Hollie is really bummed about being stranded at home with the girls without her car. AGAIN.
On New Year's Eve.
Yes, she's being a whiny baby right now. She has the right to be after turning down 2 awesome New Year's parties when she wants to be out and about for New Year's. That, in addition to not being able to be with her Old Fart too.
I'm thinking taxi cab drivers are driving other people to their new year's parties. That's just as sucky. I'm thinking waiters and waitresses at Yardhouse are watching other people celebrate their new year's, when they'd rather be with their friends, families, and significant others. That's just as sucky too.
Okay. I've built my bridge. I'm over it.
Everyone....have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
The co-workers took me out to Crabulous last night for my birthday dinner. Oh. My. GAWD. Their shrimp all-the-madness is SO. FREAKIN. GOOD. We ate 3 pounds of shrimp. Johnny wanted to order another 2 pounds. We said it was too much. We devoured that 2 pounds and ordered ANOTHER 2. Who's birthday is next...cause I want more. =P
Thank you everyone for coming out, despite the horrible traffic on Garvey. (An HOUR to go 4 miles on Garvey. Wish I was kidding.) I had a FANTASTIC time.
And Baby, thank you for driving an hour out, then waiting another hour by yourself in the restaurant for the rest of us to show. =)
Helen. Ecstatic for shrimp.
Josh's first time seeing shrimp with EYES. That pile in front of me isn't all mine, despite with Helen and Shelby say. It was OUR pile.
Before Shelby squirted Helen in the eye with his lime juice and before Helen flicked shrimp sauce on Shelby's white sleeve.
Second round!
Because Karrie's important like that.
Yes, I realized I spelled Neil's name wrong.
This is what a FOB looks like.
Almost got it. I know. It's hard.
Lead by example.
SUCCESS!!
Me: I feel a boob on my ear.
Boob attack!
Took the phone away. Wha la! A picture with everyone looking.
<3
Thank you everyone for coming out, despite the horrible traffic on Garvey. (An HOUR to go 4 miles on Garvey. Wish I was kidding.) I had a FANTASTIC time.
And Baby, thank you for driving an hour out, then waiting another hour by yourself in the restaurant for the rest of us to show. =)
Helen. Ecstatic for shrimp.
Josh's first time seeing shrimp with EYES. That pile in front of me isn't all mine, despite with Helen and Shelby say. It was OUR pile.
Before Shelby squirted Helen in the eye with his lime juice and before Helen flicked shrimp sauce on Shelby's white sleeve.
Second round!
Because Karrie's important like that.
Yes, I realized I spelled Neil's name wrong.
This is what a FOB looks like.
Almost got it. I know. It's hard.
Lead by example.
SUCCESS!!
Me: I feel a boob on my ear.
Shelby: I feel a boob on my shoulder.
Boob attack!
That's not your phone, Johnny.
Giving the EVIL EYE.
Took the phone away. Wha la! A picture with everyone looking.
<3
Friday, December 12, 2008
Are you kidding me?
Is that really how much we're worth? We just received our year-end bonuses. My bonus amount this year from this boss, after 7 years of service, is the same bonus amount that I got after only working for the company for 3 MONTHS with Pearl. Straight out of high school. No experience. No nothing. Even worse, we all looked it up online and saw the pdf file of our bonus stub. Then when we get our envelopes, the amount is significantly less because the bosses changed their minds last minute and cut the amount in half.
I really shouldn't be complaining. I just wanted to get that off my chest. Now that I've cooled down and put everything into perspective, I REALLY shouldn't be complaining.
Is that really how much we're worth? We just received our year-end bonuses. My bonus amount this year from this boss, after 7 years of service, is the same bonus amount that I got after only working for the company for 3 MONTHS with Pearl. Straight out of high school. No experience. No nothing. Even worse, we all looked it up online and saw the pdf file of our bonus stub. Then when we get our envelopes, the amount is significantly less because the bosses changed their minds last minute and cut the amount in half.
I really shouldn't be complaining. I just wanted to get that off my chest. Now that I've cooled down and put everything into perspective, I REALLY shouldn't be complaining.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Josh is on the couch reading his new poker book that we got tonight because he was anxious to read it. Where am I? On the computer. Cause Borders sold out of Eclipse. Cause it's THAT good. Cause I just saw Twilight movie and now have Edward on my mind. Cause Megan still has my copy of Twilight and I can't re-read Twilight to finish off my Edward-fix.
You are my life now. Damn. Now tell me that doesn't make butterflies attack your esophagus.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
...Paper packages all tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things...
I got a paper package! Thought it was for the girls at first, which isn't rare. They get packages every couple of months. But this time, the label said "Hollie Chung".
YES!
Debby (Josh's mom) and Auntie Toni sent me one of these:
A mixer! It came with a little recipe book, so I can't wait to de-virginize it and see what this bad boy can do.
I got a paper package! Thought it was for the girls at first, which isn't rare. They get packages every couple of months. But this time, the label said "Hollie Chung".
YES!
Debby (Josh's mom) and Auntie Toni sent me one of these:
A mixer! It came with a little recipe book, so I can't wait to de-virginize it and see what this bad boy can do.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
What a weekend!
Our original plan was to go to Amy's birthday party out in Rowland Heights. I'm so glad we didn't go!
That was some scary sh*t, I'm telling you. I'm glad I already had taken pictures of the house for fire insurance purposes beforehand. I had already started packing with the girls. Clothes, stuffed animals, important documents, laptop....after hearing the police, I was like a chicken with it's head cut off. Scrambling in all directions grabbing pictures, Josh's handmade quilt from his grandma, our memory box...anything that could not be replaced. (Josh grabbed the house slippers that I had bought for him...seeing him run out with it was so cute!) I grabbed a storage box full of the girls' old drawings and schoolwork and started emptying it all in my trunk. I mean, my brother and I have had conversations about what we would take if we were ever evacuated, but to actually experience it, is a completely different story. Standing in the garage looking at both our open trunks, I finally felt like we had packed everything that was important to us. I took one look at Josh and wanted to cry. He held me for a little bit. I'm so glad he was there.
One of the funny moments we had, of course, in retrospect...=)
I was standing in the kitchen trying to fish out our beta fish, Blue Jay, and put him in the water pitcher to take with us. Josh walks by with his arms full of his autographed collector football helmets and screams to me, "Leave the damn fish!" I scream back, "Then leave your damn helmets!" He took the helmets. I took the fish. =)
After Disneyland. Josh, watching the fire reports on the news.
Our original plan was to go to Amy's birthday party out in Rowland Heights. I'm so glad we didn't go!
The Yorba Linda fires hit us. It jumped the 91 freeway and up into our area. Pictures from our front porch...
15 minutes after taking this picture, you can hear the blaring sirens of the fire trucks, the water helicopters circling above us...then the police screeching down our street, on the loud speaker, "Please evacuate your homes immediately!"
That was some scary sh*t, I'm telling you. I'm glad I already had taken pictures of the house for fire insurance purposes beforehand. I had already started packing with the girls. Clothes, stuffed animals, important documents, laptop....after hearing the police, I was like a chicken with it's head cut off. Scrambling in all directions grabbing pictures, Josh's handmade quilt from his grandma, our memory box...anything that could not be replaced. (Josh grabbed the house slippers that I had bought for him...seeing him run out with it was so cute!) I grabbed a storage box full of the girls' old drawings and schoolwork and started emptying it all in my trunk. I mean, my brother and I have had conversations about what we would take if we were ever evacuated, but to actually experience it, is a completely different story. Standing in the garage looking at both our open trunks, I finally felt like we had packed everything that was important to us. I took one look at Josh and wanted to cry. He held me for a little bit. I'm so glad he was there.
