I'm A Bad Blogger

Friends, family members, and internet world I apologize for my lack of writing these last several months. Between school, student teaching, and finding a job I slacked off from updating. I am so sorry. But that is going to change I promise! Be patient with me and I promise you won't regret it.

So here we are less than a month away from our 1 year anniversary. The time has flown by. We have been through many ups and downs these past several months, and I will later talk about them. But for now I am going to update you on our lives from the past several months. Here are some pictures for you guys to look at so you can see what we have been up to. And mainly, to prove that I haven't killed my husband.

We went skiing for Christmas. We had an amazing time!! Stewart was playing with real snow for the first time. It was a lot of fun to watch. What was even more fun was watching him try to learn and ski. I asked him if he wanted me to go to ski school with him and he said not no, but hell no. Haha. So that was a fun adventure that we were able to share together and to share with my family.

Here is a picture of us at Easter. Please ignore the fridge that has a keg built into it behind us. That's just how my family rolls and it makes every holiday an even better one. : )

So here's the story behind this tent. This is the second tent that we purchased. The first one, that my husband just had to have (it was not the one I wanted), turned out to have a broken pole with it. The one I wanted (shown above) turned out to be perfect. It was fun having it in the house for oh, 2 weeks. Now you're probably wondering why in the world we needed a tent. And you're looking ahead to see if there are any camping pictures. Yeah, there's not any. We didn't go camping and we didn't plan to go camping. He just had to have a tent. And I was that amazing of a wife to let him get one. : )

And now my greatest achievement. I graduated from college!!!!!! It only took my 4 1/2 years but I did it. It took a ton of hard work and it was even harder being married. But it was so worth it!! I have a great husband who was super patient with me as I worked on school and completely let the house fall apart. He was my rock through all of this.

And now to close this up. I am now employed. I have an amazing job and it has helped out so much financially, but it has also made me feel important and that I'm able to help my husband. He still has 3 jobs and we hope to one day not have so many. Please forgive me for the lack of blogs. I have a long list of things I plan on writing about. Trust me, you're not going to want to miss it. Keep on the look out to the second edition of Sleepless in Louisiana.

Homework, and Cooking, and School Oh My!!

I know it's been awhile guys and I will try and do my best to keep everyone updated better. Good news though, we have hit the 3 month mark and we haven't killed each other or filed for divorce. Success!! I'm not going to lie though, these past few months have been a challenge. I always laughed at people when they said marriage is hard and you constantly need to try. Well, they were right! This has been a huge adjustment for Stewart and I. We have both lived on our own for awhile (especially him, being old and all) and we were set in our own ways. I thought after dating for 4 years, that I knew just about everything. Wrong! I thought after the first month of marriage I found out everything. Wrong! We are over 3 months into the marriage and I'm still finding out weird things about my husband. For example, when he gets dressed for work he puts his pants on, zips, buttons, and buckles the belt all before putting his shirt on. He then proceeds to unbuckle, unbutton, and unzip to tuck his shirt in. Who does that?! That's a lot of extra effort!!! Just put the pants on leave them unbuttoned and put your shirt on! I could probably save him 5 minutes every morning if he would just listen to me! But of course he doesn't. So instead, he wastes those precious minutes every morning. Each day holds an interesting moment when we look at each other and think "I never knew that about him/her, I wonder how I could change it". At least that's what I think.

I'm also struggling to keep up with household chores, do homework, try not to skip class, and have dinner ready. You would think it wouldn't be so hard, but it is. I put in a lot of time in school (cause I'm still trying to graduate) and by the time I get home, I do not want to cook dinner. Cooking dinner is a waste of time and energy that could be used somewhere else. Like sitting on the couch and watching TV. Yes, sometimes I don't cook because I don't have the energy and I just want to sit down. Don't judge me! I don't know how people do it and have kids and everything else. I can barely handle school and being a wife! I am getting better, but I do feel bad when my husband comes up to me, looks in the kitchen, and says "I guess we are eating out again". And other days when he says this, I want to slap him upside the head. I do have to admit that he's pretty amazing and helps me as much as his small male brain will allow him to do. He folds the laundry and puts it away. He takes the trash out (sometimes). He washes the dishes I cook (over several days). And he helps with the dogs (everyday). But mainly he's super supportive and has become very patient when I say "let's eat out" or "you may or may not have clothes to wear tomorrow". And generally, my "may or may not" is for sure may not.

I have had to grow up a lot this last couple of months. I have had to back down on several fights, because I was wrong (but really I wasn't). I have had to cry to get all my frustrations out. I have had to call my mom for advice. I have had to admit that I'm married to the most stubborn man on earth. But every night I go to bed beside him and think how lucky I am to have married him. I am so thankful for the multiple "I love you"s that I get. He is my better half and he's my best friend. More then anything he's driving my crazy. But I do love him.

