My Big Fat Italian Life

To My Mom

2011-05-08T07:07:00.000-05:00

There are no words that can turly articulate the depths of personality and knowledge that is my mother.

She is creative, witty, intelligent (beyond words), ambitious, ever-evolving, and best of all...she is my "Ma!"

When I try to explain her to people, it feels like when you try to explain that breathtaking sunset but somehow your description lacks the true experience...

This is a woman that worked nights, so my father could quickly move up the corporate ladder, and did this solely so I could get the best education a child could have. Yet somehow, she never forgot to make my single cereal serving before she left.

She has never hesitated to put me first and she even went as far as making construction bunny footprints and tieing 1 single piece of red licorice to each limb on the tree outside, for a small Easter celebration.

This is also a woman who got up (at God know's what hour) and never complained about the toll it must have been taking on her. She made vegetable egg rolls at night, taught me about the many religions of the world, and sang Witchy Woman while sitting in traffic.

My mother is a plethora of knowledge and if you ever have a doubt in her ability, simply ask her. She will guide you about the best plants to plant and the best stain remover to get out crayons, all while discussing world issuses and debating over the current politics in the world.

I may have beat her at scrabble...once or twice ;) but I would challenge my theory and her endless amounts of useless information on anyone!

With that, today is Mother's Day.

And although she probably doesn't want me devoting my thoughts to only her on this Hallmark Holiday, I think it is rare that we sit back and truly appreciate all Mom's do.

To You Mom: You are my sunset. It is not possible to explain to others the bond or the love that we share. Please know, that in all the years I made you contemplate why you had such an unruly child...or why you did SO MUCH (and you did!)...or made you wonder how this was all going to turn out ;) Not one thing you have done, or continue to do, has gone unnoticed.

On top of that, my son thinks there is no one in the world like his Nonna. You (and he has told me this) always seem to find a playground, don't complain when he is covered in mud from head-to-toe, and baths... are supposed to be an hour long event!

There is no one like you and it continues to be a pleasure to call you Mom.

Je T'aime Momma!

Swift Fingers...

2011-02-21T19:36:00.003-06:00

As the smell of meatballs lingered in the air, the bathtub draining played as the background noise to the evening, and as Mr. Man quietly snored on the monitor, I allowed the sheer exhaustion of the day to fill my body.

I slowly climbed in bed and took the first sip of my excruciatingly small glass of wine only to notice...the remote was no where to be found.

Once again I got up, searching through pillows and piles of laundry, only to give up the search and realize Mr. Man is getting to be too big and too sneaky!

I should have known something was amis when I found an old boyfriends sunglasses shoved in a drawer with Mr. Man's pajamas.

As the ball of wits and energy that is my son, quickly approaches 3 years old, I have to sit back and wonder...where has the time gone?

Wrinkles are starting to appear (they're faint...but Lord help me because I can see them!), I am approaching that age that is referred to as the "dirty thirty", and my son is getting bigger by the second.

I never thought my life would be like this, but almost 3 decades in this world, has honestly made me marvel at all God has given me!

Happy Birthday...

2010-12-01T05:20:00.000-06:00

Today you would've been 86.

Each year, as you know, I write some things down that remind me of what a special part of my life you were....so here goes.

Apparently, the first time I laid eyes on you - at the brilliant age of 6 months old - I knew we would be close friends!

When I was in NY or when you came to visit me here, there was nothing else that mattered but getting one of your hugs...a hug that felt like it reached into the inner depths of my soul and had my heart smiling from the inside.

I remember your scent, a mixture of Ararmis and soap, and how your white undershirt and jeans seem to keep you young at heart, no matter how many years went by.

I remember your hair, that funny grey comb-over that never seemed to blow in the right direction when a wind gust blew and how you unconsciously fixed it by brushing your hand across your forehead.

I remember thinking that you kept that round figure, no matter what the doctor said about your heart, because you knew your belly was my favorite pillow and you knew it was impossible for me to sleep without resting my head on it.

There were long walks in the garden with you explaining every herb and bush.

There were ice cream parlor visit's where sharing a banana split was only so Nanny didn't yell at me for eating too much ice cream.

There was that phrase "Hey...ba-by!" that I looked forward to hearing from the other end of the phone, no matter how many birthday's passed.

