Preview...this is after screen printing our names.

As promised, a few pics of the invitations in progress. This is me using the gocco to screen print.

Apricrots from the green market.

Yum! I am sitting here, at my desk, eating the most delicious apricots that I picked up at the green market in Sunnyside on Saturday. Local farmers set up stands about 2 blocks from mine & Andy's apartment every Saturday, and it's really such a special treat! Everything we have had from this market has been amazing...so we have decided to make it a regular Saturday morning stop. Coffee & the green market. I love Saturday mornings.
Right now I have so many delicious summer fruits and vegetables in my apartment - Jersey corn that June brought us, Jersey tomatoes, cucumbers, apricots! Now the only question - what to make for dinner??

I have to make a correction about the invitations - they are not ready to go out in the mail today. They probably won't be ready until next weekend, because the printing is taking quite a bit longer than we anticipated. We have had to feed the paper in at about 10 pages at a time, instead of all at once, plus there is so much text going on different components of the invites that it just takes a long time for it to print. No worries though - they are coming out so well, and that is the important part! Yesterday June and Justine came over to help me with the invites, and the boutonnieres. It was really a great day filled with wonderful company, conversation, music, and food! Plus so many things were accomplished! Thank you so much again June & Justine - I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of your help!

Everything else is pretty good. I can't say that things have been perfectly smooth lately, but that is okay. We all go through difficult things right?? I know that what I have been dealing with in the past 5 days is going to make me stronger in the end, and I'm sure it is for the best. But dealing with hardships is never easy. I'm truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and close friends to lean on. So thank you everyone for listening and comforting me. A special thank you to my wonderful fiance.

Life is not easy, and relationships are not easy. I think we all go through times where we don't understand where each other is coming from, or we feel misunderstood or unappreciated - and I truly believe (now more than ever) that the true test of a relationship is in fact these times. If you can get through the tough times, you can absolutely get through the rest!
I also think the way we deal with conflict amongst each other says a lot about our character. It's never easy talking to someone when you are upset with them, or telling them how you truly feel - if it's not particularly pleasant. But I think sharing your feelings with that person or persons is extremely important. How can we grow or learn from each other, and how can our relationships grow and improve if we don't communicate our feelings to each other?
Very recently I had a conversation with Andrew about this very topic. Sometimes Andrew (like most of us) would rather walk away from the problem completely, than actually deal with it or try to make it better. In one particular situation this was what he wanted. Him and I talked and talked and talked about this topic, and he finally decided to give it a chance, and sure enough - it all worked out for the best and there was no writing off or walking away. Things are better and I am so thankful that they are.
I'm not trying to sound off on the blog, but rather use it as a forum to get out some of my own emotions in a mature fashion. I am speaking in generalities, because that is what I am taking from my own situation. I am taking life lessons.

Thank you to all of my family and friends for supporting me all of these years, and for being there for me. I love you all, and want you to know that I am here for you - for anything.

Until next time,
Amanda

78

It is exactly 78 days until the wedding. 7/8 is my birthday. I guess
every time I check The Knot, it just so happens on a cool date, such
as last time it was 98. Time is flying!

We are almost done with the invites.

Pretty much they will be out by Monday, so expect them this week!

Hi!

I love you Amanda!

More than anything, now until forever, I will be there for you. I will honor, love, and cherish you.

Thank you for being my all.

Wonderful shower weekend in Cuse, now time for bed!!

Just want to say another thank you to everyone who made my shower so special...I really enjoyed every single part of it. Thank you extra specially to my mom and Mike for hosting the shower, and opening your home to everyone for my special day. Also, I hope your 50th birthday party was great Mike! It was special that both you and I were able to share Saturday to celebrate milestones in our lives.

I will definitely post some pictures of the shower when I'm not fighting to keep my eyelids open. I will also write more about it at that time. For now, goodnight everyone and thank you for being in my life, and for celebrating the love that Andy & I share. Without the love and support of our family and friends, we would not be the people we are today - two people enraptured in a glorious love. I am thinking of how I can't wait for my handsome fiance (who is currently in the bathroom) to come into bed and put his arms around me, and run his fingers through my hair. On that note, signing off for now.

Weekend filled with wedding & shower prep.

Weekend. What weekend?

I'm not being negative, it's just the simple truth. The weekend passed in a blur of paper & spray adhesive, whipped honey, and a very HOT apartment. All parts of the processes necessary to finish the wedding invitations and make the bridal shower favors.

My Saturday began with screen printing and coffee, followed by cutting and gluing and yoga. Yes yoga too. Thank god.
After working on invitations for HOURS, my back started to ache. I never have back aches, because I do so much yoga. But I had one on Saturday from sitting in the same position for a few hours while gluing and cutting. So I did yoga, and then did some more work on invitations. Then Andy and I decided we both needed to relax for the rest of the evening, so we had a really great dinner (steak and sweet potato fries), and then watched a movie called the Happening. It was a creepy movie, which I didn't expect considering Andy picked it out. He doesn't usually like scary movies...I expected it to be more of an action movie, but it wasn't. However, the ending was pretty lame. I felt like there should have been a really scary ending, but it was sort of a happy-ish ending and it involved aliens (SPOILER ALERT - oops...a little late!)
Any time the end of a scary movie involves aliens, the movie is ruined. Just saying. I like aliens and all...I like outer space...but I think it's cheesy not to have a scary movie end with some sort of bizarre, creepy ending. There's something comforting about the scary things in a movie being caused by aliens. I don't know. Not a fan of the ending.
But it was really nice to lay in bed and watch a movie with Andy...relax after a pretty tiring day.

Sunday we both woke up and went for a walk/ jog to Kristin and Nathan's, to feed Cassie since they are out of town. After that we stopped at Michael's craft store and Stop & Shop, and picked up some things we needed for baking the cookie favors for my shower this coming weekend. (yay!!!)
I spend the rest of the day on Sunday baking - about 8 hours worth. Geesh! But it was worth it...the cookies came out so great, and our refrigerator benefited during my downtime. It is now clean as a whistle! Andy was busy studying and brushing up on things for an interview he has today (good luck my love!)...so I put on some Andrew Bird and BAKED!
The end result of the cookies is marvelous if you ask me. I tend to bake with some recipes in hand, and an idea of what I want to make...but I usually throw extra ingredients into things and change them up/ play around to see what comes out. I made two kinds of cookies. The first are vanilla sandwich cookies with lemon curd and grapefruit cream filling. The second are vanilla sandwich cookies with whipped honey and vanilla honey cream filling. Andy and I bought a jar of whipped honey from the green market in our neighborhood on Saturday (great marketing skills by the man working at the stand), so this ingredient inspired the honey vanilla cookies. It is local whipped honey, organic, and kosher! Woohoo!
I think both sets of cookies are equally delicious, and hopefully the shower guests will enjoy them as much as I do!
I need to take some photos of them in the freezer and post them...

Andrew took pics of the invitations in progress, so I must post those too!

LOTS to do this week. Laundry, and getting things ready for our upcoming weekend in Cuse. Hopefully working on the invites some more, and the bags for the cookies. And maybe relaxing/ taking a breather somewhere in the midst of all of this. Maybe.
Really really looking forward to taking a little road trip up to Cuse just Andy and me. Will be a nice way to start the weekend.

Can't wait for all the FUN to come!!

I ended the weekend with a headache from the invitations. ha.

I laugh, but it wasn't very funny, or fun for that matter. Not to be negative about the process...because everyone knows how I want the wedding planning process to be completely positive and wonderful, but there are some side effects from spending the whole weekend working in photoshop and illustrator and trying to get our printer to produce the perfect ivory hue. What I realized from this weekend's work - I am way more of a perfectionist than I ever previously thought. My conclusion about that - I think it's a good thing.
However, I did not enjoy last night's headache, or that my weekend felt extremely short.

