Thursday, May 31, 2012

She's Here!

My baby has finally made it to New York! Let me tell you this was quite a site to see. My truck was literally hanging off the back of the trailer. I am sure the first time we drive it around town we will get some looks because the entire time we have been here I have not seen one lifted truck! Isn't she a beaut:
The neighbors were not too excited to have the street turned into one lane for about 30 minutes but oh well. Here is what I was talking about when I said hanging off the back of the trailer:
These guys are good! Joe and I are now going to go wash her and enjoy the beautiful day in New York!
Okay just one more...
Looks so funny!
:)

June 2012 Photo-A-Day Challenge

Some of you may be familiar with the monthly photo-a-day challenges. I have been wanting to participate in this for a couple months but I wanted to wait until Joe and I made the move so that maybe the photos would be a little more interesting. So beginning tomorrow I will be posting a picture a day that match with the following list:
Stay tuned!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Shower Time

This may seem to be too intimate of a subject to blog about but I assure you this post is rated G. ;) This morning was the first morning Joe and I were able to shower in our new place... now I have already shared with you how excited I am to have a jacuzzi tub but little did I know I would love the shower just as much. As you can see below our shower has two shower heads:
So I thought big deal you can shower on either side of the tub... okay... kind of cool! To my surprise this is what happened when I switched the water from bath to shower:
Me being me I had to call Joe into the bathroom make sure this is what it was supposed to do. Joe gave me the okay and I proceeded to have the best shower of my life! New York has once again opened my eyes and now I am going to insist on having two shower heads for the rest of my life. :) Oh and here is a better shot of my brand new bathtub!
I think this is part of Joe's secret plan for me to fall in love in NY... it's working!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Move In Day

Today is the day.... We have checked out of our hotel and I am currently blogging from our new apartment! This seems a little more glamorous then it really is because we are still currently waiting for our belongings. We are crossing our fingers that it will be sometime today! Joe and the landlord are running around the apartment installing air conditioning and other things we need.

I can not express how much I love our new place. It has so much character! One big plus is our whirlpool bath.... I swear I am not trying to brag. ;) I have never had a soaking tub and I plan on taking full advantage of it!! Everything in New York has been so amazing... It's drastically different then back home but each have their up sides. I can not picture Joe and I anywhere but here. Here are some "before" pictures:

We can't wait to fully move in!!!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Our New York Life

The last couple of days here have been fast paced and fun. Yesterday we attended a BBQ with some of Joe's fraternity brothers. I probably had more fun at this BBQ compared to other people because we were barbequing outside during a thunderstorm minus the rain! To me this was so different and so fun but I am sure it's nothing out of the ordinary here. 

Today Joe was picked up to play in a flag football game. It was fun to have some time to chit chat with the wives and girlfriends. After the game we grabbed some food at an amazing restaurant on the waterfront in Terrytown.
It was such a nice day out I was not expecting to get so much sun.... The end result:
Thank goodness it looks a lot worse then it is!

Joe and I have truly been enjoying our time here but are VERY ready to receive our things and get settled in. We have been preparing our apartment and are very anxious to move in. Cross your fingers our things will arrive soon!!! :)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

My 26th Birthday

My 26th Birthday was thrown in during our last weekend home. It was great to be able to celebrate my birthday at home but it was stressful to find the time. Joe was nice enough to plan a full day of birthday fun and put the packing off until the next day.

We started off attending a street fair in downtown Campbell called Boogie on the Bayou. It was a fun couple of hours but it quickly became to crowded for my taste.
 Once we left Campbell we met up at Santana Row for a couple drinks to wait for my brother to get off work.
And finally once my brother was off work the ones that had enough energy met at a local dive bar to celebrate the final hours of my birthday.
My 26th Birthday was a long day filled with amazing people. I am so happy I was able to celebrate my 26th in my home town with the people I adore. We will see how different my 27th Birthday will be!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Are You Prepared?

