Fun Fact Thursday: Two by two

I have a slew of these saved up for a rainy day or, in my case, a beautiful day when I would rather be outside:

Two Names You Go By:
1. Jessi
2. Cub

Two Parts of Your Heritage:
1. French
2. English

Two Things That Scare You:
1. Losing someone I love
2. Talking/hearing about biological warfare or infections (ie: SARS, Anthrax, TB, Leprosy, Small Pox, Lice, Scabies; all of which I think I have when someone brings them up)

Two of Your Everyday Essentials:
1. D&G Light Blue
2. Blue or Red Powerade Zero

Two Things You Are Not Wearing Right Now:
1. My contacts
2. Make-up (gasp!)

Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists:
1. The Beatles (always and forever my #1)
2. Blues Traveler (my favorite song EVER)

Two Things You Want in a Relationship:
1. Support (emotional)
2. Adoration

Two Truths:
1. Every time the movie National Treasure is on television I have to watch it.
2. I am obsessed with reading/learning about shipwrecks.

Two Physical Things that Appeal to You About your Mate:
1. His arms
2. His smile

Two of Your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Kayaking
2. Chihuahua-ing

Two Things You Want Really Badly:
1. Cannon Rebel
2. Pepe to be comfortable

Two Places You Want to go on Vacation:
1. Alaska
2. Ireland

Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die:
1. Be a mom
2. Learn another language

Two Ways That You are Stereotyped:
1. I'm intimidating
2. I'm a perfectionist
(oh, wait....)

Two Things You Are Thinking About Now:
1. I want delicious coffee with a fattening pasty
2. My lips are chapped

Two Stores You Shop At:
1. American Eagle
2. Trader Joe's

Two people you haven't talked to in a while:
1. Lyssycat, lyssy cat, where are you? I love you....
2. Nickie (get back from vacation!!!)

Two favorite web sites:
1. Facebook
2. Etsy

Two pets you have:
1. Chihuahuas
2. Meow-Meows

Two Favorite Sports:
1. Competitive Texting
2. Power-walking

Two things you did last night:
1. Had a juicy hamburger
2. Fell asleep on the couch until 3 a.m.

Two shows you like to watch:
1. Survivor
2. Forensic/FBI/Closed Case real-story anything

Two places you like to go "out" to:
1. Greasy spoons
2. Antique/junk shops

Wednesday Oui? Blanket of Love

On Saturday evening, after a day of yard work, we went over to Aaron's parent's house for Aaron's birthday celebration. Per usual there were good food and spirits (not "spirits" because I was on-call and couldn't drink and Aaron gave up drinking for lent) but you know what I mean. The point of this post, however, isn't the party; it's one of the gifts Aaron received. About a month ago I found out that Aaron's mom was planning a very special gift for him that, last Saturday, she presented for his birthday.

But first, a little back-story... Aaron was very close to his "Granddad" who passed away a little over two years ago. I hadn't been in the family too long so I only had the opportunity to meet him on a few occasions. It's my understanding, however, that Aaron and he were pretty close, and Fred (Granddad) was notorious for wearing flannel shirts. From what I've heard everyone who knew Granddad loved him. He loved to build things, he loved his family, and he loved astronomy.

Linda, Aaron's mom, is the oldest of three children and she is, according to every psychology book I've ever read, the textbook "oldest child" (a care taker, nurturing, thoughtful, and reliable.) Over the past few months she has been working to make Aaron a quilt using her father's (Aaron's Granddad's) flannel shirts.

The quilt is just beautiful--simply amazing. As Aaron unwrapped it I choked back tears at the thought of just how special this gift really is. Anyone who has ever recieved a quilt knows the amount of work that goes into making one and how nice a quilt really is but this tops it. This quilt is made from shirts Granddad once wore, and the pattern of the quilt is called "The Milky Way" incorporating Fred's (and Aaron's) love of astronomy. Well done, Mom M!