Weekend was great overall though. Spent a ton of time working on the invites, and got together with Kristin and Nathan on Saturday to celebrate Kristin and Andrew's birthdays. We (as in Andrew) made pizza, and boneless buffalo wings, and onion rings. Bride & groom diet - woohoo! Well, Andy and I aren't on a wedding diet...because as everyone knows, we are both extremely active and need those extra calories (well some of them at least!). So yes, we still enjoy pizza and wings and burgers and fries 3 months before our wedding.

The invites are coming along...I got a TON of work done this past week and weekend, and I can say that I thorougly love the way the invites are turning out. I think some people are going to be knocking on my door wanting some hand made beauties like these (clearly tooting my own horn). I really do love them though.
The inspiration for invite motif came from a piece of paper I bought from Kate's Paperie. I am using that paper as part of the invites, but I also scanned it into photoshop and recolored it (with the help of my favorite coworker Mary Jo). I am using this motif on the invite and also on the fold out direction/ itinerary card. I changed it up some for the that, and I really love it. Andrew and I got some awesome envelopes the other day, and I am planning on using some of the patterned papers I bought recently for envelope wraps. So far, the invitations are one of my favorite projects. Between the invites, and the bridesmaid dresses - I am really painting a picture of the wedding - color palette, mood, inspiration. It's so vintage, and muted, and I love it. Ahhhhh...can't wait to finish them. Can not wait!

Until then...you can find me glued to my couch with sweaty thighs (thanks to the hot laptop).

xoxo.
OH how I miss Gossip Girl Mondays.

It Was My Party...

As another digit on the scale of life passed me yesterday (that I get to keep for 364 more days) I keep noticing that my views are becoming more and more solid, that I am fully finding myself. Behaviors that I used to revel in, I no longer partake in. One of those behaviors is the usage of a word that I am constantly aware of now, and taking it out of my vocabulary. I want to share that with you.

http://www.r-word.org/

I came across this site when Amanda and I ran in the YAI 5K Race for those with disabilities. I saw a woman wearing a button and was intrigued. The word in question is that of "retard" in case one does not visit the site immediately. The word is actually pretty disparaging and carries a loaded meaning. I feel that it has become part of our lexicon, however in our casual usage we are unfortunately putting down those with disabilities. I encourage anyone reading this or coming across the site to check out the link above and really help in eliminating usage. Now we all fall off the wagon sometimes, but if we take a stand, then we can really help change the world to become inclusive and more tolerant of all.

And now onto the fun stuff...

Last night I did two things I never did before ever. I had my own cake (and ate it too!) AND I saw a Broadway play, Jersey Boys. Now I am from New Jersey, about 40 miles away from the city is where I went to high school...but never saw a show. Does the Nutcracker count? Not really. But I finally saw one. And it was great.

And best of all....I ate cake. Andrew eating cake? No way. Yes way. I.ate.cake. Granted it was cornbread cake, but it has frosting! It was amazing, and was made by our wedding cake maker, Betsy from Nine Cakes.

Amanda truly gave me the absolute best birthday present and gift of experiences yesterday. I never had my own cake before! But I did. I sorta can't contain my own excitement. But seriously, thank you Amanda. Thank you, thank you.

We met at around 5:45 and had a little picnic in Bryant Park. We drank a little wine, ate some cake, then went to the show. It was truly no-fuss, no running around, just an amazing time. It truly was the best birthday I have ever had. I got to dress up (and wear my birthday tie...the original gift from a couple years ago!) and Amanda, as always, looked amazing.

Everyday I feel so blessed to have Amanda. Our love is the most amazing thing in the world to me, and I can't wait to celebrate her birthday with her...as new husband and wife.

I am smiling so much Amanda. Thank you for making my special day the most special day ever. I love you always and forever. You are my Sunshine.

Happy Birthday Andy!

Today is Andy's birthday!! Woohoo!
Many sneaky surprises to come...
Will blog about it at a later date.

Love you Andy, and hope you have the best birthday ever!!

Love this sign displaying the different cupcake flavors. I definitely want to do this for our wedding!

Loving the pallette, obviously. And that the flowers are made out of fabric!

Tables and chairs.

Is the name of an Andrew Bird song I am listening to right now.
A chair is also the subject of a very cool tattoo Andrew and I saw yesterday in Brooklyn. We went to a street fair on Smith Street, and there was a tattoo booth for a parlor on that street. We popped in to check it out, and I really liked some of the receptionist's tattoos (would you call her a receptionist? Not sure what to call her...but I think that title applies). Really nothing more to that story. Dead ender.
I really love the violin playing in this song. Mark and Josh, how I wish you still played. I wish I would have played. Damn.
Josh, I would so make you play at the wedding if you still played violin. Lucky you that you don't, but not so lucky for me.

The beginning of this song reminds me of Andy and his feelings on friendship. It goes:
"If we can call them friends then we can call them on their telephones, and they won't pretend that they're too busy or they're not alone. And if we can call them friends then we can call them. Holler at them down these hallowed halls. Just don't let the human factor fail to be a factor at all." Andy has very close friends, and really that's all he cares to keep. Of course he has acquaintances, but in general - he has a handful of close friends, and I can attest to the fact that these are wonderful men and women. I truly love every single one of Andrew's friends, and consider them my own.
I think that as we get older our social circles tend to get smaller. But I like that. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with Andrew, his family, my family and our collective friends. I love this life we are building - this tree of family and friendships.

This part of the song reminds me of Andy too - it paints a picture of his socialist utopia (and the end of the capitalistic/ consumerist world as we know it, post the financial meltdown and economic apocolaypse). Maybe. To me.
"I know we're gonna meet some day in the crumbled financial institutions of this land. There will be tables and chairs, there'll be pony rides and dancing bears (ode to my father), there'll even be a band (Andy would love that!!), cause listen after the fall there will be no more countries, no currencies at all, we're gonna live on our wits, we're gonna throw away survival kits, trade butterfly knives for adderal, and that's not all, ooh ooh, there will be snacks there will, there will be snacks, there will be snacks." (I'm suddenly getting hungry...)

Are you confused?? I am.
Just lovin' my music. I love music. And I promise not to play this song at the wedding. HOWEVER it may just show up at the rehearsal dinner...

I'm ready for HOMEEEE.
I just had my teeth cleaned a little bit ago. They feel pretty good, but I'm skeptical because it only took the hygienist 7 minutes. Hmmm. I have trouble believing she did a good job in 7 minutes. But I'm trying to tell myself that I am just an expert brusher, and take such great care of my teeth that she didn't need to do too much. Maybe?
Okay signing off, before this post bores you all to death.

la la la. Andy. Love you. (And I mean Winkler, not Bird).

This is the idea I was going for with mixing solid and patterned fabrics...

I like this one too.

I like this flower. Boutonniere inspiration. Simple. Clean.

Thursday, June 25

It is a completely hot day in the apartment as I am diligently searching for work. I have decided to take a slight break and write, as it is good for my soul.
As I have been checking my e-mail back and forth, I get a link from a shelter in South Carolina with this kitten: http://www.noahs-arks.net/RESCUE/MINX.html
I would tell you not to look, but the kitten, 8 weeks old, was viciously attacked by a dog and lost his eye. He also has lost his ability to put his tongue back in his mouth. While finally not a victim of human on animal violence, it kills me to see things like this.
The fact of the matter is, unfortunately, things like this happen. It may be crazy, but why can’t we all as humans strive to be better. In the case of the kitten, he was neglected by the person taking care of him. While I don’t know the full story, maybe if this person was a bit more mindful, this would not have happened.
As the owner of two small animals, I know what it is like to love them. They are sweet animals who really just want our love and affection. They may have different personalities, but that makes them amazing.
I want to congratulate our friends, Nicole A. and Brian on their purchase of a new home. They work very hard, and I love to see people accomplish the Dream of home ownership. Cheers to you both.
Last night I re-read Donald Trump’s “How To Get Rich” book. It really does not give advice on how specifically to get rich, but gives a load of advice on making yourself stand out and stay great, which he feels will automatically bring you your dreams. Keeping a positive attitude and just working hard he says. I believe him.

