Relaxed

Yesterday I had a great day:  women's group with a friend, then errand running and playing at the park with her daughter.  Seriously makes me want a couple little girls of my own!  We pumped our legs flying higher and higher on the swings and then played tag which reminded me I'm getting older.  Then I picked G up, he did a work out while I read some, and then it was home for a nap.  We woke up at about 8:30 last night, and normally that would mean I would be up all night, but it wasn't even 1 a.m. and we were both out again.  Yay!  I needed the sleep and am planning on getting a full 7-8 hours tonight.  Time to really start taking care of myself.

So here I sit at Panera, reading the Washington Post from cover to cover, finding things to discuss over dinner, jotting down notes, listening to classical music and finding that their dark roast is the only coffee decent here.  I've got zumba later this morning.  Pray for me, I've never tried this class before.  

I want to thank all of you for your kind comments about me posting less.  I am sure I will get back to posting every day eventually (after all, I am a chatterbox).  But for now, it's been nice to just enjoy my day and not think "What on earth will I post about today?"  Part of it was the pressure, and part of it was realizing that I wasn't blogging what I wanted to out of fear that it would upset someone somewhere.  I am extremely opinionated but like to avoid stepping on toes.  

But now that the cat's out of the bag I can share that we adopted a kitten while T was here visiting.  His name is Maximus (Max for short) and he's absolute perfection.  I am not a cat person, but I am the one who fell in love and chose him.  He's spunky, not at all intimidated by the dogs, and a cuddler with a huge purr to boot.  He even likes his belly rubbed and will throw himself at you to get the petting he well deserves!  Last night he and Sophie (the lab) were playing with her play growling and pouncing and him batting at her snout.  It was the funniest thing I think I've ever seen since he's the size of her head!  G wanted a cat, we've been looking for a year, and I think he's pretty dang content.  More pics to come soon (I snapped a bunch last night), but here's the one from him deciding our sofa blanket is his:

 

That's about all I have for now.  Back to reading the Post and enjoying my coffee this cloudy day.  

*Oh, and for those curious about my mileage I'm planning to do a couple miles today at the gym, so stay tuned for me whining about how sore I am!

Columbus Day Weekend

When I was a small child in second grade at French school, we did a lot with the whole Christopher Columbus discovering America thing.  We made soap boats and floated them.  We all brought in spices to smell and talk about the search for ways to get to the countries with spices (like the India we were supposed to be).  It was memorable.  

This year it's memorable because G has Monday off!  Which is nice, because with T having tragically left me (the week flew by so quickly!) I am pretty sure the house would have been too quiet and G would have come home to find me rocking back and forth and muttering something (or whatever would be equally crazy). 

I miss T already, but G being here helps.  We had a great week that ended in a night out on the town at a club.  Our taxi driver who dropped us off exclaimed that we lived in the hood, and T about lost it laughing.  "Oh yes," she said, "I've been pretty much shot at every night."  (for the record, so untrue, it fact she was stunned by how quiet our neighborhood is.)  We had a good laugh discussing it the next day, making sure she would make us sound tough by telling everyone back home that we apparently live in a war zone.  We hit up the farmer's market, grabbed breakfast at Carma's Cafe, and then tried unsuccessfully to distract her long enough that she would miss her flight. 

Her being here did make me realize that a huge thing missing here is a close group of friends.  I have a friend or two, but have been unsuccessful in just getting out there and meeting people who I have more than a simple acquaintance with.  She and I talked about how much harder it is to make friends as you get older.  How much harder so much of being a grown-up is.  Suddenly you're a little more reserved, a little more cautious.  I'm trying to get over that, so keep your fingers crossed for me!  

We'll see her again at Thanksgiving, so it won't be too long! But until then, it's time I stop being so damn afraid of other women.  I mean, they don't all bite, right?

Whoa Nellie

It's 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.  Wow, this week has flown by!  We've been cooking, baking, drinking coffee, and exploring.  I found a place for G's candy cigarette habit so I can keep him stocked up for "smoke" breaks at work.  And last night T made us lasagna that was delicious (as always).  Today G is getting off a bit early and we're walking up to our cafe for coffee talk.  