There were always early mornings with onion bagels and fried eggs followed by long walks on the boardwalk with Uncle Leo.

And there was that laugh...that funny laugh, that was part cough - part giggle - that put all my worries at ease and reminded me I was in the room with MY Poppy and everything would be alright.

-------------------------------------------------

Poppy,

There are so many things I miss about you and being back in your house last week, I realized you may be gone in the flesh but my memories and your scent are still constantly with me.

Each year I choose to celebrate your birthday, rather than your death, and there is no better way to say Happy Birthday - at least from my perspective - than to share with you all you have left me to pass on to my son.

You were a kind man who did so much for his country, community and church and who is fondly remember by all who mention your name.

Just so you know:

Onion bagels don't taste the same (even in NY)!
Fried eggs don't come out right (even in your favorite pan)!
And no one, but Brady, has ever been loved the way I love you!

I miss you everyday and I hope you and Uncle Leo are walking the boardwalk in heaven as we speak!

Family!!

2010-11-23T07:53:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, my father's cousin and oldest friend drove me into the city. As we took the drive, I got to hear stories of what a crazy kid my father was - "Mr. Personality" as they called him, and what a crazy family we have in common.

There were stories of my father and his "group" traveling to Florida to visit his grandfather, my great-grandfather, and how my great-grandfather would insist on driving, blindly I might add, only to run into an orange and blinking median. He apparently didn't seem too concerned with the accident and upon driving away insisted "that wasn't there the last time I drove this route!"

There were stories of golfing adventures, where blind Great-Grandfather D, couldn't see the ball in front of him, but if you lined him up correctly, could hit the ball a perfectly straight 120 yards, and could walk off the course having only shot his age...86.

These are stories I rarely here from my father, so to get the opportunity to hear what he was like as a kid and what kind of crazy things they got into, was an amazing experience!

Then, last night I got the amazing opportunity to spend a "girl's night" with my cousin, Cathy, and her best friend, Becky.

Honestly, there is nothing like being up here in NY, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows your business ;) Case in point, Cathy and I walked into a restaurant and the waiter just so happened to be a former student of her husband. Unreal!

It's funny, I rarely get the opportunity to talk about my life and family and have the person across the table automatically know who I'm talking about. It is a sense of comfort I rarely get to feel and I often wonder what it would've been like growing up here. I would assume, if you live here and have spent your entire life here, you sometimes take for granted knowing everyone or being related to everyone. Having drinks with your cousin or your best childhood friend would be a common occurrence, instead of a once-in-a-lifetime gathering.

Overall, the day and night was enjoyed with plenty of laughs, plenty of wine (and Peroni) and I woke up today feeling full of smiles.

There is nothing like family and nothing like NY! It surely holds a very dear and special place in my heart, and the Pizza, the bagels, and cannoli's are just an added bonus to spending time with awesome family members!

This Thanksgiving I feel truly blessed to have spent time with family I rarely see and to get the opportunity to gain memories I would've never had before!!

With Love,
Your Very Full and Happy Italian Blogger ;)

When I was a Girl...

2010-11-22T06:41:00.003-06:00

Almost every summer I would come to this house and spend time with my grandparents.

I remember walking up those narrow stairs and the aroma of garlic hitting you in the face the moment you stepped in the door. I used to think this 3 bedroom apartment was so big, and "my room" (the one with my birth certificate hanging on the wall) was one of my favorite things.

I remember my grandfather, Poppy, walking to the garden and picking tomatoes as I skipped behind him thinking he was my most favorite person in the whole wide world! The smell of fresh tomatoes and basil was incredible. Even now, the smell is so unforgettable that when I catch a scent, it immediately brings me back to that time.

I remember waking up in the morning to the smell of sizzling bacon and Poppy standing over the stove in his favorite uniform, a white undershirt and his gold cross proudly across his neck, waiting for me to open the door and say "hey baby! You want some juice? Have some juice!"

There was the bright red patio with the gravel driveway and the mysterious shed in back, that was my person playground. There was tupperware and TV stands and cheerios hidden beneath the china cabinet.

Back then, I thought everyone within a 15 mile radius was my aunt and uncle and I thought chicken cutlets was the healthiest meal there was. I thought Carvel was the only type of ice cream they made and I thought pastrami sandwiches and pizza should only be eaten up here.

