Montreal- Part I (Getting there!)

Okay, so we are back! Did you miss us? We missed you. It's funny how many times we said "oh we have to be sure to blog about this" or, "that is sooooo bloggable."

There are so many parts to our vacation that are blog worthy, so I am going to split it up in several different posts so I can be thorough, yet, not spend HOURS on the computer.

Day 1 Getting there:

We were predicted to leave at about 10:00am on Thurs Dec. 27, but true to Molloy fashion we ran a little behind because I wanted to get to the gym one last time before I went and ate everything in sight in Montreal. So, all said and done, we left at 1:00. First BIG mistake. We were met, about 20 miles outside of Concord, with a blizzard. The roads were greasy, there seemed to be a person snowbound every mile or so, there were crazy plow truckers monopolizing the road, and irate holiday travelers.

In Lebanon we decided to get off the interstate to get a bite to eat. Second Mistake. Have y'all been to Lebanon? Yikes! I wanted Taco Bell/KFC so we pulled in and went into their establishment.

Let me explain the Lebanon Taco Bell/KFC. We went to the counter where the cashier was using Lumberg Language. You know Office Space? The boss? How he spoke? This dude (whose pants exposed more than just a snazzy pair of boxers also sported a red hairnet [didn't know they came in red]) took all the orders using Lumberg's voice "Yeah, I'm going to go on ahead and add some coleslaw to your order to make that a value meal, great." He was waiting on a woman, who I swear was experiencing Delirium Tremens (DT'S) (Subtance withdrawal "shakes") who profusely insisted her KFC "bowl of goodness" be garnished with the "brown gravy" and she stressed "brown" several times as if there were a variety of color options.

Now, this wasn't bad enough to make us leave. There are other extraneous variables.

• The bathroom: Aaron had to use the bathroom. Mind you, Aaron is a bike racer who is accustomed to disgusting porta-potties used by nervous cyclists prior to a race. He came out of this bathroom while I was still waiting to order, completely white and frightened, warning me to "hold it at all costs." Perhaps it was the brown gravy the woman in front of us was requesting?
  


• Roller-girl: Behind the counter (in the section where the food is) was a young child, maybe 10 or 11, roller-skating around. Yes, I did say roller-skating. She had greasy blond hair and was scratching her scalp as though she was digging a hole to China. Lice? Perhaps. She didn't skate for long because some Mullet-sporting woman (and I will capitalize Mullet to show it proper respect ) with, being generous, probably 2 teeth promptly came out of the "office" to yell at her. I assume this woman was her mother, and the KFC/Taco Bell was this child's make shift day care (or it was bring your child to work day in Lebanon). The child retreated (roller-skated) into the kitchen area. Our eyes followed her as she skated back to complain to the cook about being yelled at by her mother.


• The cook: This gentleman, who was a very large man, was preparing the food. His mullet put the toothless mother to shame as his extended out of his KFC visor, cascading down his bare shoulders. Yes, bare shoulders. Did I forget to mention he was wearing a tank top? He stopped briefly to listen to roller- girl complain and while listening intently, he must have forgotten the rules of proper hygiene because he scratched his bare armpit with the same hand he was using to prepare DT woman's bowl of goodness with "brown" gravy.

This was enough for us. We turned to leave but were crowded in an abundance of Lebanonians licking their lips in utter anticipation for their turn to order, completely oblivious to their blatant invasion of our personal space. We weaved out of the building between the locals, miscellaneous trash and a variety of gumball and temporary tattoo machines.

Once outside and breathing in the deep cold air of Lebanon, we walked past mullet woman (presumably on break) yelling into her cell-phone that "the check is in the mail and the rest will come out of next week's check" as she sucked down the last of her cigarette.

So, Wendy's it was.

After leaving Lebanon (goodbye and good riddens) we proceeded up 89 and hit the Vermont border. I was psyched as it was my first visit to the Green Mountain State. Just as we approached Barre (about 50 miles south of Burlington) my car broke down. Yep, (sigh). Ahhh! We barely made it (stalling every 1/2 mile or so) into a Honda dealership. We requested service but were told to go to the VW dealership right down the road. Both Aaron and I were worried our car would not make it. We made our way to Walker Volkswagen (arriving at 4:30 on a snowy night) with little expectation of being helped. The slick service writer told informed us bleakly of what he suspected was wrong with our Jetta, and that it would probably cost around $350. I was devastated and pretty much ready to leave the car there and drive off with a brand new car, but you know how economical I am. Thankfully, a "who" in "who-ville" (aka a trustworthy, honest technician) was eavesdropping, gave his diagnosis based on his experience with my type of vehicle and stated that he thought it was the ignition coil and that it would cost about $160. I told him to pull the car in to see if that was it, and if it was, to do it. He promptly came out, said it was the coil, he could have it done before 5:00, and it would cost $160. Yes, Virgina there is a Santa Claus.