Never EVER Workout Together

Some couples find it very relaxing and very exciting to workout together. Well, that's not the case in my marriage. My husband is the most annoying person to workout with. He thinks he knows everything; even though I'm the Kinesiology major. I mean seriously, I'm studying this stuff, and he's going to ignore me?! Ridiculous. He tries to tell me that it's because we are working out different parts. Umm, hello, there are other exercises besides squats. Sorry, I'm just trying to provide him with a wider variety of exercises. You don't see me trying to tell him how to play the trumpet. That's his job, of course he knows what he's doing. Or at least I hope he does. You never know.

Also, I have had several trainers and been to several bootcamps. I know what I'm talking about! I have teachers that I can use as resources, textbooks on hand, and workout plans that I have used. Take my advice, I have been doing this a lot longer then he has. I've actually played sports, he was in marching band. Really, who do you think knows more?!

So not only do we not do good working out together, he always exercises at inconvenient times. Tonight for example, right before I want to start cooking. Do I look like I'm one of those kinds of wives that would have dinner waiting for him for when he gets home. I don't think so! Why workout knowing that I'm hungry and I want to start cooking. Now, he will tell you it's because I won't let him workout. Well that's bull. We have an elliptical and several other pieces of workout equipment and yet he prefers to go to the gym. I'm sorry that I want him to use the things that we have at home. Use the things that we have available and that are FREE!!

Sorry for the short rant, but somethings need to be said. On a better note, I have lost 5 pounds since walking down the aisle, and I feel amazing. Looks, like marriage is for me. : )

My Husband the Writer

My husband is a man of many talents. He won't admit to any of these but he's an incredible musician, great teacher, very artistic, and he's very good at building things. His latest venture is writing. And I have to say it's become the most annoying. Now, I will support my husband till the end of time. I always have. But sometimes I just want to tell the man to stick to one hobby and perfect it. What's wrong with having one hobby that you are absolutely great at?! Then you can say you're the best at it. It doesn't make any sense to me!! So he writes, and I have to put up with it. It's very boring to just sit around and listen to him type and mumble. Yes, he mumbles. It's very annoying and drives me insane. And god forbid you interrupt him when "he's on a roll". Trust me, bad idea. Not only could you possibly lose your life, he will bring you back just to kill you again. How am I suppose to get anything done in this kind of stressful environment?!

So he came to me a couple of years ago and told me he was going to write something. I was of course very excited and supportive of him. Well a year goes by and nothing finished. Ok, sometimes these things take time. Another year goes by and nothing. Really?! Two years, and the man hasn't produced a single finished piece of writing?! I've heard of writers taking a long time to write but come on, this thing isn't even a 100 pages.

So finally, a couple of months ago he comes to me with a finished novella and I have to admit it's amazing. I didn't realize just how talented he was. Yes, he needs some good editing and some more experience. But the man has some talent. He finally self published it as an e book. He has had some sells but not what he was hoping for. I have no idea what he was expecting. No one becomes successful over night.

Look guys, I'm trying to be the supportive wife here, but the man is driving me insane. So could you guys do me a favor and buy the dang book. It's only 99 cents. You don't even have to read it! Just buy it and delete it (that's what I did). Just kidding. Support us here. I'm trying to get him famous so I can be the trophy wife I deserve to be.

Offerings by Stewart Felkel. You can find it on amazon, barnes and noble, itunes, and smashwords. Please for the love of all goodness buy the book!!

Husband Tells All!!

I love my wife dearly, but as the Baptist say, bless her heart. I have never met another woman quite like her. She has been asking me to do a guest post about how things look from my perspective. The only restrictions were that I have to keep it brief and be funny. If you have ever met me, or read my blog, you know that my sense of humor is very much an acquired taste. Furthermore as all of my students will tell you, I talk. A lot. The word verbose is used about me often. I’ll try to stay on topic though. Today, rather than write a serious dissertation on what it’s like to be a newly married groom I thought that I would humor you with random facts about my wife. If you have ever met her then these will be very familiar to you. Audience members, please feel free to add your own in the comment section.

Random Fact 1- I can always find where my wife is in the house by following the trail of shoes. Now, when she moved in I obviously rearranged the closet to accommodate her clothing. While doing so I gave up some nice shelf space to her shoe collection. Gentleman in the audience, every joke about women and shoes is 100% true. That’s why they’re funny. Now, this substantial, well semi substantial, shelf space is only used to house the shoes that aren’t really made to be worn. Most are apparently made to look cute while inflicting maximum pain on a woman’s tender feet. The shoes that my wife wears regularly tend to be found in odd place. Under the couch, the bed, beside the dining room table, the doorways, even in the kitchen. The inevitable question when we are about to leave is “Stewart, where are my shoes?”