Now, however, coming back things have changed...and it makes me look back and realize how much I miss those times.

Poppy is no longer here to take me out back for tomatoes, the aroma of garlic has slowly disappeared, and those narrow stairs and small apartment seem like a distant memory.

My room, which I slept in last night, has the same mattress and my birth certificate has been replaced by a picture of an angel. Pictures on the wall that once displayed the 3 grandchildren have now been replaced by the 5 grandchildren and my son, her only great-grandchild.

It still feels like home up here, but it's different.

Typing on my IPad with my wireless keyboard at my grandmother's kitchen table, I realize things have truly changed, and I don't know if I am ready to let go of the way things were.

Maybe in my old age or because I have become a mother, I have become sentimental over those times.

Sun-Kissed Skin, Beach Sand, and Precious Moments

2010-07-09T19:25:00.010-05:00

Look mom...a flag :)
fountains!

Mom's little surfer dude...

Chilaxin'

Poppy love <3

Are three ways I would describe our 4th of July vacation.

South Carolina and Hilton Head Island are quickly becoming synonyms with 4th of July fireworks and laughter by the beach!

Each year, we head to my parents condo out here to bask in the sun and relax by the waves, and let me tell you, every year it does the trick!

Mr Man is old enough now that he enjoys the sand and waves in the morning and by nap time is absolutely exhausted from running all morning. When the blonde monster wakes up, it's back to the pool or beach we go, to hang with friends and splash in the fountains.

These are the times I will re-count to my grandchildren and try to explain to them that family, as crazy as they are, cannot be replaced. The love and laughter they give to you throughout your life is unrivaled.

As our last full day rapidly approaches, I can only be extremely thankful for having such a wonderful family that I enjoy spending vacations with and that can provide us with amazing vacations such as these :)

Dear,

2010-05-25T08:21:00.000-05:00

Dear Montessori Mom,

Yes, I saw that sideways glance you gave me when I told my child to “stop kicking mommy”, and when I proceeded to grab one leg and buckle the seatbelt with the other hand, so he wasn’t able to slide out of the seat. In case you were wondering…he’s 2, and he’s big for his age. And in case you didn’t notice, I weigh like 90lbs. So managing a 35lb squirming 2 year old is not what I consider ideal after driving in traffic for 30 minutes on a MONDAY. But listen lady…it comes with the territory. We are mom’s and we have to hold our ground when we need. If that means grabbing a chubby 2 year old leg, while biting the strap of the car seat and buckling my son in, by God that’s what I’ll do! Next time, look the other way, and keep your thoughts in your head, unless you want me to slide a glance in your direction when your angelic daughter pulls her dress up and shows the world her…! Kthx!

Dear Nail Clipping Co-Workers,

First of all…really? Do you HAVE a bathroom at your house? Do you know what that sounds like to the rest of us diligently working away? It sounds like click, click, click, and then nails falling into a trashcan. People, the cube walls aren’t soundproof. If you can hear it, so can I, and I wouldn’t doubt the person on the other end of the phone you are trying to sell a new job to, can as well. EWWWWW! Have some common courtesy for your fellow cube mates and leave the nail clippers at home.

Dear Mr. Egg Man,

Although it may be amazingly healthy for you to cook egg whites in the microwave, have you ever thought about the lingering body odor smell it leaves in the kitchen when you walk away or about the people that happen to have a cube outside said kitchen? No…well let me spell it out for you…your nasty microwaved egg whites are gross. They stink up the whole kitchen and honestly, who cares how good they are for you, I want to hurl and that doesn’t make me a happy camper. So, Mr. Egg White man, if you could be so kind as to heat your whites in some other capacity or try and eat breakfast PRIOR to coming to the office, I would really appreciate it.

Dear Random Braking Drivers,

I would like to kindly point out that if you slam on your brakes, for no apparent reason, in the middle of the highway, while the rest of the world is cruising at 60 mph, you may just want to hire a driver and let the rest of us get to where we need to go. If you aren’t about to hit a coyote, an armadillo (listen people I’m in Texas, it happens) or a dog, please for the love of God, do not slam on your brakes for no reason. Just because your cell phone rings with “Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night” does not give you the right to slam on your brakes and reach in your purse and try and find the thing. The call can wait! Trust me the person will call back if it’s an emergency, or you can try the safest route, and wait until you get home.

