Wednesday

Throughout this relationship, I have set different attainable goals, and I figured I would share some of those with you all.

 

First one was to make her my girlfriend. Second one was to fall in love with her. Third was to meet her family and get to know them. Fourth was her to meet my family….

 

These go on and on, but the main goal that I set myself up for was to make 2008 the best year I ever lived. I had in my plans for a while to get engaged, and I planned to do it this year. It was my main goal, and it was accomplished.

 

Since we have been engaged for a few months, I have set a different goal: to be the best fiancé possible.

 

I think this has taken some adjustment, considering now we play slightly different roles in each other’s lives…we lean on each other more because we are paying for our own wedding and need to save up for example. I think that in itself is an amazing goal, and I love doing it everyday.

 

So here it is: I strive to be the best fiancé to Amanda Lynn Banick (until she takes my last name). Whatever that entails, I will do. If anyone has any suggestions on how to do this goal even better, I welcome you to e-mail me or leave a comment.

 

I ask you all to be your best self to someone or even yourself. Every single day, ask if you are being the best you can be. And then do it!

 

And for my final thought:

 

I love you Amanda, and I can’t wait to be the best husband I can be.

 

 

Tuesday

So yes, today is a Tuesday…our favorite day. I came into work this morning knowing I have to do a lot today, however I figured I would post something small.

 

I only work with 11 other people in my office, and 2 of them have discovered the blog. I believe productivity went down a lot yesterday as one of them, Lenny, was reading it.

 

He came in this morning and told him that Amanda and I remind him of “The Notebook.” That made me feel good. I told Amanda, she was happy as well. Thing is, we both think that the love the 2 characters shared for each other reminds us of each other. Frankly, we both cried for 40+ minutes when we watched it together.

 

I miss you already Mandy…

Hello to my avid readers..it's been a while.

I'm sorry for my tardiness dear friends..but I must admit that sometimes the thought of me writing about my day to day bores me. Ha. So why would I want to bore you?? That is not to say that I don't enjoy my life- I love it in fact. But something about re-hashing the events of it after I live them doesn't quite compare to actually, well, living them.

However, there is some re-hashing to be done.
First and foremost I want to touch on the weekend that just passed. Friday night Ashley's roommates threw her a rooftop party for her 21st birthday. Happy birthday Ashers!
Andrew, and I went- and we dragged Ivy along with us too. It was a really fun night- we met a lot of great new friends, Andrew and Ivy got to chat and get to know each other more-- all while enjoying the most beautiful view of the city. It was as if we were engulfed by the buildings and lights of midtown- but in the most glorious way.
Then on Saturday I spent the day with Ashley and Lisa exploring the city, shopping, eating, drinking- being merry. Some highlights - Rice to riches rice pudding, drinks at Frog, & shopping/ perusing around Soho. The weather was also lovely. It was a lovely day. And while I was gallivanting around Manhattan with the fam- my dearest fiance was at home cleaning and making the apartment perfect for when I returned home. I arrived to a spotless apartment, and a new duvet cover and sheets. You see- I was complaining that morning about how we needed to get our duvet dry cleaned before Justine comes to stay over. And I was also complaining because I wanted new sheets. So Andy took it upon himself to get the sheets, and a really pretty new duvet cover..and even brought our other duvet to the dry cleaners. He really, yeah, amazes me. And not just because he cleans..(although I heart that)..it's because of the thought he puts into everything he does for me and for his family and friends. Thank you again Andrew. I love you.

And that pretty much brings me to today- Tuesday, July 29th.
Just drinking my Americano, and postponing the beginning of my work day just a little longer.
Hopefully the work day will pass swiftly- I have plenty to do, and yoga to fit in. But it will all work out. Tonight Andy is going to Marlboro to pick up his old car so that we can drive to Syracuse this weekend for Kim and John's wedding. We are both looking forward to it- as he stated below. It will also be nice to be home and see my family- we are celebrating my mom's birthday on Sunday. Can't wait!!

And I suppose I should start my day- work day that is.
The day started, oh, about 3 hours ago - starting with a 4 mile run, get ready time, riding the train, grabbing coffee, and finally sitting down at my desk to update our blog.
Hi Andy! Hope your work day is going great so far. I miss you.

Wine

So once again the weekend is over, and we are back to work on a Monday. No real news to report here on the wedding front, except we are going to one this weekend coming up in Syracuse. I enjoy going to weddings to see how people execute theirs, which also gives us some ideas on ours.

 

One of the things we have been doing is collecting wine bottles for our centerpieces. We have been taking them and storing them so we can put the flowers in them in arrangements. I thought of something that would be cool that the bridal party and groom’s party can partake in. I would ask all of them to save a wine bottle that they drank in which they have a great memory from. If they want to also type out what that memory is, I will surely post it. So there is my public plea for that.

 

We have also been semi-actively looking into the save-the-date cards, so that is one of the things that is chugging along.

 

Well, I have much work to do today, but if there is a free moment, I will post some more…

Thursday

I fall more and more in love with Amanda everyday.

 

When you meet the person you are supposed to be with for eternity, you can’t help feeling as if you win the lottery everyday.

 

Happy Thursday!

 

 

P.S.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/fashion/24skin.html?pagewanted=1&ref=style

 

Funny article I sent to her in the Times. Don’t worry, we aren’t getting any ideas for the bridesmaids…groomsmen, another story.

