Confession. And growth.

Those of you who know me well know that I do not like being truly bad at anything, no matter how insignificant. It's not exactly an endearing character trait because, for one thing, it doesn't make me the most popular player in a game of Scrabble or bowling or most definitely in basketball or whatever game I happen to be losing soundly at the time. Although I put up a fight, the "sore loser" in me almost always wins out in varying degrees of disgruntled behavior, anger, pouting, or all of the above. And for another thing, it's next to impossible to learn anything worthwhile if you can't wait out the learning curve or even just the occasional bad day.

Before I was married, I could more or less avoid the things I couldn't do well, with a few exceptions. But I had a pretty rude awakening when I got married. Suddenly I was thrust into a world, well two worlds really when you count the military, that I knew pretty much next to nothing about.

At long last, we are settled in one place for a while, and I feel like I am finally starting to learn a thing or two and, dare I say, maybe even starting to become acceptable if not good at a few new things. I thought I would share some of the things I am learning/have learned, because they are all in some way connected to "conquering indecision," and I haven't really written anything about that yet. So without further ado:

1. All things related to food and its preparation.

This one has been particularly challenging for me because it is pretty well unavoidable. Justin's great about helping, but I still feel like it's more or less my responsiblity. Especially when I'm the one who's home all day. But when I was single, I never cooked (and sometimes didn't eat very well as a result). Which also means I never planned out meals for the week or did that much grocery shopping. Am I the only one out there who has had a strong dislike for grocery shopping because I felt like I had no idea what I was doing? Is that as odd as it sounds?

2. All things related to the military.

By no means am I saying that I have learned everything about the military. Yeah right! But everything I now know about the military is totally new to me, everything from ranks, to bases, to types of planes, to the virtually endless number of acronyms I now hold in my head. Oh the acronyms! I still may not be able to translate every piece of a military-related conversation, but I now speak enough military that at least I no longer dread attending military functions.

3. Taking care of a house/decorating.

I may have had the basics like sweeping and vacuuming covered before, but now I know how to operate a Rug Doctor, clean an oven, get rid of Palmetto bugs (oh, how disgusting), and I have to admit, I'm still working on the decorating thing. Although I have played my role in buying our share of furniture--always an adventure in itself.

4. Buying a house and a car.

Overwhelming even for the seasoned buyer.

5. Taking care of a lawn and landscaping.

I started from square one here too. I had no idea there were so many things to buy in Wal-Mart that I knew nothing about! Tools, grass seed, fertilizers, types of flowers and herbs. This has been one area I've been enjoying learning about, though, without feeling too overwhelmed.

6. Communication.

Communication with Justin and communication with friends and family. Moving around the country has made all of it a challenge. Most recently, though, I have learned that while I am still forming an opinion on a subject, I should just keep my mouth shut and my ears open. Otherwise I will just end up saying something I will feel like a jerk about because it was well meaning but not well founded. I hope I don't do that on this blog, but you never know. Just a warning.

7. Oh yes, and I almost forgot--the thing that inspired this post today in the first place! Don't put syrup in the refrigerator. Ever. "That's just crazy!" But hey, at least I learned before getting married (in high school, but still before getting married) not to put metal in the microwave. What can I say, I led a sheltered childhood.

What seemingly basic things have you been learning about lately?