When a new relationship buds, it is easy to take note of all the wonderful traits you and your sweetheart have in common. Maybe you both like bowling or you enjoy the same types of foods. Perhaps you have great friends and all of your friends get along well with all of his or her friends. It is great to have interests and friends in common. The more you have in common the easier daily life will be once you are married. Sometimes in the newness of love, we forget, or don’t know, what important topics we should be discussing with our potential spouse. What is really important to know about … [Read more...]

Before I got married, I was the marriage expert. Seriously, just ask my mom. I knew all there was to know about marriage and how married people should treat each other. Even though my head knew that marriage was a lot of hard work, my inexperienced self really thought that many people could do a lot better – they just weren't trying hard enough to make their union work. Some of my assumptions may have been true, but my “I get it, why don't they…” attitude was a set up for future humbling. Let's just say my mother was not always excited to hear my take on how she related to my dad. From time … [Read more...]

The beginning of a new relationship can leave you feeling like you're walking on air and in the clouds. I recall that feeling well. You're just starting to get to know a person and your relationship has just hatched. There haven't been any fights yet and everything he or she says sounds witty and brilliant. Not only that, but there is a feeling inside of you that makes you tingle and feel like you're flying. In the beginning it's easy to wonder, “Is there anything wrong with this amazing person?” Yes... yes there is. There are many flaws in that amazing person you are getting to know. Some … [Read more...]

Our golden retriever, Ramsey, has entered a phase where she stops and decides if she's going to obey me or not. She obeys Eric automatically {Eric’s note: most of the time, not always}, but it feels like I have the word ‘pushover’ stamped on my forehead. This past week, she was playing outside when she spotted a little boy from down the street riding on his scooter. When the little boy stopped to play with another dog, her insides looked like they were going to come wiggling out. The temptation to run across the street and play was so great! Then, it happened... she couldn't take it anymore … [Read more...]

This past week I've been cooped up in the house with an annoying cold. Tonight I went to Kroger (a local supermarket) and it was wonderful! An errand that usually gets on my nerves was wonderful to me after not being able to leave the house in days. Part of why I enjoyed it so much is because I went around 11pm. The store was almost empty and I had all the aisles to myself, for the most part. There were enough people there that it didn't feel eerie, but it was almost like having entire store at my disposal. It is no secret to those who know me that I am more alert at night than in the … [Read more...]