 

She said Yes (And To The Dress Too)

As you can read from the prior post, Miss Amanda found her dress. Now this is sort of a conundrum for me considering I love to see how my beautiful fiancé looks in everything, however I have to unfortunately wait until about 4PM on October 24^th in 2009 to actually see it on her. You know when you have that very anxious anticipation for something coming up? That’s me!

 

Thing is, I really don’t want to see her in it until we are about to get married. I know the whole superstition (or is it stupidstition?) and besides, I want to wait… because good things always come to those that do.

 

All I can say is that I called my buddy Jeff to ask him if this was all real. He confirmed that it was and therefore my excitement was justified. So Jeff, thank you. Seriously, the best times of my life started the day I met the lovely Amanda.

 

I’m actually living a dream that is reality. Magical.

I heart Coney Island.

I heart Coney Island.
Why??
1. Nathans hot dogs are yum in my tum.
2. Andrew and I are elevated to model status amidst the Coney Island frequenters. (ie. we are thinner than 99% of the people there)
3. Free concerts!
4. Italian Ice- Andrew introduced me to my first Italian Ice. Pina Colada. Mmm mmm. So good.
5. Land of the tattoos. Everywhere you look there is a walking work of art..or a walking disaster (depending on the tat!)
6. Wet sand in between my toes. While this is actually a pet peeve of mine, there is something liberating about getting your feet wet and sandy and walking around as if you don't care.
7. The boardwalk!!!
8. "Coronas coronas". Your corona can be delivered to you right at your towel on the beach by a man you can barely understand carrying a black plastic bag, looking around suspiciously. The fact that corona could actually be corn or something that in no way relates to the illegal selling of alcohol on the beach probably works in his favor. Either way- where else can you get a $3 beer delivered right to your towel? Case in point- why Andrew and I are the only skinnies left on Coney Island..
9. The Cyclone. Even though we didn't go on it.
10. And the 10th reason I heart Coney Island-- because the one and only time I have been to this gem of a place I was with the love of my life Andy. I wouldn't want to share my first trip to CI with anyone else!

So that was Coney Island in a nutshell. Honestly, I liked it more than I thought I would. I mean, yeah it's Coney Island- not exactly white sand beaches and clear water. It's gritty. But I felt a really cool old vibe from the place..I love Americana and the turn of the century, so I really felt some sort of cool connection to CI. I can imagine how it was way back when. Very cool. If you ever get the chance it is definitely a must see!

In other big news- I bought a dress!!!!!!!!!
Okay, yeah. Really.
I know it is quite early..but I found the one. And it was an incredible deal that I couldn't pass up. Without giving away too much detail I can divulge a little about how it happened.
About a month ago I went to a bridal salon called Kleinfelds with my mom, Darlene, and Kayla and I fell in love with a particular designer and a particular dress. The dress was beautiful. Beyond, really. But it was pricey. Let's just leave it at that. I definitely didn't put the dream of this dress out of my mind or tell myself no completely-- but I knew I wanted to look around. So I was going to make a few stops at other bridal shops, which I hadn't gotten around to yet. It is still quite early, and I knew I had plenty of time. I also was planning on going to a trunk show for the designer with my mom in September.
But I received 2 emails last week that resulted in yesterday- the fateful day that I bought my dress. The first email was from Kleinfeld's and the second was from theknot.com. Both emails were about a blow-out sample sale at Kleinfelds on Tuesday 7/22 from 3-7 pm. I saw the emails, and didn't really think much of them at first. But then I received a few more reminder emails and thought "hmmm..maybe I'll pop in or something." So that's what I did. I asked Ivy if she wanted to accompany me after work - I didn't rush over at all. I got there at about 6 pm and waited for my turn, and then the magic happened. Well first- we went through the racks of about 100 dress- there weren't many, and didn't really see anything. I thought I may not actually try on anything..but then we found one dress made by my favorite bridal designer and I knew I wanted to try it on. Then I found another dress of interest. And then I was going to be done..but Ivy said that I should try on one more for fun. The number of dresses you could try on at once was 3- so she thought I might as well have fun with it. We were going to pick out something crazy that I would never buy just for fun..since we had gone through all the racks and hadn't seen anything else. But then someone put one back- and we saw it, and picked it right up. We knew this was going to be good. This dress was also by my favorite designer. I tried it on first, and it was the one. We knew it..I tried on the others just to see and it made it even clearer in my mind. I tried it on again-- I was sold. Ivy suggested we walk around just to look again before I buy it- even though she loved it too. You know, just to make sure. We did, and the whole time I kept thinking about how I needed to get back to my dress before someone stole it out of my dressing room. Rrrright. I was thinking crazy thoughts. I knew it was it. I had an excited feeling in my stomach and I had to get it. This was the moment.
So I got it! This beautiful sample. I got a great deal - and I love it. It needs a dry cleaning, and a little sprucing, and to be taken in some..but not much at all in the big scheme of things.
Yayayayay!!!

So that is that.
After this incredible experience Ivy and I went to Merchants and sat outside sharing sangria and a cheese and fruit plate. Just talking and enjoying the evening. I headed home a little later..and was greeted by the most amazing dinner ever! Andrew made me baked salmon with a panko coating and coconut/ brown sugar demi-glaze. Sounds fancy right?! And it was. So delicious. He really never fails to amaze me.
He also bought me a gift- it's a picture/ story book of Babar the elephant doing yoga. It's adorable. I have always loved elephants-- and of course I love yoga. It's just the sweetest little gift ever. Thanks again for a wonderful evening Andy!

