People said

First Thing:
I can't even remember the number of people who told me the first year of marriage is the hardest.  People who I barely even knew told me that (way to be encouraging, thanks).  Looking back on this past year, Nate and I have to disagree.  Either that or we are in for some glorious smooth sailing.  Really it's the first six months that are hard.  After that we kind of just forgot about the little things that annoyed us and they don't seem to bother us anymore. I think we have our rhythm down.  Of course we expect the next 60 years to have their ups and downs, but I'm no longer going to agree with the statement that the first year is the hardest.

Second Thing:
I think I've started studying for the GRE.  I bought an old version of a study guide at Half Price Books (which by the way, it's dangerous to live 5 minutes away from one) last night and I'll need to figure out my game plan for studying.

Third Thing:
Nate and I have started going to the gym in the morning.  We wake up at 4:30 and are at they gym by 5.  It is fantastic and we feel so good.  I will have to start heading to bed around 9:30 but it frees up my evenings and I don't actually feel that tired at the end of the day.  I am liking this.  Plus it's extra time we get to spend together since he studies all night almost every night.  It's the best idea we've had (besides Austin and marriage).

Numero Uno

Our anniversary weekend started out a little early on Thursday afternoon.  {I got out of work around 2:00 instead of 5:00, which was awesome!}  We exchanged gifts almost as soon as Nate got home from class, because his package came in the mail and I could hardly wait for him to open it.

Some UA Asset Running Shoes and a few UA Workout Shirts 

And much to my wonderful surprise, I opened a tiny little box . . . that contained this . . .

A Trigold ring.  Rose gold knot around a white rose band, with a gold back. It's a little big so it'll need to be re-sized very soon.  I love it!

That was followed by a bizarre trip to the mall and a brief stop at the arcade for three games of Crusin' World.  I have to say . . . it was so much fun and very spontaneous.

That was followed by Bed Bath & Beyond.  We desperately needed new pillows and I am in heaven now.  It's like sleeping on a cloud.  

After happy hour at Chuy's, we took a nap.  Yes, we fell asleep at 7:30 pm in our bed and woke up around 10:00 pm.  I jumped up, packed for Austin, and crawled back into bed.  There is nothing better than a good night sleep in a comfy bed with a cloud-like pillow.  : ) 

Friday afternoon Nate picked me up early from work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow and orange sunflowers!!! Flowers are always unexpected but very welcomed. 

The road trip down was accompanied by the sounds of Stephen Kellogg & the 6ers, courtesy of the mister.

Saturday included a trip to the capitol, the Austin Museum of Art, south Congress and Magnolia Cafe.

Then of course, we took a nap.  We're big fans of sleeping whenever we can.  And followed our nap with a dinner at Stubb's BBQ, where we shared this . . .

I'm pretty sure we've never enjoyed anything so much.  Well except for heading to bed slightly early on Saturday night.  Yes, we love to sleep.

Sunday was Father's Day and our actually anniversary.  It was a special day.  To celebrate the two most important men in my life on the same day.

And Sunday evening brought Norton wine.  Nate and I saved a bottle of Norton Malbec from our wedding to open on our anniversary.  We opened it and it was just as delicious as we remember.  Only this time we actually had time to enjoy it.

I also received my first card from Nate (in the history of our relationship, this is the first one).  Finally!  I appreciate it. 

I love eggs (finally and only one way)

Thank you CIY for opening my eyes to this ridiculous video. Courtesy of www.iloveegg.com. Wierdo.

First Thing:
Nate and I are obsessed with eggs in cocotte. I found this recipe through a series of click beginning with simplyphoto, which led me to thekitchn, and finally led me here. I cannot get enough of this dish. Nate and I eat this at least twice a week. Once for lunch on Saturday (usually) and sometime during the week for dinner (this past we had it two nights in a row). I'm kind of in awe of the fact that we're not tired of this yet. It is "so good" (for you 500 Days of Summer enthusiasts). I am telling you, make this. You will absolutely fall head over heals for this.

We have eaten this for dinner once a week for about 1 1/2 months.

Seriously. You have to make it. Tuesday night is eggs in cocotte night. I will make it for dinner and YOU will make it for dinner. Btw, I always make mine with sauteed mushrooms in the bottom.

Second Thing:
I have a best friend getting married on May 14th. I recently hung out with her and I cannot express how happy I am for her. Nate was a great boyfriend and we had a wonderful relationship, but getting married took it to a whole different level. He is a better husband than I ever would have thought he would have been and our relationship is so fantastic that I am in awe of it. Just thinking about what my dear friend has in store once she says I do, makes me so excited. Again, I'll say it (and I know it sounds totally cheesy like a Disney movie). I love my husband more now than I ever have and I can't wait to discover how much I'll love him in 63 years. I love my marriage and I love my life! What a blessing Nate is in my life.

I can't wait for you to start your marriage Vanessa! : )