I realized it’s been awhile since we last truly updated you on our life…so here goes nothing:

As many of us bloggers have been writing about lately – it’s easy for the blog-sphere to make it seem like our lives are just a series of romantic moments documented from one perfectly framed photo to the next. Though John and I both feel truly grateful for the little things and big things in our lives, we’re learning that feeling blessed is a mindset – even when there are more “cloudy” days in our week than we’d opt for. At 7 weeks of wedded bliss – it’s safe to say that it came with a lot of trial and error – but mostly error. The days after returning from Miami life hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I literally cried for two weeks after the church bells stopped ringing and the wedding dress collected dust in the trunk of our car. Though it was no laughing matter to me back then, now I can affectionately look back on those first days and feel better knowing that many of my fellow former brides commiserated in my initial feelings of sadness. A lot of  it had to do with the deflated feeling I had realizing that the big day we had worked so hard for was over in the blink of an eye – but some of the frustration also had to do with my husband not being able to understand (at all) why I felt the way I did. In fact, one conversation after days of sulking – went something like this:

John: “So let me get this straight…the idea of being married to me was more exciting to you than actually being married to me?”

Me: “Yes”

John: “Wow, I’m pretty sure I should be insulted by that. Okay – I’m going to watch TV now – you have no reason to be sad.”

 As an engaged couple, lots of seasoned couples will tell you to “enjoy the moment” – which I wholeheartedly believe we did. Looking back on it, it was the couples that reminded me that the wedding was just “a day” and what truly counted was the “forever” part that came after that. Though in those moments it felt like they were trying to rain on my happiness parade – I see now that they may have known a thing or two. The good news is – the funk passed and I’m back to my chipper self…which my husband is especially happy about.

Professionally we’re both in good places in our lives. John is going strong and steady at the 459th over at Joint Base Andrews – though it doesn’t come without frustrating days and an understaffed unit as a big chunk of the crew is currently deployed. Knowing my John – I’m certain he’s one of the most capable crew chiefs at Andrews – and although I’ve never had the luxury of witnessing it first hard, his nature alone would make that an easy thing to assume. I’m proud of who he is and continues to become and I know firsthand how much he sacrifices to make me happy….like taking less trips during the month and for the moment – looking at Maryland as “home”. In my world every day brings a new adventure. In February I unintentionally became an independent consultant after losing my government contracting position – and I’ve been rolling with it ever since. Though the first few weeks were scary – picking up one client led to another- and opportunities seem to be knocking at my door every day. {I’ll even let you in on a little secret…if all goes as planned, I’ll soon be the owner of Oh Yes Communications!}

On a personal level we’re learning that what works for us is much different than what works for other couples. Being married really makes you look at squabbles and your own pride much differently. I’m still working on checking my need to be hyper-communicative and emotionally-needy at times {now that’s real talk!} and John is learning that the colorful language he’s used throughout his decade of military service and his predisposition to having a short temper is better left in his solo-days because they typically result in days a week of the silent treatment. We have lots of tender moments and a beautiful sense of togetherness that is the type of intimacy that truly bonds you to one another. 

I’d say – chaos is what builds resilience and memories (and it’s certainly the opposite of boring!) – and through the cloudy days and sunny days – I’d still choose our crazy little life. Call it wife intuition - but I think we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. Not a step further or a step behind.