Kenny Kensington.

I'm sitting here with my buddy, Kennedy (Kenny Kensington, as Andy just called her), enjoying a glass of my favorite white zinfandel...ala Trader Joes $3.99.
Kennedy is such a pretty girl. She is a cuddle bunny, and definitely mommy's girl. We are having a nice, relaxing evening.

Today was a great day. It was supposed to be Andy appreciation day, including a little shopping trip for Andrew since he needs new clothes. It sort of turned into Mandy appreciation day...
Eeek!
I'm spoiled. I can't help it. I really did try to find clothes for Andrew, but he is damn picky! He has impeccable taste, so I can't really complain. BUT, I really wish he would have liked something, because I wanted to treat him. Instead I walked away from the day with a new cardigan, lotion, a ton of Dermalogica products, and some underwear. Hmmm...Mandy day. I feel bad. Andrew buys me gifts and surprises me all the time. I wanted to do the same for him. I think I need to just buy him things on my own..so he can't refuse them. That seems to be the only way he gets new clothes! Anyways. I love him. He is the best. I am going to surprise him real soon...just wait.

Oh Kennedy, my beauty.
Cleo the b. Where are you? Hiding as per usual I bet.

As for wedding updates...
So many good things. I have been working on the invitations a lot, and really love how they are coming out. I need to start working on many other things - including all of the other paper products, the boutonnieres, maybe ties, etc etc etc.
On that note, I'm out. Time to start working on wedding.

When It Comes Down To It...

I absolutely adore Amanda. Our Love, and the human experience is something that I truly cherish. If you saw the most amazing rainbow, wouldn't you love it even more if you could point it out to your best friend in the universe and you can both have that moment together? That is what I have every single day. I wake up and see the most beautiful girl in the universe and I go to bed (9.9/10 nights) holding her. (I passed out last night, I could have been holding a box for all I know, I was that tired). It brings me the greatest joy in the world to just be there for her and with her. If it makes her smile, it makes me smile.

I love you Amanda.

Surprises from my love.

I heart Andrew Bird. Not as much as I heart Andrew Winkler, but I think he probably plays the guitar a little better than my Andrew. (sorry babe...one day I will get you lessons and you will be a rock star - if even just in the living room!)

Tonight Andrew and I are going to see Andrew Bird play at Radio City. I am thrilled!! Not only am I a huge fan, but this was a complete surprise.
I knew about the concert, and had even been invited to go by Ivy, but I declined because I didn't want to spend the money with the wedding coming up. Secretly I really wanted to go though. I didn't really mention it to Andy because I didn't want him to feel compelled to go, or buy tickets. I didn't want to force him to see a concert he wasn't interested in.
Lo and behold I was wrong - (a) he is interested in the concert, and (b) he does anything and everything to make me happy...even when it's not his first choice activity.
He surprised me with the tickets last night - he had found them on craigslist and bought them and they arrived yesterday. What an amazing fiance I have!! One of the most awesome parts is that we are thinking of having one of Bird's songs play during the ceremony, so it will be amazing to see him in concert and be inspired by his live music.

The other wonderful surpise Andrew had for me last night was a new dress!!
He had showed me this new line of clothing for the Gap on a blog a few months back - it is very deco inspired, and awesome. Yesterday was the first day that the line was in stores, and Andy bought me a really great dress that is khaki, and has the black deco print on it. I absolutely love it, and am so grateful for my wonderful fiance and his thoughtfulness. Thank you again Andy!!

Since I have the most wonderful, thoughtful fiance in the world - I am planning an Andy day/ weekend for this upcoming one. I want to bring his tux to the tailor, stop at Cotsco to look at the wedding band he is eyeing (perhaps we will even buy it!), go shopping and get him some new summer clothes (because he is in dire need), and stop at the tattoo parlor to look into what he wants to do for his half sleeve. And if I'm forgetting anything else at the moment I apologize Andy...but yes, Andy day. I am going to spoil him!!

I love you Andy and can't wait to see Andrew Bird with you tonight! xoxo.

Great inspiration for the fabric boutonnieres!

Good ideas for the shower favors!

I love you because.

This morning I woke up and was putting on my running shoes when I noticed a piece of paper on our coffee table that had this title on it, followed by a list.
My darling Andrew had seen the blog post of the sign I like, and decided to make an actual list of the reasons he loves me. It was such a wonderful surprise, and prompted me to want to do the same. So here's my list Andy.
I love you because:

1. You are the most intelligent person I know.
2. You excite me.
3. You teach me new things every single day.
4. You make me laugh.
5. You run your fingers through my hair.
6. You are the handsomest man in the world.
7. You have impeccable style.
8. You have a creative soul.
9. You are the best dad to Cleo and Kennedy, even when they annoy you. You always make sure they have a vast selection of food (speaking of - we need to pick them up some tonight).
10. You often say you don't want to watch movies, but once I put them on you always love them...including Barbara Streisand and Lifetime movies.
11. You are hands down the most thoughtful person on this earth.
12. You make our home our home. Without you it would just be an apartment to me. You are my home.
13. You are the only other person who would run 5 miles with me in the morning, and then walk around for 10 hours straight just wandering without complaining. You are my fellow explorer!
14. You run with me, and bike with me.
15. You always support and encourage me.
16. You work so hard, and with a positive attitude. You never give up on things.
17. You are the most loyal person I know.
18. You love my family, and treat them as your own.

And I could go on and on and on and on. But I must work.

I love you Andy.

Good article!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/dining/17wedd.html?_r=1&ref=dining

I think I am officially taking over this blog, and making it mine.
Come on Andy!

I want one of these!

Another photo of cakes Betsy did for a wedding.

I think I'm hungry...

A little sneak peek at Besty's cakes (she is doing our wedding cupcakes and cakes)

I love her style so much!!

You can print small text with the gocco!

I was looking at various dyi projects on a new blog I found today, and found a really fantastic one that involved sugar packets as favors. The best part about the project is that they used a gocco machine to print the text on the bags they bought from my new favorite paper store. I was a little worried about printing small print on our invitations, but this made me see that it can be done. Woohoo!

Great idea for programs!

Cute idea for the bar since we are doing a specialty cocktail.

And more...

More flowers...

October flowers - some pics from the florist we love!!

Wedding things - woohoo!!

The countdown is on. T minus 4 months and 8 days!! Wow, how exciting!! So many things are under way, and I am loving it. Quite recently we have crossed a few more things off of our list:

1. We booked the bus for transporting our guests between the ceremony and reception.


2. We booked our hotel room.


3. We met with the florist whose work we love, and are waiting for a proposal - hopefully we will be able to afford her, and Andy & Mandy will be happy campers!


4. I bought some new beads, and am working on my clutch for the wedding.


5. Andy & I went to the paper store on Saturday and bought a bunch of different patterned pieces of paper for the invitations, and table numbers, and possibly programs. Not sure exactly what we are doing with all of the papers yet, but we want a sort of mismatched wallpaper look with our things.


6. We bought a few more tea cups from Anthropologie on clearance, and we found some really pretty small glass containers that we may buy to put the flowers in for the reception centerpieces. At $4 & $6 a pop we didn't think it was too shabby!


7. The illustration is mostly done for the invitations, and I just need to tweak it a little and play with it some more in Illustrator. Then we need to finalize invitation wording and pick a font, and size everything up. Hopefully we will get to the paper store again this weekend and buy the paper for the inviations.


8. Andy ordered his wedding band yesterday!! We both are excited to see it in person.

So many exciting things going on, like I said.

I am going to include some photos of wedding ideas and things (to make this blog more weddingy!)

Also - found an amazing wedding blog for inspiration. It's http://www.bklynbrideonline.com/ I love the real weddings section - so many great ideas!