As I was sitting there, watching Aaron inspect his blanket of love, it occurred to me just how difficult it must have been for Mom to make this. I don't mean difficult as in "a challenging quilt to sew" but, for weeks on end, she was handling and cutting up the very shirts her own father once wore; cutting off the tiny buttons that his nimble fingers once fastened, all so she could make a quilt for her youngest son. I don't know how she found the strength to do it but I hope, in some way, she was able to find a measure of comfort in the process.

Now Linda, being highly skilled at many crafts and projects, didn't simply just make a quilt. She also included personal touches-- she sewed a pocket from one of Fred's shirts on the backside of the quilt to hold a remote control and included a note on fabric.

This is one of those gifts from the heart. I know I can speak for Aaron when I say it's the most thoughtful gift and not only will we think of Granddad when we use it but also Mom M, Granddad's oldest daughter, who made sure his love will always keep us warm.

Granddad, Mom M (Linda) and her two pride and joys; Matt & Aaron

Menu Monday: Truvy's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa

As I enter the planning stages for my sister's baby shower this summer, I have recently been thinking about one of my dear friends, Quinn. The reason Quinn comes to mind is because when I think of planning a shower for my sister, I can't imagine planning it without Quinn's help. She is "our sister from another mister." I write about her because Quinn fits into today's post so, sit tight and her part in this will slowly reveal itself.

It's a widely known fact that, arguably, my favorite movie is Steel Magnolias. There is just something about the sense of family in that movie that appeals to me. If you surveyed my core group of friends, who didn't know I was a closet Steel Magnolia-er, they would probably testify that I much prefer psychological thrillers to a feel-good tear-jerker like Steel. I mean, I still refuse to watch or read The Notebook!

Regardless, I love Steel and I use many of the quotes from this movie on a daily basis so, it felt appropriate to post about a few aspects of the movie today.

First and foremost, a recipe for Menu Monday taken right from the movie:

Truvy's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa

• 1C Sugar
• 1C Flour
• 1C Fruit Cocktail "with the juice"

Mix together and spread in a greased 8X8 pan and cook at 350 to a "warm bubbly" (approx 35 minutes)

Now, a quick word about this recipe; it's a novelty. If you're looking to impress at a dinner party, don't choose this recipe- it just doesn't cut it. It's sticky sweet and cheap to boot. I really like it but you'd have to try it to be the judge. The fact that the recipe came from my favorite movie may have colored my taste buds a little but, I double dog dare you to take a taste ;) And, if you haven't seen the movie you need to crawl right back under the rock where you live.

Ever since I first saw that movie, years and years ago, I've always said, "someday, I will have an armadillo cake at my wedding," never thinking that I would actually have an armadillo cake at my wedding. In theory, my little heart wanted one so badly but, when it came down to finding someone to make it and reasons why it should be in the budget, I knew it probably wouldn't happen.

Enter Quinn. Quinn has known me for almost 25 years (scary!!) and she wouldn't let my dream die. One day, months before the wedding, I received an email from Quinn stating that not only had she found someone to make my cake, it was going to be her wedding gift to us!

I can't tell you the joy I felt when a nice (and talented) man showed up at my reception site and said, "I'm here to deliver an armadillo to Jessi." Unbelievable.

Quinn, I love you like a sister. Your friendship over the years is something I have always appreciated. You are good to the core and I adore you. Thank you for making this lifelong dream come true.

And yes, it had gray icing and a red-velvet interior. I told the caterer, "cut it up randomly, a section here and a section there, I want it to look like an autopsy." The part Aaron and I saved for our 1-year-anniversary? The ass. Eveyone loves a "good piece of ass" ;)

Fun Fact Thursday

I haven't had a ton of time to blog lately, for obvious reasons, so here is something quick and easy (and FUN!)

1.What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
My toothbrush

2. Can you play Guitar Hero?
I never have nor will I ever. I don't have the patience for video games and I think they are a waste of time.

3. Name someone who made you laugh today?
Bing- he is just such a good boy. I can't even put into words how much I love him.

