We have not been to Key West since my wedding at the beginning of July. Brandon and I used to try to go every few months, but it's harder to get away since we bought our house a couple years ago. We thought about going over Christmas Break, but I pushed for staying home in our pajamas and watching movies for two weeks. That was a great two weeks, but we have missed Key West.
I am the lucky one who has recently gotten to go back. But I didn't get to go with my husband.
Now, I had a great weekend with two of my greatest girlfriends. We ate, we drank, we shopped, we swam, and we went to a drag show! We had an all-around fantastic time. But it just wasn't the same, being in Key West without Brandon, and it was the first time I've been there that I haven't felt completely bummed out to be going home. Yes, we had a ton of fun; but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was kind of betraying my Brandon!
After all, Key West is our place! It's been our place since we drove down there on a whim nearly four years ago. Since that first trip, we've been there numerous times; and we've discovered something new on every single one of those trips. We have made so many wonderful memories in this unique little city, including our engagement and, of course, our wedding! We've been to Key West more than we've been anywhere else, and that's really something when you consider that Disney World is closer!
So, while I had a really good time this weekend with my girls, I think that's probably the last time I'll ever go to Key West without my husband.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 233: The Middle School Dance
Tonight I had to forget my comfortable pajamas (which is all I can think about on Friday afternoons), leave my cozy home, and attend the middle school dance. As a chaperone, of course.
I didn't mind too much, actually. The kids are pretty good, and it's always nice to see them in settings outside of the classroom; that's where you really get to know them. Plus, who can resist a bunch of 11- and 12-year-olds in puffy little princess dresses?
I danced with the girls and served pizza to the boys and honestly had a pretty good time. My duties weren't that strenuous either, so I had some time to just sit and think. And seeing all the kids awkwardly holding hands and asking each other to dance really took me back to the beginning of my relationship with Brandon.
We were several years older than these kids when we started dating, but we still had many of the same awkward moments. I remember at the Homecoming dance my senior and his junior year of high school, which was technically our first date, that neither of us was sure if we should hold hands. We'd been friends for quite some time, and crossing the line into romantic relationship territory made us both feel a bit unsure. But we liked each other, so we gave it a shot.
I reminisced about things of this nature for several hours, as I watched the girls gossiping on one side of the room while the boys went to get more pizza on the other. They're still so young, and most of the boy-girl relationships are just friendships; but they are definitely starting to like each other now. It's precious to watch their little romances blossom. And you know, as the adult in the room, that most of these romances won't last two weeks, much less a lifetime. But Brandon and I are proof that you really can't predict when that person is just going to come along.
I mean, we were just two friends, neither of us looking for anything more, who decided to go to Homecoming together. By the end of that night, after some awkwardness, we were holding hands in the high school gym. And then, all of a sudden, it was 10 years later and we were holding hands on the beach and saying, "I do."
I didn't mind too much, actually. The kids are pretty good, and it's always nice to see them in settings outside of the classroom; that's where you really get to know them. Plus, who can resist a bunch of 11- and 12-year-olds in puffy little princess dresses?
I danced with the girls and served pizza to the boys and honestly had a pretty good time. My duties weren't that strenuous either, so I had some time to just sit and think. And seeing all the kids awkwardly holding hands and asking each other to dance really took me back to the beginning of my relationship with Brandon.
We were several years older than these kids when we started dating, but we still had many of the same awkward moments. I remember at the Homecoming dance my senior and his junior year of high school, which was technically our first date, that neither of us was sure if we should hold hands. We'd been friends for quite some time, and crossing the line into romantic relationship territory made us both feel a bit unsure. But we liked each other, so we gave it a shot.
I reminisced about things of this nature for several hours, as I watched the girls gossiping on one side of the room while the boys went to get more pizza on the other. They're still so young, and most of the boy-girl relationships are just friendships; but they are definitely starting to like each other now. It's precious to watch their little romances blossom. And you know, as the adult in the room, that most of these romances won't last two weeks, much less a lifetime. But Brandon and I are proof that you really can't predict when that person is just going to come along.
I mean, we were just two friends, neither of us looking for anything more, who decided to go to Homecoming together. By the end of that night, after some awkwardness, we were holding hands in the high school gym. And then, all of a sudden, it was 10 years later and we were holding hands on the beach and saying, "I do."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 230: The Most Unromantic Couple In the World Celebrates Valentine's Day With Chicken Wings
A few facts:
* Yesterday was Valentine's Day.
* I think Valentine's Day is stupid.
* My husband is therefore very lucky.
