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!

Thursday...

Soon Thursday’s work-day will be over…then Andy & Mandy time!

 

Big kiss for the love of my life!!

I can't wait to see you Andy!!
Only a little while longer to go. Mwah to you.

Work!

I'm at work...and its almost time to see Mandy!

Breakfast

If you look at breakfast as 2 different words, it comes out as break and fast. Most people break their fast at a normal hour of the day. 8AM, 9AM, etc., because they are hungry from the night before. Not I. Noon, 1, 2,3PM…that was the norm for me. I would gorge at those times, eating 1200 calorie lunches..just gorge.

 

This week, I decided to make a change. It is already Tuesday and I have ate breakfast for 2 workdays in a row. ½ of a plain whole wheat everything bagel. Now this isn’t the McGriddle…but it’s what I like and what I will stick with.

 

I haven’t ate breakfast on a consistent basis since, well, probably 1^st grade. I found myself gorging at night, gorging at lunch, having little energy and falling asleep right after I ate then because my blood sugar was spiked so high. Since I like my job (and being gainfully employed) I decided that falling asleep (or being tired) is probably *not* the best way of going about things. So I am making a conscious and consistent effort to eat a little something in the morning from now on.

 

Why am I blogging about this? Because this is about Mandy. She has encouraged me to even be a better version of me, through smart and healthy eating. Having energy to do my job is key, because my brain needs to function properly in the morning while doing my analyst work. So thank you Amanda for encouraging me and showing me the right direction.

 

I have to say this is also me pushing myself because I want to be great for her. I want to do the best job at work so I can provide for us now and in the future. I want to be healthy so I can live a long and fruitful life with the most beautiful girl in the universe. It may be a thing for myself, but it is also for us. I love being a part of my team with her, and I always want to be 100% for us. If a half an everything bagel gets me there, you know I will continue to eat it.

Tuesday Morning

So once again it is Tuesday. What a great and fantastic day it is. It is quite beautiful outside, and I am very happy with the way things are going overall today. Woke up, had a great run (talked some politics, which I love) then rode the train with Miss Mandy.

 

I really think it is a privilege to be able to ride the train with the love of my life to work every single morning. How many people get to do that? How many people get to commute with their loved ones? I say probably more in the suburbs, but then again a lot of people have different schedules. So if one has to be in at 7AM, and another at 9AM…well, you get the picture.

 

It really makes for the perfect start to the day. So perfect. Just like everyday.

Weekend Reflection.

Happy Monday to all.
So I woke up this morning around 5:30 to use the bathroom, and I had that dreaded Monday morning feeling- hello work week. Blah. I know we all feel it- goodbye weekend and hello another 5 full days of work. I did feel that way this morning, but only for a second. Only for a second because I decided to change that thought into a positive one. Since it was Monday morning, and I knew that a full work day, followed by a full work week awaited me I decided that the last thing I needed to do was have a negative attitude about the whole venture. So this was my own self-help, motivating morning talk to myself: "Yes it is early, and it is Monday, and a full work work week awaits..but you are healthy, you are happy, you are fortunate, and you should be positive that you are waking up to another wonderful day. Some people are not this fortunate. Life is short, and life is precious. Waking up in the morning shouldn't be something you dread, it should be something you honor. You should be excited to wake up in the morning and start another wonderful day." And I believe every part of that. I actually love the mornings. Andy does too. We love getting up, running, starting off our day, chatting, playing with Cleo. Mornings are good. Mondays are good. So if you're reading this- maybe I am giving you a little reminder to celebrate every day with a smile and be grateful that you are able to wake up in the morning healthy and happy- whether it be a Monday or a Saturday.