4. How late did you stay up last night and why?
11:30. Aaron and I became engrossed in a game of 20 questions. I won; he couldn’t guess mine- one of my favorite stores- Urban Outfitters.

5. If you could move somewhere else, would you?
I really love where I am now and the life I've created here but, I would absolutely love to move back to Maine. I miss it so much. Thank God for my camp!

6. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
Hmmm, I can't recall. It has been years since I've willingly gone to the fireworks (they are so toxic to the environment.) Oh wait, yes. They had fireworks at Tanglewood a few years ago and Aaron kissed me.

7. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Nickie, one of my very best friends, actually-- less than a mile, I think.

Don't ask...

8. Do you believe ex's can be friends?
Nah. Nope. No. That’s a negative. Well, at least I can't be, for sure.

9. How do you feel about Dr Pepper?
It makes be burp foam- I'm all set.

10. When was the last time you cried really hard?
Really hard or just a few tears? Really hard was probably a few years back. I don't cry often. Well actually, that’s a lie. When my kiddos complete treatment I usually cry. They break my heart.

11. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
My Stepfather, Dan

12. Was yesterday better than today?
I feel like every day is a new opportunity, a gift. It's still early but, I have a sneaking suspicion that today isn't going to be the best day of the week. And yesterday was Aaron's birthday, so that was a pretty good day :)

13. Can you live a day without TV?
Most days I do. I'm not a huge fan. I go through spells and I do like a handful of shows, but I wouldn’t be heartbroken if the TV died.

14. Are you upset about anything?
Yes. Um, have you seen my house and the tree that fell through it and crushed Aaron's car? BUT it could have been worse so I'm trying not to complain. There is minimal damage to the house- the car is totaled.

15. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
Some relationships are, for sure, others that are too much work, too much drama, or too one-sided are not worth it.

16. Are you a bad influence?
Sometimes, if you catch me while I'm in a certain mood, YES! But I have been working really hard over the last few months to correct that. :)

17. Night out or night in?
In

20. What items could you not go without during the day?
Coffee, Powerade Zero, hand sanitizer, Burt’s Bees chapstick and my cell phone.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Aaron's granddad :(

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
I'm not sharing it here. It's not appropriate.

23. How do you feel about your life right now?
I love my life. I have my rocks (you know who you are), an amazing husband, and a career that challenges me. I got it going on, man.

24. Do you hate anyone?
Hate is a strong word. There are famous people and politicians I hate. There are other "real life people" that I am disenchanted with, but do I hate anyone I know? Probably not.

25. If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find?
Messages from Hilary.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Yeppers- unless it was a 7 panel- with caffeine on it. Then it would be an epic fail. Call my PO.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Yes, but I believe the words "Little Miss" preceded the word "Perfect."

28. What song is stuck in your head?
"Innnnnn the middle of the night (middle of the night) IIIIIIII go walking in my sleep (walking in my sleep)..." River of Dreams- Billy Joel (Thanks, Jenn! It has been in my head since Tuesday)

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be?
A shirtless Jacob Black or a thirsty Edward Cullen.

30.Wanna have grandkids by the time you're 50 years old?
No thanks

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow?
Work

32. Do you think too much or too little?
Way too much

33. Do you smile a lot?
I'm a pretty serious person but when I'm in my comfort zone I do.

Wednesday Oui on 3/3?

I don't know if I have *officially* returned from my blogcation but, I must return temporarily to wish my husband a very happy 32nd birthday.

Aaron,

You are the best husband in the whole world. You work your butt off to make sure I am happy and that I have everything I need and want. I am so appreciative of your daily devotions to me and I am always aware that I have an unconditional fan. Your ability to take most things (a tree falling through your car/our house) in stride is something I aspire to do. You keep me sane, centered, and happy.

I hope you have a great day full of birthday embarrassment and banter.

We love you!

J&B&M&R&S

*** A note: We will return from our blogcation when our yard is cleaned up, the dust has settled and we have time to wrap our head around the beating we (our house/car) took from the wind-storm.***