La Dolce Vita!

I am off to Italy on Friday for a family vacation (and "M" is coming too). I can't wait! I have never been to Italy before and I am so excited to see it. It is also going to be the first time I see my sister since January. She has been studying abroad for the year (and will be continuing abroad next year as well) and I have missed her so much.
I know I have been remiss in blogging again, and I promise to try to do better! I was actually let go from my job two weeks ago and have been trying to figure out the next step for me. So, needless to say blogging has not really been on my mind. I know I have to update about the move with "M" and obviously I'll blog about Italy...so be patient because I will be back!

Woah....I'm Back!

I know I know...I took a very long hiatus from the blog for a while, but I am back now and ready to start blogging and updating you on everything that has been going on! Moving in a timeline fashion, let's get started!

Ireland was AMAZING! I never had any expectation in my life to go to Ireland but when the chance cam for "M" and I to go together with his group of friends and coworkers, how could I resist?! Believe me, it wasn't too hard to not be at work for a week, that may have been one of the better selling points! Anyway, on April 3rd we were off to Shannon Airport, we had a great flight that was not too full, so we could all stretch out (which I did with my special Ireland socks!)

Once we arrived (at 5 AM Ireland time) it was off to the town of Adare and the Adare Manor where we would be staying. We were staying in private villas on the property and not in the Manor itself, but that worked out well as we all got our own rooms and had a kitchen to make breakfast and tea each morning. We had some breakfast in the clubhouse and headed off to explore the area. It was really a day for people to get some rest, contact home, and unpack once we got to our villas. That night we headed into the quaint town of Adare and I had my first taste of Irish food and drink, Shepard's Pie and Guinness!

I will tell you that Guinness may not be my drink of choice, but when in Ireland....I drank one or two (and look at the shamrock that they made in the foam!!). I did find a cider only brewed and sold in Ireland that had pear in it, that became my go to drink. As for the Shepard's Pie, I have never had anything like that before, but it was really good! As were the fish and chips and other pub food we ate throughout the week!

Our first full day in Ireland (after getting a good night's sleep) was a trip to the Blarney Castle. It was a little misty and rainy, but nothing we were not prepared for! I put on my boots and rain jacket and was ready to climb to the top and kiss the Barney Stone! Walking through the gardens towards the Castle is really a great experience. It is so beautiful and even though I loved to talk about all of the "old thing" we would see on the trip, it was just so impressive to be walking up to a building that has been standing for six hundred years! We climbed up to the very top and got in line to kiss the Blarney Stone (which legend says gives you the gift of gab....don't know if I need much help in the department...). I didn't realize how high up we were until I got to the front of the line and saw what you had to do to kiss the stone. You lie down on the your back and lean back over the edge of the castle to kiss the stone barrier in front of your upside down head. Now, I am not good with heights and I was so scared! But I did it! I didn't reach my head all the way down to the bottom, but I kissed it and that's good enough for me. "M" took a picture which I did it, and I did the same for him. Then we made our way out of the castle and into the poison garden, fern garden and the rock close before meeting up with the rest of the group to head to Cork for lunch. We walked around the town of Cork for a bit (I even found a Huguenot Cemetery from the 1500's off some side street). This is also the town where I went to Boots to find some throat lozenges, which was the beginning of being sick for me, but we'll get to that later. After getting back to Adare and going back to what would become our regular pub for some drinks, it was time for bed.

The next day we headed to the Cliffs of Moore which I really have no words for! It was just amazing to be standing on the top of this immense piece of land looking out over the Atlantic Ocean (hey, if you just jump in an swim you could get to my house!). I will let the picture speak for itself really...I mean, even that doesn't do it justice. It was gorgeous! After a walk up and around teh Cliffs, we headed to lunch and for some ice cream by the water! It was still a somewhat cool day, but who can resist a little bit of ice cream? We then headed back to town and I was really sick by the point. I only told "M" I hadn't been feeling well because I didn't want to be annoying and ruin anyone's vacation. But at this point we both knew something was really wrong. After getting back to the villa, "M" went into efficient mode, calling the front desk to find out about doctors and pharmacies. Nothing seemed to be open till the next morning so I just took a nap till dinner. But when dinner rolled around, I was even worse, "M" called again and found out about a 24 hour clinic where he took me after we dropped everyone off at the Bunratty Castle for dinner. "M" held my hand the whole time in the waiting room and even came in with me to make sure everything was all right. The doctor was super nice and said I had a throat infection and gave me some perscpritions to be filled the next day in town (I even ran into her on the way to the pharmacy and she asked how I was feeling!). I was really still feeling bad the next day so I stayed at the villa which gave some of the people on the trip a perfect excuse to go to the spa, while other went for more sightseeing. I wanted to take the day to rest because the next morning we were heading to Dublin!

