September = Celebrating

After Alex and I returned from our East Coast trip and Columbus we were ready to be home for a little bit. Unfortunately our schedule said otherwise. After having a low key birthday celebration at home it was time for something bigger! I headed to Cincinnati and had a relaxing dinner with two of my friends from college. Alex met up with me later that evening and we had cake and gifts with my parents. I also gave my Dad his birthday gift since it was coming up soon after.

The next morning Alex and I got up early to take part in an Alzheimer's {Association} Walk. It was a great excuse to get up early and get a three mile walk in, as well as a way to support my friend Amy who helps plan the association's walks. So far in our lives our families have been blessed as far as this disease goes, but other families have not been as fortunate. The money raised from events like this help fund research and programs that can help.

Alex's company CE Power Solutions was one of the event sponsors

After our invigorating walk we headed  back to my parents' house for the afternoon. We met our friend's Rob and Tricia in Mt. Lookout Square at The Wurst Bar for dinner. It was their first evening away from their new baby and they did amazing, I was impressed {even if you guys don't feel like it is, you do a great job at making it look easy!}. Everything on the menu features sausage of some kind. Yumm.

As always, our dinner went too fast and then it was time for the next thing on our agenda, the Darius Rucker Concert. We drove the rest of the way downtown to the Horseshoe Casino. It was packed and there were so many flashing lights my brain almost overloaded. We had bought our concert tickets three or four months in advance so we had been looking forward to it for a while. It was a good concert, although a little bit short! We were standing outside the entire time so I didn't mind the length too much.

The next day we went to church with my parents and had a little lunch before heading back home. We had a busy week and then it was time to travel again, this time to Cleveland. We were able to get there a little bit early and considering we had driven quite a bit over the last few weeks the trip went pretty fast. As soon as we arrived we enjoyed a "Friday Night Round Table" as has become the tradition in the Janesz household. Usually when Alex and I, or one of the siblings, is coming in for the weekend everyone gathers around the dining room table on Friday night with a beer and we just talk and reminisce for hours. I love that spending time together is a priority for them. It's so special and I am honored to be part of it.

The next morning Pat took us to his new house to show us around and tell us about his plans for renovating. The place has great potential and I am very much looking forward to seeing what he does with the place. Later that afternoon we got ourselves all prettied up and drove to the Elyria Country Club to see Alex's friend Billy get married. There were a lot of people he knew from his high school years there and it was fun to meet them. It was an amazing wedding ceremony with lots of love and laughter and an entertaining reception as well. As beautiful as it was, and they have all been this year, I was a little glad that it was our last! All that dancing and traveling will wear on anyone after a while {the tally was up to eight}.

After our typical Sunday of mass, brunch and football it was time to head home again. The next weekend we had "off" and we were able to relax and just spend some time together. Alex has been traveling quite a bit for work and is busy during the week with school so it was nice to have some quality time together. We went apple picking and bought some fresh apple cider, pumpkins and pumpkin nut fudge. It was the perfect weather for it and the apples we brought home were gigantic!

The next week brought more traveling for Alex, which unfortunately fell on our three year anniversary. We celebrated the night before with a cookie cake and the same wine we had on our honeymoon in Costa Rica {part of Alex's birthday gift to me}. It's fun to celebrate big sometimes, but I love the low key celebrations and instead having impromptu moments amidst our everyday routine. A little spontaneity makes life feel special. While I feel really proud of our three year anniversary both of our parents have numbers that follow a three. At the beginning of September my parents celebrated 35 years and at the end of the month Alex's parents celebrated 31 years. Something to aim for, wow!

This past weekend we hosted Alex's parents and his brother Pat at our house. I loved planning the menu and coming up with ideas for their visit. If you've read our blog before you know these are some of my favorite things to do! While most of your guests are just happy to see you, I also like to try to make them feel as comfortable as possible while they're away from home. This is the tactic I use to ensure that they come back again and again ; )

Friday night when they arrived we had our "round table" around the kitchen island. After a good night's sleep we all convened for breakfast and then Alex, Ed and Pat went out to golf. Linda and I did a little pilates and then went to a tea shop I've been wanting to check out. We might have also had a little fun shopping for accessories too!

After we all had lunch back at the house we sat out on the patio and relaxed for the afternoon. We had a celebratory dinner out at The Village Idiot {one of our favorite places for beer and food} and then we watched the Ohio State game with a little homemade apple pie and homemade Jeni's ice cream. This morning we went to church and had a delicious brunch before they had to hit the road. It's been raining most of the day since then and it's quite fitting because now the house is so quiet and it's a little depressing. Well, maybe some more pie and ice cream will cheer me up!

At The Village Idiot

Here 10 Tips for Making Your Guests Feel Comfortable:

1. Think about your weekend menu. Make sure you have everything you need and prep anything that you can in advance so you can spend more time with your guests. {Check out this weekend's menu in the next posting}. I also like to take into consideration what we will be doing. For example, I knew we were going out to dinner on Saturday evening so I planned a light lunch.

