Last night's phone call

Last night, I got a phone call from Michael around 8:30pm. I completely regret not talking to him at that moment but I was preoccupied. When I called him back around 11pm, I knew something was wrong. He was upset, almost angry. Michael is usually a very calm and patient guy. I love that about him. He told me he had had a really bad day. One of his students had been hurt during an assembly at school because some of the other teachers were not doing their job. The hall was over crowded because other classes had decided to come in even though they were not on the schedule. Some teachers had let their students sit on the stairs and weren't paying attention. The students got out of hand and some how Michael's student, a bystander, got pushed or fell down the stairs. She may have broken her foot. Michael was livid. He is going to speak to the Assistant Principal about the matter today.

Things like this make me realize what a good man he is. Most people I know would have brushed the whole thing off and just given the students a talking to. Not everyone would try to reorganize how an assembly is run to prevent this from happening again. Michael really values what he does and the students he teaches. How many of us can say that we love what we do and really try to be the best at it? That we put others first instead of ourselves? This is one of the reasons why I love this man.

Best Man takes Out Bride

Found on Smitten.

OMG. I agree with A Cup of Joe that the groom should jump in the pool and kiss her! Hilarious.

Who's who to you?

Who are these people in your life? Have you spoken to them lately? Have you told them what they mean to you? Does this picture resemble your group of friends? If you asked other people to describe the same people, would it be the same? Who would you be?

My wish for all of you.

Everything is amazing, nobody is happy...

Last night ....

We talked

Openly

Honestly

and

I feel loved.

There are days

Hang in there. ;)

Wonderful Artisits' Project

Follow the link to this wonderful project.

The way I feel today

... And this woman is frustrated.










Today, I woke up in limbo. I am between frustration and contentment.

Every time I focus on last night's conversation with Michael, I sink lower into a funk. I feel that I am completely in the dark about our future. I wish that he could just give me an idea of what he is thinking. "When will you be ready to move to the next step?" I don't want to push him into something hes not ready for. However, he has been giving me the same answer for 3 years, "When the time is right." What the hell does that even mean? No offense but the time has been right several times. He tells me he wants to give me what I want, but all I want is him.
I had promised myself that I wouldn't focus on this, but it's so hard. It doesn't help that everyone I talk to asks me when we will be getting married or why hasn't he asked you already. He doesn't have to answer them. I do ... and I don't know what to say anymore because I can't think of a reason why we aren't. Maybe if we were in the same state it would be easier ... but right now, I just feel alone.

Feeling a bit blue~ Kubbybear

I'm a Dreamer... ;)

In answer to Essential E's question: Yes, I am a dreamer. I have wanted to read the Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funk for a while now. I am intrigued that Ms Funke starts each chapter with a selection from another book that ties into what the coming chapter is about. Essential E's example is one of Shel Silverstein poems, which starts off the first book. I adore this poem!

If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer...
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in! Come in!

Got I love them

24 things before I am 25

Inspired by Naturally Nina. This is a list of 24 things I would do before I turn 25 in June.

1. Take a wine tasting class. Sadly, I know nothing about wine. Also, a port class would be nice.
2. Lose the weight I want in a healthy manner. Hopefully before April.
3. Read more. That includes romance novels and real books. ;)
4. Get my aria package together.
5. Light candles more often.
6. Try new looks.
7. Go on a road trip around New England.
8. Go to the aquarium in Boston.
9. Learn to eat and drink slower.
10. Send more letters and cards.
11. Try to visit my family in Texas and North Carolina.
12. Go to the Cape.
13. Go paint balling.
14. Go lazer tagging with friends.
15. Watch all of the movies on my DVR.
16. Get a new cellphone. Hopefully a blackberry.
17. Have more nights with friends.
18. Explore new music.
19. Get a bike.
20. Reconnect with people I have lost touch with.
21. Bake and cook more.
22. Take more pictures.
23. Laugh more. That's always a good one.
24. Send little things to Michael as often as possible. :)

I went a little nuts

Wed night, I was having dinner at 7pm with some friends (SLA and Steve). However, I got stuck at the office till 6pm and didn't feel like walking all the way home just to go straight back out again. So, I decided to waste time in a CVS till dinner. And ... I went nuts! I bought so many cards. I have never been a card person. I don't even send out birthday cards. I send people messages on facebook, a text or I just call them. But for some reason I just had to buy cards. Now I have been writing letters to keep myself busy at work. And you know what? I love it! It's lovely! I want to buy more cards. LOL

Brooklyn Bridge Proposal

This was found on A Cup of Jo and SMITTEN!

