Today is mine and my Ju-C’s third anniversary. I can’t believe it has been three whole years since being pronounced husband and wife and promptly falling down the stairs during the recessional. My new, sweet husband kept me from busting my face or losing my dress. Ahh... marriage.
It’s so fun to think back over the last few years and realize how much we both have changed. I love to think about Single Emily vs. Married Emily because they are definitely two different people.
I shall elaborate.
1. Budget:
Single Emily lived in the Brown House with Kristen, Katie and Kelly. (I was KEmily) I had a good job and lots of disposable income. Low rent, roommates, split bills… that is the way to live! I thought nothing of going into Saks and spending my entire paycheck on a skirt and a pair of jeans. My dad would die if he ever read that statement. I’m pretty sure that I saved ZERO dollars during my time in Birmingham, but I sure had some cute clothes to show for my hard work.
Married Emily is somewhat of a tightwad. I’m not sure how that happened, and when I think about it sometimes I get sad! Justin is a serious saver and has forced his lifestyle upon me with no lenience. I have succumbed like a good little wife should. Fairhope is such a casual town, so I have worn very little of the too dressy clothing that I have racked up over the years. Which is probably good, since I had a moment of insanity and gave a lot of it away to Hurricane Katrina victims…another story for another day. I can’t even spend $39.99 on a lamp at Target without really thinking about need vs. want, and let’s just get it out there… I don’t actually NEED anything. (But if anyone wants to buy the lamp for me, that is totally different.)
2. Bedtime.
Single Emily didn’t have one. Me and Kris stayed up watching VH1’s America's Top 100 Hottest Hotties. The friends were always hanging out in the living room, eating, planning parties, reading InStyle and discussing boys. I would beg Justin to "please don't go home yet" at 11 p.m. on a weeknight! It amazes me that we functioned on those little amounts of sleep. I remember very clearly the day that I went to work after staying out at Banana Joe’s until an ungodly hour with Kris and Justin and some other people that I don’t clearly remember. The music kept beating in my head all morning as I talked to ad reps about why their client hadn’t sent me their ad and the deadline was yesterday. So professional.
Married Emily is dead to the world promptly at 9 p.m. It is really very sad that this has happened to me, becuase I used to be so much fun. Now I simply cannot function after 9. It is like the Sand Man has dumped his whole bag on me, and I'm out. And let’s face it…it’s not because I work really hard. Or because I have children.
3. Beauty Regimen.
Single Emily cared very much about her looks. I spent time on makeup and even tried new colors. I ended up giving said new colors to Jill, but I did branch out. I blow-dried my hair, then flat ironed it, then flipped the ends with a curling iron. This took time, people! I went to Richard Joseph to get my locks cared for. I used only salon hair products. I planned out my wardrobe. We would try on outfit upon outfit to make sure we looked just right, and with four closets to choose from, this could take hours. And it was very fun because we always looked good in pictures.
Married Emily has reverted to the college days. It takes too much effort to do the whole hair/makeup thing on a daily basis. I only “fix up” on the weekends and for church. People are surely scared when they see the marked difference in my appearance from Wednesday night to Sunday morning! Today I am wearing yoga pants and a Kanakuk sweatshirt TO WORK. I have on zero makeup. I won’t even try to describe my hair.
4. Definition of FUN.
Single Emily needed to be entertained. Movies, nice restaurants, parties, etc… We were always doing something and going somewhere. The Brown House was constant madness with people coming and going, and I loved it.
Married Emily really likes a night on the couch watching American Idol and eating tater tots and Justin’s grilled hamburgers and loving on the puppies. I long for those rare weekends when we have no plans and can just BE.
After reading this over, Single Emily sounds like a spoiled brat and Married Emily sounds like a big fat loser. Life as Single Emily was fun and exciting, but mabye not so much reality. So after really thinking about it, I’d rather be Married Emily. I have finally grown up a bit.
And I think I am glad.
I loved life before marriage, but life after marriage is really living. I could not ask for a better husband. He puts up with all my crap and loves me anyway. He lets me have a pile next to the bed even though he is a neat freak, and I know it bothers him. He has taught me so much, and not just about budgets. He is really smart and has great ideas. We have the most fun watching Dirty Jobs and eating for $5.13 at Moe’s on Tuesday nights. He puts me in my place when I turn into a control freak. He makes my lunch everyday. He is the best person I know: funny, charming and real. I am so thankful for him and for our three years together. Happy Anniversary Ju-C! I love you!
Happy Anniversary! Today in Birmingham is very reminiscent of your wedding day . . . beautifully sunny and bright. Have a wonderful day celebrating!
ReplyDeleteLove this post!! Your stroll down memory lane made me laugh. Mitch never watches VH1's 100 hottest hotties with me! I miss our single, carefree days and our late late nights:)Happy Anniversary...I can't believe you've been married 3 years. Wow. Love you.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! You are too cute Emily, what a fun post to read!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the single Emily, but I LOVE the married Emily and think she is very much fun! You and Justin are perfect compliment for each other and we are glad to have you as our friends. Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your Anniversary. I am pretty sure you pulled Ju-C down those stairs with you though. Maybe that was your last attempt at trying to control him. Glad you finally "grew up" but as someone still in your old world, I do miss Single Emily and driving to Bham from AU at 3 in the morning during a tornado and other random acts of stupidity. BUT I am very happy you found Ju-C and that you are HAPPY!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Does the Juice have any single friends that want to take the plunge and put me on a budget? My savings account thanks you.
Sounds like we have a lot in common! :) Cute post and Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDelete...I actually teared up at this one. I don't have enough room to return the favor here, so I'll just buy you the lamp. I think I still have one kidney to give, and there's always plasma donation!! Hubs out.
ReplyDeleteYou are my FAVORITE blogger. We need to get together soon. Did you know we are going to Nashville too... that's right Crazy Brady has talked me into doing the 1/2 marathon. You will have to be on the sidelines cheering for me (or I could just join you on the other side and cheer for everyone!) We'll see!
ReplyDeleteOh and by the way, Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary. He does sound like a catch. I got one of those, too. He is sitting in the basement with me watching Bourne Identity and has been making me shelves to go in a kitchen cabinet out of his brother's old graduate school artwork. If that ain't love, nothing is.
ReplyDeleteWas there ever a version of Emily who didn't mind sand? Girl we need to go to the BEACH!! Also I love married Emily!! Although you don't see it, I see the single version of Emily pop out every now and then. You are a wonderful mix. You and Justin are blessed to have one another!!! We are blessed to have you both as friends!
ReplyDeleteEmily - hilarious! I echo all of your sentiments about single versus married - that was ME, too, just 5 years ago. I can totally relate. Anyway, happy A-day! Great post!!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily - I found your blog through Ashley's and just wanted to say Hi! It's good to kind of catch up with you and see that life is good! Happy Anniversary - time flies :)
ReplyDeleteLindsey (Frank) Martin
Single, married, I love you Emily any old way. You are too cute. Thanks for rocking my girls worlds. They love you too...Robin
ReplyDeleteHaving known both Emilys I must say you were/are neither a brat or a loser! I love so much and can not believe it has been three years already! I loved your post, it made me smile on a yucky day. And hey, there is nothing wrong with wearing a kanakuk sweatshirt to work! Wish my fat postpartum body could fit in mine! Love you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! A little late, I know. I have been studying and haven't been able to catch up on my reading. I guess something must have been in the air, and had everyone studying their own lifestlyes. Crazy! I am glad marriage is going well!
ReplyDeleteKatie B