2. If you're planning on cooking make sure each meal is made up of a few different items so people have something to eat even if they dislike your main entree or have a food restriction you were unaware of. Buffets are a great option because it allows people the opportunity to pick and choose without feeling rude turning you down on certain items.

3. If you're planning on going out to eat make reservations if you can. Be conscious of picking somewhere that fits the entire group, instead of just picking a place you've been dying to check out that only caters to a very specific clientele.

4. Make sure water and drinks are always easily accessible and that you have snacks out {I like apples and bananas}. Your guests don't want to go through your cabinets and may feel uncomfortable asking. I always like to make sure coffee and tea are ready to go first thing in the morning so everyone can help themselves whenever they get up.

5. Provide fresh towels and extra blankets in visible spaces in each room. If you have to set someone up on an air mattress make sure to layer a couple blankets under the sheets to make it a little more comfortable. I also like to provide extra pillows and leave the air pump accessible for them as well.

6. It's always smart to have extras in the bathrooms as well. Extra toilet paper and maybe a few items in the drawers in case somebody forgets something vital. We have a couple soaps and shampoos in the shower and a whole jar in the guest room as well. In the bathroom drawer we have extra toothpaste, a toothbrush, bobby pins, feminine products, a hair dryer etc.

7. If somebody asks you if they can help, let them! Your guests don't want to feel useless or guilty that you're doing all the work. Keep it simple, like asking them to open the wine, or cut up veggies for a salad etc.

8.  You don't have to go crazy planning everything, but it's nice to have a few activity options already thought out so you can all enjoy the weekend without messy logistics. I like to have a variety of activities written down so we can pick in the moment, but still avoid those awkward moments of sitting around saying, "what should we do?", "well what are the options?"

9. Even if you don't have time to do a thorough cleaning of the house, at least make sure it's tidy and smells decent! No one is going to notice if your floor isn't spotless {only you will}. I love to spread out candles and flowers to make the house feel cozy. I also like to turn on the lamps in each room instead of using the overhead lights.

10. Don't get so caught up in the details that you don't enjoy your guests! Make sure they know you appreciate them making the trip!

Fall into Love

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Fall in Lexington is perfection. There's a crispness to the morning air that makes me break out my favorite jackets, but then it seems that most days end up being warm and sunny with a refreshing breeze. The perfect type of day to drive with your windows down. The leaves are changing colors, but the grass is still green and the flowers are still in bloom. UK tailgating begins, as does the Fall Meet at Keeneland, and best of all of, all of the orchards boast fresh apple cider and homegrown pumpkins. I love the cozy feeling our house takes on in the fall, and the way my pumpkin candle permeates the air in the house. I could go on and on, but this fall has been even more special because it's been filled with so many reasons to celebrate.

Last weekend Alex and I traveled to Columbus, OH to celebrate the wedding of Karleya & Bryan. I could scarcely believe it was already that time of year. It felt like they had only just got engaged, but at the same time it also felt like it had been a long time coming. Writing my speech truly made me realize just how much we've been through together as friends, and how much we've been there for one another on our journey in finding our significant others.


The weather was beyond perfect and their wedding day was so beautiful. To K & B - although I've probably already said this in a few different ways, thank you for your friendship. I was honored to be a part of your wedding day and I wish you both all of the love and happiness in the world. I also wish you safe travels as you leave for your honeymoon in Europa today! How exciting!

On Karleya & Bryan's two day anniversary, Alex and I celebrated our two year anniversary. Where has the time gone? This year instead of buying each other gifts we decided to buy the rest of our beer making supplies! There are so many opportunities in life to spend money on meaningless gifts, so we decided that we wanted to invest in something that will be the start of a new tradition for us and will lead to more memories with one another. Everything has officially arrived and we'll spend part of our weekend making our first batch of beer in Lexington! One of our future dreams is to open a brewery one day! Alex and I are little schemers and I love day dreaming about the two of us doing something together that we love. I know we make a great team and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us.

Back to reality... Since Alex has class Monday-Wednesday, Thursday has unofficially become our date night. Last night we went out to dinner to kick off the anniversary celebrations. Alex surprised me with a new restaurant downtown where we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed dinner and a glass of wine. He definitely has my restaurant preferences down pat! Then we had a little fun being silly and documenting the night...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, major props to Alex for having flowers created especially for me! When he gave them to me he walked me through each flower and the meaning behind it. He even incorporated flowers from our wedding. What a thoughtful guy. Most impressive though, was the fact that he knows me so well... he cut the grass, made our bed, washed a huge pile of dishes, emptied the dishwasher, took out the recycling, cleaned up the house and had my pumpkin candle going strong when I got home from work! You know you're married when you appreciate things like this more than any gift. It's truly the little things he does to let me know he appreciates me.