Feeling a bit better in the morning a small group of us headed off to Dublin, where "M" had found us a great hotel called the Trinity Capital Hotel it was in a great location and was really very funky. We checked in and headed right back out to catch one of the double decker bus tours to see the sights! It was actually a gorgeous day in Dublin so we sat on the top and enjoyed the view until we hopped off and checked out the Guinness factory. This may have been "M"'s favorite stop of the whole trip! I don't think he could have been much happier then to get to walk around seeing Guinness being made and have a complementary pint at the top of the exhibit. After that where else would we head but the Jameson Distillery! After my pint of Guinness I knew I would not be drinking on this leg of the tour, with all the medicine I was taking I didn't want to chance it (plus we were going out for dinner later!). But everyone else enjoyed a tasting of different whiskeys. After that it was back to the hotel to change for dinner. "M" and I decided that we would have a date night while everyone else went out to the Temple Bar district. All I can about dinner is...WOW. "M" picked a great place in Fire everything was delicious and we were just so happy to have a little bit of time for just the two of us. We walked a bit around the city until we got back to the hotel. The next day the two of us got up early to try to see a bit more of Dublin and get some parting souvenirs as our Irish adventure was just about over. We had a great time just walking around the city, taking the hop on hop off bus to all sorts of different places and then met up with the rest of the group to head back.

Once we got back to Adare (which, by the way...how cute is that little cottage in town?) we started to get ourselves together because we were leaving Ireland the next day. Once everyone was packed, we headed back to our local pub for one more pint (or one more pear cider for me). We woke up and headed to the airport the next day leaving behind one of the most gorgeous countries I have ever seen, who knew green could be so green?! But I have lots of memories I took with me (not to mention my Irish made fascinator). And having the chance to see it with "M" and see how we were when we traveled together made it so much better and more special. I would have loved not to have gotten sick, but these things happen. I'll never forget this trip!!

Okay, I think I am blogged out for today, I am so out of practice! But there is so much more to update...and update I will! Thanks for still reading!

My Timeline

I am feeling overwhelmed with everything that is happening right now! I feel another list coming on, so here goes (I am going to try to go in order)...

• "M" and I have a wedding to go to on March 27th. That really isn't a big deal and the couple are wonderful so I am looking forward to it. I even switched around my weekend work schedule (yes, I work a second job to barely make ends meet) so that I don't lose out on pay and can still go to the wedding.
• "M" found someone to take over his lease and has to be out of his apartment by April 1st. That means he has to put all of his stuff into storage until we can move into our new place. And we will be living together until then in my studio. That really isn't too bad since we practically are there all of the time anyway.
• We are leaving on April 3rd for Ireland for a week! That means that literally three days after "M" moves in with me, we are leaving. We found a family friend to watch Poppy and will be celebrating St. Patrick's day just a little bit late.
• We arrive back on April 10th, which is one of my best friend's birthdays!! So I'm pretty happy I will be back for that, whatever she has planned (even though I may be a bit jet lagged).
• April 13th, "M" just got call in for jury duty. Awesome.
• April 15th, move in day. Which means that after being home from Ireland, I have pretty much no time to pack everything up from my place and arrange the move into our new apartment!
• April 18th Passover begins, which actually may a good thing, our kitchen will be kosher for Passover because there won't really be anything in it! But having a major holiday right after moving is a lot to handle. The other thing about Passover is that my boss has now decided we will be closed (without pay) for the majority of the holiday. So I will be trying to get extra hours at my second job while trying to unpack and organize the apartment.

I think that is just about everything. There are little things here and there that are stressing me out, like "M"'s mom asking if when her cousin is in town on April 17th if we would want to have him over (answer....no). Cancelling cable, electric and everything else at our old places and setting up all of that at our new place. Getting renter's insurance and finding a mover that isn't going to break the bank. Don't get me wrong, I could not be more excited to move in with "M" it is just that the amount of things that need to get done between now and then seem impossible.

So Fed Up!

