As the youngest of my family, I got spoiled with many post-childhood years of things like Santa Claus gifts and visits from the Easter Bunny. In fact, these rituals continued well into college as my mom struggled with her empty nest. Then my nephew was born, and it all went out the window. Damn kid.
I get it. These holiday rituals go from getting as a kid to giving as an adult, but what about in the in between when you're a childless adult?
Behold the return of the Easter bunny, at least in our house. Carolina Man and I decided to give each other Easter baskets, which ranks up there as one of the best ideas of all time. It's a gift to have a partner who gets excited about silly things like this, and is just as excited to put together a basket for me as he was to get his.
Highlights of my basket: a 4-lb bag of Starburst jellybeans; Real Simple wedding planning book; Toy Story 3 in 3D! Highlights of his basket: a new workout shirt; Cadbury chocolate eggs; and more peanut butter chocolate eggs than you've ever seen.
The only trouble is that we're both on a health kick (down 10 lbs and 7 lbs respectively!), so the abundance of candy options presented a problem. We took different approaches (I bought a little, he bought a lot), but I've been amazed by the restraint we've both shown. Granted it's required stuffing it all into a shoebox that is under a number of other things in our pantry, but despite working from home with the knowledge that there is candy galore available at all times, I haven't touched a single piece before 8 pm. You have no idea how amazing this is.
But, I just loved that we reclaimed the fun of the holiday for ourselves. We sipped on mimosas, made brunch, and watched TV. It was the perfect day. Isn't it fun to have your own family and do whatever the hell you want?
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Why I Suck at Being Surprised
I'm probably the last person on earth to have a surprise party. Why? Because I suck at being surprised. I'm suspicious and snoopy, qualities I inherited from my mother. As a kid, I took my annual sneak peek tour of my Christmas gifts in my mom's messy closet, and of course denied it every single time. I perfected my pretend look of surprise when I'd open a gift that I knew I was getting.
As much as I think surprises in the abstract are fun, I really don't like them all that much when I know one is coming. It's impossible for me to say, "Oh, a surprise! How fun. I guess I'll wait around and see what it is." My desire to figure it out ahead of time turns into a psychosis.
One Christmas I suspected my mom had gotten me a puppy (she had), and everyone in my family was in on it, except for me. I hated that feeling of being left out, even though a totally awesome thing was waiting on the other side. It's probably in part a function of being the youngest and only girl, but I hate feeling left out of whatever is going on, even if it's for me.
Weird, huh? I can manage to complain about having someone plan me something awesome. I'm such a jerk sometimes.
Needless to say, this time of the year is the WORST for someone with my snooping tendencies because now that I'm no longer five-years-old, it seems completely unacceptable to snoop around the house, looking for gifts. It doesn't mean I don't want to; it's just that now I feel totally ashamed of myself and the guilt keeps me from doing so...most of the time.
Not only do I have Christmas gifts just sitting there under the tree, taunting me, but I also have a late January surprise weekend that Carolina Man is planning. He told me about it at the end of November, and now I'm driving both him and me batty with questions about it. Sometimes he just says, "If you really want to know, I'll tell you," to which I respond with a whiny, "Noooooo! I want it to be a surprise."
Seriously, you can't please this girl.
I'll just have to suck it up, wait a few more days (or weeks), and realize that the wait will be worth it.
As much as I think surprises in the abstract are fun, I really don't like them all that much when I know one is coming. It's impossible for me to say, "Oh, a surprise! How fun. I guess I'll wait around and see what it is." My desire to figure it out ahead of time turns into a psychosis.
One Christmas I suspected my mom had gotten me a puppy (she had), and everyone in my family was in on it, except for me. I hated that feeling of being left out, even though a totally awesome thing was waiting on the other side. It's probably in part a function of being the youngest and only girl, but I hate feeling left out of whatever is going on, even if it's for me.
Weird, huh? I can manage to complain about having someone plan me something awesome. I'm such a jerk sometimes.
Needless to say, this time of the year is the WORST for someone with my snooping tendencies because now that I'm no longer five-years-old, it seems completely unacceptable to snoop around the house, looking for gifts. It doesn't mean I don't want to; it's just that now I feel totally ashamed of myself and the guilt keeps me from doing so...most of the time.
Not only do I have Christmas gifts just sitting there under the tree, taunting me, but I also have a late January surprise weekend that Carolina Man is planning. He told me about it at the end of November, and now I'm driving both him and me batty with questions about it. Sometimes he just says, "If you really want to know, I'll tell you," to which I respond with a whiny, "Noooooo! I want it to be a surprise."
Seriously, you can't please this girl.
I'll just have to suck it up, wait a few more days (or weeks), and realize that the wait will be worth it.