And finally…

Dear Black Eyed Peas,

First of all, I would like to just say I am a huge fan and anytime you need a backstage groupie, you know where to find me! However, your catchy beats and fun lyrics have put my 2 year old into a tailspin and this Momma is not so happy about it. If I have to hear “the tonight good song” one more time, at 7 AM, while sitting in rush hour, I might just scream. I do not fault you for your musical brilliance, but maybe, just maybe, think about the moms out there, trying their damndest to give their kids the best education and possibly try and make our morning commute a little more…relaxing. Maybe call Timberland and hook up a duet with Kenny G. I think it would be a number one hit. If you need me, call me, I can have your people call your people…or whatever J

I'm Back!!!

2010-05-20T08:33:00.004-05:00

And it's been a hell of a ride!!!

I think the last time I posted was in October, yes I know, I'm a slacker...what can I say, a girl's gotta work, and time gets away from ya! ;)

Well, what has happened in the last couple of months, you ask? Here goes!

Thanksgiving - we ate a lot :)

Christmas - we got snowed in, had an impromtu concert in my dad's media room, drank too much wine, got amazing gifts, and the love and food flowed freely!

New Years - I spent with a guy, on a couch, cuddling. Not to mention, I got a kiss at midnight. B was with Matt and stayed up to the late hour of 8 PM.

Valentines - my parents gave me adorable gifts and I got to love on my munckin.

The month of the Irish - was filled with everything Irish! I was dating an Irishman, so green beer was had, an amazing vacation with tropical islands and white sands was taken and we fell in love again.

April - BRADY TURNED 2!!!!! My beautiful, blue eyed son, turned 2 years old and it melted Mommy's heart! We took pictures to celebrate the moment, had a brunch party, and he was spoiled with over generous friends and toys!!!

May - has brought a broken heart (Irish and I have decided to split), a new way of thinking, and my birthday - which is Sunday. I can't say I am jumping up and down to turn the big 2-9, but I will tell you that amazing family and friends has made me appreciate all the little things I have!!!

So thanks for reading...if you're still otu there, and sorry I went MIA.

The Italian Stilletto is back and better than ever!!!!

Pumpkin Patch time!

2009-10-10T13:25:00.007-05:00

Today, we braved the cold and the mudd and headed to the pumpkin patch!! My theory, is that kettle corn and hot apple cider, really just isn't the same unless you can see your breath! So pretty much, pumpkin patches rock!!

So here it goes: Pre patch!

Mom, is that snoopy?

More pumpkins!

Hee hee

My little Montessori Man

2009-09-24T14:08:00.003-05:00

Mr Man is exploding with knowledge at this Montessori, I am just so proud of him!

Last night after dinner, he turned to me and said, "ok mom... bath?"

I think I sat there a little stunned before I said yes. He is growing up right before my eyes *weep*

Then this morning, while watching Imagination Movers, we were about to have to go and I said, ok bud, lets get your shoes and socks. And he walks in his room, grabs some socks, and brings them to me and says "socks!" He is such a doll.

I knew when we started sending him to the school he would get smarter, but this quickly, and this many words, is just unbelievable.

Not to mention Mr Man has started singing. As you all know, I sang to him as a baby, and have continued that in all of his 17 months... but when he started singing back to me, I couldn't help but cry.

Both the ex and I are singers, so I guess he just hears us all the time, and he gets to sing at his school. It is just so incredible to have these walking, talking, little people staring at you and singing to you.

Even after 17 months I am utterly shocked at how much the little guy teaches me!

A ReCap

2009-09-06T16:02:00.007-05:00

I am officially the worst blogger ever. Raising Mr Man and working full time, has taken its toll on my schedule, which of course cuts into my blogging life ;-)

However, I thought I would catch you up on what has happened, since the last post.

First of all Mr Man has started Montessori school. He is doing very well, although he has only been in it a week. He seems to be speaking a lot more, and he is loving the kiddo's and new toys.

This weekend was an absolute blast with the little guy!