Things I love today.

1. Andy (obviously)
2. My family (also quite obvious)
3. The Gucci belt I borrowed from Andy
4. The coffee that I made a little too strong
5. Cinnamon gum
6. Crest Whitestrips
7. Perusing the blog of the florist I am obsessing over
8. Cleopatra & Kennedy (even though they tipped over the flowers Andy surprised me with, and spilled water all over the floor and in my purse)
9. The 7 train - for running regularly today (it always seems to have problems on Thursdays)
10. Kate's Paperie
11. Adobe Illustrator
12. The long conversation I shared with my bff Nikki last night
13. Whole Foods peanut butter that you grind yourself
14. The salad I made this morning for lunch (consists of orange, tomato, red onion, feta, corn, and chicken)

Happy Thursday!

And to all of you out there who think you are having a tough day/ rough morning - embrace it, and enjoy it. Enjoy the struggle - it's what differentiates each day from the next. It keeps life interesting, it keeps life moving.

The music our parents wanted us to like (and now we do)

Like most children, I spent plenty of time in the back seat of my parents' cars. Mark, Josh, and I were carted around from school event to extra curricular activity, soccer practice, friend's houses, you name it. As you can imagine (and probably relate to) I found myself listening to my parent's music quite often. Actually, that is only partially true. The truth is my mom was a softy, and often times she let us change the station on the radio to something we liked. Or she would compromise, and we would listen to a station that played a mix of music we all would enjoy. Dad's car. Let's just say that wasn't the case.
My dad is what I like to refer to as a music nazi. He likes what he likes, and nothing you like could possibly be better. Perhaps he felt he had earned the rite to listen to his choice music, considering he payed the bills, drove us kids around, and it was his car after all. At the time I thought it unfair, but as an adult I completely understand. In fact, looking back, I am appreciative that I was exposed to so much classic rock. There is a reason it is called classic. I rest my case.
This morning I decided to put the good ol' ipod on shuffle. Andy had recently deleted all of my music, and replaced it with new music (upon my request). To my pleasant surprise the first song that popped up was a Crosby, Stills and Nash song from the Crosby, Stills & Nash 3 Box Set. Didn't even know that was in my ipod, but I was excited to find out it was.
I started listening to some of the songs, and realized I knew a bunch (thanks to my father and his car tunes). The highlight was Judy Blue Eyes. I love the L alliteration towards the end of this song. Lacy lilting something, losing love lamenting. Good stuff. And the best part (at the very end of the song, common to many of my favorite 70's tunes. think clapton - leila), is the "do do do do do, do do do do do", followed by singing in Spanish. Makes me want so salsa. I have no idea how this part of the song fits in with the rest, but it does. Or maybe it doesn't. Maybe it doesn't go at all...but the fact that this part makes me want to jump out of my desk chair at work and burst out in song and dance, well that makes it the most integral part of this song.
Judy Blue Eyes. Check it out. If you don't know it, if you've forgotten about it, or if you simply just haven't heard it in a while.
Happy Wednesday Judy. Blue eyes.

There's even a website dedicated to bike theft!

http://www.someonestolemybike.com/

I hope I'm not next!

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/the-bicycle-thieves-among-us/?scp=4&sq=stolen%20bikes&st=cse

The pursuit of happiness and love, even on the days when the going is just going

It's easy to write about the days in our lives in which exciting things happen. It is easier still to write about the happenings that are the opposite from exciting. But what about the days that just are, well, uneventful?
Perhaps uneventful is not the best word to describe them - because all days are eventful if you take the glass is half full approach. I guess I am referring to those days in which nothing happens that makes you want to tell a story, or get something off your chest, share something with a coworker, family member, friend. Some days, many days, we look to the news, media, television, our environments for some sort of something. We talk about the weather, or the upcoming weekend, or some distant thing we are looking forward to. These are the days that it is perhaps most important to find love and happiness...to be appreciative of what you have, and for that moment, for that day. Even in times of uneventfullness, we are still living. So why not love? Why not be happy? Why waste any day by waiting for the next? I know I have spoken of this topic before. It is something that is on my mind often.

Today is probably one of those days. Not exaclty anything in particular planned, not exactly anything unusual or "eventful," but still, there is something great about this day. There is greatness in the yoga I practice during my lunch break. Greatness in the sweet smell of late spring. There is greatness in the fact that today is my brother Mark's 23rd birthday!!! Greatness in many many things.

The weekend that just passed was a wonderful one. It was a long weekend, Memorial Day Weekend. My brother Mark was visiting for it. We shared in a Yankees game together, drank a beer from a plastic bottle, ate Nathan's, went out with friends, walked around the city, did a little shopping, and ate pizza at a restaurant Andrew and I have never been to. It was, in definition, an eventful weekend. Perhaps that is the reason I feel today is a "normal" day. I am back to work, back to my routine, back to the usual. And it's nice.

I love the spring. I love the summer. I love the fall.
I really don't love winter.
But I do love Christmas!
This time of year makes me happy. Andy and I went bike riding yesterday, and it was such a liberating feeling. We both felt a vast sense of freedom being able to get on our bikes and go. And we went - everywhere! We rode from 12-8! It was a wonderful way to spend Memorial Day, and I am so grateful to have a partner who enjoys being active, and being outside, and exploring as much as I do.
The only thing that went wrong yesterday (eventful, and not in a good way) was that Andy's bike was stolen. Yes, that is right. Taken. Right from under our noses.
Andrew and I had decided yesterday morning that we would ride out bikes down to Prospect Park. So we did. We rode there, and by the time we arrived we were pretty hungry. After much deliberation we chained our bikes up, and walked over to Key Foods to buy juice, followed by Subway to get a sandwich. Little did we know that in just those few minutes Andy's bike would be taken.
I have to admit that I was a little paranoid about leaving the bikes to begin with. There's something about leaving something for the first time that is scary - I felt the same way when I left Cleo in the apartment alone for the first time. I don't like leaving a new scarf in the "locker room" at yoga while I take a class the first time. See, kind of silly right? After I've had something for a while it loses that faux fragility, and I know that it is not going to disappear (because it hasn't yet). Point is - I was nervous about leaving the bikes for the first time, and in this case rightfully so. Post theft, Andy and I came up with a scenario that we think is very probable. You see, there was a man standing outside of Crunch (where we chained up our bikes), kind of watching us do it. I just figured he was waiting for someone or something (little did I know Andy and I were both of those!), and in waiting had taken to watching us chain up our bikes. I did get a slight strange feeling abou it, but I chalked it up to my paranoia, and we were on our way. I'm pretty sure he watched us, saw where we went, and knew it was his moment. Since we had uknowingly chained our bikes to something that they could be lifted off of (a parking meter), we assume the perpetrator simply lifted the bike right off the meter and was gone. I suppose the good part of the story was that he was only one person, and on foot, so he could only grab the one bike. Thankfully, we were only out one bike for the day. The other good thing about this situation - Andy and I learned a valuable lesson: we will not only chain our bikes to actual bike racks, which are engineered so that you can't pull anything off the top of them. We will also be weary of people around us when we are chaining them up.
The saddest part about the whole thing was not the loss of the bike - although it really stunk because Andy had broken that bike in, and loved it, and we had saved up to buy it. The worst part, in my opinion, was that I lost a little bit of hope/ a little bit of faith in my fellow man/ woman. To think that someone would knowingly steal from Andy and I - it hurt me. I try to see the good in people, and don't like being cynical - but the unfortunate thing is that there are people out there who steal, and cheat, and hurt people, animals, and things. And many of them do so without a guitly conscience. Score: +1 for lesson learned & knowledge gained, Score -1 for my faith in people to do what's right.
I hate to take such a negative viewpoint. The whole thing is just very unfortunate.

So words to the wise - chain your bike up to bike racks, and if there aren't any available tote your bike along with you!