A Cure for the (nearly almost over) Holiday Blues
I'm not sure how it's possible that my favorite day of the year is during the absolute worst time of the year. Seriously, last night I fell asleep at 8 pm with the lights still on because apparently my body begins shutting down at promptly 5:45 pm when the sun has ditched us for the day. Bastard sun.
I have to face the fact that as much as I love "the holidays," they really consist of a bunch of normal days where it's cold and dark and there are no presents to be opened. And this year, a lot of "the holidays" will be spent driving up and down I-95. And then what's after the holidays? The most godawful months of the year: January, the absolute worst month of the year, followed by the runner up for "Worst Month of the Year," February.
Are you ready for me to STFU yet? I am. And what better way to STFU about the post-holiday blues than a trip to...
Playa del Carmen, Mexico!!!
Yep, Feb. 13-18th Carolina Man and I will be frying our skin and gorging ourselves on all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffets.
The best part is that summer clothes are SUPER ON SALE right now. Below are just a few items I've purchased this week, all for less than $225 total.
I have to face the fact that as much as I love "the holidays," they really consist of a bunch of normal days where it's cold and dark and there are no presents to be opened. And this year, a lot of "the holidays" will be spent driving up and down I-95. And then what's after the holidays? The most godawful months of the year: January, the absolute worst month of the year, followed by the runner up for "Worst Month of the Year," February.
Are you ready for me to STFU yet? I am. And what better way to STFU about the post-holiday blues than a trip to...
Playa del Carmen, Mexico!!!
Yep, Feb. 13-18th Carolina Man and I will be frying our skin and gorging ourselves on all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffets.
The best part is that summer clothes are SUPER ON SALE right now. Below are just a few items I've purchased this week, all for less than $225 total.
Carolina Man's Birthday Week Recap
Carolina Man celebrated a big birthday last week, and since it was also our first together, I decided to make his birthday extra special by making a game out of his gifts. I created my own version of Dirty Minds with each present having three dirty-sounding clues that would lead CM to his gift. Like, "Press me up against something thick and juicy" and "I love you to hold my rear end" for the tomato knife I'd gotten him. Most of the gifts were small things, but it was fun creating a game out of it. I gave him a gift a day during his birthday week, with a couple extra ones on his actual birthday.
It's amazing how having a thoughtful partner makes me want to be more thoughtful. Even more that that, knowing how appreciative he is of the effort I put into it makes me want to make every occasion that special.
There's a fine line there, though. Both CM and I tend to be others-focused. Most of the time that's a good thing. We consider what other people are feeling and experiencing. But for me, it can definitely go overboard, and it was nearing that with this birthday. I felt so much internal pressure to wow him, to make his birthday perfect that I ended up putting a financial strain on myself. I kept feeling like I could do more and more, never knowing when I'd done enough. I suppose there's still some insecurity there about this relationship being as good and solid as it feels, and so I feel the need to overcompensate.
The best part is I could tell CM all of this. We talked through it all, even going back into birthdays past and recalling the thoughtlessness of our former partners. And it created even more closeness to talk about those insecurities rather than to act as if they weren't there. I'm very grateful for that openness we share.
It's amazing how having a thoughtful partner makes me want to be more thoughtful. Even more that that, knowing how appreciative he is of the effort I put into it makes me want to make every occasion that special.
There's a fine line there, though. Both CM and I tend to be others-focused. Most of the time that's a good thing. We consider what other people are feeling and experiencing. But for me, it can definitely go overboard, and it was nearing that with this birthday. I felt so much internal pressure to wow him, to make his birthday perfect that I ended up putting a financial strain on myself. I kept feeling like I could do more and more, never knowing when I'd done enough. I suppose there's still some insecurity there about this relationship being as good and solid as it feels, and so I feel the need to overcompensate.
The best part is I could tell CM all of this. We talked through it all, even going back into birthdays past and recalling the thoughtlessness of our former partners. And it created even more closeness to talk about those insecurities rather than to act as if they weren't there. I'm very grateful for that openness we share.
Happiest of Birthdays, Carolina Man!
Wishing my love the happiest of birthdays. You are my gift everyday!
The Good Earth (Friday)
I am trying a different kind of post, one that speaks to an area I rarely have discussed here. I know it's a shift from my usual post, but as some have suggested, I am trying something new here. Would love to hear your thoughts!
_________
Interesting that Good Friday and Earth Day fall on the same day this year. I wish I had some deep enviro-ethical thing to say about this, but my theology brain has gone on what seems like a permanent vacation. Unless it pertains to maternal health, in which case I can usually whip something together.
From the looks of things Earth Day is getting a lot more coverage. This makes sense on many levels. The environment is just beginning to get some of the much-deserved attention it requires. It's mostly non-sectarian, unless you think Earth doesn't deserve its own holiday. And, as for Good Friday, who really likes talking about ancient torture, humiliation, and death?