I think the weasel behind the counter was pissed about being contradicted and perhaps losing his chance to cash in on the road-weary tourists just trying to get to Canada to spend American Dollars on strippers an go-carts- because he proceeded to give us dirty looks the entire time we waited for our car.

Within the hour we were back on the road, my car running like the day it was born, but $170 poorer. Luckily we happened upon Barre Vt., Walker VW, this saint technician and it didn't happen an hour later as everything would have been closed and we would not have made it to Canada; likely calling our friend Charlie who lives in Waitsfield Vt. to come collect us from a snowdrift, console us, and put us up for the weekend.

Welcome (just barely) to Vermont!

We arrived at the U.S/Canadian border at approximately 7:00pm. We made it through customs without our passports even being glanced at or requested (good thing we weren't terrorists and even better that I spent $200 on my passport).

It was immediately evident that we were in a different country. I was mesmerised by every sight. Too many to name, but the minute we left Vermont, the landscape flattened out, and every sign was in French. Also, there is the metric system; mileage and speed limits were listed in Kilometers! Ahhh, not a fan. At one point, Aaron was melting (I like the car at a cozy temperature, Aaron refers to to as the 'climate of Hell') so he wanted me to take the wheel as he removed his coat. Apparently, I was too mesmerized with what Canada had to offer, and I almost drove us off the road because I moved the wheel in the direction I was looking, not realizing that my hand was on the wheel for a purpose, and not just resting there.

We arrived in Montreal at 8:30 (after 7 1/2 hours in the car- mind you it was a 4 hour drive, but due to weather and car trouble we were set back a lot).

Montreal. Beautiful.

We checked in and made ourselves at home. Then ventured down to Saint Denis Street for some food and to look at the action.

What do you expect? We were in the car for over 7 hours and thrilled to be in Canada!

Once on St. Denis Street, we explored the various shops, restaurants, and even saw a variety of strip clubs, condom stores, and cannabis shops. Very different culture in Montreal. We found an amazing eatery called Zyng, a noodlery, where we split a dish (the portions are huge!)

St. Denis Street

More about the rest of our trip at a later date.

Happy New Year!

Don't forget the sequence of your words tonight:

1. Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit!

2. Happy New Year!

Wednesday, Oui?

What a wonderful Christmas I had. On Christmas Eve we went to Aaron's parents house to celebrate with his family. We exchanged gifts and, of course, ate and ate and ate.

Once we returned home I went to bed because I was exhausted from the day's activities and Christmas preparations. Poor Aaron was left wrapping until just after midnight.

We woke up around 9:ooam on Christmas Day and ran downstairs to see what Santa left. Our stockings were filled to the brims. Santa even remembered to bring something for each of the animals.

Santa brought the kitties a catnip scratching post. What entertainment this will bring us! Rocko is already a fan of it.

For me? Aaron got me new skis! I am totally psyched. They are beautiful. I can't wait to use them. One of my favorite gift from Aaron, however, is a giant floor puzzle that he bought for me. It is the United States. What we plan (or he is planning for me) is that we are going to put all the pieces together as we go. Meaning, one of my goals, if you read the side bar of things I must do in life--> is to see all 50 states. We are going to put the puzzle together as he takes me to each state. How thoughtful is that gift?

For him, oh too much to tell, but I did get him a Paul Bunyan shirt and hat. I also got him a massage chair because, as you know, I hate giving massages. He was beyond happy.

Yep. That's mine.

In the background you can see the Christmas Stocking I made for Aaron. It's hideous, but he loves it because I made it. It's the first stocking I've ever made... Nicki, stop laughing. I will never be as good at sewing as you!