Saturday we spent time with 2 pretty ladies, Miss Priss and Lindsay. We went to the rainforest cafe and surprisngly the loud noises and large (fake) animals didn't scare the two, but kept them utterly entertained, so Lindsay and I actually had a conversation ;-) I would recommend it to anyone! Then, in the afternoon, I took the munchkin to the blues festival. OMG that was fun, but it was HOT! Mr Man was entertaining all the people on the lawn with his awesome moves and we even got video'd by ABC news. Woot!!!

Sunday I took Mr Man to the zoo and holy schmole. What an amazing experience. First off, that place is enormous!! And Mr Man was so excited to walk around and check everything out. We had a blast. He even had some sherbert! At around 2pm, though, he was absolutely wooped, and so was I, so it was nap time for both of us.

Overall, this has been a busy month. Mr Man is a whopping 16 months (soon to be 17 months - where the heck has time gone???). October is right around the corner, and pumpkin patches and Halloween costumes will soon come out, for all to see.

The Best View in the Morning...

2009-07-12T16:25:00.004-05:00

Every morning, when Mr man wakes up, I peek in his room and I get to see this beautiful face. There really is no other better sight in the morning. Not to mention the morning hair is awesome. It hard to describe how you can miss and love soomeone so much at the same time.

Then, yesterday, I thought I would try and give Mr Man a spoon and see if he could feed himself some cereal. Needless to say, he didn't get too many cheerios in his mouth, but it was a darn fun experience!

Such a cutie!

July 4th!

2009-07-09T19:35:00.003-05:00

Although I wasn't able to spend the actual July 4th with B, I did get to see him participate in a 4th of July parade and wear an adorable hat (that he made).

I never thought it would be this hard, not seeing my little guy, but it gets harder and harder each week. I miss that little monster more than I can say.

I still think B has adjusted well to the situation, but I am not sure how well I am adjusting...

I am trying to stay positive, but it sure is hard!

14 Months!!

2009-06-28T10:04:00.005-05:00

As my beautiful son grows older, his personaly becomes more and more defined. Not to mention, there is no keeping up with an active 14 month old.

This is him April 17th :)

He is always contemplative, wondering what I am doing. Whether it is cooking, or talking, or singing or cleaning, he wants to know how he can be of assitance or wants me to show him exactly how things are done.

He is also extremely analytical (He gets this from his daddy)! Wondering why the screw on his Xylephone won't come out when he puts the stick in the hole and turns (I am assuming like dad does at home?).

And he is ever the ham! He laughs when you poke his nose. He laughs when you say the word zipper and he laughs when you smile at him. He is exactly like me in this regard. Not to mention, my little bundle, you are becoming quite the ladies man at school. Walking into the room and having all the girls run up and hug you. You must be a good hugger ;-)

At 14 months love bug, you amaze me everyday.

You are saying too many words to count.
If I ask you to do something, you go and do it
You love water, and milk, and Lord knows you can eat!
You run, run, and run! I think it is your favorite activity.
You give the best hugs

And most of all, you teach momma new things every month, not to mention, every day!

I am happy to say, for all of you still reading out there, Mr Man has adjusted amazingly to the situation. The divorce was final on Tuesday of this week and the ex and I continue to talk on a regular basis. Sometimes 3 times a day. We finalized things via mediation and we were done shortly after lunch. It was relatively painless. Mr Man is the happiest baby I know and shows no signs of agitation toward the situation (so far). The ex and I praying (and working together) to keep things this friendly and happy throughout his life.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes, as they seem to be working. God Bless!

Changes!

2009-06-13T13:47:00.004-05:00

Since the divorce, it's no secret, things have been a little different around here.

Time schedules are tighter, it seems like weeks, even months fly by, and it seems like I never get any time to rest.

With that said, there have been other changes.

I feel like, the weeks I don't have my little man, I am trying to get my life back. I think while married to a man that didn't really see me for who I truly was, I lost sight of who I really was.

I was always outgoing, energetic, and a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kinda person, and I liked that about me. But my ex husband is not that way. He likes schedules, he likes movies, he likes to sit and watch the sunset. At first I thought this was endearing, and I certainly thought it calmed me down, but over time I grew bored of this type of behavior, and in the end, opposites did not attract.