Today's post has nothing to do with "M" and everything to do with my job. As some of you know, I have not loved where I am working for some time now. In the last year or so it has gotten so much worse and I find myself struggling to make it through a day without crying or getting very upset. This is not healthy and I know that, but in these uncertain times I also cannot justify just walking out (though I have thought about it on more than one occasion). It is not worth getting into all the details about why I am so unhappy here, it is enough to say that I am and that I know I deserve to be treated with respect (of which there is none here).
That said, I have applied to many jobs over the past year or so only be rejected over and over again. I have expanded my ideas of what kinds of jobs to apply for, even applying to go back into classroom teaching (which is where I was before I went to grad school). I have been rejected for being too young, too experienced, and sometimes not given a reason at all. I won't lie, it is a bit like the dating scene all over again! I have called many colleagues and friends to ask for help. Words really cannot express how unhappy I am here. I feel like I have failed in my chosen field and that makes it even worse.
(Speaking of which, if anyone has any leads for jobs...I'll consider anything!!!)

Busy Busy Bee

Wow! Things are just so hectically crazy! I cannot believe that it is already March! There is so much that has gone on and is going on that the only way I can think of keeping you updated is to list it all. So here we go...

• This past weekend I ran a conference for area educators for work. I think it was a success and I was really happy "M" got to come and see a bit of what I do. It is really the one day out of the year that I enjoy what I do and I wish I worked in a place that was more supportive. So needless to say work stuff has not changed and I will continue to look for new opportunities. Also, it is eighty degrees in my office today! UGH!
• "M" and I signed the lease and are ready to move on April 15th and I can't believe it! I keep looking around my apartment trying to figure out what I am bringing and what needs to be trashed or sold (same for "M") and there is so much to do! I get stressed just thinking about it.
• Before we even move though, "M" and I are going to Ireland! One month from today we are leaving with a group of people to head over to Shannon, Ireland for one week. I can't believe it, and I am so excited! I am still trying to figure out what to do with Poppy. I have some family friends that had offered to watch her, but I have not heard back from them. So I have to some up with another option that isn't too expensive.
• "M" has been gone all week at a conference in Florida (yes I am jealous) and I miss him very much. Don't get me wrong, it is nice to not hear the snoring and I am so excited for dinner tonight with one of my girlfriends, but I miss him. I am excited for him to come home, even though both of our schedules are so hectic that we'll only get a little bit of time together over the next few days.

Okay, I think that is all I can come up with at the moment. I think my brain may (literally) be fried!

Movin' On Up (or over)

Well it's (semi) official..."M" and I are moving in together in April. We found a place we both love and have to go in on Friday to sign the lease. I know I have not mentioned much or anything about this on the blog and that's because I didn't want to jinx anything. Like I wasn't really sure it was going to happen until it actually happened. Does that make sense? Anyway, "M" and I are taking that next step in our relationship. I almost can't believe that this is all really happening. And to Jersey City no less. Yes, that is right, I am leaving the big bad city and moving out to Jersey! I will still be commuting into the city for work and fun times with friends (and fellow bloggers), but Jersey will now be my home.
One of my very good friends asked me today how I feel about the whole thing and my answer was that it all just feels right. It is totally possible that come closer to the date I will freak out a bit. Who likes moving regardless of the situation? I hate moving! It takes so much time, money, and work, but in the end I know it will be worth it. Living with "M" just seems like it was meant to happen and I am so excited for everything we do and will do together!

My First Valentine's Day

As I had mentioned before, I have never celebrated a Valentine's Day with anyone special before. Needless to say I was super excited to celebrate with "M". I had gotten him a couple of fun presents and was just looking forward to being with someone I think is so special.

I rushed home from work because I needed to have enough time to change and take care of Poppy. I was in the bathroom putting the finishing touches on my look when "M" walked into the apartment. I told him to wait by the front door till I was ready and when he saw me for the first time he told me I looked just beautiful (and I felt it). He saw my gift on the table and asked if he should open it, I told him to go for it. He loved his t-shirt, candy, and tickets to a food event. He then handed me a card and a dozen red roses that had been sitting on the kitchen counter that I never even noticed were there! The card was very sweet and all about our firsts, our first date, our first kiss and now our first Valentine's Day.