Well I really need to start my day, but I know I have been negligent with posts. Happy Wednesday to everyone!

Tuesday Morning

So it is a Tuesday, our day, and I just had a quick thought to post that has been in my head all day long. I rode the train with Amanda this morning and while we missed the first train by seconds when we got to the platform, all were smiles when we got on.

 

At first she told me that she wanted me to hear a song, and we shared a Dave Matthews Band moment as she exclaimed to me that she wanted it to play at one point at the wedding. From then on, it was all joy. Just thinking about the wedding brought us both to this sort of happy place in our minds.

 

We continued on listening and I was privileged to hear a Ryan Adams rendition. At this point I think we both felt the same thing because we leaned in to kiss each other, and as we are standing on a moving train (which makes it difficult) we were faced with even more difficulty because we were both just smiling and couldn’t stop.

 

The way she looks at me, I really can’t describe. I still feel this glow, and we parted 4 hours ago. Its amazing. I really can’t even begin to describe how much I know I am in love with her.

 

Completely and totally blissful morning.

Friday, Finally!

Last night I went out with my friends to go eat BBQ at the new Brother Jimmy’s that has opened up in my favorite place of all time…Murray Hill (sarcasm). This blog post is not going to be dedicated to that though. And by the way, I had a wonderful time with my friends, including Jabreel A.K.A. Gabriel and Ariel.

 

Towards the end of the night, I got a text from a lovely person I know, Miss Amanda asking me what I was doing and where I was. She was out at the time and since it was getting late, we needed to head home. So I tell her where I am and she takes a taxi to my destination. I have to tell you all one thing, when I saw her outside, she looked absolutely stunning. I really don’t know what it is, but she had such magic coming off of her and I couldn’t help but be in awe. I wanted to tell her that this morning, but I really couldn’t even explain it fully to her, so I figured I would write it and then she could read it.

 

This morning, Amanda also got a sort of wish (and by wish, I mean she asked for it and got it!) come true because now she is gaining more of a hands on managerial role within her job. I am so happy for her. She is my fiancé, after all. That’s right...the love of my life is the best.

 

And in other exciting news, my sister got her first job out of college. Awesome and congrats to her!

 

This weekend will definitely be great, we are planning on a picnic and some beach action. Very exciting.

 

And hello to all, and hope you all have great weekends!

 

Andy

Thursday!

When you fall in love with someone it just happens without thinking. You really don’t know why, and you really don’t care why…it just happens. There are a lot of people who can think about actually falling in love or loving someone, but I truly believe that sort of thinking pervades any semblance of actual love, and therefore it never happens. When you try too hard to look for something that randomly and instantly happens, you get way off the scent and never pick it up again.

 

Since this is our blog and we have been upfront and frank about all of our feelings and ramblings, I just want to take a moment to reflect on how exactly I feel about the relationship in its present status. As you may guess, I love it. However I would like to touch on a point that happens every so often.

 

About every few days I think about my relationship with Amanda in utter amazement. I think about my life in the same way. I think about where I was before I met her, how I felt about certain things, and just take a step back and internalize what is actually the case. I really find myself doing a non-physical “pinch” to see reality again. The thoughts range from “is this real?” to “wow, this is real, look how great it is!” All of my feelings are of bewilderment and excitement. They are also of pure joy.

 

This morning Amanda sent me a bunch of places to go on our honeymoon. I sat and took a big “wow” at amazement. First off, not only are we engaged, but we have also set a date. From that, we are planning our ceremony and planning the vacation of our lives: the honeymoon. Its sort of a “wow!” how crazy is my life sort of scenario. I guess it is crazy. Crazy amazing.

 

I can’t really explain how much I actually love her, but if one would spend 5 minutes in a room with us and just see how passionate we are toward each other, I think you will be able to know. We are way past the boyfriend/girlfriend stage, and I would have to say past the fiancé stage as well. We are partners for life, already husband and wife…even if not officially recognized yet.

 

We believe in each other’s abilities to be everything to the other. That is what helps the relationship along, us being there for each other in all ways. From paying bills, to surprising each other with small gifts…we are just perfect for each other.

 

If I had to say that I did everything in this life I wanted to do…well I already did it. I found true love.

 

I tell Amanda that in a form every single day, because I love saying it. I love being in love.

 

I think my feelings for her just cross over into every part of my life. My job is amazing, my friends are amazing…everything is truly magical.

 

 

Today she sent me a bunch of places to go, we are currently looking at a Mediterranean beach vacation…Its so close, yet so far. Tuscan villas? Exactly. I’m excited.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, Short Post

I am currently at work, and I have to make this sort if I ever want to leave, but this is what Amanda wrote to me today:

 

“Our communication is key.  Even when we get upset- we are still expressing our feelings and being open and honest.  Whether we're laughing or crying we always seem to do it together.  We are in sync.”

 

I love you, Amanda Lynn.

