I'm Back

Well, I decided to just start blogging again and if people follow that is great (thanks Dee!!) and if not, that's okay too. It seems that another timeline is in order since it has clearly been a LONG time since I have put anything down here and it will serve as a catch up.  Then hopefully I will get to regular blogging about the everyday goings on....

Just to recap, M and I moved in together in April of 2011.  I got fired from my job about two months later.  We went to Italy on a family vacation (with my family) for two weeks.  When we got home we then headed to South Caroline with his family for a few days.  I started working at the health club that I had been doing part time work at full time as the administrator.  My sister announced she was pregnant (yay!!). My other sister announced she was going to stay in Italy for her senior year of college.  I think that about catches us up on the major things....

Here we go....

November 2011- M asked me to marry him! I said yes!  Okay, they story isn't as quick as that.  He called me during the day asking if I wanted to go out for dinner since he had just had a very successful job interview and he wanted to celebrate (little did I know he had just picked up the ring and didn't want it to sit too long).  I went along thinking this was a dinner for him.  So much so that at dinner I apologized for putting pressure on him about getting married.  You see, my sister in Italy was coming home in January for a week and I had always wanted to go dress shopping with both of my sisters and I honestly didn't know when she would be back after that trip.  He told me no to worry and that he was ready to get married.  I apologized again and told him I could wait.  He assured me he was ready and even as he was getting up from the table and getting down on one knee, I didn't quite realize what was happening.  I know he asked, and I know I said yes. I just don't know what he said.  And it took me a few minutes to realize that the ring he had been holding was for me!  I was so excited, the whole restaurant clapped, the table next to us sent over champagne and it was just a beautiful night.  Needless to say, as soon as we got in the car phone calls were made to all of the parents (who were expecting it since M had asked permission of my parents earlier that week).

One other funny side note to this story is that once I was a bit more calm, M informed me that we already had a wedding date and venue. Since my parents knew I would say yes, they started the planning to make sure we would have a fall wedding just like I wanted!

January 2012- I found my dress!  Just like I had always wanted, my mother and two sisters went with me dress shopping down in Florida to the same store my sister had such great luck in.  We saw so many beautiful dresses!  I had an idea of what I wanted, something a little different not strapless and not too much going on.  Lo and behold my youngest sister picks a dress and says "This is yours" and she was right.  I cried before I even put it on!  And once I did try it on, it was perfect.  Even though I tried some other dresses on after it, I always came back to my dress!

April 2012- I became an aunt!! My sister and her husband welcomed the most beautiful baby girl into the world. It makes me sad that we don't live closer so that I could see her more often.  But I have already called dibs on taking her to her first ballet and Broadway show!

September/October 2012- Two bridal showers! One in Miami and one in New Jersey. They were both so lovely and many thanks to all of the ladies who took part in putting them together.  And a special thanks to all of my friends who came!!

November 10, 2012- M and I got married!!!  I don't think I can say enough about the wedding, it was beautiful and everything I could have imagined.  The food was great, the band totally rocked, and everyone had a great time!  But most importantly...I married M.  The ceremony was so special, it was performed by my dad's best friend from high school who is an amazing Rabbi.  We used Kiddush cups that had belong to M's grandfather and were wrapped in a tallit that my grandfather used to wear every year for Rosh Hashana. I could not have asked for a better day.

May 2013- HONEYMOON!! M and I left for three weeks.  We first went on a two week cruise of the Mediterranean, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey!  We then flew for a week to Israel so M could meet my grandparents who were unable to come to the wedding.  The whole trip was magical.  And I have to say, as M had never been cruising before, I think now he would cruise all of the time!

So I think that is a pretty good catch up.  There are more little details here and there, but I think you get the overall picture of where we are now.

I guess now the question is...what do I rename this blog?  Little Match Girl just won't do....I found my match!  

Hello?

