Happy New Year!

Just wanted to quickly say Happy New Year!

 

We will be back for the next greatest year ever…2009!

16

So today is December 16^th…less than 10 days until Christmas. That means ten total days until one of my favorite days of the year. Last year was my first Christmas celebration, in which I had such a fantastic time in Syracuse. We played games, watched movies, got presents…just overall an awesome experience. This year I get to do it again, this time with my fiancé.

 

On that note, it is almost the end of the year. 2 weeks away. Pretty sick. I remember this time last year, living at home, waiting for Amanda’s call at approximately 10PM every night. This year, and until forever, I get to sleep in the same bed with her every night. I get to say good night to her, in person, and wake up with her right next to me. It is a wonderful thing and so joyous.

 

I guess I am pretty fortunate. Well, I know I am. I am in this because I am in love. Because I can’t imagine spending one day apart from this wonderful woman. Because I have passion for her, passion for us to build our life together.

 

We really have come so far in 2008, in so many ways. I just can’t begin to describe how thrilled I am going into 2009 with great wind for our sails and clear skies all around.

 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful New Year.

The ballad of Andy & Mandy.

I was inspired to write this post by my yoga teacher, Paul. I took his class this past Monday - as I do every Monday during my lunch hour. The class is an intermediate yoga class, which really doesn't mean all that much, other than that he assumes we know what we're doing and doesn't take the time to explain the different poses. Plus he throws some challenging ones in there. But anyways..back to my point. Monday's date was December 8th...and it was brought to my attention (during this yoga class) that December 8th is the date John Lennon was murdered. Paul is a musician and a yogi (obviously), and therefore seems to have been inspired and influenced by the Beatles and John Lennon. Not only was their music revolutionary, but John himself was quite the humanitarian/ idealist. I keep telling Andrew that I think of Bono from U2 as the sort of John Lennon of today. Not that I'm a huge Bono fan or anything...but he is deeply involved in political and social issues, and his music reflects this.
Even though John Lennon died in 1980 (before I was born)...I can hear the voice that he had through his music. His message lives on through that music. And my wheels starting turning after we honored this man during our hour yoga practice on Monday. I started thinking about what a tragedy it was that he died, and never was able to see his dreams through. But then again, if he had lived he would have seen that not much has changed in the effort to achieve world peace. There are still wars, and terrorism, and people dying in vain. People are still homeless, and starving, and poor, and lonely.
"Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world."
I am so touched by his words. By this picture he paints - a picture that I don't think we are any closer to achieving today. With the economic crisis that is ensuing across America and the corruption on Wall Street (haha...okay that makes me laugh a little. Just a little stab at the terms they used during the recent election) it is clear that Lennon's vision hasn't come to fruition. I think many American's have been taken over by greed - everyone needs a huge flat screen tv, and a huge gas guzzling SUV, and a house that has too many empty rooms, and to eat out 5 times a week, and buy new clothes every week... This is the world we live in. And of course not everyone is like that, but I think there are a lot of people who are - too many who are. What is important in life? What do we want to achieve in our lifetimes? I know that I could care less about what kind of car I drive or what kind of watch I have...but I do care about the people in my lives that I love and care for. I care about being healthy and happy. And rich - rich with love, rich with friends, rich in spirit, rich in heart. Because aren't all of those the things that truly make us rich? I would rather be envied for my mind than my possessions.

And I also pondered the thought of life and death and what we accomplish in our lives when thinking about Lennon. He left a legacy of hope and heart, of huminitarianism. But what if he had lived? I wonder if he would have fulfilled his own dreams of helping to change the world - would he be a part of a philanthropic effort? Or would he have become jaded in the years that came when the world did not change? When people die young (Lennon was 40 when he died, and I consider that to be young) we always say "they had so much promise, so much potential." We honor their lives, and we look to what they would have, to what they could have become. Because hypothetical futures always look bright and sunny. But what if they aren't. What if you had all the potential in the world to be great at 25, and then never lived up to it. Doesn't everyone have amazing potential when they are young?? Is it better to die young and have people paint a beautiful picture of your life (even though it is not real), or is it better to live your life and not live up to that potential? I guess the best thing would be to have the potential and live your life, and live up to it.
I'm not trying to say I think it is best to die young...although that was the first conclusion I came to when discussing this topic with Andy. Die young, die beautiful, die with all the potential in the world. Obviously I don't want this, nor would I want anyone else in my life to die young. So I came to a better conclusion - live your life. Live it to it's fullest, and don't ever let yourself say "I wish I would have done this or that." Own your actions, and be the best you can be. Be intentional with every thing that you do...and then when you review the "video tape of your life" you don't have any reason to rewind and stop at 25. Instead you say - keep going forward, 45 gets even better, and heck - wait til you get to 60, just wait and see what I did at 60.
On that note - I can't wait for Andy and myself to embark on our own social, political, & humanitarian efforts.

Most Wonderfilled Times...

Of the year! Yes, it is that time again...the Holiday season. So for those celebrating anything from Winter Solstice to Christmas...well, happy holidays!

Now a few weeks ago I asked Amanda out on a "date," and when she asked me where and what we were doing, I had to tell her it was our tasting. We both laughed at the time, however as you may have read below, we had such an abundance of food that it in fact was a true date with a huge tasting menu.

Little did we know at the time that it would be so romantic, in fact I believe it was one if not the most romantic times out together for us. It had such great meaning for both of us. It was in the place we were getting married, on a beautiful night, we were pretty much alone in the restaurant for a while, with some wine...you get the drift.

It has always held true but the DUMBO part of Brooklyn has always held such significance for us, and all of our days there have been the most wonderful of my 25 years of existence. From the first time we went there, to our engagement, to our tasting, to visiting with family...it has really truly been so wonderful. I wish I could write more about how great it is, but the feeling is just so much that I don't believe I can ever describe it in words.

Everyday is just so...wow. Even laundry this morning (we had a ton of it) was absolutely great. We put in a few loads, went for a walk, Amanda got some coffee...just a great way to start the day.

We made ourselves a little goal today. Whenever we go to a new place, we want to get up and go for an early walk so we can see what that place is like in the morning. So when we go on our cruise, we want to get off the boat and just go for a walk around all the spots that we will hit.

I also wanted to say I am so happy that we have our tree. I just love having a home. It is our home here in Queens that we have built that makes me feel so warm. I haven't really had a home in a long time, and to build it with the love of my life is the most rewarding and joyous thing in the universe.

Well, I suppose I will get going, we haven't ran yet today and as everyone knows, it is something we love doing together.

Beef carpaccio to start.

Beef carpaccio with crispy leeks & parmigiano reggiano. Sound good?? Was delicious!
So as I mentioned in a previous post Andy and I had a tasting at Bubby's this past Friday for our wedding menu. The tasting was amazing, and also wonderfully romantic. When we arrived at Bubby's they had a special candlelit table waiting for us. It was perfect. We shared some wine, and proceeded to taste various hors d'oeuvres, entrees, salads, sides, and desserts (my favorite part of course!). It was a night to remember - filled with delicious food, the best company and conversation one could ever ask for, and a spectacular view. Love was in the air, truly.
And for all my fellow foodies out there here are some of our favorite dishes (and they will most likely grace the menu at our wedding): bbq chicken skewers (the homemade bbq sauce was amazing), mini slider burgers (grass fed beef = so good, and perfectly cooked), the beef carpaccio (as described above), an arugula salad with roasted pears & parmigiano reggiano, pecan crusted salmon with orange butter (my favorite!), buttermilk fried chicken (I bet you can guess who loved this dish!), roasted brussel sprouts with bacon (because everything is delicious when you add bacon), macaroni with sharp white cheddar cheese (a little guilty pleasure never hurt anyone), onion rings (of course!), & the peanut butter chocolate pie! I'd like to pretend that Andy and I are more refined than we actually are, but I think it's pretty clear that we like a lot of simple foods. And it just so happens that Bubby's menu is a mish mosh of comfort foods for the most part - so we pretty much love everything on it. It's funny because we picked Bubby's for the view, and thought the food would be decent...and that that would be fine with us. BUT, after the tasting both Andy and myself agreed that the food is also a high point of this lovely restaurant. Andy also informed me that he had read it is Tom Collichio's favorite restaurant to take his children to. Who can argue with that??!

Oh Christmas tree, our Christmas tree!