I am excited to spend time at home this weekend just doing our normal routine as well as a little beer making! As much as we love to travel, at the end of the day we love to just be home together. The fall love fest continues next weekend with Amy & John's wedding! Talk about a wedding in the making; Amy and John have been dating since high school! I couldn't think of two people more perfect for each other. To A & J - For as long as I have known you both, you've been the perfect couple and finally tying the knot will just be the start of a new chapter in your fairytale romance! As a bonus, I get to see all of my college roommates too!

The following weekend will be our last wedding of the season in Chattanooga, TN for Theresa & Billy. We've been traveling north lately, so it will be nice to head in a different direction and explore a new town! I can't wait to explore the area, especially at this time of year.

I just love fall and I love love.

 

Growing Up Is Hard To Do?

Unfortunately for Alex and I we are no longer experiencing the "good" kind of growing pains. Alex just turned 27 a few days ago, and my 26th birthday happens to be today. We are no longer growing taller or stronger (well let's be honest, I think we both hit our maximum height in the 8th grade). Nope, now that we're officially closer to 30 we're both starting to enjoy the effects of getting older. Don't get me wrong, we're both perfectly healthy, but it's interesting to notice the slight changes, like how we can't sit indian style for too long and how our back hurts when we sit in the car for hours on end.

All in all, neither of us mind "growing older," but what really makes us feel old, is not growing old itself, but watching others around us grow up. Witnessing all of our friends and peers getting married has been a blessing and it's so great to see them settle down in their happiness. For those of our friends that are having babies, you are definitely making me feel old! While we may be in our mid-20's we don't always feel that way at heart. Perspective is a tricky thing, sometimes I feel like high school was just a couple years ago and other times I feel older than I truly am. I also learned this past weekend at Jon and Jen's wedding that the Cleveland gang will never outgrow the double dutch, and the boys will never outgrow Ignatius or singing the alma mater... Somethings never change.

Jon & Jen's Wedding - 9.8.12

One of the most surreal experiences lately was seeing Ethan, Alex's youngest brother, off to college. When Alex and I started dating he was in 8th grade! He chose to go to OSU (good choice) and happened to end up in Morrill Tower, which is the matching dorm to the one both Alex and I stayed in when we were freshmen. While we were unloading the car and taking his stuff up to his room it felt exactly the same as it did when I moved in, but this time I wasn't the one moving in. I felt nostalgic at the time because I had wonderful memories at OSU, but I am definitely over that phase of my life and am happy to be where I am now. It will be fun to tailgate with Ethan and pick him up for holidays on our way up to Cleveland.

OSU 2007

Ethan's move-in day

There was another Janesz that started at a new school in August named Alex. He started the two-year evening MBA program at the University of Kentucky. I am so proud of him for having the guts and the determination to go after his dream, although it has had it's challenges already. Now that Alex is back in school I feel like even more of a grown up because in order to support him and let him make the best use of his time I have the opportunity to do everything around the house (that's not to say that he doesn't help out when he can). I have told Alex  numerous times already that I almost feel like his mother because I'm always hitting the grocery store and buying things for his dinner and asking him if he has finished his homework and how his class went. 

While Alex has his full class schedule, he's also busy at work with his co-worker retiring next month. We both seem to be challenged at work and home lately, which doesn't always feel like a good thing at the time, but it forces us to grow as individuals and as a couple. There are still a few key weddings to go this season, as well as our two year anniversary, but we're looking forward to having a few weekends at home to enjoy fall in Lexington. 

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” {Karen Kaiser Clark}

A Summer of Vows

There are all types of vows. I vowed to myself that I would write in this blog religiously, not just to chronicle our life, but also to give myself a method for relieving stress. Alex and I made a vow to each other to eat healthier, try to get more sleep and encourage one another to work out more often. Most of the daily vows we make to ourselves and our partners are made with the best intentions to lead a healthier, more well-rounded, joyful life.

The actual wedding vows we stated during our wedding were no exception to that. As Alex and I approach our two year anniversary in October it amazes me to reflect on all of the different circumstances we've already dealt with in such a short period of time. I know there is so much more to come, but I love seeing how much we've strengethened our relationship from when we started dating. I also can't help but think of our marriage journey often this summer as we attend weddings and related-festivities for our close friends and family members.

Mike & Rosanna's Wedding in Scranton, PA - the Eaton LDP gang

Karleya's Bridal Shower in Mansfield, OH

Karleya & Bryan's Surprise Stock the Bar Party! Columbus, OH

Bob & Lynn's Wedding, Toledo, OH

Admist all of the weddings this summer, the immediate Janesz clan was also able to get together for a family vacation to celebrate Ed & Linda's upcoming 30th anniversary in September. We rented a cabin in Patoka Lake, Indiana for a few days of R&R. It was the perfect opportunity for everyone to get away. Alex and I took the remainder of that week off and had a mini "staycation" as well. It was definitely needed, although I may need another after October. And, I can't fail to mention that my own parents will be celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary in September!