We were packed and ready to go 10 minutes after the police came by. We got into our cars and joined the caravan with our next door neighbors. It was hectic trying to get out! The police did not allow anyone to go down the main street because fires were already erupting in spots a mile away from our house. Everyone was using the same small streets to evacuate.
That's Josh car in front of me and many more cars in front of him.
One of the funny moments we had, of course, in retrospect...=)
I was standing in the kitchen trying to fish out our beta fish, Blue Jay, and put him in the water pitcher to take with us. Josh walks by with his arms full of his autographed collector football helmets and screams to me, "Leave the damn fish!" I scream back, "Then leave your damn helmets!" He took the helmets. I took the fish. =)
So, we ended up at Sam and Megan's in the city of Orange. Hung out with them till we figured out what to do. Josh had a great idea to get our minds off of the fires. He suggested we get a hotel room by Disneyland and then spend the rest of the evening there.
At Disneyland...all decked out for Christmas!!
I had found a Marriott Residence Inn that's equipped with a full kitchen and sitting area in case we had to stay longer. They also allowed pets there too, so Lexie and Blue Jay were okay staying with us. Look at Lexie on the bed! =)
After Disneyland. Josh, watching the fire reports on the news.
The mandatory evacuations were lifted by the next morning and we were home by noon. Unpacking all our stuff was a b*tch, but I'm really thankful our home was still there for us to come back to.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A quick reminder to self.... I don't need anybody taking care of me. I can manage just fine on my own. My mama always said, "There are only 2 people in this world you can depend on. God. And yourself."
Even trying to keep that girl power mentality of the Spice Girls, it'd still be nice to have that someone there to take care of you.
Okay. Shaking it off.
"All the women, who independent, throw your hands up at meeeeeee...."
But one last thing. I am totally crushing on Melman...
So irresistable.
So brawny.
So hot.
Seriously though. I have a crush for Melman.
Even trying to keep that girl power mentality of the Spice Girls, it'd still be nice to have that someone there to take care of you.
Okay. Shaking it off.
"All the women, who independent, throw your hands up at meeeeeee...."
But one last thing. I am totally crushing on Melman...
So irresistable.
So brawny.
So hot.
Seriously though. I have a crush for Melman.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
My parents are knocking down the wall between me and my brother's room. It was originally one big master bedroom. Now that we're both moved out, my parents are doing the remodeling for that and for the kitchen. My brother and I have been going back home to sort through some of my old stuff with my dad.
I got a Facebook message from Shelby this morning.
Shelby Chung
Today at 8:34am
Whom. It's whom.hahaha ross.
Btw, daddy was being hilarious the other day. So he had my book in one hand and a freakin flutophone in the other.
"so did you want to keep this?"
"uhm. that? no, Dad. that's a flutophone. i haven't used that in 8 years."
"are you sure? you can still...you know, play. on your spare time."
"uh no, Dad, no."
"so this is the box you're gonna save?"
"yeah. the one on the left."
*holds up flutophone*
"so i'm going to put this in the box then."
"PUT THE DAMN FLUTOPHONE DOWN!"
I got a Facebook message from Shelby this morning.
Shelby Chung
Today at 8:34am
Whom. It's whom.hahaha ross.
Btw, daddy was being hilarious the other day. So he had my book in one hand and a freakin flutophone in the other.
"so did you want to keep this?"
"uhm. that? no, Dad. that's a flutophone. i haven't used that in 8 years."
"are you sure? you can still...you know, play. on your spare time."
"uh no, Dad, no."
"so this is the box you're gonna save?"
"yeah. the one on the left."
*holds up flutophone*
"so i'm going to put this in the box then."
"PUT THE DAMN FLUTOPHONE DOWN!"
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Dizziness. Lethargy. It gets really hot and I'm sweating. Then it gets really cold and I'm getting the chills. If only I could close my eyes for just one second...I think I'm getting sick again. Mind over matter. MIND OVER MATTER.
Amy's talking to me right now and all I see is her mouth moving and I hear sounds coming out. The only response I can muster up is a blank stare. Ha. I must look so dopey. Think I'll leave a little early today...
Friday is Tamale day. Yay.
Amy's talking to me right now and all I see is her mouth moving and I hear sounds coming out. The only response I can muster up is a blank stare. Ha. I must look so dopey. Think I'll leave a little early today...
Friday is Tamale day. Yay.
I love Ryan. Seacrest, that is. This morning started really turd-ly =( , but by the time I got onto the 91, I was laughing outloud in the car as I joined everyone else in traffic.
Ryan says this is something that should be printed out, laminated, and posted next to your bathroom sink to be reviewed as you are shaving.
From Men's Health magazine...
41 Ways to Melt a Woman’s Heart
1. Ask her to dance.
2. On windy days, brush wayward strands of hair from her eyes and mouth.
3. When she’s coming down the street, across the room, or up the stairs to meet you, walk towards her as soon as you see her.
4. Kiss her between her shoulder blades when she turns her back to you to go to sleep.
5. Put your arm around her when you introduce her to your friends and family.
6. Grasp her hand when a scantily dressed, beautiful woman walks by.
7. Call her when you’re feeling sad.
8. Kiss her eyelids.
9. Ask to see a picture of her when she was a child.
10. Wash her from head to toe in the shower.
11. If she’s crying on the phone, go over to her place. Immediately.
12. Stand her naked on a sturdy chair and lick between her legs.
13. Occasionally call her by her first and middle names.
14. Buy her your favorite rock album of all time on vinyl.
15. Order coffee for her, remembering exactly how she likes it.
16. Undress her and put her to bed when she falls asleep in the car.
17. Mention your upcoming anniversary before she does.
18. Send her something in the mail. Anything.
19. When she’s feeling insecure, stare into her eyes and tell her there is no-one in the world who could be as right for you as she is.
20. Call her just before you get on the plane.
21. Pick her clothes up off the floor.
22. Try desperately to make her laugh when she’s feeling down.
23. Take her to see your favorite sport live. Pay more attention to her than to the game.
24. Touch her arm when you leave the table to go to the bathroom. Touch her again when you come back.
25. Shave just before you see her. She’ll notice.
26. Hug her when she gets jealous. Hug her hard.
27. Worship her breasts.
28. Give her jewelry.
29. Hand her two towels when she gets out of the shower. (The second one is for her hair.)
30. Ask her specific questions about her work.
31. Keep her favorite cereal on hand.
32. In the middle of a conversation, tell her you love her.
33. Send her very expensive flowers when you screw up.
34. Take her to a cabin with a fireplace. Build her a fire.
35. Moan her name when she goes down on you.
36. Read her a story when it’s her turn to drive during a long road trip.
37. Offer to fix something at her place that you realize is broken.
38. Notice when she’s wearing something new.
39. Make love to her standing up, against a wall.
40. Kiss her hand in front of your most die-hard bachelor buddies.
41. If she’s too stressed to want sex...
a. Run a bath for her.
b. Give her a full-body massage.
c. Ask if she wants to wrestle.
Turdly, I say.
Ryan says this is something that should be printed out, laminated, and posted next to your bathroom sink to be reviewed as you are shaving.
From Men's Health magazine...
41 Ways to Melt a Woman’s Heart
1. Ask her to dance.
2. On windy days, brush wayward strands of hair from her eyes and mouth.
3. When she’s coming down the street, across the room, or up the stairs to meet you, walk towards her as soon as you see her.
