Longest quiz ever...

I love those Myspace surveys. Maybe it's just because I like talking about myself, but I just can't get enough of them...but I hate posting them on Myspace - I feel like I'm annoying people. So, every so often I'm going to post one here when I find a good one. Feel free to respond with your answers...or just giggle (or groan) at mine.

Name: Laura
Date of Birth: August 7, 1983
Birthplace: Texas
Current Location: My bedroom - all cozy under the covers with my iHome going strong
Eye Color: According to my friend Ryan - poop brown
Hair Color: An auburn-ish mix of brown, red and blond. My dad says I have his mother's hair color and that makes me really happy because I feel as if a lot of the "grandmotherly" emphasis has always lied with my maternal grandma. I like knowing that my dad can look at my hair and see resemblances to his own family.
Height: 6'0 even
Heritage: My mother is half Cajun and half Italian and on my father's side way back is probably English
Piercings: Just in my ears
Tattoos: I have the word "passion" written in Italian on my left hip.



Favorite:
Band/Singer: My favorite all time bands are probably the Beatles and U2 just because of their talent and their incredible ability to write powerful and inspirational lyrics combined with moving and innovative music.
Song: All I Want Is You by U2 and Blackbird by the Beatles
Movie: Gone With The Wind
Disney Movie: Little Mermaid - I can still picture playing "Ariel" in the pool with Kate. But she always got to be Ariel because of her fancy red hair so I had to be her "equally beautiful and talented" sister.
TV show: I don't really have one - I like stuff on HGTV, History Channel and A&E but there aren't really any mainstream sitcoms or dramas that I watch.
Color: Turquoise, green and black
Food: Please refer to the above question regarding heritage - I was raised by an Italian mother...I could literally eat any kind of pasta for every single meal. Too bad I'm not a marathon runner.
Pizza topping: Canadian bacon and pineapple!
Ice-Cream Flavor: Mint chocolate chip
Drink (alcoholic): Vodka and Redbull - perfect for playing Blackjack in Vegas
Soda: Sprite
Store: TARGET!!! This recent move to Flower Mound has really been tough. At my previous residence, I was merely minutes from my closest Super Target with minimal traffic. Now? About 20 minutes with insanely clogged traffic due to the cities slow-as-molasses widening of a major road. This is a ditto for my proximity to the nearest Taco Bueno. But - considering our recent vow to lose some weight before our proposed trip to the Bahamas this summer...it could be a good thing.
Clothing Brand: Banana Republic - I feel so clean in their clothes.
Shoe Brand: Nike
Season: That is a really tough one. Obviously, I enjoy summer. "Why?" some might ask...living in Texas, we do have scorchingly hot summers BUT summers also mean not working for close to three months which makes the heat bearable when you can lie on a raft in the pool all day. On the other hand, I get bored easily in the summer and I end up feeling a little bit...useless. I'm always ready for summer to end and school to begin because I love the electricity and energy that is in the air when things start gearing up - the new clothes shopping, the inspiration to write new lesson plans, seeing old friends at work, football season quickly approaching and of course - NEW SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!! It's kind of my favorite part of starting the new school year and thanks to my friend Jennifer, I look forward to my birthday every year in August because it means a brand new pack of Sharpie pens from her!
Month: Duh. August - it's my birthday!
Holiday/Festival: After my birthday, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July
Flower: I definitely don't like red roses because they are way too cliche. I like the really brightly colored ones that are a little funky. Don't ask me names.
Make-Up Item: My Burt's Beeswax chapstick. I couldn't make it through the winter without it. Luckily, Craig knows this and thanks to my stocking at Christmas, I am fully stocked for the rest of the winter.
Board game: The game of Life. For some reason, as a kid I always was disappointed when I didn't have a car full of kids at the end of the game. And yes - I was that child who NAMED the little blue and pink pegs sitting in the seats behind me and my husband. I had an overactive imagination.



