Hi I'm Married, but refuse to grow up.

Last weekend I had the privilege to go to one of my sorority sister’s wedding. Ashley’s wedding was amazing; I have not seen a wedding like that in real life. I thought I was in Beverly Hills at a chic restaurant or club. When you’re married it seems like every wedding you go to makes you think of your own marriage and mistakes/victories you have made along the way.

Telling you the victories would be no fun right? So I will tell you some of the mistakes I have learned from in our short 2 years of marriage.

First Lesson: Everyone is different. Do not have unrealistic expectations.

My grandmother is the woman! Everything of hers was absolutely perfect including dinners, cleaning, and clothing. You know one of those ladies who wear stockings with everything. She taught me how to make the bed military style, with crisp corners and perfect pleats. So when I got married, I just assumed Matt and I would be on the same bed making page. Boy was a wrong!

Matt had the day off and I was a work, so like any wife I made him a list of chores to get done. List included Cleaning, Bills, Groceries, and BED! I came home and everything was done except the BED! So I called him furiously, “Matt! You know you could have warned me I was going to come home to an unmade bed.” To which Matt replies, “Hunny, I am so sorry I was so busy doing all the other things on the list. I will make it as soon as I get home.” Yikes, what a witch! What was thinking? Lesson learned!  Have realistic expectations.

Second Lesson: Although I enjoy the awkward moments, Matt does not!

If I had a dime for every time Matt told me TMI, I would be a billionaire. For some reason whatever I am thinking just spills out of my mouth. Matt is mortified. So I call my mother and mother-in-law to rally some votes if what I say is TMI or funny.

 For instance, Matt and I went to a Halloween party of my friend Ruthie’s and saw one of my old friends. They asked me where I got my costume. I said well “I got the leotard from Goodwill…..but then I decorated it.” Then it dawned on me and here comes the TMI. “I didn’t wash it so I am probably getting diseases as we speak.” Matt slaps his forehead! Opps…. Couldn’t help myself. So now I think twice about what comes out of my mouth but usually say it anyway.

Third Lesson: Marriage is out of control

I have a naturally controlling personality, which has been a vice of mine in relationships. I was able to keep it under wraps during our dating days but now that we are married it has intensified and is out in full furry! 

For instance, one of my new things is seeing how far I can push Matt by asking, “Will you lick my toe?” or “Will you sniff my armpit?” So not lady like, and I would have never landed Matt with such nonsense. But I find it humorous seeing his breaking point, which is definitely the toe licking.

Some things I am still working on, others I choose to keep around for good blog entries. But, by being a part of other people’s special day, I am constantly reminded that every day married to Matt is special. I finally met my match!

Rule Follower

Working in an industry where you’re forced to talk to people all day can be both satisfying and exhausting. When I come home the last thing I want to do is talk some more, which is probably a blessing for my husband. This week I decided to divulge the inner workings of my mind. Scary I know!

My mind raced around the fallacy that structured religion is strictly used for an excuse to live by a moral code. Now, I am a HUGE rule follower. I remember in 5^th grade tattling on Josh Davila for sneaking his comics into his Math book during homework time, and the feeling of gratification that followed when he got in trouble by the teacher. Again, I am a huge rule follower!

I was watching Locked up Abroad, a TV show that details how people became smugglers and how they get caught. Recently there was a young man that decided to travel to South America after a bad break up. When he got to the hotel he noticed a bunch of people in the same predicament. His words were “I had no interest in doing Cocaine, but it was available, so I tried it.” WHHHATTT??? Do people really live that way? How can people have no desire to do something, but doing it anyway because they don’t have boundaries?

I am thankful I have a how-to-guide. I am thankful that I have a set of guidelines and boundaries. I believe there is a lot more to religion than strict guidelines. However, if that was all it was, would that be so bad? I am so thankful that I grew up in a church that taught self-control and self-respect.

I can’t imagine traveling through life without a map.

Bat-tastic

A co-worker recently asked me, “If you don’t drink, what gets you excited?” I immediately replied, lots of things…….. (Then I drew a blank). He responded “Your TV shows?” “Yeah, Yeah, I screamed, my TV shows!” Then I realized escaping reality through sitting my big butt on the couch probably was the lamest answer I could come up with… so I tried again. “Well…. I love organizing! My planner gets me excited.” (What? That isn't impressive either?) “Ok…. I love to craft! You know like making greeting cards, and decorating cupcakes, and bat lollipops!” Bat Lollipops???  

I frequently browse www.ourbestbites.com for new fun ideas. I purchased their cookbook in Dallas, and have been in love ever since. They have tons of great ideas for quick easy meals, and treats to impress all your friends.

I found the Idea for Bat Lollipops. They are cute, cheap, quick, and easy. All you need is:

1.       Oreos (double stuft)

2.       Almond Chocolate Bark

3.       Thin Lollipop Sticks (important that they are thin or your Oreo will fall right off)

4.       Floral Foam (to stick the   lollipops in)

5.       Black Cardstock (for wings)

6.       Candy Eye Balls

7.       Lollipop holder (optional)

8.       Fun tin can or pumpkin “treat or trick” bag to put the lollipops in when you done.

I purchased enough ingredients to make lollipops for 5 families at church all for under $30.

Step 1: Cut out wings with your black card stock  This is the most time consuming part. I used a template I found on Google images and traced on the card stock  mostly because I haven’t found out how to use my Cricut.

Step 2: Stick the Lollipop (Thin) Stick into the cream portion of the Oreo. Make sure it is on good or it will fall right off once it hits the chocolate. I think Matt stuck them on wrong purposely, so he could eat all the chocolate dipped Oreo. Just a theory!

Step 3: Melt your chocolate, make sure to follow the directions for melting because the chocolate will burn easily! Believe me I have gone through tons of chocolate.

Step 4: Dip the lollipop Oreo in the melted chocolate, and cover completely. At this time stick the black cardboard wings in the side of the chocolate Oreo, they will stick to the chocolate…. I promise!

Step 5: Stick the Bat Lollipop in the Holder to dry. Once the chocolate becomes less glossy and hardens stick the candy eyes in the chocolate. If you attempt to stick the eyes in at the same time as the wings they will fall right off and you will have eyes near the butt of your bat. NOT CUTE!

Step 6: Place the floral foam in the bottom of you decorative tin, while your lollipops harden in the fridge or counter.  Once your lollipops are hard and set, stick the lollipop in the foam, and you have a fun treat to share. (or not hehe)