4. Kiss her between her shoulder blades when she turns her back to you to go to sleep.
5. Put your arm around her when you introduce her to your friends and family.
6. Grasp her hand when a scantily dressed, beautiful woman walks by.
7. Call her when you’re feeling sad.
8. Kiss her eyelids.
9. Ask to see a picture of her when she was a child.
10. Wash her from head to toe in the shower.
11. If she’s crying on the phone, go over to her place. Immediately.
12. Stand her naked on a sturdy chair and lick between her legs.
13. Occasionally call her by her first and middle names.
14. Buy her your favorite rock album of all time on vinyl.
15. Order coffee for her, remembering exactly how she likes it.
16. Undress her and put her to bed when she falls asleep in the car.
17. Mention your upcoming anniversary before she does.
18. Send her something in the mail. Anything.
19. When she’s feeling insecure, stare into her eyes and tell her there is no-one in the world who could be as right for you as she is.
20. Call her just before you get on the plane.
21. Pick her clothes up off the floor.
22. Try desperately to make her laugh when she’s feeling down.
23. Take her to see your favorite sport live. Pay more attention to her than to the game.
24. Touch her arm when you leave the table to go to the bathroom. Touch her again when you come back.
25. Shave just before you see her. She’ll notice.
26. Hug her when she gets jealous. Hug her hard.
27. Worship her breasts.
28. Give her jewelry.
29. Hand her two towels when she gets out of the shower. (The second one is for her hair.)
30. Ask her specific questions about her work.
31. Keep her favorite cereal on hand.
32. In the middle of a conversation, tell her you love her.
33. Send her very expensive flowers when you screw up.
34. Take her to a cabin with a fireplace. Build her a fire.
35. Moan her name when she goes down on you.
36. Read her a story when it’s her turn to drive during a long road trip.
37. Offer to fix something at her place that you realize is broken.
38. Notice when she’s wearing something new.
39. Make love to her standing up, against a wall.
40. Kiss her hand in front of your most die-hard bachelor buddies.
41. If she’s too stressed to want sex...
a. Run a bath for her.
b. Give her a full-body massage.
c. Ask if she wants to wrestle.
Turdly, I say.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This morning's "Ryan's Roses" on KIIS fm was a sad one. Did anybody catch it?
Piper is 5 months pregnant with Keith's baby. Keith has 2 sons. 1 from his ex-wife. 1 from his ex-girlfriend. Piper's baby will be his third. Piper takes care of his 2 sons, pays for his bills, and takes care of him. As her pregnancy progresses, Keith has become more and more distant.
"Patty" makes the fake call and offers Keith a free dozen roses to send to anybody he wants. He says he would like to send them to Elizabeth and for the card to read, "This is the happiest I have ever been."
Piper was crying hard on the radio. Makes me sick to my stomach that there are men out there like that. She's at her most vulnerable right now and he has the nerve to leave her. All he could say to her was, "I'm sorry, Sweetie." Seriously.
And my goldfish, Sushi, died this morning. =(
Piper is 5 months pregnant with Keith's baby. Keith has 2 sons. 1 from his ex-wife. 1 from his ex-girlfriend. Piper's baby will be his third. Piper takes care of his 2 sons, pays for his bills, and takes care of him. As her pregnancy progresses, Keith has become more and more distant.
"Patty" makes the fake call and offers Keith a free dozen roses to send to anybody he wants. He says he would like to send them to Elizabeth and for the card to read, "This is the happiest I have ever been."
Piper was crying hard on the radio. Makes me sick to my stomach that there are men out there like that. She's at her most vulnerable right now and he has the nerve to leave her. All he could say to her was, "I'm sorry, Sweetie." Seriously.
And my goldfish, Sushi, died this morning. =(
Friday, October 03, 2008
I dreamt I got a flat tire last night. My brother was there. I was driving on the sidewalk outside a liquor store. I decided to drive off the sidewalk, back onto the road. When the car jumped the curb and landed, I got a flat tire. (My first thought? "Oh sh*t! My dad's gonna KILL me!" And I'm how old? DB, don't answer that.)
This is what Dream Moods had to say about that...
TIRES
To see tires in your dream, symbolizes that you are dwelling too much in the past and need to move on toward the future. It also refers to your emotional health and how it carries you from one situation to another.
To see or dream that you have a flat tire, indicates that you are feeling weary and emotionally drained. Your goals are temporarily hindered and as a result, you are unable to progress forward.
This is what Dream Moods had to say about that...
TIRES
To see tires in your dream, symbolizes that you are dwelling too much in the past and need to move on toward the future. It also refers to your emotional health and how it carries you from one situation to another.
To see or dream that you have a flat tire, indicates that you are feeling weary and emotionally drained. Your goals are temporarily hindered and as a result, you are unable to progress forward.
Monday, September 29, 2008
I'm not feeling very super right now. I've been doing this mind-over-matter thing for the past week and it's not working.
Cough, sneeze, headache, lack of energy, stuffy nose and head...I just want to lie down and do nothing. Literally, do nothing but watch re-runs of I Love Lucy.
I don't feel good. Ok. I'll stop complaining.
Cough, sneeze, headache, lack of energy, stuffy nose and head...I just want to lie down and do nothing. Literally, do nothing but watch re-runs of I Love Lucy.
I don't feel good. Ok. I'll stop complaining.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
This will be a whine-infested blog entry. Care for some cheese?
I caught the bug. My throat hurts. I need some TLC. This weekend was crappy. I'm grumpy. If you don't know the words to the song, don't wait to listen for them, and then attempt to sing it. All I hear is a 5 second delay to the song and extra loud emphasis on the big words. It's just YOU and ME....mumble, mumble...PEOPLE....mumble mumble....SAY. My appetite is lost after finding cow liver at the bottom of my food.
Did I mention that I caught the bug, my throat hurts, and last week was crappy?
Think Richard Simmons.....positive things....
ummm....
still thinking....
Richard Simmons....sexy
Note to Self...Get Josh bright red tank top with striped short shorts. Sexy..
Richard Simmons on "Whose Line is it Anyway?"...heehee...
heh heh heh heh heh heh...laughing like Tom Lycus now.
I feel better.
I feel better.
I caught the bug. My throat hurts. I need some TLC. This weekend was crappy. I'm grumpy. If you don't know the words to the song, don't wait to listen for them, and then attempt to sing it. All I hear is a 5 second delay to the song and extra loud emphasis on the big words. It's just YOU and ME....mumble, mumble...PEOPLE....mumble mumble....SAY. My appetite is lost after finding cow liver at the bottom of my food.
Did I mention that I caught the bug, my throat hurts, and last week was crappy?
Think Richard Simmons.....positive things....
ummm....
still thinking....
Richard Simmons....sexy
Note to Self...Get Josh bright red tank top with striped short shorts. Sexy..
Richard Simmons on "Whose Line is it Anyway?"...heehee...
heh heh heh heh heh heh...laughing like Tom Lycus now.
I feel better.
I feel better.
Friday, September 19, 2008
This is something that Tom Lycus would depise. But screw him. He'd loathe Step #6, but #6 made my heart melt.
The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After
What makes love last a lifetime? Affection? Yep. Respect? Sure. But a great marriage is not just about what you have. It's about what you do to make a relationship stronger, safer, more caring and committed. Here's how to make your "forever" fantastic.
- Marjorie Ingall
Marriage is a home, a refuge against the outside storms. And like any house, it requires a strong, lasting foundation. To build one, every couple needs to take certain steps — seven, to be precise — that turn the two of you into not just you and me but we. You may not move through all the steps in order, and you may circle back to complete certain steps again (and again and again). But if you make it through them all, you'll be well on your way toward creating a marriage that will be your shelter as long as you both shall live.
Step 1: Find a shared dream for your life together.