Reflections on life, post a wonderful weekend with Andy.

Lately I have come to some revelations on life - my own in particular. The things that make me happy, and the things that fulfill me. I have also reflected on the things that don't, the unimportant things that I have sometimes focused on.
First thing - my life is not an episode of Sex and the City nor do I want it to be. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the show. But it was fiction. A fictional depiction of the way some circles of people are in NYC. I think it's humorous, and I truly enjoy it. But my life - my life is not like this.

I think that many people who move to NYC, and those who watch from afar have a certain image in their mind of what life is like here...an image very much created from television and film, advertisements, magazines, and the like. Often times people ask me how I do it - how I work and live in such a fast paced city. I think they envision me walking through Times Square every day, seeing broadway shows three times a week, and eating out for every meal. This is not my life. My life is actually quite simple, and I like it that way.
I wake up, I go for a run with the man I love, and I come home to get ready for work, feed my kitties, get my coffee ready (see, I don't even go to Starbucks), and on most days I run to the train because I'm walking the fine line between being on time and being late. Then I wait for the train amongst a hundred nameless people, and I try to squeeze my way in just to be encased like a sardine. I then put on my ipod because I would like to have a few minutes to myself that don't involve listening to the conversation next to me, or the awful sound of Sean Paul blasting from someone else's ipod...I hope that the train runs smoothly all the way to my destination with no delays, and I settle in. Glamorous? I think not. But I love it. I couldn't think of a better way to get to work. It's real.

On the weekends I don't go out to fancy dinners or brunches, or spend my time shopping at Bloomingdales for the night's outfit. At least most weekends. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy these things as much as the next person. But honestly, there are things I enjoy much more. Things like volunteering with animals, or in the park like we did this past weekend. I enjoy running with Andy, and riding our bikes, and playing with our girls. I love exploring new places, and trying new things - learning as much as I can about NY and it's history. Just this past weekend Andy and I learned about many different kinds of trees in Prospect Park (the park we are getting married in!), and how they got to be there. Some were native to the park, and some were brought here from Japan and Europe and other places. The focus of the environmental team is now to only plant and cultivate trees that would naturally be found in NY. It was very interesting to learn the difference between alternate and opposite trees, and why mustard garlic is bad for the park (it releases chemicals that don't allow other plants to live and grow around it). We even found a robin's nest, and saw a bright blue egg inside. It was beautiful being out in nature, surrounded by people who really wanted to be there and to make a difference on their Saturday.

I love my life. I love the life I live with Andy in Queens. Unpretentious, imperfect, perfect. It's beautiful. I love our apartment - which sometimes smells like cats. I love the shower that always grows mildew no matter how hard we scrub it (ew). I love our garbage disposal that leaks water and floods the kitchen floor, and I love the multitudes of empty disposable contact cases that I find scattered around the apartment thanks to little Kennedy.

I want to thank Andrew and my mom for giving me the strength to be me...to not apologize for who I am or for what I believe in. It is sometimes a struggle to stand up strong for yourself and for your beliefs, but through their example and encouragement I am learning not to apologize for being myself.

May 10

Getting back from two weddings in the last two weeks has really been quite the trip for myself and Amanda. To see what others did and how their weddings fit their personality was quite amazing. I can speak for both of us and say we loved them both in their own special ways.

During each ceremony, the officiants both touched on the meaning of marriage in a few distinct ways. They both talked about what marriage means to them. It made me think about what marriage and commitment mean to me, because it is a special bond that you share with only one other person in the universe.

Marriage to me is the symbol of making the love you have for someone known to the world. That is why you are "introduced" after, and that is why you wear the rings. I was watching TV with Amanda today and I saw the "Real Housewives of New Jersey." Now growing up in NJ, this was obviously of interest to me, however I thought of it more as a joke than anything. It actually turned out to be an enjoyable program, and a few things struck me. I get copious amounts of joy doing things, providing, loving, caring, buying, etc., things for Amanda. She is my baby. The love of my life. And I love making her happy. As they said on the program...happy wife, happy life. And writing that, I just sneezed on the truth. Two of them men on there want to be there for their wives in all capacities. They want to provide, they want to love, and they do.

One of them said their family was as thick as thieves. That is how I am. If you are my family, you get my utmost loyalty. That is it. If it is tattooed on my body, then I am obviously taking it very seriously. I do for my own blood as I do for my new family. I gained two new brothers recently. I am so proud of them as I am my own. Its just how I am. They can come to me with anything, just as my own brother can and I will always lend an ear. In fact, if any one of them ask, I'd give it. I love my family. Family is definitely a very important part of this commitment.

My relationship with Amanda is the singularly most important thing to me in my entire life. There is nothing that comes before that. I love her with everything I have. It is one year ago today that we got engaged. Since the day I met Amanda, I can say it has been the best years of my life.

I absolutely adored the wedding last night. It was fantastic. I loved it. I loved the way that Amanda looked (what else was I going to say first?? Ha!) and I loved the overall feel of the ceremony and reception. The mojitos were great. I am so glad to have been there. It was an excellent getaway and a fun time was had by all.

I have no other weddings to go to the rest of the year. Ours is next. And I can't wait.

I love you Amanda. Forever. And Ever. And ever.

"Good morning sunshine..."

Me & Andy at K & N's rehearsal dinner.

Me & Andy at K & N's wedding.

Kristin & Nathan after the I-do (I love this shot!)

Kristin & her dad walking towards the aisle.

May 1st & Kristin & Nathan's wedding!

Welcome welcome to May.
So exciting!! I love May. Spring is more in the air than ever...the rain will hopefully subside some, and leave sunshine in it's path. I look forward to days of bike riding and exploring with Andy, beautiful flowers, parks, ice cream (ha!). I am looking forward to a lot.

This past weekend was a fantastic one. Andy and I attended the wedding of two of our very best friends - Kristin & Nathan (Verni!). I was a bridesmaid in the wedding, which was an amazing honor. Kristin and I have been friends since freshman year of college - we went from friends in class, to roommates, to moving to NY together (well, at the same time), to now getting married within the same year. Kristin has been an amazing friend to me, and I love that her and her HUSBAND have become so close to Andrew too! Both Andy and I value our friendship with them very much, so spending the weekend celebrating their union was truly terrific and inspiring! I have to say that I was even more excited for our wedding (if that is possible!!) after witnessing theirs. Their vision was beautiful - it was such a romantic wedding. From Kristin's gorgeous dress, to the great music, beautiful decor, beautiful weather - wow - it was a sight to behold! I think that weddings are so great because you really get to see what the couple is like - a bit more of their personality - displayed visually through their wedding. Kristin and Nathan's wedding reminded me of a modern day Romeo and Juliet - it was very victorian and romantic...but the music was extremely modern and the actual ceremony was in a garden which felt both old and new at the same time. Everything about this wedding was so "them." I can't wait to display mine and Andrew's personalities through our wedding. I know that we have a strong vision, and I have confidence that every part of the wedding will bring it into reality. Eeeek! This is all getting so exciting and so close!!

Anyways...getting to work now.
I am going to post a few pics from the wedding this past weekend. Enjoy!

ps. In 9 days it will be the one year anniversary of the day that Andrew proposed to me...the day that changed my life. I love you Andy.

Working on my patience.

This morning I encountered a serious test of my patience.
I think I failed.
ha.
But actually...acknowledging that I may not have been as patient in this stressful situation as I could have been is a win in itself. I think it takes mistakes and poor reactions to help us all to see how not to act during moments we are tested.