Answer: seminary students. Apart from them, not really anyone. But, I digress.
Easter is a holiday that one can't really jump ahead of time to celebrate. The 40 days (plus Sundays) of Lent leading up to Easter are marked by introspection, sacrifice, and centering. In my case, it has involved abstinence from all forms of alcohol (and I'm counting the hours down until my first mimosa at Sunday brunch with Katie at our local gay bar.) Basically, it's a whole lot of un-fun. But not pointless un-fun. Really, really important un-fun.
On Wednesday I got to lead a small chapel service in song. I started with "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." I almost got choked up. It's a spiritual I almost feel unfit to sing; it carries with it the weight of suffering I've never felt. And yet, there is part of me that can connect with the feeling of being "a long way from home." Lent is a time of journeying into the wilderness, of being far away from our "home," our comfort and familiar routine.
Good Friday is the beginning of the end of this journey. It's been a long one for me. And, I'm ready for some Easter joy to cast out the darkness again.
_________
Interesting that Good Friday and Earth Day fall on the same day this year. I wish I had some deep enviro-ethical thing to say about this, but my theology brain has gone on what seems like a permanent vacation. Unless it pertains to maternal health, in which case I can usually whip something together.
From the looks of things Earth Day is getting a lot more coverage. This makes sense on many levels. The environment is just beginning to get some of the much-deserved attention it requires. It's mostly non-sectarian, unless you think Earth doesn't deserve its own holiday. And, as for Good Friday, who really likes talking about ancient torture, humiliation, and death?
Answer: seminary students. Apart from them, not really anyone. But, I digress.
Easter is a holiday that one can't really jump ahead of time to celebrate. The 40 days (plus Sundays) of Lent leading up to Easter are marked by introspection, sacrifice, and centering. In my case, it has involved abstinence from all forms of alcohol (and I'm counting the hours down until my first mimosa at Sunday brunch with Katie at our local gay bar.) Basically, it's a whole lot of un-fun. But not pointless un-fun. Really, really important un-fun.
On Wednesday I got to lead a small chapel service in song. I started with "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." I almost got choked up. It's a spiritual I almost feel unfit to sing; it carries with it the weight of suffering I've never felt. And yet, there is part of me that can connect with the feeling of being "a long way from home." Lent is a time of journeying into the wilderness, of being far away from our "home," our comfort and familiar routine.
Good Friday is the beginning of the end of this journey. It's been a long one for me. And, I'm ready for some Easter joy to cast out the darkness again.
Hopes for the New Year
You'd think an extra day at home to spend with my mom eating Thai food and watching season 2 of Dexter would've made me smile, not cry. But knowing that eventually I'd have to leave home again and return to the desolate land of my sublet room in Arlington had me in tears. It doesn't matter if I'm there for 2 days or 2 weeks; it never feels like enough.
Don't get me wrong. My family drives me nuts when I'm there. My nephew shot me in the face with a Nerf gun. My oldest brother refused to join my mom and me in Augusta to see my other brother who was on call at the hospital on Christmas, opting instead to go to an NFL game. My mom snored all night long on Christmas, keeping me up and making me want to put a pillow over her face.
And yet, I love them more than anything. I feel like I'm missing so much when I'm in DC. And I'm finally beginning to see that as long as I'm there, it will almost always be me making the trip to see them, not the other way around. In the five and a half years of living a plane ride away from home, I've been visited four times by my mom; two times by my middle brother, and zero times by my oldest brother. It's not that they don't care. It's just...I don't know. I'm the only one far away. Being a plane ride away takes out all the spontaneity of traveling, at least for those of us on a budget. It'd be so much easier if we all could just jump in the car and be together for a random weekend.
Now I'm back thinking that I do want to move, maybe not right away but eventually. My uncle in Chapel Hill is building a new house and his paid-for condo probably won't do well on the market, given the housing situation nationwide. He said, mostly in jest, "It would make my life a lot easier if you'd move to North Carolina." But, it got me thinking about what life would be like there. All of my emotions aside, next to DC the Research Triangle is probably the best place for me work-wise. I was contacted by someone there a few weeks ago who works on population issues. She'd be a great contact. And, I even met a man from there a few weeks ago that I instantly clicked with. I told him I was thinking of moving and he said, "I'd be your friend!"
I'm not into New Year's resolution (although I do plan to join a new gym when I get back to DC, only because my current one smells like a diaper.) But I do have hopes for this year--that it would be a time when something clicks. That I'd get that opportunity, meet that person, realize that one thing that will make the foreseeable future a little less daunting. That I'd realize where I'm supposed to be--DC, NC, or somewhere else--and feel at peace about it. I'm open to all of the possibilities before me.
