to go with the cheap, basic white everyday plates from BB&B. Yes all of that and we went with the cheapest most practical alternative. Will I regret not getting china? Maybe. Was this the right decision? Who knows. Does anyone give a crap anymore about china? Normally I would ask for opinions on this but ya know what, I don't care, I don't want them, I just want to be happy with my simple pratical classic white plates and never talk about this silly topic again.
I'm happy to say I feel good about this registry debacle coming to it's conclusion and if you want advice on how to enjoy the registery process, don't ask me because I have NO CLUE!
In other wedding news... things are moving along nicely, it's going to be here before we know it! My MOH and I started discussing the shower/bachelorette party which is SO EXCITING. It's going to be fun and low key and exactly how I want it! Our next big step is the engagement party that my family is throwing for us in Dubuque. Having a smaller wedding venue, I'm so excited to get to involve everyone in this party! My mother and sister-in-law are great planners and hosts, and I feel very lucky they want to do this for us! This will also be the place that our families meet for the first time.
Buckle up, this is going to be one crazy 6 months... almost 5 months... holy crap!
We ventured to Bed Bath and Beyond on a snowing day after work to a small one in the city. Fun fact, every BB&B has different stuff and the small ones have less options. We met with a very chatty consultant who showed us the 5 china patterns they had and then sent us off to scan away. I would have never guessed it but my fiance LOVED scanning whatever he could find at the highest price. Half way through we had a serious, "let's think through what we really need/want" chat and continued on our way. We both left frustrated and ready to be out of there.
So let's talk china for a second. I never thought of myself as a fancy china wanting kind of person but the thought of china is intriguing to me. I love my mother's china that she has from Joe's grandma and I love Bart's mother's china. I love getting them out on holidays and using the fancy plates. I love being the only one who wraps them up so they are safe. I love the tradition of it all. I loved the thought of some day sitting around the table hosting holidays with our family using fancy china. What I don't love is the cost of china. I have gone back and forth and back and forth on this china concept. We agreed on a pattern and then a good friend of mine picked the exact same pattern for their wedding china so we started from scratch. We went in a second time to a much larger BB&B and spent over an hour mixing and matching and trying to find something we both liked. I was so overwhelmed by the sales lady, so was Bart, at some point I was ready to cry and he was walking out of the store... miserable!
Finally, last night I decided I no longer wanted china, if we got that china I would be reminded of this miserable process and really Bart could care less about china. We decided to go with the cheap, basic white everyday plates from BB&B. Yes all of that and we went with the cheapest most practical alternative. Will I regret not getting china? Maybe. Was this the right decision? Who knows. Does anyone give a crap anymore about china? Normally I would ask for opinions on this but ya know what, I don't care, I don't want them, I just want to be happy with my simple pratical classic white plates and never talk about this silly topic again.
I'm happy to say I feel good about this registry debacle coming to it's conclusion and if you want advice on how to enjoy the registery process, don't ask me because I have NO CLUE!
In other wedding news... things are moving along nicely, it's going to be here before we know it! My MOH and I started discussing the shower/bachelorette party which is SO EXCITING. It's going to be fun and low key and exactly how I want it! Our next big step is the engagement party that my family is throwing for us in Dubuque. Having a smaller wedding venue, I'm so excited to get to involve everyone in this party! My mother and sister-in-law are great planners and hosts, and I feel very lucky they want to do this for us! This will also be the place that our families meet for the first time.
Buckle up, this is going to be one crazy 6 months... almost 5 months... holy crap!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Six months and I'm a Sitarski!
I'm getting married in 6 months! SIX MONTHS! It is so crazy to think about a year ago and how much things can change in a year. I cannot wait for it to be December 7th, I cannot wait to see all of my family and friends and go through the experiences that I have seen so many friends and family members have on their wedding days. Most importantly I cannot wait to marry my best friend and make him legally bound to me for the rest of our lives. Today I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
I am also very lucky to be surrounded by couples who are willing to share what has worked and what has not worked for them. I am constantly asking people "what is your secret" to a happy marriage... I get answers that range from "communication" to "good sex" to "xanax." Through the gathering of these finding, I think about what our "secret" is or what makes our life together so happy... so I thought on the six month to our wedding date day, I would list some of these out. Who knows... it may be helpful to look back on one day.