My story began with a situation I like to call "I have nothing to wear." Clearly, this is not true because I have a lot of beautiful clothes...but on this chilly Thursday morning I couldn't find anything I wanted to wear. After trying on a few different dresses (weather report said it would be 60 today) I settled on a black stretch satin Phoebe dress with elbow length sleeves. This way I didn't have to wear a cardigan...I thought the sleeves would suffice. I also didn't think I needed to wear tights (hmmmm...bad decision). When I left my apartment (about 10 minutes later than I wanted to) I realized that it was a little brisk outside. Weird that I didn't know this prior to stepping out the front door for work, considering Andy and I went for a 3 mile run this morning. But I can acknowledge that sometimes my judgement of the temperature is a little off based upon how I feel when I run. Obviously I am warm at the end of my run, and I think that warmth usually leads me to think the temperature is warmer than it is.
Anyways...
So I'm walking to the train station, and 2 trains fly by. One I can see on my way there, and another right before I get to the platform.
Dang.
So I wait about 7 minutes, as the platform fills up with other train hopefuls (ha), and one comes. I get on the train, and am still going to be nice and early for work (even though I got a later start than I wanted to). Train is running, I'm listening to music - life is good. 2 stops later a bunch of people get off the crammed train and I even get a nice, cozy, seat on the end. Those are the best because you aren't smooshed between two people. I love the end seat. So it's me, end seat, good music. The train is still waiting around and I'm not thinking anything of it, but then the conductor announces that there is a stalled train a few stops away and that we are going to have to wait at the station for a few. No big deal. Normally I would be a little stressed, but I'm still early - and I'm working on my patience. I tell myself "self, you hang in there. just listen to your music, and relax." I pull out my blackberry and tune in to the Times - I'm reading an article about 45 year old unemployed men who live in an affluent Westchester town. The article talks about how they are able to spend more time with their children and be more involved with their families. All in all - a very great article.
Still waiting...
and waiting...
and waiting...
So now I'm starting to get a little stressed. I have been waiting for about 15 minutes, and still nothing. I give myself a 5 minute rule, as I see person after person exiting the train. 5 more minutes of waiting, and if the train is still stuck I am outta here. I have to admit that for the last 5 minutes I waited on this train, that I was not so patient. I was fidgety, and unfocused, and anxious. Finally I see a woman leave the train who had just called her office and calmly said that she would be late. I figured that if she was leaving the train - well she must know something I don't know. haha. Next time I will follow my own intuition.
But anyways...I decided my time of waiting was up. I didn't know when this train would move - it could be HOURS. Rrrright. Gotta love the dramatics when you're in a stressful situation. Of course it wouldn't be hours, but it may still be 10,15,20 more minutes.
So I exited the train and walked down many many many stairs to the street level. I then crossed the street and tried to catch the bus. I missed 2 of them. While I was waiting for the 3rd, which was slowly approaching - I looked up and saw my train moving. MY TRAIN WAS MOVING. Grrrr. I'm sure you can imagine my frustration. What do I do now?? I was going to ride the bus to another station, but that train takes longer to get to my stop. Instead I decide to run back up to my train platform and try to get the next one.
I miss it. It zooms by just as I'm sprinting up the 1000 stairs to get there.
I have to say, that at this moment, I probably muttered some words I can't repeat. haha. It was very frustrating. I was cold. I was anxious. I was irritated. But none of those things could help make the train come more quickly.
The train did come eventually, and I did get to work. I wasn't even late, just later than I like to be. It all worked out just fine, and I was even welcomed to my office with a donut from my boss.

I want to share with you all the moral of my story.
Wherever you are going, you will get there eventually. Maybe not exactly when you want to, but you will arrive. It's not worth the anxiety to get stressed out about it. You just need to take a deep breath and relax, and know that you will get where you are going when you are meant to get there.

An even more important moral.
Be patient, and stay on the train!!

Being the best I can be (ie. a better blogger)

I have made the decision to become a better blogger. ha. I like the alliteration here.
But in all seriousness - I am going to try to update this blog more. I think I spend more time apologizing for not updating it than I actually spend doing so...I'm putting an end to that now.

My yoga teacher, Faramarz, said this morning - don't complain about the rain today. Rain is beautiful, and great for the earth, for us - for your skin, our hair, our health. I have decided to keep that mantra with me throughout this day...and hopefully these words will resound in my mind on every rainy day. Because really - what is the point in hating the rain. I'm embracing it, loving it (well, unless it ruins my new Tory Burch shoes). ha.
In fact, I need to commend my counterpart of embracing the rain. Yesterday Andy was shuffled off the 7 train at the Hunter's Point stop because of a track fire between that stop and the next one. He then walked all the way to Queensboro Plaza (probably about a mile) in the rain, so that he could get on a bus and come home. And all this, mind you, was after he had worked a 12 hour day. But he didn't complain. He laughed. He had a big, warm smile on his face. And that warmth that eminated from his grin replaced any coldness he felt physically. That warmth inspired me. Andrew always inspires me with his positivity. No matter the physical barriers or trials, he always has a smile on his face. I want to join him in this - that is a new goal of mine.

Another goal of mine is to start updating the blog with photographs and descriptions of wedding projects that Andy and myself are working on.
Right now things are still a little slow moving. We have two weddings to attend in the next few weeks, so after that we will be full steam ahead on wedding projects. Still, I have dabbled with some crafts here and there.
Recently, I started brainstorming some ideas and doing some illustrations for our wedding inviations. I also started playing around with shapes and forms for the fabric boutinniers. I have also been thinking through ideas of what do to with the little tins I am using as candle holders. Once I peel the Dean & Deluca labels off of them, I think I may try to use some sort of copper varnish to give them an antique look. I found some really great paper that looks like mesh, but fuzzier - it comes in different metallics. I am thinking of getting some of that in copper and then covering the sides of the tins with it. All a work in progress (in my mind). haha. I am very excited to get started on these projects though! It is going to be a busy end of April and a busy May, but the projects will be fun! Andy and I are actually doing some more volunteer projects in May, which we are both excited about. The first one we are doing on May 2nd - we are volunteering at a no kill animal shelter in Brooklyn. We will be playing with the cats and helping clean up after them. Then on May 16th we will be helping to "beautify" Prospect Park. Very exciting since this is the place we are getting married!! We will be helping to clear paths in the park. Hopefully this day will be beautiful. But like I said above - I am embracing all weather including rain. So rain will bea beautiful just as well.

Okay - work time. Hope everyone is have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Andy on the wall!

Me scaling the wall in a random park in Queens (note that I continued to wear my helmet!)

Andy in the sculpture park

Socrates Sculpture Park!

Us together in Astoria Park

Andy in Astoria Park - very artfully

Me in Astoria Park

Bike Riding!

After much effort to actually acquire bikes and all the necessary equipment, Andy and I were able to spend a large part of yesterday outside, in the sunshine, riding them. We planned on going for a ride to Brooklyn, but ended up staying Queens and finding a lot of really cool spots that we never knew about. It was perfection.

Andy and I decided to bike to Astoria Park first because we didn't want to be on very busy roads at the onset of us riding our bikes. We needed a little brushing up on riding, if you will. Astoria Park is about 3 miles from our apartment, and it was hopping! People were there wandering along the pathway by the East River, running, biking, playing sports and games..it really felt like spring. We stopped and took some pictures, enjoyed the sun, enjoyed being with each other. It was fantastic! Then we decided to bike along the river's edge (well as close as we could get on a path or road). Upon doing so we stumbled upon the most amazing park - called Socrates Sculpture Park. This park is literally a park of sculptures and modern art. It actually looks a little gritty, but is just really interesting and unique. There are sculptures and art pieces dispersed throughout the park...and the pieces sort of fit organically with their environment. Actually, here is a description from the parks' site, which is much more informative than my own:

Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of public services.
Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of oururban environment.

Needless to say, it was an amazing find - a treasure really. I can't wait to picnic here with Andy once it gets a little warmer.

We also found a few more treasures. One being the Cotsco, which happens to be next door to Socrates. We both had no idea there was a Cotsco so close to us. The other great find (my own personal favorite) was a park with a rock climbing wall. I definitely hopped off my bike and scaled the wall!