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff of married life: What's for dinner tonight? Whose turn is it to clean the litter box? Did you pay the electric bill? But the best partners never lose sight of the fact that they're working together to achieve the same big dreams. "Successful couples quickly develop a mindfulness of 'us,' of being coupled," says REDBOOK Love Network expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in New York City. "They have a shared vision, saying things like, 'We want to plan to buy a house, we want to take a vacation to such-and-such a place, we like to do X, we think we want to start a family at Y time.'"
This kind of dream-sharing starts early. "Couples love to tell the story of how they met," points out Julie Holland, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. "It's like telling a fairy tale. But happy couples will go on creating folklore and history, with the meet-cute forming the bedrock of the narrative." As you write and rewrite your love story ("our hardest challenge was X, our dream for retirement is Y"), you continually remind yourselves and each other that you're a team with shared values and goals. And P.S.: When you share a dream, you're a heck of a lot more likely to make that dream come true.
Step 2: Ignite (and reignite) a sexual connection.
In any good relationship, sex is way more than just a physical act. It's crucial for the health of your emotional connection, too: It's something only the two of you share; it makes you both feel warm and loved; it draws you back together when you're drifting apart. And did I mention that it's a whole lot of fun?
Striking up those sparks when you first meet is easy. Nurturing a strong, steady flame? That's the hard part. When you've got a mortgage, a potbelly, and a decade or two of togetherness under your belts, it can be hard to muster up the fire you felt when you first got together. That's when it's even more important to protect your sex life and make it a priority. "You have to keep working to create allure and seduction for each other or your sex life will become lackluster," Greer points out. "Who wants the same turkey sandwich over and over? You want it on whole wheat! On toast! As turkey salad! On a roll!" (And now I will imagine my husband covered with Russian dressing. Thanks, Dr. Greer.)
As the years go by, you'll keep revisiting and realigning and reimagining the passion you have for each other. And if you keep at it, you'll have a sex life that transcends your marriage's lack of newness, the stresses of family and work, the physical changes that come with aging. Now that's something worth holding on to.
Step 3: Choose each other as your first family.
For years, you were primarily a member of one family: the one in which you grew up. Then you got married, and suddenly you became the foundation of a new family, one in which husband and wife are the A-team. It can be tough to shift your identity like this, but it's also an important part of building your self-image as a duo (and maybe, eventually, as three or four or...).
For me, making this transition meant stopping the incessant bitching to my mom when I was mad at my husband — my behavior was disloyal, and I had to learn to talk to Jonathan, not about him. My friend Lynn tells the story of her mother's reaction to a trip to the Middle East she and her then-boyfriend (now husband) had planned. Her mother hit the roof, calling incessantly to urge Lynn not to go. Eventually, Lynn's boyfriend got on the phone with Mom and explained why they were excited to share this experience. "It was clear then that we were the team," Lynn says now. "Not teaming up against my mother, but teaming up together to deal with her issues."
Whatever your challenges — an overprotective mom? an overly critical father-in-law? — you have to outline together the boundaries between you and all of the families connected to you. Not only will you feel stronger as a united front but when you stick to your shared rules, all that family baggage will weigh on you a lot less.
Step 4: Learn how to fight right.
I'm embarrassed to think of how I coped with conflict early in my relationship with Jonathan. I stormed out — a lot. I once threw an apple at his head. Hard. (Don't worry, I missed — on purpose.) I had a terrible habit of threatening divorce at the slightest provocation. But eventually I figured that this was pretty moronic. I didn't want out, and I knew that pelting someone with fruit was not a long-term marital strategy.
"Fighting is the big problem every couple has to deal with," says Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist in Oakland, CA, and author of After the Fight. That's because fights will always come up, so every couple needs to learn how to fight without tearing each other apart.
Fighting right doesn't just mean not throwing produce; it means staying focused on the issue at hand and respecting each other's perspective. Couples that fight right also find ways to defuse the tension, says Wile — often with humor. "Whenever one of us wants the other to listen up, we mime hitting the TV remote, a thumb pressing down on an invisible mute button," says Nancy, 52, an event producer in San Francisco. "It cracks us up, in part because it must look insane to others." Even if you fight a lot, when you can find a way to turn fights toward the positive — with a smile, a quick apology, an expression of appreciation for the other person — the storm blows away fast, and that's what matters.
Step 5: Find a balance between time for two and time for you.
Jonathan and I both work at home. This frequently leads to murderous impulses. Though I'm typing away in the bedroom and he's talking to his consulting clients in our small home office, most days it really feels like too much intimacy for me.
But that's my bias. When it comes to togetherness, every couple has its own unique sweet spot. "There are couples that are never apart and there are couples that see each other only on weekends," Greer says. With the right balance, neither partner feels slighted or smothered. You have enough non-shared experiences to fire you up and help you maintain a sense of yourself outside the relationship — not to mention give you something to talk about at the dinner table. But you also have enough time together to feel your connection as a strong tie rather than as a loose thread.
Your togetherness needs will also change over time, so you'll have to shift your balance accordingly. "My husband and I spend a lot of time together, but it's almost all family time," says Katie, 40, a mom of two in San Leandro, CA. "We realized a few months ago that we hadn't had a conversation that didn't involve the kids or our to-do lists in ages, so we committed to a weekly date. We were so happy just to go to the movies and hold hands, something we hadn't done in ages. It felt like we were dating again!"
Step 6: Build a best friendship.
Think about the things that make your closest friendships irreplaceable: the trust that comes with true intimacy, the willingness to be vulnerable, the confidence that the friendship can withstand some conflict. Don't those sound like good things to have in your marriage, too?
"Happy couples are each other's haven," says Holland. "They can count on the other person to listen and try to meet their needs." Greer adds, "When you're true friends, you acknowledge and respect what the other person is; you don't try to control or change them. This creates a sense of safety and security when you're together — you know you're valued for who you are and you see the value in your partner."
Then there's the way, when you've been with someone a while, that you become almost a mind reader. You have a shared history and inside jokes. Your guy knows what you'll find funny, you forward him links to articles you know he'll enjoy, and best of all, you two can make eye contact at a given moment and say volumes without opening your mouths. And is there anything more pleasurable than sharing the newspaper with someone? Sitting in companionable silence, absorbed in your respective reading, sipping coffee, occasionally reading something out loud, but mostly just lazing happily together, communing without needing to speak? Ahh....
Step 7: Face down a major challenge together.
You're sailing along through life, and suddenly you hit a huge bump. A serious illness. Unemployment. The loss of a home. A death in the family. How do you cope?
The truth is, you never know how strong your relationship is until it's tested. All too often, the stress of a crisis can pull a couple apart. But the good news is, when you do make it through in one piece, you might just find yourselves tighter than ever.
"What didn't happen to us?" says Daryl, 28, a preschool teacher in Harrisburg, PA. "My husband lost his job and took a minimum-wage job he was way overqualified for just to make ends meet. He was offered a better job in a mountain town outside San Diego, so we moved. Then during the California wildfires several years ago, our house burned down and we lost everything. We were living in a one-room converted garage with no running water and a newborn. But we found that this chaos somehow brought us even closer together. We took turns losing it. We really kept each other sane."
Hey, marriage is no roll in the hay. It's tough, real work. But the reward, the edifice you build together that will shelter you through years of tough times, is more than worth the effort. The small, friendly cottage you build — decorated with your shared history and stories, filled with color and laughter — will be the warmest and safest retreat you can imagine.
The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After
What makes love last a lifetime? Affection? Yep. Respect? Sure. But a great marriage is not just about what you have. It's about what you do to make a relationship stronger, safer, more caring and committed. Here's how to make your "forever" fantastic.
