100th Post...

I'm actually pretty excited that this is my 100th post! Sometimes I get stuck in a rut and I stop writing, at other points, I want to write post after post, so I'm a little surprised I've arrived at one hundred... Yeah me!

My New Curtains from Pottery Barn and New Lamp Shade from Lowes

As I'm laying here in our living room in our beautiful home, watching our little rugrat try to play with my hubby, I can't help but think of how blessed I am. People are constantly asking me, "how is married life treating ya?" and I can't help but smile because our life together is pretty damn great. It's not perfect, but it's definitely our perfect. We have a great house, a great puppy, and a great family. We're lucky enough to have jobs that allow us to live in the manner we're accustomed to, even if at times we want to tear our hair out of our heads because of how crazy they can be. We're lucky enough to go on week long vacations, weekends, staycations, and be able to spend time together whenever we get the chance.

We were going to head to the fair today, but opted for a day on the couch watching the Yankee game and then headed to Lowes...

I'm pretty sure my hubby regrets letting me go to Lowes with him. I was getting cabin fever watching Nick Swisher, I mean the Yankee game, and I couldn't help myself once I walked into the store. New outlet covers, new flush ceiling lamps, a new lamp shade, a bunch of little things, and new door handles. For every door in the house.

Now That is A Lot of Doorhandles

Out with the Standard Contractors' Gold Handles, in with the New "Antique" Ones

We had lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, deck cleaner, cabinet door pulls... Yup, I was the annoying person in the only open line with a cart full of stuff. The one everyone hates until a new line opens up.

I look around our house and it feels like home. It's not huge, it's not small. It's like the perfect middle ground. I'm finally happy with the way the house is coming together when it comes to my decorating too. I'm just really looking forward to our new sectional and "man chair" that will be delivered in about a week from Macys. Our first go around for living room furniture didn't hold up as well as we would have liked it to, and, after living in our house for a good stretch of time, we realized that the sectional we have is a little too big for our space. So we downsized, but went with a better version. After a hectic two hour drive (I forgot the GPS), my mom and my hubby and I spent a whole afternoon at the Macy's Furniture store finding the perfect couch. The "man chair" is a compromise since I have my chaise lounge at the end of the sectional, I like the look enough of the leather recliner, but I'm scared that the hubby will end up sitting in his man space instead of cuddling with me on our new couch. He's promised that the man chair won't be sat in unless I'm not home. Now, that's love. Our "old" sectional will be put into our finished basement, that will hopefully turn into a real room once my brother comes and picks up our old dining room table that has found a home down there. Then, I'll finally be done. Right? Or is a home one of those constant things... Whew, I'm exhausted!

But then again, since I'm almost finished, my best bud has purchased her first home! And she needs some decorating help and I'm definitely up for the challenge! Even though it means leaving my hubby at home, since she had the nerve to buy a house in FLORIDA! Mmmhmmm. But I love her anyway and I'm always willing to go buy home goods! I can't wait!

The new furniture arrives a day after we come home from Niagara Falls so I'll have lots of photos to post. But this one is to my hubby for understanding me and letting me make our house, our home, with no questions asked. And so you have it in writing, the next time you want to buy something expensive hubby, I'll never question you again. Especially if it happens to be a professional camera.

My Summer Concert Series Continues...

So last night I had the night off from work. It's been awhile since I missed a Wednesday Karaoke night, but I have to say, I kind of loved it. Not only just being away from work, but the reason I took the night off: to see John Mayer and Train in concert at Bethel Woods. And I have to say, it did not disappoint.

This was my first time up to Bethel and I have to say, it was absolutely beautiful. The rolling hills and beautiful greenery was the perfect backdrop for a concert.

My mom went with me and we had a great time and great seats (thanks to the hubby who woke up extra early to surprise me with them) even with the crazy druggy people that ended up floating next to us. I've never seen someone sweat so much and be so crazy eyed. I guess people like to experience concerts in different ways. I've always been so into the music that drinking or drugging never really interested me. But then again, I've never been interested in any of that.

Some people don't like the way that John Mayer jams out on his guitar, but I absolutely love it. He's one of those artists that you want to hear jam out, even if you didn't go into the concert knowing it. It's amazing. He knows it too. But who the hell cares, let him, as long as I get a great show. It's an experience, not just a recount of the CD. I listen to the CD before a concert, I don't want to hear it again at the concert.