We leave tomorrow for Montreal. We are staying the Doubletree Plaza right in 'downtown.' Check it out http://www.doubletreeplaza.com/. We were planning on going to Quebec because someone told us the winter carnival is going on, but that actually happens in February, so we are planning another trip in a few months. For now, we plan to go to some museums, ski, ice skate and enjoy some of the culture and nightlife in Montreal. We are leaving Montreal on Sunday and driving home via Burlington Vt. I have never been to Vermont, so we are going to hit up Vt. stay overnight and add a piece to my puzzle. We should be back in good old Concord by Monday to enjoy New Year's and go skiing on New Years day.

This officially begins a blogging break. Our goal is to spend some quality time together and ring in the New Year. We hope all of you had an amazing Christmas, found the spirit of season in the company of those you love, and may the best of your past be the worst of your future.

It is Wednesday, Oui?

So, wish us well, s'il vous plait,
Au revoir, dear readers.

White Christmas, The Nutcracker, and More!

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever. I have so much to update on, so please bare with me. This may be a LONG post with lots of pictures.

The Snow

How much more are we going to get? Not that I am complaining because I love winter. I love skiing, snow shoeing, and winter hiking, but good God where is it all coming from? Secretly I am laughing inside because as most of you know, I hate Al Gore. What does that have to do with the price of tea in China you ask? Well, it's this global warming business. I am a bit of an environmentalist and I know it's a serious problem/threat to the eco-system/world. It's not that Global Warming was discovered by our friend Al, but it is his shtick so I like that it appears as though he is a fool.

All this snow sets the stage for Christmas, and there are few things I love more than a white Christmas. The Farmer's Almanac says we are in for a rough winter with lots of winter weather which, I know is my sister's worse nightmare but, is music to my ears. We live in New England people. It snows here! Consider it the price you pay for 4 seasons!

The Nutcracker

On Saturday, Aaron and I went to Boston to see his brother and Nelson. For Christmas, Matt and Nelson bought us tickets to The Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet. I had been to the ballet once before but I was so young, I don't think I understood or enjoyed it much. The four of us went and we had a fabulous time.


When we arrived, Matt had an amazing brunch prepared for us. He made this egg souffle thing with salsa and fresh banana bread! It was so delicious. We then took the subway (yes the subway- to me that is so cool) to the Boston Ballet where we watched the Nutcracker. The theater was gorgeous! I don't think Aaron understood prior to the ballet, that it was just that, a ballet- with- no- words. He none-the-less enjoyed himself. It was truly a wonderful Christmas event that worked in the finer arts, which I adore, and an opportunity to be with Matt and Nelson, who I also adore.



I didn't know the significance of the Nutcracker until I went to the ballet. Apparently, as legend had it, long ago there was a boy who became frightened when a father used to go to work in the mines. The son was scared to be without his father, so the father whittled him a nutcracker that had sharp teeth, a movable jaw, and scary eyes in hopes the boy would think it would protect him. It didn't give the boy much comfort so the father began making them at night when he would return from the mines and made different varieties of them.

Nelson and me

The Molloy Boys

The Amalloy's (Molloy + Amaral = Amalloy)

Could I look any happier?

After leaving the ballet we walked around downtown Boston and went in a few stores. We didn't spend too long walking around, as Matt was planning an even more amazing dinner for us when we got home. Matt prepared an amazing Lasagna (with no ricotta- I am really weird about cheese, I mostly only like Mozzarella, American, and Cheddar) we had fresh bread with this garlic butter (it was so good, I wanted to lather it all over my body), salad and eggnog (with rum.) For dessert... Freakin' Fondue. Yes, I said fondue. Matt is a cook like you see on TV and this fondue was amazing. We dipped figs, ladyfingers, and bananas into this deep sea of dark chocolate. If it were a trough, I would have soaked in it. We had a wonderful time.

Inside the Boston Ballet Theater. It was gorgeous in there!

Friday began the first official day of our vacation. Aaron and I are off, together, until after the New Year. We are leaving just after Christmas for Montreal. We plan to skip over to Quebec while we are there (they are about an hour apart) to catch the ice show. I plan to bring my ice skates, my ski's, and lots and lots of money. As an aside, I just checked the exchange rate and our American money is worth less than the Canadian dollar right now :( Oh well.

To mark the beginning of our Christmas vacation, our first Christmas together, and another very special day, I awoke to find Aaron making me my favorite breakfast and one dozen red roses. Awww.