 

Chocolate Covered Cherries

So I made a note (on my desk calender) to talk about the subject title- chocolate covered cherries. I wanted to make sure I didn't forget to mention it. Mmmmm. Just the thought makes my mouth water.
So after work on Monday Andrew decided he was going to make me dinner. He had printed out a recipe for Chinese style orange chicken and fried rice. But he also didn't fail to remember the dessert. No no- not for him. As I've mentioned before Andy doesn't like dessert. So this dessert was purely thought out for me. Andrew bought cherries and chocolate, and melted the chocolate in 30 second increments in the microwave (stirring in between each round) until the chocolate was melted. He put parchment paper on a baking sheet and proceeded to dip the cherries in the chocolate and lay them out. As I'm sure you can guess (if you have any idea how this works) he then placed them in the refrigerator so that the chocolate would harden.
These cherries were delicious! But what was even more special and wonderful was that Andrew thought up a dessert to make me- one that he wouldn't even eat. Was I surprised at this? No, not really. I was happy, and I thought it was wonderful, and I was surprised that he came up with that to make. But the actual action of him making it just for me-- that didn't surprise me one bit. Because that's Andy in a nutshell. He really is the most thoughtful and selfless person I have ever met.
Another example from this week-- I was feeling very nauseous yesterday (perhaps from the Chinese food from the night before- eek!) and I told Andy via email. He, of course, wrote me back telling me he hoped I felt better. I thought that was great. And I thought that was it. But then, lo and behold, he appeared at my office with a brown paper bag. The brown paper bag contained ginger beer (no no- not real beer), but a sort of ginger soda that is supposed to quiet your stomach when you're having issues. Andy walked the 10 minutes or so to my office during his lunch break to bring me that. I think everyone can understand why I love this man. Chocolate covered cherries and ginger beer. No, we won't be serving those at the wedding.
Speaking of which-- we are getting more and more excited every second! We actually have a lot of the small details sorted out- we just have to implement them. We already know what we want, from the music down to the cupcakes, to the favors, to the after party, to the honeymoon! It's exciting to talk about it all. We talk about it daily..and we always agree on everything. Even to me walking down the aisle to music that is non-traditional (Ryan Adams!!), and me not wearing a veil. While we're on the subject- does anyone know what a veil signifies?? Well I will tell you.
To begin with I've never pictured myself wearing a veil. I don't really like them..they're just not for me. Fine for other people..but not for this girl. So anyways..I was telling Andy this, and he totally agreed that it was cool if I didn't wear one. But then of course he got interested in knowing what this tradition was for- what it meant. Well friends..here goes.
And because I want to be correct and thorough- here is Wikipedia's take on it all.

Veils with religious significance
In Judaism, Christianity and Islam the concept of covering the head is or was associated with propriety. All traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, show her veiled. Veiling was a common practice with church-going women until the 1960s, and a number of very traditional churches retain the custom. The wearing of various forms of the Muslim veil has provoked controversy in the West.

Wedding veils
An occasion on which a Western woman is likely to wear a veil is on her wedding day, if she follows the traditions of a white wedding. Brides used to wear their hair flowing down their back at their wedding to symbolise their virginity, now the white diaphanous veil is often said to represent this.

And our favorite part of all:
The lifting of the veil was often a part of ancient wedding ritual, symbolising the groom taking possession of the wife, either as lover or as property, or the revelation of the bride by her parents to the groom for his approval. Seriously-- property???

In ancient Judaism the lifting of the veil took place just prior to the consummation of the marriage in sexual union. The uncovering or unveiling that takes place in the marriage ceremony is a symbol of what will take place in the marriage bed. Just as the two become one through their words spoken in wedding vows, so these words are a sign of the physical oneness that they will consummate later on. The lifting of the veil is a symbol and an anticipation of this.

I don't mean to offend anyone with this post. So if you are reading this, and you want to wear a veil on your wedding day that is completely your choice and I respect it! I also realize that wearing a veil doesn't necessarily carry the same significance and connotation that it once did. I think many religious traditions and practices have been changed and shaped and modernized because society has changed and I think that many church's have tried to adapt to that. However, I also think that many people follow practices (be it wearing a veil, or going to church even) without looking into the history or theology behind it, or even questioning it. I think questioning things is a positive thing. Even if in the end you end up doing the same thing you were doing before (or planning on doing) at least you understand it better and know that you made an autonomous decision to do it- for you. Not because someone said you should, or because you always have done that thing- or wanted to do that thing..or because everyone else does it.
So in saying that- upon further looking into what wearing a veil has meant in the past and continues to mean I have decided against it. There is, however, one part of the wearing of the veil that I do understand. Veils were also worn in church traditionally as respect to the church and the fellow worshippers there. Just as it was considered rude to wear a hat in church, so it was considered the same not to wear a veil. I'm not saying that I believe in this per say, but just that I can see where it would have made sense during a certain era. And I can also say that I do have respect for the church. However, Andy and I are not having a religious ceremony or a church wedding- so none of the rules apply!!! Hehe. Rule breakers!

On that note- I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday. xoxoxo.

Music

On the subway this morning we had a blast listening to some music that we thought would be great to play at the wedding. Who wouldn’t want some Men At Work – Down Under?? So that is why we are looking to forego a traditional DJ and do an iPod wedding, however it will more likely be a MacBook wedding where our songs will be played all night.