As for the weekend- it turned out to be quite a busy one. Busy in a good way, but busy all the same. Friday evening Andrew and I saw Rancid (as he wrote in his blog post on Friday). It was a really great time, and I liked them. It wasn't love at first sight (how could it be with all their tatts and piercings-- not really my style), but I definitely enjoyed them and appreciated their music. In all honesty I liked the opening band better. They were more instrumental- more "ska". I like ska. I like horns. Andy always says that about himself, but I feel the same way. Horns are fun. Skanking looks fun- it's the most amusing dance, but everyone doing it looks like they're having the best time. They remind me of Super Mario Bros characters. Love it.

Then on Saturday Andy and I took the train to the Brooklyn Bridge again so we could cross over to Brooklyn and run. We ran through Brooklyn Heights, and down to Carroll Gardens, and then cut over to Park Slope and ran around the park. It was a great run. I love Prospect Park. It's just as pretty as Central Park (if you ask me), but there are a lot less people (which is nice). It's more serene.
We then went to the green market in front of the park (must less busy than the one in U. Square). Then we stopped at a little bakery/ cafe and I got a coconut cupcake (so so good!) and Andy got a really delicious fresh roll. We are actually thinking of getting our cupcakes for the wedding from this little shop. I'm not sure if they do any catering, but I'm hoping they will make an exception if they don't.

Saturday night we met some of Andy's friends for dinner. Jeff is visiting from Korea, and Brian drove up from Philly. Justine came in from Jersey, and we had a great time. After dinner we went to Sing Sing (a karaoke bar on Astor Place) which was quite entertaining.

Last night Kristin and Ivy came over for dinner. Andy and I made our new signature pasta (recipe courtesy of Mario Batali) with mini assorted quiches (courtesy of Trader Joes), and watermelon wrapped with prosciutto (that one was mine!) We chatted, Ivy and Kristin played with Cleo, and it turned out to be a great night.

Last week one of my yoga teachers, Sara, made a comment about how we all tend to wait for birthdays, weddings, and other gatherings to celebrate family and friends and being together. She said that upon gathering for these occasions we often wonder why it takes these type of events for us to get together and celebrate each other-- why don't we celebrate each other more often. Going back to the beginning of this post- life is precious, and the special moments we share with family and friends are precious. So not only should we celebrate each day (instead of waiting anxiously for the next day, or our next plans to come), but we should celebrate each other, and with each other as often as we can. Having friends and family over for dinner on a whim, or calling just to say hello, or sending an email, a card, etc. - letting those who are important in our lives know that we care about them- that is a true gift we can give. When Andy and I were walking down a street in Park Slope on Saturday we heard an older man talking to a young boy who was probably about 7. Andrew and I assumed this man was his grandfather or an older relative. The man proclaimed "I love you very much. Always know that I love you- that is very important." It was just the most wonderful thing to hear-- to hear this man speak his feelings so openly and honestly to this child. Telling the people you love that you love them really can't be surpassed by any gift you could buy them, or even any gesture. Knowing you are loved, and loving in return- that is one of the most wonderful parts of life. So today, Monday August 18th, 2008, let's remember all those in our lives that we love. I know I'm sending my love via this post to many today. And for the rest who won't be reading this- you are in my heart and in my mind.

Happy Monday.

Friday Thoughts...Winding Down The Week

So, I am going to see Rancid, the band tonight. Mandy wound up buying me tickets as a surprise a couple of months ago…which is completely awesome. I really like them.

 

I’m actually very excited to take Miss Amanda to her very first punk rock show. Since Rancid is more punk-ska (as opposed to ska-punk, ska-core, or just plain ska, punk, & hardcore), I think it will be so fun to dance (perhaps!) with her there. And by dance, I mean skank around or bop my head to the beats. Something like that.

 

Amanda got me a couple of wonderful gifts yesterday as well…an awesome hat (but it wound up being too big, so I have to exchange it!) and a crazy cool bowtie from Rugby by Ralph Lauren. The bowtie is somewhat skinny and has snakes on it. It is the coolest thing.

 

Seriously, she is quite thoughtful and I really loved both of my items. They were definitely unexpected (and she tricked me by saying she was going somewhere) and I love that. Great surprises are my favorite. I love her.