We then headed out to the train and I still had no idea where we were going! We hopped out of the subway and started walking and when we finally got to our destination I was so surprised! We were at Nobu for a special Valentine's Day seven course tasting menu. All I can say is....amazing! The food was just incredible and like nothing I have ever eaten before (and bonus, they had my favorite wine on the menu)! But what made the night memorable was really "M" and the way he looked at me, the way he held my hand across the table and told all about how he feels about me. While I won't tell you everything he said, let me just say that I felt so special and like we were the only table in the whole place.

I am sure that "M" and I will have many more Valentine's together, but I will always remember this first.

Almost V-Day

Oh My Word! I am about to spend my very first Valentine's Day with someone special! I won't lie, I was always one of those people who either ignored Valentine's Day or just called it a Hallmark holiday. The last valentine I got from anyone other than my mother was in third grade when a boy "J" gave me a special Snoopy card. Since that day I haven't really paid close attention to Valentine's Day, that is until now. Since meeting "M" and falling in love with him, I am actually looking forward to this coming Monday (although I have no idea what we are doing). But it isn't just Valentine's Day that I am looking forward to, it is everything. I look forward to our future together, to everyday that we spend together, from dressing up and going out to spending the night in cooking and watching TV. I know it seems silly, but I never thought that this would be something I would have in my life!

Plus, I can't wait to tell you all what we wind up doing!!

Winter Woes!

So I have been battling a winter cold for forever and a day! These storms of snow and ice and rain are getting too much handle and I promise to return to blogging when I can keep my head up for more than five minutes once I get home!

Meeting the Bloggers!

On Tuesday night I had the chance to meet two of bloggers that I follow on a daily basis! In fact, these were two of the very first blogs I started to read when I started blogging. Anyway, I met with MCW and Flip Flops on Lex for a couple glasses of wine and some yummy food that involved cheese! I have to say it was a great time and so much fun to finally meet these lovely ladies. It is a bit funny because we all mentioned how it was kind of like a blind date seeing as how we really didn't know who we were looking for. But once we sat down and started talking I felt really at ease (I hope they did too) maybe because in a way we kind of already know one another through our blogs. I really had so much fun and wish we could have had another drink or hung out some more. but to be honest, I am still catching up on sleep from my vacation and I am a nervous dog mommy, Poppy has been a bit out of sorts since we got back. So hopefully we will be able to get together another time (there was mention of going to Eataly!) and we can have another bloggy get together!

Thanks so much for a wonderful night ladies!

Back to Life, Back to Reality

I am back! I was out of town for two weeks and literally took a vacation from everything and that included blogging. So first off...Happy New Year (a little bit late)! There is so much for me to catch you all up on, so I may just gloss over bits and go into more details in other posts.

First off, I went to Boston for Christmas, now begin the nice Jewish Girl I am, I lit my Hannukah candles at the beginning of December and then headed towards the tree and stockings by December 25th! By best friend and accomplice along with her family are always so kind in inviting me every year to spend the holidays with them (in fact this year was our tenth anniversary!). It was really a beautiful Christmas although a little sad because it was the last one in her family home as they are moving to a new house. I know we will all miss Christmas and so many other fun parties at the Marina, but there will be new memories to be made!
M did not come with me to Boston, he stayed home and watched Poppy for me which was so nice. I would have loved for him to be there but it just didn't work out. Hopefully next year we will both (with Poppy too) be able to head to beantown! After presents, chowder, and a few games of scrabble my accomplice and I headed back into the city to her apartment. We lounged around and ate too much sushi while she kicked my butt at a few more games of scrabble. And while I was planning to head back to NYC on Monday, Mother Nature had other plans and I stayed in Boston an extra day. It was not a big deal although getting back to NY proved to be a bit of a hassle and once I got back I didn't want to stay (soooo much snow!).

M and I spent the next couple of days getting stuff together before leaving for Miami on January 1st! We spent a nice quiet New Year's Eve with some friends of his and woke up at 4 am to head to the airport. We spent the next week in Miami staying with my parents and just having a great time! M fit so well with my family and I know they all really liked him. It was really just so wonderful to spend the week not worrying about going anywhere or doing anything, to not have to be at my job and to just spend time with family and friends. We ate great food, had some romantic alone time, and just all around enjoyed being in the nice warm weather (sorry, but it is true!). Coming back up north was a shock to the system and I am not really enjoying being back in reality. Although I meeting up with some fellow bloggers tonight for the first time so I am super excited about that!!

Anyway....here is hoping that 2011 brings all good things!!!