 

We also thought instead of the traditional song to walk down the aisle to, we would have a sort of fun atmosphere. We thought of the song “New York” by Ryan Adams for Amanda to walk down to. We still have to figure out the logistics of it, however here are the lyrics:

 

 

 

Well, I shuffled through the city on the 4th of July

I had a firecracker waiting to blow

Breakin' like a rocket who makin' its way

To the cities of Mexico

Lived in an apartment out on Avenue A

I had a tar-hut on the corner of 10th

Had myself a lover who was finer than gold

But I've broken up and busted up since

 

And love don't play any games with me

Anymore like she did before

The world won't wait, so I better shake

That thing right out there through the door

Hell, I still love you, New York

 

Found myself a picture that would fit in the folds

Of my wallet and it stayed pretty good

Still amazed I didn't lose it on the roof of the place

When I was drunk and I was thinking of you

Every day the children they were singing their tune

Out on the streets and you could hear from inside

Used to take the subway up to Houston and 3rd

I would wait for you and I'd try to hide

 

And love won't play any games with me

Anymore if you don't want it to

The world won't wait and I watched you shake

But honey, I don't blame you

Hell, I still love you, New York

Hell, I still love you, New York

New York

 

I remember Christmas in the blistering cold

In a church on the upper west side

Babe, I stood their singing, I was holding your arm

You were holding my trust like a child

Found a lot of trouble out on Avenue B

But I tried to keep the overhead low

Farewell to the city and the love of my life

At least we left before we had to go

 

And love won't play any games with you

Anymore if you want 'em to

So we better shake this old thing out the door

I'll always be thinkin' of you

I'll always love you though New York

I'll always love you though New York, New York, New York

Monday Morning

Well first I would like to give a shout out to one person I have come to know reads the blog on a somewhat regular basis: Nicole A from Syracuse (although she is not currently residing there). I know we don’t know each other that well yet, but I am looking forward to getting to know you (and your fiancé) much much better in the upcoming years. You are a great friend to Amanda, and anyone who treats her as well as you do is gold in my book.

 

I just started thinking. I was thinking about earlier in my relationship with Amanda and how I felt. Last year we journeyed down to Washington DC on a sort of last minute mini vacation in the summer. I remember just driving down with her, windows open, observing the beautiful weather. I don’t know why I just thought of this, but I get this sort of warm feeling inside thinking about it. I am fully smiling right now.

 

That trip solidified how we are. We decided to stay in one night and watch a movie. She wanted to, I wanted to…we just did. Thing is, that’s how we are…we just do what we want to do, and read each other’s minds and feelings.

 

I got to thinking a lot about our wedding and what it symbolizes about us, how we are just in sync with each other. I think anyone can look at us and see what kind of relationship we have. That there is no holding back on anything. That our feelings for each other are shared and intensely amazing. That we are crazy in love with each other. It is hard to explain to someone outside our relationship, and we can try, but I truly think that when and if you are in love, you just know what we are talking about.

 

When it comes down to it, and I truly believe this…is that when you find true love, everything is secondary. I think at that point, because you are so thrilled and joyous, that things will just come to you. Great things.

 

I am sort of an idealist, and yes I wish there is was world peace, people living in a utopia, etc. But there isn’t. However, I do feel that one can find their own internal utopia, from which they can share with another human for the rest of their life. That is what we have found.

 

All in all, we are about 2 people that are in this together. I already consider Amanda to be my wife. She is not even close to a “girlfriend,” and if she wanted to get officially married tomorrow, downtown, I would do it. We are with each other forever, she is my soul mate, she is my true love in this world. I am grateful everyday that she is in my life.

 

I love you Amanda.

 

Always,

 

Andrew

 

 

 

 

Random Picture From The Archive

Christmastime '07 with the love of my life...

The Honeymooners

So we are sitting here, Sunday afternoon, watching "Into The Blue" a movie starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba. The movie is slightly amusing, however what is more important is an update on our wedding plans. We have been looking a lot at different venues for honeymoons, and are now thinking of somewhere in the Caribbean. We were also looking at a EuroTrip...however we really just want to spend as little time as we can actually traveling and more relaxing.


So that's our news for the day, and if anyone has any ideas about the honeymoon, please leave it in the comments!

Twenty Five

Yesterday was a monumental occasion. I turned 25. What does that mean? It means a few things. It means that the year I was 24 was the best year of my life. Last July 8^th I had dinner with Amanda, who took me to Craftsteak. Excellent place. She also proceeded to give me one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received: a handmade tie. How many compliments did I receive on this tie? Too many to count. But then again, she is the most creative individual I know.

 

I also received encouragement to pursue my abilities, through another great gift: a journal. A tiny black journal. I keep it on my persons at almost all times, and frankly it has been nothing but the greatest thing ever for getting an outlet.

 

Last birth year was also the year I finally fell in love. I found my other half. I found the girl that makes me complete. That makes me feel like me. When we both exchanged “I love you”s on August 12, 2007…I knew this was it. I knew that this was one of the most important events to ever happen to me. It confirmed what I had been feeling.

 

On May 10, 2008, I finally proposed to Amanda Lynn, the woman that I love. It was the happiest day of my life. It will probably continue to be that until we get married on October 24, 2009, when it may move to spot #2.

 

I have grown exponentially over the last 365 days. I think we all grow everyday, but I feel a change. I know myself better, I understand things better.

 

When you fall in love, you really just shed all things that keep you down, because at the end of the day, you know that love will prop you right back up.

 

This year, Amanda, as you can previously read, has given me a guitar. That is something that I always wanted, but never bought. I always wanted to express myself, but couldn’t. I wrote lyrics and poems but could never put them to music. Amanda has facilitated the transition from paper to eventually actually fulfilling my dream of writing a full song to music.

 

I actually cried when I received the gift because it was that meaningful. It is like giving a bird wings to fly…you let them free. I don’t know how to play one note, but at this time…I feel like I can accomplish anything.

