Stay forever, Sunday.
After a full day in the hot hot sun, we come back to take an air conditioned nap. He sleeps while I type and even though he faces the opposite wall, he still reaches back to place a hand on my knee. Love.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Damages
It was 2:12pm. My phone sat next to me, the messages I had sent sat unread. A mountain of paperwork sat to my left, the completed (much smaller pile) set of papers to my right. My mouse blinked on the screen. I sent another message. “Are you busy?” No reply.
Then, I couldn’t breathe. My throat shut completely. My heart pounded in my chest, my palms got sweaty, my head swirled with a carousel of images, people and objects in my life spinning round and round, each not tangible. “I’m having a panic attack,” I realized.
It’s no secret that I carry a significant amount of damage from my previous relationship, but it is unusual for the affects to show themselves, like was the case today. Normal me would have seen Craig’s lack of response as a busily working employee, trying to complete everything before leaving for the weekend. But today, that silent phone sent me into a spiral of self loathing and doubt. I am afraid of losing him.
It’s strange, because even in the midst of these attacks our outbursts, I do have the mental ability to understand that I’m being ridiculous, allowing my stupid brain to make up fictitious scenarios and attempt to persuade normal me into accepting that as a reality. Even still, it doesn’t seem to be able to calm my shaking hands and clenched teeth, thinking that my world is going to be turned upside down at any second.
It’s not fair to Craig, really, to have me question his fidelity or desire to be with me when he has given me no reason to. But, the outcome of my relationship with Cole taught me to question everything, to think that nothing is certain, and to always be on edge, preparing for the blast.
Most of the time, I can keep it under wraps, calming myself down to prevent an onslaught of questions spewing out of my mouth, questioning his every intent. “What did you REALLY mean when you said that?” “Where were you REALLY when you told me that you were somewhere else?” “Do you REALLY mean that, or were you just telling me what I want to hear?”
He is an amazing person for constantly reminding me that he wants to be with me, but I can’t help but wonder why he would want to be with someone as damaged as I am. Do I deserve to be with someone so wonderful? And, if I do, do I do enough for him to warrant his love?
With every relationship, I’m sure there is the possibility of it failing. People are people and sometimes we change our minds, but I am firm in the belief that some things do last forever. I hope and pray that this is one of them.
While I continue work out my own issues, I strive to be the kind of person that he deserves. Someone who is not emotionally stunted and who gives him all the love he is deserving of. Let’s just say that I have work to do…
Then, I couldn’t breathe. My throat shut completely. My heart pounded in my chest, my palms got sweaty, my head swirled with a carousel of images, people and objects in my life spinning round and round, each not tangible. “I’m having a panic attack,” I realized.
It’s no secret that I carry a significant amount of damage from my previous relationship, but it is unusual for the affects to show themselves, like was the case today. Normal me would have seen Craig’s lack of response as a busily working employee, trying to complete everything before leaving for the weekend. But today, that silent phone sent me into a spiral of self loathing and doubt. I am afraid of losing him.
It’s strange, because even in the midst of these attacks our outbursts, I do have the mental ability to understand that I’m being ridiculous, allowing my stupid brain to make up fictitious scenarios and attempt to persuade normal me into accepting that as a reality. Even still, it doesn’t seem to be able to calm my shaking hands and clenched teeth, thinking that my world is going to be turned upside down at any second.
It’s not fair to Craig, really, to have me question his fidelity or desire to be with me when he has given me no reason to. But, the outcome of my relationship with Cole taught me to question everything, to think that nothing is certain, and to always be on edge, preparing for the blast.
Most of the time, I can keep it under wraps, calming myself down to prevent an onslaught of questions spewing out of my mouth, questioning his every intent. “What did you REALLY mean when you said that?” “Where were you REALLY when you told me that you were somewhere else?” “Do you REALLY mean that, or were you just telling me what I want to hear?”
He is an amazing person for constantly reminding me that he wants to be with me, but I can’t help but wonder why he would want to be with someone as damaged as I am. Do I deserve to be with someone so wonderful? And, if I do, do I do enough for him to warrant his love?
With every relationship, I’m sure there is the possibility of it failing. People are people and sometimes we change our minds, but I am firm in the belief that some things do last forever. I hope and pray that this is one of them.