Just wondering if anyone is still out there? I am thinking of starting the blog up again, even though there have been some MAJOR changes!

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!!!

Meet the Parents (Part Two)

So this past weekend M met not only my parents but my sister and BIL (brother-in-law) at our house upstate where we spent the weekend and celebrated Hanukkah. All in all I think it went really well! Here are the details...

We picked up Sister and BIL (along with Fiona their dog) at the airport on Thursday night. We went back to M's place where Poppy was waiting to say hi to everyone! She was so excited to see Sister and Bil (thanks again to them for taking care of her when she was just a little puppy). We left Fiona and Poppy to have some doggie bonding while we went to grab some dinner. BIL and M seemed to get along quite well, guy things I guess. Sister and I were happy because there was a salad bar (seriously, you want to see me jump for joy give me a salad bar). After dinner we just headed back to M's place, walked the dogs and then stayed up chatting for a bit before going to sleep.
The next morning we got ready, picked up some bagels and hit the road up to Saratoga. After some seat rearranging (Poppy preferred to be in the backseat with me) we were situated and enjoyed a stress free ride upstate. Did you know there is a Hanukkah channel on XM radio? Well, we found it and had a blast with it in the car. The ride took less than three hours and were home and it was time for M to meet Mom and Dad (and Trixie their dog)! We walked in and once the introductions had been made M fit right in. We headed right out to grab some lunch (another salad bar, could this weekend get any better?!) and then look at some houses with Sister and BIL. They are thinking of moving to New York and some of the houses we looked at were amazing! I hope they move up here, it would be so great to have my sister closer than FL. Once we were all house hunted out we headed home and had a little bit of time to rest before my parents took us out to an amazing dinner! We went to a wonderful place called Lake Ridge and all I can say about dinner is "OMG!!!!" Yes, it was that delicious! I was so stuffed afterwards I couldn't wait to go home and just put on comfy pants and lounge on the couch. So, that is pretty much what I did as soon as I walked in the door. Meanwhile, my Dad and M decided to go out for a nightcap, so the two of them headed out to a bar in town called 9 Maple which has the largest selection of scotched in New York State. I have no idea what time they got home, I was already asleep.
In the morning I had to wake up M because BIL wanted M to join him to get bagels for breakfast. They headed off while my Dad and I squeezed fresh OJ and I tried to squeeze information about the before out of him! He had three scotches (after the champagne and two bottles of wine from dinner) so he couldn't remember what he and M talked about! Grrrrr. Anyway, after breakfast everyone went their own way. M and I stayed at the house for a while so I could have an extra rest b/c I had not slept well the night before. Once we were ready to head out we went to the main street in town, Broadway. We walked around and did a little shopping and grabbed a bite for lunch. After than I drove M around Saratoga a bit so he could get more of a fell for the town, we stopped at the grocery store for my Mom and then headed home. The house was in full swing getting ready for our annual Vodkas and Latkes Hanukkah party! My Dad made about eight pounds of latkes and we each contributed another dish. Friends and neighbors stopped by and it was a ton of fun! Not a bottle of vodka left at night's end! Once the house was cleaned up Mom, Sister, M and I stayed up playing a game of Apples to Apples and talking. Mom asked M about our first date and our relationship, it was very cute because she basically already knows everything, but she was hearing it from M's point of view.
At some point we all hit a wall and decided to call it a night.
The next morning we went for a yummy breakfast/lunch in town and hit Target (living in NYC I always look forward to a Target run anywhere I am). Them M and I hit the road to come back to real life (not that I wanted to). The whole weekend was really fun and like I said, I think M fit right in. My family all liked him, they have already told me. It was so important to me that this weekend went well, because as much as I love M having my family love him too makes all of this more real.

So, I know I have not been the best about blogging just doing these weekly super long updates. I will try to be better!!

Thanksgiving Update!

I know I know...it took me a while to put up this post. But Thanksgiving weekend was such a whirlwind I feel like I have been playing catch up with my sleep every since! Okay, so here goes...