The rain here has kept us indoors a lot, but the puppies seem to be enjoying having us up and around so much.  I haven't gotten many projects done, but I've been able to relax and actually get some decent sleep, and that is so much more important.  

More later, I need to get up and moving on this (finally) sunny day!

She's Here!

T is here!  We picked her up yesterday, came back and G finally got some sleep.  Much, much needed sleep.  So T and I got to chat, drink copious amounts of coffee and prep for quiche. Then last night we made up a batch of pumpkin muffins with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

It's been raining off and on, so boo to that.  But we're having a good time and I am so excited she's finally here!  Planning on relaxing most of this week, with maybe time for a project or two.  Check in later for the Making Your Home A Haven post. 

Flash

It's raining, it's pouring, I wish my "old" man was here curled up with me.  Hmm. 

It's literally raining enough that we're under both flash flood warnings and coastal flood warnings.  And it's supposed to rain several inches more tonight.  Joy.  I was supposed to be going to a wine tasting and dinner but had to call the restaurant and cancel me being there because G is down south and with this rain he'll never get home in time.  And of course, the restaurant being down near the water wasn't helping me feel like rushing to get somewhere I might not be able to get home from!

So instead we're spending tonight continuing to prep for when my best friend gets here!  We don't have a guest bedroom set up yet with furniture, because eventually our bedroom furniture is going in there, but currently we're in the process of trying to find time to build (yes, I said build!) our bed.  So my bestie is on an air mattress for the week, but I'm trying to make it look cozy and welcoming in there for her!  I am so super excited for her to come I keep telling G, "Theresa is coming!  I'm so excited!"  and he just looks at me, laughs and says he knows.  Okay, perhaps I should limit it to once a day.

I am hoping that the rain means it will be cooled down.  I'm planning on having us walk up to drink coffee at my favorite little place, and the coolness will make that easier.  I'm also excited for the weather to be a bit cooler so I can cook!  I really need to sit down and menu plan for this visit.  So far I'm thinking pizza, soups, quiche, maybe a roasted chicken or some meatloaf (my maman's recipe, and it's to die for).  And T has also offered to make lasagna!  I love hers, so I keep telling G about it.  

I am supremely lucky.  I met T our first few days at college, and we've been close since.  And even luckier....my husband thinks she's great too!  Now if only I could convince her to move out here to Charm City.....  

I mean, who doesn't want to living in such a charm-ing place? 

Sanity

We socialized a lot this weekend.  There was a dinner party at our realtor's home.  She has an amazing place, with large decks on both the front and back of the house so she has some great views.  Her husband made lasagna, and with a delicious salad we all sat around eating and talking into the night.  One deck has a large table with chairs around it, and the other has a fuel pack fire pit (so no smoke) with outdoor sofa and chairs around it.  I spent time in both areas, chatting with the other lovely guests, including a woman who owns the hair salon that our realtor recommended to me. 

Sunday we had a brunch with a group we're a part of here.  It's a lively group, and we always have a great time.  Some of my favorite people were there, and we got to talking about the madness that is facebook, and how rude it is to make people stop speaking during a toast so that you can write it down to post on facebook.  We agreed it tends to be the type of people who are worried about how they are perceived and want to make sure everyone knows they're out there having a great time.  Only when you're more worried about making sure it looks like you have a social life you tend to not get invited back, so your social life begins to dwindle.  While I see benefits to social networking, I've noticed many times how annoying people are about keeping up with them, even including being rude to the people they're with.  I explained that while I blog there usually aren't any photos of weekends such as these because I'd rather live it than capture it. 

But what I did really realize this weekend is that this is what keeps me, and will continue to keep me, sane.  A fellow bruncher mentioned that when G is deployed I will definitely have to call them to hang out and get together to keep busy.  I agreed and thanked her.  I've worried about what I'll do, I'm toying with the idea of getting a job to help the time pass, but I think more than anything my social life is what will keep me sane.  I think I am fortunate in that I enjoy my own company and am okay with even dining out alone.  But it will be nice to have people to invite over for a dinner.

But speaking of dinner I have a beef, barley and mushroom veggie soup to get started on!  Loving the rainy weather!  We're planning on sitting down to some tea this afternoon and then having the yummy soup for dinner.  I love this time of year for the sense of snugness and coziness our home gets!