This or That
Sunny or rainy: I love that first sunny and warm day in the beginning of spring when you walk outside and feel that warmth hit your face. On those days, I could sit out on my porch at the apartment and literally see the complex shaking off the icicles of winter and coming out of hibernation to enjoy the beautiful day. But, I also love those perfect weekend mornings when you need to sleep in due to a busy week and it's dark and rainy outside providing a few more coveted hours of cozy, uninterupted sleep.
Chocolate or vanilla: Neither? I'm not big on sweets...which has moderately worked to my advantage.
Fruit or veggie: Probably veggies...I was never the kid hiding her peas in the mashed potatoes. If anything, my parents had the problem of cooking ENOUGH food for dinner. I swear - as a fly on the wall, you would have thought my parent's had three teenage boys living in the house when I was growing up.
Night or day: Day
Sour or sweet: Neither again. But if I absolutely had to choose - sweet.
Love or money: The obvious answer is....both.
Phone or in person: Depends on what I'm doing! :)
Looks or personality: Personality...it's that sense of humor of Craig's that gives him the twinkle in his eye that I find so intriguing and attractive.
Coffee or tea: COFFEE
Hot or cold: I love hot weather. Maybe it's because I'm an August baby?!



Your:
Goal for this year: Be more compassionate and patient with Craig's never ending stream of tournaments, quit biting my nails and remember people's birthdays - especially yours Mom!
Most missed memory: Easy. When I was growing up, we always headed down to Grandma and Grandpa's house in College Station for major holidays and some weekends. Upon arriving at the house after the three hour drive, my dad and brothers would usually sit in the living room, watching tv and chatting while my mom and Grandma retreated to my mother's childhood bedroom. They would lie on the bed, the room lit only by a lamp, and lazily catch up on recent events, the latest books that had been read, and general family memories. I would always crawl up between them in bed and close my eyes, letting the melodic mix of English, Italian and French banter gently ease me into that blissful state between awake and asleep. During this time, my Grandma would gently stroke her fingers through my long hair. I distinctly remember her touch compared to my mother's because it was softer, gentler and more comforting. I would give up five years of my life to have five minutes of moment back. Even now, when I am lying in bed and struggling to fall asleep due to some life crisis, I close my eyes and imagine my Grandma stroking my hair. I can always feel a sense of calm and contentment melt down my body as I quickly ease into sleep.
Best physical feature: My smile. Especially when Craig makes me laugh because that's when it's the most genuine and spontaneous.
First thought waking up: Craig! Turn off the lights! I don't have to get up yet!
Hypothetical personality disorder: OCD and Bipolar
Preferred type of plastic surgery: None. Absolutely not. During my recovery from my appendix surgery this summer, I assured my mother that I would never have plastic surgery. I can't wrap my mind around going through that much pain (and money!) WILLINGLY!!!
Sesame street alter ego: Sometimes I'm Big Bird. Sometimes I'm Oscar.
Fairytale alter ego: I wrote about fairytales some time ago. I was frustrated with the unrealistic expectations of men and love that these fairytales give to young girls. So, my answer is: When they write a fairytale about a girl who goes after her OWN dreams instead of a man...that's who my alter ego will be.
Most stupid remark: I've had several...my personal favorite? "Oh my gosh. You know what would be REALLY creepy? If Halloween, a full moon and Friday the 13th fell on the same day." Think about it....yeah...I was laughed at.
Worst crime: Many of my college decisions
Greatest ambition: Make a true difference in the world and more importantly - raise strong, compassionate and intelligent daughters.
Greatest fear: Not being able to do the above mentioned items.
Darkest secret: I have three stuffed animals and a Cabbage Patch doll sitting in the closet. When Craig sleeps in another room due to his chronic freight train like snoring...I pull one out to sleep with.
Favorite subject: Math and History
Strangest received gift: Homemade dark and white chocolate teeth from student this year. Given the student, this was in character and made complete sense...but still strange.
Worst habit: Biting my nails and NOT biting my tongue with some people!



Do You:
Smoke: Nope
Drink: Occassionally, but not too much
Curse: Nope
Shower daily: Yes - usually in the mornings. That combined with a strongly caffeinated coffee will USUALLY wake me up.
Like thunderstorms: As long as they don't cause any damage to my personal property - yes.
Dance in the rain: I don't dance.
Sing: Definitely not in public.
Play an instrument: I can play a few songs on the piano.
Get along with your parents: I definitely do - my mom is one of my favorite relationships that I have in my life.
Wish on stars: There are stars in the sky? Could have fooled me.
Believe in fate: Ooh...tricky. I believe that we are in charge of our "fate" by the choices that we make in our life.
Believe in love at first sight: Nope.

