And now, about me.

Hi. My name is Sarah Moran. I'm a 29-year old California native whose life recently got very, very interesting.

Brendan and were married on May 20th, 2006, at six-o-clock in the evening. The forecast had called for rain, and so I had cried throughout the previous day, occasionally yelling at my mother for not being able to perform meteorological miracles. I guess she felt bad enough to perform one, because the skies cleared and I was able to have that outdoor ceremony on the grass after all. It was an elegant affair and the entire event ran smoothly. Several of our guests actually told us it was the nicest wedding they'd ever been to, and obviously to a bride on her wedding night, compliments don't get better than that.

I know that I was just one of many millions of women who get married every year to their lifetime partner of choice. And it really did feel that way going into the wedding. Cold feet was an emotion I never experienced. Although I did have a recoccuring nightmare that I would trip over my dress walking down the aisle and fall on top of my bouquet, and by crushing it kick off a downward spiral of a lifetime of misfortune that would follow me to my grave. Seriously, I must have had that dream five times. I *almost* bought a pair of $400 Marc Jacobs glitter pumps in an effort to convince my noctural goppelganger that I was willing to go the extra mile for bridal shoes in order to secure my rightful place in the history book of Women Who Didn't Fall While Walking Down the Aisle (besides, I could have totally worn them again). I guess deep down inside I knew everything would be ok, and it was. I didn't fall, and I consider myself incredibly lucky.

Ok, so here's the real reason I didn't buy those pumps: Ten days after our nuptials, Brendan and I were on a plane bound for Greece, and not scheduled to return for a year. We quit our jobs, put everything we owned into storage, outfitted ourselves with shiny new backpacks, and hit the road. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wow, that sounds fun. I should really think about doing something adventurous with my life." But just between you and me, our decision did not come about without its share of red flags.

Brendan and I were married less than a year after our first date. We moved in together about two months after deciding we were in love, which was about two weeks after said date. On paper, the whole relationship was ludicrous from day one. And as enamored as we were of one another, the two of us didn't have an abundance of general experience together, let alone travel experience. Vowing to have and hold each other forever *before* living side by side as sweaty backpackers for an entire year was a gamble, and we knew it. But there was something exhilerating about the whole crazy idea from the very start, and it just seemed wild enough to be right.

We boarded that plane to Greece about two months ago now, and it feels like two years ago. I've never seen my wedding pictures. I have no idea what my mom did with my dress. I'm totally out of touch with my bridesmaids, and I think one of them hates me for it. But I truly believe that what Brendan and I have embarked on is absolutely, hands-down, no question, the best way to spend a first year of marriage. That said, it's been no cake walk. If you want to know what it feels like to wake up annoyed, remain annoyed, and fall asleep annoyed while traveling through Siberia with your beloved husband, look no further than this dual-relationship diary which is about to unfold right here before your very eyes. Just don't listen to anything my husband says, because he's out to get me.

-sarah

Comments

Is this thing on?

Sarah, the site has been very hard to get too, until yesterday for me, hope all is well.

Hi Sarah (and Brendan):
You really have to write about book about your experiences. I'm sure that I'll be seeing you guys on Oprah in 2008. Good luck and keep on writing...my daughter (who is 13 and I think you guys are hysterical). When's the next podcast? My life is too boring, I need a new podcast from you guys!

Nancy

Hey Sarah,
Coming back from Siberia with your husband still in tact is something to be proud of. Ya'll definitly made the coolest choice ever to go on this trip. I mean, you will never EVER forget your first year together. How amazing is that???!!!

I do have to say though...my boyfriend and I miss you on G4. Please tell me you may be going back!

What a great idea! I'm jealous.