Valentine's Day weekend, an adorable guy proposed to his girlfriend on the Brooklyn Bridge. Hear his and her stories of the proposal--and see their cute photos.

As the couple walked across the Brooklyn Bridge this past weekend, strangers handed her pink balloons and love notes. (He had asked his friends to stand on the other side of the bridge with a bunch of balloons and give the balloons to strangers, who would, in turn, hand them to her. The first balloon was given to her by his friend, who she wouldn't recognize. How clever!)

Her story:
* When we started taking a walk, he was acting jittery and was really chatty. He also missed our transfer on the subway which never happens. He's normally very calm and collected. I was a little suspicious.
* We started walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Strangers were handing me pink balloons, and too many things were going through my mind--just random thoughts like he is so cute, who are these people, wow I'm really lucky, doesn't this only happen in the movies? Is this real? He loves me, doesn't he?
* When he proposed, I felt really excited, happy and a little dazed!

His story:
* I was nervous and excited. As we walked, strangers gave her pink balloons and love notes. The notes were handwritten messages to her which reminded her of why I loved her and why I wanted to marry her.
* Now, I'm so happy and excited about the future.

by Joanna Goddard

I think that this story is so incredible and romantic! This is something I would love!

Found on SMITTEN

Three Kids Try to Elope for an African Wedding! This Story is Too Cute

~by Joanna Goddard

Would you want a destination wedding in Africa? Well, two German children did. Here's their ridiculously cute story...

Two German kids--Mika, six, and Anna Bell, seven--were in love and wanted to get hitched. So they decided to fly to Africa to tie the knot, according to Sky News.

Along with Mika's five-year-old sister, Anna-Lena, they packed suitcases with food, swimsuits, sunglasses and even an inflated pool float. In the early morning of January 1st, while their parents slept in, the three adventurers sneaked out of their house in the German suburbs and took a tram to the train station.

A guard noticed the kids and thought it was weird that they were carrying so much swim gear. After all, it was the dead of winter! He called over two police offers, who managed to convince the not-so-happy couple that they probably couldn't get to Africa without, uh, money or plane tickets.

"We wanted to take the train to the airport, and then catch a plane. Then we would unpack, and get married once we arrived. Then we wanted to go for a little holiday," Mika explained, disappointed.

How cute is that?!! See a little video of the young lovers here!

The King .... of Romance

If you're in the mood for romance or just good music, listen to Nat King Cole.

No matter what mood I'm in, his music always makes me smile. It reminds me of times at my Grandparents' house or dancing around the kitchen with my father. Michael and I had his music playing in the background all Valentine's Day weekend.

He is one of my all time favorites!

"I'm an interpreter of stories

. When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano

and telling fairy stories." - Nat King Cole

David Horvitz.com

Valentine's Day Weekend Results

Valentine's Day weekend was a blast!

Friday night, I stopped at Finale on the way home and picked up desserts. I went a little over board. I got 2 mini creme brulees, 1 mini lime tart, 1 mini chocolate decadence, 1 mini cheesecake and half a dozen chocolate covered strawberries. I filled my room with candles and laid out the delicious spread. My favorite bottle of wine was chilling in the flower pot Michael gave me last Valentine's Day. Nat King Cole was playing in the background when he entered my room. He loved it. He even loved that the dog came in and crashed our party. ;) Sadly, he was so tired after the long day that he passed out on my couch. lol

Saturday morning, we woke up and cooked each other breakfast. We decided to lounge around the house till it was time to go to dinner. Cuchi Cuchi was fantastic! They have amazing drinks and the Tuna tartare was delicious! Highly recommend it. Michael hadn't counted on "Casablanca" being sold out so we went to see "He's Just Not That Into You" instead. I loved it. The storyline about the couple who had been together for 7 years was a little hard to watch at times. (We have been together for over 7 years. lol) We then went home and picked up where we had left off the night before, dancing to Nat King Cole by candle light.