Lastly, in honor of Christmas, I have taken pictures of some of my favorite Christmas decorations and I will share with you their meaning to me.

I have looked my entire adult life at different versions of this decoration never finding one that was quite right- I am a very conscientious shopper and have to have something "just right" before I buy it. It's Santa kneeling down over baby Jesus, with his hat off, praying. This sight for some reason always makes me want to cry. It combines the true meaning of Christmas, and what kids love about Christmas. Aaron finally found the one I wanted in North Conway. It is perfect and my favorite thing about it is that it's a music box. It plays "Oh Come all Ye Faithful."

This is my Nativity. I saw this Nativity in 2001 and pined for it for 5 years. It's a Willow Tree Nativity, which means it is very expensive. Hundreds of dollars for the entire scene. I could never reason spending that much on one Christmas decoration, so I never bought is. Instead I would just drool over it every Christmas. Last year, my sister and brother bought it for me- for no reason at all. I just went over for dinner and they said they had something for me. Just like that. It was mine. I love it so much and it is one of my most prized possessions.

Lastly, this is 'THE CANDY CANE HOUSE.' Only my sister and my mother can understand the true meaning of THE candy cane house. I bought if for my mother with I was very little. I cleaned out my piggy bank and bought it for her for Christmas from my sister's fundraiser at school. It is special to the three of us, and my mother gave it to me a few years ago. It is irreplaceable.

We will update at a later date. Merry Christmas everyone.

XOXO

Jessi & Aaron

(the five beasts too)

Do they know it's Christmastime?

recorded on November 25, 1986:

It's Christmastime

There's no need to be afraid

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

But say a prayer Pray for the other ones

At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun

There's a world outside your window

And it's a world of dread and fear

Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

(Oooh)

Where nothing ever grows

No rain nor rivers flow

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world Feed the world

Feed the world Let them know it's Christmastime again

Feed the world Let them know it's Christmastime again

-Band Aid 20

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To find out what you can do, visit:

http://www.unitedway.org/

http://www.toysfortots.org/

http://www.hsus.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.helpinghandonline.org/

http://www.salvationarmy.org/

http://www.unicef.org

*or visit the website of an animal shelter near you.

Wednesday, Oui?

I have never really been a cat person.

When I was little our family cat had a litter of kittens underneath my parents bed. The last cat to come out was this FUGLY yellowish-grayish-sticky-peanut. Everyone in the family thought it was the most awful thing ever seen. I, of course, saw her potential immediately.

This cat turned out to be the most spectacular Siamese ever! I adored her and she was "my cat." She passed away several years ago and I never, ever, considered getting another cat because nothing would compare to her and, as I grew older, I developed an allergy to cats.

However, when I fell for Aaron, I inherited two pesky cats. Shredda Las Vegas and Rocko Santa Fe (I gave them their middle names.) These cats have weaseled their way into my heart and without them our family would be incomplete. Surprisingly, I don't suffer too much with my allergies. Aside from the occasional hive episode my daily medication holds me over well ;)

Today I am dedicating my post, my "Wednesday, Oui?", to our Rocko Santa Fe Molloy.

When I first met Rocko he was but a kitten. Aaron found him as a stray, just weeks old, and covered head to paw in fleas and mites. I must say, like my childhood cat, Rocko was rough looking. He had long bushy hair and his head was all greasy from his ear-mite medicine. The first time I laid eyes on him I thought, "Dear God what is that thing?" Over the next few months Rocko grew into a man. If I had to guess I would say he is a Persian/Hymilayan/Tabby mix- even the Vet is unsure. In our opinion, Rocko is quite exquisite.

He went through phases where, if he was touched, he would look at you as if to scream "RAPE" and skulk off. We also suspected that he may have an eating disorder, or Pica, because he would eat everything, even if it wasn't food, so we nicknamed him ED (for Eating Disorder.) He has many passions in life. He is obsessed with water, and computers (he likes to follow the cursor around and swat at it), and he finds shadows to be fascinating.