The only thing that disappointed me was that they said no cameras, no videos- so I didn't bring mine. So no pics. Yeah, the whole place had cameras. Next time, I'll be the rebel and bring mine too.

Summer Lull...

A photo from my dad's wedding, courtesy of Mike Bloom ;)

You would think that summer would bring out the best in someone, now wouldn't you? I mean seriously, there is the sunshine, the beach, the long days of doing whatever you want. But something changes when you become an adult. You still have this dream of your childhood summers that were spent at Grama's house when all you had to do was get out of bed before Mom got home from work. We would spend the day at my Aunt's pool with my cousins and my brothers, I'd bike ride with my friends, or spend the day on the river. When May roles around we all start thinking of these times when everything was carefree. But it's just not the same for me anymore. As adults, we don't get summers off. And if you're a parent, you've actually got more work on your hands with having the kids off for two months. I see it on Facebook in the wintertime, "I hate the cold weather, Bring on the summer!" is pretty much what everyone says, but then when summertime hits, everyone changes their tune. Now it's, "I can't take this heat! Spending the day in the AC!"- It's crazy how it all changes. We all still look forward to it, but when it hits, it becomes old real quick.

I really thought I would spend my summer up at High Point Park, but I've only been up twice. I thought I would go down the river, I've been down once. I thought I would write chapters and chapters of my book, only three are finished. I thought I'd be going for runs/walks, I'm pretty much working out once or twice a week. I thought I would read all the books on my reading list, I've pretty much spent my days on the couch watching reruns of my favorite shows and cleaning the house. We've been to two weddings, one following directly after the other. Which was nice, but exhausting. But at the second we met up with our wedding photographer again, since he was photographing my father's wedding. It was a pleasant surprise that I used as my personal photo opportunity to ham it up. After the hecticness ended, this summer got depressing! Now, I just can't keep myself motivated long enough to get out of this summer lull. I'm waking up at noon and going to work at four. I work until one or two a.m. and then I start it all again. I look forward to doing nothing. Isn't that sad?

Our puppy is the thing that gets us both smiling from ear to ear. That and days off together. She's getting so big (almost 4lbs) and learning more and more everyday. We've become dog people, that's for sure. She fetches, she stays, rolls over, etc. We're so proud. And now, she's learning to go up and down the stairs. We're so impressed with her. She just makes everyday a little bit brighter. Is that sad? Right now she's laying next to me just waiting for her belly to be rubbed. She makes me feel like I've got unconditional love. I couldn't feel more blessed than I am with the little family that the hubby and I started when we adopted her.

I'm trying really hard to get out of this blah mode that I've gotten myself into. I love that the hubby and I have gone to concerts (with more to come!) and that we've gone to our first Yankee game at the new stadium (with more to come!). We're also heading to Niagara Falls soon. I love that he thinks of these little trips for us. I can't wait, I've always wanted to go after seeing the Marilyn Monroe Movie Niagara .

Joseph Cotten has got to be one of my favorite actors of all time too, perfect movie with a gorgeous backdrop. I'll have to break out my Marilyn-esque dresses just for the occasion. I think that's what one should do when they plan on dining at a restaurant that charges an arm and a leg for a view and dinner. But then again, I do love getting dressed up. Score one for the expensive restaurant.

So, for the end of summer, I'm vowing to stop hating on summer. I loved summer as a kid, but I want to enjoy it like a kid again. I'm going to do everything I vowed to do at the beginning of it. Maybe we should stop starting summer off with a bang by going on the perfect vacation. Maybe we should start it off slow and then end it with a bang. Just something to consider. Maybe that's my problem, nothing compares to vacation in Aruba, so being home for the summer is just so much less exciting. I'll raise a glass of iced tea to summer tomorrow. I'll just have to get out of bed early enough to brew it.

Vacation All I Ever Wanted...

I have never loved vacation more than I have in the past few weeks. I feel so relaxed and rested. I don't know what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's knowing that I don't ever have to step foot inside a classroom again unless I choose to. It's the best feeling in the world. I'm actually enjoying the summer and I'm enjoying work just a little bit more. Well, as much as one could really like work, I mean, it is still work.