Lets rewind to 4:30am this morning when Joe and I were standing outside in the cold hoping we were not going to loose the very little we had brought to New York with us. About 4:00am this morning we were awakened in our hotel room to the fire alarm. No one panicked, we got up started to pull on sweatshirts and put on our shoes. As we were about to evacuate the room we both paused and looked at each other. What do we bring? Me being more then half asleep I insist it's a drill and grab my cell phone before we walk out the door. In the meanwhile Joe had zipped up his backpack ready to bring it but after my comment (and the fact that he was also still half asleep) he dropped the backpack on the counter and followed me out. Fast forward ten minutes when we were waiting to be allowed back in, people begin to tell us there really was a fire. Joe and I turn white, we had left all our "important paperwork" we needed for the move in that backpack not to mention my laptop, our iPad, and my purse! The only thing we had on us was my cell phone, the rental car keys, and Joe's wallet.

This really should have been easy for us because we had only a hotel room full of belongings but when you are half asleep you never know what you will do. Do you know what you would grab? We should have least taken our paperwork and my purse so we have our ID's and important information. 

Luckily the fire in the hotel was set by a couple of teenagers seeing how fast they could put out a trash can fire with a fire extinguisher. Smart kids! We were allowed back into our hotel within 45 minutes with no damage to the building. At least now we know exactly what to do next time if we have to go through this again.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Updates Update Updates...

Exciting news!!!
We officially are residents of Mt Kisco, New York! Joe and I had an appointment to meet with a landlord yesterday but unfortunately the meeting feel through and we began to get worried. We held our breath and called this morning to reschedule. To our surprise we had a new appointment in 20 minutes! As we pulled off the parkway ( <-- hehe NY's word for freeway) I caught a glimpse and fell deeply in love with the town of Mt Kisco. I quickly told Joe that if this didn't work out I would be heartbroken just because of the town. One of my favorite landmarks is the local Catholic Church:
Wow!!

We met with the landlord and fell in love with the apartment and surprisingly enough the lease required no credit check. (I am pretty sure this is because the landlord is a retired officer and loved Joe!) As we were doing the walk thru a mom and son came by to look at the apartment also. As soon as they walked in we quickly told our landlord we would take it. Seconds after that someone called to make an appointment to come see it also... was it meant to be or what?! A neighbor came by to introduce herself and welcome us to the neighborhood. We got the keys and were told we could move in anytime! I will post pictures once we move in and get settled. Here is a picture of our street...
Isn't this street the most perfect street ever? <3

My Amazing Family

The Friday before we moved my Dad's side of the family took us out to dinner to celebrate my birthday and our move. It was amazing to get everyone in one place to say one final goodbye. By the end of the dinner even my little cousins we asking us not to leave. (Talk about tugging on your heart strings) All in all it was an amazing evening and I can not wait to see these people again!
:)
We will miss you all so much!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Crafty Edition: Wedding Gift

As most know I am an avid scrapbook-er and I enjoy making gifts for the ones I love. In a previous post I described a wedding that Joe and I had the pleasure of attending. When looking through their registry trying to find something special to gift to them I couldn't help thinking that I wanted to give them something really memorable and unique. I decided to take this challenge on myself. Joe and I brainstormed a little and we decided whatever I chose to whip up should match the theme of their wedding... Old Hollywood Glamour. This is the final product:
I love it so much I have decided to make one for Joe and I's engagement. :) Here are some of the little details that I am very fond of:

We have arrived!

It's official I am updating my blog from New York! The journey here was actually not as stressful as I anticipated it was going to be...

We arrived at the airport about 90 minutes before our flight and proceeded to security after checking our bags. I was shocked to see there was only one long line for their security checkpoint. As we were standing in line an airport attendant was checking everyone's boarding passes as they entered the line. I noticed she was pulling some people out of line and taking them somewhere that I could not see. After about 30 minutes in line and  moving no more then ten feet I felt a little uneasy. A couple minutes later when we turned the corner to enter yet another room with lines twisting from wall to wall, I realized why the line was not moving. Apparently, SFO was trying a new way of processing passengers through security. What I finally became aware of what they were doing I became a stress ball inside. (Although I tried not to show it) Once you entered the line at security the attendant would pull anyone who's flight was boarding in less then thirty minutes and placing them in a shorter line. The catch was that this shorter line merged into our line right before you reached the actual security checkpoint. This caused the passengers that arrived to the airport on time to wait an excess of an hour. When we finally made it through security we had just enough time to run to the bathroom and board our flight. My dad called me this afternoon and was surprised to learn that we made out flight. He told me that he had four co-workers that attempted to fly out of SFO this morning right after us and because of their new procedure they missed their flights. We got lucky!