While I continue work out my own issues, I strive to be the kind of person that he deserves. Someone who is not emotionally stunted and who gives him all the love he is deserving of. Let’s just say that I have work to do…
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thinking of Dads
Today, I spent some time with my thoughts to think about my dad. And, while I was remembering all of the amazing things he has done, and all of the wonderful traits he has, I could only think of his father, my grandfather, who is the reason he is the way he is at all.
I was so overwhelmed with thoughts of how great he was. A man who had everything we all strive for; wisdom, skill, kindness, love, and passion. I miss him. So much.
I love my father dearly and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life to look up to. I hope each of you took some time today to share time or words or thoughts with your fathers. And to those of you who may be remembering fathers past, I send thoughts of peace your way. For, no matter where they go, we carry them in our hearts. Always.
Happy Fathers Day -
I was so overwhelmed with thoughts of how great he was. A man who had everything we all strive for; wisdom, skill, kindness, love, and passion. I miss him. So much.
I love my father dearly and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life to look up to. I hope each of you took some time today to share time or words or thoughts with your fathers. And to those of you who may be remembering fathers past, I send thoughts of peace your way. For, no matter where they go, we carry them in our hearts. Always.
Happy Fathers Day -
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Goin' to Carolina
I took a boy home.
There have been many many thoughts and dreams (some nightmares) about eventually bringing someone new back home with me to meet the family. And, I did it. Originally, my plan was to infiltrate slowly. Have the boy meet the family in small groups, slowly, as to not overwhelm him. If you know my family, you know that while they're incredibly warm and welcoming, they can also be very intimidating.
When I went home for Easter, I hated being away from Craig. I know it sounds stupid and silly, but I got comfortable being with him, talking to him all the time, and having that security of him being there. In fact, before then, I saw him at least once a day and usually wouldn't go more than an hour or two without talking to him. I was experiencing some major withdrawal.
I couldn't stop talking about him. Before, I was keeping information about him pretty quiet, because I didn't want to go on and on about something that wasn't going to last, but I couldn't keep it in any longer. I'm sure my family must have gotten tired of hearing about him so much, but it seemed that there was nothing else I could talk about.
Family, to me, has always been a vital part of my life and it was always very important to me that my significant other understand and embrace that as well. So, when Craig told me that he was interested in meeting my family, I was ecstatic. I certainly wouldn't go to that level until we were both ready, but when we realized that we were ready to share our relationship with our families, it all just seemed so natural.
We booked the tickets and planned a long weekend in Carolina for Memorial Day.
When we booked the tickets, I was nervous. Really nervous. Would they like him? Would they approve? And, more importantly, would he like them? What if was too much for him, what if the family was too much to handle? The weekend had the ability to turn out amazing, or devastating.
Not to mention that my mother was planning the party of the decade, inviting both sides of the families. This was not going to be the slow "meet my family" process I had envisioned. This wasn't even going off the deep-end. This was the ocean.
Though, as the weeks went on, I moved from nervous to excited. I couldn't wait to go back home and show off my new addition. I knew they'd like him, but I still wasn't sure how they would be received by him.
We're different, he and I. While we grew up with very similar family values and ideals and we share a lot of the same goals, our lives as children were very different. Financially, we were on opposite ends of the spectrum. He, just minutes from one of the largest cities in the world, and I, a good 30 minute drive to the nearest mall (not even a good one either!) I have cows just over the fence from my backyard that we use often for bonfire parties and he has shapely manicured lawns with fenced-in pools. I was nervous about showing him where I came from. Sure, I have a little "small town" in me, and he can certainly see that. But, my lifestyle certainly has changed now that I'm living in New York. What would he think of the girl that used to go have a Mountain Dew slushie from Sheetz on Friday nights instead of going to bars and clubs? Would he like the food? Would he understand how I could miss that tiny little town?
More importantly, would he feel differently about me when he realizes I grew up with hand-me-down clothes and sharing a bedroom with my sister? Would he think my “roots” were too Southern? Would he find my family dynamics to be less than desirable? I worried, panicked even, for days. I tried to describe to him how I was feeling, explaining my worries, but he assured me that nothing could change the way he feels about me. Still, my mind wouldn’t quiet.
