Anniversary Time -- 4 Years

Today, I'm hijacking the Rhew The Nation posts for a very special announcement...It's anniversary time!! Let me just start by saying Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful husband in all the world, Deek Rhew! <3 <3

You may remember we got married twice--once in the Pacific Northwest and once in the South. Well, today, we celebrate 4 years since we got married in the Pacific Northwest (the one that made it legal and all)!

PNW wedding

Southern wedding, six months later.

My Deek and blog friends, let's take a little stroll down memory lane...

Going to the chapel (or Victorian historical home),

 and we're gonna get married!

We seriously laugh all the time...then and now!

I look at my hunk like this then and now.

Deliriously happy...still am!

Hubba! 

He's like a fine wine, better with age! 

(at least that's what they say. I don't know 'cause I don't drink)

Looking toward a bright, happy future!

Spoiler: It's brighter and happier than I could have ever dreamed!

Da bride and da groom!

Four years in, and Deek still calls me his bride. 

<happy sigh>

First anniversary

Second anniversary

Third anniversary 

Yep, that's happy weight, but spoiler...keto cures all. ;)

We're back to our regular weights again, thank goodness!

We haven't done fourth anniversary pics yet, 

but here's one from this weekend.

Let me tell you, these past four years have truly been the most glorious of my life. I loved Deek like crazy when we got married, but I love him even more now. We have fought battles side-by-side, gone on some serious adventures, laughed until our stomachs hurt (which is often), sung at the top of our lungs, danced under the stars, and a million other precious moments that make this bond between us even deeper.

When Deek and I first decided to consider dating, I was a romance cynic. Events in my life had led me to conclude that neither selfless, unconditional love nor soulmates existed. In fact, I told Deek not to bother falling in love with me (isn't that charming?) because I'd been through enough in my life to *know* that good men existed only in books and movies, not in reality. 

Yeah, imagine trying to woo that. But Deek was up for the challenge.

He showed me that good men--wonderful men--exist here in the real world. He melted my frozen heart and turned me into a sappy pile of blubbering romantic goo. I believe, y'all. In love. In soulmates. In forever. In good men. In happy marriages. All of it. He made me a believer!

He's my best friend, my true partner, my rock, my love, and yes...my soulmate. When we started talking about dating, we both sat down and went over our lists of things we could and could not accept in a relationship, and they matched. Perfectly. Like we were made for each other, and I truly believe we were.

I am happier than I had any idea a person could be. Every day, I wake up to Deek's smile, and every night, I go to sleep in his arms. He's my everything; my dream come true. 

It just keeps getting better!

My love, here's to four more, and four more, and four more, and four more... How about forever and always and then some?

Happy Anniversary to my amazing, loving, funny, kind, giving, over-the-top in the best possible way husband! I adore you more than words could ever say, and I'm honored to get to spend my life with you!

#Always

Life Changes

Hey y'all! It's about to be summa, summa, summa up in here! WOOT!! I am so freakin' excited! Give me a hot day over a cold one any day of the year! ;)

Throwback to our honeymoon after the 2nd/Southern wedding!

Speaking of throwback and the 2nd/Southern wedding, Deek and I just celebrated another anniversary! Let me tell you, life with this man just keeps getting better and better. Every day I think I can't love him any more than I did the day before, and yet, I do! He is my dream come true, and I adore him epically!

And now... 

More in love than ever and having a blast!

And if you needed more proof that my hubby rocks, may I present his latest "just because" gift to me...

OMG! YES!

House Stark forever!!

Okie dokie, now let's talk about some changes that have been in the works.

Eating: For the past five years or so, I've struggled with my thyroid and adrenal failure. Before Deek, I lived a *super* stressful life, and living that way for so long has lasting effects (see my posts about that here and here).  If you know anything about thyroid problems and adrenal failure, you know it's almost impossible to lose weight.

I'd had success with South Beach and paleo in the past, so Deek and I gave those a shot. We worked out and we ate right and...nothing. I might bounce down a pound or two, but it would always come back. Many times, I'd look at my husband and say, "Screw it. I might as well eat pizza and Coke every day for all the good this diet is doing me!"

I still think pizza may be the most perfect food ever invented...

Also, I had been having pain in my stomach every time I ate. Back in January 2017, I had a stomach virus, and my tummy has not been happy since. A doctor said when your stomach goes through a trauma like a bad virus or something like that, it can take up to two years to fully heal. Think of it like this...if you break your arm, you put it in a cast, and it heals. But your stomach is never "off duty."

Enter keto. I'd been reading about it a lot and considering it for a long time, but everyone said, "Don't do it if you have a thyroid problem. It will shut your thyroid down!" So, I stayed away, but it kept creeping up the back of my mind. One day, I told Deek I was going to devote some time to really studying this eating plan and see if it would mess my thyroid up even more.

Confession, I freakishly love to research. I mean, I *really* love it. I need some kind of job where I just research stuff for people. Anyhoo, I found a way to make keto work with the thyroid. After Deek and I discussed it, we decided to give it a try.