 

Everyone needs a little encouragement in their lives. Everyone gets into that little place sometimes where it is safe to not do something. Amanda does not push me, she gives me the facilities to be my best self every single day. From her smile when we wake up, to getting me the greatest gift I have ever received…well, it is all up and up.

 

My life is truly blessed with my one and only true love in it. So here is a public “thank you” to the most wonderful and beautiful girl in the world.

 

I love you forever until the end of time, Amanda Lynn.

 

Always Yours,

 

Andrew

The day after the big 2-5

As busy as I am today, I wanted to make sure I took a few minutes to write about how wonderful yesterday was. Everything was perfect- just as our relationship is. So let me begin..

We started the day off with our usual run. As I had wished for- the sky was blue and the birds were chirping. (It happened to be rainy and disgusting and grey all weekend so I was hoping and wishing for Andy to have a beautiful day-- and he did!). After running we got ready and I gave him his first gift of the day-- a t-shirt. Something small but meaningful to him and I. Then we headed off to work, and went our separate ways until 6 pm. I really wish I could have spent the whole day with him..instead I waited anxiously in anticipation of the birthday evening I had planned.
After work we took the F train uptown to a restaurant called Park Avenue Summer. It's a really cool place-- they actually change the decor and the menu every season, and the name for that matter. Park Avenue Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.
Our reservation was for 6:30 and we soon realized who we would be dining with at that hour. At first glance I thought "Darn Amanda..why did you pick an uptown restaurant. I think the next youngest people there were in there 50's.." But I think we both discovered soon after my initial thought (and I'm sure Andy's as well) that it wasn't the place, but rather the time that put us in the senior citizen range. Sorry Andy...it was 6:30 or 9! And not that 9 would have been bad..but it's a Tuesday, and well- Andy and I like to be in bed by 11.
So on to the good part. Dinner was great! I had a glass of white sangria, and Andy had a dark and stormy cocktail. For an appetizer we ordered a dish of clams with different sauces. I thought it would be more refined, but they were actually fried with aioli. (If anyone knows me I despise mayo, and flavored mayo sauces aren't welcomed either!) I will say that I did taste one (to be a good sport), and didn't spit it out! But I didn't go back for another dip..I will say that much. At first I thought "great, Andy will love these clams because they're fried." But they were very 'fishy' tasting. And Andy doesn't like seafood much. I think he would have preferred a clam in a shell bathed in butter. I think I would have too..
But despite the slightly disappointing appetizer the rest of the meal rose to the occasion. Andrew ordered a chicken dish with pasta and heirloom tomatoes, zuchini and yellow squash. Everything was very fresh and 'summery.' I had the lobster salad- which was lobster laid upon a bed of mashed up avocado and watercress with a citrus vinagariette. (Andrew called the avocado guacamole..because any mashed up avocado is considered guac to him). I think this is one of the few times Andrew wanted to eat off of my plate. After the first bite I gave him he actually proclaimed "I like lobster!" I didn't give him any lobster though. I know better than that. It was all 'guac.' It was cute. It's easy to fool him when it comes to food because he doesn't eat too many things, and therefore doesn't know what many things taste like. Maybe sometime I will trick him with real lobster!
And that was dinner. I actually skipped dessert at the restaurant. But we definitely stopped at Dylan's Candy Bar on the way home. Oh boy, what can I say-- I'd rather eat gummy bears and m&m's most of the time than refined desserts.

And then we were home. Home to give Andy the last phase of his gift-- the guitar.
So there is a little background behind this story. I actually told Andy about this gift one day when he sort of talked it out of me. I was dead set on getting it for him, but then he made me second guess it. When I actually told him what it was I was planning on getting him he proclaimed "aw man. I just ruined it. I would have loved that." Of course I was annoyed at him for talking it out of me, and at myself for second guessing it and telling him..and then I was even more upset because I didn't have any clue what to get him.
So that feeling lasted for the rest of that day until I realized that I could definitely still get it for him-- but now I was certain that he would like it. So I went ahead and got it. I had it sent to my office, and brought it home last Thursday when I got out of the office early for the holiday.
I can't even begin to describe how excited I was to give this gift to Andy. And not because it's a cool gift (which it is), but because there is a lot of thought behind it. Basically- what I want everyone to know (that they may not know) is that Andrew is an incredibly creative person. No- he's not an artist in the traditional fine art sense..but he has that creative spirit inside him and it shines in other ways. One way that it shines is through things that he does for myself and for others. He's constantly trying to make everyone around him happy by doing things he thinks they will like. Case in point- he bought me orchids yesterday (yes, on his birthday). He got them because they symbolize love, beauty and strength. He thought of me on his own birthday. I just can't even begin to describe how wonderful he is..but I think what he did says a lot.
Andy is also a very talented writer. His poetry is beautiful, and his creativity truly comes out in this medium. He also really loves music (as everyone knows), and I thought that his talent in writing combined with his love of music would translate beautifully into him writing lyrics and playing the guitar. I believe in this man so much.

So I hope you enjoy your guitar Andy. And I loved spending your birthday with you. You are my everything.

Happy Birthday Andy!!!

First and foremost happy 25th birthday Andy. You truly are one in a million.
I hope today is as special for you as I dreamed it up to be. Today is your day. And I hope it is fantastic. I love you forever. xoxoxox.


And a little background on how I was brought up to think and feel about birthdays..

