Dinner for Two

It started with a couch.

When we got back from our honeymoon, we bought a couch that we'd been eyeing for some time. This beauty. A couch that led to an adventure to/from the Chicago suburbs twice in one day, and couch assembly beginning around 11:30 pm. Long story.

Our old couch told the story of cat snuggles and more than one food spill that didn't quite come out. We were determined to keep from staining this one, at least anytime soon.

But the thing is, we eat most of our meals at our couch. Or at least we did. It's a habit that we both got into while living alone that sort of carried over when we began living together. Not out of any bad intention, just something that happened. My guess is that eating in front of the tv surrounded by devices is pretty normal for most single folks - there's some comfort in the noise. We have a kitchen table that was used more for drying clean dishes (no dishwasher), storing our yet-to-be-used wedding presents, and as a work station for my dissertation research.

So we set out to make our kitchen a bit more organized, and to eat our dinners at the table. Together. At  dinner time. It might seem like a silly goal, but as there are many nights and weekends that one of us is working or volunteering, it was a habit that we would have to build.

We've been eating dinner in our little kitchen nook regularly for a month now. It's nice. It is a built-in time to catch up with each other without being distracted or semi-present because of a show on tv or something on our phones. And we eat more real food. Side salads almost every night - what?! Feels so grown up. It has also kept me focused on having a plan for meals and not just throwing in a Jack's pizza at the last minute because nothing is defrosted or we don't have the right ingredients. I get excited about picking out what we are going to have and cooking and dishes don't quite seem so tedious.

I think it also is keeping me focused on prioritizing family. I want to be home for dinner every night that I can. Because it's special. And it's our time together.

Sisters

Hello again! Sorry for the less frequent posts. It was a very busy last weekend/week, and we have an even busier holiday weekend ahead, with visitors in town. I will do my best to squeeze in some updates - we have updated/cleaned the apartment a bit (cleanest it has ever been), I have gone 20+ days without meat, I have run lots of miles, and I have read some more books. All exciting things, I know.

But first, this post - dedicated to Rachel, my sister. This girl...the one with the book.



While I probably would never have said this any time when we were little kids, having a sister is one of my favorite things.

Rachel and I are three and a half years apart, and were divided by four years in school. That feels like a pretty big gap as kids. Sure, we played together when we were little, but we did not really "hang out" much until we became adults. I do not think that I would have ever thought that your sister could also be your friend.

At some point along the way though, we actually started to want to spend time together and know what was going on in each other's lives. Calling your sister on the phone? Who does that?! Well we do now. Rach is even my new running buddy, evidenced by our picture post-color run (which is the most fun that I have ever had...you must do it).



I am very excited that Rachel is also now my colleague. Last Sunday, she graduated with her Master's of Education from Marquette. I know that she will be a fantastic professional. She works so incredibly hard, and is committed to every project that she takes on. I am glad that she will still be in the area, just down the road. It means many more coffees, manicures, and running adventures down the road.



Congratulations Rachel!

Love,

Your very proud big sister