Don't get me wrong. My family drives me nuts when I'm there. My nephew shot me in the face with a Nerf gun. My oldest brother refused to join my mom and me in Augusta to see my other brother who was on call at the hospital on Christmas, opting instead to go to an NFL game. My mom snored all night long on Christmas, keeping me up and making me want to put a pillow over her face.
And yet, I love them more than anything. I feel like I'm missing so much when I'm in DC. And I'm finally beginning to see that as long as I'm there, it will almost always be me making the trip to see them, not the other way around. In the five and a half years of living a plane ride away from home, I've been visited four times by my mom; two times by my middle brother, and zero times by my oldest brother. It's not that they don't care. It's just...I don't know. I'm the only one far away. Being a plane ride away takes out all the spontaneity of traveling, at least for those of us on a budget. It'd be so much easier if we all could just jump in the car and be together for a random weekend.
Now I'm back thinking that I do want to move, maybe not right away but eventually. My uncle in Chapel Hill is building a new house and his paid-for condo probably won't do well on the market, given the housing situation nationwide. He said, mostly in jest, "It would make my life a lot easier if you'd move to North Carolina." But, it got me thinking about what life would be like there. All of my emotions aside, next to DC the Research Triangle is probably the best place for me work-wise. I was contacted by someone there a few weeks ago who works on population issues. She'd be a great contact. And, I even met a man from there a few weeks ago that I instantly clicked with. I told him I was thinking of moving and he said, "I'd be your friend!"
I'm not into New Year's resolution (although I do plan to join a new gym when I get back to DC, only because my current one smells like a diaper.) But I do have hopes for this year--that it would be a time when something clicks. That I'd get that opportunity, meet that person, realize that one thing that will make the foreseeable future a little less daunting. That I'd realize where I'm supposed to be--DC, NC, or somewhere else--and feel at peace about it. I'm open to all of the possibilities before me.
How to Ruin Christmas for Your Mom
Step 1. Mention in passing to your mom something you think is "crazy expensive" and that you'd never purchase for yourself.
Step 2. Begin cyberstalking of this product the day after said comment.
Step 3. Find lowest price possible on product and place it into e-cart.
Step 4. Delete product from e-cart.
Step 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 ad nauseum.
Step 6. Finally muster up enough balls to actually purchase product, justifying it as a "Christmas present for myself."
Step 7. Receive product and excitedly begin using immediately.
Step 8. Mention to mom that you found "an incredible deal" on said product and purchased it for yourself last week.
Step 9. Watch mom's face drop as she tells you she bought you the same thing as your big Christmas gift.
Step 10. Feel like an asshole.
Finals Time
I pride myself on being The Non-Student (if I have anything to do it I will maintain that status until the day I die--mark my word!), but I can't help but feel like I'm in finals mode right now. Probably because the second I landed in DC Monday night, I said to myself, "Three weeks, girlfriend. Three weeks and then you get to go back home."
It's pretty much the same attitude I had in college and grad school: quick, get over that Thanksgiving turkey coma and kick some paper/exam/studying ass! Since my project runs on the calendar year, I really am scrambling like a stressed-out student to get all the loose ends tied. The big thing I've got to do is write a report for our funder, which seems kind of pointless now because they've already cut us another check for 2011. Yay employment!
I see the next two-ish weeks as a to-do list. Buy this gift. Go to this party. Finish up this project. Two weeks seems doable. But living life as a to-do list is a pretty shitty way of going about life. It's just all I seem to be able to manage here lately. At least it's the holidays and I can crank Mariah Carey
and buy stocking stuffers and burn candles that smell like pumpkin and candy canes to counteract the dark and cold because hello, apparently it is winter now. When did this happen?
If you're a non-student like me, do you still kind of feel like you're on an academic calendar? Are you just counting down until you (hopefully) get to eat lots of delicious food and wear pajamas all day and catch up on all of the seasons of The Real Housewives?
P.S. Enter my giveaway! That'll put you in the holiday spirit.
It's pretty much the same attitude I had in college and grad school: quick, get over that Thanksgiving turkey coma and kick some paper/exam/studying ass! Since my project runs on the calendar year, I really am scrambling like a stressed-out student to get all the loose ends tied. The big thing I've got to do is write a report for our funder, which seems kind of pointless now because they've already cut us another check for 2011. Yay employment!
and buy stocking stuffers and burn candles that smell like pumpkin and candy canes to counteract the dark and cold because hello, apparently it is winter now. When did this happen?If you're a non-student like me, do you still kind of feel like you're on an academic calendar? Are you just counting down until you (hopefully) get to eat lots of delicious food and wear pajamas all day and catch up on all of the seasons of The Real Housewives?
P.S. Enter my giveaway! That'll put you in the holiday spirit.