I like taking our pup for walks down our little street. I can't help but smile when she passes by our one neighbor's house. It's like she's waiting for their little pup to come and join her for a walk... "Sophie, come out, I'm here to play..." is what I imagine every time she stops to smell around her yard. She was the only thing I missed when we went on vacation. Next time, I might just have to take her with us. Is that weird?

The hubby and I went on our "honeymoon" down to Aruba. It's pretty much become our go to spot. We love everything about it. It's quiet, it's tropical, it's safe, and it's got the perfect weather. When we dream of winning the lottery, it's our spot that we dream of buying a home at. There's nothing more that we could ask for from Aruba.

I say our "honeymoon" because our first few days were spent together, but a few days later my mom and brother joined us. It's was a great family vacation. The highlight of the family time was definitely the Land Rover tour of the island. My brother drove. I've driven with him on the highways of Florida and the country back roads in NY and let me say, I was scared. He was excited.

Now I have to admit I thought he might kill us while traveling the rough terrain, but he did an amazing job. The hubby and I still can't believe that they let people drive the vehicles through the crazy desert island trails. Going around sharp turns, up 90 degree hills, up and down rocky mountains. It was absolutely insane and so much fun. Every time the four of us and the other four passengers were flown up in the air and reminded that gravity isn't always working, we would shout my brother's name and scream for him. It was amazing. We couldn't believe what we were doing and that we were surviving this trip. We were the party jeep. I'm pretty sure we were just all excited to survive! We were covered with dirt and exhausted by the time we arrived at the natural pool area, but you couldn't really ask for more once you arrived. So beautiful, so serene, a true tropical haven. The views were amazing and the water was the perfect end to the day. I can't wait to go back to Aruba. Although I have to say, I don't think I'd do the tour again without my brother driving, I'd be too scared to trust someone else after seeing how great he did. I was waiting for payback for flipping us off of a waverunner years back, I guess he didn't want to get me back that bad after all. Good job brother, you were amazing!

The hubby and I had our romantic times and he let me be all cheesy. He's the best. From sunset tours, to walking with hand in hand on the beach, he let me be me: always capturing those little moments in my mind. He indulges me with my obsession with taking photos and my need to have moonlight walks and night time swims. He's the perfect peanut butter to my jelly.

I love summer. I'm taking a break from the stress of life and just enjoying myself. If I want to lay on the couch all day, I will. If I want to lay on the beach all day, I will. Pool? Sure. Book or movie? Well, there's always tomorrow for one or the other. I wish everyday could feel like a lazy summer day. When the hubby asks me what my plan is for my day off and I say nothing, I think he becomes impressed with my ability to lay on the couch for 15 hours. Hey, if someone has to do it, it might as well be me. Especially in our lovely central air. The joys of summer sometime include forgetting it's summer and curling up under a blanket while sipping a cup of warm tea. This is the life that I'm lucky to be living right now.

Oh, What a Perfect Day...

I have fallen in love all over again. What, you say? Have I fallen out of love with hubby and back in again? No, silly, I could never. I will always love him, but I do have a secret love from my past. She is amazing. Yes, she.

The best character ever born by the genius of an author's mind and pen. I have fallen in love again with Anne Shirley, my Anne of Green Gables. Now, to be honest, I never really fell out of love with her, but we've been separated for such a very long time. The last time that I read these L.M. Montgomery classics was probably about 13 years ago. Crazy, right? How dare I let her sit on the shelf for that long without opening those beige pages. They smell so perfect. Just like walking into a library. To open up the pages of an old book is like smelling cookies baking in a shop and having it remind you of a moment in time with your Grama. It just takes you back.

After reading book one, I popped in the movie. I love this movie. You know how movies pretty much suck after you read a book and fall in love with it and the characters? Well, these movies didn't trash the classic. I envisioned Anne like Megan Follows, beautiful with her red locks even if she didn't know it. I loved the adventures, I loved Matthew and Marilla. I loved seeing her dress with the oh so very puffed sleeves. Diana Barry was perfect. I always thought that I would name my daughter one day, Cordelia, because it is such a beautiful name for a princess. Anne fans would know. They would understand. I only made it through disk one, but with almost four hours with watching Anne, and others imagining with her, I decided that I should maybe get dressed. Possibly. I mean it was my day off so I should be productive.

