Phew, First meeting with the priest is done!

After almost 5 months after going to our Pre-Cana and taking the FOCCUS test (to see if we are compatible), the priest finally scheduled to meet with us.  Thanks to Skype, this was quite doable :) Adrian was physically next to the priest while I was here in Seattle during my lunch hour.

Of the many other things we have to do, our church requested that we each do an autobiography discussing our family, friends, faith, each other, etc.  It was at least a 7-page document each!  It was quite enlightening though as the priest unveiled to us what Adrian and I answered to each question.  I did not necessarily find out anything new about Adrian and I do not think Adrian found out anything new about me, but the priest gave some insightful things that can help us with the road ahead of us.  Some things to do:

1. Practice the 10-10 rule.  Allow 10 minutes each day for the wife to talk and 10 minutes for the husband to talk - about anything!  Just 10 minutes of uninterrupted time away from everything with no judgement and just acceptance and support.
2. Have dinner together at least 3-4 times a week.
3. Have a date night at least every other week.
4. Read "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus."  I was told to always tell Adrian if something is wrong at work, with friends, etc so that he does not start blaming himself when I am in a funky mood.
5. We should show interest in what makes each of us happy.  I.e., Adrian should try to enjoy clothes, shoes, and purse shopping with me and I should try to enjoy Best Buy shopping.  *gulp*
6. There is a BIG fallacy about compromising in marriage.  Compromising for the most part causes divorce.  Compromising changes a person in a certain way that will only make one party happy.  If an argument exists, get to the root of the problem and hear each other out.  Do not just follow in the other person's lead just to keep peace.
7. Discuss ALL financial issues privately and openly to each other.
8. Save money for a big house with an in-law's house.  :)
9. Always tell each other what you feel on a daily basis especially if it's endearing things.  Saying 'I love you' will never hurt.
10. Note to myself - Do not close down when I am not happy, mad, or disappointed.

I hope this helps someone in the blog world :) Adrian and I will try to make sure we look at this list when we forget to appreciate each other.

101 days left!