Once we boarded I was excited to learn that the seats that I choose turned out to be crew member seats that they used on international flights...
have you ever seen so much leg room?! And the best part...
we had footrests!

We flew Delta Airlines and I can not say enough how impressed I am with their service. Some people would take crew's attitude as rude but I was excited to finally see an airline enforcing rules. Have you ever been seated on a plane getting ready to depart and seen another passenger board the plane with a "carry-on" that easyily weighs forty plus pounds and is larger then the bag that you checked just to avoid the checked bag fee? I was happy to witness a crew member walk right up to the passenger and inform them that their bag is not a carry-on and they will be charged to check it. The entire flight was smooth and we were very comfortable in our seats. :)

Thanks to my mom and my good friend Sarah (Great minds thing alike) I was able to move to New York in style. Sporting the very saucy OPI nail polish titled "Big Apple Red." Very Fitting!!!
 Another fun little detail we were given are our luggage tags. My mother gave us our original Mr. and Mrs. luggage tags for our wedding. My Aunt Kathy then added to the collection by gifting to us our I Love NY luggage tags. We are really traveling in style these days!

A Special Thanks...

I can not explain how thankful Joe and I are to have the best people in our life. The last day of packing started off with just Joe and I finishing up.We were then accompanied by one of my best friends from high school (who was generously helping us pack on her lunch) and one his friends from childhood. As we were rapidly getting through the last of it I made a joke about how we always put my girlfriend to work when we move. (because lately its been often) Joe then tells me that's how you know who your best friends are and I could not agree more. By that evening our house was a buzz with people helping us finish and friends and family stopping by to wish us well. We defiantly felt the love!

A group of my girls were the last to leave around 12:30am! We just couldn't part but I did have to get up at 3:30am for our flight. Once they started to trickle out (I informed them that they could leave one at a time to make it easier) the tears began to fall. These five girls have been so special to me, some for my whole life and some just recently making a big impact. I will miss everyone so much but can not wait for everyone to visit and explore our new city with us!

One final Thank You to everyone who helped us pack or just kept us company we really value all our family and friends!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Right this very moment we are in route to New York! (Of course I am not actually posting from the airplane – writing from the past) Wish us luck in our new town and I will check in as soon as possible.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Body Boycott

I noted in my earlier post that I am surprisingly feeling stress free and ready to move. Well I woke up this morning and learned that my body has other plans. I have a painful kink in my neck that expresses itself whenever I move my neck, laugh, or smile. It becomes a shooting pain that I can feel from the top of my neck down to my shoulders. I know that stress can affect your body in ways like this but I have never experienced it to this extent. 

Is my body boycotting the move?!

I thought maybe I slept different or used another pillow, but that was not the case. So is it true that I am suppressing my stress and my body is taking the brunt of it? If so, I know the cure is relaxation, heat, massage or stretching but I am really pressed for time at the moment. For the last month I have been coaching my brain for the move and telling myself everything is going to work out. I guess now I have to start coaching my body…

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Welcoming My 26th Year in Style


Everyone that really knows me knows I must always plan my outfit for special events. My 26th Birthday will be no different! With the weather being so amazing and because I have planned to spend my birthday outdoors this is what I have come up with:

 
Maxi Dress: American Eagle
Flats: Steven Madden
Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Bring on the birthday fun!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Countdown Continues


Only two days left of work (not counting today of course) and I am actually feeling really excited. All the stress and panic has surprisingly worn off… thank goodness! We have been packing all week and we will continue to do so throughout the weekend. I hate the actual packing process because I always feel as if I am going to miss something. On the other hand it is an amazing feeling to separate what you need and don’t need anymore. I go through phases in my life when I think I am a pack rat and can not seem to get rid of anything but when my stuff inventory reaches the “panic” stage I want to toss everything in sight! It’s going to feel awesome when we get to unpack and organize our things into our new home.

Once this Friday hits I think that’s when the emotions are really going to hit hard. Leaving my job and co-workers that I have been with for over four years is just the first step in the final days. This weekend we will be celebrating my BIG 2-6 and it could not be more of a bitter-sweet feeling. I simply can not wait to run around with everyone this weekend but knowing it will be our last full day with them might put a damper on things.

