Chocolate Fountains...

I forgot to mention- Dave and I went to Jen Launi and Michael Dell'Aquila's wedding on January 21st...
it was absolutely gorgeous. She chose to do the black-and-white thing, which I thought was really excuted elegantly... her flowers were simple but beautiful and the whole atmosphere was just awesome.

The chocolate fountain... now THAT was the best part of the whole damned thing. A multi-tiered molten milk-chocolate cascading stream... with dozens of goodies surrounding it that you skewer and bathe in the delicious brown lava. MMMMMMMM.
We are DEFINITELY having one of those at our wedding! However, I will not get near it without a full body suit of armor; with my luck I'll get chocolate on my dress without even getting near the damned thing.

The real reason for this addendum to my earlier entry was because I had to say just how amazingly awesome Dave is, and how evident that was, visibly, at Jen's wedding. Jen, as most of you who are likely reading this know, is my exboyfriend Todd's sister. She and I have maintained a relatively close friendship even since the disaster formerly known as Todd was a part of my life... and I value every second spent with her. But going to her wedding was making me nervous. I wanted, more than anything, to watch her and Michael exchange their vows and celebrate their love for one another, but I did not want to have ANY confrontations with Todd whatsoever. Well, go figure... the Tuesday before the wedding I ran into Todd and Andrea at Appetites on Main... he was there playing cards, and she was there, in all her four month pregnant glory, slogging Coronas and smoking Newports. It made me sick. I asked her if she was going to quit... and she said it was "too hard for her." I tried to gently remind her that she wouldn't be quitting for her... but realized it was really a moot point.

Anyway- she and I were friendly enough to one another, and we parted ways saying, "see you at the wedding on Saturday!" Sure enough, Saturday rolls around, and Dave and I, looking QUITE dapper I might add, roll up to the church with only a few minutes to spare. And, ever so ironically fittingly... Todd extends his arm to me to walk me to an available pew. We exchanged a bland, friendly, "hi how are you," but that was really it. Ugh.

So Todd then proceeds to seat Andrea next to Dave and myself. And it was then that I looked at the relieved, almost smug look on Dave's face. The poor guy had been DREADING the moment where he'd come face to face with my nemesis... and realized as soon as he set eyes on all 5 foot nothing of Todd that it had all been for naught.

Anyway, the afternoon goes on, Andrea sticks to me and Dave like glue because she doesn't really know anyone else that isn't involved in the wedding itself, and and she admits, because "at least I know you guys won't give me shit for drinking... everyone else in the family and bridal party will." WHAT?! Of course they'll give you shit! You're carrying their future grandchild/niece/nephew/brother/sister/etc... I swear the girl had a glass of wine, of a different color, mind you, every single time I saw her the entire night. I'm not even going to mention the other things I know in which she was indulging that night... it's just too digusting to even say.

At one point, when the bridal party convened at the Dell'Aquila's house before the reception commenced, Todd and Andrea were standing outside smoking a cigarette, and I was listening to the way he was talking to her... some things just absolutely never change. He is still always right about EVERYTHING, he is still ignorant and a smart-ass and snappy... and thinks the world of himself. I have not had doubts for years about breaking up with him... in fact, it was only during the initial healing process that I ever shed a tear for that fuckface. I think I was just sad to be alone- I would have dated Big Bird at that point if he was available... my self esteem was so shot and I was convinced that I'd never ever meet someone again, and Todd was my only and last hope. And that the fighting and bullshit and all the heartache he caused me was simply a price you had to pay to be in a relationship.

BOY was I wrong.

As I watched Todd skulk back to the bridal party bus, his shirt untucked and sucking down the last of his grimy nasty Newport, I just squeezed Dave's hand tighter, and looked at him so proudly and so affectionately... he is 1000000 times the man Todd Launi will ever be, or could ever even try to be. He is magnificent, and I am just so excited that, out of all of the people in the world, Dave chose me to be his partner in crime. And what a wise wise decision he has made. I don't think he has any idea just how smart that was on his part!

Not that I needed to see Todd for my mind to be made up... my mind was made up in August of 2004, even before any of this ever became a reality! But any confidence I was still lacking because of how that asshole treated me for so long was gone as soon as I was able to spend five minutes in the same room as both of them... Dave is nicer to me in five minutes than Todd ever was... and I can't believe I put up with that shit for so long. And it's the most comforting, overwhelmingly uplifting feeling to know I'll never ever have to worry about that again as long as I live, because Dave treats me like a Princess! David, I love you! You are the BEST!!!!!!!

All things February...

It's been over a month since I've last blogged (and, EUREKA! I didn't begin my post with So... !!!) and I decided it was about time to check in again.