Random Fact 2- My wife tends to spread out. When we first got engaged I lived in a small one bed one bath house. A house that I built with me on two hands I might add. With a little help from my friends. Now, it was a regular question in Casa de Felkel as to how we were going to house myself, a wife, and two rambunctious dogs. We especially questioned our bathroom situation. Fast forward a year and we are in a new home with vastly more space and a master bath that has his and hers sinks. Fantastic! The other day I went to brush my teeth only to find my lovely wife doing the same. At my sink. Why my sink? Because hers was full of clothes. Clothes! Who drapes clothes in their sink? Not only has my sink been commandeered, but the plugs on my side are being used to power straighteners, hair  driers, and other instruments that look like they could be used to interrogate terrorists. She told me the other day that we need more space.

Random Fact 3- My wife is cool, calm, and collected in a crisis situation. Provided the crisis is overly large and/or not about her. That’s right, large scale, end of the world, zombie apocalypse style crisis don’t bother her at all. Once upon a time she was caught in a hit and run accident. The story is actually very amusing, but I’ll let my wife tell it to you one day herself. I was following a ways back in my own vehicle when I found her wrecked car parked and her calmly calling the police, her parents, insurance agents, the works. No sweat. Never mind that she almost died ten minutes earlier. Small scale crisis are a different matter entirely. Today she almost had a panic attack because she convinced herself that she wouldn’t have enough observation hours to be allowed to student teach. Rather than call her advisor she convinced herself that she wouldn’t be able to graduate for an additional six months. You could say that we have an issue with mountains and molehills.

 Well, that’s all I have time for tonight. If I’m allowed back, a big if, I think I’ll write about how decisions are made in a marriage. Husband’s it will be familiar territory I’m sure.

Danger Danger!!

I love my husband but... (you know it's going to be good when I start it like this)... the man CAN'T drive!!! He is absolutely the most terrible driver I have ever met. I dread driving with him! It's like I'm taking a chance every time I get in the passenger seat. Maybe I should start a will and update it every time I get in the car.

He's a very passive driver. Not defensive at all!! Not only that but he drives like an old man. He'll stare out into space and not pay attention to the fact that he's going 15 under the speed limit. It drives me insane!! Come on, I have places to go and I want to get there timely! Sheesh! And then gets upset when I ask him to speed up! Even when I say please (in his defense that's not very often and it's never really serious)!! Not only that but he drives a standard. I'm not dissing the standard cars, I wish I was better at driving them. But they aren't the best at stopping and going.

Now, I get severely carsick. I mean severely! I can get sick just sitting in the front seat. Needless to say, I usually driver everywhere we go. Which is fine because I love driving. But every once in awhile I make the fatal mistake of letting him (yes, letting him) drive. Whenever we get where we are going I want to kiss the ground. I didn't know you could be a terrible driver without driving fast. He's a terrible driver who drives slow! How does that even happen?! I'm aware that there is such a thing as a cautious driver, but come on! This is taking it to the extreme! Speed up and get a little aggressive. Not so much to ask out of the man!

This will be the first post that I don't let Stewart read. You can probably guess why. This will get me in a lot of trouble, but the world needs to know that if you see him coming get the heck out of the way! Either that, or just wave when you pass him. 

Future of the Felkels

I hope everyone noticed the title of the blog. Yes, my name has been changed and I took his. The new social security card came in and now I'm just waiting on my debit card. So whoo!! New name!! When you get married people are constantly asking you questions about your future. Such as "when are you having kids", "are you staying here in Louisiana", or "what are your plans for the future". So the post is to answer all those questions!

The biggie, kids. Now for those of you that know me, know I'm not the best kid person. It's like they know I'm a giant kid and we can get in trouble together. It's not that I don't like kids, I love kids. They have tiny clothes and shoes!! What's not to love?? But I love heading them back over the most. We have a lot of nieces, nephews, and friends with kids. I love hanging out and playing with them all. They are all great kids. I'm better with kids now, then 4 years ago. So, after saying all that, Stewart and I at this moment have agreed that we aren't having any kids. Shock, I know. But we are open for discussion after I turn 26. For the time being, we are going to enjoy each other, and enjoy not having to change poopy diapers!! (Jess and Shannon, I'm willing to learn to help you guys out)

I have never wanted to stay in Louisiana. It's hot and humid. And there's shellfish everywhere, and I'd rather not accidentally eat some and die! I love traveling. I have been all over the world and there is so much more to see. So, I'm wanting to move away for a little bit and Stewart has agreed that he could see us living somewhere else for a couple of years. We need a break from here! Don't judge us! We will come back. But I'm thinking Georgia for grad school. I have family there and my parents have an apartment there. I have learned one important thing since being married, and that's that I'm a mama's girl. My mom and I talk/see each other more now then when I was single and living off there dime. I can't live far away from her. It's not good!

I have no idea what the future could hold for us or our marriage. But I do know that we are going to enjoy each other and enjoy the spontaneity of our marriage. Basically, we aren't going to take advantage of the luxuries we have now. Maybe, I can convince Stewart instead of investing in kids to invest in a Summer home in France. Maybe instead of moving away, we will buy a house here and make lots of babies. (Not!) But as of right now, we are poor, have nothing but each other, and looking forward to our future.