- Marjorie Ingall
Marriage is a home, a refuge against the outside storms. And like any house, it requires a strong, lasting foundation. To build one, every couple needs to take certain steps — seven, to be precise — that turn the two of you into not just you and me but we. You may not move through all the steps in order, and you may circle back to complete certain steps again (and again and again). But if you make it through them all, you'll be well on your way toward creating a marriage that will be your shelter as long as you both shall live.
Step 1: Find a shared dream for your life together.
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff of married life: What's for dinner tonight? Whose turn is it to clean the litter box? Did you pay the electric bill? But the best partners never lose sight of the fact that they're working together to achieve the same big dreams. "Successful couples quickly develop a mindfulness of 'us,' of being coupled," says REDBOOK Love Network expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in New York City. "They have a shared vision, saying things like, 'We want to plan to buy a house, we want to take a vacation to such-and-such a place, we like to do X, we think we want to start a family at Y time.'"
This kind of dream-sharing starts early. "Couples love to tell the story of how they met," points out Julie Holland, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. "It's like telling a fairy tale. But happy couples will go on creating folklore and history, with the meet-cute forming the bedrock of the narrative." As you write and rewrite your love story ("our hardest challenge was X, our dream for retirement is Y"), you continually remind yourselves and each other that you're a team with shared values and goals. And P.S.: When you share a dream, you're a heck of a lot more likely to make that dream come true.
Step 2: Ignite (and reignite) a sexual connection.
In any good relationship, sex is way more than just a physical act. It's crucial for the health of your emotional connection, too: It's something only the two of you share; it makes you both feel warm and loved; it draws you back together when you're drifting apart. And did I mention that it's a whole lot of fun?
Striking up those sparks when you first meet is easy. Nurturing a strong, steady flame? That's the hard part. When you've got a mortgage, a potbelly, and a decade or two of togetherness under your belts, it can be hard to muster up the fire you felt when you first got together. That's when it's even more important to protect your sex life and make it a priority. "You have to keep working to create allure and seduction for each other or your sex life will become lackluster," Greer points out. "Who wants the same turkey sandwich over and over? You want it on whole wheat! On toast! As turkey salad! On a roll!" (And now I will imagine my husband covered with Russian dressing. Thanks, Dr. Greer.)
As the years go by, you'll keep revisiting and realigning and reimagining the passion you have for each other. And if you keep at it, you'll have a sex life that transcends your marriage's lack of newness, the stresses of family and work, the physical changes that come with aging. Now that's something worth holding on to.
Step 3: Choose each other as your first family.
For years, you were primarily a member of one family: the one in which you grew up. Then you got married, and suddenly you became the foundation of a new family, one in which husband and wife are the A-team. It can be tough to shift your identity like this, but it's also an important part of building your self-image as a duo (and maybe, eventually, as three or four or...).
For me, making this transition meant stopping the incessant bitching to my mom when I was mad at my husband — my behavior was disloyal, and I had to learn to talk to Jonathan, not about him. My friend Lynn tells the story of her mother's reaction to a trip to the Middle East she and her then-boyfriend (now husband) had planned. Her mother hit the roof, calling incessantly to urge Lynn not to go. Eventually, Lynn's boyfriend got on the phone with Mom and explained why they were excited to share this experience. "It was clear then that we were the team," Lynn says now. "Not teaming up against my mother, but teaming up together to deal with her issues."
Whatever your challenges — an overprotective mom? an overly critical father-in-law? — you have to outline together the boundaries between you and all of the families connected to you. Not only will you feel stronger as a united front but when you stick to your shared rules, all that family baggage will weigh on you a lot less.
Step 4: Learn how to fight right.
I'm embarrassed to think of how I coped with conflict early in my relationship with Jonathan. I stormed out — a lot. I once threw an apple at his head. Hard. (Don't worry, I missed — on purpose.) I had a terrible habit of threatening divorce at the slightest provocation. But eventually I figured that this was pretty moronic. I didn't want out, and I knew that pelting someone with fruit was not a long-term marital strategy.
"Fighting is the big problem every couple has to deal with," says Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist in Oakland, CA, and author of After the Fight. That's because fights will always come up, so every couple needs to learn how to fight without tearing each other apart.
Fighting right doesn't just mean not throwing produce; it means staying focused on the issue at hand and respecting each other's perspective. Couples that fight right also find ways to defuse the tension, says Wile — often with humor. "Whenever one of us wants the other to listen up, we mime hitting the TV remote, a thumb pressing down on an invisible mute button," says Nancy, 52, an event producer in San Francisco. "It cracks us up, in part because it must look insane to others." Even if you fight a lot, when you can find a way to turn fights toward the positive — with a smile, a quick apology, an expression of appreciation for the other person — the storm blows away fast, and that's what matters.
Step 5: Find a balance between time for two and time for you.
Jonathan and I both work at home. This frequently leads to murderous impulses. Though I'm typing away in the bedroom and he's talking to his consulting clients in our small home office, most days it really feels like too much intimacy for me.
But that's my bias. When it comes to togetherness, every couple has its own unique sweet spot. "There are couples that are never apart and there are couples that see each other only on weekends," Greer says. With the right balance, neither partner feels slighted or smothered. You have enough non-shared experiences to fire you up and help you maintain a sense of yourself outside the relationship — not to mention give you something to talk about at the dinner table. But you also have enough time together to feel your connection as a strong tie rather than as a loose thread.
Your togetherness needs will also change over time, so you'll have to shift your balance accordingly. "My husband and I spend a lot of time together, but it's almost all family time," says Katie, 40, a mom of two in San Leandro, CA. "We realized a few months ago that we hadn't had a conversation that didn't involve the kids or our to-do lists in ages, so we committed to a weekly date. We were so happy just to go to the movies and hold hands, something we hadn't done in ages. It felt like we were dating again!"
Step 6: Build a best friendship.
Think about the things that make your closest friendships irreplaceable: the trust that comes with true intimacy, the willingness to be vulnerable, the confidence that the friendship can withstand some conflict. Don't those sound like good things to have in your marriage, too?
"Happy couples are each other's haven," says Holland. "They can count on the other person to listen and try to meet their needs." Greer adds, "When you're true friends, you acknowledge and respect what the other person is; you don't try to control or change them. This creates a sense of safety and security when you're together — you know you're valued for who you are and you see the value in your partner."
Then there's the way, when you've been with someone a while, that you become almost a mind reader. You have a shared history and inside jokes. Your guy knows what you'll find funny, you forward him links to articles you know he'll enjoy, and best of all, you two can make eye contact at a given moment and say volumes without opening your mouths. And is there anything more pleasurable than sharing the newspaper with someone? Sitting in companionable silence, absorbed in your respective reading, sipping coffee, occasionally reading something out loud, but mostly just lazing happily together, communing without needing to speak? Ahh....
Step 7: Face down a major challenge together.
You're sailing along through life, and suddenly you hit a huge bump. A serious illness. Unemployment. The loss of a home. A death in the family. How do you cope?
The truth is, you never know how strong your relationship is until it's tested. All too often, the stress of a crisis can pull a couple apart. But the good news is, when you do make it through in one piece, you might just find yourselves tighter than ever.
"What didn't happen to us?" says Daryl, 28, a preschool teacher in Harrisburg, PA. "My husband lost his job and took a minimum-wage job he was way overqualified for just to make ends meet. He was offered a better job in a mountain town outside San Diego, so we moved. Then during the California wildfires several years ago, our house burned down and we lost everything. We were living in a one-room converted garage with no running water and a newborn. But we found that this chaos somehow brought us even closer together. We took turns losing it. We really kept each other sane."