Epic Fail

Last night G and I went to play trivia at our local place.  And we were doing so well!  At half time we were in first place by quite a few points.  But the second half killed us.  We literally left early to avoid the humiliation.  At the final question we were in 4th, but bombed it (embarrassingly so, it had to do with the Cusacks, I mean...come on!).  

Overall it was a fun night, and I'm glad it's a regularly scheduled thing in my planner.  My midweek "let my hair down" time.

 They had a new girl doing the tallying....she took a little longer than usual...okay, a lot longer.  I got bored.  Hence this.  

And just because, I thought I would share how I spend my days at home....curled up in bed with Miss Sophie and Miss Audrey.  Here I am during our "huggles and snuggles" time (if you mention this phrase you will end up with a lab in your lap).  She can literally leap on the bed without you feeling or hearing it....so this photo was after a sneak attack.

Then, last night on the way home from trivia we saw this:  a dapper gentleman, standing completely upright, in a tux with bowtie, riding a segway....at 11 p.m.  I of course had to get a snap, but this was the best I could do.....he was moving fast!

Life is funny, isn't it?

Crab Bash

Last night we headed to the crab bash.  My biggest mistake was in assuming we would be sitting (or that there would be seating if you chose to partake in it).  So I wore heels.  Huge mistake, I was on my feet for about 3 hours straight.  Near the end we realized in the hotel area there were couches and chairs and partook in those. 

I wore a Maggie London dress I hadn't worn before with a Vera Wang (from Kohl's) necklace and my Chinese Laundry heels. 

So the crab bash was a cook-off, with different stations to go and try the food.  We went through quite quickly to try everything so they wouldn't run out (one station as we were leaving the upper level had no more, but it was our first stop that level).  The first station we were to was the chef at the B&O's station.  He made a crab cake with a petite ravioli and some beautiful tomatoes (the big bowl there is full of petite purple and orange ones).

Then we headed off to the SALT restaurant table where we tasted a delicious crab in avocado dish.  It had a corn salad with a bit of a kick to it.

Our third stop was one of the group's favorites.  Rich and delectable a crab and sweet corn ravioli with a basil oil drizzle and a chorizo chip.  

There were 7 entrants total, with some I was simply unimpressed with.  The one that won the best flavor category had pickled beets and had a complex taste, but quite frankly was plated the worst.  The dish that won the whole shebang was Brewer's Art.  They did a crab cake with a southern corn salad and two sauces, one which was a homebrew beer sauce.  Strange but delicious, it was my pick to win.  

Overall it was a fun night.  The money went to a worthwhile cause, and I got to know a lady I had met recently better.  I would say the night was a win.

*EDIT*  I forgot to mention the gentlemen who came up and interrupted our conversation while we were sitting on a sofa to tell me that they just loved my necklace.  I was extremely pleased and flattered since I was debating wearing it since it's so flashy.   

Success!

Last night I wore a black maxi dress that I had bought at The Limited a year ago on clearance.  I had been wanting a maxi dress (had actually bought one from Old Navy last Spring, but had to send back), but had trouble finding one.  Of course I found one I loved on clearance once the season was over.  But in an effort to shop my closet and start wearing the clothes I have, I got brave and wore it last night.  

It went over wonderfully.  Several of the women kept telling me how much they loved it, and when I eventually pulled my hair up into a bun, one woman saw the back of the dress and began complimenting that (it dips in a deep v, same as the front).  I will admit I was terrified of wearing this dress.  I explained that to the woman, explaining the wearing things I own plan, and one woman said several times that I should definitely wear it more often.  

G with his dollar bills.

And most importantly of all, G thought it was beautiful on me.  My biggest fear with the dress was that with the deep v neck I would end up popping out up front, but everything stayed perfectly in place and I was comfortable all night.  

So now I'm being brave and wearing a Banana Republic shirt-dress that I picked up at the thrift store.  It's modest, which is perfect for church, and paired with my thrift store Etienne Aigner brown heels and I'm good to go.  I added a vintage purse that I had picked up because it smelled like my grandmother's house (prompting me to wonder if this is a universal grandmama smell, or rather the smell of items that have aged like a good wine). 

Looking pretty at Clementine's.  Well, I look pretty...

