Boyfriend of the Year

Okay, so I did not specify earlier this month [January 5th, to be exact] that Rob and I have been together officially now for a full year. It sounds so high-schoolesque to make a public declaration that way, but I'm all about giving thanks where it's due... and it.. is DUE.

It's never too late for a shoutout.
And today... it goes to the greatest man [second only to my own dad] in my life. Before this guy, I think I always pretended I could find a best friend and confidante in a significant other, but it never actually happened. Now that it has, I totally get why some people are so easily swooned into that hopeless romantic stuff. Hah.

Anyway, in the spirit of being thankful for Rob, I thought I'd share, in no particular order, 10 reasons why I count myself among the elite group of truly blessed.

1 | He just moved to Cincinnati, for me. I didn't have to pack my bags and trek across the country to follow some perhaps unrealistic or self-absorbed dream of his, and really, he didn't do that for me, either. My geographical position is dictated by my Sydni, and he made a choice to be here with us.

he's workin on rice skills!

2 | Tonight, he had dinner almost halfway completed by the time I walked in the door. We both know I usually take the reins for that, but I was pleasantly surprised by both his initiative and at how delicious it was for someone who claims he can't cook. Haha. ;) Don't worry, I'm not expecting this every night, but it was a big show of awesome on his part and hey, brownie points don't hurt ;)

3 | Before we started dating, and well into the first few months of it, I was a basket case of sorts. I was still reeling from some of the events that ended along with 2012, and needless to say, I was very reluctant to give an inch of leash to my innermost self, let alone wear my heart on my sleeve. He, in spite of my walls, was patient, understanding and above it all, accepting of me at even some of my finest moments. And by finest, I mean those days when I was crumpled in a heap of red, swollen eyes, messy hair and a tear-stained face.


love.love.

4 | We've been through a lot for just one year in. There have been a fair share of misunderstandings, irritating situations and forgiveness, on both of our parts, but we've managed to approach them with open ears and minds, and to express openly how we feel and how things are actually affecting us. Couples therapy, 101, I know.... but seriously, I've skipped this part in past relationships and I would not make that mistake again.


me for me, you for you.
thank you....

5 | Just this past Sunday, when I was at my wit's end from the migraine I had developed, he sat next to me as I fought through nausea and exhaustion all day. I'm not one to brag when I need attending to, but it happened.... :/ Haha. He made me soup, made a cold compress for me and was just... there when I needed him.

this is backdated...

6 | My daughter loves him. Sydni and Mr. Rob are like peas in a pod most of the time. When Mr. Rob is around, I'm pretty much sent to the back of the line. Haha. I'll say that it's because he has his own set of nieces, but for someone sans his own kiddos, he's extraordinarily patient, generous and protective of mine. On top of that, my family loves him. It's not easy to appease everyone in my family, but I haven't heard a single complaint yet. I have an outspoken family, so that... is pretty awesome.

my. favorites.

7 | He's got a beard. I love beards. Haha. However, it's not one of those I'm-a-trendy-but-helpless-hipster beards. It's a beard that translates into an actual ability to get work done. Nine times outta ten, this guy's gonna build it, fix it, move it or improve it without calling for help. He's not afraid of greasy hands or breaking a sweat. It's refreshing.. to have a handy guy around for those rare occasions when my own pint-sized braun can't handle it. I'm all about girl power, but I'm admittedly old-fashioned in that I find it attractive when a guy can handle his own in the arena of all things manly.

trimmed up, but still adorable (:

 8 | He understands that I'm something of an anomoly when it comes to my status as a girl. He doesn't pamper me [the exception would fall under days like #5 up there...], buy me a bunch of flowery fluff I don't need or try to convince me to wear stupid crap like pigtails or glitter. Instead, he figured out quickly that my girlish obsessions come in the form of crafts off Pinterest, wearing heels to work [sometimes] and using shower soap that doesn't smell like a Grecian athlete. I was raised and still am a tomboy at heart, and he not only embraces that, but encourages me to stay that way. He doesn't mind me for who I already am, and he's never tried to change me to fit what he thought I should be. We're equals in this. And that.. is awesome.  

this. this is wha the gets to deal with.. haha.. ;)



9 | He's a guy with toys. I've never been much of a big ticket item collector, but I know how hard he's worked for the things he has, so I appreciate everything that's currently parked in the garage, driveway... and street. Haha. Harley, boat, 4-wheeler and lifted truck comprise the list of ways we'll have some fun once this weather gets over itself..... (:

10 | He loves me.
It's more about the small things than the big showy stuff for me, and so far, I have to say he's done an excellent job of taking the time to make this work. We're both back in the same city now, which means that the 400 miles between us no longer exist. My best friend is here with me and I'm not complaining one bit about starting off 2014 like this.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you Rob, for reminding me that it's okay to trust someone, and for showing me that giving my all can in fact be worth it.

Happy Tuesday, to you and yours!

xo | cmd