Patoka Lake, IN

While witnessing all of these marriage vows and anniversaries, there's been an unspoken vow, one that we all make, that has become evident to me lately; the one to support our friends and family to our best ability during their good times and bad. Sometimes it can be challenging to be there whether it's due to traveling, work schedules or financial reasons, but once you're there you realize it's worth it. The relationships we have in life are what makes life worth living. So bring on the rest of the bridal showers, couple's showers, bachelorette & bachelor parties, rehearsals and weddings because we love you all and can't wait to celebrate with you.

An edit to the traditional vows:  During our rehearsal I accidentally said "partied by death" in place of "parted by death" due to my nerves; insert image of my nervous giggling. During the ceremony I had to work hard to keep my composure during that part of the vows. That incident really captures our relationship.

Coincidences Happen for a Reason

Sometimes things come together in a specific way and it almost seems like a crazy coincidence; It's so fitting for your life at that moment. Many times for me it's someone calling me when I was just thinking about them, or seeing a sign or billboard with a message that calms me or helps me with a problem I'm having at that moment. There are so many examples of this and many times it goes unnoticed.

Alex and I recently had one of those days where everything "clicked" into place and when we were discussing all of the "coincidences" that day Alex said to me, "you know Lauren, I think things like this are God's way of letting us know that we're not going unnoticed." I have always believed in the notion that everything happens for a reason, but I also feel that if something happens and you don't understand why you just have to have faith that the reason will become apparent in the future as part of God's plan for your life.

A couple of weeks ago we were planning on attending a small group session hosted through the Marriage Ministry team at our church. They had already hosted a few seminars earlier in the year that we weren't able to make it to because they're always held on Friday nights and we tend to travel quite a bit on the weekends. Finally, there was one we were able to make it to, so I put it on the calendar. Also happening the same evening was a small rock band concert featuring a guy that Alex works with. I had missed their debut show and was looking forward to hearing them play as well.

We decided that we'd go to the Marriage Ministry seminar and see if we had any time leftover to stop by the show. On our way to church it dawned on me that there was a reason the date was sticking out in my mind. It was Alex and I's quasi-anniversary of when we started dating 5 years ago. The topic for the evening just so "happened" to be stages of a marriage. Of course, I couldn't help but think about how many stages of our relationship we've already gone through during all of the time we've dated and been married. The evening was enjoyable for both of us and it was valuable, not only because of the priest's message, but also because we were able to listen and take advice from all of the married couples in the room as well.

As the meeting ended we made our way over to the outdoor concert. This was also a fitting way to reminisce about when we starting dating because the night that I gave Alex my phone number, we were at an outdoor rock concert/party where he was playing drums. Giving him my phone number was very out of character for me and not the best timing, but to this day I still remember how propelled I felt to give it to him. I truly believe it was God pushing me out of my comfort zone...

And every since then I've been pushed outside of my comfort zone to try new things and grow as a person by Alex. Now that is definitely no coincidence. Can't wait to see what the next 5 years bring.

2007

2012

Lucky in Love & Life

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to do a blog posting in a while and (my fingers are itching to type), but the reasons behind my lack of writing have been good ones. I'm feeling very lucky in love and life right now, although I wouldn't mind having a little more luck rub off on me this weekend during the St. Patrick's Day festivities. (All of the good things in my life aren't just from luck, it's also due to hard work and God's blessings).


At the end of February, Alex and I were fortunate enough to take a vacation with some of his friends from his work that are stationed throughout the US. We met in Houston and drove down to Galveston, TX to catch our Carnival Cruise Ship to Mexico. We spent 5 days cruising around Mexico.

Progesso, Mexico - Yucatan Penisula

LMFAO Theme Night

The weather was gorgeous and we were even able to enjoy a little time in Houston post-cruise as well. It's always fun to explore a new city, especially when you have friends to be your tour guide! It was perfect timing for both Alex and I to get away and was our first big trip post-honeymoon (next up Europe or Australia?). Alex has to be the most easy-going travel companion ever, which makes vacation feel like just that, vacation. It's such an amazing experience to be able to travel with friends. Hopefully, we'll have some family trips on the schedule soon too.


A few days after returning form our cruise I found myself back in the work place. Starting a new job has certainly been an adventure and an adjustment. Since moving to Lexington a year and a half ago I haven't been in an office environment on a regular basis. After a couple weeks I finally feel like I am emotionally and physically acclimated to being on a tight schedule again, but I do miss being able to take my time cooking dinner. Luckily, Alex knows his way around the kitchen and is happy to help out with everything around the house. (Could I find a more supportive and helpful guy?)