My mom always made sure to make our birthdays special every year. One of her favorite sayings is "birthdays are all about you!!" And she made sure to make us feel that way each and every year. I can remember countless special birthdays that my mom planned for me-- one year we went to the roller rink (I think this was my 10th birthday), many years I had Halloween themed birthday parties (because my birthday is so close to Halloween), some years we had backyard bbq's, and as I got older I never seemed to tire of the slumber party. Every year we got to pick a special meal that we would want her to cook..what kind of cake we wanted (sometimes a Carvel ice cream cake, and sometimes a homemade banana cake- to name a few). Every year was special. Thank you mom for teaching me the importance of a birthday (and not because of the gifts or minor details- but for teaching me the true importance, which was having your friends and family around to share in your birthday with you). I only hope I can make Andy feel as special as I always felt on my birthday.

Last year was definitely a milestone birthday for Andy. Unfortunately he had some bad luck in the past with unfortunate things (that were out of his control) happening on his birthday. But last year was the first of many "Andy birthdays" that I got to spend with him. I tried to make it special, and I know that I succeeded. Andrew thanked me about 1000 times over..and still continues to do so for it. So this year, for his big 2-5, I am hoping to have a repeat of last year. Heck, I hope I can top it. Not with gifts or plans (although I think he will really enjoy both of those things), but because this year we are even closer, even stronger, even happier. We are engaged (obviously!), and I can honestly say that I've never been happier than I am with this man, my Andy.
He told me that he wanted to celebrate "us" today..and that just shows how selfless and loving he is.
I told him today is the day to celebrate "him" and how special he is. I mean, we better be celebrating "me" on my birthday. haha. Kidding kidding. The reason I'm saying this is because he makes me feel so special every day..even on his own birthday. He never stops thinking of others and how he can make them happy. So that is why I want to make today all about him. I don't think I can ever top the day that he proposed to me, because I think it is safe to say that that is the best day of both of our lives thus far, but I hope I can bring an ounce of that excitement into today- for Andy.

So happy birthday Andy!
I can't wait to see you tonight.

Love always, Mandy

Monday Night...

I am currently sitting here with Mandy watching Deanna on the telly. The Bachelorette. Amazing.

Will post more...

For your viewing pleasure(s)..

I have to admit that I am not the most avid blog updater..even though I do truly enjoy writing. Although if you read this blog often you have probably already realized that Andy posts much more frequently than I do. Damn over-achiever...
Just kidding babe!

So updates updates.
First off- there is a little Andy quote that I would like to share with everyone. The statement happened last Monday at the closing of the latest episode of our favorite summer show- The Bachelorette. Ha- I know I know.
But anyways- after the show Andy proclaimed "Aw man. The entire week (from now until next Monday) is a waste." He said this statement because tomorrow is the finale, and him and I are both so excited to see how it ends. I thought it was funny..but I have a feeling the humor isn't truly shining via my writing. Believe me though..it was funny.

I also have not written about my trip to Yankees Stadium last Wednesday. My last post was right before we left for the game.
Soooo...what do I have to report about my first ever Yankees game??
Well..Yankees Stadium was super cool. Upon walking out of the subway I was greeted with a sort of carnival smell-- popcorn, hot dogs, even some McDonalds goodness. You know the smell. I liked it- I like carnivals. And trash food.
So right away- I knew this was my kind of place. Then we entered the stadium and proceeded down to our seats, which were about 10 rows back from the field, near third base. Yes, they were fantastic! The game was great-- they ended up beating the Rangers, but the game was pretty close throughout. I'm definitely not a fan of a blowout game..even if the team I'm rooting for is the team kicking a**. I get bored. So this, this was my kind of game. I ate a hot dog (Nathan's-yum!) with spicy mustard. I dropped part of it on the ground. Damn. And then Andy got me chocolate ice cream. I was in my glory. Only problem was the constant obnoxious screaming coming from behind us. Yes, I know- it's a baseball game. People yell, people cheer, people can be obnoxious. But these kids..they crossed the obnoxious line in the first inning, and speeded past it at 100 mph non stop for the rest of the game. We ignored them mostly..but there came a point where we could ignore them no longer. Kristen had some words, and I believe I made a "don't do drugs" speech straight out of Chris Farley's "van down by the river" skit from SNL. My shining moment was "You're a loser, and you're always going to be a loser if you smoke pot." Okay okay. Maybe I shouldn't have said it, but something came over me and I just had to let it out. So all in all- I attended my first Yankees game, ate my first stadium dog, and got into my first baseball fight all in one night..

As for the holiday weekend- it was overall pretty relaxing. On Friday Andy and I met Justine and Ashley in Manhattan and took the train to Brooklyn for Angie's rooftop bbq extravaganza (complete with kiddie pool)! It was a blast-- we even played flip cup. I'm such a sucker for drinking games. Funny thing is- (a) I'm not a big drinker, and (b) I don't really enjoy beer..but there is something about a drinking game that all of a sudden makes both of those things so much more appealing. I think it's because I'm competitive. I like to win. If you don't believe me, ask my brothers.
Angie took a dip in the kiddie pool post flip cup. That was entertaining. Then Andy & I dropped off the youngins' who were headed out on the town for the night..and we headed where we like to head at 8 pm-- home, to eat, and go to bed. The rest of the weekend was pretty low key. We did buy a dvd player yesterday (exciting!!- now we can actually watch movies), and attempted to watch Ghostbusters last night. I fell asleep..big surprise.

Well that is it. The big update.
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July, and a fantastic long weekend!!

Saturday, and We're Good To Go.

Happy 4th of July weekend, y'all!