Sorry for the slight blur...I haven't quite mastered taking pictures in dull light on my camera. I actually think it just doesn't take good pictures in this type of lighting (which is unfortunate), but oh well...I suppose that is more reason for us to get our DSLR soon!
But despite the blurriness of this photo, I think you can get a good idea of what our tree looks like. We decorated it in a silver/ gold & ivory theme, and it's just about 5 feet tall or so. I like to think of our tree as a she...not sure exactly why. Maybe I am trying to maintain the majority of she's in my household - now 3 to 1, instead of 2 to 2. But nonetheless, our tree is a she to me. She is Cleo's new bff, which is probably nice for Cleo, but also strange considering Cleo doesn't take well to any foreign beings. I suppose our tree is not a being, but Cleo also doesn't tend to like any large foreign objects. But she likes our tree, and I'm not going to argue with that.
On to the significance of our first tree. This is the first tree I have ever had of my own in NYC, and this is Andy's first Xmas tree ever...so we are both thoroughly excited about it. It brightens up our home, and just really makes the whole apartment feel like Christmas. Christmas is really in the air now that we have our tree. There's something special about having a real tree - going to pick it out together, the fresh scent, putting it up. I like the experience...I personally think it is a much more fulfilling experience than pulling an old dusty fake tree out of a closet and setting it up. Where is the magic in that??! Of course, I've only ever had live trees so I can't say this with complete authority...then again I hope to never say I prefer a live tree to a fake tree with complete authority because I never plan on having a fake tree!
With this new tree Andy and I started our own traditions. We bought it from a Xmas tree vendor on the street (which felt so authentic!), and then put it up together while listening to a playlist of Xmas tunes Andy had put together, whilst sharing a glass of red wine. It was the perfect start of our Xmas tree tradition, and I look forward to continuing it for many many years to come!

Happenings

I signed in to update the blog, and lo and behold - my other half has already done so. And quite eloquently if I do say so myself. Not only does he say wonderful, beautiful, amazing things...but he says them beautifully. That is my Andy. Andy the poet.

I suppose I don't have too much to add, other than that we have our tasting for the wedding this Friday. We are doing the dinner tasting - and I have to admit that I'm pretty excited about it. I think I will feel a little like Padma, or Gail, or Tom (ha) on Top Chef when the contestants bring out dish after dish for them to taste. Hopefully I will not gain 10 lbs. after eating this meal, as Padma admitted she does when she films each season of Top Chef. I think my body may be resilient enough to bounce back after one tasting. But anyways...

It is December. Isn't that crazy?! I really can't believe it is. Where did the year go?? I feel like we all say this every year..but really, this year went fast. Perhaps it was so fast for me because I was constantly starting on new endeavors at every bend. Moving in with Andy, getting Cleo, getting engaged, planning our wedding...
Andy told me that 2008 was going to be the best year yet, and I have to agree. It was. I think 2009 will be even better!

But in the meantime, there are many many exciting things to come in December. First off Andy and I are having engagement photos taken by our wedding photographer. Then there is Christmas in the Cuse! And then (the most exciting thing of all) is my mom & Mike's wedding on December 27th!!! It is going to be beautiful (but not as beautiful as my mom!).

Prospect Parque

Hello, hello…

 

So as we have been going through the wedding stuff, I suppose my posts on here have become less frequent, and I am sorry for that.

 

Just a little update…Thanksgiving was awesome, with my mother and Amanda’s father meeting for the first time. It was really cool how well they got along and I was very happy that everything worked out. I haven’t had a proper Thanksgiving in a long while, so I give thanks to having a great one this year.

 

So I figure I might touch on something that has been sort of a phrase that I say pretty often which is “Is this real?” Well, it is. Every single day I really do fall more and more in love with Amanda, and I really am just so excited to get married to her. She is a role model to me, and I really couldn’t ask for anything more than what she gives me every single day. I have never, and will never meet someone who I love and respect more than her. Those are some of the many things that make her the most attractive person to me. I ask if it is real because I have never experienced this…but then again, how could I since she is my only one. The only person that ever fit into my puzzle, the only one that can always make me smile, the only one who knows exactly what I am thinking, that can finish my sentences, the only one that makes me feel absolutely and truly happy. Thank you my love.

 

In some exciting news…I took the day off yesterday for my gastro-doc appointment…those fried foods may not be the best thing for my stomach, BUT one of the better things I did was secure the permit to our wedding ceremony location. Prospect Park. Brooklyn, NY. Amazing. It is done. Finito. And what was the cost? $25. That’s it. Our wedding ceremony location costs $25. Paid for already. Haha. I laugh.

 

What else can you buy for $25? For me, that’s 125 Nuggets from Wendy’s. Or 2 burritos from Chipotle. Or about 75 Lindt chocolates. Or 2 drinks at Little Branch (first date!). But yes, $25.

 

I also figured out how to get Mark (Amanda’s brother) ordained so he can do our ceremony. Seems like I have to buy a package which is $25, plus pay the $15 fee to become licensed as an officiant. So what is that? $40. Crazy!

 

Gotta love it.

Progress.

Wedding planning is going fantastic so far. Here are some of the updates:

• Andy & I printed the save-the-dates last night, and will not begin collecting all of the addresses we don't yet have. The save-the-dates came out perfectly as I do say so myself. They have a very hand-made look, which is what Andy and I were going for.
• On December 2nd Andy is going to apply for the permit for us to have out wedding in Prospect Park. Hopefully we will get it, and we will be getting married in my autumn wonderland! I have this sort of picture in my head of fall leaves, and beautiful trees...Prospect Park is truly a natural oasis in the middle of Brooklyn, and I am in love with it! It reminds me of the Robin Hood movie with Kevin Costner, when he marries at the end.
• Andy and I bought the fabric for his suit from Mood fabrics, and we both love it! He handed it off to the tailor from Hong Kong last week, and in about a month he will get his custom suit in the mail! Yay.
• We booked our honeymoon!!! Okay - this is probably the most exciting news! If Andy already talked about this in an earlier blog post (and it is slipping my mind) I apologize for the re-hash, but I am just so excited!! We are leaving from Rome, and traveling to Naples, Sicily, Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Ephesus, Rhodes... Oh boy am I excited!!! The cruise is 10 days long, but we are also hoping to stay one night in Rome before we get on the ship. I've heard Rome is beautiful, and I would love to spend some time there with my Andy.

That's pretty much it so far with wedding things. Everything is going pretty smoothly. I am very happy that Andy and I gave ourselves a good amount of time for planning, and also that we both agreed to enjoy the planning, and not stress over it. This is going to be the best day of our lives, and I don't see any reason to stress for an entire year just to enjoy one day. Is that really that enjoyable?? So that is our pact. Enjoy the process.

Aside from that - we are both looking forward to the holiday season very much (as Andy pointed out). Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and we are spending it in Marlboro, which is new for us. My father is coming down to visit from Wednesday to Saturday, so he will be joining us for the holiday festivities, and also for some sightseeing in the city. Andy and I are looking forward to bringing him to see Bubby's, and also to get authentic Brooklyn pizza, and to show him the things here that we love and enjoy. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, as it did when my mom and Mike visited.

And speaking of that...I am getting very excited for their wedding on December 27th!!! I have my dress, have my shoes, have my escort (hehe...love you Andy), and have started working on my speech. Not that it needs a whole lot of work/ planning, but I want to have a good outline in order. I actually came up with what I want to say this morning while on my run...it was actually pretty easy. Probably because my mom and I have such a wonderful relationship - I could say a million great things about her..so it's more about choosing what I want to say. It's funny, but I'm not nervous about giving my maid of honor speech. In fact, I'm pretty excited about it. I can't wait to share my thoughts and feelings about my wonderful mom with all of her family and friends.

In closing, happy holidays to everyone. I hope you all can find it in your hearts to do something nice for someone less fortunate during this holiday season. Andy and I are attending an information session for a volunteer organization called New York Cares tonight. This organization partakes in many different volunteer efforts - from walking dogs who are housed in shelters, to spending time with the elderly, to tutoring students, to teaching adults computer skills. We are hoping to really get involved in doing some nice things for others, and we both are also very interested in getting involved in politics as well. I think sometimes we all get caught up in our own lives - work, family things, taking care of our homes, events, friends, etc.. and heck, it's quite easy to. But I think there is more to life than just going through the motions/ working until the next break, or fun event. So maybe my little rant will inspire a few of you to volunteer this season in some way. Hey...maybe it's just by donating an old jacket, or some canned goods to a local shelter or organization. That is a wonderful way to help if you feel you don't have time to spare. But I think the important part is that we can all make someone's life a little brighter through our own hope and love. It is my hope to help someone less fortunate than myself this holiday season. Hopefully I will have an update on this endeavor very soon. Until then, happy Monday! And Happy early Thanksgiving!

