P. Dust and Reality

Last weekend I officially packed away the summer clothes and brought out the winter gear. Which helped significantly much to my surprise. I forget how much I love cozy sweaters, leggings, winter hues. As the rain, clouds, and cold move in I'm trying not to take it too personally. Nick and I also picked up some snowshoes at Costco the other day so we are ready for winter adventures. We also debated getting spiked shoes (as in, ice climbing) to make it up the gigantic hill to our house should it ever snow. If it snows...well, we better stock up on water and spam now...

Winter always seems to be a rough transition, school started up again and though I am just an observer the pace and routine around campus brings the lightness of summer to a final close. I also entered a new position which is also overwhelming. It's a bit like wandering in the dark trying to complete and 500 piece puzzle. The first month was a whirlwind - much like I knocked over the table with the puzzle pieces and am trying to find them in the dark and then maybe wrap my head around starting the puzzle. In the midst of the chaos, I'm loving it. I like my new position, I'm still working with amazing people and am excited to have a hand in lots of new and hopefully better pieces for the department. 

The apartment is feeling much more like home now - I have to order pictures and hang them on the wall then I will document and share our humble abode. 

Entering ~month three of marriage. I think somewhere in the depths of my brain - hidden behind my self-awareness was an expectation that marriage would feel explodingly different than a non-married existence. However, these facts still remain:

- I still have to go to work...

- The trash still needs to be taken out

- To-do lists abound

- I still don't know what to have for dinner...ever

etc, etc. 

I supposed my expectation was something of sprinkling fairy dust on my every moment. Feeling magical and carefree at all times with Nick skipping beside me. That's not to say I don't love married life - because I definitely love Nick and am beyond happy and excited to be married to him. I am just having to reconcile my unknown expectations with reality. Learning that routine, life and the blah's of everyday are just as much a part of marriage as the adventures, companionship and love. 

The new facts of my life:

- I get to see Nick every day...no more planning and driving and stressing to see him a few times a week

- We were blessed by so many and have a lovely home full of new lovely things (pictures...coming, I swear) 

- I have a husband :)

- I am now, officially, Jennifer Anderson and it is much more comfortable to say that

But Nick and I are learning to be married. New priorities, new accountability and learning how to find the pixie dust and sprinkle it as often as possible. A few of my favorites so far:

- Spontaneous trip to the Zoo

- having a whole weekend together

- great conversations over glasses of wine or out for a beer

- connecting with other newly-wed couples

-two adorable kitties keeping things lively

It is well with my soul - clouds and all.