Can You:
Drive: Yes. Brake? Sometimes.
Sew: God no
Cook: YES! I am definitely getting better. But more importantly...I am secretly starting to enjoy it.
Speak another language: I wish I did - I just know a few of the cuss words in Italian.
Dance: No. Absolutely not.
Sing: Nope.
Touch your nose with your tongue: Nope. But my mom can!
Whistle: Nope. Which can sometimes be a detriment when coaching out on the track...luckily I have compensated by developing a booming yell.
Curl your tongue: Yes

Have You Ever:
Been Drunk: Ahh...yes. And unfortunately, many of the readers of this post can attest to this fact.
Been Stoned/High: I've been to Amsterdam. But only once. And I didn't like it. Getting lost in Amsterdam on the tram system is no fun.
Eaten Sushi: Yes and I absolutely hated it. I had to get Whataburger afterwards.
Been in Love: For sure. I love him and that makes me happy. But more importantly, it makes him happy.
Skipped school: I was too much of a rule follower in high school to skip school. And in college, after the first year I made an important realization...schedule classes from 11 to 2 and there was a higher chance that I would make it to class.
Made prank calls: Not really.
Sent someone a love letter: I've written Craig a few love letters. But I don't think he'll hang on to them like my mom has. I mean, like my mom has hung on to the ones she sent and received from my dad. Craig and my mom are not sending each other love letters. Unless she's writing him to tell him she loves the fact that he's taken me off her hands.
Stolen something: Only Craig's heart. Again. I am a rule follower, much to the opposite view of the general public.
Cried yourself to sleep: Of course...my Cabbage Patch Ellie probably has the tear stains to prove it.

Other Questions:
What annoys you most in a person? The list is long and detailed but I would have to say that the number one thing that really bugs me is when people have no spine. Not physically - but mentally and emotionally. And I don't like weak minded people that can't make a decision or stand by the decision that they do make. I also don't like it when people expect to be treated differently - like the rules don't apply to them. Ridiculous. It's all making me angry just thinking about it.
Are you right or left handed? Right handed - my left is pretty much useless.
What is your bedtime? Whenever I fall asleep. Usually between 11 and 12.
Name three things you can't live without: Craig, sleep, and Starbucks. Without one or all of these, I am extremely cranky.
What is the color of your room? Beige. Our whole house is boring beige. The excitement is in the details of the rooms.
Do you have any siblings? Yes. I have two biological brothers, Stephen and Michael. Two current sisters-in-law Meredith and Laura Renee. And when I marry Craig, I will have a new sister-in-law named Sherika.
Do you have any pets? NO. And I made a great case the other day for us to get a dog--I need someone to keep me company during the nights and weekends that Craig is basketballing. Plus - I need a dog that will cuddle and listen to me without talking back. According to Craig...a dog to do everything he won't.
Would you kill someone you hate for a million dollars? Ha, ha, ha. It wouldn't take that much money for me to completely eliminate her.
What is you middle name? Elizabeth
What are you nicknames? La La
Are you for or against gay marriage? I don't think that they should have a sanctioned marriage in a church setting because I'm not sure that God is a real fan. But, I think that if they would like to be able to get a civil union so that they can receive the governmental benefits that would be fine.
What are your thoughts on abortion? I would not get one, nor would I encourage or support my friends in getting one. I think you get to a certain age where you are financially responsible enough to deal with the decisions and events that take place in your life.
Do you have a crush on anyone? Only one curly blond headed guy. I hope that he likes me back. ;)
Are you afraid of the dark? Not really. Only when I have truly terrifying nightmares.
How do you want to die? A long, long time from now.
What is the largest amount of popsicles that you have eaten on one day? Probably a lot. I really loved them when I was younger.
Would you take a bullet for the one you love? I probably would. But I also know that he wouldn't ever put me into a situation where this act would be necessary.
What is the last law you’ve broken? Speeding I suppose. Nothing too terribly exciting.

New Years Resolutions

For many years, my yearly resolution was to turn in my Blockbuster rentals on time as to avoid the late fees. Then, Blockbuster made it easy for me by eliminating late fees...somehow though, I still managed to go past the alloted rental time and had to pay a few hefty fees to the Blockbuster establishment. I still tried to make this resolution each year because I was avoiding making the resolution I really needed to make...quitting smoking. But this year, thanks to a very influential statement made by Craig and the full week being out of commision induced by an erupting appendix, I quit this summer. Already, I've noticed a change in my life by making that decision - most importantly, Craig and I bought a house and moved in together, which would not have happened had I not quit.

So...what is up for the resolution this year? Seeing as how there is a very real chance of a large and significant piece of jewelry being placed on my hand in the near future, I figured it might be time to stop biting my nails once and for all. I have chewed on my nails, as well as pens, gum, sunflower seeds etc. since I was a little kid...especially when I got nervous or bored. Freud would have a field day with my oral fixation! But this is the year - I've got a good motivation to quit and I know I have the willpower because of quitting smoking. Hopefully, I'll be able to show off a pretty new ring with a pretty and natural manicure!