Stupidstitions...

As much as I like to stay completely positive on here, I find that something a little more, well, pressing is important.

 

Last night I got into an argument with Amanda, the love of my life. Over what? Well, I’ll explain.

 

For a while I have had this wacky thing called a superstition. A former co-worker (when I day-traded) used to call them stupid-stitions. I know they are, and I believe they are stupid, but I guess I have had one in particular that has dogged me. It is that if I buy someone shoes, they walk away from me. Now this is quite the dumb thing, but I guess I believed it because of past people I have bought shoes for have done this.

 

Now mind you, I have not bought shoes for some people and obviously I am not with them, and I have for some other people (my sister/mother) and they are still in my life. Actually, I have even bought sneakers (Soaps!) off of one of my friends (Swindler) and he is still in my life, and will actually be in the wedding.

 

Aside from all of that, I got angry. I have already had arguments with Amanda over this, but it came to a head last night when I appeared ungrateful for her kind gesture. For that I am sorry.

 

I thought about it a lot, and I realize that I was wrong. I should get over this stuff. It makes no sense.

 

Amanda said one thing during our argument that really hit me. She told me that by acting the way I did, I am actually propagating the “walking away.” So I am walking away by being crazy. I felt that is true.

 

No more, never again will I believe in this. It is silly. I am in control of myself and my own destiny. I am in love, I know this for a fact, and frankly buying shoes for someone will never ever change that. I am in this for life, and I will be here for life.

 

In fact, I came to a conclusion this morning about a lot of this stuff. I do not follow any traditional religion anymore (raised Jewish, heck no will you ever catch me inside a synagogue), and I feel that by believing in something like a superstitious boogeyman, it goes against my own “anti” stance of believing in a higher-power. So, well, I cannot fathom believing in anymore of these things.

 

Anyway, the sneakers she actually got me were totally awesome and really comfortable. I will enjoy wearing them until I have to get new ones to run in.

 

So this goes for everyone…don’t believe in stuff that goes against your core beliefs.

 

And I love you Amanda.

White Wedding

So randomly this morning I was listening to my iPod as usual and I was going through a bunch of songs that I haven’t heard in a while. I have to add that I want to add these to the wedding playlist. They include: Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” and Bon Jovi’s “Runaway.” At one point I put on some Springsteen’s “Born To Run” and got quite happy because not only do I want to add it to the playlist, but I had an idea for our table names.

 

Amanda and I thought it would be fun to name the tables after places in our lives. Since I spent a lot of my life living in Marlboro, NJ it would only be right to have a table be named “Marlboro.” That was sort of blah for me to begin with, so now I think I found a better term. “Born to Run” has a line in it: Sprung from cages out on Highway 9…

 

Highway, or like we call it “Route 9” runs right through Marlboro and is where I spent a lot of my teenage years driving on. So in conclusion, I want to have a table be “Highway 9.” This is sort of a double entendre in the Marlboro fact plus Amanda’s mother’s favorite singer is Bruce. So it works.

 

Well, we got the filters in for the Gocco machine, so we shall be working on a lot of stuff this weekend which is quite exciting.

 

Christmas time is coming up in the next few weeks which is awesome. It is my 2^nd time celebrating this gathering. I like it personally. In fact, I love it.

 

And there is nothing like being in New York City around Christmas time. You get to see the lights on houses, the tree in Rockefeller Center (in person!), and just all the amazing and pretty decorations around buildings and on the streets. Last year Amanda and I wandered around 5^th Avenue by Central Park before seeing the tree and took some great pictures. They were quite funny and part of some of my great memories that we made in the closing month of 2007.

 

I just love this time. I think the smell of holiday-season winter (Jan & Feb are just bleak!), is truly amazing. I always loved it going back to when I was living in Canarsie (Brooklyn) growing up. The lights were always pretty and the White Castle always filling. I love this time because now new traditions are being made. It is so exciting.

 

So anyway, we are now heading into the end of the year…and bright lights are ahead…

 

 

And for those fans of LOL Cats, I made this using Cleo

Checkin' In

So it seems that I have been severely lacking on here. Like total severity.

 

Today at work I went out and bought the envelopes for the save the dates, so I guess (finally!) we can start work on them. We have the printing machine, and I guess we are finally ready to start printing them out. The envelopes are pretty exciting, they are made of recycled paper and have the same texture and feel of lunch bags.

 

We also have to start looking at different flowers, so this week we (well, Amanda) has been looking at a list I printed out of different seasonal flowers available for October.

 

I totally forget what I mention so anyway, it looks like instead of having the wedding at Bubby’s (because it will be at night) we are shooting to have it in Prospect Park. Since we are having the wedding there, we are looking (awaiting response) to volunteer to beautify the park this weekend. I believe it is a “come one, come all” affair, so look for us to be helping out the wilderness this Sunday morning/afternoon.

 

I am going to have to revamp this site quite soon, with the AndyMandyWedding.com (if you come to the site from that link) being more of a portal and the blog being part of that. This will help with the different factors we have going on, from hotels, and directions, to actually contacting us.

 

Since the groom’s attire is somewhat important (well, I cant just wear jeans and a t-shirt), I wanted to give you an update. I have an appointment next week to go get fitted for a custom suit from a Hong Kong tailor. Pretty cool stuff. The suit will be a grey pinstripe, just the way I want it. And do not fret everyone, my sneakers will be picked out soon.

 

There are so many ideas that we have going on, from getting custom picture stamps for the invites (stamps.com) to having biscuits and onion rings at the reception. Wild, wild, wild.

 

 

President-Elect

Anyone who reads this knows the way myself and Amanda have voted. Yes, we voted for Barack Obama. We voted this way because we were passionate about something different. We looked at the two choices and went with one that grabbed us.

 

I think that we both understand passion. We both understand character, and we both understand the types of individuals who are mostly like us.

 

It seems that people wouldn’t vote for Obama because they “couldn’t have a beer with him.” Well, I sure could. His life history, coming from absolutely nothing, paying his own way, the struggle…well, I think I can draw a bigger parallel to that in my life rather than someone who really barely even shares anything I can ever relate to.

 

To look at America’s reaction, I think we now will go back to the “feel good” way that we knew for so long. The feel good America that I never experienced in my adult life.

 

We have fought two silly wars using our resources, and for what? What did we get out of any of them? We were distracted while there are and were people still starving on the streets, while financiers were building castles in the sky, leaving people stranded and deserted (Katrina anyone?) while our government went rogue and started acting like a menace rather than a friend. We have now voted a resounding “no” to the failed policies, actions, and attitudes of the Republican Party led by our current President Bush.

 

Perhaps the culture of more everything is over. We can look back on the immense greed, the snark, the disgusting way people acted towards each other and say “no more!” I think we have made our voice heard. The heir-heads, the socialites who care only about their outfits, your time is up. The attitudes that got us here have officially been put to rest. The people that have propagated their extreme and obscene wealth in other people’s faces, the people that acted like they were above everyone – they have now been brought back down to size. Welcome back to Earth. However, if they do want to be a part again, want to stress that we must bring them back into the fold where collectivity, community, and greatness for all can once again shine.

 

Government doesn’t have to take care of us, but it could be our friend. If not our friend, then what is it there for?

 

I hope everyone did their public duty and voted yesterday. I hope that we can all move forward under our next President Obama and actually get this country back on track to greatness.

 

Welcome back, America.

Halloween Weekend/ Mom & Mike's visit!!

I can't believe I'm actually posting consecutively, before Andy can get one in. Yay! I'm being a good blogger for once.

This weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. It truly was perfect. First we started it with the Ryan Adams concert (as per my last post), which was phenomenal. I think he played his entire new album, and a few from his last album and some older tunes. The highlight was when he played "Goodnight Rose" which is a special song to Andrew and I. I don't think I'm ready to disclose the signifcance of it yet, but let's just leave it at "special."

