Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Five Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes

[....Annnnnd some change....] How do you measure, measure a year?  Measure in love.

Two weeks ago C and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary.  Our first year together has been incredible!  Our relationship has been both challenging and engaging, we have grown as individuals, and as a couple.  You know the funny thing though?  I think we both knew that first night, that this is where we would be in our hearts in a year. 

I could just tell, even during our initial awkward cautiousness that first meeting.  And I definitely knew the moment he stole that first kiss.  Our date had only just begun...we had just gotten on our hayride at the pumpkin patch.  C had already pulled the oh-so-smooth arm around the shoulder move, and seated hip-to-hip, shoulder-to-shoulder there on that bail of hay I felt it coming, and the instant it happened, there was no questioning what we had found.  This was different.  It wasn't the obligatory "first date: I had a great time," kiss, and it wasn't the skeezy "I really only want one thing," kiss.   When C kissed me that first time, everything about that kiss was saying "I just HAVE to kiss her because I'm so glad I found her and she's here with me tonight, and I just need her to know!"  Later that night over dinner we had the DTR talk, and there was no mistaking that we were both very serious about growing and preserving this new relationship.

To celebrate this incredible year, C planned a big surprise for me, and we had one of the best weekends EVER!  C had planned this for months, and all I knew was that we were getting dressed up (I had to wear cocktail attire), and that we were going out of town.  I bugged him the next few months trying to draw more clues out of him.  When the big day came I was so excited to don my new LBD that I bought JUST for this date.  I couldn't wait to see him in his new suit.  I couldn't wait to go out all dolled up.  We rode off for our evening of fun and arrived in Richmond.  There we walked a few blocks to the first surprise...dinner at Edo's Squid (sounds gross right?).  This place had some of the most delicious authentic Italian cuisine I've had the privilege to eat, delicious pasta followed by mouth-watering tiramisu.   At dinner we exchanged our gifts.  I surprised C with tickets to an up-coming Caps hockey game, and C surprised me with tickets for the National Tour of Wicked at the Landmark Theater that night!  Full, excited, and ahead of schedule we sauntered around the streets of Richmond periodically stopped by VCU students, or other random passers-by who felt compelled to tell us how great we looked, how beautiful my dress was, and ask where we were off to dressed like we were.  We felt like super models (at least I did)...let's just say...we were HOT!






We managed to find a little bar near the theater...now we must note...we were a tad overdressed for most of the places we went...and this bar was no exception, but we met one of the coolest guys there.  The guy talked to C about working for the national park service because his father worked for Yellowstone.  We talked about making things happen for ourselves and doing what we set out to do, this guy was truly remarkable and I do hope we run into each other again sometime.  After sipping a few drinks we made our way back to the theater to take our seats for the show.  The show was amazing, and being there with HIM was the best part.  He is truly my dream.  I couldn't believe the lengths he went to to give me such a special evening.  Add these to the list of reasons he is amazing: 1. he surprises me, and 2. he enjoys the theater too and will actually TAKE me to see shows!



And yet our amazing weekend did not end there.  The following day we drove back to Richmond for the state fair where we enjoyed the most beautiful day!  We had sunshine, fresh air, exercise, cute baby animals, delicious...bad for you food, and a great performance by The Band Perry.  We almost came home with a bunny...but thought better of it.  All in all the perfect culmination of our incredible first year together, and the best kick off to another year together. 



 "We're perfect together.  Born to be forever dancing through life!"  C, you are the best!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Super Slacker

Peek-a-boo followers!  I know I've been hiding for a while.  I haven't posted in over 2 months!  Things just got so busy...so here are a few updates.

1.  I moved!  Not far from my old place, about 2 more exits up the interstate.  I now live in a 2 bd apartment that I love!  It's still convenient to all the same things I enjoyed before with a few more amenities.

2. I started a new school year in a new school, on a new grade level.  I now teach advanced 6th graders mathematics and language arts.  I am LOVING it!  I see about 84 students a day.  It's a lot...I feel like I'm drowning in paperwork most days which is why I really haven't been on here much, between trying to keep up with the kids in terms of planning, and grading all the papers that come in.  But I LOVE these kids!  They are bright, funny, respectful, and silly!  They make me want to work harder for them.  (Really this is what has eaten up the vast majority of my time).

3. My mom got me a sewing machine...I don't actually have it in my possession yet.  I have to make a trip to go get it, but I'm super excited.  Be on the look out for future sewing projects.

So what brings about my sudden return?  My wonderful boyfriend decided he'd start a blog tonight that he shared with me.  Check out A Gentleman's Appearance


He amazes me with his talent and taste.  Yes ladies...my boyfriend has a male fashion blog...yet still wears greasy ripped up camo pants to change the oil in my car, loves the Caps and Skins as well as racing and video games.  He's a musician, lover of God, adventurer, artist, shopper, chef, mechanic, electrician, and the best man a girl could ever ask for.  He's everything I never dreamed I'd have, and in 5 days we will celebrate the journey we've been on for one year and look forward to many more years.  I'm so excited for this weekend because he has something big up his sleeve and he's been keeping it a secret for months now!  All I know is we're going out of town (I think it's in Richmond), we have dinner reservations at 5 for some Italian, and we're dressing up (I bought a new dress and he has a new suit).  I have a big surprise for him to and I can't wait to give him his gift on Saturday!  I'm also thinking we're going to hit up the pumpkin patch where we had our first date this weekend as well, and Sunday we're supposed to go to the state fair!  Looking forward to seeing these guys at the fair.



Well, I'm out of juice for tonight.  Hopefully it won't be another 2 months before you hear from me again.

Nighty!