Recently, he has been having a HUGE problem with hairballs. Because he has such long hair the stuff he would cough up was mighty disgusting. A couple of weeks ago while I was in the shower, I saw him lurking around through the glass doors. I thought nothing of it because he often sits outside the shower door waiting for me to finish so he can have his "turn." This time, I noticed him coughing. He was actually trying to vomit up a hairball but it was too large and lodged in his throat. I whipped open the door to find him on the verge of collapse. I reached in and pulled out a long hairball too nasty to even discuss here. When Aaron got home, I informed him that we were shaving the cat (he was fine with it as the hairballs had become a problem and Rocko wouldn't eat his food if we put things in it to help his digestion- plus a friend of ours recently shaved her cat, Frankay, and he looked fabulous!)

So off to the salon Rocko went. We have an animal spa right next to our house (lucky for me because I believe in spoiling my animals- too bad for Aaron's checkbook.) I ordered the works for Rocko. He got a haircut, his nails done, a bath, and a massage. Now that he is back, it's almost like he's a new person/cat. He has confidence and he is now eager to jump up on my lap and let me pat him for hours. I firmly believe had I not been home when he was struggling with his hairball, we would have come back from work to find him dead. I think Rocko knows this and is grateful.

Interestingly, he meows now too. Between he and his sister Shredda, he was the submissive one; always taking what ever she threw at him. Since his make-over, he is vocal and more assertive. We are, however, a little concerned about his meow. It's quite high pitched, almost sing-song. It sounds feminine. Perhaps his visit to the salon made him question his gender. Should he decided he feels more like a female trapped in a male's body we support that. You hear that Rocko? Daddy and I love you, no matter what.

This picture best sums up Rocko's personality. He is curious, but suspicious.

My closet. Both cats love to hang out in here.

Obviously prior to his haircut... he loves water. Isn't that strange? He will sit in the shower for hours... literally hours.

The kitty's sleeping in Bing & Manny's bed.

Ta-da! Post haircut.

Has anyone seen Rocko? Where ever could he be?

Do you think I'm sexy?

Oui, Rocko, Oui.

Christmas

On Saturday my family celebrated Christmas. Aaron and I welcomed my sister, her husband, my nephew, my mother and her spousal equivalent, Dan, who all live in Maine. Every year we rotate who hosts Christmas and this year it was my turn. Whew! You should have seen the living room, it was overflowing with presents; most addressed to my nephew, Xander.

It was nice to have everyone in our home this year, as this is technically our first Christmas together as a couple/living together/making a "go" at it. Having family in my home during the holidays sort of solidified that we are really doing this. It's weird to explain... sometimes it still feels so new and exciting... sometimes I just look at Aaron and think, "is he really mine?" Seeing him interact with my family, although it's not the first time, makes me melt.

We had a merry time. We ate, and ate, and ate. Aaron and I have so many left-overs we highly doubt we will have to go grocery shopping in the near future- I think each one of us over-estimated the amount of food we needed for just 7 people.

Once things wrapped up and the house was quite, Aaron and I reflected on the highlights of the night... the best being Xander, of course. He is so full of life and it's so much fun to witness Christmas through the eyes of a child.

No sooner did my family leave, and we finished cleaning up, when out on the lawn I heard such a clatter I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter. It was my dad blowing the horn on his tow-truck. He had a tow nearby, so wanted to stop in to say hello. He brought his girlfriend and her son along too. It was nice to see them, but I was pretty much done entertaining so they didn't stay too long because I suspect I was a little grouchy. It is so evident how much I enjoy my privacy when I have a house full of guests. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends more than anything, I just really enjoy my personal space.

Aaron and Manny- both dogs need constant reassurance when people are around. I think they too enjoy quiet- peaceful privacy.

My Mom and Dan both holding a beast.

Xander was the first to open a gift. We go in order of age, youngest to oldest. Notice the mound of gifts in the back?!?!

Dan, trying on his new shirt that Aaron and I bought him. It's lined which should be good for him- he works outdoors everyday!

Me, Mom, Xander, Nicki and of course Manny, who had to moon everyone- he is such a ham.

Dan and Xander. Xander adores his 'Papa Dan'

Just when I thought the party was over, along came my dad. Bing was thrilled to see 'Grampy.' He loves my father, and my father is obsessed with my dog.

I had to share this. I took this picture on Sunday, during the storm. It was a blizzard and this fat squirrel hung on for over an hour trying to get some eats. I'm not sure if you can see it, but even his eyelashes have snow on them. Poor thing. I threw some bread and apples out to him, just in case he wasn't full from stealing my woodpecker's suet.

The Harvest Part IV

She lived.

