Life's been pretty stressful lately. While I don't really talk about it or even show the extent of my (financial idiocy and) miseries, it is happening in the background more often than I care to admit. I've probably mentioned my struggles a few times before, and I really don't like doing that - but I'm pretty transparent, so I guess there's that.

That being said, tough times sometimes bring out the best in people. It definitely brings out the best out of my husband for sure. I never really want to burden Bear with anything. I think a part of that is the thought that I'm older - so I should be more responsible in handling things. Yet here he is, bailing me out of every stupid decision I've made. I've really been down lately, and I honestly feel ashamed because I've let my husband down too. The fact that he's very supportive and caring the whole time is priceless, I really appreciate it that he's by my side no matter what.

We got home last night from a family dinner, and Bear prepared my foot massage and soak! I really couldn't be anymore grateful!​

We definitely couldn't wait to get over the cold weather so when the first signs of warmth knocked on Wisconsin's door steps, we grabbed the chance! Each year, I take a week off for Bear's birthday, and my birthday. Most of the time we plan on doing something for Bear's birthday week(end), and for my week I usually just use it to chill, relax, and craft.

Last month, for Bear's birthday we decided to camp at Governor Dodge State Park. I recently added on my bucket list to, hopefully, get to visit all state parks in Wisconsin.​ I really enjoy camping, and it feels good to just be away from the city and experience nature.

I probably should've said this last week but it's officially fall! The leaves have turned, snicker doodle is in the air, the wind is chilly - it's absolutely lovely! This is also the time of year when I hoard the autumn scents from Bath and Body Works because not gonna lie, it's my scent all year round. 

It's also time for family photos! Had some new family photos taken, and actually the first time we're able to do fall pictures. Really excited and glad we got it scheduled just in time. ​​We were introduced to this small park/trail in town that I never knew about. It's actually a very small place, but it's very pretty especially for a small family session.

This season also signals the start and end of certain things.

It's that most wonderful time of the year....

I definitely love this season, and this year we celebrated Yule as a family, away from home, in a small, cozy cabin by the Brule River right on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan. 

On our first Valentine's day together, after we got married, I wanted to go somewhere special. Back then, budget was tight and a regular restaurant was expensive for us. We still wanted to have something special and I was also still discovering Wisconsin as it's only been a few months since I arrived.

We found the only sushi buffet place nearby - Island Sushi in Appleton! Oh you can just imagine my happiness. Seafood is hard to come by here (at an affordable price), let alone a nice sushi place! It was definitely a great restaurant and we've spend all our Valentine's day there... until 2021.

Bear's new job requires him to be away for days at a time and we really can't decide right now when he will be home. A snow storm and lonely on a Valentine's day, I focused in blowing the snow and getting things done. While it sounds sad, it's also actually a good me-time moment.

If you're in the U.S., you've probably heard of the massive snow storm that hit us and affected mostly the South. We still got a good chunk of snow up here in the Midwest, and I was on duty keeping the driveway and sidewalk in tip-top shape. While I was clearing the driveway on Valentine's morning, I was caught by this sweet surprise!!

Not gonna lie, I was in a quick panic the moment I noticed him because he pulled in as soon as I was starting to put away the snow blower. Next thing I know, he handed me this very beautiful vase of flowers - my favorite roses and carnations at that!

It's cold and it's icy, and we're venturing into a new chapter trying to see if it fits our family well. I think I will be discussing that when everything's clear. So many things have been going on but we definitely need a break... so a date night it is! I think that it's really important in relationships to go out even on a simple date night. I've heard many times that people who get in long term relationships or when they get married often neglect the so-called little things.

Maybe I'm a little cheesy.

Okay, maybe I'm a really cheesy and sentimental person but I think I've learned a thing or two about relationships. I'm no expert by no means, and I also understand everyone is different and what works for one will not always work for everyone; however, I do know for a fact that taking feelings for granted will not have good results.

This weekend we celebrated November Twentieth-first.

​What is this?? You may ask.

While we did plan to get married when I arrived in the U.S., we didn't really plan a date. I was hoping to do it on a certain fourth - to kind of match the day we became official, July 4th. I thought to myself, probably December 4th would be a good date. There is quite a long story behind it, but let's just say some no-good person was trying to get me in trouble and give reason to deport me so a wedding rush we had!

Bear's mom was eager to get it done, like right now! So what better day would be than the coming weekend, right? Of course! It's the day right after my birthday. On November 20th and 21st, 2015, we marked the first November Twentieth-first.

Some people may think, oh such a cute term! 

No. That's just Bear not remembering which was the birthday and which was the wedding day. Whether it's true or he's just playing with me, that's what he led on and I would assume the former that he couldn't really remember.

The day has finally arrived, this is it!
It was a long and expensive process but I am not officially a U.S. Citizen.

I previously maintained a blog detailing the whole K1 Visa process. Unfortunately, I had to shut it down due to the image hosting fiasco brought to us by Photobucket. Every image disappeared and rendered my blogs, well, useless. Anyways, life went on and so did the visa and permanent residence process.

This whole topic is a long story in itself so I'll give this post a different approach.
​

Sometimes when you're down, all you need is someone to be there for you. Luckily, my Bear stepped up and I'm a very proud wifey! I have to admit, I really feel so down. I can't do a lot of things that I typically would. I love cooking so I'm missing my kitchen so bad.

But I think our new chef is doing really great!​ Bear's burger's are the best but we recently tried out EveryPlate and he's been making these really good meals. 

Not only that... my substitute gardener didn't kill my plants!