My drive to work

Brand new desk

We've also been keeping ourselves busy during the week with some new extra-curricular activities. Along with the Women's Guild at CTK and our weekly dodgeball games, Alex joined BOCK, the Brewers of Central Kentucky, and I became involved with an organization called Awesome, Inc which helps entreprenuers start businesses. I'll be doing some blog postings and helping out with some upcoming events, team building and some marketing.


As always our house also keeps us plenty busy. I finally finished prepping and painting our Master Bathroom. We've also been adding some new furniture and accessories to our bedroom and are nearing completion. Finally, the house is feeling like a true home!

Although, with our planner personalities Alex and I will never officially be done with the house. This spring we're discussing landscaping options, painting the outside of the house, organizing and painting the garage, replacing the ceiling fans and the list goes on and on. It's challenging to put as much time into the house a we would like to considering that we travel so much on the weekends.

Later today we'll be making our way to Cleveland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and see our family and friends. I am truly looking forward to it; in the four and a half years of being with Alex, this is one holiday I have never experienced Janesz style! While I'm not Irish at all, I've definitely married into a big Irish-Hungarian family. Next weekend will find us in Cincinnati to visit my family and friends. All of the traveling can be exhausting, but we're so thankful to have our family relatively close-by and friends anywhere we go. This seems to be a reoccuring theme in my blog posts lately... I am truly lucky in life and especially when it comes to love.


May you find a little bit of luck this weekend. Don't forget to wear green!

My 365 Day Valentine & A Modern Day Love Note

Last week Alex and I were chatting and I was going over my schedule for the following week and mentioned Valentine's Day. His response, "Oh, when's that again?"

He never forgets Valentine's Day, but usually he does something a little more sentimental, like write me a love note. He claims it's a made-up holiday that doesn't really mean anything. His view is that you should have special moments constantly throughout the year, instead of forcing it and going overboard on one day that everybody else is too. How special is it when you know everyone else is undertaking similar romantic ventures and you're admiring your similar bouquets of flowers?

I have a mixed reaction to this perspective. Of course, the romantic girl in me wants to be swept away, especially if everyone else is too. Aren't I worth it after all? But, my practical side also knows he has a solid point. So we settle on low-key. I can live with that.

Mostly, I can live with that compromise because I do have my Valentine every single day of the year and that's way more special. Normally, I try my best not to talk about how wonderful my husband is all the time ( (on facebook or otherwise) because that's obnoxious and no one can feel like that 100% of the time, but I figure it's Valentine's Day so this is as good a time as any to be a little mushy. Mostly, I want to share a little insight into the Alex I see, because I think that most people don't get to see all of his sides.

Alex's stance on Valentine's Day is the ideal example of how he is always true to himself and he's not willing to compromise that or act like someone he's not. I love this about him. Along the way this personality trait has ruffled a few feathers and at the same time helped him make fast friends. By both words and action he has led me to search for my true self and find worth in just being myself. His supportive and nurturing nature have also assisted immensely in that quest. For such a talker, he's also an amazing listener.

He is passionate and a dreamer through and through. He has big ideas and he's not afraid to share them with anyone who might be interested, even if it sometimes garners a few skeptical laughs. Sometimes I can't help but laugh too at his grandiose ideas, but I also know that one day Alex will be the one laughing and saying, "I told you so" with a twinkle in his eye.

He's perceptive and observant which make him so great with people (and dealing with me haha). When we met his easy nature with people was one of the things I admired most, and I still do. Slowly, but surely he's rubbing off on me. I hope.

One of the things I've come to discover about him more and more, even lately, is his love for planning. We sit on the couch with our backs against the sides and our feet touching in the middle with a beer in hand (or in the summer on the patio as the sun sets) and talk and plan about anything and everything. Sometimes there is even a pen and paper or an excel file involved. Now we're talking my love language.

While he has so many qualities (obviously enough to convince me I should marry him), my favorite has to be his ability to make me laugh every single day. He never fails. He's especially good at making me laugh when I'm attempting to be annoyed with him. Which is annoying in itself.

So Happy Valentine's Day to my Alex, who I'm lucky enough to have as my Valentine 365 days of the year.

“Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that’s a real treat.” - Joanne Woodward on Paul Newman

A History of My Canine Relationships & A Little Imagination

No, I’m not referring to my husband.

Growing up I didn’t have any brothers. I did have two “sisters.” When I was born my parents had a beautiful red golden retriever named Shannon. She had a gentle soul and was a good influence on me (for example she always used the sidewalk and never ran into the street after her ball). I was in first grade when she passed on so I don’t remember much of her besides what I see in pictures (I have a mostly terrible, sometimes amazing memory). Pictures of her in my tent with me, next to me on my first day of school, accepting a tennis ball from me when I was just a toddler and so on and so on. I never had any invisible friends (from what I can remember), but I did imagine that Shannon was the closest thing to an older sister. My parents had adopted her long before I ever came along and needless to say losing her was extremely tough on everyone.