Y'all, I am losing weight! It's slower than most keto people because of my thyroid and adrenals, but it's happening!!! I had this pair of shorts that did not fit me in April. I'm talking about I looked like a sausage being stuff into casing--that bad. But I wore those shorts yesterday, and they were super loose. What the heck??

But more than that, I *feel* good. My stomach does not hurt at all anymore, and I have energy like crazy. Now, I'm not a doctor (check with professionals if you're considering a diet change), so y'all take this anecdotal story with a grain of salt. But man, it's changed my life!

In addition to eating keto, I do HIIT workouts, tabatas, and interval running.

I spoke to my mom yesterday, and she decided to do keto also. She said she's losing weight and feeling great. She said "Keto even works for old people." LOL! She's not old BTW. ;)

Ain't she purty? And definitely *not* old.

Since this blog post is already super long, I'll save my next change for my next post. In that, I'll be talking about my new facial regime (it's not for any sales company). I make it at home, and it's revolutionized my face. 

I'll leave you with this recent photo of me and Deek doing what we do--having fun together. Until next time... 

It's you. It's always been you, and it'll always be you!

Exciting Times Ahead!

Thanks to Facebook's "On This Day," Deek realized he'd been working on The Extractor for a year now.

Our process is creatively dumping the story in about three to four months and then spending a good six to nine self-editing. When Deek finished self-editing, he sent it over to me, and I performed a content edit. Now he's almost done with his revisions based on my notes, and then he'll send it Anya Kagan at Touchstone Editing for her review. Once he's implemented her changes, he'll send it back to me for line edits. Whew! Sounds exhausting? It can be, but we love the process!!

And after all that...he'll be ready to submit to agents!

via GIPHY

I personally think this story is unique and intriguing enough to warrant agent attention. And that's not just a proud wife talking (though I am that); it's an editor who has seen a lot of submissions and worked on a lot projects.

It's geeky and sci-fi--yes, plenty of that goodness--but it raises interesting questions about who we are and what makes us, well, us.

via GIPHY

And I am SO thrilled to announce that Deek's publisher, Tenacious Books Publishing, will be releasing an audio book of Birth of An American Gigolo on May 15! Y'all, they picked an AMAZING voice actor who totally captured the essence of Lindsey and the rest of the crew. A big thank you and shout out to Crystal at Femme Vocale! 

For those who love Sam Bradford and the 122 Rules saga, don't worry, Book 2 is in the works and should be out in 2019! There may even be a new cover for Book 1, from none other than the supremely talent Anita Carroll! Although, I do like what she did with the first cover, she and Deek have some smashing ideas for a revamp!

122 Rules Original cover

As for me, I've got my sci-fi, The Transhuman Project, out with some agents and am waiting to hear back. Y'all, the writing world is a serious test of patience. I'm not a good waiter, but I'm trying to be. I also got some awesome feedback from a stellar agent about Restore To Me. I'm working on implementing those changes, and hopefully something will come of that in the near future. 

The Transhuman Project's inspiration photo

Right now, I'm also working on an editing project through the Rhewbix Cube deal. If you haven't heard of it, take a gander here. You'll have the chance to work with Anya, Anita, and me, and we'll make sure you have a book ready to be published, formatting and all, by the end of the process.

Take advantage of the Rhewbix Cube deal!

Exciting times are ahead for the Rhews! We're cranking out books just as fast as we can while keeping quality in mind. But sure to stay tuned...and hang on for the ride! ;) 

Random notation: I've noticed that the longer I've been with Deek, the bigger my smile gets. I think in the beginning, I was still trying to figure out if a man could *actually* be as awesome, thoughtful, and wonderful as he seemed. But now, I know he really and truly is that amazing and more. Just a fun observation I had of late. Man, do I love me some Deek Rhew. I'm the luckiest girl in the world! 

If I smile any bigger, I'm going to break my face.

This man makes me happier than I ever dreamed I could be!

Anniversary Joy

Hey, y'all! This month is an exciting one because it's mine and Deek's anniversary month! Well, one of them at least. LOL! Yep, we got married twice (once on each coast since we're from opposite coasts).

Wedding #1 -- PNW

Wedding #2 -- Southern

I was thinking today about "new" love versus "older" love, and I think older love gets a bad rap. Everyone talks about the euphoria of new love and how the butterflies are everything. Fairytales end at the wedding or final get together moment, but no one shows the after. Probably because they think watching the Prince go to work while Cinderella takes care of the kids (or visa versa or watching them both go to work), watching them pay bills or attend a concert, or watching them participate in "regular life" isn't very exciting. But by not seeing the married Prince and Cinderella, you're missing out on the best part. On the love that comes with a long-term relationship.

Erin and Deek -- the early days

You see, there's something amazing that develops the longer you're with the right person. A deep, more profound love that blows new, euphoric love out of the water.

Erin and Deek now

While it's not nearly as flashy as that falling in love feeling, there's something special about hearing someone say a certain phrase, turning to your partner, and sharing that smile because it reminds you of a joke known only between the two of you. There's something about coming home with news--good or bad--and knowing you have someone to share it with. There's something about saying, "Remember when we..." and having someone to reminisce with. There's something about having another person know exactly what you want or need and being there to provide it and being able to do that for them.