All in all, riding my bike with Andy was everything I imagined it would be. It was athletic and fun, exciting, and exploratory. I can't wait to do it again! Although I think my bruised butt might like a break. Until next time.

A.

Truth, Justice, and 9th Grade.

Every single day Amanda and I witness a couple. Well, I guess they are a couple. They are more like sworn enemies who pretty much live together. They are perhaps the most vile two individuals who I have ever heard. The guy, a dumb sounding version of Ben Affleck, yells at his woman who sounds like Rumplestiltskin from Faerie Tale Theater. They fight about every single thing, every single day. Whether it be how many eggs she used in something, to whether the Yankees are winning or losing…every little thing. In fact, he once told her his life was miserable because of her. They fought over the UPS delivery guy a couple of days ago.
They both sound like they hate their own lives. Tonight, they were arguing about cigarettes. Then they were arguing about something else. I don’t know what.
Amanda and I had 1 drink each and now we are pretty much done with our bottle of wine. We are trying to have a nice Friday evening, but these two imbeciles are screaming at each other. I couldn’t take it. I want to tell them to shut up, but I tried to think of another way how to send a message…
This guy is not a real man. No man, no matter how “awful” his woman is, should yell at another female like that. This guy is a little boy. I’d venture to call him a loser. Everyone who reads this knows how I respect and love Amanda. I have never yelled at her. Ever. I would never raise my voice to this guy’s level. Ever. It is despicable. And tonight I had enough.
I decided what any 25 year old who wants to pretend that they are 17 years old does. I egged his door. One egg. One door. SPLAT. It was hilarious. So Amanda decided it was a good idea as well and wanted to be the Robin to my Batman. Well, we throw out our trash and then I decide to toss the egg. We figured out what door was his, and I threw it. So I run up the stairs and back to our apartment…but she runs the other way! I almost died of laughter. But anyway, we made it back. They yelled for a little bit more, and now they are quiet. I hope it teaches them to be quiet once one of them finds it and cleans it.
I know it was juvenile. I definitely know. But the thing is, I want them to know that they are very loud and disturbing. I want him to know that no woman should be treated like that. Will he learn? I don’t know. I hope so.

Mondays

So I am currently working a consulting gig at a law firm and when I got into the elevator this morning, I saw one of my temporary co-workers, the receptionist. I asked her how she was feeling and she replied “Well, it’s Monday. Is it 5PM yet.” I sort of laughed, but it was more of a nervous laugh. Don’t get me wrong, I was also technically “sad” that it was Monday, but I had the most wonderful weekend with Amanda and I suppose it had to end at some point. The thing is, we really just spent time with each other in the moment, just being so present with each other. One of the highlights of my weekend was taking the bus back from Target when I told her how I always dreamed of a life like this. I just knew it was possible, and I know it will continue forever. It is true love, and that is what I have for her. She has my heart; no one else will ever have it. I only have one to give, and I have given it to her.

Wonderfilled weekends with my love.

This weekend was truly magical. It was simple. It was quiet. It was everything I wanted in a weekend. Andy and I pretty much relaxed and enjoyed being with each other...which was truly what made it amazing.



Friday evening we watched Syracuse lose in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. It stunk, but oh well. There's always next year! Then we went into the city for a bit for Andrew's friend, Eric's, birthday party.

Saturday was great too, but we hit a little bump in the road while trying to buy bikes. We had a plan to spend the day riding them, but the bike Andy wanted was out of stock. Instead, we bought the kitties food and litter, and we picked up some other necessities at Target (and $75 later) we headed home to enjoy the rest of our day. I don't know about you...but whenever Andy and I go to Target we always spend more $$ then we plan on. We suddenly see 10 things we 'need' when we only came for 2. I think Target bring this out in everyone, but I like to think it's little worse for us because it is more difficult for us to get there. We can't just hop in our car and go...we have to take a train to another train, and then walk a bunch. Or take a bus. Or run the 3 miles to get there. You get the picture...not necessarily the most convenient location. So we buy everything we could possibly need before our next trip.

This brings me to another thought - Andy has started to stock up on various toiletries and other necessities. He has been buying these things in bulk - from paper towels (on amazon. ha!), to band-aids, gauze for my foot, soap, and the list goes on. I love that he always knows when we are on our last paper towel roll, or almost out of tp, or soap, or sponges. Andy seems to keep an inventory of all of these products in his head...or he's just very observant. Thank you Andy for making sure we always have what we need!



Yesterday was also a wonderful day. We slept in, did laundry, worked out, when shopping, and then relaxed for the evening. Andy made me a delicious dinner - grilled salmon with meyer lemon, garlic & chopped tomato, with a side of steamed kale with lemon juice and spices. I absolutely love eating these healthy meals!

This weekend Andy and I also made a checklist of all the things we need to do for the wedding. There are many tasks we need to check off, and looking at them all it quite daunting. The dollar amount is also quite daunting...but hey, we will get it all done! Andy and I are a phenomenal team, and I have complete faith that the wedding will turn out beautifully. Next on my agenda is making the table "numbers". Although instead of table numbers we are going to do themes. So we need to finalize all the themes, and then I want to start finding photos and doing the artwork for them. I am planning on making prints with our gocco machine in order to do this. I'm thinking of doing black and white prints, or sepia ones - we want an old fashioned look. Wish me luck!

Analysis.

I frequently listen to Tony Robbins. I really like Tony Robbins.

I have been recently listening to his tapes on having the absolute ultimate relationship. Robbins feels that we all have six basic human needs that must be fulfilled to have the absolute ultimate relationship. These are the needs:

1. Certainty - The need for security, comfort, and consistency
2. Uncertainty - The need for variety and changes.
3. Significance - The need to feel important, needed, wanted and worthy of love
4. Love and Connection - The need for feeling connected with and loved by other human beings.
5. Growth - The need for constant development emotionally, intellectually and spiritually
6. Contribution - Giving beyond ourselves and giving to others.

At the end of the tape, we were asked to rate on a scale or give examples on how well our partner fulfills our needs and how well we fit theirs. Since I was supposed to write it down, and didn't because I was walking, I am going to post it here. I am combining the two because it is more appropriate.

Certainty: We live together. We always strive for the best communication.
Uncertainty: We absolutely love exploring. We are buying bikes in order to explore even more. I cook Amanda different foods that she loves.
Significance: She always tells me how handsome I am, how grateful she is for my love. We are very affectionate with each other. We made out on the train this morning (haha!)
Love and Connection: We are getting married because she answered the question with a big "yes!" We always tell each other we love one another, and we show it through kind words, magic gestures, and being great people toward each other.
Growth: We both are always trying to make each others lives better. We give each other great suggestions. I always tell Amanda how much she stimulates me (intellectually), and how great our conversation is. We don't fall into routines, rather we always try to enhance our relationship through doing so much for each other, and also taking time for ourselves.
Contribution: We both are committed for life. We are both fully committed and in love. We share joys with each other, our families, and our friends. I consider her my best friend, and she considers me hers.

I am really on cloud nine. No joke, I wake up sometimes and want to make sure this is really my life. It is truly amazing. I love you Amanda.

PS It is funny that Amanda posted today as well, I have been writing this post in my downtime. Crazy!

Updates!