He was a nervous wreck. I can’t blame him, however, because I was unnaturally nervous when I met his mother and father, sister and brother. Even more so when he added in a few cousins, aunts, uncles, and a grandmother! Fortunately for me, it was a slower process. I can’t imagine what he was feeling sitting on a plane knowing that he’d be meeting 40+ of my family members in 2 days.
The flight in was fine, a bit delayed by about 10-15 minutes, but nothing major. My mom and sister were at the airport in NORMAL clothes (I was seriously thinking they would dress up like hillbillies) and no big flashing signs. Such a relief!
While my impression of the weekend as a whole is one of “it was great!”, I’m still not completely sure what he feels about the whole thing. I assured him that my family is much easier to navigate when they’re in smaller groups (meaning, mom side/dad side) and I’ve assured myself that my family knowing him the way I do will take some time.
Since we don’t live near them, this process will be slow-going and in short, quick segments. I only hope that my family could see how amazing he really is.
So my first time bringing a boy home was not as terrifying as my mind made it out to be. After all, my family only wants to see me happy, and once they see that he is the one that is making it happen, they’ll love him as much as I do.
It is my hope that we can go back again soon, this time: no worries.
There have been many many thoughts and dreams (some nightmares) about eventually bringing someone new back home with me to meet the family. And, I did it. Originally, my plan was to infiltrate slowly. Have the boy meet the family in small groups, slowly, as to not overwhelm him. If you know my family, you know that while they're incredibly warm and welcoming, they can also be very intimidating.
When I went home for Easter, I hated being away from Craig. I know it sounds stupid and silly, but I got comfortable being with him, talking to him all the time, and having that security of him being there. In fact, before then, I saw him at least once a day and usually wouldn't go more than an hour or two without talking to him. I was experiencing some major withdrawal.
I couldn't stop talking about him. Before, I was keeping information about him pretty quiet, because I didn't want to go on and on about something that wasn't going to last, but I couldn't keep it in any longer. I'm sure my family must have gotten tired of hearing about him so much, but it seemed that there was nothing else I could talk about.
Family, to me, has always been a vital part of my life and it was always very important to me that my significant other understand and embrace that as well. So, when Craig told me that he was interested in meeting my family, I was ecstatic. I certainly wouldn't go to that level until we were both ready, but when we realized that we were ready to share our relationship with our families, it all just seemed so natural.
We booked the tickets and planned a long weekend in Carolina for Memorial Day.
When we booked the tickets, I was nervous. Really nervous. Would they like him? Would they approve? And, more importantly, would he like them? What if was too much for him, what if the family was too much to handle? The weekend had the ability to turn out amazing, or devastating.
Not to mention that my mother was planning the party of the decade, inviting both sides of the families. This was not going to be the slow "meet my family" process I had envisioned. This wasn't even going off the deep-end. This was the ocean.
Though, as the weeks went on, I moved from nervous to excited. I couldn't wait to go back home and show off my new addition. I knew they'd like him, but I still wasn't sure how they would be received by him.
We're different, he and I. While we grew up with very similar family values and ideals and we share a lot of the same goals, our lives as children were very different. Financially, we were on opposite ends of the spectrum. He, just minutes from one of the largest cities in the world, and I, a good 30 minute drive to the nearest mall (not even a good one either!) I have cows just over the fence from my backyard that we use often for bonfire parties and he has shapely manicured lawns with fenced-in pools. I was nervous about showing him where I came from. Sure, I have a little "small town" in me, and he can certainly see that. But, my lifestyle certainly has changed now that I'm living in New York. What would he think of the girl that used to go have a Mountain Dew slushie from Sheetz on Friday nights instead of going to bars and clubs? Would he like the food? Would he understand how I could miss that tiny little town?
More importantly, would he feel differently about me when he realizes I grew up with hand-me-down clothes and sharing a bedroom with my sister? Would he think my “roots” were too Southern? Would he find my family dynamics to be less than desirable? I worried, panicked even, for days. I tried to describe to him how I was feeling, explaining my worries, but he assured me that nothing could change the way he feels about me. Still, my mind wouldn’t quiet.