Our Big Apple Plans:
We have arranged to stay in an extended stay hotel for the first week to take the pressure off of having to house hunt as soon as we land. We have every intention of resting the entire first day because we have to be up at 3am the night before to get to the airport on time. The day after we arrive we have multiple appointments with landlords and leasing agents as we try to find the best place for us. I already have a favorite so please keep your fingers crossed! Stay tuned moving day is coming quick…

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

One Week To Go!

And the countdown begins...
It's a very surreal feeling to know that in a week Joe and I will officially be New Yorkers. We began to prepare all of our things for the big move last night. Luckily a lot of our things are still packed from the apartment and just need to be moved out to the garage. As we were packing last night I realized that the majority of what I was packing were our wedding gifts. It sent me into a waterfall of emotions. I could not help thinking about how much our life has changed in the last 8 months! The next week is going to be extremely hard for me, saying goodbyes have never been my strong point.

Here we go!!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Review Edition: Little Beauties by: Kim Addonizio


Getting to see the inside life of a women consumed with obsessive compulsive disorder and young teen mother who comes from a troubled home was the initial thing that drew me to this book. Two troubled people brought together to build an odd family, two unlikely strangers become lovers, and a mother who just could seem to make the right decisions. This book gets an A for effort for keeping your attention, there always seems to be something lurking around the corner. Some big surprises and some sexy moments make this book an enjoyable read. By far the biggest surprise was the ending. (Or lack there of) I was left feeling uneasy; the story just unraveled, no real ending, and no real conclusion. I told myself there must be a second book but as far as I can tell there is not. The book itself was a fun read but I still would like to know where the characters ended up. If there were a second book I would defiantly pick it up but without it this book feels incomplete. Overall I would rate this book:
☻☻☻☺☺
3 out of 5 smiles – I Liked It


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Whats your book flavor?

I love to read but rarely find the time to really indulge in a good book. Joe and I recently visited a local used book store in downtown Campbell, and I was once again hooked. Joe and I's "book flavor" is drastically different but it's really fun to be pulled into a section of a bookstore that I normally would not go into myself. Joe likes to read about specific things that are interesting to him at that moment. He is usually on a mission as soon as we enter the door bee lining to section he needs knowing exactly what he wants. I on the other hand like to read books that are truly about nothing. Some people get great pleasure in reading gossip magazines and keeping track of their favorite celebrities. I enjoy that as well but I love to fiction novels about ordinary people thrown into different situations and how they handle them. 

As a child my favorite author was Judy Blume who it seems was not afraid to write about anything. When I was able to read her books I came across uncomfortable and awkward topics that I was also going through as a young adult. I immediately had to read everything she ever wrote because I could relate to her books on a personal level. I actually just learned that she now has three adult novels out... can you say exciting!

This trip to the book store was originally initiated to find Joe a couple books to read at work when its slow. Once I lost Joe I headed to the... yes... sale section. (Another guilty pleasure of mine - finding a bargain) I skimmed the eight foot tall bookshelf not really seeing anything that caught my eye. Then I started to feel guilty knowing I had books at home I had yet to crack open. Right before Joe and I were about to leave I found this...


I know the rule is not to judge a book by it's cover but is this not the cutest? In a nutshell this book is about a former child pageant star that has developed OCD in her adult life. Her character is introduced to a young mother to be and it explains further how each character helps the other in unlikely ways. (And yes I purchased this book for the bargain price of $1.99)

I am about two-thirds way through this book and I love it. My goal for myself is to read all the neglected books I have on my personal bookshelf.

With all that said what's your book flavor?

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

IT'S REAL!!!

Most of you know Joe and I have been planning to move to New York in the near near future, but now it’s REAL. Even in my last post I was planning the move and sharing updates but today totally changed things. We booked our ONE WAY flight to NYC! It may not seem to be as big of a moment as I am making it but it sure is. After I clicked the purchase button for our flights I got head to toe chills, I didn’t know if I should cry or jump for joy. I have so many emotions going on I can barely sit still. I am nervous, scared, excited, and more I can not even put my finger on. I seriously can not wait to experience this part of my life with my husband and I will try my hardest not to let my habit of stressing ruin the fun. I guess a part of me never believed the day would come but... WE ARE MOVING TO NEW YORK!!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Celebrating Bravery

Last weekend Joe and I attended a going away party for our good friends who will be deploying soon. I was honored to be invited and be a part of this celebration. I look up to those who have the courage to fight for our country. It was a great evening spending it with people we love wishing our dear friend a safe deployment.


Good luck and be safe!