Things are better than ever now, save for the fact that I'm broke. But that too shall pass.
I started my new job at Pennrose Management Company... I've been here almost 5 weeks, and I really am enjoying it! It makes me think, and keeps me busy, which is nice because the days fly by.

Dave and I are moving into Phoenixville in a little over 3 weeks, and we're very excited about it. we've since bought a couch and a bedroom set, so we have the beginnings of what will be a very lovely home, I'm sure! We're both so psyched... as much as the legacy of Fatti and Fatty will be sorely missed, it'll be really nice to live together officially. We even have a phone number now! Granted it won't be working until February 18th, but it exists!

The whole being engaged thing has been a lot of fun and very exciting, but reality has sunk in. As a matter of fact, I'm really not all that excited about planning this wedding right now- with everything else going on, it seems like a hassle. I mean I'm sure it'll be wonderful and fun and a great bonding experience for me and my mom, but I'll give it a few months before I really worry about it at this point. Lin and Pete are having an engagement party for us in April, so maybe by then I'll be a little more wedding-minded. The first month was blissful, but now it's time to face reality and realize that we're not getting married for 17 months, so maybe we should focus on some other stuff! (and by we, I mean me... because Dave could hardly care less about the details! Ha!)

He just started his new job this week at ING, and so far, loves it! He's excited because for the first time in a very long time he's using his skills in math and his brain, and he feels confident working for a big company that hopefully will allow him to go places eventually. That, and his real estate classes are great and he is just so excited about the whole process. I am just so unbelievably proud of him, watching his life turn around like this. I never would have imagined I'd live to see the day that David Rolston motivated so much and got his life together, and now he's working so hard to get where he wants to be. He took his real estate class midterm and kicked its ass, so that helped to boost his confidence and self-esteem. Yay for David!

ROCK and roll

Here it is! The photos really don't do it any justice, but you'll get the idea. It's just spectactular!!!!

December 20, 2005

David asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot even believe it. I mean I can, but... how surreal. How wonderfully, magically surreal. I am SO excited! He SHOCKED me beyond belief. NEVER did I think this would happen this soon... anytime soon....

But oh my God... I am SO PROUD to be wearing his ring... and to be his wife! More details (and a photo of the rock...) to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y...

Are you serious?!

Someone at work sent me this link today- it's positively hysterical!!!

The Most Magical Place On Earth

...and I'll be there in less than 48 hours!!!! I cannot wait! We fly out tomorrow night, weather permitting, at 7 pm.
I have nothing more to say other than, Thursday afternoon better hurry up and get here!!!!!

Armageddon cometh...

The forecast calls for 2-4 inches tonight, and then another 2-4 tomorrow early am...
so the entire world shuts down, because they are apparently COMPLETELY incapable of functioning. For the love of God people, we live in the freakin' Northeast!!! You should be used to this. Don't get me wrong, driving in snow can suck, big time. And you do have to be very careful and cautious. But don't rush to the grocery store and wipe out the shelves because you might run out of bread, milk, and Capn' Crunch. Give me a break. Life will go on, you most likely WILL have to work tomorrow because the roads will NOT be impassable... and if they are, well, I will stand corrected with absolutely no problem. But chill the F*** out and stop acting like you've never seen snow before people!

Music, music, and more music!

I always vowed to myself that I had to see all of my favorite bands in concert at least once - of course, Bon Jovi being the major exception - and I do believe that soon I will be able to accomplish that feat, minus The Beatles who are only 2 out of 4 anymore... (although I did see Sir Paul this summer so I guess that's 2nd best to the Fab Four...)
I just got tickets to see Queen with Paul Rodgers next March!!! Sure, it won't be anything like the REAL Queen, if Freddie were with us, but regardless, it'll be pretty sweet to see Brian May and Roger Taylor live and in person. http://www.queenpluspaulrodgers.com/

In the last few years, I've been lucky enough to see (in no particular order):

Bon Jovi (x100...)
Prince
Madonna
Simon & Garfunkel
Billy Joel & Elton John
Sir Paul McCartney

Not a bad repertoire if I do say so myself.

JBJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

show starts at 7:30 pm... see you at the Wachovia Ctr, Jon!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

January Freakin' 11th?!

I found out last night after watching the 8th episode of Lost this season, that there will not be another new episode for FORTY TWO DAYS! I'm beside myself with anger at the network... what the fuck are they thinking? Their ratings have already dropped this season, because it's been SOOOOOO slow. And now they're going to make their loyal fans wait 6 weeks to see a new installment? Give me a fucking break. "Holiday programming" my ass. I turned to CBS during a commercial break last night, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was on. Those freaking psychotic toys singing about being misfits on the Island of Unwanted Toys and I was actually quite disturbed. For the first time last night, I saw the poorly concealed strings holding these freaky little puppets up.