Wednesday Night
M came into the city and we met my friend A and her parents for dinner at one of our favorite local places, Picnic. If you have not been try to get there, the food is always fresh and delicious and they have a reasonable wines by the glass list! We had a really yummy dinner where M and A's dad really hit it off talking about things the rest of us didn't really understand (technology stuff is not my area of expertise). After dinner A cam back to my place with us where we had a beer and I started to make the treats I would be bringing to Thanksgiving dinner. M took Poppy for a walk while A and I talked about some of her adventures in dating and relationships (but that could be a whole other blog!). Anyway, I made a kale salad and an apple crumble which kept me awake till after 1AM! M was so great, he saw that I was fading and made me get into bed while he waited for the crumble to come out of the oven.
Thursday
I had to be up at around 4:30 since I was working on Thursday at my second job at the gym. I was there from 5:30am-2pm (and people were still calling upset that we were not open longer!). I was exhausted after the night before, not getting much sleep, and worried that my cooking would not be received well. While I was at work, M took Poppy (and the food I had prepared) and drove out to New Jersey to get some stuff for his place. It was a good way for Poppy to get used to being there and for M to spend some time with her. I took the bus out to meet him when I was done with work and had enough time to rest for about a half an hour before we had to change and head over to his parent's house.
When we got there things were in full swing! His dad had prepared most of the meal (including the yummy turkey) and his mom was busy putting out cheese plates and dips for before dinner. The house was just a tiny bit cleaner then the last time I was there, but the piles were still visible. And his mom was wearing sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt yet again. I guess that is just her style? Although, if I were having fifteen people over I would put a little effort into my appearance, but that's me. Anyway, his whole family was there, all the brothers and sisters, cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents. I met them all and I think things went really well. His grandmother really liked Poppy (in fact when he saw her on Monday she asked about Poppy) and was really quite a character. I enjoyed spending time with them and it really felt comfortable and easy. I didn't feel any pressure or nervousness and I don't think they did either. When we got home later that evening his mother called to speak to me just to once again thank me for bringing food as well as helping to clean up. I thought that was so nice and maybe showed that she is starting to like me.
(Black) Friday
I have never gone shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving, so I guess there is a first time for everything. M just moved into a new place and needed alot of stuff to make it livable. I mean there is a bed, couch, TV, and some basics, but there were lots of things lacking. So we headed out to brave the crowds. Our first stop was Petsmart to get some things for Poppy so that she will feel at home at M's place. Poppy had lots of fun walking around the store picking out toys and treats! After dropping Poppy off at home to enjoy her new stuff, we headed to Costco. The crowd was not bad at all and M got the stuff he needed (including an air mattress for overnight guests like my sister and brother-in-law who come into town tomorrow!!). The next stop was Target where the crowds were a bit much, especially around the toy isles, oy vey! But since it was later in the day, I think we missed the big 4AM rush! We got a few more things for M's place and some stuff for me to keep there as well. After that I was so hungry that we we decided it was time for some lunch. Now, I know some might laugh at me, but I am a sucker for a salad bar. So off we went to Ruby Tuesday in the mall. That was our first foray into the wild that is known as Black Friday. The crowds were INSANE! I would be very happy to never go to the mall on Black Friday ever again. But we had one more stop to make and that was Bed Bath and Beyond. I feel like we spent the most time in that store because there was really just so much to get. From bedding to silverware to towels, you get the idea. Anyway, after that I was pretty much done. All I wanted to do was go home, put on some comfy pants and call it a day. However, M had other plans. When we got home there was little time to rest before we headed back to his parent's house for Thanksgiving Part II. Basically helping to eat the leftovers from the night before. Everything was fine (his mother wore the SAME outfit) and I was pretty quiet from being so tired. I think M got the picture and we didn't stay for dessert, instead we headed home and I fell asleep pretty much as soon as my head hit the pillow.
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful, lots of walks with Poppy, working at the gym both Saturday and Sunday, making breakfast together and planning our Hanukkah celebrations! We are heading upstate this weekend with my sister and BIL (brother-in-law) to visit my parents in Saratoga. This will be M's first time meeting my family, so I am pretty excited for that! Anyway, tonight is the first night of Hanukkah, so to all who celebrate, I hope you enjoy the festival of lights!