Hey, marriage is no roll in the hay. It's tough, real work. But the reward, the edifice you build together that will shelter you through years of tough times, is more than worth the effort. The small, friendly cottage you build — decorated with your shared history and stories, filled with color and laughter — will be the warmest and safest retreat you can imagine.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
When things come too easy we're suspect. Do they have to get complicated before we believe they're for real? We're raised to believe that the course of true love never runs smoothly. There always have to be obstacles in Act Two before you can live happily ever after in Act Three. But what happens when the obstacles aren't there? Does that mean there's something missing? Do we need drama to make a relationship work?
- Carrie
Sex and the City
Things are good. What am I talking about. Things are great. But yet, I still have this uneasy feeling that I can't get to settle. It's like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things can't be that great without something bad leering in the near future, can they?
Don't get me wrong. I still battle my demons called "The X Factors". And I'm afraid that, like in the past, the other shoe to drop will be one of them.
- Carrie
Sex and the City
Things are good. What am I talking about. Things are great. But yet, I still have this uneasy feeling that I can't get to settle. It's like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things can't be that great without something bad leering in the near future, can they?
Don't get me wrong. I still battle my demons called "The X Factors". And I'm afraid that, like in the past, the other shoe to drop will be one of them.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Crabulous! is crabilicious.
Yum! The crabs and shrimp come out in marinating bags of cajun sauces. It's a tad expensive...$30 per head. I swear, if I were rich, I'd be 5000 pounds by now. It's a great place to sit and talk, while de-shelling your food and dipping it in their salt & pepper lime juice. I was the only one who didn't know how to eat crab from the shell. Shrimp, no problem. But it worked out. Amy sat there and de-shelled the crab for me. It was gone before it even touched my plate. Muhaha.
Can't wait to go again next week!
Yum! The crabs and shrimp come out in marinating bags of cajun sauces. It's a tad expensive...$30 per head. I swear, if I were rich, I'd be 5000 pounds by now. It's a great place to sit and talk, while de-shelling your food and dipping it in their salt & pepper lime juice. I was the only one who didn't know how to eat crab from the shell. Shrimp, no problem. But it worked out. Amy sat there and de-shelled the crab for me. It was gone before it even touched my plate. Muhaha.
Can't wait to go again next week!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Busy BUSY weekend. Actually, busy BUSY past couple of months.
3 parties in one weekend. *whew*
My Uncle and his stepdaughter had a combined birthday party Saturday afternoon. Lots of food... I'm talking 10 pounds of carne asada, 10 pounds of chicken, 10 pounds of tri tip, 10 pounds of ribs...and that's just the meats!! It was a good time for Josh to get to know the family. Josh made my mom gasp and then do a double-take when he said..."Thanks Mom." It was so funny her reaction. Ahhh...
Right after the cutting of muy delicious chocolate-banana-creme cake, we left to attend his sister's engagement party at Antonello's. Everyone looked so pretty! Esp his sister, who was glowing that night in her $20 Jessica McClintock dress. Good food and open bar, baaabbbyy. Before calling it night, we watched some Olympics with Auntie Toni before we turned in. She had own personal commentary for each athlete. Er, those male gymnastics people...tight tights.
Taylor's birthday party at the house. Auntie Jackie makes the best potato salad EVER! I can't stop raving about it. =D (I do notice that all 3 parties I mentioned the food. I'm a pig. Yah yah yah YAH.) I asked her for her recipe and she said, "Oh honey. You just eye-ball it. Throw some of this. Throw some of that in there." o_O
I'm tired. I look like crap. Dino bag tomorrow.
Helen's back to work now. Yay! Though, I think she is less enthused as we are...having to leave your baby.
3 parties in one weekend. *whew*
My Uncle and his stepdaughter had a combined birthday party Saturday afternoon. Lots of food... I'm talking 10 pounds of carne asada, 10 pounds of chicken, 10 pounds of tri tip, 10 pounds of ribs...and that's just the meats!! It was a good time for Josh to get to know the family. Josh made my mom gasp and then do a double-take when he said..."Thanks Mom." It was so funny her reaction. Ahhh...
Right after the cutting of muy delicious chocolate-banana-creme cake, we left to attend his sister's engagement party at Antonello's. Everyone looked so pretty! Esp his sister, who was glowing that night in her $20 Jessica McClintock dress. Good food and open bar, baaabbbyy. Before calling it night, we watched some Olympics with Auntie Toni before we turned in. She had own personal commentary for each athlete. Er, those male gymnastics people...tight tights.
Taylor's birthday party at the house. Auntie Jackie makes the best potato salad EVER! I can't stop raving about it. =D (I do notice that all 3 parties I mentioned the food. I'm a pig. Yah yah yah YAH.) I asked her for her recipe and she said, "Oh honey. You just eye-ball it. Throw some of this. Throw some of that in there." o_O
I'm tired. I look like crap. Dino bag tomorrow.
Helen's back to work now. Yay! Though, I think she is less enthused as we are...having to leave your baby.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Helen came with Baby Maddy a couple weeks ago. Her tiny fingers and tiny toes. Her tiny little everything.
When she was still in the hospital, fresh from the oven, I remember screaming when Mady's lip curled into a smile when I said her name. Auntie Hollie all the way as Helen calls it.
When she was still in the hospital, fresh from the oven, I remember screaming when Mady's lip curled into a smile when I said her name. Auntie Hollie all the way as Helen calls it.
(If you can't see it...go here.)
Monday, August 04, 2008
Last Thursday, Josh and I went to a MatchBox 20 concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair.
It was a great concert and we had a fantastic time! (Minus the little girl who knocked over my $10 marguerita and her mom who told her "Just keep going" and continued to walk without even an apology or a look my way!) We grabbed some cheeseburgers, corndogs, a couple beers and margueritas for the opening band. We had pretty good seats, in my opinion. I could actually make out some eyes, nose, and a mouth.
It was a great concert and we had a fantastic time! (Minus the little girl who knocked over my $10 marguerita and her mom who told her "Just keep going" and continued to walk without even an apology or a look my way!) We grabbed some cheeseburgers, corndogs, a couple beers and margueritas for the opening band. We had pretty good seats, in my opinion. I could actually make out some eyes, nose, and a mouth.
Too bad we had to work the next day, cause I was pooped!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
"The only one who should have to pay for a bad relationship is the person in your next relationship." - Miranda (Sex and the City)
There is no better time to watch this Sex and the City episode than the present. Carrie's question... "How much knowledge of your steady's past relationships is too much?" Amy's husband invites his exes (all freakin' 5000 of them) to their kids' birthday parties. Miriam and her husband look at pictures of him and his exes together as they do some Spring cleaning.
Amy says, "The past is the past." But from my experience, the past came back into the present and became the future. So how do you know for sure that the "ex-file" has been safely closed and locked behind him?
There is no better time to watch this Sex and the City episode than the present. Carrie's question... "How much knowledge of your steady's past relationships is too much?" Amy's husband invites his exes (all freakin' 5000 of them) to their kids' birthday parties. Miriam and her husband look at pictures of him and his exes together as they do some Spring cleaning.
Amy says, "The past is the past." But from my experience, the past came back into the present and became the future. So how do you know for sure that the "ex-file" has been safely closed and locked behind him?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
House of Love...
(This part made me cry at work. I'm so professional. =D)
One of her superstar mutts from the quake zone was a small, brown, short-haired terrier with alert brown eyes named "Qianjin," or "Forward." Rescuers said Forward and another dog — a shelty named "Guai Guai" — belonged to an elderly woman who was partially buried in rubble at a Buddhist temple that collapsed in the city of Pengzhou. The dogs stayed with their master while she was trapped for 196 hours (8 days).