Okay obviously I have some deep rooted issues if I'm getting mad about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Giving Thanks

So I experienced my very first dual-familyThanksgiving this year. Dave and I joined the Rolstons at 2 pm on Thursday afternoon for more tradionally English fare... complete with roasted parsnips and turnips... and then headed over to my mother's house at 6 for the usual green bean casserole, sweet potato delight, and turkey turkey turkey (with ham for the non-turkey eating members of the family).

It was great... spending Thanksgiving with two families. But stressful... And I realize that this may be a potential issue in years to come. I already told Dave that the years that my family heads to Albany (as long as that tradition is alive) I will require that we go there... but that off-years we can go to his Mom's. But I'm not sure we'll do both again...

It makes sense that we can do Christmas with his family, given that it's "their" main holiday and his mom tends to make a rather large to-do. But after I informed my Mom that I've been invited to Christmas lunch/dinner with Beth and Roy (the Rolstons' best friends, who, ironically, live less than five minutes away from the Kennedys, where we annually indulge in our own holiday feast), she seemed rather concerned. I think she expects that I'll be at the Kennedys regardless... and I'm not sure what we're going to do. I'd be ok with doing both, like this Thanksgiving, since we'll be right across the street essentially. Although this year it's a double whammy, because the first night of Hanukkah conveniently falls on Christmas night. So I will most definitely want to end up with my own family that night.

I fear this will be a ubiquitous dilemma... because I think my Mom wants me to always be with the McCords for holiday festivities, and I'm not sure that will always work out. As a result of Dave's and my family living in such close proximity to one another, it's convenient to try to spend a part of each holiday with both... but I'm not going to sacrifice what he wants/his family traditions just to satiate one half of our families. I want to compromise, and if that means alternating years, so be it. This is my first real holiday season with a significant other and I'm not sure everyone is taking it as seriously as he and I are... but we intend for this to be the first of MANY together! It will have to be a trial-and-error thing, I'm afraid. And as much as I do, of course, want to spend holidays with my own family, I consider Dave's family to be "mine" as well, and I would like to share many holidays with them if possible.

After (our 2nd) Thanksgiving dinner, my Mom and I went upstairs to discuss some things away from the guys... and she looked me straight in the eyes and said, "you guys seem like you're pretty serious now, is engagement in your future?" And I said, "yes, it definitely is, as soon as we're both stable and secure with money and work and stuff." And I felt very confident that she is ok with this whole idea... or she most likely would not have genuinely asked. And that makes me SO HAPPY, and very excited! I know my parents like him... he is charming, wonderful, and treats me like gold...
No matter what, I am definitely intending on accepting this man's marriage proposal... whether it happens in 6 months or six years! And knowing that my parents are aware of and "ok with" the idea of it is a huge relief. I did tell Dave, however, that when he is ready to ask me to marry him, he'd best ask my Dad's permission first... that is very important to me!!!

I still, however, get the feeling that some of my friends aren't convinced about "me and Dave." Which won't make a difference in the long run, but I want to know that my friends agree that the man I'm hoping to spend the rest of my life with is the right one. He may not be a conventionally picture-perfect boyfriend, but he completely gives me everything I want, and it comes right from his heart. And that is more important to me than anything. Unfortunately, I'm afraid some people think I deserve "more," and those people just need to spend some time around Dave and myself to realize that it IS right. I mean sure, we both have our shortcomings, and there will be kinks to work out forever, nothing will ever be perfect. But like I said, people's opinions of whether or not he's "right" for me will not affect my decision.

Especially for those who knew my last sorry excuse for a boyfriend... they should know how "right" this is compared to that, dear God. I look at it like this- before, I was driving an old, beat up jalopy that required more maintenance than it was worth.... and I've since upgraded to a brand new, beautiful Bentley! Which, don't get me wrong, still requires proper maintenance, but in the end, all the effort I put in is WELL worth it!

Ing-vay?

So Dave and I went to see Yngwie Malmsteen last night at the TLA. It was rather interesting... I can say that was definitely my first, and most certainly my LAST heavy metal concert. He is ridiculously talented... I've never seen someone handle a guitar with such finesse. I would like to see Satriani or Vai if they come around again, but I think it would be a much different show.
But it was fun to go with Dave, especially the look on his face as Yngwie's fingers flew across the fretboard... plus we went and got cheesesteaks wit' after so that was great.

God I love that boy.

