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!​

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.