 

Other than that, I suppose we are at a bit of a standstill about the wedding…not too much crazy wild stuff going on yet. We have a bunch of things on the radar, which is great.

 

I really can’t stop thinking about how great it is to have the most wonderful fiancé in the world is. She is truly my lover, best friend, confidant…everything to me. She is the sunshine of my life.

 

I love you Amanda.

Wine.

Happy Wednesday everyone! Just wanted to update you all on, well, anything that is going on.

 

Since we are having our centerpieces be empty wine bottles..I thought why not have some wine at the wedding. Now I know what you are thinking, everyone has wine…

 

But I saw an article in the NY Daily News (from a blog..I read the Post) about wineries in Brooklyn.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/08/11/2008-08-11_brooklyn_is_fast_becoming_an_unlikely_wi.html

 

That’s the article. So I called up and it looks like we can possibly get custom labels on the wine bottles! That’s awesome.

 

I was going to make this post longer, but I have to do work. So I kind of have to cut this short…more to come!

 

 

Positive Vibes

http://www.forbetterlife.org/

I Love You Day

Dear Amanda,

 

When we returned from Syracuse last year after going to the Teater wedding, one thing had changed about us. It was a huge change, but a great change. It was what we saw in each other that finally came out. We both exclaimed for the first time what we now say to each other every single day, multiple times. We, for the first time, said “I love you” to one another.

 

It was definitely one of the most special days ever. Since we always have a funny story about big moments in our relationship, I guess that was the start of it all. I just remember the whole night you got a little “drunky” and told me you had a big important secret for me, but that it could be scary or that you didn’t want to scare me away. When you first told me that, I got so excited because I just felt this positive energy even though it was a “scary secret.”

 

So as we laid there in bed, you told me your “secret”, that you loved me. I immediately said it back and we gave each other a kiss. It was such a relief to me. I was going to say it to you the next day, but you beat me to it. Then about a minute later, you went and puked for about a half hour while Josh and I watched TV. Classic. It still brings a smile to my face (just did).

 

I was falling for you from early on. I fell hard. And I fell for you.

 

I am not truly sure if we were in bed before or after midnight…but it was tonight that 1 year ago today we first said “I love you” to one another…and now we are engaged to be married, the most exciting thing ever.

 

Amanda, I love you. I am in love with you. I am yours, forever and ever.

 

Happy “I Love You Day”!

 

 

Always,

 

Andy

Random Thoughts Monday

Saturday was one of those days I just needed. No agenda. No worries about running. No worries about eating at a certain time. No worries about anything. We just relaxed.

 

Relaxation is something that I have trouble with. I have a lot of energy, and frankly just like to be doing things. Last week, Amanda and I made a conscious effort to think about actually relaxing and to do it this weekend. When we woke up around 6PM (or whenever it was), we didn’t care. We decided to go for the run she previously blogged about…and it was absolutely gorgeous. Probably one of the best runs of my life. We had so much fun just going to a place where we both love and wish to live.

 

Just running to Brooklyn Heights and walking by Bubby’s just solidified our choice of wanting to get married there. Funny enough, one of our debates was settled. On May 10^th, when we first walked by the spot where we would be engaged 20 minutes later, Amanda remarked that she would “love to get married in that building.” Right before I proposed I asked her again “Would you like to get married in that building?” followed by “Well, how about being engaged right here?” We are getting married in that building she pointed out.

 

I feel as if my life is truly blessed and I am extremely grateful for that. I am extremely grateful for Amanda.

 

I love you Amanda Lynn.

 

 

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Heights

The last piece of the puzzle

So this is actually a blog post I started last week. Well actually- the truth is that I started and finished it last week, but there was some fluke with this website and it never posted. Grrr.
I don't know about everyone else..but I have some sort of issue with rewriting anything-- whether it be an email, a term paper (in the past), or in this case a blog post. It is a daunting task to write something once, and have it disappear-- because then you are forced to try to recreate the piece equally as well, if not better than before. So I suppose that is why I took a few days off to "regroup"..in hopes that my writing mind would be fresh, and produce something better than before. So here goes..