As for the party last night, G and I both had a great time.  We drank, ate yummy food (including vodka tomatoes which I am so putting on the list of must have cocktail party food!), and played some game with dice and dollar bills.  Fun was had, midnight struck and I drove us back to our castle.

This morning we got up, dressed for church and enjoyed the sermon.  I nearly spilled Jesus' blood (the wine) all over myself, and that would have been a major faux pas.  After church we headed to IKEA to pick up a few things, such as a glass bottle for making homemade vanilla.  We hadn't had any caffeine and it was mid afternoon so we stopped in at the cafe to have some coffee and cake.  I got the almond cake and G, manly man that he is, got the princess cake.  Yep.  It even had a little chocolate crown.  

We're home, I'm resting my poor foot and we're relaxing before the week begins.  Hope all of you had great weekends that fortified you before the week begins!

Sunny Saturday

So we got up early this morning to head to the market.  G made me tea, and I just kept my eyes closed and made grunting noises indicating that no matter what I was not getting up, no way, no how.  I was able to pull this off for about half an hour.  At the market we picked up our CSA first.  Of course we got plenty of tomatoes, but also got leaf lettuce, yellow-white peppers, eggplant for baba ganoush, and red potatoes.  After that we headed to pick up some portobello mushrooms.  Across from that booth was a man with olive oil, included tastes.  It was delicious, very flavourful, and he imports it from his place in the south of Greece.  If you bring your bottle back you get 20% off a refill, which I found to be an excellent deal. 

I made a fruit salad for the cocktail party tonight.  Was going to do a shrimp salad, but the store had two small bags of frozen shrimp, so I decided to switch to something else.  Using local peaches, kiwi, bananas, pineapple, and strawberries I tossed with some orange juice it is mighty tasty if I may say so!

Made the shrimp salad for our dinner.

On whole grain melba toast.

Now I'm off to finish prettifying myself.  And I'm wearing a dress I bought last summer but haven't worn before.  We'll see if it stays in my wardrobe after tonight. 

Trivia

So on Wednesdays there is a trivia night at a restaurant in Federal Hill, Mad River.  I heard about it through Patti (who is one of the friendliest, most fun people I've met since moving here to the city), a woman I socialize with through my wine drinking group, but the past couple weeks we couldn't make it.  Last night G and I decided we were going, and good thing, the other people cancelled!  So it was the three of us, and neither G or I had ever done trivia before.  I was sure we were going to be up a creek without a paddle.  However as we went along I realized, holy cow, we're actually doing quite well.  We probably won't place, but hey, we won't be so embarrassed we leave early either. 

And G did fantastic!  Who was the pope who changed the calendar to our current version because the last one was knocking us off by 11 minutes each year?  Pope Gregory!  (the Gregorian calendar) What is some symbol for a specific thing in math?  G guessed correctly that it was an exclamation mark!  We got 3 out of the 4 bonus questions.  And the final question (where you can bet up to 40 points, if you have them) was to put these in order by area, starting with the largest: (I'll list them correctly for you) E.U., India, and Greenland.  We debated a bit, ended up writing that down and betting 40 points.  We got it right!  

With my black bangle on over it!

In the end, out of 22 teams, we placed 3rd!!!  With just 3 people (you can have up to 8 on a team), we did quite well!  So we won $10 to use next week when we go.  That will buy each of us a beer and leave a couple dollars for whoever decides to join us.  And I got a nifty yellow arm band (not sure why).  Most exciting and we now have a standing Wednesday night date!

(I have a photo of the 3 of us after our victory, but forgot to ask if she minded if I post it!)

Delish

After my afternoon/evening that I'm still reeling from I was more than happy to get out of the house, away from all forms of technology and go out with new friends to dinner and drinks.  G and I both had a blast!  My tequila fresca (tequila, lime, and herbs) was delicious and I think it will be my go to drink.  As one dinner companion said "it's like an upscale margarita."  

G and I shared duck nachos and then he had the seafood chacuterie (crawfish and shrimp pate with a spicy corn salad).  I had the saffron mussel bisque.  Both delicious, but mine was so rich I handed the bowl off to G in the end.

The best part was the conversation.  A few people I really clicked with, so we've made plans to get together for a dinner sometime soon.  It was a great relaxed evening.