Fourth of July Weekend

So it is Thursday July 3, 2008. Yesterday night, myself and Mandy and our friends Kristen and Michael went to a New York Yankees game. We sat in amazing seats and watched the Yankees come back to pretty much rout the Texas Rangers. It was Amanda’s first major league game, which I enjoyed being with her to witness. It was not mine however since I grew up about an hour from the Bronx and my father was a die-hard Yankees fan.

Funny enough, my sister sent me the picture attached to this posting with the notice that it was 25 years ago that it was taken. I was born 25 years ago on July 8 (1983 for those counting). So pretty much, when I was a baby, my father looked like that. Not many things besides the mustache and the fact that he has thinner hair changed.

I kind of wonder if our (future) kids will laugh at pictures of us, thinking how did Mommy and Daddy have those crazy haircuts? At the present moment, my hair is a faux-hawk, but pretty much I do it into a Mohawk. I wonder what they will say. As far as Amanda’s hair goes, well, it is styled in a timeless fashion…so that’s that.

So the workday has pretty much slowed to a crawl, and I actually wore jeans to the office today. Fact of the matter is that I can wear jeans to the office, but I choose not to.

As far as the wedding goes, I got my money order to apply for the permit to have the ceremony on the lawn in DUMBO by the water. The area there is known as the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park. Their website, if you want to look at it is at: http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

Since the wedding is in October, and well, it is cold and it gets earlier sooner…I have to figure out (with Amanda) what time we would like to have the ceremony. Decisions, decisions!

I just sent this to our friend/chef/overall excellent person, Melissa, from the James beard Foundation.

Perhaps you will all enjoy the white paper on “The State of American Cuisine.”

Otherwise, eat up this weekend, you all deserve it!

Andy

My first Yankees game!

So tonight marks my first major league baseball game ever!!
Kristen & Michael invited Andrew and I to a Yankees game (to sit in box seats) with them today. I am so thrilled- even though I am not a huge baseball fan. Yes yes, sad but true. I have never really gotten into the sport- I'm more of an action kinda gal. I like soccer- I like constant movement/ action..even football tickles my fancy. But baseball (I must be un-American) was never my forte.
BUT...I have always said that the day I attend a major league ball game will be the day I start liking the sport. So we will see.
I'm also excited for the hot dogs of course. And Kristen tells me that we can even order wine! What could be better than ball park dogs, and ball park wine..
Hmm. I'm thinking I may regret the last part of that.

So here we go- me to my first major league baseball game, and Andy to his first baseball game with his fiance (me me me me me) in tow.
I will surely let you all know how this fun excursion turns out in tomorrow's blog post.

And for now- take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd..

Another excerpt from an email Andy sent me.

Did I ever mention your family is so great???

It really just completes the awesome dynamic of our relationship…knowing that everyone is behind us.

July 2, 2008

Yesterday was a monumental step (well it was last week, but yesterday we called and got everything straightened out) but…myself and Amanda opened our first joint bank account together!

 

I’m actually pretty excited for this considering now we can shuffle around money to pay for rent and to pay for other expenses that we share. Thing is, we both have a sort of relationship in which it really doesn’t matter who pays for what. I get this, she gets that…it works out in the end. Frankly, my salary is her salary, and our debts are each others debts.

 

It really doesn’t matter who pays because in the end it is coming from the same place. My (and our) philosophy is that since we are entering into marriage, which is for life…it really doesn’t matter. For instance, my 401 (or lack thereofnfortunately!) is also hers. We are in this together. Frankly from now on all expenses are, when it comes down to it, shared equally in the sense that any bill/payment comes out of a “virtual pool” of our assets.

 

I think this is an important concept, and I have to say that my own father taught me this. So thanks (even though you can’t read it), Dad.

 

Another topic of the day is Mandy’s father. Frequently, I get text messages from him, well so do her brothers and Mandy as well, wishing us a great day. It means so much to me to know that there is someone who takes the time out to think of me. It makes one feel special. I don’t know if he has the link to this, but I guess I just reminded myself to send it to him.

 

So I would like to ask anyone who reads this…send a “thinking of you” message to anyone who you think would want one. It may just make their day.

 

All the Best,

 

Andy

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Is Upon Us Again!

As everyone under the sun probably knows by now, our good friends over in Astoria, Nathan and Kristin are engaged. I think it is quite awesome, so congrats!

 

Well, this wedding is coming out great so far. We have been planning our centerpieces and are collecting used wine bottles for them. Funny that we are actually collecting these because there is a rule in the apartment…no trinkets! I guess these don’t count, but I remember our no junk/trinkets rule every time I see them.

 

So it is my birthday next week, July 8^th. In perhaps all prior years since I was 17 years old…I hated my birthday. Couldn’t stand it. Well, I think you know where I am going with this.

 

I still rave about it to this day. Amanda showed me what a wonderful time I can have celebrating a day of me. It was an amazing time when she treated me to the most personalized gift I have ever received, and a wonderful meal at Craftsteak. I felt truly special that day (well, I feel special everyday, but it was truly an “Andrew” day) and I have to thank my lovely fiancé for that.

 

Funny enough I was thinking about proposing on my birthday…but yeah, I got the ring a little before that. I couldn’t (nor wanted to) wait!

 

Good thing I didn’t because then we wouldn’t have gotten Bubby’s, the most awesomest place that we are having our reception.

 

Well, I know it has been a light few days, but well, that’s the story and I am sticking to it.

 

Peace!

 

Andy