A lot of great things have happened since my last post- beginning with last weekend.
Last weekend Andrew and I traveled to Syracuse for Kim and John's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, which I was very honored to be. The wedding was wonderful- the ceremony was at the Cathedral downtown, and the reception was at the Lakeshore Yacht and Country Club. We laughed, we ate, we drank, we danced-- it was great. It was so awesome to see two people so happy, so in love, and enjoying their special day. It made me even more excited for mine and Andy's! Then came Sunday. We celebrated my mom's birthday a week early- since Andrew and I were home. Mark came over, and so did my Grandma, and Aunt Mary and Ashley. Us "kids" barbecued and prepared all of the food (minus the cake..my mom made her own cake..seriously), we played badminton, listened to music, chatted, and had a wonderful time. It was such a great way to celebrate mom's birthday. She really is the best! xoxo Mom.

And then there was Monday.
Andy and I had planned to go visit his dad on Monday. We took a few extra days off and trekked upstate so that I could meet him for the first time. It took us 4 1/2 hours (eek!) when we had expected it to take us only 3, but we did arrive, and had a really really wonderful time. Albeit the surroundings the day could not have gone more perfectly. We all talked for hours, and I heard stories of how Andrew's parents made their life here in the city- from their very first house in Canarsie, Brooklyn to their eventual home in Marlboro, NJ. I heard how they first started out- where they worked, where they lived, how they met, how they started dating. I loved hearing about it- I loved learning more about Andrew's family, and essentially more about him. I also discovered that Andrew's father has shaped Andrew in a lot of wonderful ways. I see exactly where Andrew gets his chivalry from. Andrew also likes to surprise me..pretty much on a daily basis. After hearing stories of surprises Stu planned for June I understand exactly where Andrew gets this thought of wanting to surprise me from. In short, I was able to meet the "last piece of the puzzle"..in terms of Andrew's family. I was able to meet a person who has shaped Andrew's life so much- and who has truly helped to make Andrew the person he is today. They've been through a lot together, but I tell Andrew every day-- that I wouldn't wish anything any differently, because I wouldn't want to chance not having met him, or him not being the person he is today. The person he is today-- a person who has experienced good, bad and everything in between- that is the person that I love.
Every experience we have shapes us into the person we are today. I love the person you are Andrew. Of course I wish I could change some things for you now..and perhaps my hope and my "prayers" will help in some small way. Or maybe a big way. I love you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life in every way. And thank you for being you.

On a different note- Andrew and I went on an amazing run yesterday. We ran from 60th street and 2nd Avenue down to the financial district, and over the Brooklyn Bridge. It was the first time either of us has run over the Brooklyn Bridge, and I have to say that it was breathtaking. It really got us both excited for our wedding since we are pretty much getting married under the bridge. Running over the bridge was one of those very special experiences.. it reminds us how small we really are, in a very awe-inspiring way. It also makes you grateful for being able to experience it- for living in a city where you can decide to go on a moonlight run over the Brooklyn Bridge for goodness sake! Really..where else can you do that??
After crossing the bridge we were in Brooklyn Heights-- ooh ooh. It just so happens that Brooklyn Heights is one of the most beautiful places ever. Well Andy and I think so..but we happen to be obsessed with certain areas of Brooklyn, so we are slightly biased. This area is WOW. In a nutshell. We ran down to the Promenade, bypassing historic brownstones, and tree lined streets. It reminds me of the Cosby Show. It reminds Andy of Georgetown. Either way- it is beyond picturesque, and my words can't even do it justice. This is actually the area that Andy and I aspire to buy our future apartment in. Wish us luck!

Published in the Syracuse Post-Standard August 3, 2008