Mile High Blogging
So, I really have nothing interesting to say (what's new, right?), but at this very moment, my mind is being blown. Why? Because my AirTran flight home has complimentary WiFi (thanks Google Chrome). And that means I can do things on the Internet while flying. Like blog. About nothing. *giggle*
So, my so-so date from Friday (who insisted on TALKING through Harry Potter! I know, I should've kicked him in the balls) has sent a follow up email. I'll write him back...eventually. He wasn't writing to ask for a second date. Instead he shared that he still isn't sure if he liked Harry Potter or not. (I know, another kick in the balls is due.) Interesting. Doesn't really make this HP aficionado want to write back.
But, in better news, I am currently heading home (On a flight! Right now! With Wifi!) for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family for the first time since 2007! The last two years I've been at SCL's (one of the only good parts about this break-up is not being subjected to his parents on holidays), so I am really looking forward to warm temperatures (high of 77 today), cuddling with my Yorkie, and time away from DC.
I'll probably be blogging some this week, but I can almost guarantee that anything I post will be even less interesting than what I've written here.
I Do Not Hook Up.
I go slow.
Usually. Unless I'm at Dewey Beach and there's beautiful Mr. Navy just standing there looking beautiful and wanting to buy me beers and kiss me on the dance floor. I mean, what else are you going to do in this situation?
See, I am not "Dewey Beach Girl." I never went to Panama City or Cancun for spring break. I don't wake up and keep drinking to alleviate the hangover I have from the night before. I don't run around in my bathing suit drinking Bud Lights at noon on a Sunday. I do not stay up until 5 AM and wake up the next morning to find that my entire group is being evicted from our condo for numerous noise violations. I am not that girl.
Usually. Unless I'm at Dewey Beach and it's Labor Day weekend and I've quit caring about who I'm "supposed to be."
When I told my friend L that I wanted to go to Dewey, he was shocked. He told me I was his BBF--Best Behaved-Friend. (Needless to say, after this weekend I don't think I deserve that one anymore.) But I'm trying new things, putting myself out there and letting myself cut loose a little. So, I said, "Sign me up!"
L's girlfriend had let on that she wanted to introduce me to her friend Mr. Navy who apparently is one of her favorite people of all time, so much so that she refuses to set him up with any of her friends because none of them is good enough for him. Until now. Yessssssss.
Mr. Navy--he is tall, dark, and gorgeous. So naturally, we immediately hit it off and it only took a few mixed drinks and some great cover band music on Friday to start off the weekend lip-locked on the dance floor. I had felt some sparks earlier in the week with Dr. Nutrition, but that got blown out of the water by Mr. Navy. I'm sure the vodka helped.
The next day I felt incredibly hungover from the drinking and the kissing, and I wasn't sure how I felt about the situation. This is how I am--overly analytical about whatever feelings I'm having about a guy. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve to have fun like that, and then I feel bad when I do. And I'm not even Catholic! So what's up with this semi-guilt I feel over a harmless make-out session with Mr. Navy?
I spent Saturday recovering, getting my ass kicked in the ocean (the waves were insane!), and watching college football with Mr. Navy. I decided that I'd learned my lesson the night before and stuck with beer rather than mixed drinks, and still had a great time. We kissed more. He fell asleep next to me without coming on too strong. I was getting used to having a cute boy around.
On Sunday, we got kicked out of our place (long story....but I still feel kind of badass to have been kicked out of a place in a fucking beach town where craziness is the name of the game) and decided to spend the day--where else--at the bar. More drinking, more dancing, more kissing. Once the sun went down, we ended up on the beach, stripped down to our bathing suits and got ready to jump into the water...until we felt how fucking freezing it was. So, we spent some time on the sand...
And yep, that's where the storytelling ends for that night. :-)
This morning Mr. Navy drove me back to DC, showed me his place, and kissed me before I headed back to my place. I think I floated all the way home.
Looking over the pictures from the weekend, I look so happy, so relaxed, just having a good time. I never expected to meet someone who is not only fun, but also seems to have his act together and is understanding. And, I confess I am a little smitten. I know, I know--it's Dewey Beach. It was alcohol-induced. It is not usually the kind of thing that goes anywhere. But, I'm hoping this might be an exception. From what I've seen and everything my friend L has told me, he is an awesome, solid guy--and that he was really into me, too.
In the meantime, I've got four dates this week. But, part of me thinks my thoughts might wander back to Mr. Navy....
Usually. Unless I'm at Dewey Beach and there's beautiful Mr. Navy just standing there looking beautiful and wanting to buy me beers and kiss me on the dance floor. I mean, what else are you going to do in this situation?
See, I am not "Dewey Beach Girl." I never went to Panama City or Cancun for spring break. I don't wake up and keep drinking to alleviate the hangover I have from the night before. I don't run around in my bathing suit drinking Bud Lights at noon on a Sunday. I do not stay up until 5 AM and wake up the next morning to find that my entire group is being evicted from our condo for numerous noise violations. I am not that girl.