Grocery shopping was on the plate. All organic. So expensive.

The bathroom also needed to be cleaned. All the fun stuff.

Then I bought some stuff for planting my plants. Now, I don't know if I've ever mentioned my not so green thumb before, but it's so far from green, it's scary. But I think it's mostly because I forget about plants. You know, that they need sun or that they need water. Well I decided that I was going to try to not kill the plants this summer. So I bought some cute little gardening gloves, some pots, and what I thought was soil. Come to find out, I bought plant food, so my planting has been put off another day. I was so inspired by the flowers at Green Gables in the movie. The beautiful countryside that is Prince Edward Island. I hope one day to go back.

Hopefully, I will be toting one of these carpet bags.

Oh, did I mention that Anne carried a carpet bag when arriving at Marilla and Matthew's home? I've always wanted one, but I didn't think that anyone still made these things! But after a short google search, I found out that they are indeed still made! I want the modern one with the strap and the star and moon fabric, what a surprise right? I'm pretty sure I'm an old lady in a somewhat young person's body. A cup of tea and an old friend, what could be better for a day off?

Oh, Is Today May 23rd...

If it is May 23rd that means that it's my big day. Yup, my birthday. My 26th to be exact. But this time next year don't ask me how old I am because I might just say 26 all over again. I'm not exactly feeling the whole age thing. So my birthday... not impressed? Well, it's also my college graduation day. What is the chance of that happening? Even if the odds are good, I couldn't believe that these days fell onto the same day.

I wasn't prepared to have to wake up at 6:34 a.m. (I have a weird habit of the time I wake up having to end in the number 4... same thing when I put something in the microwave. Weird I know.) in order to wake up for graduation. I worked until 2:30 a.m. all by my lonesome. The girls at work gave me a card and a cake. It was definitely sweet. My hubby stopped by with a little present for me which made me all teary eyed. Then when the phone rang at midnight at my job, I knew it was him. I knew he'd be calling to wish me happy birthday. What I wasn't expecting was for him to sing it to me. Another teary eyed moment. It was the sweetest, cutest thing ever. God, I love this man! Thank you.

It was pretty steady, so I went home pretty tired. Decided to shower when I got home instead of the morning, but couldn't sleep afterwards. It felt like Christmas when you're a kid. I knew something was coming but I didn't know exactly how it was going to go. I think I slept a solid 45 minutes. Woke up pretty refreshed which kind of shocked me. I think it was the adrenaline of the day to come. Tried to get all prettied up in my Calvin Klein shirt dress and head out of the house (I looked pretty hot). The hubby left with my mom and step-dad because he couldn't wake up and move fast enough for my liking. I just wanted to get the day started! Driving up to New Paltz I couldn't help but think that this would be the last time I would be making this drive. It was kind of sad, but then I thought to myself, "when you become a big time author, they'll invite you back for one of those snobby honorary degrees..."- Yup, I've got high hopes for myself.

The nice thing about a graduation/birthday day is that you get double the cards. And double the love. My mom gave me a gorgeous centerpiece for our table and lots of balloons. It has my favorite orange lilies that we had in our wedding flowers. And of course, cards to make me cry. I received cards from my mom, my mother-in-law, my step-dad, and my dad and his fiance. Hubby also got me a jewelry box that plays music. I used to love my mom's little piano music box. When I was a kid I would just sit there and watch it worked. I thought it was the coolest thing, so amazed by how it worked. Now I have my very own. He's too good. And to top it all off, he got me a card. I know it seems like a little thing. But I love cards. I think cards are just perfect for every occasion. Looking back on them make me... teary eyed. Surprise. He's not a big card giver, so I loved it. He tried to find me a graduation one, but as he said, "I was going to get you a graduation card too, but they didn't have any that said "wife""— too cute!

After a very long graduation ceremony, where I talked to a fellow journalism student about our lack of job opportunities, I finally became a graduate. One of our professors showed up. An adjunct who has only been with the school for a year or two. That was disappointing to me. I mean come on, we dedicated years to you and what you taught us, give us some love!... I took off 4 years and I did it my way, but look mom, I graduated from college! With no debt! Not too shabby.