"The rescuers told me the dogs were drinking rain water, then they would lick their owner's lips to help keep her from getting too dehydrated," Chen said.
I love my JoJo and Lexie.
(This part made me cry at work. I'm so professional. =D)
One of her superstar mutts from the quake zone was a small, brown, short-haired terrier with alert brown eyes named "Qianjin," or "Forward." Rescuers said Forward and another dog — a shelty named "Guai Guai" — belonged to an elderly woman who was partially buried in rubble at a Buddhist temple that collapsed in the city of Pengzhou. The dogs stayed with their master while she was trapped for 196 hours (8 days).
"The rescuers told me the dogs were drinking rain water, then they would lick their owner's lips to help keep her from getting too dehydrated," Chen said.
I love my JoJo and Lexie.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I so sleepy. Mixture of the pho we had for lunch and coming home late last night.
Shelby and I picked Evan up for some good ol' ice cream from Rite-Aid (or as some Old Farts would call it...Thriftys ice-cream).
Then home for some soccer playing. It was fun. I'm sure it was fun for him, watching me chase that damn soccer ball as it rolled down the hill and then stuck underneath a car 5 houses down. Mario Party on the Wii was next after I was wiped out. Evan's actually pretty good. Damn. He won me a few times when I was actually trying to win. How sad! I got beat by a 5 year old!! =P
Okay, exercising with Amy tonight after work. Next time I run after that damn soccer ball, I will not be out of breath. I'm out of shape, man.
Shelby and I picked Evan up for some good ol' ice cream from Rite-Aid (or as some Old Farts would call it...Thriftys ice-cream).
Then home for some soccer playing. It was fun. I'm sure it was fun for him, watching me chase that damn soccer ball as it rolled down the hill and then stuck underneath a car 5 houses down. Mario Party on the Wii was next after I was wiped out. Evan's actually pretty good. Damn. He won me a few times when I was actually trying to win. How sad! I got beat by a 5 year old!! =P
Okay, exercising with Amy tonight after work. Next time I run after that damn soccer ball, I will not be out of breath. I'm out of shape, man.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I can't sleep. It's 10:39 and I should be snoring away already. I think it was the 2 bottles of Lipton Green Tea that I had at the bbq. Who knows. Those things are yummy. So here I am, sitting in my PJs (or am I?...heehee...just kidding!), Wedding Singer on the telly, typing away. They say ignorance is bliss. And in some cases, it is. Then maybe I can sleep tonight.
On a lighter note, we're back from our trip to San Francisco! It was a fantastic trip that we did not want to leave. Just a couple more days! If only...heehee! Pictures to come if SOMEONE can figure out how to properly share pictures between accounts on this computer. Till then!
Oh, and a little song from the Wedding Singer...
Robbie hart (singing):
I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you
I’ll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you
I’ll miss youI’ll kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold
I’ll need youI’ll feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you’ve had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you
On a lighter note, we're back from our trip to San Francisco! It was a fantastic trip that we did not want to leave. Just a couple more days! If only...heehee! Pictures to come if SOMEONE can figure out how to properly share pictures between accounts on this computer. Till then!
Oh, and a little song from the Wedding Singer...
Robbie hart (singing):
I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you
I’ll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you
I’ll miss youI’ll kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold
I’ll need youI’ll feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you’ve had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FINALLY...time for me!
Lexie and I went over to pick up Paige and Evan for a little trip to the park. Or rather, parkS...Barnes to play a little till and to practice riding their bikes. After a few almost-run-ins with the trees and a big group of people (Evan on bike), we decided to go to Highland park to practice riding their two-wheelers.
Some Ce Fiore (sp?) frozen yogurt after the park...original flavor with blueberries...MmmMmmmm....
and a picture while Paige was using the restroom...
"Evan, give JeJe a normal picture...1-2-3!"
"How about a SMILE then!"
Until next week!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Maybe I'll come knock on your window...
He never made it to the window, but he was pretty damn close somewhere along Hay St. A phone call and a few turns later, he was in front of my Grandma's house. It was a great surprise.
We picked up some Starbucks and Boston Market. Went on a little drive as he attempted to take us home the backway. Hung out in my room for a little bit till we both had to turn in for the night.
It was a great night.
He never made it to the window, but he was pretty damn close somewhere along Hay St. A phone call and a few turns later, he was in front of my Grandma's house. It was a great surprise.
We picked up some Starbucks and Boston Market. Went on a little drive as he attempted to take us home the backway. Hung out in my room for a little bit till we both had to turn in for the night.
It was a great night.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I'm in Stockton right now. Josh's grandma was diagnosed with bone cancer a month ago and wasn't given much time. We came down on Friday to see her and was told it was down to 48 hours, so we ended up staying. She was surrounded by so many family and friends, who sang her favorite song..."That's Amore" to her by her bed. She passed away at home on Monday.
We'll be coming home on Friday night.
So much has been going on. So much to think about. So many decisions. So many personal things going on.
I'm about to explode.
We'll be coming home on Friday night.
So much has been going on. So much to think about. So many decisions. So many personal things going on.
I'm about to explode.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Okay, so I'm out of the funky mood I was in a few days ago.
I can't get this song out of my head. I left a message on my Blog Stalker's answering machine...boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada.
It makes me all smiles. Or maybe it's the fact that my student teaching is nearing the end. This huge weight has been finally lifted off.
ahhh...boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada...
I can't get this song out of my head. I left a message on my Blog Stalker's answering machine...boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada.
It makes me all smiles. Or maybe it's the fact that my student teaching is nearing the end. This huge weight has been finally lifted off.
ahhh...boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I'm out of this mood. For sure this time.
I can only give you love that lasts forever,
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love even time can't destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
I can only give you love that lasts forever,
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love even time can't destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm in one of those moods. Maybe it's because of coming home from the hospital seeing Helen and Rob and their new baby. A new family...
maybe it's Bridget Jones' Diary...
"Fortunately he was still holding me tight, so could not hit him anymore. Then he said the house was big, cold and lonely without me. And he really liked it best in my flat where it was cozy. And he said that he loved me, he wasn't exactly sure why, but nothing was any fun without me. And then...God, that stone floor was cold."
Maybe that's why I'm crying when Gerry from P.S. I Love You says...
"And we are gonna last. You know how I know? Because I still wake up every morning and the first thing I want to do is see your face. I'm not going nowhere."
I'm in one of those moods. How annoying.
It's a pain in my ole.
maybe it's Bridget Jones' Diary...
"Fortunately he was still holding me tight, so could not hit him anymore. Then he said the house was big, cold and lonely without me. And he really liked it best in my flat where it was cozy. And he said that he loved me, he wasn't exactly sure why, but nothing was any fun without me. And then...God, that stone floor was cold."
Maybe that's why I'm crying when Gerry from P.S. I Love You says...
"And we are gonna last. You know how I know? Because I still wake up every morning and the first thing I want to do is see your face. I'm not going nowhere."
I'm in one of those moods. How annoying.
It's a pain in my ole.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
I like to read a book during lunch at school. I'm reading Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge of Reason. Just some things I paper-clipped and like to read over and over again. Cause I'm weird.
Mark Darcy.
"Watched him turn the car round really fast and screechily. As he drove off, I saw him angrily brush his cheek as if he was wiping something away."
"11 p.m. He hasn't rung. Oh fuck. Am so confused. Whole dating world is like hideous game of bluff and double bluff with men. Is as if there is a set of rules that you are suppose to be sticking to, but no one knows what they are so everyone just makes up their own. Then you end up getting chucked because you didn't follow the rules correctly, but how could you be expected to, when you didn't know what they were in the first place?"