You Know It's A Good Time When...

You're too busy having a blast to actually snap any photos. 

We met up with some people here in the city for brunch at Little Havana.  It was a great time!  I was a bit worried since the crab omelet I ordered had green peppers included and I usually hate them but it was oh so good.  And we had pitchers of mimosas on the table that were included in the price (and they didn't go un-fizzy because we all drank them so quickly).  Bottomless mimosas!  As you can imagine every time I turned around we had a new pitcher.  So it was a good, laid back time, none of us ended up drunk but we ended up chatty for sure.  Three hours of excellent conversation!

Now, we're back at home drinking Strongbow (yes, more alcohol....it's hot and a cold beer sounded good and we haven't had Strongbow since England).  We also picked up 3 different types of cheese, including a blue cheese and a cheese that has coffee and lavender rubbed into the outside.  Never having liked blue cheese I'm making myself eat blue cheeses, and this one actually smelled good.  

We had a horrible mass this morning at a new church.  Almost walked out as soon as the the priest began giving his homily.  It was such a turn off, we walked out as soon as we received communion, something I've never done.  I was mad enough I took notes afterward to complain to the archdiocese about.  Some priests should not be preaching.  Period.  I would write more but his hateful egotistical message is one I don't want associated with my religion.

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend.  G and I have spent a lot of time together but living life, and that makes me happier than I could ever put into words.  And isn't that the way life should be?

Why My Heart Is Full

This weekend we are headed home for a week to see my eldest baby brother graduate high school.  Normally I will admit I kinda dread going home since I feel out of place there.  However, I am so excited I can barely contain myself.  While we will have a full schedule, it's a goodness.  I will be:


* Running every morning with G around my parents neighborhood as well as down to a local place that has been serving classic American food since the 30's I think. (might be the 40's).  
* Walking the puppies daily.
* Meeting up with my best friend for always needed coffee talk as well as an overnight stay I think.  
* Meeting up with one of my oldest and dearest to plan being a bridesmaid for her this fall!  I've never been to a fall wedding, and to be able to celebrate her happiness means so much to me.
* Going to sushi with a friend G has never met.
* Hopefully making it up to Omaha to see a friend I haven't seen in years as well as another friend's new baby!
* Working on a surprise project for my parents home.
* Getting G's motorcycle out to ride as well as taking a ride on his dad's Harley.
* Going target shooting with G's dad.  I've never shot a gun with real bullets, so I'm a wee bit nervous, but G's betting I'll be a good shot.  
* Taking my Grandmama out for lunch at my favorite brunch place.
* Relaxing and having a good time with some of my favorite people in the world!


I have other things I have yet to book, but people I need to see, so I better get right on that!  

Kick Off

This was a start to a great weekend.  We went to Clementine's for pate and wine and ended up eating there as well.  I had swordfish for the first time and am in love.  I really could easily be a mostly pescetarian (vegetarian who eats fish/seafood).  (occasionally I would eat meat though.)  


But what made the night so great was that we sat at the bar and within 5 minutes a woman was sitting next to us and easily we jumped into conversation about food and wine that ended up being an over 2 hour convo with e-mails exchanged.  She was amazing and I kept thinking in the beginning "oh my God she sounds like me" and "we need to be friends" but who on earth actually says those things?  Me, apparently after she said something I strongly agreed with.  I told her flat out "we need to be friends."  She laughed and agreed.  


This isn't me.  I'm the outgoing shy girl.  I can be super friendly, but suck at having to make new friends, especially in a place where I know no one.  But slowly and surely I am taking leaps.  I am jumping into the crazy pool of people who sometimes turn out to be nuts.  But usually they turn out fantastic.  They turn out to be people that are fascinating and it just clicks.  


And I click my heels and realize "nevermind.  I'm already home."

With My Girls (photo heavy)

My best friend in the whole world Theresa got us a room at the Savoy Hotel in K.C.  It's really old, and while it needs a bit of work, the dining room, the front desk, they're all so......glamourous.  It's gorgeous really.  Our room had a sitting room with two tufted chairs, a t.v. coffee and then our bedroom was through double wooden doors with an antique dresser.  The bathroom had two awesome sinks, and a clawfoot tub!