The one thing I will say, is that the ex and I are on wonderful terms. We talk daily, if not twice or three times a day regarding B. I think we talk now, more than we ever did when we were married, which is so nice I cannot even tell you.

However, other people have fallen out of touch. And that saddens me. I had heard that a friend had asked if I had a boyfriend, because of some picture I posted on FB or myspace. I was hurt by this, because I thought as a friend, she should have contacted me, not asked someone else, and so I told her so, via email. I guess this wasn't the right way to convey this message, because she thought I was yelling at her or who knows what, and she ended the friendship.

So... as the divorce is coming to a close, and the ex and I are becoming closer friends, and I am finding myself once again, other people, I am realizing, were not meant to continue to be in my life. It is sad but true.

I know God has an ultimate plan and I know these changes are good, in some way or another, it is just such a strange time in my life. At 28 I always thought I would've had it figured out. The husband, the child, the house. Period the end. But I guess not. I guess life is a mountain, not a beach, and God always has something up his sleeve :)

Here is to more changes, should they come your way, good or bad!

Ciao Darlings!

13 Months, Tubes and an Appetite to Remember!!

2009-06-02T11:07:00.003-05:00

I have been the worst blogger and I appologize! Mr Man is just such a growing boy I don't even know how to keep up!

On May 17th (yes forever ago... slapping my own wrist) Mr Man turned 13 Months. He is such a big boy these days it is almost impossible to write about all that he is doing.

He is talking non stop and running all over the place.

He loves to run around the corner and hide from any diaper changing or clothing change.

He says all types of words, thanks to the tubes in his ears, and he is just an absolute joy.

I think they get more fun the older they get!

So... to the tubes... poor Mr Man got 6 ear infections in 8 weeks. It was horrible. The ex and I didn't know what to do. We were always at the doctor and Mr Man was in such pain we decided to move forward with getting the tubes. Honestly, the procedure wasn't that bad, I mean, nerve racking, but it was over in like 10 minutes. The worst (according to the ex) was the ear drops the poor guy had to endure for 7 days afterwards. However, now, that he has had them for a while, he is a new little guy. It seems he is loving life, running around, watching movies and talking non stop. We are very happy with the decision!

The only other news, is my son's appetite :) The man eats more food than I can count. The other night he ate 6 chicken nuggest (yes you read that correctly), blueberries, and puffs. I couldn't feed the man fast enough. He has an un-rivaled appetite, it is so funny.

Maybe Mr Man will be a NY Giants linebacker after all :)

Girls are better than Boys... Nah nah nah nah!!!!!

2009-05-16T18:29:00.003-05:00

Hello... did anyone watch the Preakness....

Um... hell yeah!

Can I get a... where's all my ladies at! *High fiving Beyonce!*

Did you see that Filly kick the other boys butt!!

Um... B and I did.

Yep! We sure did.

Way to go Rachel Alexandra!! You show 'em girl!!

Celebrate the small things...

2009-05-02T21:50:00.002-05:00

Tonight was blissful!

An evening spent, grocery shopping with my mom, then feeding my little man and hanging out with my dad and baby bro.

For me, being such a family person, it really doesn't get much better than that!

Mr Man just loves being with Nonna and Poppy and they, equally, love being near him. Poppy will laugh and B will mimic.

It just makes my heart melt.

Now, I am sitting here, listening to the rain hit the windows, and listening to B sleep soundly, as I type this post.

Such a peaceful evening. Such a small thing, but such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night!

David Beckham, watch out!

2009-04-27T17:37:00.003-05:00

There is a new blonde bombshell, soccer star in our midst!!

A 1st Birthday Party!!

2009-04-19T06:54:00.002-05:00

Brady's 1st birthday party was absolutely amazing!! And the outpouring of love that I felt made it one of the best days of my life... so far!

When I got to my parent's house, everything was perfectly decorated, all the food was prepared, and I was told to just enjoy the party. My mom, grandmother, and father had done an amazing job with everything and I just can't thank them enough for all they did!!!!

The nautical theme turned out beautifully. My friends were more than generous with their gifts and I am so appreciative of them driving all the way to celebrate Mr Man's first birthday.

It was an absolute blast to have had them there. And I am pretty sure Mr Man, could he have thanked them all himself, would've said the same thing!

Have you ever met a stranger?