Saturday Andrew and I went for a run around Queens, and then cleaned up/ relaxed until my mom and Mike arrived. We picked them up in Manhattan and then headed back to Sunnyside and had an early dinner at De Mole, a Mexican restaurant I have been wanting to try for a while. It was really great. Then we headed downtown for some sightseeing - WTC, Brooklyn Bridge, etc. We walked over the Brooklyn Bridge which was amazing. Really, there probably isn't a more phenomenal sight/ view in my opinion. Well, except the view from Bubby's!
Which is where we headed once we crossed the bridge - over to Bubby's to show Mom and Mike where Andy and I got engaged, and where we will be getting married!!! It was very exciting to show them our special place. Then we stopped and had ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. That was also a really great place - it had an old fasioned ice cream shop feel. I had vanilla chocolate chunk, and it was fantastic!

On Sunday Mike went to the Giants game with Michael, so it was just my mom, Andy and myself. We took the train to Prospect Park in the morning and ran the loop around the park - all the while taking in the beautiful fall foliage. It was perfect. Actually - Andy and I are considering having our wedding ceremony in the park now, so perhaps all of our guests will get to enjoy this lovely sight next fall too!
After our run we headed to Blue Sky Bakery (my muffin place. yes mine. I heart it). My mom and I had carrot cranberry cream cheese muffins, and boy were they good! (Are you starting to get the theme of the weekend - food, food and more food!) Then we walked over to Carroll Gardens to go to Mazzola's for coffee and bread. After that we walked up through Cobble Hill, and eventually made our way up to Brooklyn Heights (so pretty!!). Then we hopped the train back to Manhattan and stopped at Whole Foods (yes, food again) so that we could pick up some things for dinner.
June came over for dinner and it was so nice. It was really nice for Andrew's mom and my mom to get to know each other better, and spend time talking and eating, and being with us. It truly was the perfect end to the perfect weekend!!

Thanks mom for coming to visit this weekend. It really meant a lot to me to get to spend quality time with you, and to show you around. I love you!

xoxoxo.

Happy Halloween & Ryan Adams!

Happy Halloween!!!
I love this holiday. It's fun, and exciting, and light hearted. And it's fall. What else could one ask for??!! Unfortunately Andy and I are not dressing up this year. I love dressing up for Halloween, so this is a little disappointing...however we have even more exciting plans (well at least I think so!). We are going to see Ryan Adams & the Cardinals play at the Apollo. And for anyone who knows me well, you know that Ryan Adams is my absolute favorite musician. This far outweighs the slight disappointment of not dressing up for Halloween.
But hopefully Ryan plays some Halloweenhead, and we sing, and dance, and enjoy the Apollo! Actually Andrew and I went to see him last year on Halloween - I think this is becoming an annual thing for us - Ryan Adams on Halloween.

I am also very much enjoying his new album with the Cardinals called Cardinology. My favorite songs so far (in case anyone wants to check it out) are: Sink Ships, and Evergreen. Although- the whole album is worth checking out beause Ryan never disappoints.

Happy Halloween!!

Mandy

I love the picture below. The love of my life looks absolutely stunning (as she does everyday). Gosh, I love her.

 

Always and forever.

 

A recent pic of Andy and I.

Thought I would share because I think we are looking very 20's- which goes right along with the feel of our wedding. Yay!

Fall in the air = excitement. Mucho excitement!

I just want to express (via our blog) how excited I am for October 17th, 2009! That is the day I get to marry the most beautiful, wonderful person I have ever met, my Andy.

Date Change, Ice, and Notorious B.I.G.

“Brooklyn, goin out for all…Marcy - that's right - you don't stop…Bed-Stuy... you won't stop”

 

I suppose we should have heeded the words of the late Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z from their song “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which by the way, I am using as my entrance theme to the wedding! Just kidding. Everyone knows I’m having the “Ruff Ryders Anthem.”

 

Anyway, enough with the really terrible jokes. So this Sunday, Amanda and I wanted to go for a run to the Park Slope area. We decided to take a new route. Well, we sort of didn’t realize that this route took us through what one would not call the nice part of town. As we ran up to the Marcy Housing Projects (assuming this was the inspiration for Hard Knock Life: Volume 2 by Jay-Z) I became a little enamored with the scenery, imagining I was in a music video. Thing was, the straight thug-types outside probably were not, especially the one blasting Biggie from his car. So we ran through, with no incident. Funny enough, we kept on going and got a little lost. In fact, in between the guy having the pitbull dog and the Blood gang member on another street, an older man remarked to us that “We was in the ghetto.” Yes, so we were in fact in the heart of Bed-Stuy. We ran a little more but then realized that we sort of had zero clue where we were, and in a very shady area. There were no subways, but due to our sense of direction and sort of random luck, we popped out near the Brooklyn Museum to some hugs and high-fives. Score one for us. We typically do very long runs on the weekend…and now this one will be marked off in our history book, however we will not be going that route again.

 

And onto our next quick topic. Amanda was asking me about diamonds yesterday and inquired about rough stones. I explained how they are cut and polished to make them look really shiny, then I see this in my RSS feed inbox as a “trend.” The link is here: http://www.ruffandcut.com/collections/fifi-bijoux-for-ruff-cut/nobel-ring.html

 

Does anyone think this is a good trend? I don’t.

 

And onto the biggest…and final news. The wedding has been moved. Mark the new date, which is precisely 7 days before the original date (and my original proposed date) to the now (and improved date of) October 17, 2009. Less than 1 year away (and precisely the day before my lovely Amanda’s birthday!) So this means that there are new events to discuss that historically happened on the date. I will save those for another post, however do note that we shall be hearing “Fugee-La” in honor of ‘Clef.

 

Furthermore, the Parks Department has canceled all outdoor events on the Brooklyn Bridge Park lawn, so now our actual ceremony is indoors by default. Not bad because it may be cold and now we don’t have to worry about renting chairs and the like.

 

So those are the big things that have been going on.

 

I also was just reminded by my coworker Ankur about a little game called 7 Up. Does anyone remember this? I forgot how it was played and so did he…until we looked it up on the Wiki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Up_(game) There is your link. I definitely want to play this sometime soon. Man, to be a young kid again.

 

Speaking of being young…I remembered when I was in the 4^th grade my teacher was a big NCAA basketball fan and set up huge brackets for us kids to choose teams and play along. Well, I chose a certain team and bought a jersey to go along with my choice to wear to school. Little did I know that my choice of Syracuse University would be the alma mater of my future wife. From then on I always (and in spite of the not-so-friendly people that went there from my high school) had a positive view of the school.

 

Talk soon,

 

Andrew

 

 

1 Year, 1 Half-Day...Some thoughts.

Whew. So it is exactly 366 days. Exactly. And at midnight…exactly 365. I have sort of been laughing that it is T-Minus 365 days…but now it is here, in approximately 12 hours.

 

On January 1^st, right after midnight, I remember thinking that this was going to be the best year ever. At that point, I had not started my position at my job, and well, sort of really needed it so I could begin saving to propose. I kept telling Amanda that I wanted 2008 to be that best year but she had no clue what I was talking about (and rightfully so). Funny enough, I kept giving her little hints that I would propose this year, but I would say them really fast or when she wasn’t paying attention. I really cannot keep anything from her, so this was my way of telling her but not telling her.

 

I remember one time we were at the Cheesecake Factory (man, gotta love that place) and I pretty much said all these nice things and she retorted “Are you going to propose to me right here?” I wanted to say, “just wait a few weeks” but well, I couldn’t say that! Then came May…and well, it was the reason that this website exists.

 

It has been quite a journey. A journey of “up” events. Our rock has never been stronger. Our love, our loyalty, our compassion (for each other and for others) only grows stronger every day.

 

I feel like this is not really a countdown, but more of a count “up” to what will definitely be one of the happiest days of my entire (to be determined) existence.

 

It is kind of interesting that I am now seeing people I know getting married. I was talking to one of my friends and they remarked that (relationship status: single) that they really now think of this sort of “marriage stuff” being 25 and all. The thing is, I think when you are ready, and with a little bit of fate, great things happen.

 

To me, Amanda is my sunshine (which is what I call her) and well, with sun…things grow. They prosper. Everyone needs a little sunshine in their lives, whatever that is to them. Whether it be self-confidence, the ability to smile, a goal, a confidant/friend, etc. I say, find that sunshine. Find whatever helps you grow better as a person. I can immediately point out many things that Amanda has made me see that have helped me grow. I ate breakfast this morning. I ate pesto last night. I had a pancake (first timer!) over the weekend. For many people, they can be like “eh, so what?” but if you know me, you know it is a big deal. So that is just one.

 

Well, it is pretty much noon. Only 365.5 days to go…

 

 

Update

So I suppose that I have been a little lax on posting on the blog. I definitely apologize for that.