He was a nervous wreck. I can’t blame him, however, because I was unnaturally nervous when I met his mother and father, sister and brother. Even more so when he added in a few cousins, aunts, uncles, and a grandmother! Fortunately for me, it was a slower process. I can’t imagine what he was feeling sitting on a plane knowing that he’d be meeting 40+ of my family members in 2 days.
The flight in was fine, a bit delayed by about 10-15 minutes, but nothing major. My mom and sister were at the airport in NORMAL clothes (I was seriously thinking they would dress up like hillbillies) and no big flashing signs. Such a relief!
While my impression of the weekend as a whole is one of “it was great!”, I’m still not completely sure what he feels about the whole thing. I assured him that my family is much easier to navigate when they’re in smaller groups (meaning, mom side/dad side) and I’ve assured myself that my family knowing him the way I do will take some time.
Since we don’t live near them, this process will be slow-going and in short, quick segments. I only hope that my family could see how amazing he really is.
So my first time bringing a boy home was not as terrifying as my mind made it out to be. After all, my family only wants to see me happy, and once they see that he is the one that is making it happen, they’ll love him as much as I do.
It is my hope that we can go back again soon, this time: no worries.
Friday, June 4, 2010
VA Reviews: Completely Bare's Brazilian Bikini Wax
Disclaimer: This post is of a very personal nature (might get graphic at times) and if you're not interested in reading about lady parts, move right along, friend.
Brazilian Bikini Wax. The words themselves can cause tingly sensations of the spine and quivering between your legs (not the good kind, either) So, why do so many women decide to have a stranger peel apart their most intimate layers, pour hot wax on them, and rip tiny hairs out of their snuggly warm homes to cause pain? Coming up, I find out.
A shaver, myself, I always wanted to keep things neat and tidy in my nether regions. Not bare. Call me crazy, but I always felt a little jouvenile with no hair "down there". Truth is, I got lazy. Because I was living with MP and his two siblings, sharing a bathroom, I didn't have the time to takeover the bathroom for a long time to do some grooming. So, I started looking into waxing. "Hey," I thought, "in one hour, someone else could take care of all of this for me!" So, I went for it. For the non-waxing-educated, a Brazilian is where ALL of the hair is removed, front to back, with the exception of some hair left on the "top".
I went to the Completely Bare salon on New York's 5th Avenue. While the building itself wasn't the best (a typical, New York entry, dirty floors, slow elevator), the decorum changed as soon as I stepped off the elevator onto the 4th floor. Clean, very open, little furniture, the place seemed like it tried to be a spa but ran out of money. I guess the open "greeting area" is to help create serenity for the guests. I mean, really, you need some serenity... my heart was racing.
I met Christina shortly after filling out some paperwork and she took me back into a small room down a hallway. She was nice, though didn't seem to sense my nervousness, she talked like I was coming in for a manicure.
Finally, she asked:
"Have you ever had anything waxed before?"
"Just eyebrows.."
"Have you ever had anything waxed before?"
"Just eyebrows.."
"Oh, no bikini waxing then?"
"Nope. First time.. you might want to walk me through this."
"Nope. First time.. you might want to walk me through this."
She laughed, though I'm pretty sure it was just at my candid way of saying it - though after that, she was really great about keeping me informed about what was happening and what I should do.
Here's the thing. It hurt, yes, but it's a sharp, quick pain that fades immediately. It's not the pain that is the problem. It's that it's AWKWARD! There's a lady pulling and tugging on your lady-parts to try to get all of the hair. Not only is she making things uncomfortable, but she then rips it all out! Couple that with some really awkward comments. "I'll start with the labia..." "The inner butt is the easiest." Uhhhhh....?
There was a tv in the ceiling (smart, people!) so I could watch some 1940s movie while I had to endure the uncomfortable waxing. Though, she did say she was shocked at my non-reaction to the whole thing. No screaming, no jerking.. I'm amazing ;)
Overall, the experience wasn't that bad. Sure, it was awkward, uncomfortable, and a little painful, but I haven't had to worry about any sort of grooming for almost 3 weeks now. To me, that's worth it.
Completely Bare is a little more pricey than I would pay on the regular, but if you're needing a first time experience, I'd say they're a good choice. Will I do it again, sure. But, I'll find a cheaper salon next time.
VA Rating: 7
Good service, nice work, but high price and heavy unconfortable nature.
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