Andy and I have been working diligently on many things lately. He has been pursuing many potential employment opportunities, and I am so proud of him! One of my coworkers referred to him as a "hustler" the other day, and I couldn't agree more. With him by my side I know that we will always be okay, more than okay - great actually. I'm amazed by the opportunities he creates for himself every single day. For instance - he responded to an article about financial compensation that was in the NY Times about a month ago, which resulted in a meeting with the CEO of another compensation consulting firm. The meeting with this man led Andrew in to some freelance consulting work for a law firm. The owner of the consulting firm told Andrew he didn't have any open positions within his own company, but now he wants to meet with him again. So who knows!
Andrew also has a 3rd round interview for a financial group, and just yesterday he had an interview with a company that does financial analysis reports for retail firms. This interview came about because Andrew emailed the owner simply asking for a job. There was no job posting, or any indication that the firm was actually hiring. Like I said, Andrew creates his own opportunities. He even wrote a sample financial report on the Cheesecake Factory to show to the interviewers at this company. They were very impressed, and I was very proud. I read his report the night before, and it was fantastic. I am so proud of Andrew's drive, and the hard work that he puts into everything. It is such an amazing feeling to have a partner that is so driven and inspiring.
On another note, Andrew and I will be volunteering in a few weeks to help with pet adoptions for the NYC Animal Care & Control Center. We are both really psyched about the opportunity to help these animals, because as most of you know - our own animals (whom we adopted) are very close to our hearts. We want to share our passion and our story with others in hopes that they will bring one of these loving animals into their home to love.

Wedding updates!
We have changed the time frame that we have the ceremony site for the wedding. We will now have it from 12-4 instead of from 10-2. We have decided to make the ceremony and reception closer together, time wise. Hopefully that will be better for our guest, and for us! Win win.
We are also looking into renting a bus to transport everyone from the ceremony site to the reception site. Hopefully that will work out financially and logistically!
My coworker Mary Jo (who has been a huge help to Andy and me in planning!) and I will be ordering fabric for the bridesmaid dresses soon, so that we can send it off to Korea for them to be made. Very exciting!
I also have started brainstorming some ideas for the invitations...I was inspired on Sunday and started drawing some of my ideas out. I really want to start working on the artwork for the tables soon. I definitely have a lot of dyi projects that I want to do for the wedding...so I think getting started on that will be great!

Andy and I are going to get bikes this weekend! Yay!
He already ordered our helmets (do you feel better knowing that Mom??!) and we should get them in the next few days. If we don't...we will not be biking until we do. (Better still mom??!)
My mom seems to think that we don't want to wear helmets, as if we are 10 years old and it is not "cool." She reminds me every time I talk to her (it's cute!), and when I told her this she had no recollection of having said it before. So I have to just give her credit for the fact that she is being an amazing mom, and making sure Andy and I are safe. Thanks Mom!
But yes, bikes. We are both looking so forward to riding our bikes and exploring all the boroughs. I even looked up a map of bike paths and lanes in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan...and look forward to exploring them! I'm so so excited for this weekend!

Kitties are good. Cleo is still as sassy as ever, but Andy and I are trying to go out of our way to show her love and affection in hopes that she will show it back. It's not that she isn't ever affectionate, but she is more of a loner. I think now that we have Kennedy she has become even more of a loner, so both Andy and I feel that we need to make sure to give her attention and love more than ever. Kennedy is great. She is a sweetie. Her claws never come out, and she is the cutest little cuddle bunny ever. She follows me around like my shadow when I'm home, and I love it!

Enough with the updates. Just wanted to say hi, and fill everyone in. It's spring time!!!

Sunday Night

So last night I was finally invited to one of the groomsmen's famous Sunday dinners. My buddy Gabe puts out these Sunday dinners, however never invited me and Amanda before this week. Lets see. I've known the guy since what, 9th grade, and he has lived in his current apartment since 2005. Thanks Gabe! I see him practically every other week, and speak/e-mail a few times a week. I think it is funny actually. Sort of like how he is never on Facebook. Oh yeah, he can't be, he doesn't have an account. But to tell you the truth, he actually started these dinners with his NYU buddies (Rutgers guy here), so I understood. But low and behold, I finally demanded to be invited, and I was with Amanda.

It was an absolute treat to go. We were met by a bunch of his friends who also know Amanda and I, and sat down for a great meal. There was some freshly made pasta (like homemade pasta) with awesome sauce, some artichokes (ew), some chicken, some wine, and some sort of port cider thing. Great convo, great people, great time and way to end a week.

It is so great just sitting down in an atmosphere where everyone was relaxed and ready to start the week off right. I really can't sing its praises enough, but we definitely decided that we want to do it soon. Having people over is just amazing, and cooking an awesome meal for them is so satisfying to the soul.

On a personal note, I really just have to say I love these sort of meals. It is so nice just being with family and friends around the dinner table. I think eating is such an intimate gesture, and is one of my favorite things to do with family and friends.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far!

As far as the wedding, I just called up Prospect Park and we are now scheduled from setup to cleanup at 12PM-4PM. This is good stuff. I can't believe it is almost April already. I am definitely psyched, because really, we have less than 7 months to go! We will be registering soon for things as well. All I really want is a Dyson vaccuum cleaner, although I really do not want to wait until October. I was supposed to get one right after the New Year to celebrate, but then I got laid off, so I pushed it back. Not cool! Just kidding! I think it is hilarious that all I want is a vaccuum. I don't mind cleaning, I really don't, especially with the best vaccuum ever.

Heirs

Hey everyone, looks like I just made the score of a lifetime! Someone
bequeathed me $18 million bucks, woohoohoo, I'm rich!

I also have a jacket made of diamonds, a gold snowboard, and I can fly.

I can't believe people still fall for this stuff.

from JOHNSON WAHAH AND ASSOCIATE. <barr.johnsonwahab1@hotmail.com>
reply-to johnsonwahab44@gmail.com
to
date Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 11:24 AM
subject Attn:

hide details 11:24 AM (6 hours ago)


Reply

I am Johnson Wahab, an attorney at law. A deceased client of mine has
bequeathed you as His Heir, who died as a result of Heart-Related
problem due to the

death of all the members of his family in the Gulf Air Flight Crashes
in Persian Gulf near Bahrain Aired August 23, 2000 - 2:50 p.m. ET as
reported on:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0008/23/bn.08.html

I'm contacting you as the Heir to approve the release of the money
left behind by my client before it is confiscated or declared
unserviceable by the bank

where this deposit valued at thirty two million dollars (US$18 million
dollars)is lodged. This bank has issued me a notice to contact you
(Heir), or the

account will be confiscated.

My proposition to you is to seek your consent and approval as the Heir
and beneficiary of my late client, so that the proceeds of this
account can be paid to

you as His Heir. All legal documents to back up your claim as my
client's Heir will be provided. All I require is your approval about
this and your honest

cooperation to enable us see this transaction through.

This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect
you from any breach of the law. If this mail proposition offends your
moral values, do

accept my apology. I must use this opportunity to implore you to
exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter extraordinary
confidential, whatever your

decision is, while I await your prompt response. Please contact me at
once to indicate your approval. I will like you to acknowledge the
receipt of this e-

mail as soon as possible via my private
EMAIL:(barr.johnsonwahab@gmail.com) and treat with absolute
confidentiality and sincerity.

I look forward to your quick reply.

Best regards,
Barrister Johnson Wahab.

Saturday

Amanda and I are going to buy bikes. This is something that both of us
have really not ever done, but it is amazing that we have both decided
to embark on this. Since Amanda hurt her foot, and my knees have been
on and off hurting, I think it is great that we found something that
can still keep us active and exploring. I think it is great because we
can get to places easier, and also go to farther places. For instance,
when we went to Coney Island last summer, it took forever to get
there. Now it won't!

As far as the wedding goes,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninecakes/3255956515/, check that link
out. That was our tasting for Nine Cakes, in which we are going to
use. I actually liked the cupcakes. That means they are good.

Today we are pretty much doing nothing. Amanda has a bachelorette
party to go to later, but as of right now…we aren't doing nothing! I
love it.

So I almost chopped off the top of my thumb about 3 weeks ago, and it
is still healing! I was making guacamole, and frankly, I messed up
while cutting onions. Oops. So lesson to be learned, was..pay
attention and don't think of how beautiful your fiancé is while making
guacamole. You may be distracted. Funny enough, the only other time I
have ever cut myself was when Amanda and I were first dating. I was so
nervous about our date I sliced my hand with a knife. So love makes
you distracted? I guess that's the lesson.