My New Life is an Adventure

So, here I am....a married woman, newly 30 years old and amazed at how far God has brought me. 

I was living the single life for what seemed like a long, long time.  But I can't say that it was "wasted time" or that my life "just now started" because I'm married.  I was able to enjoy a lot of great adventures of traveling, learning things on my own and lots and lots of friend time.  I learned how to focus on my passions and pursue them with no distractions.
But now....I have a husband....in my house....all the time.  (I lived by myself for 6 years and I'm an only child. Enough said! ha!)  It's been an adjustment to say the least.  Oh, and to top that off, I live with a Venezuelan.  Yes, my husband is from Venezuela and moved here for me all in the name of love. (I say "Go big, or go home!")  We went through the whole process of a fiance visa after 2 years of long distance dating.  He was here for 3 months before we got married and now he is a resident.  Talk about a whirlwind of a process!  I can honestly say that it feels like I have a mail order husband because he and I both had to prove SO much to be able to get him here.  Craziness!! 

So as you can probably imagine, we have had to learn quite a bit together.  Here are a few:

1.  I had to cut out the word "mine" when speaking with Daniel about things around the house.  I might have even used the phrase "What did you do to MY computer?" That didn't go over too well, but from the perspective of an only child that never had to share her things, it makes sense to me.  Ha!

2.  I have an extremely LOUD husband...he talks loudly, walks loudly, snores loudly, watches TV with the volume on LOUD and even sings loudly.  It's quite an adjustment to go from a peace and quiet home life to a life filled with new noises.  "Shhhhhh" is definitely a must-say phrase in our lives.

3.  I have to remember to pick up my stuff now!  I used to let things slide for a while on cleaning and now...he expects it to be put away.  What?!?!? (This is one of those good things I've had to learn, but very hard when in a routine!!!)

4.  Spanish TV and music-Sometimes Daniel wants to watch Spanish TV.  I understand Spanish, but not that fast...so I usually just end up playing on my phone.  Oh, but sometimes, he watches "funny videos" and laughs his head off.  I have no idea what they are saying, so I in turn get frustrated and ruin his fun. 
The music thing is NOT a problem because I used to go salsa dancing.  But, sometimes, he listens to old Spanish music that is not even close to appealing in my opinion!  I eventually end up asking him to turn it off after I can't stand it anymore. 

5.  Boys are gross!  Let's just leave it at that....

6.  Outside friend time-Let's just say, I was one of those girls that did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to and never had to ask anyone if it was ok.  It's not that it's bad to ask if it's ok to go out, but it's different.  I love spending time with Daniel, but my friends were "it" for me for a long time.  That's had to change!  It's not been a bad thing, but a learning thing for sure.

7.  Life as a married couple=two sinners living together which in turn = fights and frustrations.  I have never done well with fighting.  Fights stress me out, make me uncomfortable and I usually end up crying no matter what.  I have had to learn how to fight fair and talk through things.  It's hard work for both of us!!!!

8.  Sharing a bed is a whole different ballgame!  I married someone that loves to utilize the whole bed while sleeping and happens to snore.  I've learned to adjust, but at first, I was less than willing to deal with it nicely.  Thank goodness I have an understanding husband!!!

9.  We need grace and lots and lots of prayer.  So, some people seem to think that when you get married, you don't need God as much because you have your new best friend.  Ohhh no, I've learned that you need God MORE!  Here's why...you never know how either of you will react to situations or what will cause problems each day.  You have to give it to God and understand that He will work it out.  And he has gotten us through many many misunderstandings thus far.  Prayer helps SO much because He is in charge of both of us and can speak wisdom into our hearts when we are upset.  I am speaking for both of us, but we are SO grateful for a God that desires for our marriage to be peaceable and shared with Him. 

10.  Honesty flows.....freely.  Sometimes Daniel is so honest with me, I find myself in a puddle of tears for silly things.  See, I care so much what he thinks about me, that when I find out his opinion, I can reallly take it hard sometimes.  He ALWAYS means well, but sometimes I tend to take it too personally.  It's one of the most difficult things I've had to learn in marriage so far, but it's been beneficial to know that I have someone that wants the best for me.  So when someone wants the best for me and knows me well, they are going to tell me the honest truth sometimes.  Ohhh, how the pride can get in the way!  :)

In all the learning, the most amazing concept I've gotten to learn is that the love grows each and every day.  I can honestly say that I didn't know what loving Daniel really was when we got married.  We had only been together consistently for 3 months before we got married.  Even though we saw each other while dating and talked on the phone ALL the time, I have truly fallen in love with Daniel in these last 7 months of marriage.  It's incredible that love can grow and I love being able to experience it each and every day.  It's a true blessing from God.  We are best friends and we truly need each other's encouragement and love.  Oh, and we have a lot of fun!  :) 
So there you go....life has changed...for the better for me.  Don't get me wrong...life would've still been good if I wasn't married, but Daniel has been an incredible addition to help me become who God has called me to be.  I'm a grateful girl!