The radiators in our Victorian suite looked like this!

Before heading to the hotel we went shopping.  She hardly goes shopping when I'm not home (how she survived 2 years while I was overseas I have no clue), so off we went for coffee, shopping and a girly good time.  Forever 21 had these wonderful things to offer (including what I call "the cupcake dress" which I am considering getting just for fun):

We met up with Mara at the power and light district to eat and drink the night away.  The Power and Light District in K.C. is a big place full of couches around outdoor fireplaces, clubs, bars, and a big open space to dance.

I have known these girls since my first days of college.  They are two of the most amazing women I know, and I always make sure to take time to see them when I am home.  Mara cleared her schedule to meet up with us, and Theresa drove in and we had a blast getting ready together.  I didn't have a sister growing up (they each have a sister, I am whoa jealous), but these two are as close to me as I imagine a sister would be.

Mara looking "tough."

Our night went like this:  Dinner at Gordon Biersch, where I had an ahi tuna salad that was delicious.  Then headed out and went to Howl at the Moon, a piano bar.  Stayed there most of the night, even fell and got a grapefruit sized bruise on my knee (sadly alcohol was not to blame, just my clumsiness).  Headed down to the open area and were picked up by a bachelor party to dance with the bachelor.  I don't do Ed Hardy or guys who give Mara a run for her money on shortness, so thank God I am married!  Had a good time, they were nice guys, and ended with me recording Mara dancing to Sweet Home Alabama, which she nearly killed me for once she realized what I was doing.

The drummer was a woman and she rocked!

Woke up around 9:30 the next morning and headed to breakfast.  Ate things like oysters rockefeller, lobster bisque, smoked salmon and caviar, and a yummy fruit plate that was made up of perfectly ripe strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.  It was like eating on the Titanic, the sun gorgeous through the stained glass windows.  We're planning on staying there again soon!

Fantastic time with amazing people, it was the most relaxing moment of my trip!

Blessed!

Today I am super blessed.  And yes, I've reverted to hyper valley girl speech.  Whatever.  (teehee!)


I have a husband who is making real efforts with me and our marriage, which in turn is making me a very happy loving wife.  Win win!


I have a maman who is super excited to see me this week, even though she is crazy busy.  I'm flying home for 1 week, which will probably seem to fly by.  I haven't seen these great people in months, how on earth did I do years of not seeing them? 


I have friends back home who rock and I am thrilled to get to hang out with them and just relax a bit. 


I have some pretty great friends here too who remind me that I don't have to be anyone but who I am.  


It's Mexi-monday and I'm thinking of trying to convince G to skip it and just grab some soup and coffee with me.  Then pick up things tomorrow for a Mexican dinner tomorrow night at home.  That way we can drink tequila and he'll have leftovers for a couple days of food he loves!


I have a niece who is almost walking who I will be coaching this weekend.  Hopefully we'll get her up and running!  (she walks on her toes like me) 


I am at peace.  Calm.  Even G has noticed and commented that in general (not just with him) I'm suddenly calmer.  I don't know why.  I woke up one morning recently and my heart just felt at peace with life.  And for that I am praising God, to whom I have been praying about all of this for so long.

Cold Coffee

This morning I am drinking cold coffee.  Why?  Because my husband made it for me this morning before he left for work.  At the time I was exhausted, thanked him, and left it sitting on my night stand.  When I awoke this morning I looked over, smiled and cold or not, drank it.  Because he made it.  Because he made the effort.  


This weekend was amazing for the two of us.  It flew by far too fast, we didn't get a whole lot done around the house.  But we spent time giggling.  We chased each other around the dining room table for reasons I don't even remember.  We hung out with friends last night until whoa late.  And G was different.


Suddenly he is more outgoing.  I was amazed at how out of his shell he's being with these friends.  He's also self assured.  He's been making efforts.  He has made us/me coffee several times for waking up.  He's slowly allowing himself to just ramble, to not over think what he's saying to me.  And damn if this new man doesn't seem sexier to me.  He feels it too.


I'm spending today cleaning my butt off.  I have a cool mid-century bookcase for the living room that I need to prime and paint as well.  Solid wood, interesting lines, all for $20.  It's perfection.  