 

So as you can read, last weekend was my lovely Amanda’s birthday. I was just so glad that I could make her birthday as special as she made mine. I love you my darling!a

 

Quick update before I start working after this 5 minute hiatus…so we have not exactly found a place to get our wedding cupcakes from yet, so that is up in the air. Our photographer is booked (which is awesome) and we are going to start very shortly on our Save the Dates. Pretty wild how time flies. I feel like it was just yesterday that we got engaged.

 

I will write more, I promise, but that’s what you are all going to get for now!

 

Quarter of a century. Woohoo! I made it.

This past Saturday- October 18th, was my 25th birthday! Wow. Yeah. It's a big one. It felt like a big one. I feel older this year. I am now in my mid 20's, and I can unequivocally say that I feel it. I like my routine, I like getting up early/ going to bed early, I like my apartment, I love my fiance, I love staying in and watching movies, and a late night is now midnight. Haha. Yes, tis true. But I have to say that I've never been happier. This past year has indeed treated me well. Andrew and I moved in together, got engaged, got Cleo, and embarked on new careers (in his case) and continued on with a really great career (in my case). 24 was good to me. Indeed.

And so I begin my 25th year. I begin it with the man I love by my side, and with my wonderful family, and with the excitement of our wedding 1 year and 3 days from this very day. Wow, me = beyond thrilled about his year!!
So I know you all want to hear the good stuff. How did it begin??
Well Andy, as everyone knows, tends to go above and beyond in every way. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- Andy is the most thoughtful person I have ever met. And he's mine! Better yet. (That kind of rhymed.)
Back to what I was saying before. My birthDAY (er, week). Well that is how Andy made it - a birth week. Of gifts. He started it last Monday by dropping off gerbera daisies )in beautiful autumn shades of orange, red, and pink) at my office while I was taking a yoga class during my lunch break. Tuesday he gave me some gum, and a card. Tuesday was also our 1 1/2 year anniversary.
Wednesday I was given body butter in a really delicious fall scent. Thursday I was given 2 books from the Gossip Girl series. hehe. I don't know who's more excited about that one- Andy or me!
Oh, and Thursday June (my future mother in law) brought Andrew, Justine and I out for dinner at Dos Caminos. It was delicious and so much fun. Such a nice way to start my long birthday weekend.
Andy had asked me to take Friday off a while back...I wasn't sure why, since my birthday was on Saturday, but I figured he had something planned. Come to find out he had initially tried to plan a trip to Atlanta to go see my favorite musician/ band (Ryan Adams & the Cardinals). The logistics really didn't work out (which is actually good because we are now seeing them in NYC on Halloween!), so Friday was more of a day of relaxation. We ran, we napped, we had a grand ol' time. My Friday gift was concert tickets to see a band called Ra Ra Riot, in Williamsburg. Andy and I discovered this band over the summer, when we went to a free festival in Coney Island. They were playing at the festival, and I saw that they all went to Syracuse University and met there..so I wanted to see them. It turns out that they're really fantastic, and we both ended up becoming fans. The concert on Friday was great. We were able to get a seat at a table in the mezzanine which was great - because I'm not exactly the biggest fan of crowds or standing for extended periods of time. I was especially grateful for this seat when I had to sit through 45 minutes of electronica/ trance music from one of the opening bands. Ew. Yeah.
But all in all Ra Ra Riot was so good that I soon forgot about that other less than entertaining act.

Then came Saturday - my actual birthday.
The day started off with a bang. Andy made me pancakes in bed. Yum! And if you know Andy you know that he didn't used to eat breakfast, not has he ever eaten pancakes. We tend to be more of a run and then eat/ or grab & go kind of clan..so the home-made breakfast was a big deal. And fantastic!
Then we ran, and then it was time for my 2nd surprise of the day. I have to admit that I was a little nervous when Andy told me to wear comfy clothes and no make-up. I came up with a million awful things that he could have been bringing me to do. A few funny ones: off-roading, making an improv movie, go-karting. Ugh. Leave it to me to think of the worst possible things. As if Andy doesn't know me...
But of course none of the above were even close to the actual thing. What was the surprise you ask? Well, Andy had planned an afternoon of relaxation at the spa. A facial and a manicure with the most amazing hand massage ever. It was superb. I left feeling refreshed and relaxed and glowy. Yay. Then came the evening. Andy made me a wonderful dinner of citrus glazed salmon and brussel sprouts. It was delicious, and perfect. Then came the last surprise - a trip to Dave & Busters. For those of you who don't know Dave & Busters is a huge space in Times Square that has video games, and a restaurant or two. It's sort of like a Chuck E Cheese's for adults. Actually when Andy and I had our first ever date he asked me if I wanted to go bowling or go to D & B. I chose bowling. So this had meaning..of course! Leave it to Andy to put even more meaning into my birthday! And it got even better. When we arrived at D & B I was surprised to see familiar faces. My coworker and friend Mary Jo & her boyfriend Ryan, Nicole, Ange, Kristen and Michael. Everyone came to play video games and celebrate my birthday with me. It truly was so wonderful and thoughtful of Andy, and so great of all of my friends to come out. Thanks again guys for making my birthday so special!
Oooh- I almost forgot to mention my last gift from Andy (and this is not because I don't love it- because I absolutely do!) Andy bought me the first season of Felicity on DVD. This is my absolute favorite show ever. I have this thing with certain shows and movies. It just so happens that they are all ones that take place in NYC...but I always get a warm sort of happy feeling when I watch Felicity and Friends and You've Got Mail. hehe. I think it's because they take place in NYC and I feel like I'm there or something. Or maybe because I've always wanted to live here...I loved them before I ever moved to NYC. They make me happy. So it meant a lot that Andy got me this gift. I love it. So much. And you better believe I'm already getting him to love it too!

So in closing - thanks again to everyone who came out and celebrated my birthday with me...2 weekends ago, this past weekend, etc. Thanks to everyone else who celebrated with me in their hearts and in spirit. And thank you to everyone who called, texted, facebooked, sent a card, said a "happy birthday", etc. I love you all!
And thanks again to the most beautiful person I have ever met (inside and out)- my Andy. I love you always. Thank you for making my birthday so special!

L' Chaim!

Tomorrow is our 1 and 1/2 year anniversary. That means that we met each other well, 18 months ago. It has been such a journey together, from meeting, to courting, to falling in love, to moving in together, to getting engaged, and now the ultimate...planning a wedding.

I have never been more excited about any event in my entire life than I do about this wedding. I really want it to come tomorrow, but since I was a little boy they told me that good things come to those who wait.

I feel that I can accomplish anything in the entire world because I have the best team behind me. Anyone that knows me knows that my family is my family, and my friends are my family. And my immediate family, well I could not ask for anything better. I come home to the best girl on the planet to the best cat on the planet, just one happy little family of love.

I have told Amanda that our relationship is our rock. For me, she is also my rock. Our relationship is the strongest thing I have ever been a part of. And I love it. I love every second of it.

So Amanda, Happy 1.5 years, and here's to a lifetime together. I love you for eternity.

Tuesday, October 7th. Oy vay- it's been a while.

Hahaha.
And so goes my laughter in response to Andy's final statement in his post below. I have finally logged in to the blog to read that. He makes me laugh.
Yes, our home has become a land where political and economic conversation thrive. It is also a land where Miss Cleo rules. In fact our kitten (creature as we like to call her) has something in common with Andy and I. Oh yeah..she is an explorer.
About a week ago I was looking for Miss thang, and couldn't seem to find her anymore. Now in a one bedroom apartment it is quite the difficult task to find a hiding spot where no one can find you. But she managed to. Where, you ask.
Well creature decided it was a good idea to claw open the piece of cloth under the couch (the piece that hides the wooden boards) and climb in, to well, nap or something. It has become Miss Cleo's bungalow. Ha. She is quite the character.
She also brought upon laughter from Andy and myself this past weekend when she found a wrapped tampon in my bag and brougth it out in the kitchen- proud as can be. She then proceeded to play with it as if it were a toy. Creature..yes. I think you can imagine where she got her nickname from.