The e-mail I got from Dana-Farber read:"Your recipient received the cells without complications or infection. Your recipient has engrafted and is home from the hospital doing well. "

There truly are no words to describe how I feel. I can't imagine what I would have done if...

But what I did do is help save her life.

I can't believe it. I am so lucky to have had this opportunity.

Dear Aaron,

Do you know how happy you make me? Do you know that I think of you several times throughout my day? Do you know that I still get butterflies in my stomach when I pull into the driveway after working all day and know I get to see you? Do you have any idea how long the drive from Manchester to Concord seems on nights I know you are at home with our babies waiting for me?

I would do almost anything for you. Now, let me elaborate on the "almost" as per our conversation last night.

I'm sorry that when you're thirsty there isn't water in the Brita pitcher that I repeatedly put back into the refrigerator even though it's empty. For some reason I don't like filling it up. Perhaps I'm too distracted by the box of cereal on the top shelf of the refrigerator and the carton of milk in the pantry.

I apologize in advance for all the times you will reach for a sheet of toilet paper, only to find an empty roll. I don't do toilet paper change outs. Maybe that's because I get side tracked hunting down the tooth paste cap that mysteriously seems to disappear after you brush your teeth, thus forgetting that I used the last of the bathroom tissue.

I profusely apologize for blowing the speakers in your Honda when I went to my girlfriend's wedding in Maine. I didn't mean to listen to the radio so loudly that it blew your speakers. Honestly, I was just trying to hear music over the wind coming in from the passenger's side window that won't shut with out the assistance pliers. I would have taken my car and not blown your speakers at all, but it was in the shop getting the oil pan fixed. Remember that large boulder you hit?

I know at times you think you are just going to melt because I like the house so warm. I get that. I am always cold. Especially in the middle of the night when I wake up to find you cocooned in our blankets. Also, I know it seems as though I hog the bed causing you to wake up sore, but please know it's simply because I want to be close to you; in hopes of stealing a small section of the blankets that appear to be unused.

My condolences for putting your dirty clothes back into your drawers and closet. I guess I just assumed they were clean because I know you are very intelligent with a ton of insight and figure you would put them in the hamper if they were dirty. Not on the floor, or on the edge of the bed, or in the kitchen, or in the den, or on top of your dresser, or hanging off the door of the bedroom. Who knew dirty clothes were kept in such places? I'm sure you can understand where my confusion came from.

I'm sorry I take such long showers. I am so impressed with how quickly you can shower. I will try to scale back the time I spend in the bathroom. From now on, I will use liquid body wash instead of trying to bathe myself with the sliver of Dial you leave stuck to the shelf where the shampoo goes. My bad. I also won't use the razor- the pink one- I didn't realize when buying it that you also needed some new razors... I don't mind using dull ones. I kind of like razor burn.

I know you like your privacy at times. I understand that I may appear needy and want to be with you all the time. My suggestion is that you use your time in the bathroom for your quiet time. I can wait until you get out. You really don't have to yell through the door to me when your going to the bathroom. I assure you, my conversation can wait until you are through. Also, feel free to utilize the door on the frame of the bathroom. I know what goes on in there. I really don't need a play by play, and certainly don't expect you to proudly exclaim what you have done in there. I'm sure it's a very good job.

Also, I'm sorry that I don't give massages. I don't have a reason for that one. I just don't like doing it, although I appreciate the time an effort you put into rubbing my every muscle when I complain of soreness. You win that one.

I love that we almost never fight, but instead have intellectual battles. I love that you never criticize me and instead use humor to get your point across. I love that we can never have a real argument with out busting out laughing about some radical off-the-wall statement the other said, or our fierce competitiveness. You truly are my match on every level. I really do apologize for the above instances. I know you adore me. I know you will put up with all of these things for the rest of your life because you think I am "very very perfect and amazing." Please try to remember that when I ask you to walk Manny in the middle of the night because he has to go to the bathroom and I don't feel like getting up.

Yeah, you're hooked, you can't help yourself. Just face it. You love me.

B&B

XOXO

Toots'

Wednesday, Oui?