A few years went by and apparently I was going through dog withdrawal and starting asking my parents for another dog. I would sometimes even crawl onto my mom’s lap and make panting noises as if I was a puppy. I might not have had imaginary friends, but I definitely had an interesting imagination that’s for sure. Finally, my parents relented. When I was in third grade (I think…) we drove a few hours North to pick up a white fluffy golden retriever that we named Daisy (middle name Roo).

If Shannon was equivalent to an “older sister”, Daisy was definitely a troublemaker “younger sister” that was spoiled just like youngest children usually are. Despite emergency trips to the vet and other mishaps she was also a wonderful dog and companion to all of us. She was always there waiting for you with a wagging tail and a kiss so you could hardly stay mad at her. After I left for college it became evident that Daisy was no longer a happy go lucky puppy anymore and after receiving treatments for multiple types of cancer it was then her turn to leave us. Just because you’ve experience something before, it doesn’t mean it’s any easier the second time.

After that quite a few things happened: years passed, I graduated from college and also got married and moved to Kentucky. Now my parents were really empty-nesters. With my own new-found happiness I really wanted to share that feeling with my parents somehow and the opportunity came in Zeus. Long story short, Zeus was a dog I met and loved immediately. The time came when he needed a new home and I thought he would be perfect for my parents and they in turn would be perfect for them (there I went running away with my imagination again, making up stories in my head about how happy they would all be together). He came into my parents lives around the time that he was a year old. It was definitely a leap of faith for my parents to uproot their lives and schedule in order to add another addition into the family as well as to overcome the fear of once again opening themselves up to loss.

After having female golden retrievers for so long, it was an interesting adjustment to learn the nuisances of a male dog of a mixed breed. Now after almost a year everyone is well adjusted and happy. Zeus loves their backyard to run in and is obsessed with playing ball. He follows my parents around everywhere and they have a mutual affection for him. My mom texts me funny pictures of Zeus and when I talk to my Dad on the phone he frequently thanks me for bringing Zeus into their life. It may sound incredibly silly to those who have never had a dog before, but the simple joy and love they can bring about is truly astounding.  

And now for another dose of my imagination… I’ve always wondered what goes on in a dog’s mind and what  they would say if they could talk (there is a book I distinctly remember my mom reading to me about a dog talking after eating alphabet soup, so it could happen) and whether or not they have feelings.

In honor of the goofy, gangly “little brother” I’ve gained in Zeus I’ve tried to tap into his mind in order to write a funny little story from a his point of view. It’s also a reminder to not take for granted the joy that the simple things in life can bring. Enjoy.  

A Morning in the Life of Zeus (Ricky Bobby Ginger Pye Caboose):

My internal alarm just went off. I wonder how long I’ll have to lay here until she opens her eyes and acknowledges me. She’s facing me this morning and I know she can see me from her pillow, now if she would just open one darn eye. Maybe if I sigh loud enough. Ah ha! Gotcha! I just saw her eyes flutter underneath the lids, this is a good sign. Now I just have to act cool so she thinks it was her idea to wake up. I was a little skeptical at first of my new bed, but now I can see the true benefit. The edge gives me a great post for observing to the point where I can easily act like I’m sleeping still. Thank you Mommy.

Finally, one leg is inching its way from underneath the covers; followed by the other leg and now the entire woman. YESSSSSSSSSSSS. And I’m up and have resumed my position by her side. First I’ll follow her to the bathroom and then I’ll be one step closer to the highlight of my morning. I don’t understand why it takes her forever to get down the stairs. Two leaps and I’m rounding the corner to the kitchen and the back door. It looks a little chilly out there, but I already see a couple birds and a squirrel that I would like to introduce myself to so let’s get the show on the road. Come on already. Argh.

My ears hear the sweet sweet noise of the door unlocking. I inch my way over to the right just a hair, the door opens a sliver and I’m out. Phew. Now that I’ve stretched and trotted over to the grass the question is squat or leg lift? I’m feeling a little lazy this morning so I’m gonna go with the squat. Not much of a stream there, probably because Dad wouldn’t let me have any more water last night even though I was unbelievable thirsty from that peanut butter flavored toothpaste. Darn him. How would he like it if I had banned him from a thirst-quenching beer during the football game last night? Same thing if you ask me. Unfortunately, I haven’t discerned how to use these gangly paws to open the refrigerator. Maybe that can be on my to-do list today after the ‘rents leave for work. After my nap of course.