Usually. Unless I'm at Dewey Beach and it's Labor Day weekend and I've quit caring about who I'm "supposed to be."
When I told my friend L that I wanted to go to Dewey, he was shocked. He told me I was his BBF--Best Behaved-Friend. (Needless to say, after this weekend I don't think I deserve that one anymore.) But I'm trying new things, putting myself out there and letting myself cut loose a little. So, I said, "Sign me up!"
L's girlfriend had let on that she wanted to introduce me to her friend Mr. Navy who apparently is one of her favorite people of all time, so much so that she refuses to set him up with any of her friends because none of them is good enough for him. Until now. Yessssssss.
Mr. Navy--he is tall, dark, and gorgeous. So naturally, we immediately hit it off and it only took a few mixed drinks and some great cover band music on Friday to start off the weekend lip-locked on the dance floor. I had felt some sparks earlier in the week with Dr. Nutrition, but that got blown out of the water by Mr. Navy. I'm sure the vodka helped.
The next day I felt incredibly hungover from the drinking and the kissing, and I wasn't sure how I felt about the situation. This is how I am--overly analytical about whatever feelings I'm having about a guy. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve to have fun like that, and then I feel bad when I do. And I'm not even Catholic! So what's up with this semi-guilt I feel over a harmless make-out session with Mr. Navy?
I spent Saturday recovering, getting my ass kicked in the ocean (the waves were insane!), and watching college football with Mr. Navy. I decided that I'd learned my lesson the night before and stuck with beer rather than mixed drinks, and still had a great time. We kissed more. He fell asleep next to me without coming on too strong. I was getting used to having a cute boy around.
On Sunday, we got kicked out of our place (long story....but I still feel kind of badass to have been kicked out of a place in a fucking beach town where craziness is the name of the game) and decided to spend the day--where else--at the bar. More drinking, more dancing, more kissing. Once the sun went down, we ended up on the beach, stripped down to our bathing suits and got ready to jump into the water...until we felt how fucking freezing it was. So, we spent some time on the sand...
And yep, that's where the storytelling ends for that night. :-)
This morning Mr. Navy drove me back to DC, showed me his place, and kissed me before I headed back to my place. I think I floated all the way home.
Looking over the pictures from the weekend, I look so happy, so relaxed, just having a good time. I never expected to meet someone who is not only fun, but also seems to have his act together and is understanding. And, I confess I am a little smitten. I know, I know--it's Dewey Beach. It was alcohol-induced. It is not usually the kind of thing that goes anywhere. But, I'm hoping this might be an exception. From what I've seen and everything my friend L has told me, he is an awesome, solid guy--and that he was really into me, too.
In the meantime, I've got four dates this week. But, part of me thinks my thoughts might wander back to Mr. Navy....
From the Beach
Hope you all are having a marvelous Labor Day weekend! Once I survived the crazy drive to the beach (much of it the very same route SCL and I took to get to his parents' house in the middle of nowhere), I've been having a blast with my new friends. So far it's been a lot of drinkin', dancin', kissin' a really cute boy (whom I shall call Mr. Navy), and gettin' my ass kicked by the monstrous waves that are the only remnants of the "hurricane" that passed by yesterday.
I have to get back to the bar, but enjoy my guest post over at After I Do. Many thanks to Krysten for inviting me and let's all wish her luck as she moves into her new house!
I have to get back to the bar, but enjoy my guest post over at After I Do. Many thanks to Krysten for inviting me and let's all wish her luck as she moves into her new house!
Valentine's Day Recap
As a general rule, SCL and I dislike romantic cliches, especially when it comes to Valentine's Day. No roses or sappy cards in our house. I like to think that we're a bit more creative in that department, so here's a recap of what our day looked like.SCL was out of town for a conference the three days before V-Day, so I took the time to really clean our apart
ment from top to bottom. Then I braved the great outdoors to get some place mats, napkins, and a few other things to spruce up our apartment. Since moving in last July, we really haven't spent any money to make it feel homey, and I thought since we were making a delicious dinner for Valentine's Day, it would be a nice touch to add some love to our old, rickety, hand-me-down table.Gift wise, we kept it non-traditional and went for things for the both of us rather than specific gifts for one another. SCL bought us tickets to see Chelsea Handler in March. This is my favorite kind of gift--time together doing something fun, something we wouldn't do as a regular date. And I bought us some kitchen things we didn't have, including (my favorite) a salad spinner! We love cooking, and having a few more of the right tools will hopefully make it even more enjoyable.
And dinner! This is something to write home about. We--really SCL--made the most delicious dinner of all time. We decided to make steak, which we made last year, but this time we took it to a new level of awesome. We got up early and hit up Costco for filet mignon (only $9.99 a pound there!) The price made it worth standing in line for about 30 minutes to check out. I don't know what it is about this Costco, but whenever we go, it's a total nightmare.