What's For Dinner

Since M and I have begun dating we usually would go out for dinner or lunch (there were also a few rare occasions when we would order in). But recently we have begun to change up that routine. I have been cooking dinner in the evenings that we are both at my place. I feel like a little Balabusta (as my Savta would say...it's Yiddish). I have actually really enjoyed these nights when M just comes over and I am in the kitchen making something yummy. And the other day we reversed the roles and M made me a really delicious breakfast! It is funny though, I never thought that would be something I would enjoy. I mean, I have always really liked to cook, but I never thought about how much I would enjoy cooking for someone else. It makes me so happy when I see how much M enjoys something I have made. And something about the whole thing just feels so natural. It is the days that we are not together that are beginning to feel strange. This is not me saying I have to spend every minute with him. In fact we talked about how great it is that we both do our own thing, me with my friends, him with his, and we still can come home (or rather to each other's places) afterwards and be together. Of course doing things together is great, and I look forward to our next dinner (which is Thanksgiving...at his parents...with his mom!)

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to my friends M & J!!! It has been four years since your beautiful wedding day here in New York City and I still remember what a wonderful time we all had. You both looked so happy and continue to look happy in your married life. And since that day in November of '06, you have welcomed the most gorgeous little girl into the world (hello S!). So, I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much your friendship means to me. And J, how much I appreciate you staying on the phone with me for all the good and bad calls. You have told me time and again that marriage is more than just decorating your home together and I believe you. There are good and bad times, and you have to figure out how to work through the bad stuff to make the rest sooo much better! I hope you both enjoy your special day (and yes, I am super excited to see you tomorrow).

Meet the Parents

So this past Friday I met M's parents. Before the actual meeting, I had been talking to M about it and I told him how I wasn't nervous but rather I was excited. Mainly because I felt that meeting the parents makes this all the more real. It is one thing for M and I to talk about our relationship when it is just the two of us, but it is something else to introduce our families into it as well. So, off we went to NJ where his parents prepared a dinner that they picked up from somewhere else. It seemed funny to me that they were so relaxed that they didn't bother to make dinner for their son's new girlfriend, but rather just brought it in. It didn't really matter to me either way and M did let me know that's probably what they would do, so I wasn't surprised. What I was surprised about was the state of the house in general and the fact that his mother was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt (while I changed twice to make sure I looked nice). The house itself was something out of 1974, and with just a few more piles of stuff could be a contender for "Clean House" on the style network (it isn't bad enough to be on "Hoarders"). It made me a bit nervous that M would be like that, but he assured me that while he likes to keep certain things, he can't stand the way his mother keeps the house and he and his dad talk about it all of the time. All that aside, I tried to just focus on getting to know his parents and letting them get to know me a bit as well.
Dinner was fine and I think the conversation was very easy. There were a few questions about what I do and where I am from. I will say that his mom asked me a few times if I ever think about moving back to Miami. I answered honestly that it would be nicer to be closer to my family, but that I have no plans to do so at this time. What I found funny is that she kept on asking about it, like she is scared that I would take M away from his family. It was a little strange, but not as awkward as when the issue of Thanksgiving came up. M mentioned it and how I would be meeting certain people to which his mother responded "Aren't you going home for Thanksgiving?" Apparently, she had no idea that M had asked me to come spend it with him and his family. He had asked his dad, but I guess the information never got to his mom. M has told me that he has a very close relationship with his dad and that his one with his mother is a bit more strained, so I guess this was my introduction to that.
But, in the end, I think the whole night went well. Both of his parents were really lovely to me, they both said I was welcome to come over anytime and that they enjoyed meeting me. So, things (I think) were all good at the end of the night. What do you think?
Now, its onto meeting my parents, who are coming up in December!