Now that I’ve relieved myself it’s time to make to make the mandatory lap around the yard and make sure there isn’t anyone that I haven’t said hi to yet. Rounding the pine trees I see one of my squirrel friends and something circular and orange. Could it be my bouncy ball? Is that my ball? Holy crap… I think it’s one of my balls. Time to investigate. Oh, nope. False alarm, it’s just a piece of paper. A post-it note. Hmmm... I think it’s trying to say that even though it’s not my ball it would be okay to put it in my mouth and give it a taste. Hmmm… not too crunchy. Easy to chew. Yuck. Crud, what in tarnation was that? Oh tastes like glue. Hmm… to continue to eat or not? I think not. Moving on.

Alright, back to finish my round of the yard. Not much to see here. All I know is that I’ve worked up an appetite. Oh right, it’s breakfast time. I could get used to this leisurely schedule. I see Mom through the window with her tea in the hand. How long are you going to make me wait out here lady? Once again, door barely ajar, squeeze myself through, now where is my breakfast? Oh, there it is, right where you always put it. Man she is good. Too bad it’s also the same stuff as always. Huge disappointment. Better eat it fast so I don’t have to even taste it. Great strategy, although it’s a little dry on my throat. Need some water. Ahhhhhhhhhhh much better. Uh oh, Mom looks like somebody made a mess with the water over here you better get over here and wipe it up.

Okay, time to find my main ball-throwing man. I’ll just trot over here to the living room. Nobody. Downstairs bathroom. Nope. Better run up the stairs and see if I see anything from up there. Two leaps. Can’t see or hear anything from my perch up here. How long am I going to have to wait to get a little ball action around here sheesh. Better go back downstairs and see if maybe Mom wants to play. Looks like she’s heading for the stairs. Must beat her up them. Phew. I’m a little tired from all this action. 

I think I’ll just lie down and watch her get ready. Ooooohh maybe if I use my sad eyes on her she’ll give me a few pity throws in the backyard before she leaves. Or maybe I can get outside and get in the car and go with her. Much better plan. There’s nothing I love more than a good car ride. Except maybe my ball, but that’s a given. I am feeling very sleepy. I’ll just close one eye and watch her with the other so I don’t miss anything. I’m bored already. I think I’ll just close the other just for a second….

What's the Meaning?

Many days I think to myself, "What's the meaning behind this day?" Day is sometimes interchanged with conversation, event, or even life in general. In the routine of life it's easy to forget that there can and should be meaning to your life other than just going to work and watching television.

I definitely don’t have this whole “meaning” thing figured out, but today I was doing a little organizing around the house and refreshing my dry erase boards. I was erasing my eye drop chart (that's another story) and while I was contemplating what to write on it three words suddenly flashed in my mind. Eat. Pray. Love. 

These three words happen to embody the things that give my life meaning right now. (Okay, so my dry erase board was inspired a little bit by the title of the book, Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, but not necessarily related to the content of the book. If you haven't read the book I would recommend it, if you have read the book I would also recommend Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'm currently reading Stern Men also by the same author. The verdict is still out on that one).

Now for the meaning that each word represents in my life...

Eat –

Alex and I are on a mission to eat healthier. We do pretty well, but there's always room for improvement. It's amazing how quickly you can reap the benefits of eating healthy. Cooking has become one of my favorite things to do since gaining my own spacious kitchen and more free time, but more and more I take pleasure in planning our weekly menu, grocery shopping and trying to be creative yet healthy at the same time. 

It's the perfect way for me to be organized, creative, and do something better than Alex (haha just kidding). For dinner tonight we had mixed greens with balsamic grilled chicken, toasted pecans & cranberries with mashed sweet potatoes. 

It's not really about the food though. Eating dinner together is a value that both of our parents instilled in us and I love that. Even though we eat together every day, sometimes we still choose to stay in and eat dinner together instead of going out to eat with friends. 

“I am a better person when I have less on my plate.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Pray - 

As part of our dinner routine we grasp one another's hand and say an introductory prayer and then one of us takes over with a personalized prayer. This is a great time to thank God for all our blessings and reflect on the day. No matter what's happened during the day or what's on the schedule for the evening that moment is so important to realign our minds and spirits to God and one another. 

“Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine. If I want transformation, but can't even be bothered to articulate what, exactly, I'm aiming for, how will it ever occur? Half the benefit of prayer is in the asking itself, in the offering of a clearly posed and well-considered intention. If you don't have this, all your pleas and desires are boneless, floppy, inert; they swirl at your feet in a cold fog and never lift.”  ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Love - {Now jump back a couple hours...}

One of the reasons that it’s easy to love my husband is because he’s expressive and thoughtful. My wedding band had been bothering me because I was always realigning my rings. I decided to have them sodered together. Our jeweler is in Louisville and Alex happened to be there for work so he dropped the rings off and then picked them back up this afternoon. He sent me this text message on his way back...

Not only did they soder the rings together, but they fixed a prong and gave it a good cleaning. When Alex got home, he made sure to take off my substitute ring I had been wearing and he replaced in with my own. When Alex slid the ring on my finger I couldn't help but remember the feeling when he had done that the first time for our engagement and the second time when we were married. 

