Today me and my beautiful Shaun are celebrating 5 years of being married.

Today me and my beautiful Shaun are celebrating 5 years of being married (and almost 15 years together).  He gave me a lovely wooden puzzle box that it takes 27 steps to open.  There is also something inside, but I don't know what it is yet because I've yet to get it open.  😄  I gifted him a helicopter ride (to be taken this weekend) because I was so checked out near the last December holiday that I had some making-up to do.  Not that he ever views it that way, but basically not living at home during that time (due to job training) had my mind fried and I didn't feel great about it.  I really didn't pick out or buy gifts for anyone (not even him); he handled all of that - and like a pro, I might add.

I have felt so good and so gushy lately, but I've been hyper-focused on my database rather than sitting down and writing out my feelings.  I'm in the zone on a project that I've wanted to finish for years and I finally feel like I have the mental space and energy to do it.  My sweet husbang has put up with me getting off work, getting on my personal laptop, and half-ass watching our shows or whatever we're doing because my brain is just busy.

I love that he knows me so well that he takes none of this personally.  I love that he roots for me to do my nerd shit and accomplish things that make me feel good, even when it's a sacrifice to do so.  I love that he's content to chill in the same room as me while doing something totally different that he's into.  Parallel play is where it's at, y'all.  But seriously, Shaun is absolutely, 100% my favorite person ever and I'm grateful he chose to spend his life with me.  He is my best friend and I'd be lost without him!

Edit:

OMG! I had to edit this post to put up a photo of this beautiful box and gorgeous heart-shaped rock it contained. Why is he so good to me!? I LOVE THESE GIFTS SO MUCH! ❤️❤️❤️

And he had to open the puzzle box for me. I got the concept, but my stumpy hands were starting to hurt. 😂😂😂

Good morning from here

Good morning from here. So many balloons! ❤️❤️❤️

This is my current collection of succulents.

This is my current collection of succulents. Most of these are the ones who survived the humidity of Talladega as well as the move. It's only a fraction of the number of plants I used to have, but it's a very manageable number to care for and I'm grateful that they are still with me.

Bottom left (in a cage because it's wily - just kidding; it's to keep the cats from chewing it) was gifted to me by Sabrina. I repotted it yesterday and I hope it will be happy. I still don't know what it is. 😂 I'll get a close-up soon and ask if anyone can identify. The jade plants on the top left shelf were given to me by a coworker before I left Cincinnati. I repotted them yesterday, too. I spent some time cleaning and arranging my shelves and I am pretty pleased with how it came out.

I don't love the look of having my plants in totes, but it has made watering much easier and more effective. I feel like I finally cracked the code for how to make them survive in the new environment (after over a year here 😳). My confidence that I won't kill them is finally good enough that I felt comfortable ordering 2 succulents I'd like to have. I don't see me growing my collection back to what it used to be, but there are a few beauties that I miss.

Maybe I can get some better photos later, but for now I'm thrilled with how the catio / sunroom looks. ❤️

Ember lets you know when it's playtime.

Ember lets you know when it's playtime. Volume up for this one. 😂😂😂

Adrian says that I need mousing lessons!

Adrian says that I need mousing lessons! She recommends using more claws. 😂😂😂

Meanwhile...

Meanwhile I'm over here feeling terrible because I'm about to disturb this cat. He sneezed directly in my face earlier, though, so we're even. 😂

We all know that Shaun is the best cuddler in the house.

We all know that Shaun is the best cuddler in the house. Cub has crashed out in his arms. I love how he is with all of our creatures. It's so precious. 💗💗💗