Sunday, we did brunch with one of my roommates, Steve, and then watched another movie. Michael suggested we invite some of my friends over for a game/movie night. We played Balderdash and watched "The Wedding Crashers". Forgot how funny that movie was. Plus, Ru had never seen it making it even better. ;)

Monday we cuddled till Michael left for the airport. I started to cry when he left. It is getting so hard to say goodbye. Long distance for 2 and a half years can be draining. I love the guy so it's worth it ... but I feel that it's time to go home.

And the award goes to

Carrie Underwood!!!

She always looks classy and everything about this outfit worked for me. :)

Second place goes to Kate Beckinsale.
I'm not sure I like the bottom, but I do like that she is finally wearing something not white.

Valentines Day Weekend

Friday the 13th

1. Pick up treats from Finale on the way home
   
2. Clean and set up room
   
3. Workout
4. Shower and get ready
   
5. Pick him up from the airport ?
   
6. Come home to room filled with candles and music. Have treats from Finale and wine.

Saturday, Valentine's Day

1. Make him breakfast
2. Lounge around or go exploring
   
3. Get ready for dinner
4. Go to Cuchi Cuchi
5. Go to showing of "Casablanca" or "Sabrina" (possibly "He's Just Not into You")
   
6. Go to Jazz Club ?

Sunday, the 15th

1. Go to brunch with Isabelle at Zaftigs
   
2. Explore the North End and eat at Giacomo's
   
3. Meet up with friends?
   

Monday, the 16th

1. Breakfast
2. Explore or Lounge around
   

Stolen from Carolann

"He who does not let his infirmity be known can scarcely expect to receive a cure. Love is an invisible wound within the body, and, since it has its source in nature, it is a long-lasting ill. For many it is the butt of jokes, as for those ignoble courtiers who philander around the world and then boast of their deeds. That is not love, but rather foolishness, wickedness and debauchery. A loyal partner, once discovered, should be served, loved and obeyed."

- Marie de France, c.12th Century England

Carolann has ways of finding some of the most beautiful things.

On my wish list for work

First Milk really found a gem. I love, love, love this bag. Look at all the brilliant ways there are to wear it. I am in need of a great work bag and this one does it all.

You can find this bag at the Curiosity Shoppe for $355. Right now it's out of stock, which is better for my wallet. But maybe someday. ;)

Babies are so cute in anything

Magnetic Chalkboard Mirror

How adorable is this? I would love to try this project with my boyfriend. Found on Design* Sponge.

Materials:

-Vintage (or new, depending on your desire) frame or mirror
-Thin piece of steel
-Primer
-Chalkboard Paint
-Spray adhesive
-Spray or regular paint for the frame

1. The mirror was disassembled and the mirror and backing board were saved

2. The mirror that was in the original frame was used as a template in order to draw the shape needed for the sheet metal, Easyboard, and spacing/backing cardboard. All items were cut out of the original stock. The sheet metal was cut with aviation snips, the Eashboard and cardboard were cut out with a carpet knife.

**if you’re not experienced or uncomfortable with cutting metal, please pick up a sheet of metal and have it cut to size at your local hardware store, or hire an affordable handyman on craigslist to do the cutting for you**

**alternatively: if you’d rather not deal with metal and don’t plan on hanging heavy items on the board, you can simply paint or spray the original frame/mirror with chalkboard paint and skip this step.**

3. The sheet metal was adhered to the Easyboard using the spray adhesive. A coating was applied to both surfaces in order to get a good lamination and then a large piece of plywood with cinderblocks were put on it in order to press them together for several hours.

4. The sheet metal surface was re-cleaned and then sprayed with a couple of coats of primer.

5. The sheet metal was then sprayed with the chalkboard paint.

6. The frame was cleaned and sprayed with the spray paint using numerous coats in order to get a complete coverage.

7. After the paint was dried, the frame was sprayed with clear coat in order to obtain a shiny, clean, hard surface for the frame.

8. After the frame dried completely the assembly took place first installing the metallic laminated chalkboard, then a cardboard spacer, and then the original backing was re-installed using the original screws and staples.

Something to live by...

Is Me Monster?