What...a whirlwind!

This being our first Christmas together, combined with a new house, plus two weeks off from work for both of us...it's been a whirlwind of a Christmas vacation.

We started our vacation off with a trip to the Meyerson for their annual Christmas concert. Craig dressed up and didn't fall asleep so I consider the evening a complete success. There was a discussion afterward about how women (more importantly ME) need compliments. I don't get dressed up very often - most of the time it's brushing the hair, minimal make-up and sweats to work. So, when I DO take the time and effort to get dressed up for a special occassion, I would like the acknowledgement. Unfortunately, Craig can't read my mind. I came out of the bathroom in my special new top (onsale for 22 bucks from Banana Republic!!) and asked him "Do I look okay?" His answer, as he grabbed his stuff off the bed and was heading out the room? "Yeah, you look fine. Ready to go?" Uh...a little insufficient, don't you think? After carefully explaining to him a few days later that there are times when I don't expect the WOW moment from him - most of the time I just need to know that my hair isn't sticking up on top and there's no toothpaste on my shirt. These times occur most frequently and typically take place before we're heading to meet up with friends or to a Stars game. BUT - there are those times when it is obvious that I that I spent a lot of time and effort into looking good and I think that I deserve a little bit more than his response. He understood and promised to make a better effort.

On Tuesday the 22nd, Craig and I took Alex, my nephew, to eat at Fuddrucker's for lunch and then to the Gaylord ICE show. He was perfectly behaved and enjoyed spending time with his Aunt La La and Craig. Alex was the funniest when we were walking out of the restaurant and he struck a pose and shouted "It's Ice time!" Craig and I really loved being able to spend one-on-one time with Alex.

The next few days were spent buying last minute gifts for people and cleaning up the house. By the time Christmas Eve rolled around our tree was so full with presents underneath we had to organize the presents into the three Christmases we would be attending. For Christmas Eve, we cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed potatoes and pineapple au gratin. I had begged Craig all day to let us open presents as soon as possible, but he was convinced that we had to wait until the very end of the evening. After a wickedly intense game of Rock-Paper-Scissors that Craig won, we cleaned up dinner and watched my favorite holiday movie, Elf. As soon as the credits started rolling, I popped up from the couch, clicked off the DVD player and announced that it was time for PRESENTS!!! Among other things, I got an A&M Reville little statue thing, some Carolina and A&M shirts, new jeans, tickets to Britney Spears, a spa certificate and the Beatles Love Cirque de Soleil DVD. I got Craig some new Nike shirts, a jacket, a book on Beer, some Texas gear and the Stepbrothers DVD. It was pretty hard to find stuff for each other because for the most part...if we want something, we go out and buy it.

The next morning we woke up early and got ready for a day full of family, eating and presents. I think both of us were a little nervous heading into this day because of the fact that we had never done Christmas together, or with each other's families! We had a great time at his mom's house with his mom, MeMa and sister - we got a ton of stuff for the house...a blender, a Blue Ray dvd player, an iHome, a crock pot and bath mats just to name a few. Craig got lots of new clothes, which led me to tell him that his closet needs to be cleaned out before the new clothes go in! It was a little overwhelming for me because my family does Christmas a little smaller as far as presents go, but like Craig said...this is the only time that his family buys things for each other.

After a quick stop and nap at our house after lunch, we headed further south to the HEB area for Christmas with my family - Mom, Dad, Stephen and his wife Meredith and their two boys, Alex who recently turned 5 and Ford who will be 2 in March. Christmas was pleasant - Craig got lots of new tools and I got a squishy new set of brown towels for our master bathroom. After all the presents had been opened, we had to get dinner started, which can be kind of difficult in the cramped kitchen at my mom's house with two little guys running around. Craig sensed this and took Alex and Ford outside to play with the new sports balls that we got Ford for Christmas. Peeking out the front door while cleaning up the paper from the presents, I was touched to see Craig rolling around with the boys, both of them looking thoroughly thrilled to be roughhousing and playing ball with their favorite new friend. After a delicious dinner, we stuck around long enough to watch a little of the Mavs game, but couldn't stay too long because I was quickly falling asleep. We headed back home and quickly cranked up the spa and relaxed out there before going to bed.

