The PRAXIS and Great Date Four

I've taken a bit of a break from blogging (or doing anyhting productive, for that matter) because I'm just so thrilled that the PRAXIS is over. The test itself went a lot better than my test-anxiety-ridden mind thought it would be. I finished both sections with time to spare; I felt confident about my work.

The best part of taking the PRAXIS, though, was how well Jay took care of me while I freaked out. I had tried to make Friday (our "Pre"-nniversary, as he called it) about him. So, I surprised him with dinner at Mike's Place in Kent.

It has a model X-Wing in front of it.

But Saturday morning, Jay had a surprise for me: he learned how to make coffee. This was a spur of the moment thing because he couldn't sleep, but still, I was touched. Jay doesn't drink coffee, so he never saw the need to learn how to make it. He knew how much I rely on coffee to jump-start my brain (I really am my parents' daughter), and that morning, I really needed it. It meant so much to me that when he shook me awake, he did so with promises of pre-made coffee.

And my first cup of Jay-brewed coffee was deliciously strong.

After the test, I took Jay to the Akron Zoo for Great Date Four.

It was so hot and humid that after about an hour, we retreated into the gift shop to have our discussion about resolving conflict. This chapter has been the most helpful yet--we try very hard to communicate about our disagreements, but this chapter identified two ways we could improve. Already our fights are taking less time to resolve.

All in all, a fabululous "just the two of us" weekend with my hubby-t0-be.

365 Days

It's official. We're getting married in one year.

Jay and I will be gone for the weekend celebrating (and taking the PRAXIS. Well, I will be). When we get back, let the madness begin!

"I've got a list of the women I've slept with..."

(from How I Met Your Mother 03:14, "The Bracket"

So, around New Year's, I started saving spare change in a counting jar. My first goal was cash for the marriage license.

We did it! (It's $50 for just the license)

And see how much room is left! By the time we actually need to buy the license, maybe we can buy...something else...

Step 2: Acquire new savings goal.

Great Dates Two and Three

I've been reluctant to write about my last two "great dates" with Jay because our neuroses have been butting heads again. So, even though we had a great time on each, afterward, one of us would get set off and a huge fight would ensue. Like I've said, Bipolar II dating OCD is hard.

But, bottom line, I've had a great time on each of these dates. Plus, we've had some really great conversations on them.

So, two Saturdays ago, I surprised Jay with a trip to Pittsburgh to "appreciate our differences." We were headed to the Carnegie Art and Natural History Museums because, as I like to joke,

"Political differences? No problem! Religious differences? We'll deal! But art opinions...holy hell..."

I was excited to see two of Van Gogh's works, as well as Monet's Water Lilies.

My camera died while we we're looking at Jay's favorites. I swear, I did not plan this!

We got batteries at the gift shop, then headed over to see something we always agree on:

DINOSAURS!

Jay was in charge of our next date, "Communicating and Connecting." He decided to go a little more laid back and took me to the West Fork Road House. We got to draw on the table with crayons! Also, they have 32 oz draft beers.

And, proof of our differences:

Om nom nom nom

We've started cake tasting.

It's not going well...

Great Date One: Sharing Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations

A few months ago, I admitted to being a "control enthusiast," and that I was using 10 Great Dates Before You Say "I Do" to supplement our Church marriage prep course. What I liked about this book in particular was that it hit all the major marriage prep topics, but put the discussions in the context off something fun--a date. I feel as though these topics are especially relevant to Jay and me because we've never lived together.

Last night, we started with Date One: Sharing Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations. Jay was in charge of this date, so he surprised me with dinner at one of our favorite Youngstown restaurants .

We started our talk by discussing how lame its title was. We agreed that it is apt and describes the purpose of our discussion, but seemed unavoidably lame.

With that matter settled, we talked about our personal visions for the future-- home, career, traditions, and spirituality-- then discussed how to integrate our goals into shared ones.

Then, just for fun, we went bowling. If you need more laughter in your relationship, I would recommend bowling in party clothes. It's too funny for words.

We bowled a terrible game (Jay didn't break 100, and I couldn't make it past 40...) but had a great time.

Now it's my turn to plan Date Two: Appreciating Your Differences. Hmmm...