As for politics- I think Andy and I will indeed leave that conversation for our Winkler homestead. Yes, soon enough I will be a Winkler too!
However I will say one thing - it's important that we all educate ourselves on the important issues of today and of our future. It is my personal opinion (and not right or wrong) that we vote based on all of issues facing our nation- not just one that hits home more than another. We are all effected by the economic changes that have occurred recently, and we are all very effected by the war abroad. Let's not forget the importance of environmental issues, and education, and healthcare. And let's not forget the significance of foreign affairs and politics, and 9/11. In saying that- everyone is entitled to their own opinion..but I encourage you to educate yourself and to decide for yourself.
And hey- as Governor Palin gave a "shout out" to her brother's 3rd grade students, I must give a shout out to Senator Obama! If you don't agree with him, hey, that's your business. But if you haven't checked him out you owe it to yourself to do it! Hey-- Andrew and I read about McCain's politics all the time. Even though we don't personally agree with a lot of them. But how would you know you don't unless you read about them.
Okay- my little political blurb turned into a big one. But hey- I'm passionate, what can I say.

Anyways- Andrew and I watched a fascinating documentary last night on the bridges of NYC. It detailed the conception, engineering and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, the Triboro Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, and the Verazzano Bridge. It was really interesting and aweing. Anddrew and I have run over the Queensboro, Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges..and we are getting married pretty much right underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. When you're running on these bridges it really is an amazing sight. They are so massive, and beautiful. I can't wait for the end of the month whe I get to take my mom for a run over the Brooklyn Bridge. I can't wait to share it with her!

Until next time- happy October!

Friday, October 3rd 2008

So it is Friday and the end of the work week. Pretty crazy how yet another week has gone by. I feel like it was just yesterday that I proposed.

 

This morning, Amanda and I shared a little private moment in the middle of the street when I kissed her off to work. Frankly, when we do that, I really have no clue what is going on around me. I am just caught up, and frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

So lately, myself and Amanda have been both caught up in the Presidential race. We watched the VP debate last night and also the Presidential debate last Friday. It has been quite a ride.

 

No real news to report except that we are in the midst of getting a machine that will help us print our own “save the date” and invitation cards. It is a machine called the Gocco, which is popular in Japan but not sold here, except online. So I am actually waiting for the machine to be delivered to my office from Japan. Pretty crazy!

 

We are a little over a year away from the actual date. I think it is wild that it was once May and now it is October, in which we are really just so close…yet so far.

 

Ahh yes, Amanda got her wedding shoes. They are quite sparkly and really nice with a little bow on top of them. She picked them up from an unlikely place, J. Crew, but they definitely rival any shoes in terms of comfort (her words) and style (mine).

 

I do have a lot of ideas right now about political things and how we are headed, but I guess I will have to start a blog that is not about the wedding to do that…

 

Until then,

 

Andrew

"You shouldn't throw stones if you live in a glass house"

This could have been a diatribe, but the title says it all. Sometimes things are better left unsaid…

 

 

Time Left...

Today we are exactly 13 months away from the wedding!

Our favorite day- Tuesday!

So I was planning on posting today, since I have been negligent (as per usual), and I have a spare moment since Andy is stuck in a meeting until after 6.
I didn't know I would be greeted by such a lovely post from Andy, and I have to admit that that post made my day. I do, however, want to clarify the last part of his post- because some people (not many, but some) may not know Andy's eating habits well enough to understand the part about the pasta. And also- he left a part of the story out.
Yesterday we arrived home and were about to engage in our standard routine- changing out of our work clothes into comfy clothes, when Andy played a little trick on me. He had brought a bag of newspapers and magazines home with him, which is not an unusual practice for him. He started emptying it, and putting the magazines on the shelves of our makeshift bookcase/ tv stand. I was still in the kitchen (where the bag was left) when Andy asked me to pull something out of it. I can't remember exactly what he said to make me open that bag, but I was completely fooled into thinking it was something he forgot to pull out. On the contrary- it was a gift for me. Andy had made a trip to Sephora yesterday and bought me my favorite Dior Show mascara (which I had mentioned I was almost out of that morning) along with a new eyeshadow kit to create a "smoky eye" look. You see, I had been flipping through a magazine this weekend looking for at ideas for our wedding when I saw a page with this look. The smoky eye is not a new phenomenon, but I really liked the way it looked in this editorial- very smudgy, with a punky yet sophisticated flair. So back to the original story. I was so touched by the fact that Andrew did this for me (the fact that he was so attuned to things that I mentioned on a whim) that I got emotional. And I told him that he is the most thoughtful person I have ever met in my life. And he is mine, all mine!! (inside joke). But honestly, I can't think of anyone I have ever met who is so thoughtful. I then told him that he always puts me first..and that I know if he had to eat pasta and pasta only every day he would-- just to be able to buy me things, and make me happy. And that's Andy. He is the most amazing, thoughtful (I've used this words 1000 times now), selfless person I have ever met. I love you bunny.

And on another great note- Andrew and I spent a wonderful weekend together.
On Friday we grabbed a drink with Kristen and Michael after work. On Saturday we went cake tasting!!! Andy even ate cake..which for those of you who know him is unbelievable. We loved the carrot cake and the red velvet. It was a unanimous decision for Andy and I. Although Miss Mel was partial to the yellow cake with cannoli filling and orange zest. (We'll let her have that one for her wedding!!). hehe.
Then we had dinner with Mel- she made us lamb with rosemary and garlic, brussel sprouts, and roasted potatoes. It was the most amazing meal! So delicious. So thanks again HUN!! ha. (I'm killing myself with the inside jokes here).

Then Sunday Andy and I ran to Ikea in Brooklyn. Yes, ran. 9 miles to be exact. And boy was it fun. Seriously!! We both love exploring. I think that's what keeps us running for 9 miles straight. If we were just looping around a park 3 times we would be bored..but something about constantly having new scenery and trying to navigate how to get somewhere- it keep the run exciting. Well anyways- enough about that.

Everything is going great with the wedding planning, and Andy and I are as happy as ever. BTW- if anyone has any song requests for the wedding playlist feel free to submit them as comments on here. I definitely want to start compiling a playlist! I know it's early, but never too early to get things done for the wedding!

Tuesday Thoughts

Can we ever define love? Or is it one of those things that when you start talking about, you really can’t come up with any other words that eclipse it. I compare it to the word infinity. Common definitions say it is “without bound.” In other words, it has no end. I suppose you know where it began, but you will never find where it drops off, because it doesn’t. Similar to a loss of words. You wish that you can describe it more, but you can’t.

 

I really cannot describe how much I truly am in love with Amanda. Since the day I met her, everything in my life has become that much clearer. Yesterday she wrote to me that our love is a “most beautiful experience.” That is how I think about my life every single day.

 

It is great because we both work together as a team, there is no “yours or mine,” just ours. She stated to me yesterday that I would probably eat pasta every single night if it meant it would further us as a couple economically. She is right, I would. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my love.

 

This love will never end. I am forever hers. Happy Tuesday, Amanda.

 

 

Georgia Wedding

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/ftp/multimedia/waffleweddingx/publish_to_web/

 

And the accompanying story:

 

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?SectionID=6&SubSectionID=84&ArticleID=16944

 

 

At first glance, this looks like a really wacky place to have a wedding, but considering this couple couldn’t get time off for their wedding, and since they both work at the Waffle House, I really hand it to them as their D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) wedding really went through great for them. This couple’s wedding shows that it really is about the love. All the best…and man, I am definitely in the mood for some waffles…

friday.

So, it is official…we have found our photographer. Whoopie! Anyway, she is a great lady from Syracuse who is going to do our engagement and wedding photos. Very photojournalistic style, with minimal weird posed pictures. We met with her on Wednesday and made our final decision that night. I am quite excited.

 

Along with that, we also are moving full steam ahead on our goals. We set up our budget on theknot.com and are just in the midst of figuring out what to do next.

 

I have been slightly busy the last couple of days and couldn’t really write, but that is Friday’s update.

 

Have a great weekend!

Lovely words from Andy to me.

I am glad I can be a source of inspiration to my own muse. That makes me smile.

Hi hi.

Good morning, and a happy Tuesday to all of mine and Andrew's loved ones.