We all had lunch together in our hometown. We tried really hard to go to our favorite place, Nina, but they were closed for a private party. We tried to go to another restaurant that was nearby, they're closed on Sundays... it was not our day for a good meal. But we were so hungry that I think anything would have worked. So we all made small talk about how tired we were and how great I am... haha, just playing... but it was MY birthday, so sometimes that might have come up. It was nice having my mom and dad being cordial to each other. I'm like a little kid, I love having all of my family together. It's such a nice feeling.

It was a great birthday. You know it's your birthday when you get 80 some facebook messages telling you so... you really know it's your birthday when the people you love come together on your special day and get up at 6 a.m. ish on a Sunday morning to celebrate your accomplishments with you. I guess if the 26th year is just as good as the 25th one, these birthday things could be something I look forward to.

Thank you to everyone for making me feel special on my special day.

More than anything my love, you make me feel like a princess, I've never felt more loved than I have since I've been in your arms. You are the best present He ever gave me.

Just Another Day...

When I woke up today I felt alone. Very alone. It was strange. There was no one there to pounce on me or give me wet little kisses. It was strange. Then I remembered that when I was in half sleep/ half wake mode, the hubby told me that he was taking the puppy with him when he went to get his hair cut. He's been going to the same lady for like 20 years of his life, so he wanted to take our little pup for a little visit. It was weird to wake up in a quiet house now. I used to love it, now it just feels odd and uncomfortable. Granted, I just had to clean some poop off of her little butt now that she's home, but I enjoy taking care of her, she's worth all the little frustrations.

Oh, and the hubby says that our pup is a chic magnet. His words, not mine. Everyone flocks to her, how could you not?! She's just the cutest thing.

"I think I'm going to tell the guys at work who are single that they need to pick up one of these dogs," says the hubby. "If I was single, she'd be great for picking up girls."

Nice babe, nice.

The best part about our pup is that even the biggest of guys become all mushy when they see her. She's pretty perfect. Just try to go to a pet store with her in tow. You turn a five minute trip into an hour excursion. But I guess just like a proud momma, I become a proud puppy mom and smile from ear to ear like I gave birth to her. Yup, I'm crazy in love with her...

On a side note I thought I was going to die on Thursday. Seriously.

I was really scared.

It was at the dentist. The dreaded dentist. Remember how I had to find a new dentist to do my fillings? Well, I found one and finally got the appointment set. They started with the shot of novocain and then after about 10 minutes started drilling. Then I twitched from a little pain I felt. They gave me another shot of novocain. Then the room started spinning. Like tilt a whirl spinning. Like being on a rollercoaster that just goes in circles and up and down. I couldn't focus on anything. My eyes were bugging. I felt queasy. I asked the assistant if the room was suppose to be spinning like it was. She sounded worried, then she gave me water. It didn't help. They did my fillings and all I could think of was, don't get sick, don't get sick. I was so scared I would infect my tooth! Now, there I was, feeling like I was dying and all I could think about was how not to puke.

They finished and asked me how I was feeling. I think I mustered out a "not good, not good at all." The room was still spinning so bad and that mind over matter thing to try to get myself to not puke, wasn't working anymore. I had the assistant lady help me to the bathroom because I couldn't walk on my own, and I got sick. And got sick. Then they put me back in the chair and put my head all the way back. Then they gave me oxygen. They took my blood pressure which was 138 over 90 and my normal is 90 over 60. Nothing was helping. It just took time.

I had to have my mom pick me up. One of my customers saw her helping me to her car and thought I hurt my leg. Nope, just couldn't walk because I was over drugged. Or something. I'm pretty lucky to have a mom who will drop everything for her daughter. She brought me home and sat with me and took out the puppy for me. Then she went and picked my car up and brought it back home. Yup, she's a keeper.

The next day the dentist called to see how I was feeling. I thought that was nice. Seeing that I almost died. She wanted me to have a good experience at the dentist. I think we didn't achieve that this time. Maybe next time. Maybe I should floss more often? Maybe that will help keep me out of her chair other than for a cleaning. I never hated the dentist, but I never liked them either. Sketchy people I tell you. I'm sitting in the chair dying and she's talking to her assistant lady about hiking in Colorado and about her girl friend who's ex is now her dental supplier and whether or not she should tell her girl friend about it. I was waiting for her to ask my opinion. Hmmm... those dentists, I tell you. Sketchy people.