COOKIE MONSTER
SEARCHES DEEP WITHIN
HIMSELF AND ASKS: IS ME
REALLY MONSTER?

BY ANDY F. BRYAN

- - - -

Me know. Me have problem.

Me love cookies. Me tend to get out of control when me see cookies. Me know it not natural to react so strongly to cookies, but me have weakness. Me know me do wrong. Me know it isn't normal. Me see disapproving looks. Me see stares. Me hurt inside.

When me get back to apartment, after cookie binge, me can't stand looking in mirror—fur matted with chocolate-chip smears and infested with crumbs. Me try but me never able to wash all of them out. Me don't think me is monster. Me just furry blue person who love cookies too much. Me no ask for it. Me just born that way.

Me was thinking and me just don't get it. Why is me a monster? No one else called monster on Sesame Street. Well, no one who isn't really monster. Two-Headed Monster have two heads, so he real monster. Herry Monster strong and look angry, so he probably real monster, too. But is me really monster?

Me thinks me have serious problem. Me thinks me addicted. But since when it acceptable to call addict monster? It affliction. It disease. It burden. But does it make me monster?

How can they be so callous? Me know there something wrong with me, but who in Sesame Street doesn't suffer from mental disease or psychological disorder? They don't call the vampire with math fetish monster, and me pretty sure he undead and drinks blood. No one calls Grover monster, despite frequent delusional episodes and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. And the obnoxious red Grover—oh, what his name?—Elmo! Yes, Elmo live all day in imaginary world and no one call him monster. No, they think he cute. And Big Bird! Don't get me started on Big Bird! He unnaturally gigantic talking canary! How is that not monster? Snuffleupagus not supposed to exist—woolly mammoths extinct. His very existence monstrous. Me least like monster. Me maybe have unhealthy obsession, but me no monster.

No. Me wrong. Me too hard on self. Me no have unhealthy obsession. Me love cookies, but it no hurt anyone. Me just enthusiast. Everyone has something they like most, something they get excited about. Why not me? Me perfectly normal. Me like cookies. So what? Cookies delicious. Cookies do not make one monster. Everyone loves cookies.

Me no monster. Me OK guy. Me OK guy who eat cookies.

Who me kidding? Me know me never actually eat cookies. Me only crumble cookies in mouth, but me no swallow. Me can't swallow. Me no have no esophagus. Me no have no trachea. Me only have black fabric throat. Me not supposed to be able to even talk.

Me no eat cookies.

Me destroy cookies.

Me crush cookies.

Me mutilate cookies.

Me make it so no one get cookies.

Everyone right. Me really is cookie monster.

Terms the boy would understand

What I need to tell him

Today...

Book club treats and something extra

These bookplates cracked me up. I have been asked to join a book club and I think these would be perfect starter gifts.

Also, the Periodic table of Sediments would be a perfect for my boyfriend.

All of these can be found at Pink Loves Brown, created by Making it Lovely.

David After the Dentist

This video just proves that kids are cute! Enjoy!

Fun Finds

Anthropologie has some neat stuff to help give your home a makeover without having to spend tons of money.

Some of my Urban Favs

Shout out to Cancers from Oh Joy

If dreams came true

If I won the Lottery, I would

1. Pay off my loans and credit cards
2. Pay off my Parents' mortgage
3. Pay off my boyfriend's loans and debt
4. Pay off my Aunts and Uncles' mortgages
5. Take my grandparents on a trip
6. Help out my boyfriend's family.
   
7. Take my entire family on a trip
   
8. Buy a car
9. Buy a house
10. Go on a trip around the world
    
11. Buy a piano

More to come .... :)

Man Sells Credit Card Debt On eBay

Husband, Wife Struggle To Pay Mortgage - from WVCB TV

BOSTON -- A Massachusetts man in fear of losing his home is hoping eBay bidders help him and his wife get out of credit card debt.The 29-year-old Milford man, who uses the name speedwerx on the auction Web site, said he owes $22,000 in credit card debt. He and his wife have both lost their jobs and missed a mortgage payment on their townhome where they have lived for the past two years."We got married, we're a young family, tried to buy a place and pushed too far, too early," he said.
He's looking for 2,500 eBay buyers to bid $10 each to help pay down the family's debt. Each bidder will receive a picture of his family and a thank you card for helping them in their time of need.
He was working as an engineer in the Massachusetts area when he lost his job in January. His 26-year-old wife is also out of work and searching for a job, and they have a 2-year-old daughter.He said between bills and college loans, "We just reached our breaking point."He wants to remain anonymous except to winning bidders.
"This is a very humbling time for me, and I'm looking to do everything I can to support my family," speedwerx posted in his listing on eBay.