2009-04-10T11:51:00.002-05:00

"Nope!" Was my response. And that, my friends, is the truth.

My mom tells stories how I would just walk up to strangers and start talking to them and singing to them.

Last night, my girlfriend E and I went out to dinner, and by the end of the night, we had hooked up with this fabulous table of 5 women and 1 guy. It was wonderful to get to spend time with old friends, and meet new ones.

The DJ even bought me a beer, just so we would stay around and keep the party going :)

That, my friends, is a heck of a way to spend a Thursday evening :)

Hope you all have a GOOD Friday!

Happy Good Friday!!!

2009-04-10T11:29:00.002-05:00

Got this from JulieQ and about peed my pants. ENJOY!!

Maybe I'm Ok?

2009-04-07T20:13:00.003-05:00

With being alone?

There has been some adjustment, going from a 7 + year relationship to nothingness, but as the dust clears, I think this may be exactly what I need.

This coming Friday will be my very first weekend ALONE. And I am talking ALONE people!

Yes, I am having dinner with fabulous girlfriends... but coming home, later that evening, to a VERY empty house is going to be a sobering experience.

I think when you are married, you never really think about single people. I sure didn't anyway? I always thought their life was glamorous, in some sick way?

No one to have to talk to, or ask what they want for dinner, or cater to when their sick. But now... maybe its a blessing to always have someone to share your thoughts with, to have someone to get you theraflu when you feel like you are knocking on deaths door, or maybe... someone wants to cook YOU dinner?

Maybe it is a blessing both ways?

Eh... who knows.

Life is a learning experience (or that is what I tell myself these days, anyway) and each day is a new journey.

Sometimes its bumpy, sometimes its fun, other times it just plain sucks. But... there are ALWAYS lessons to be learned.

The New Pad

2009-04-05T08:31:00.009-05:00

Is coming along nicely :)

Hey... its no Taj Mahal... but its home, and B and I are lovin' it!!!

Here is the best part... the view!!!

The fireplace... which B has found he loves to eat... yummy!

Mr Man's new (Giants themed) room! WOOT!

My bedroom

Dining

Living

And Kitchen... fabulous job on the cabinets L!

There are some things that I still haven't gotten used to like:

A) climbing 8,003 stairs to get to my apartment, all while carrying a diaper bag, a filled purse and a 23lb small man - but hey, look on the bright side - in 2 months my ass is gonna be smokin'! Feel the burn baby, feel the burn!!!

B) I have yet to figure out how to carry 2 loads of garbage and said man and diaper bag and purse DOWN the stairs - that one still has to be figured out? Suggestions?

C) I am loving cleaning this place. Um... hello vacuuming 5 min. Walking all of 3 minutes to the washer and dryer and dishes for one (sometimes throw a bottle in there) can I get a hell yeah!

D) I just got TV last night, and to be honest, it was kind of nice not having the option to hear the depressing news. I have no DVR (gasp!) and no cable to speak of. I have bunny ears (the newest model) but still. Humble pie for one. Thanks!

Overall, B and I are adjusting well. It has been a struggle, and I have fiigured out I royally SUCK at being alone, but over time I am sure things will be alright! The first few months are always an adjustment period. I am just trying to look on the bright side of every situation, including this one.

Ciao Darlings!

Moving Day...

2009-03-26T18:54:00.004-05:00

So... yesterday was the big day.

I moved out of my house into a new little place. It is a huge adjustment, and I am not sure how I feel about it yet.

Things are moving along, and althought I know both Hubs (wow, I guess I need to change that name) and I have made the right decision, these are still uncertain times.

I appreciate all your kinds words and support. And would ask you continue to keep us in your prayers.

-------------------------------------------------------

Mom, I wouldn't know what to do without you. You are my backbone through this process! You make me laugh when I am crying, and you pick me up when I have crumbled to the floor. You are so much more than a mom! You are the greatest friend a girl could have! And I love you!!!

L, damn girl, you have done so much I just cannot thank you enough! Coffee makers, free glasses (and hershey kisses), making kitchen cabinets looking fabulous, and always an ear to hear my woes :) I love ya! And it means the world to me to have you as a friend!!!

And T, you have given me so much advice, and done so much stuff I don't even know where to begin to thank you! So... thank you! Just thank you!!