1. Family is important! We are both extremely close to our families and both make our families a priority in our lives. Families are forever! I personally could not be with someone that my family didn't love and respect as much as I do because let's face it, the people in my family are some of the funnest people I know and hanging out with them is a total blast!! One piece of advice I was told along the way was to avoid family drama and be the "point person" for your own family - don't put each other in the middle. This may sound a little odd but it makes sense - we don't want to create any "bad guy" situations.
2. Laugh... a lot! We may act like 5 year olds half the time, but at least we are both acting like 5 year olds!
3. Thank each other! We make it a point to show our appreciation for even the simplest tasks. "Thanks for doing the laundry" "Thanks for putting away the dishes." The other night Bart made dinner, I thanked him for a fabulous dinner and then cleaned the kitchen (I mean he cooked... its only fair). After thanking me for cleaning up, he asked if we can stay this nice to each other and still thank each other when we're married... mental note... point taken :-).
4. Make each other feel important! We both do things to make each other feel important. We make a big deal out of birthdays and anniversary's. Bart is sooo good at buying me flowers. Sometimes even the littlest things make the biggest impact.
5. Communication is key! I know its sounds so unoriginal but let's be honest, its a fact. Unfortunately we have already encountered a couple of situations on the more difficult side and we have come out of them stronger because we talk about it. It's not rocket science, just tell the other person what's going on and what's pissing you off... its amazing how helpful that can be!
6. Me and You Against the World! It may sound kinda silly but we've said this statement so many times, whenever one of us is feeling like things aren't fair, or we're struggling with something, it reminds us that we have each other and we don't have to go through anything alone.
Now, make no mistake we are not perfect... well mostly I am not perfect, he's pretty freaking close! But hey maybe this will make someone thank their significant other more or buy a card on the way home.
Six months and I'm a Sitarski :-).
I am also very lucky to be surrounded by couples who are willing to share what has worked and what has not worked for them. I am constantly asking people "what is your secret" to a happy marriage... I get answers that range from "communication" to "good sex" to "xanax." Through the gathering of these finding, I think about what our "secret" is or what makes our life together so happy... so I thought on the six month to our wedding date day, I would list some of these out. Who knows... it may be helpful to look back on one day.
1. Family is important! We are both extremely close to our families and both make our families a priority in our lives. Families are forever! I personally could not be with someone that my family didn't love and respect as much as I do because let's face it, the people in my family are some of the funnest people I know and hanging out with them is a total blast!! One piece of advice I was told along the way was to avoid family drama and be the "point person" for your own family - don't put each other in the middle. This may sound a little odd but it makes sense - we don't want to create any "bad guy" situations.
2. Laugh... a lot! We may act like 5 year olds half the time, but at least we are both acting like 5 year olds!
3. Thank each other! We make it a point to show our appreciation for even the simplest tasks. "Thanks for doing the laundry" "Thanks for putting away the dishes." The other night Bart made dinner, I thanked him for a fabulous dinner and then cleaned the kitchen (I mean he cooked... its only fair). After thanking me for cleaning up, he asked if we can stay this nice to each other and still thank each other when we're married... mental note... point taken :-).
4. Make each other feel important! We both do things to make each other feel important. We make a big deal out of birthdays and anniversary's. Bart is sooo good at buying me flowers. Sometimes even the littlest things make the biggest impact.
5. Communication is key! I know its sounds so unoriginal but let's be honest, its a fact. Unfortunately we have already encountered a couple of situations on the more difficult side and we have come out of them stronger because we talk about it. It's not rocket science, just tell the other person what's going on and what's pissing you off... its amazing how helpful that can be!
6. Me and You Against the World! It may sound kinda silly but we've said this statement so many times, whenever one of us is feeling like things aren't fair, or we're struggling with something, it reminds us that we have each other and we don't have to go through anything alone.
Now, make no mistake we are not perfect... well mostly I am not perfect, he's pretty freaking close! But hey maybe this will make someone thank their significant other more or buy a card on the way home.
Six months and I'm a Sitarski :-).
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