Helen Fielding.
If only I could be as eloquent as she.
Mark Darcy.
"Watched him turn the car round really fast and screechily. As he drove off, I saw him angrily brush his cheek as if he was wiping something away."
"11 p.m. He hasn't rung. Oh fuck. Am so confused. Whole dating world is like hideous game of bluff and double bluff with men. Is as if there is a set of rules that you are suppose to be sticking to, but no one knows what they are so everyone just makes up their own. Then you end up getting chucked because you didn't follow the rules correctly, but how could you be expected to, when you didn't know what they were in the first place?"
Helen Fielding.
If only I could be as eloquent as she.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
It's my 3rd day of student teaching at Malabar Elementary School and I've already insulted the Master Teacher.
Ms. Marquez: Ms. Chung, can you please write the word and then draw a picture of it on this poster board.
Me: Sure. Oh, I get it! Like on that poster hanging on the wall...you wrote the word and had the students draw the picture.
Ms. Marquez: Umm, I drew those pictures.
Me: -_-
Ms. Marquez: Ms. Chung, can you please write the word and then draw a picture of it on this poster board.
Me: Sure. Oh, I get it! Like on that poster hanging on the wall...you wrote the word and had the students draw the picture.
Ms. Marquez: Umm, I drew those pictures.
Me: -_-
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Major EDIT to below post...
All that talk about "Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday" and "I don't do Valentine's Day"... was a decoy...for....
2 dozen beautiful roses with stargazers sitting on the counter when I walked in the door.
And sitting next to the roses...a bottle of some much needed DayQuil.
Roses + DayQuil = How romantic!
I can join everyone else in the Flu Club now.
*cough*sneeze*sniffle*
All that talk about "Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday" and "I don't do Valentine's Day"... was a decoy...for....
2 dozen beautiful roses with stargazers sitting on the counter when I walked in the door.
And sitting next to the roses...a bottle of some much needed DayQuil.
Roses + DayQuil = How romantic!
I can join everyone else in the Flu Club now.
*cough*sneeze*sniffle*
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
So just now at work, I went to the restroom to pee, like normal. After I was done, I turned the knob to unlock the stall door...only to realize that the lock wouldn't turn! I turned and turned and it wouldn't unlock.
I stood there. In disbelief...why? I have no idea. Because getting stuck in the restroom stall is, of course, something that would happen to me. =P I couldn't stop laughing. Tears were coming out of my eyes from laughing so hard. This is stuff that only happens on TV! My knight-in-shining armor, riding his white steed, would come in and knock down the restroom stall door and save me. You know, your typical fairy tale.
Anyways, I wiped away the tears and went over my options:
Option #1 Slide myself underneath the stall door on the floor where women have peed and missed (go figure.)
Option #2 Stand there and wait
I opted for germ-free Option #2. I stood there for about 15 minutes doing whatever I can.
You know how on TV, the police can just kick open a door and it looks so easy? Yea, that don't happen in real life. You know how on TV, in emergency situations, people rise to the occasion. They run into the door and it magically swings wide open? Yea, that don't happen in real life either.
After trying all the above, I decided to wait. I don't know how long passed before Christina came into the restroom. She got my manager, Amy, to come and save me.
It took us another 15 minutes of passing the screwdriver back and forth before the damn thing finally got loose. THEN, I got all Chun-Li on it's ass and kicked the door open.
Ahh...the sweet smell of freedom. Man, that made my day.
=D
I stood there. In disbelief...why? I have no idea. Because getting stuck in the restroom stall is, of course, something that would happen to me. =P I couldn't stop laughing. Tears were coming out of my eyes from laughing so hard. This is stuff that only happens on TV! My knight-in-shining armor, riding his white steed, would come in and knock down the restroom stall door and save me. You know, your typical fairy tale.
Anyways, I wiped away the tears and went over my options:
Option #1 Slide myself underneath the stall door on the floor where women have peed and missed (go figure.)
Option #2 Stand there and wait
I opted for germ-free Option #2. I stood there for about 15 minutes doing whatever I can.
You know how on TV, the police can just kick open a door and it looks so easy? Yea, that don't happen in real life. You know how on TV, in emergency situations, people rise to the occasion. They run into the door and it magically swings wide open? Yea, that don't happen in real life either.
After trying all the above, I decided to wait. I don't know how long passed before Christina came into the restroom. She got my manager, Amy, to come and save me.
It took us another 15 minutes of passing the screwdriver back and forth before the damn thing finally got loose. THEN, I got all Chun-Li on it's ass and kicked the door open.
Ahh...the sweet smell of freedom. Man, that made my day.
=D
Friday, January 11, 2008
There will be a lot of changes a-coming. For the most part, all good ones. A few that I don't want to make, but I know I have to.
On a lighter note...
I want to see the snow. I want to sit on a freakin' trash can lid and slide down the hill in the snow really fast...maybe even crash into a tree or something. Big fun! =)
Where it's snowing
All winter through
That's where I want to be
Snowball throwing
That's what I'll do
How I'm longing to ski
Through the snow-oh-oh-oh-oh
On an even happier note...
My popsicle said he'll keep JoJo when I move out! My dogs are well-taken care of. I can now breathe. But they are my babies. I'm gonna miss them so bad. You can call me Crazy Dog Lady all you want, I don't care. I WILL MISS MY DOGS. All 2 of them.
On a lighter note...
I want to see the snow. I want to sit on a freakin' trash can lid and slide down the hill in the snow really fast...maybe even crash into a tree or something. Big fun! =)
Where it's snowing
All winter through
That's where I want to be
Snowball throwing
That's what I'll do
How I'm longing to ski
Through the snow-oh-oh-oh-oh
On an even happier note...
My popsicle said he'll keep JoJo when I move out! My dogs are well-taken care of. I can now breathe. But they are my babies. I'm gonna miss them so bad. You can call me Crazy Dog Lady all you want, I don't care. I WILL MISS MY DOGS. All 2 of them.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Heard this on the radio this morning on my way to work...
It's Pink!!
JUST LIKE A PILL
I'm lyin' here on the floor where you left me
I think I took too much
I'm crying here, what have you done?
I thought it would be fun
I can't stay on your life support, there's a shortage in the switch,
I can't stay on your morphine, cause its making me itch
I said I tried to call the nurse again but she´s
being a little bitch,
I think I'll get outta here, where I can
Run just as fast as I can
To the middle of nowhere
To the middle of my frustrated fears
And I swear you're just like a pill
Stead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill
You keep makin' me ill
I haven't moved from the spot where you left me
This must be a bad trip
All of the other pills, they were different
Maybe I should get some help
Run just as fast as I can
To the middle of nowhere
To the middle of my frustrated fears
And I swear you're just like a pill
Stead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill
You keep makin' me ill
This doesn't constitute as a real post.
A real one to come. .. .
It's Pink!!
JUST LIKE A PILL
I'm lyin' here on the floor where you left me
I think I took too much
I'm crying here, what have you done?
I thought it would be fun
I can't stay on your life support, there's a shortage in the switch,
I can't stay on your morphine, cause its making me itch
I said I tried to call the nurse again but she´s
being a little bitch,
I think I'll get outta here, where I can
Run just as fast as I can
To the middle of nowhere
To the middle of my frustrated fears
And I swear you're just like a pill
Stead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill
You keep makin' me ill
I haven't moved from the spot where you left me
This must be a bad trip
All of the other pills, they were different
Maybe I should get some help
Run just as fast as I can
To the middle of nowhere
To the middle of my frustrated fears
And I swear you're just like a pill
Stead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill
You keep makin' me ill
This doesn't constitute as a real post.
A real one to come. .. .