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.

You've Got to Have Friends

I was looking over all of your comments to my last post and I have to say thanks for all of your words of support. For those of you who know me, or only know me through my blog, you know that this whole process has been a difficult, sometimes funny, and many time emotional one. I have loved sharing some of my awesome dating stories with you and most of all, I love hearing all of the advice from the blogger community.
That said I noticed a post that reminded me not to ignore my relationship with friends and with myself. I have to say that is the last thing I would ever want to do! I relish my alone time, and have had the last few nights to myself to think not only about M, but about me and my life. As for my friends....I love my friends! You have all been so great to me for so many years. Just because M is in my life, why would I ever throw that away?! Even though I am so excited to be seeing M again this weekend, that didn't stop me from making plans with some of my girlfriends for the weeks ahead. I love spending time with them! I am looking forward to my brunches at Calle Ocho, my girl's night out dinners, and trips to Target. Of course I would love for M to get to know my friends and visa versa, and I am sure it will happen organically. But I am not walking away from my friendships (and if any of my gals felt like I was, I am sorry...call me, let's make plans!!!!).

AMAZING!

I keep falling more and more for M the more time I spend with him and this past weekend was no exception. We met on Thursday night and headed down to the Bowery Ballroom for a Fountains of Wayne concert I had gotten tickets for a while ago. I love that band and I was so happy to introduce M to them (he said he really liked it). It was a great show in a very cool venue I had never been to before. I still didn't get called up onto the stage for "Hey Julie" but I will keep going to concerts until I do! M told me I should and I won't lie, I fell for him a bit more that night.
On Friday M and I made our way down to South Street Seaport to wait in line for TKTS. The line is so much shorter than Times Square and offers all of the same shows, so why not take a trip downtown? It was a beautiful day, so we walked around a bit before heading to our next stop (and M's choice) Eataly. Now, I had not really heard too much about this place (other than my dad mentioning something about it and now he is super jealous). It is an Italian food market/hall that opened with some of the most delicious looking foods I have ever seen! You can buy everything you need there to prepare a truly gourmet meal. M and I walked around a bit (and funnily enough even ran into my old roomie and her family!) and then decided we had to eat. There are different seating options and we chose the pasta/pizza area. I am so glad we did! We ordered a glass of white wine each and the tore into the bread and olive oil that we were served. Honestly? I would bathe in this olive oil, it was that good! We then shared a roasted pumpkin and butternut squash lasagna (OMG...no words!) and a margarita pizza with fresh tomato sauce (also, amazing). And of course since we were in Eataly, we finished off our day there with some fresh gelato! I won't lie, the place is crowded, but totally worth it!
After our amazing lunch, we headed back up to my place to make a quick change and have some playtime with Poppy before we headed out to see "Billy Elliot." Now, I have waited so long to see that show, and M didn't really have a preference on what to see, so off we went. Let me just say that I loved it!! I loved it sooo much! I was a huge theater person all through high school and college, so I always feel a little sad seeing shows knowing it isn't my world anymore, but when a show is great, it makes me so happy and this show is great! I know M had a great time, he said he liked the show alot, but what he really liked was watching how much I enjoyed it. Yup, falling again for M.
Saturday was the day of the wedding so we walked Poppy, started to get ready and headed out to CT. I was so excited for M to meet my friends! We had a great ride in the car, singing to songs and just talking the whole way. We got to my friend's hotel room where we were changing and it felt like everyone just got along smoothly, like we were all old friends. I was laughing so hard I was starting to cry, but there wasn't time for that! We had to get to the church!
What a lovely wedding! Everything about it was just so perfect for my beautiful friend Crusher! She made a gorgeous bride, and the smile on her face was contagious! The wedding was full of fall colors and sunflowers, and it was just a beautiful moment that I was very happy to be a part of. After the ceremony we had a bit of a drive to the reception location. We caravaned over to Bear Mountain and checked into our lodge. M and I were put in a room at the back of the lodge (there were six rooms total) and it was the only room that smelled like smoke. Oh well, we made the best of it (although we noticed our bathroom was super tiny and the red light from the exit sign in our room made it difficult to sleep). The reception was so much fun! We danced and ate and drank and I think everyone had an all around great time! We hung out at the after party and then everyone had it and went to bed (or in M and my case, we went back to the Red Light District).
The next morning we woke up and headed to the brunch (or hiked rather). After which we all headed our separate ways home. It was such a wonderful wedding and I can't wait to see my friends again! I know they loved M and he really had fun with them too.
Once we were home, M said he would stay for a bit before heading on his way. We went out to grab some lunch and wound up sitting there for over three hours. We just talked alot about where this is going and how much we are enjoying being with each other. The whole time we are talking my heart is telling me how much I care about him, but I just can't bring myself to tell him the big L word. I know it seems like it is fast, but when you know, you know. Right? We walked back to my place and M said he was just going to stay and head into work from my place so we could keep talking about everything. It was possibly one of the best nights we have had together, we just stayed up talking, there was no cookie, no kissy face, just talking about how we feel, about what we want, and how much we want to be together. We fell asleep and in the morning he cuddled with me a bit before he had to leave to work. And I fell for him some more.
We have plans to go away again this weekend and I cannot wait to see him again and spend more and more time with him. My friend Z (at the wedding) told me I'm done, maybe I am....

Get Me to the Church on Time

Yay! This weekend is my friend Crusher's wedding! I can't wait to see her in what I am sure will be a beautiful wedding dress (and some sparkly shoes). I have known Crusher since our freshman year of college. And even though we lost touch for a bit, I am so happy that we reconnected and I can be there to watch her get married. This is also the wedding where M will be meeting some more of my friends (including my best friend and accomplice). We have talked about it and we are both very excited to be spending the weekend together (we are actually spending the whole weekend from Thursday night on together). And I don't think he is nervous at all about it. To be honest, neither am I. I just know that we fit so well together and I feel like my friends are going to see that.
So I am sure I will have so much more to update when we get back! And I can't wait!

Mazel Tov Crusher and Ass Wild!!!