Although I truly enjoyed spending time with all our family, three Christmases is EXHAUSTING!

The rest of the Christmas week was spent finishing painting the spare bedroom, the guest bath and the gameroom upstairs. Between Craig doing the majority of the big wall space and me doing the detail work, we were able to knock out those three rooms pretty quickly. I was amazed at the difference that a little bit of paint made on our bright purple spare bathroom! And it gave me an excuse to go out and buy new bathroom decorations for our master bathroom. At first, I couldn't understand why Craig was so insistent on painting these rooms RIGHT NOW, but then I realized - DUH! His birthday was on the 29th and we were having a bunch of friends over for a celebration. He doesn't say it very blatantly, but I know that he is super proud of the house and the work that we have done.

We had a lovely party for his birthday on the 29th - lots of his friends were able to come over and help us celebrate his 35th birthday. It also gave me a chance to prove to myself that I CAN throw a party and cook as well! I think he really enjoyed the party and was touched that I went through so much effort and planning to do something special for him.

School starts back up on Monday and I'm looking forward to getting back on a regular schedule...

So, we've been in the house almost on month and I figured I'd give an update on how things have settled down so far.

On Thanksgiving, we headed over to Craig's mom's house for lunch with his family. Shortly after, while perusing the newspaper ads, Craig decided he wanted to get a Christmas tree - RIGHT THEN. So...off we went to Garden Ridge to get a 7 ft. Christmas tree for our living room. I took this opportunity to get some new silver, turquoise and baby blue Christmas ornaments. That evening, we went to my parent's house for dinner and the A&M/tu football game. I was wearing my Aggie shirt while Craig was in his Longhorn gear - needless to say, there were a few tense moments but I think that he'll still be allowed in my parent's house in the future.

So, we have the Christmas tree set up in all it's perfectly matching ornamental glory. There are several presents underneath, all wrapped in turquoise, baby blue and silver wrapping paper, courtesy of Target. We have stockings that have been hung by the fire with care - mine being brown velvet and fur that matches the living room, while Craig chose a red and green stocking with a teddy bear in a Santa hat sticking out of the top. I made a mistake when I told him he could choose the stocking...but whatever makes him happy. In addition to our stockings and tree, we also have two 3D Advent calendars (also courtesy of Target) which are filled with clues that lead to treats each day. So far, I've gotten lots of candy, ornaments and two tickets to the Meyerson Christmas concert on Sunday evening! I must say...being this close to Christmas vacation, the promise of a treat hiding somewhere in the house has definitely gotten me out of bed and moving on some of these cold mornings!

As far as the rest of the house goes, there are only a few more boxes to unpack and they're all hidden in a closet or the mancave, waiting for Craig to unpack them. All the rooms are set up, with the exception of the mancave and the trophy room...because as previously stated, they are still waiting for Craig. I managed to get everything put in it's proper place by the time my brother Mike and his wife Laura Renee came in for their annual holiday visit last weekend. It was very important for me to have the house in order when they and the rest of my family came over after a satisfying dinner of Anamia's mexican food.

Sadly though, I can feel the novelty of living together already wearing off. I think the honeymoon period is officially over...with the constant schedule of basketball practices, games and tournaments, as well as Cross Country season looming all combined with lesson planning and Christmas shopping?! We definitely come home exhausted and needing our "alone" time - me up in the bedroom watching tv and reading celebrity gossip and him downstairs on the couch, zoned out watching any sort of sporting event. I truly did have aspirations of home cooked meals, but we just don't have that many free evenings...or energy for that matter. Hopefully over Christmas vacation, I'll be able to try out some new recipes for us to eat. Wish me luck!

I did ask him the other day if there were any moments when he was really reminded of why or how much he loves me. (Yes...I fish for compliments. I'm okay with it and he complies...most of the time.) He answered with "waking up to you in the morning." It took me back to that time when he answered my question of why he loves me with the simple "because of who you are." So simple...but yet so telling. Although he doesn't always express it in the way that I do, I know that he is truly happy and content in this house with me. I really have tried to provide a "homey" atmosphere for him - I just want him to be happy.

Poker Face

As I might have discussed before, I really don't have a poker face when it comes to hiding my emotions. We could also add onto that - I don't have poker friendships. Basically - if I'm not a fan of you and your personality...you will most likely know it. Not because I'm out and out RUDE...I just don't really invest or infuse the same enthusiasm when interacting with you that I would with a friend.



