Is it Christmas yet?

Christmas has never been my favorite holiday. Yes there were presents, but the dysfunction that was family togetherness drove me insane.

*I'll skip that old record*

But my most dreaded holiday was always Halloween.

Growing up and until recently I tried to fake some enthusiasm for Halloween.  In college I
threw some sweet parties, and they were fun, but seriously other than dressing like a slut and getting drunk what is the point?? As a child you get some free candy, but as sad as it is, you can't just throw a sheet with some eye holes over your kid and let them walk up the block.

Mostly, I hate Halloween because I am a scaredy cat.  There it is.  I hate the commercials for scary movies that interrupt my Jersey Shore marathon.  I'm annoyed that Chucky, Scream and Paranormal Activity are playing back to back on my favorite channels.  I hate haunted cornfields, caves and houses that everyone seems to have a great time going to. I hate scary ass decorations, spider webs, monsters, and creepy corpses.

I don't like to admit it, but until I was probably 10 or 11 I used to roll up a blanket and wrap it around my neck at night because I was terrified of vampires.  I thought the blanket would foil the vampire from biting my neck and wake me up in enough time for little old me to run away. I mean, for real.

Today I helped my friend Jessica celebrate her birthday at a paint your own pottery store downtown and there were little kids trick or treating the local businesses.  I'm not going to lie, there was a 6 year old in a freaking clown mask that made me want to punt the child.  I'm talking John Gacy handcuff me to the pipes and dismember me before pouring the concrete basement floors scary.  REALLY!? Is it REALLY necessary to dress up your small child in a costume like that? Can't they just be Peter Pan or something?

I am SHOCKED that I watch The Walking Dead (only after screaming in protest when Steven tried to make me watch the first season).  My favorite (sort of creepy) movie is Practical Magic for goodness sake.

Thankfully Halloween is almost over. Five more days and I'm in the clear for another 365 days.  Then I get to look forward to all the Christmas festivities (and my first Christmas as a married lady) which has been a much more bearable holiday since I've been able to be a part off Steven's family.  Then I will have to deal with my second most dreaded holiday.

Easter. Well more specifically the Easter Bunny.  Think about it. 

Now a few Halloween throwback pictures:

How's Married Life?

As of last week, I have been married for 8 months. In that time I have been asked how's married life approximately 18570235710239571 times. After the first 3 times I've come to a default answer. It's boring.

That is usually the answer that gets the most confused reaction. The inquiring party is often dumbfounded and is forced to awkwardly move away from the topic.

I guess growing up, I'm used to seeing the dramatic romances played out in movies and in real life.  My parent's rocky marriage created a childhood in which my brother and I were constantly in turmoil. I was scared to make too much noise, to not wipe the sink completely off after brushing my teeth, forgetting a small chore and saying the wrong things to the point that I would be punished if my answer not the correct one. My parents were constantly arguing and there never seemed to be any peace in our household.

On television the relationships I saw and related to were always sprinkled with drama. Carrie and Big? Rachel and Ross? Jerry and Elaine? Anyone?

Even Disney's brand of love is dramatic. Belle and the Beast? Ariel and the Prince? Aladdin and Jasmine? Lady and the Tramp? Snow White?  I think Disney's love bugs are even more negative as they always seem to have a parental complex. Cinderella's misfortunes for example?

Nope, my marriage is boring, from the outside looking in.  Steven and I can anticipate each others' daily routines. What is he doing Tuesday night? Going to bowling league. Me every Wednesday? Watching Nashville of course.  Would I like to go on a date this week? Not on Thursday, Sunday or Monday night if it's football season.  Unless I'm up for some wings and beer of course.

I can tell by his body language if we're staying in, going out or if he just needs some time alone to decompress after a long shift at work.  He knows by the pants (or lack of since I HATE pants) if I am heading to see the girls, planning on vegging out all day or need some attention.

We always tell each other when we'll be home if we're together. We always kiss hello and goodbye. We always say I love you, even when we piss each other off.

And he has been my number one supporter as I've dealt with some serious health issues, job changes and just my overall life situation.  No one else would bring me my little shadow, Prim, knowing my need for a constant companion while he works crazy shifts would trump my severe allergies (I love her, but we should probably invest in some Allegra stocks before too long).

No one else would understand my abandonment and trust issues due to so many friends and family (and 2 pathological liars) stepping out of my life at the first hint of trouble.  I'm sure no one else would be able to handle the "pillow talk" he brings home from work. And I'm absolutely positive no other man would be able to accommodate my OCD, especially when I go un-medicated just to satisfy my inner voice telling me to rip the entire house apart and BLEACH!

So yeah, my marriage is boring.  There's no drama. We don't raise our voices.  Neither of us are having an affair.  He doesn't smother me, and is completely comfortable with me having a separate, independent life.  If he's not home, there is only about 4 places I know he could be. We don't antagonize each other (much) and that is that. Nothing more, nothing less.

Boring. Just the way I like it.