Aaron and I both work in Manchester. Unfortunately, we are unable to commute together as he works school hours and I work bazaar hours. Last night, when I got in my car, I found a note that he must have stopped by with on his way home. It read:

Hi Love,

I miss you &

Love you so much

Our relationship is perfect

Very, very, very perfect

Everything about it

You are amazing

Our life is amazing

Understand, you are everything to me

I love you

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am a lucky girl. He adores me and makes sure I know it, everyday. It is because of Aaron that I have a "Wednesday, Oui?" every week.

It's official...

On Friday, I got my passport in the mail. I sent away for it, rush order, because I need it for our trip Montreal after Christmas. Strangely, it gave me a huge sense of satisfaction. I have always wanted to travel extensively, but was unable to in the past for reasons that I won't get into here, but now there is nothing stopping me (us).

Seeing that blue book, my ticket to anywhere, not only acknowledges a future of unknown possibilities, but also represents that I belong *somewhere*. I am a citizen of the United States of America. There isn't anywhere I would rather be. I realize how privileged I am to live here. I love my country. It's home.

Let me explain...

Boy oh boy do I have some explaining to do! I guess I didn't quite understand how much my readers enjoyed my "Wednesday, Oui?" blog. I got up this morning to find an inbox full of e-mails from people asking where their favorite post was, plus the comments I received here. Gosh darn it, I didn't know it meant so much, and in the future I shall do my best to post on "Wednesday, Oui?." Forgive me?

So the reason I didn't post, it's nothing insidious or juicy, I just crashed. I went back to the gym this week, (Long awaited. I was counting the days since my surgery), and I am back into my normal routine, which in case you don't know is:

wake up early

walk dogs

breakfast w/Aaron

chores

shower/dress

blog (except yesterday- oops)

play with the animals

10:00am- leave for work

10:30-7:30- work (I eat dinner at work)

8:00- gym

10:00- home

10:30- on -attempt to sleep

Now this is my schedule pretty much everyday except Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Last night Aaron and I decided that we would not go to the gym after I got out of work, so when I got home around 8:00 we talked about our day and I pretty much fell right to sleep.

Now, back to the gym... OMG- how out of shape can a person get in 2 months time? I used to be able to do an 8 minute mile on the elliptical- yeah, no, now I'm up to 13 minutes! How does that happen in 2 months? I have also started doing weights to get ready for skiing/snowshoeing, and this past year I became obsessed with rock climbing. I am considering a membership at the indoor rock gym to prepare me for this summer when I plan to do the "real thing." So I am exhausted, and will be, until I get back to where I am supposed to be physically.

However, the REAL reason I like to go to the gym is because I LOVE TO EAT. I love junk food; pastries, crunchy salty things, sweet moist chocolaty things, gummy sugary things, fast greasy things, and pretty much anything that comes with a nutrition label bad enough to give one nightmares. The gym forces me to eat things that have vibrant colors like orange and yellow and green, and things that require peeling or cutting. I have to eat right or I don't have the energy to go to the gym, or see the results of my work. But, the gym also affords me the D'Angelo's steak cheese, onion, and mushroom with cool ranch Doritos, a large root beer, and a side of no guilt.

When I go the gym regularly, and drive by a Dunkin' Donuts, I can reason in my head how many times I will have to do a leg press, or crunches just to burn off that chocolate cruller and chai tea I am about to impulsively buy. That reason alone usual deters me from going through the drive- thru and helps me be more satisfied with my Lean Cuisine, Luna Bar, Clementine and Weight Watchers yogurt.

In other news, yesterday I sent out an email to my soccer team, letting my girls know I was going to start it back up again. I have had a great response, almost everyone has responded and a few newbies too. I will hopefully be playing again after the New Year on Wednesday Nights. Yippee!

There is definitely not enough time in life to do everything. Last night while Aaron and I were discussing our day he asks "Hey, when are we going to take our dance class?" He and I both want to take a class- like dancing with the stars- but more our style... however, when will we find the time??!!

Well, I suppose I can cut back on the sleep- it's overrated ;)

Snow Day!

Aaron and I had a snow day today. We spent time together, did housework, played kissy-face, and went to the gym for a nice long work out. It was a beautiful thing.

He finally convinced me to go to the doctors today to get my back checked out. I ended up having to get an x-ray and might need physical therapy. Arghh! It doesn't even hurt me all the time. I did get my flu shot out of the deal.

We make an honest effort to have breakfast together every morning... no-matter-what. It is a great way to start our day and have a nice meal every morning. And yes, the dogs are allowed at/on/around the table.