SCL prepared the steak with garlic butter, wrapped it in bacon, and served it with caramelized onions. We made more onions on the side, a simple salad, and fresh bread with more garlic butter. And, our favorite wine from Trader Joe's. Turned on the cheesy "Love Songs" channel on the TV and had a romantic, delicious dinner.
I'm a big proponent of spending Valentine's Day at home. Restaurants are nice, but they're crowded, expensive, and (hello!) cliche on V-Day. For a lot less cash, we made a delicious dinner together and got to enjoy it in our sweatpants, in our cozy apartment. We splurged on a food we normally don't buy, but we only spent $20! (We got four steaks and had them again yesterday.)What do you think? Do you like going out for Valentine's Day? Or do you prefer dinner at home?
I'm Dreaming of a White (Elephant) Christmas
One of SCL's family traditions is an annual family-wide Christmas party with White Elephant gift exchange. There's a standard $10 limit, and while gifts don't have to be gag gifts necessarily, is there really anything more fun than buying something ridiculous?
Our source of inspiration: As Soon on TV products. More specifically, the BumpIt.
Despite our best efforts, we could not find a BumpIt in time, which saddened SCL to no end. He really thought this would be the best gift ever. I'm not sure if there's just really that high of a demand for these godawful devices, or if they're still in their "TV only" stage.
So, he had to go with the next best thing....
That's right. EZcombs. Aren't they stylish? It's like a grown up version of the Topsy Tail.
And for me, a slightly different but clearly related product...
Look at that cleavage! I really hope a guy gets this one.
The best part was they were both on sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, plus we had coupons for 20% off, making these babies $5.38 each. And if we don't get to go because of this massive snowstorm heading our way, I will have new fashionable items to sport after the holidays! :-)
Our source of inspiration: As Soon on TV products. More specifically, the BumpIt.
Despite our best efforts, we could not find a BumpIt in time, which saddened SCL to no end. He really thought this would be the best gift ever. I'm not sure if there's just really that high of a demand for these godawful devices, or if they're still in their "TV only" stage.
So, he had to go with the next best thing....
That's right. EZcombs. Aren't they stylish? It's like a grown up version of the Topsy Tail.And for me, a slightly different but clearly related product...
Look at that cleavage! I really hope a guy gets this one.The best part was they were both on sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, plus we had coupons for 20% off, making these babies $5.38 each. And if we don't get to go because of this massive snowstorm heading our way, I will have new fashionable items to sport after the holidays! :-)
Being a Daughter at the Holidays
My mom and I like to touch base on Gchat at least once during the day, and this morning was no different. But unlike most chats, this one left me feeling a little more than bitter about the holidays and my role as the only other woman in my immediate family.
Our family is pretty big on gift giving--not so much spending a ton of money, but rather everyone buying everyone else a present. We don't have a ton of people to do this for, but it does get expensive, stressful, and time consuming especially now that my brothers and I are getting a little old for this. I have both a doctor and a lawyer for siblings, so there is literally nothing I could buy them that they need. And one of my brothers has the tendency to buy himself whatever he wants at the drop of a hat. Last year I found him the perfect gift (a Flash Gordon t-shirt) only to find that he had ordered himself one the day before. How can I buy gifts for someone who constantly buys himself ones?
On to my real frustration: stockings. Yes, we still do stockings in my family. It's something my mom loves to do, and we all enjoy getting them. But, things have changed over the years. It used to be that my mom did them for everyone (expensive!), but then I started taking over hers because she figured I would do the best job. Cool, I don't mind. I keep my eye out for things during the year. Not a big deal. But, this year SCL is coming home with me (a big yay), and she reminds me that I have to do a stocking for him. So, that's two stockings I have to do. Daughter: 2. Sons: 0. And I doubt my mom would even consider that if I'm doing one for SCL, maybe he should do mine, too.
And, need I say that I am the youngest sibling with the least amount of cash? Yet I'm the one expected to do my mom's stocking because I'm a girl. UNFAIR. It's turning what should be a joyful thing into a really infuriating one. It's not just about the money either. It's about the time, energy, and creativity required.
I don't want to turn into a humbug, but why don't the men have to contribute to the stocking frenzy? Why is it just assumed that my mom and I should have to put all of the thought and energy into the holiday season?
Our family is pretty big on gift giving--not so much spending a ton of money, but rather everyone buying everyone else a present. We don't have a ton of people to do this for, but it does get expensive, stressful, and time consuming especially now that my brothers and I are getting a little old for this. I have both a doctor and a lawyer for siblings, so there is literally nothing I could buy them that they need. And one of my brothers has the tendency to buy himself whatever he wants at the drop of a hat. Last year I found him the perfect gift (a Flash Gordon t-shirt) only to find that he had ordered himself one the day before. How can I buy gifts for someone who constantly buys himself ones?
