Is This the New Normal?

The school year is here, but does that mean newly-wed life goes down the drain?

Chase and I will both be beginning our senior year at Utah State University. On top of school we both have nearly full-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. Chase is president of the PRSSA club on campus; his focus is getting some experience under his belt so he can get a job or at least an internship right after graduation. I will be volunteering with Mountain West Physical Therapy through the Cache Valley Specialty Hospital, and any other volunteering I can get my hands on. We are really focused on our ‘next step’ and doing everything we can to get into our careers as fast as we can.

As newly-weds we still love spending a lot of time with each other, so we are nervous that we won’t have much free time to enjoy each others company. We are a couple that has spent every night on the couch cuddling and watching a few episodes on Netflix so we can unwind after a long day with foot rubs and laughs, these few hours are really the only time we have been able to see each other the past few weeks.

These are a few ideas I have come up with to bring us closer together during our crazy schedule.

Studying together: We both want to excel with our academics so studying is very important. I like going to the library and getting a study room so we can focus on our studies but still talk and interact with each other. Other times studying will consist of a mixture of me making dinner and proof reading the latest article Chase has to submit by midnight.

Mini-Lunch dates: I love lunch dates, especially when we are both up on campus. We both like routines, so if we can find a few days a week where we can meet at The Hub and grab a bite to eat and catch up on our day it is perfect.

Walking to class: I don’t know why, but if I can, I will always find the time to walk with my hubby to class. It is relaxing, and helps me find my center when I can cherish and utilize every free second of my day being with him. When we walk and talk it is mentally productive for both of us, we like to go through our daily lists and confirm where each of us will be after school that day. We don’t have time in the morning to talk to each other because we have such different schedules, so if we can find a few minutes between classes it helps.

No Electronics: It is important to me that we interact on a daily basis without the use of phones or computers. Our relationship isn’t through the WI-FI. We can’t really appreciate each other if we only communicate with our phone. Chase really likes being on his phone, with all the new aps. and social sites how could he not? He is always reading something about the latest Lamborghini, or watching a funny video, so it is all I can do to get his attention sometimes. I like to find situations that keep us off our phones so we can enjoy each other’s company and not take anything for granted.

Cooking Lessons: I love to cook, and try out a new Pinterest Recipe. Chase likes to eat what I cook. It has been a goal of mine to incorporate him into the cooking process. He helps me chop veggies and cook the meat and mix everything together; he is also reliable when it comes to giving him directions on cooking when I am not home, But I need to find ways to make it more exciting for him.

I would love any tips or suggestions you have. I am sure everyone has been in this position and struggled a little. Let me know what you did to get through it. What fun activities did you incorporate into your weekly routine? Did you assign specific days for specific activities or events? Give me your input and help all of us newly-weds.