Monday, March 30, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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!
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Heirs
Hey everyone, looks like I just made the score of a lifetime! Someone
bequeathed me $18 million bucks, woohoohoo, I'm rich!
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!
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.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pepper Looks So Sad
Pepper really isn't sad though, he's just getting older and still has anxiety. Or he is probably hungry in this picture.
Back to the School-ture
Welcome to Monday! This is I guess my second iteration of this post, I originally had one, but then I kinda just erased it. Well, I did erase it. That is why you aren't reading that one, and you are reading this one.
I think that we reach certain points when we have things to decide. 25 is definitely one of them. I suppose the decision to find another job was forced upon me, but I would have never made a push for business school if I didn't get laid off. I had the GMAT book for over a year, and never did anything. I studied, took it, and now I am going to take it again to really go for the maximum score I know I can achieve. I know a lot of people, or so it seems, that come to this point and sort of decide what they want to do. 25/26 is like that Goldilocks stage. You aren't too hot, you aren't too cold. You may be just right, but now you decide what way you want to go. Do you want to continue on this path? Do you want to change it? I think there are definitely ages in which we decide these things. I suppose in 15 years I will tell you the same thing too.
And some more thoughts...
I admire, respect, and love the most accomplished woman I know. How much better can it get?! From paying her way through school, to coming down here with $500 in her bank account and an internship to pretty much running a huge part of a business...well, I am in awe.
She is really the smartest person I know, and I am constantly stimulated by her. I'm going to come out and just say it. I love her. I am in love with her. I love being in love with her, and I love that I love her. That's a whole lotta love.
I think that we reach certain points when we have things to decide. 25 is definitely one of them. I suppose the decision to find another job was forced upon me, but I would have never made a push for business school if I didn't get laid off. I had the GMAT book for over a year, and never did anything. I studied, took it, and now I am going to take it again to really go for the maximum score I know I can achieve. I know a lot of people, or so it seems, that come to this point and sort of decide what they want to do. 25/26 is like that Goldilocks stage. You aren't too hot, you aren't too cold. You may be just right, but now you decide what way you want to go. Do you want to continue on this path? Do you want to change it? I think there are definitely ages in which we decide these things. I suppose in 15 years I will tell you the same thing too.
And some more thoughts...
I admire, respect, and love the most accomplished woman I know. How much better can it get?! From paying her way through school, to coming down here with $500 in her bank account and an internship to pretty much running a huge part of a business...well, I am in awe.
She is really the smartest person I know, and I am constantly stimulated by her. I'm going to come out and just say it. I love her. I am in love with her. I love being in love with her, and I love that I love her. That's a whole lotta love.
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