"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.