Disneyworld is less than 3 weeks away! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lost

So I have absolutely positively no idea what direction my life is going right now. I feel useless... I can't find a good job... not one that allows me to be even the TINIEST bit creative. I wonder why I bothered going to college if my degree and my course of study got me nowhere. Shame on me for picking such a stupid, uncertain field. I mean, sure, I could move to Los Angeles and be someone's bitch and work my way up the un-corporate entertainment ladder.
But I don't want to. I'm content with my life in the suburbs, with my family and friends nearby, and with plans to soon move and have a home with Dave. I have given up my need to work in TV, but I still think that it shouldn't be this fucking hard for me to find a creative/communications-driven job. I keep finding these postings for jobs for which I would be PERFECT, but of course, I have no connections to connect me to them. Just the fleeting hope that someone will pick my online resume out from the hundreds of others that I'm sure have been submitted for that particular position.
There have GOT to be jobs out there that won't bore me to death, that will allow me to make enough money to get by and maybe then some...
My personal life is far more important to me than my career... which is why I've stuck it out at this shithole for so long. However, I would like to at least be challenged or at least motivated SOMEWHAT at work, and not dread waking up just to pick up the phone to talk to a bunch of idiots all day long who don't really give a shit what I'm selling them or talking about anyway...
UGH.

At least LOST is on tonight. It's the one night of the week anymore that I look forward to... and lately even THAT has been letting me down. C'mon assholes, it's the November Sweeps! Keep your fans engaged!!!!!!!!

Bahama Mamas!

So Wilma decided to go easy on us, and we ended up with a most excellent vacation experience! We got down to Nassau on Saturday morning and were itching to get to our hotel... fearing that the bright sunshine and friendly blue skies were limited and the menacing storm clouds would soon roll in and unleash their fury on us...

But we were wrong. All day Saturday and Sunday we had fantastic weather... the water was calm and warm and the sun bestowed its strongest rays upon us. We each managed to walk away with a little sunburn too, which was all too welcomed!
The daunting music on the weather channel warning us of Wilma's approach kept us glued to the set... as we watched many towns in Southwestern Florida get ravaged...
luckily we didn't feel any direct effects but the whipping sand and howling winds were enough for us. It was a little harrowing, to say the least, but we made it home safely and soundly.

I was happy to come home, too... once I knew the vacation was over and we were departing for the airport, I got antsy because I couldn't wait to see Dave. I was proud of myself... I made it through the trip without missing him too terribly... although getting home to him was as good as anything!

And the winning powerball numbers are:

4
8
15
16
23
42

Hahahahahah! Just kidding.

You Have Got To Be Kidding Me...

Forecast for Nassau, Bahamas:

strong winds, thunderstorms, rain... Saturday Oct 22-Monday October 24. Of course. Its shaping up to be a nice week AFTER Tuesday, and of course, Mo and I fly out Tuesday at noon.

I cannot handle this again. I cannot fucking handle it.

Sexy Bitches

Enough said. Oooh la la. Sizzlin'.

Big and Orange

Happy Halloween! (almost)

Here are some really great snapshots from this previous weekend's endeavors. What a beautiful October Saturday we had for our outing!!! Pumpkin and apple picking... I felt like I was a little kid again!!! An awesome weekend, to say the least! And our carvings were pretty damned impressive, in my humble opinion...

guess which one was mine?!

Monica's Madness

My lovely wonderful midwestern pal Monica, a.k.a. Mo to most, or UNCLE Mo to a select few, has come up with some rather entertaining quotes, which I would now like to attempt to reproduce. I realize they will not be as funny typed out here as they were when she first said them, but it doesn't matter. It makes me laugh just to think about it. And the first one sums it up entirely.

"I wish I was Whitesnake."

Yes, that is, as in Whitesnake the 80s hair band. Mo wishes she was Whitesnake. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Here you go again, girlfriend.

Another winner:

"That's ok... I've decided I'm a passenger on the psycho bus headed to psycho town anyways, so your distraction is a good thing!"

WHAT?! Ass.

The same night that we determined Mo was "Uncle Mo" and I was "Aunt Fatty" we were discussing the events of my upcoming weekend. And I said I was going to Brownies 23 East. And Mo goes, "you're going to Brownies? Is that where the meeting is or something?" thinking that Brownies 23 East was a location of a girl scout troop. I thought Jami and Jay and I were going to die laughing.

Poor Uncle Mo and her dusty rose (NOT pink) hoodie.

12-4-05: "My ass hurts. But it's the cheek, not the hole." (she says this to me as I'm SHITCANNED drunk walking to a party after a Bon Jovi concert... I fell to the pavement laughing uncontrollably. And to this day, she pulls it out when she wants to get a giggle out of me!)

12-15-05: "hahah so I was holding my coup of soup and my phone started buzzing and it scared me so I jumped and launched soup everywhere... haha there's a noodle in my hair!"

sometime in March, 2006: (me speaking to her) "Mo, you are the mortar between my bricks!"

There have been many others. And I fully intend to edit this blog entry whenever I remember another funny line, or she comes up with a new one. All in all, this girl is hysterical and I love her dearly, especially when I get to correct her shitty spelling! <3 vag