September 16th. Wow.
I can't believe the summer is over. I like it, but I'm in disbelief at how quickly this summer passed..how quickly time has passed.
Andy and I have been in our happy home for 6 months now, but I have to say that it feels much longer. I almost can't remember a time when we didn't live in Sunnyside, or that we didn't live together. I looked at our living room today as we were leaving for our run in admiration. Yes, I admire our living room. Why? Well, quite simply, it is our home- it is the one room we spend most of our time in. The living room & kitchen are more or less one large room, and this area of our apartment really feels like "Andy & Mandy." From our orange & taupe walls to our mish mosh of brightly colored pillows, and coasters- to the throw blanket Jeff sent us from Nepal (which we love. Thank you Jeff!), to the old dresser missing its drawers that Andrew and I painted orange to draw the orange from the kitchen walls into the living room. This is our home. We like things old, we like things new. We like things with a story. I try to imagine the story of this dresser that we have painted orange..and made into a bookcase/ tv stand. While the new coat of paint may disguise it this piece of furniture truly has an untold story. And such is life. We all have our own stories, our own pasts-- Andy and I have truly meshed our pasts, our presents, and our futures together to paint our own beautiful picture. I love the past year and a half that I have spent with my fiance, Andy. And I love the present- every day, our runs, our commute, our phone calls, our emails, his smile, our laughter, our dinners, our special time. And I can't wait for our future- our wedding, and the many more wonderful things to come.

I have loved you Andy. I do love you Andy. And I will love you Andy.
Forever.

Monday

Well I have to say this weekend turned out to be quite lovely. Amanda and I ventured off into Brooklyn to eat brunch with each other at our favorite restaurant, Bubby’s. Yes, the place that we are having our wedding. We figured we should try the food since we have not before to gauge what we like or dislike. I have to tell you, my favorite part of the whole meal was definitely the biscuits. Man, I love biscuits. I had like 8 of them. Otherwise, an amazing time there on Saturday.

 

We also went to go look at wedding bands. While we haven’t finalized which ones we want, I think now more than ever we both have a great idea of what kinds we like.

 

There are is a development that must be addressed in this post. One, Amanda’s childhood friend just got engaged to his lovely (now-fiance) Ali. So congrats to you both, Jason and Ali. The news was sprung upon us late last night, after dinner, which is fantastic for them. Definitely an unexpected an fantastic surprise.

 

That is all!

 

The most perfect email Andy has ever written me.

Mandy,

When you literally walked into my world, I was forever changed. From the first time we sat down to have one of our classic discussions, I just knew you were special. My life has truly become magical, Amanda. Thank you for bringing me the greatest joy I can ever experience with another person; love.

I tell you how beautiful you are because in my eyes, you are the most perfect person I have ever seen. I touch your hair in the morning because I know you feel my hands and then I get to see the most beautiful sight in the entire universe: your smile.

I love our love, Amanda. More importantly, I love you.

I cannot wait to hear the great news and I cannot wait to see you.

Forever,

Andy

Another Andy & Mandy??

http://www.mikosphotographers.net/index.cfm?postID=225

 

Ok, well not really their blog, but these are their wedding photos. I like how they are done…but in all honesty, my Mandy is much more lovely…

Link Link Link

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/businessspecial3/10WED.html?em

 

Great article from the New York Times about financial matters between married couples. Check it out.

 

 

 

 

Thursday.

So I am heading out here soon enough to meet a good friend, my sister, and the lovely Miss Amanda.

 

A meeting of the minds….

 

Or just getting together!

Tuesday Updates.

Last night was quite relaxing. We came home, cooked a little, and watched some television. By television, I mean Gossip Girl. I admit, I like the show. It is whatever but its all about drama, which is kind of funny. Also, I get to see a bunch of landmarks since it is filmed on location, which is great. One of the characters (well, 3 of them) live pretty much right near where we are getting married, which is awesome. They also had a party at the Hudson Hotel last night, which was the site of one of the AndyMandy original dates. It is funny to point out these types of things, it definitely makes the show even more fun to watch.

 

Last night, while watching “The Hills”, which is a terrible guilty pleasure, Amanda felt a little headache. I said we should go to bed at that point, and we went into our room. She actually had a wonderful suggestion, which was that I read her to sleep. She picked “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which was a book she had already started but has not yet finished. This was a very fun activity and she got sleepy after about 15-20 minutes. It was quite cute. I am very much for this because not only do we get to spend time together, but we get to read a terrific book together as well.

 

This morning she remarked how she hasn’t posted in a while, so while she hasn’t she has not forgotten. The thing is, she has been working crazy hard at her job, so she hasn’t had really time to write me too much during the day or do anything else besides what her work duties entail. Then when we get home, she is quite the tired Mandy. So I shall try to pick up some slack here.

 

As far as the wedding goes, last week I purchased Wedding Insurance. What is this you may ask? It protects you if the venue goes out of business, your rings are lost, etc. It is really a nominal cost compared to the full cost of the event, so I went ahead with it after reading it over. It can be found at ProtectMyWedding.com, if anyone is interested.

 

Also, we have been looking at ideas for suits for the groomsmen. I am not really for the tuxedo look, considering a lot of people don’t own one and the rented ones always look, well, rented. I always find it amusing when they have the wedding magazine ads for rentals for about $200, while they try and sell you dresses costing anywhere from $1,000-$20,000 for the bride. It just tickles me.

 

I really enjoy how things are going so far, they are cruising along. Speaking of cruising, we are definitely looking at our Euro vacation plan cruise…however Amanda has been on a South American vacation kick recently. The sites down there are beautiful, I must say. I really think it looks serene and magnificent.

 

Well, that’s about it for now…I do apologize about the lack of postings and news…but don’t worry kids…more to come soon.

Mondays are always great.

And I mean that. Why? Because it means that it is the start of a new week.

 

I was busy on Friday but I have this to share:

 

As Amanda and I gave each other goodbye kisses in our morning departure off to each other’s respective works, a man walked by us and said in a pretty loud voice, “You’ll be together for the next hundred years.”

 

She asked me what he said, I repeated it, and we both smiled.

Reintroductions.

I woke up this morning to a life that wasn’t my own. I woke up this morning in a bed that was not my own either. Today I woke up at the house I grew up at in Suburban New Jersey. I woke up to a life I didn’t lead, but I woke up happy and content.

 

This weekend, Amanda and I were invited out to New Jersey by my mother, who I previously stated I had little contact with for a while. I felt at one point our relationship was beyond repair, but due to circumstances, I called her up and progress began.

 

The weekend started off well, but there needed to be a catalyst. The clothes needed to be cleaned, the air needed to be let out. Sunday morning, that air was let out. I had a huge conversation where my grievances were aired out, my feelings were shown, and frankly…the cloud was lifted. It provided for a much better weekend than what could have been.

 

The thing about all of this was that I realized many things. I used the word introspection this morning to describe why these events took place. I learn something new everyday as I organize my thoughts through these introspective exercises. I think it is a hard thing to do, but being aware of yourself and your own thoughts, and why you have those thoughts may just finally be the full sign of “growing up” that I have been looking for.

 

I was forwarded an e-mail this morning that had these sentences: We are squeezed physically, emotionally, professionally, spiritually, financially, personally and experientially.  And, the question remains:  when we get squeezed, what is released?  What is the essence of our "human juice".  More importantly, what is the nectar of YOUR human juice.  Is it anger, freedom, laughter, clarity, peace, frustration, happiness, God.  Is it fear or is it love.  This is where we begin.  From the inside out. 

 

This morning I thought a lot about those sentences and from whom it came from. It came from a person who I recently have not had as much contact with as I did at one time, however this person decided to e-mail myself and Amanda this morning with this outlook on life from her yoga teacher. I think this was just the sort of e-mail I needed to realize something. I will give you a little back story… We had a sort of “bump” in the road in which I was hurt over an act I perceived as being malicious from their end. I let it simmer, and then after a while, I decided (because it was causing some inner tension) to confront it. I really didn’t receive the full answer I wanted, so I went on with my life, and they on with theirs. Now their “answer” to my charges was fine, and frankly was their feelings back to me. Thing was, I wanted things to go back to normal quite quickly after this whole episode, and when they didn’t I harbored resentment.

 

As recently as yesterday, I stated to myself that I wouldn’t let this bother me and I would accept this “as is.” In this case, that meant just being in a Goldilocks state…not too hot, not too cold. Just “right.” Pretty much leaving as is, little contact, even just staying one step ahead of it all.

 

I thought about e-mailing this person this morning, but I decided against it. Why? I was scared. I was scared of being hurt by being rejected, but in this case, it wouldn’t be rejection, it would be their lack of interest in me.

 

Then they e-mailed me with those words of wisdom, and I thought about my transformational weekend.

 

So I transformed. I opened back up. They did too. Perhaps a little cautiously, but still open.

 

I consider this person a good friend of mine. They know that, and they know that I support them. But the thing was, I was scared. I thought I would be “hurt” by not getting a response that I wanted from them…which is quite selfish and self-serving.