Life is in those little moments. Everyone thinks life and love happen in the big moments, but they don't. They're found in the every day. Cooking dinner together. Dancing in the kitchen. Laughing about something silly while you're getting ready for work. Sitting in bed sipping coffee and talking about the day ahead. Holding hands during a walk. Lying in one another's arms after a long day. Knowing that you have a person--your person, the person--who'll ride the ups and the downs of life by your side, hand in hand.

Our greatest desire as humans is to be known--truly known--and loved. True love comes from understanding someone at their core, at their innermost being. It's knowing all the ugly things about them, in addition to all the beautiful things, and saying, "Given everything that I know, I still love you. I still want to be with you. You, above anyone else."

The longer you're together, the more you know about each other. You can't hide your bad side, your quirks, or your faults when you live with someone and do life with them. Everything comes out. But to have all your bad parts exposed and to have your partner still gaze upon you like you're the most wonderful thing they've ever seen...that's older love. That's precious, rare, genuine, and priceless.

Given what I know about Deek, I love him more now than I did then. Every single day, I love him just a little bit more. I'm not exactly sure how that happens, but it does. He is truly the very best person I know. He's genuine, loving, witty, brilliant, hardworking, tenacious, giving, and thoughtful. I could keep going, but then this blog would be lightyears long. ;) 

But I say all that to say I understand him at his core, at the innermost part of his being, and I'm deeply in love with him. I know him. I know his good and his bad (and he knows mine). And given that, I'd still choose him--every day, every moment, always and forever. 

Happy Anniversary, my beloved! Thank you for loving me when I'm at my best and when I'm at my worst. Thank you for taking the time to see deep into my soul and for loving what you see. Thank you for treating me like I'm the most precious thing you've ever encountered and making sure I always know how much you love me. Thank you for always making time for "us," no matter what else is happening in our lives. Thank you for this wonderful life--this precious, rare, priceless love that comes after the fairytale. Because this part is the real fairytale. 

I love you, Deek! Now and always. Here's to many more in this lifetime and in the beyond! 

Being with Deek still makes me feel like dancing

He's so romantic!

This is how we look at each other, and I love that!

#Always

Time For Some R&R

Lately, Deek and I have been going pretty hard with writing and regular life stuff. So, my amazing parents decided to give us a much needed break. They got tickets for all of us to see one of my most favorite country singers ever--Travis Tritt. It's so funny they'd pick Travis because Deek and I have often talked about how much we like his music and how much we'd love to do a little songwriting with him. And to put the icing right on that awesome cake, the concert was in my most favorite beach town! WINNING all around!

BUT before we went and had all that excitement, Deek and I checked out a local arts festival and had a lovely date night! Could this weekend have gotten *any* better?!?

Ready to celebrate art!

We got free Kind bars. #GiveKindATry

Lately I'm obsessed with skulls, particularly of the Dia de los Muertos variety.

Deek's favorite author was represented!

Could this dog be any cuter??

Then, Deek and I had a lovely date evening. Dinner, coffee, and a long walk. Sigh...he knows the way to this simple girl's heart! 

He *always* makes me laugh!

He paparazzied me!

So I paparrazied him right back!

The sky gave us a beautiful show for our walk!

The next day, we headed out for the beach and the concert. We met my parents early and did some adventuring before the main event!

I so love Jon Snow, but...KHAL DROGO!

<swoon>

I'm secretly a mermaid.

I can't adult today...

Almost time for the show! Here's Travis' equipment trailer!

Travis doing a Birth selfie!

Me and my Daddy! <3

Me and bee-utiful Mama!

At the gift store. Isn't she adorbs!?!?

We Tweeted, and Travis responded. SUCH a class act!

We love you, Travis Tritt!!

His gorgeous daughter, Tyler Reese Tritt, opened for him and sang a duet with him later. She's a natural talent and adorable to boot! Loved this sweet daddy/daughter moment!

Give us some ballads, Travis!

So excited my camera is shaking!

We had SUCH a blast!

Before we headed back home, Deek and I spent a little time on the beach. Even when it's cloudy and gray (which is normal for Pacific Northwest beaches, so Deek felt right at home), the beach is my favorite, favorite, favorite place to be. Deek proposed to me on a beach, and one day, we hope to live at the beach permanently (after our vagabond years, of course). 

There's nothing like the beach!

This man makes me RIDONK happy!

This is the face of joy--the pure, unadulterated joy of being with the one who makes your soul sing.

No matter where we go, Deek is my home.

It's good to work hard and be focused. When you're an adult, you have to adult whether you want to or not. But it's always good to take breaks and carve out a little time for R&R. It's refreshing and rejuvenating, and it resets your mind so you can focus better when you get back to work and adulting. Never underestimate the power of R&R!

Until next time, grab some popcorn, your favorite soda, and lie in bed watching Netflix. Or catch a Travis Tritt concert when he heads your way!