I'm still thinking of flying out tomorrow or Wednesday.  I put off booking the flight because G asked me to.  He asked for a short time to show me he could change.  But also because I didn't want to have to leave.  Now I want to, but don't want to hurt him.  I want to fly out this week because I miss my family.  Because I have a friend I want to meet for sushi and catch up and another who I desperately need coffee talk time with.  Because I think it might be fun to come back after a week away.  


Because I want to try trusting that the house won't be like a bachelor pad when I get back.  Trust is what we're working on right now.  So should I stay or should I go now?  Eh, I can't think, I'm just gonna clean and see what happens.

Reflecting

This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous so far.  Sunny, blue skies, not too much wind.  But this is not a weather blog.


More like how I weather life.  And it's usually windy with occasional storms.  But not this weekend.


Friday G took care of something he's been meaning to.  And while it left him more than a little upset and left me irritated with the person he dealt with, I was so proud of him.  He stood up for himself and us, even though it was outside his comfort zone.  And it led to him drinking a petite glass of scotch to calm his nerves and well, it made for intoxicating kisses while cooking dinner.  Ahem.


This morning (Saturday) he woke up, got cleaned up and dressed and made coffee to wake me up with.  Perfect.  I woke up right before he was headed up, and called out.  I thought, "I hope he made coffee.  Please, oh please, let him have made coffee."  He opened the door, that coffee smell hit me and I was smiling with my eyes closed.  Wonderful.  


Today we went to dinner, we relaxed around the house, we picked up a nice bookcase for the living room (project to come on the home blog very soon).  And I just felt at peace.  We talked about how calm my heart has been lately about some hard topics.  We talked about things we were afraid to talk about, stressors, irritations, and did so with calm steady voices and encouraging words.  I had felt like my faith was suffering lately as I called into question our marriage, but today it was as if God was smiling, and we'd turned a corner.  


Tomorrow we have mass and then helping a friend set up for her son's party.  He's 1, he really won't give a hoot, but it should be a nice time.  It feels great to have made friends where both G and I click with them (her husband and G get along really well).  They were glad to make friends with people who may not have kids yet but love kids, and we were glad to have people who didn't either think we couldn't work because we're childless or who think kids are a plague to be avoided.  Win win.  


I hope everyone is enjoying this phenomenal weather that most of the country seems to be having!  

New Friends

I got together with a new friend yesterday afternoon and her husband invited me and G to dinner.  He made chicken parmesan that was to die for yummy, and we ate a salad and some garlic bread.  And we drank.  A lot.  Hmm, maybe not the best decision as I am exhausted today.  But still up and dressed, so point for Kalee!


It was so nice to just get out and meet a couple who we clicked with.  It was laid back, we had fun, and I think we're headed to their son's first birthday party on Sunday.  She's making Spanish food so I offered to make some salsa to bring.  Her son is so stinkin' cute and of course G thinks he's the bees knees! 


The best part of all was that G got out of his shell.  He and her husband had time to just sit and chat and G really liked both of them!  We ended up drinking more and watching a comedy show where I remember talking too loud, so hopefully next time I will remember that I no longer weigh what I did nor drink often and so I'll feel perfectly fine and then it will hit me.  G laughs and calls me a lightweight, and for a girl who used to be able to drink the frat boys under the table it still shocks me.  Basically I'm just hoping I didn't act too much of a fool.  


Writing more today and just letting myself lounge a bit.  It's super hot here in Baltimore, enough that you just melt onto the nearest piece of furniture.  (actually that's why we were drinking ice cold beers to cool off!)  I've experienced this sort of heat and humidity before, but never this early, and never so close after a freezing cold winter.  It's gonna be cold food from here on out for the most part.  Cold soups, salads, cold pasta.  And lots and lots of lemon water and sweet tea!


On an end note we also drank to my mother last night!  She called and told me that it was unofficial, but that she had won the election for school board back home!  I cannot begin to describe how amazing my maman is going to be at this!  She's had 4 kids go through this school system, has always been active, and she's already planning to kick butt on some ridiculous financial decisions.  You cannot cancel good teacher's contracts to save money, then blow money on huge lunches and dinners on the school district's dime.  I am so super proud of her, as always!