(I have recently been on quite a few wedding photographer websites so you know where this idea came from...haha)

I originally told Alex that I wanted sapphires in my ring so it would be even more meaningful than an engagement ring already is. My birthday, Alex’s birthday and both of our parents' wedding anniversaries fall in September (as well as my dad's birthday and my best friend's, with my mom and Alex's brother Pat at the end of August). Seeing as September was already pretty full, you can understand why we opted for an early October wedding instead.

What I didn’t realize at first was that sapphires have a wonderful meaning all their own that already relates well to marriage. They have long symbolized truth, sincerity and faithfulness. How perfect is that?

Before Alex had returned home I had received news that a job I had been hoping to interview for had been filled. I was so disappointed and upset, but then Alex came home right at that moment with all of his thoughtfulness and reminded me about the unconditional love that I'm so lucky to have.

 “To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage

I think my dry erase board will just have to stay as it is for a while. As for the meaning of life, that will stay a work in progress as it'll constantly evolve, but I want to close this post with one final quote from Elizabeth Gilbert:

“Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark. If we truly knew all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be a courageous act of humanity; it would just be... a prudent insurance policy.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert

A Heart Full of Love & A Stomach Full of Cheese

This past weekend Alex and I drove up to Cleveland for a weekend with family and friends. Alex's family was hosting a Clambake with a friend of the family, Father Eric. The only times I have ever experienced a clambake have both been in Cleveland with Alex's family. Either this tradition is more popular in Cleveland, or I just don't know the right people in Cincinnati! 

In preparation for the evening's dinner we had to decide on a couple appetizers to satisfy hungry stomachs while the clams were steaming. Cheese-based appetizers are an easy choice because there are so many different types of crackers and chips that can be used with these dips, or you can even go the veggie route as well. We decided on Artichoke and Spinach deep, as well as Beer Cheese dip. Both were DELICIOUS and easy to make. See below for recipes.

Later that evening Alex, Pat, and I headed out to meet some friends for a celebration. Our friend Jon passed the Bar! It was so touching to see so many friends come together in one place to celebrate his exciting news. The next day we met up with many of the same friends for an alumni mass at St. Ignatius (Alex's alma mater). The traditions of the school are so different from my experience at a public high school. I myself feel a strong connection to the high school; I can't imagine how it must feel to be an actual alum. I can understand how it can easily become a tradition to send your own children. 

Following mass Alex and I set off to meet my friends Amy and John for brunch. It was so wonderful to see both of them in Cleveland when we typically meet up in Cincinnati. Although living in a city away from our friends and family can be very difficult at times, it's such an experience when we travel because we do have so many friends in different places. Each trip becomes an adventure. Based on our situation I think it's allowed us to appreciate our true friends even more than we did before. At the beginning of the weekend, I was able to spend all day Friday with another one of my friends, Karleya, in Columbus, while she began the task of wedding dress shopping. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to be there for my friends in the important moments, as well as just the everyday. 

All in all the weekend was filled with family, so many of our friends, loads of food & drink as well as lots of driving. We were truly exhausted when we returned home last night, and while we weren't full of energy we were definitely full of the love and support from everyone in our lives. 

...Along with the appetizers we made this past weekend, I also have another favorite cheese recipe from Alex's Aunt Brenda, a Hot Pepper Peach Cheeseball. The first recipe can be made the day ahead and is a chilled appetizer, the second can be made an hour or two ahead and is baked in the oven for 30 minutes. The last recipe, is made right before serving and must be stirred continuously. 


HOT PEPPER PEACH CHEESEBALL
Recipe from Brenda Harshman 

• 2-8 oz pkg cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of pepper peach preserves
• 1 heaping tbsp chopped onion
• 1 level tbsp chopped Jalapeno
• Mozzarella shredded cheese

Cream together well all but the shredded cheese and chill for an hour. Form into a ball and roll in shredded cheese. Keep chilled until ready to use. Can be made 48 hours ahead.

Use any kind of pepper preserves for this recipe, it always tastes great with any flavor. The cheese ball is soft so do not expect it to feel real firm. Roll it with plastic wrap around it in order to make it easier.

ARTICHOKE AND SPINACH DIP  - RESTAURANT STYLE

from All Recipes

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo-style pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins.
3. In an 8x8 inch baking dish, spread the roasted garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo-style pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese.
4. Cover and bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

BEER CHEESE DIP

• 8 oz. Velvetta (cubed)
• 1 (8 oz) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups beer (use any type of beer, but keep in mind this will alter the flavor of the dip)
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic 
• 1 teaspoon Worcester Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

Directions:Melt the cream cheese in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in the remainder of the ingredients, stir continually, until all the cheese is melted; pour the hot cheese mixture into a bread bowl or serving dish.