People

I changed my "about me" just a bit, made me think. Architecture school does seem so long ago! I suppose as one gets older that is the constant state of things, I'm sorry to say! :o I loved Arch school although it was exhausting most of the time. I learned a lot and felt like I was accomplishing something. I guess that's still true in a way and I won't take anything from that time. Absolutely no regrets even though I no longer work in the field, nor really have any desire to do so. I still love art and architecture but there's so much more to life. Back then (just to get through) I was consumed by it all. Now, I can just enjoy it, but people are where I'd rather put my focus. Do I get frustrated by people? Hurt? Shocked? Saddened? Oh yeah! But there's so much richness, things to learn (about myself and others), depth and soul involvement that it makes it all worthwhile.
There's no doubt I have my moments ... like just last week - I hate the feeling of being misjudged, written off - but it happens. I need to process through all those emotions. One of the reasons that God gave me the opportunity to marry Brian was so I could become a nicer person. :) Due to all of Brian's life experiences, he usually has a different way I can look at people. He is more gracious and I need him in my life!! Good thing I snatched up the opportunity and said - Yes!
People certainly make life interesting! I'm getting better at processing through all my feelings so I don't hold on to any hurt or disappointment. If I try to limit those feelings, block them or stuff them then I'm more likely to also limit hope and joy. Besides, I really do like people!!

Spending Money!

Well perhaps it's appropriate that I'm going to write about spending money after my previous post! We are doing a small remodel of the 2 guest bathrooms - a half bath downstairs and a full bath upstairs. It's nothing incredibly extensive. New countertops, sinks, faucets and lighting along with painting, those are on the agenda. I'm thrilled to make the half bath a little more functional, let alone to bring the look of both bathrooms out of the 80s!
Our taste in not dissimilar but I think sometimes we surprise one another with what we come up with. The choice of sinks is one example. OK, maybe you don't want all the nitty, gritty details of how the sinks got chosen!! Basically, Brian's choice got selected for the half bath and my choice for upstairs. His choice was so much better than mine would have been, and the upstairs is going to look great too!! It's fun and I can't wait to see the finished product. It's only lighting and paint colors left to chose. I'm so glad we are getting our feet wet with remodeling on a small scale. The master bath and kitchen need to be done but that won't be for a couple of years as we store up money for it.
If I remember maybe I'll post pictures!

M.I.M

The topic of money is bound to come up sooner or later. It's impossible to completely remove oneself from it's sphere of influence. I suppose someone might disagree with me but then I'm not a backwoods, living off the grid type of person! I do like my creature comforts, like indoor plumbing!! Money certainly can give varying degrees of freedom but at the same time can also twist us up in knots.
The aspect I'm zeroing in on is Money, Independence and Marriage, or MIM for short! : ) Surprisingly enough, or not, being one in finances was/is one of the biggest adjustments for me in married life. Why? Hmmm... At first, it was difficult to even remember that I needed to consult Brian on some purchases that were out of the ordinary. How were the monthly expenses going? Did it fit in the budget at this time? Brian isn't tight fisted at all but there is only so much money that comes in monthly! As a single person, if there was money in the bank - why not!? A budget? Only I had to suffer any consequences of irresponsible spending. I don't think of myself as irresponsible so whether single or married there aren't a lot of problems. This issue is really in my heart and attitude.
The concept of a budget is not an anathema to me, quite the contrary! Knowing limits for types of spending actually gives me more freedom and security. I think it comes down to someone else taking care of me. How is that a bad thing?! It isn't!!!! I just think it tickles at that age old issue of mine called performance based love. I'm not doing enough - guilt. How am I contributing? I can't be pulling my own weight. I don't deserve this because I haven't done anything for it. Peeu - all that stinks!! In reality, whatever Brian and I bring to the marriage of a financial nature really has come from God. I want to share with him just as much as he wants to share with me. I don't want to cheapen God's provision for both of us by keeping tally (of whatever it might be), being burdened by guilt, or the pressure of earning it. God freely gives. I just have to remember from where the blessing is really coming.
It's funny, in both a Ha Ha and strange way, the aspects of life that can trip me up. I can make things so complicated or just plain whacked. I've got to recognize these issues first, but thankfully God is the one to make the adjustments in me so my load truly is light. In addition, I can talk to Brian about anything, even if it's stinky! All in all, thank GOD! : )