Ok sign me up if this works. I have a bunch of student loans to pay off.

Loves...

Things I LOVE in everyday life...

1. Children's laughter
   
2. My comforter from IKEA
   
3. Cuddling
   
4. Puppies/Dogs
   
5. Babies
   
6. Reading, listening to music or watching movies by candlelight
   
7. Hot showers and baths
8. Hugs
9. Random phone calls from someone you haven't talked to in a long time that last for hours
   
10. My monkey sock puppet slippers
11. Watching a TV show with friends every week
    
12. Game/Movie Night!
13. Margaritas
14. Coke with ice
    
15. Cheese stuffed Olives
16. Getting a call at work from my boyfriend
    
17. Cooking
    
18. Skype
    
19. Soap from Bath and Body Works
20. My butterfly bowl from Target
    

The Little Things

To those of you who might have a Family Guy "paper towel moment" if anything else goes wrong.... Here is a quick story.

My friend Erin B. has been working at a hospital for the past year and a half. She works in the Thoracic and Hematology Oncology departments, which mostly deal with cancer patients. Obviously it can be a very hard job and being at the bottom of the totem pole becomes difficult to deal with each day. Her superiors tend to drop everything on her, including undeserved blame when they forget to do something. This job can make any normal person want to throw someone out the window. Erin keeps that place going. Very rarely does she even receive praise.

Lately the job is taking its toll. Just when she felt like enough was enough, she found something on her desk today. It was an edible arrangement from a patient. The note said, "You are a wonderful, special person and it doesn't go unnoticed that you always go above and beyond to take care of me. Thank you so much." At that moment, everything else didn't matter. Erin received all the praise she needed and went back to work.

We rarely know how our actions can touch another person's life. Remember that every little thing counts and sometimes the little things are what can pick us up again. In the words of CGGI, "Celebrate the small stuff!"

Valentines Day Idea #2 : Surprises at Work

Surprises (from Oh Happy Day)

"The most important thing for me on Valentines Day is coming up with some sort of surprise. It doesn't need to be expensive just cool and thoughtful. Last year I tied a large red balloon to a box and made the string so long that Paul could see it from his second story office. I called him and told him to look outside--and all his coworkers gathered around the window to watch while he went down to get the box. I filled the box with all of his favorite things."

Valentines Day Idea # 1 : Show your love through food

Trying to save money this Valentines Day? Here are a few ideas.

• Bake a cake instead of going out for desert. This pan can help you say it all.

• How about a new take on toast?
  

A little something from Pete

Kitchen Fun!

Fun gadgets

Fun ice cream scoop & stack (in pretty colors) makes cylindrical-shaped scoops that can be stacked, as the name implies.

New Snap Fit Cookie Cutter Sets: Zoo, Train, Nautical and Farm.

Obama fighting crime/ making changes even in Japan

Leave it to Japan to already have whipped out a Barack Obama action figure, fully equipped with an American flag, weapons, a picnic set, an assortment of red & blue ties, as well as a microphone for those powerful speeches. At least it's better than the Bush set.

New game I want to try

You are my Fave suggests:

Food - Pop lots of popcorn and offer add-ins and flavorings. Set a stack of cups next to the big bowl so friends can just dig in and stock your cooler full of glass bottled soda (so you look semi-fancy).

Game - Load your i-Pod with all the best dance songs (or if you still have a boom box like me prepare an all mighty dance CD beforehand). Have each guest stand up one by one while you push the shuffle button on what ever technical option suits you. That person then has to come up with a dance to whatever song starts playing and has to keep dancing for at least a minute. This game has been tested and I can guarantee that your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard afterwards. If you want to add a competitive element to it you can incorporate judges. This is what your guests will look like -

So the question remains, what are the best dance songs? And what song would you hope that it landed on for your turn?