Love is in the air...

So we celebrated our 9th anniversary. Some people aren't even married that long. People are always surprised when we say how long we've been together. I love him, I really, really do. I'm pretty sure he loves me too.

This is us before we ever knew each other. We met because of that girl between us, Kristin. One of my best friends from High School. A her neighbor, who was a teacher at an elementary school in Streamwood, needed some extra counselors for a week long camping trip for his 6th grade class. Kristin asked me if I'd be interested and I had no problem skipping a week of school my senior year. Gordon was a student of this teacher when he was in the 6th grade and invited him to be one of the counselors as well. He caught my eye and I caught his. Over the week we talked a bit. Very friendly, great laugh, liked the same bands as I did, but alas... he had a girlfriend (they always do). I gave him my number at the end of the week and we parted ways. Life went on as normal and then he called me. We became friends. I flirted a little more than I should have with a guy that had a girlfriend. But, hey I was young, about to graduate, spend my summer in Germany and then move to Rhode Island for college. What have I got to lose? Well it must have worked because 26 days after meeting Gordon he was no longer with his girlfriend, he was with me. This is one of my favorite pictures of us. It was taken right before I left for college.

This is us now. It was taken a couple weeks ago at Kathryn and Sean's wedding. We look a little older, we drink a lot more, and we have a wonderful life together.

I made a few friends when I moved here via Craig's List. Below are (left to right) Ali and Liz. Deanna is taking the picture. In February Liz and her husband bought a house in New Jersey. People in Philadelphia love to make fun of people that live in Jersey. So we gave Liz a hard time about moving out of the city. One night while drinking too much Ali and I decided to get Liz a beadazzler for her birthday. We bought an extra one and made T-shirts. The heart on our shirts are beadazzled. We painted pottery on a rainy day. It was a lot of fun. I made a bowl for our keys.

In June my sweet friend Maria was having her baby shower. I wanted to be there so badly but couldn't take the time off at work because I was already taking time off for a wedding a few weeks later. I made her a quilt and a swaddler. I'm working on making a lot more and plan on opening an Etsy shop to sell them.

In July we went home. It was a much needed break from work and from Philadelphia. The reason for the trip was to go to Kathyrn and Sean's wedding. It was beautiful. One of the best weddings we've been to. They both looked stunning, the day was perfect, and love was all around.

The ceremony was beautiful and brought more than one tear to my eye. The reception was wonderful. The food was good, I loved the soup until I got it on my dress. Sean set up the play list for the DJ to play during the reception and all of it was perfect. We danced, we sang, and we had a blast. This is one of my favorite pictures of the happy couple.

Gordon is not big on dancing until he's had a few drinks... then watch out! Its fun.

I fully believe in wedding registries. They guarantee you're going to get something you want whether its coming from a distant relative, a coworker, or that guy your parents know that they made you invite. For my closest and most special of friends I have been giving a more personal wedding gift. I did it for Maria & Dan, Kristin & Robbie, and now Kathryn & Sean. I have been making quilts for the past 10 years. I love them. They make you warm and have a sense of comfort that I always hope will be with whom ever I give them to. Kathryn and Sean said that they loved it and that makes me happy.

2009 has been a good year so far. I am going to really really try to keep up with this. See ya next time.

...Continued

The last 6/7 months, the photo version...

My birthday got pushed forward so that we could have GTP at our place. It was a good party with all the fixing's: a broken toilet, someone passed out on the coats, someone singing off key to an Elton John song, and an obnoxious drunk. Good times at GTP. Can't wait for the next one.

We went home for Christmas. Gordon's birthday is 2 days before Christmas so everyone was in town and we were able to go out and celebrate. The jean jacket was from me.

Christmas eve we were at my mom's house. It was fun. Everyone got great stuff. I got the dress form I was hoping for. I am working on my first dress so it's finally goting to get some use. Santa was good to us.

After dinner and gifts at my dad's Katie, Nick, Gordon and I went out for a few drinks. Kate and I get a little silly when we drink.

After Church Christmas morning I went back to Gordon's parent's house to open more gifts. This is where I got my Nuddle. Its kinda like the Snuggy but 10,000 times better.... way better. I love it. I use it all the time.

In March during my time off between jobs we went down to DC for a Fire game and to see the sites.

Gordon is so funny. There was actually a guy trying to take a similar picture but he was laying on the ground and from a particular angle you would think that the Washington monument was... his monument. That was funny.

The game was the first night we were in town. It was cold and rainy. But the Fire won so we had a great time!

While seeing the sights we were lucky enough to get to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. It was so beautiful.

In May we got the opportunity to go to another Fire game, this time in New York, well actually New Jersey but it was the New York team. Once again, the Fire won. On our way out of the stadium some girl stepped on the back of my flip flop and tore it completely off. I had to walk across the parking lot with only one shoe.

June and July are action packed months with baby showers and weddings. I spent a lot of time making presents for those occasions. There are more photos to come so stay tuned!

Hey there old friend...

... its been a while.

I really let my self go... in the blogging world that is. Since we last spoke I started a second job as a baker for a catering company/restaurant. It was fun but it slowly consumed my life. All through the holidays and into the new year I worked 2 jobs and had a very full social life. Book club was going great we added some new members.

During that time I became completely involved with the show Lost. I know I got on the bandwagon a little late so I seriously had some catching up to do before the new season started in January. Between Thanksgiving and the season 4 premier in mid January Gordon and I watched all of Lost. The hard part was then having to wait a whole week for the next episode. We love that show!

In February I was offered a job at a country club out in the burbs. It was a lot more money, health insurance and a double title of Sous Chef and Pastry Chef. I went back and forth about it. I mean, I deserve to just have one job, to have benefits, to make more money. But, I would have to leave the restaurant I love, give up my evenings and my Sundays off (that's a big one, Sunday is the only day that Gordon and I both had off all day together). But I took it. I didn't start till April. And, right at the end there was a lot of back and forth. The owner hired me. The Executive Chef said he was going to keep looking... uh I already gave my notice I won't have a job at all in a few days if you guys don't get your shit straight....It all worked out in the end. And I ended up getting a whole week off in between. I'm still at the club but I don't like it very much. But everything is a learning experience. I'll take what I can get out of it while I am there and when its time to move on I will feel no regrets.

With spring comes a new apartment. Something closer to work/night life (because 6 blocks wasn't close enough now Gordon 1 block from work and we can see our favorite bar from our living room window). Its smaller, has more character, cheaper, and will let us have a dog. I like it a lot.

This year marks Gordon and my 9th anniversary. Nine years ago we were just 2 kids with our whole lives in front of us. Now we are we. It was a long journey with ups and downs but we are together and that's what counts. I love him more and more every year that we are together. He's my best friend. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Summer is great. I love the heat, the sun staying up late, the BBQs, the weddings, and the soccer games. I love summer. We got to go home for a long weekend to celebrate our friend's, Kathryn and Sean, wedding. It was a blast. And it was a much needed trip home. I hadn't been there since Christmas.

there's more to come....