On to my real frustration: stockings. Yes, we still do stockings in my family. It's something my mom loves to do, and we all enjoy getting them. But, things have changed over the years. It used to be that my mom did them for everyone (expensive!), but then I started taking over hers because she figured I would do the best job. Cool, I don't mind. I keep my eye out for things during the year. Not a big deal. But, this year SCL is coming home with me (a big yay), and she reminds me that I have to do a stocking for him. So, that's two stockings I have to do. Daughter: 2. Sons: 0. And I doubt my mom would even consider that if I'm doing one for SCL, maybe he should do mine, too.
And, need I say that I am the youngest sibling with the least amount of cash? Yet I'm the one expected to do my mom's stocking because I'm a girl. UNFAIR. It's turning what should be a joyful thing into a really infuriating one. It's not just about the money either. It's about the time, energy, and creativity required.
I don't want to turn into a humbug, but why don't the men have to contribute to the stocking frenzy? Why is it just assumed that my mom and I should have to put all of the thought and energy into the holiday season?
Sharing is Hot
Sometimes I wish I were a more practical blogger, like my friend Karen over at Living Well on Less. She has a fantastic blog today about the benefits of sharing a car. My first thought was, "Oo! Oo! That's something SCL and I do! Yay I'm doing something smart financially." I don't know if any of you read financial blogs, but most of the time, they depress me and make me feel like I'm not frugal enough. These feelings of inadequacy can only be alleviated with chocolate or new shoes. So, I don't really read them much anymore. I'm contributing to my IRA, consolidating student loans (finally came through!), and not going into debt. And SCL and I are still on track with our budgeting. We're even building up a balance in our joint account; imagine that!
But, Karen's post had me thinking about sharing and how it can help your relationship, not just financially but in other ways, too. Sharing a car means 1) less gas money needed 2) one parking permit rather than two 3) one insurance policy instead of two. We also just drive less in general. But, sharing a car means another shared space that we have. Most of the time spent in the car is together time for us, driving to an event or going to the grocery store. It reminds me of being a little kid and having good conversations with my mom when she took me to my millions of lessons every week, bless her.
Sharing, I'm learning, is about having another person in mind, not just splitting things in two. Whether it's the last piece of pizza or the first one to get into the bathroom in the morning, we try to be mindful of the other. Honestly, I think SCL is better at this than me, even though I'm the one with siblings (though to be fair, I have two older brothers, and if I wanted the last of anything, I had to snatch it when I had the chance. Survival mode, baby.) But, I'm learning to be better at sharing. Trying to better anyway.
Sharing also means a lot more work sometimes. Every time I do laundry, I complain that there are way too many white undershirts to clean. (WHY DO MEN HAVE SO MANY WHITE T-SHIRTS????) There are more coffee mugs to wash, more hair on the bathroom floor to try to vacuum up with little luck, less time for the DVR to record all of my favorite shows--and believe me, there are a lot of them.
This will be the first year we're sharing on holidays. We'll spend Thanksgiving with SCL's parents and Christmas at my house. Even harder than sharing is being shared, I think. It's another lesson, another opportunity to grow together, and more than anything, I'm thrilled to finally be sharing the holidays with the one I love.
But, Karen's post had me thinking about sharing and how it can help your relationship, not just financially but in other ways, too. Sharing a car means 1) less gas money needed 2) one parking permit rather than two 3) one insurance policy instead of two. We also just drive less in general. But, sharing a car means another shared space that we have. Most of the time spent in the car is together time for us, driving to an event or going to the grocery store. It reminds me of being a little kid and having good conversations with my mom when she took me to my millions of lessons every week, bless her.
Sharing, I'm learning, is about having another person in mind, not just splitting things in two. Whether it's the last piece of pizza or the first one to get into the bathroom in the morning, we try to be mindful of the other. Honestly, I think SCL is better at this than me, even though I'm the one with siblings (though to be fair, I have two older brothers, and if I wanted the last of anything, I had to snatch it when I had the chance. Survival mode, baby.) But, I'm learning to be better at sharing. Trying to better anyway.
Sharing also means a lot more work sometimes. Every time I do laundry, I complain that there are way too many white undershirts to clean. (WHY DO MEN HAVE SO MANY WHITE T-SHIRTS????) There are more coffee mugs to wash, more hair on the bathroom floor to try to vacuum up with little luck, less time for the DVR to record all of my favorite shows--and believe me, there are a lot of them.
This will be the first year we're sharing on holidays. We'll spend Thanksgiving with SCL's parents and Christmas at my house. Even harder than sharing is being shared, I think. It's another lesson, another opportunity to grow together, and more than anything, I'm thrilled to finally be sharing the holidays with the one I love.
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