I am sure that anyone who has been married will agree with me when I say that marriage is truly a full time job! In fact, marriage is a lot like laundry in the sense that it is
ALWAYS a work in progress.....just when you think you are done, another pile seems to appear out of nowhere! All joking aside, over the years I have learned more and more that marriage truly is a lot of work for both parties involved; marriage requires patience, respect, love, friendship, compromise, and determination in order to keep the dirty laundry from piling up too high.
June 4th, 2011 marked Seth and my seventh wedding anniversary and although many times it feels like it was just yesterday that we walked down the isle, other times I honestly can't believe all that we have accomplished, overcome, learned and celebrated in just seven years of marriage! Seth is truly my best friend and as I learn to accept that we will always be a work in progress, I am content in knowing that there is no one else that I would rather laugh with, cry with, spend time with, miss, or make future plans with.
This year Seth and I decided to forgo our usual sushi and drinks date night for a two night backpacking trip into the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. This was the first backpacking trip for both of us and one that we had hoped to do for quite some time. The hike itself was listed as moderate, but the added weight of our packs was the real challenge! Despite a lot of sweat and a few blisters, we made it in safely and set up camp alongside the river. We spent two amazing nights without distractions and I have never felt so accomplished, relaxed, and comfortable in silence....... it really was the perfect date for lucky number 7!
Seth and I did not start our life together in the most traditional way, but our story together has become our own personal fairy tale. Hanging on my sister's wall in high school was one of her favorite quotes, "You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather". This is for my four closest friends who have inspired me to believe that we should all embrace our own personal fairy tale for all that it is: To Katie, who prepares to marry her best friend, I truly admire your love for one another and your determination to be true to yourselves. To Kristi, who's father is currently fighting cancer, you are much stronger woman than you even realize and I love you more and more everyday! To Courtney, who gave birth to her first child at 25 weeks, you strength and unwavering love for life is inspiring to say the least. I love you all and admire you each for the strong women and wives that you are. And finally, to Seth who reminds me daily that the most important thing is to be true to myself and in the end, what more could I ask for in a soul mate?