The Hills Are Alive...

With the Sound of Music....

That is perhaps one of my all time favorite movies. It is my mom's favorite and I guess it sort of rubbed off on me. So when i found out that there was going to be a Sound of Music sing along all over the country on Tuesday, I had to go! So I told M about my love for all things Julie Andrews, musical, and obviously the references to World War II (for those who don't know, I work in Holocaust education). He was down with going and we were off! But not before I let my brother-in-law (BIL) know about the event and begged him to take my sister. That way it would be like a two state double date. Plus, the songs in the movie were the songs my sister and I used to sing when we would put on shows for the family, I knew she would have a great time!
Anyway, double date aside, I had so much fun! I sang my little heart out and just enjoyed every minute of that movie. What is funny is that I always knew what it was about and what the messages were, but I felt them so much more strongly as an adult. What a beautiful film. One that M had never seen, so I was even more excited to introduce him to it. He said he enjoyed it too, but I think he enjoyed watching me totally dork out to the sing along! No matter, it was such a fun night.

In other M news...I am meeting his parents on Friday night for dinner!

P.S. I Love You

Yup...Love Love Love. That word has been said and said again between M and I. A few weeks ago, I was walking home from work and listening to my ipod when like a ton of bricks I realized that I loved M. I didn't say anything and we went off to Bear Mountain for Crusher's wedding. M was wonderful and I really did fall in love with him when he said "I feel like our meeting and our relationship is like a movie...actually because it's with you, it would be a musical." (for those of you who know me, you know how I feel about musicals!!) But, for some reason I just couldn't say it. It was not an issue of wanting him to say it first, I think I was just scared to let him know how I was feeling.
Then the next weekend we up to his Alma mater with some friends of his for a football game. After a VERY long drive, we headed out to their favorite bar where I watched as he and his fraternity brother chatted and I got to know the other people with us. Every now and then I would catch M looking at me and he would just smile. I think that's when I knew he loved me too. At the end of the night the bar plays a song that reminds me of my grandfather every time I hear it. I started to cry, a little at first, then full blown water works. M just held me and let me use his shoulder as a tissue. He knew that this part of the night would be hard for me as it had been exactly one year since my grandfather's passing, so hearing what I always thought of as 'his song' was really sad. When we got back to the hotel, M looked at me and just said, "I can't keep it in anymore, I love you" and I just smiled and said it right back, and told him that I had been feeling it for a while. The rest of the weekend was kind of blur of football, drinking, and eating.
We went apple picking and to a pumpkin patch on the way back to NYC and the whole time I was thinking, "He loves me...woo hoo!!"
During the week we talked almost daily (which has been going on for a while). Then on Thursday night we ordered in dinner and just watched TV together. He got some work done and I worked on looking for a new job (nothing new there). On Friday night we had a late Shabbat dinner at my friends M&J's place, with their adorable baby S! She is such a cutie, I loved getting to spend some time with her and watch her smile and try to eat her little fingers. We enjoyed a great dinner and wonderful conversation and I think they liked M. I know he liked my friends and had a great time with them. Saturday we had a late breakfast before I had to go to work, we met up later that night to head out to NJ to act as chaperons to his brother and sister's Halloween party. Heading back into the city on Sunday morning, I couldn't help thinking about what it would be like to really make a life with M. I had never though about that kind of stuff before, I almost refused to allow myself to think about it. Telling myself that all of it just might not happen for me. but with M, I can't help it! I want see what it would be like, I want to be with him, start a life with him, have all of those things I never thought I would.
I can't say that I know what is going to happen, but I am so happy and so excited to see what happens next.