I have never expected to like everyone that I come in contact with and nor do I expect that everyone will like me. I have always had the general philosophy that if people didn't like me it was okay...most likely, I didn't like the person either. And I have always been okay with that. I had my good group of friends and I really didn't waste time with people outside of that circle.



Well, life doesn't allow you to just interact with only the people that you like while conveniently ignoring all the rest. And currently, I am really struggling with being "nice" to those people who aren't exactly in my Circle of Trust. Actually...I'm probably making a not-so-nice name for myself at work with some of the negative interactions I've had recently.



I can't help it...I just don't have the patience for those people that bother me. I try to just ignore them and show no emotion when interacting with them because I'm afraid that if I talk to them too much I will really say something I will regret. Work is not a place that I want to have enemies, but at the same time...

Coming Clean

For several years now, I have been squashing an intense addiction and obsession in my life. It's always been something that I had to hide - I could only indulge myself in solice. If people knew about my addiction, all respect for me as a mature and well-adjusted woman would fly out the window.

But I think it's about time to come clean...there is freedom in the truth.

I love Britney Spears. I have loved her from her pig tails and stockings in "...Baby One More Time" through her snake dancing phase in "Slave 4 U" and even despite her head-shaving-umbrella-wielding mess.

I absolutely love her and I am so excited about all the new music that she is putting out. Her birthday is today and it also happens to be the release date of her most recent CD appropriately titled - Circus.

More importantly though...she is going back on tour!!! March 31st she will be in Dallas and I am totally stoked...but yet I need to find another person out there that is hiding the same obsession and addiction to go with me. Any takers?!?!?!

Honey! I'm Home!!

In the words of my favorite late night comedianne Chelsea Lately, "What---a whirlwind!" After a month of waiting, packing and stressing the moving process is complete. We have been in possession of the house for almost two weeks and it already is already feeling like our home. But it came with a hefty amount of time and energy invested. With the help of our friends and family, this house has truly been made into a home. From Mom cleaning out the shelves and taping off rooms to Dad diligently detailing the paint around the ceiling to Craig's Mom cleaning and painting baseboards and even to MeMa butt scrubbing the floors...we could not have done it without everyone's help. We now have a houseful of furniture and a turquoise and silver decorated Christmas tree - complete with turquoise tree skirt and blue and silver presents wrapped neatly and lying underneath. Many pictures have been hung, new bedding has been bought and the mammoth baseball card collection has found a home in the new "trophy" room.

And through this entire stream of highly stressful housing events compounded by a tragic death in my family, the ending of volleyball and beginning of basketball and two sinus infections...not once did we fight. Sure, I got stressed and vented - even some tears were shed. But there were no blow-ups and I'm very proud of us. But not surprised really. We're not that kind of couple - maybe it comes from being on so many sports teams growing up, but we really have a "team" mindset when it comes to being with each other. We both trust each other and take turns leading and following, as well as knowing that we're stronger if we work together and compromise.

I really do love the house...it's just the right size for us. When first faced with the prospect of "cohabitating" with him, I was scared to death - to nightmares actually. Nightmares that boiled down to my fear of losing my independence. Everyone has those times when they just want to be alone doing whatever they want to do. Whether it's watching mindless TV, playing video games or blogging...it's important to take the time to maintain your own space. And in this house, I definitely feel that we have the space to be ourselves and on our own...but he's not that far away from me and that's the way I like it. Tonight after cooking a great dinner (Yes!!! I cooked!!!) I kissed him and left him happily settled on the couch mesmerized by the History Channel. I came upstairs and after taking one look at my beautiful jet bathtub I knew exactly what I was going to do after a hard day of raising the youth of America and cooking dinner. I lit my favorite candles, turned on my most relaxing Beatles playlist from the iTunes, grabbed a glass of wine and the latest issue of Glamour and I settled into the most fantastic bath ever. I know that these times will not last - we will eventually have little rugrats running around and I will be thankful for five mintues to myself to put on makeup and brush my hair. But I also know that there will be nights when he will know that I need an hour for a bath and relaxation and corner the kids into some sort of game or activity.

I am not nervous at all about us living together anymore because I think that it truly is the best thing for both of us. I'm so excited to provide a "home" for him - he's been living in apartments and between my apartment and his mother's house for so long. I know that he feels so accomplished in the fact that he "provided" a beautiful home for us (even though it's all 50/50...but the caveman in him needs to feel that he has provided for his lady...whatever). And I just want to take care of him and provide the sanctuary from the world that he desperately needs sometimes.