 

After going through a reconnect with my own mother, who I at one point tried to write off forever, I figured, heck, why not give peace a chance in all aspects of my life. It is definitely easy to hold some sort of grudge, but why hold that? Why not smile? Why not let people back into your life who have given you love, joy, and friendship? Why not show the compassion to them as you want for yourself? Maybe it does take some time, and when people are ready, beautiful things happen.

 

This morning a cloud was lifted from over my head and made way for sunny skies. I thanked them for this, and told them to look out for my posting. After reading this, they will know why.

 

After this weekend, I just hope that anyone reading this can just be a little inspired to look inside themselves and just forgive someone for something, or perhaps even realize that what they think slighted them was really not that way. I think if we change our way of looking at an event, we can see the gold lining that can really shine in the light.

Happy Friday Everyone!

And have a great weekend!

 

Love.

I love you Amanda. More than anything in this entire universe.

 

I fall more and more in love with Mandy every single day…

On the same page.

Welcome, Thursday.

 

As most people who know me realize, I did not have the greatest relationship with my mother. Before last week I last talked to my own mother 6 months ago, perhaps longer in an actual conversation. In essence, my limited contact has been, to say the least, interesting.

 

A couple of weeks ago, I sat around with Aunt Sue (technically Amanda’s aunt, but my adopted one) and we were discussing the guest list for the wedding. I stated at the time that I was not going to have my mother around for it. She lit a little something by saying that I may regret it, and that since it was my mother, well I should invite her. I sort of shrugged it off, and didn’t think too much of it at the time. Throughout the next week, it sort of plagued the back of my mind, when it finally came to a head when I had an extremely tense conversation with Amanda on the way into work. She stated to me that she really thought it was unhealthy, and that she wished that she could have a relationship with my mother, and not behind this sort of barrier I have erected within my family.

 

I thought about it. Thought about it some more…and called my mother. She actually asked my brother if she wasn’t dreaming that I called. (It was 8AM and she was sleeping after working late.) We tentatively made plans for that Sunday, however when they came around, they were canceled (by her). I will state I was upset, but she wanted to get together last Saturday, which was fine by us.

 

I cannot tell you how anxious I was for this, the thing is, it took a lot. But low and behold, we got together and you know what? It was fine. Why was it fine? I don’t fully know. Now we are going over to where I grew up, Marlboro, this weekend, for the weekend.

 

So a lot changed. I have hope that things will get better. Now they may never get back to where they once were, but they will get better. That is what we need. To get better. To heal. It takes time.

 

I tell you all, and I tell Amanda week after week, that I want to be better for her. She wanted a relationship with my mother, I am working hard towards that goal. I am also doing it for us. We will have children one day, and I want them to learn about compassion, about love, about hope. How can I give them my values and be a hypocrite in my own life? I always hated when people would do that around me, so I will do the opposite. I will lead by example.

 

I am in love. I love my life. I love Amanda, the best thing that has ever come into my life. When every other aspect of my life is full of love, why is it that I cannot spread that to 100% of my life? I answered my own question. That is why I called. That is why I will work toward repairing this bond that was once strong. I will make it strong again.

 

(Ok, so this was just ready to be published and I came across Mandy’s post touching on this subject…I was about to publish it 20 minutes ago, but was called away from my desk…interesting how much we are on the same page)

Politics. Sweet Politics.

For the past few days (as I hope everyone knows) the Democratic Convention has been going on. Andy and I haven't really tuned into the coverage too much, because well, we like to turn in before 10 pm. Ha. But last night we were set on watching- well Andy was set on it, and then I joined his enthusiasm once I learned that my boy Bill was going to be speaking. Now I know my mom is probably reading this and saying grrrr...Clinton. She is not a fan of his. And I can understand where she is coming from. She was disgusted by his affair(s) and I think felt offended as a woman, and repulsed by the idea of supporting a man who would do what he did. I respect her opinion, and I by no means support the personal scandal that occurred during his presidency. However, I do love Bill's politics. Not only is he charismatic, intelligent, and well spoken (all characteristics our current pres doesn't really possess) I respect his ideas, his policies, and what he stands for politically. Our nation thrived with him in office..which was arguably due to the economic boom (which I'm sorry to inform everyone- he did not solely create), but it was a good time for our nation. I like Bill. I like Hillary. I am a fan of the Clinton's.
Andy and I actually have very similar political viewpoints, and I thoroughly enjoy discussing my opinions with him, and hearing his in return. I think the sad thing is that we live under a political system that is so centered around 2 distinct political parties where everything is black or white. One or the other. A democrat can't support the Iraq war or he/she is forced to become an Independent (ie. Lieberman). A Republican can not be pro-choice or his credibility as a Republican is immediately challenged. My issue with our political system is that if you are a presidential nominee you must cling to your party on 99% of the issues or face extortion. I think most Americans can agree that not every one of their political beliefs or values fit into one side of the spectrum. I guess I will end my rant here, because I have plenty to do. But that is just a little hint of the conversation Andy and I had this morning on the train.

I have so much to write, but not so much time to do so. So I will make this brief.
Andy already touched on our past weekend, and it is a little silly for me to recount all of it since it is already Thursday and we are on the brink of another..but I just want to touch on something he did not touch on.
I wrote a blog post a few weeks ago about the last piece of the puzzle. The last piece (as I stated in the post) was meeting Andrew's father. Well I think I can admit now that that wasn't the last piece of the puzzle. Saturday marked the day that that LAST piece was put in place. Let me embark..
Saturday Andrew's mom, June, came over to see our apartment for the first time. She saw the life Andy and I have built- our home, our kitten, our life, our love. I think she was able to really experience it all being in our home. We drove to Brooklyn to show her where we got engaged, and where we are getting married. While driving along the BQE and heading into Brooklyn she proclaimed "This is Brooklyn??? What are all these tall buildings??" You see, June is actually from Brooklyn, and hasn't been back in a very long time. Her Brooklyn was a Brooklyn filled with houses, and neighborhoods..communities where everyone knew each other. As we know things have changed..
But what is cool is that she was able to see the Brooklyn Andy and I have fallen in love with. When we arrived in front of Bubby's and were looking up at the beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge, she saw how amazing it was. She saw what we saw. She was able to experience a little piece of what Andy and I hold special to us. I know it meant a lot to Andy, and surely meant a lot to me.

Then we went to Manhattan for dinner with June, Justine and Travis. Everything was great..perfect, better than I could have ever imagined it would be. We all left with a feeling of happiness and warmth..and I know that Andrew and I felt this is the beginning of new and great relationship. We are actually going to Marlboro this weekend to barbecue, and enjoy the end of summer with June and Justine. I couldn't be happier.

Off I should go.
But Happy Thursday Andy! And happy Thursday everyone else.
I can't wait to see you later bunny. You are my sunshine.

Ok So It is Tuesday

…and I haven’t forgotten about you all.

 

We had one of those quintessential “Only In New York” experiences this past weekend. What was it? Movie night in Central Park. Under the stars. Watching Moonstruck…which by the way takes place in Brooklyn Heights, our favorite place. We dined on some of my leftover deli and some popcorn (well, I didn’t eat it)…the whole night cost $2 and that was for the bottle of water I purchased for us both.

 

Literally, just sitting there, on a crisp night, with the love of my life…wow. I have no idea what to even say past that, except it was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had, and one of those nights where I just know why exactly I fell in love with Amanda.

 

I can expand on more of it, but it really is something to be done, rather than read about.

 

I am a tad disappointed that the summer is over, however we got to do some amazing things…and now we are onto (very soon) the fall season. What does that mean? We get to look forward to more wedding planning…picking out our flowers…buying shoes…getting everything in order…great stuff.

 

I really am in awe that we have been engaged since May. It feels like yesterday. In fact, everyday is just alive…in the sense that I wake up feeling like I just won the lottery, or ate the best meal of my life. Why? Amanda. Easy.

 

I was just informed that Senator Biden’s wife may be wearing Kay Unger to the DNC Convention tomorrow. Go Mandy!

 

On that note, I encourage you all to have a voice in this year’s election by casting your ballot for whomever you feel has policies best suited to get this country right back on track. This isn’t a contest between catchy slogans or “experience”…this election decides how we will be in the next 4 or 8 years in terms of relations with ourselves and others on this small planet. So think hard. I also encourage you to read Real Clear Politics (realclearpolitics.com) for great coverage. It is an aggregator that compiles a lot of polls and opinions that you can read everyday. As Ralph Nader stated…”If you do not turn on to politics, politics will turn on you.”

 

Happy Tuesday everyone!