Neither of us has ever been all that romantic. Sure, we have our moments now and then, but usually we prefer casual fun to dressed-up romance. It's just who we are, and our relationship has always been based on a solid foundation of friendship (evidenced by the fact that Brandon uses pet names like "Dude" and "Buddy" for me, rather than "Sweetheart" or "Honey").
But on Valentine's Day, people expect you to be romantic! All day long, my students asked me, "What is your husband doing for you for Valentine's Day?" And all day long, I replied, "We aren't celebrating Valentine's Day this year because we have to celebrate 50-cent Boneless Wing Night at Wing Stop." Obviously, this answer didn't satisfy them. They wanted me to get flowers and chocolate and teddy bears. But I don't need any of that. All I wanted was wings!
And wings we had. So, happy Valentine's Day to you. But happy 50-cent Boneless Wing Night to us!!!
* Yesterday was Valentine's Day.
* I think Valentine's Day is stupid.
* My husband is therefore very lucky.
Neither of us has ever been all that romantic. Sure, we have our moments now and then, but usually we prefer casual fun to dressed-up romance. It's just who we are, and our relationship has always been based on a solid foundation of friendship (evidenced by the fact that Brandon uses pet names like "Dude" and "Buddy" for me, rather than "Sweetheart" or "Honey").
But on Valentine's Day, people expect you to be romantic! All day long, my students asked me, "What is your husband doing for you for Valentine's Day?" And all day long, I replied, "We aren't celebrating Valentine's Day this year because we have to celebrate 50-cent Boneless Wing Night at Wing Stop." Obviously, this answer didn't satisfy them. They wanted me to get flowers and chocolate and teddy bears. But I don't need any of that. All I wanted was wings!
And wings we had. So, happy Valentine's Day to you. But happy 50-cent Boneless Wing Night to us!!!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 228: And That's What a Husband Does
Yesterday I did my duty as a supportive wife, and I am pleased to say that I am getting my due sooner than I thought I would. Not that it's a contest or anything, but it should be a two-way street as much as possible, right? Although if I truly, truly believe that, then I owe Brandon several times over for this one.
So what did my supportive husband do? Well, a while ago, he agreed to accompany me on a trip to India. We have been thinking and talking about this for a while, and now we are really doing it - for three weeks this summer.
But not only did my supportive husband agree to tag along, he is also helping me plan the trip. Tonight we picked the dates and decided on the basic itinerary. We did those two things together, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much input Brandon gave during those conversations. But then he went even further and, completely on his own, found us a better deal on plane tickets than we had ever imagined we'd get. (They're still expensive, but they won't put us into debt.)
While I went through the India book and excited told him about everything we were going to see, he went to the computer and booked those tickets. I don't know if he stepped up because he sense I was stressed, because he just wanted to get the project over with, or because he is genuinely excited to go on this trip.
Then again, perhaps it's simply because that's what any decent husband would do.
So it's official. Me and my so-much-more-than-decent husband are going to India!!!
So what did my supportive husband do? Well, a while ago, he agreed to accompany me on a trip to India. We have been thinking and talking about this for a while, and now we are really doing it - for three weeks this summer.
But not only did my supportive husband agree to tag along, he is also helping me plan the trip. Tonight we picked the dates and decided on the basic itinerary. We did those two things together, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much input Brandon gave during those conversations. But then he went even further and, completely on his own, found us a better deal on plane tickets than we had ever imagined we'd get. (They're still expensive, but they won't put us into debt.)
While I went through the India book and excited told him about everything we were going to see, he went to the computer and booked those tickets. I don't know if he stepped up because he sense I was stressed, because he just wanted to get the project over with, or because he is genuinely excited to go on this trip.
Then again, perhaps it's simply because that's what any decent husband would do.
So it's official. Me and my so-much-more-than-decent husband are going to India!!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 227: 'Cause That's What a Wife Does
Last night at the Garlic Festival in Delray Beach, Brandon paid special attention to the musical acts scheduled for the main stage. Many were cover bands, mostly of classic rock (which is just Brandon's thing), but the one that caught his eye was the one and only Buddy Guy.
I say that like I know who this is, but I really don't. Although Brandon did get out the guitar encyclopedia that I got him for Christmas to prove to me that Buddy Guy really is somebody. So now I believe him. Still, I can't find it within me to care.
And yet, tonight I found myself back at the Garlic Festival, this time not watching a hot dog eating contest, but instead standing for two hours in a crowd of people in front of the main stage on which Buddy Guy was performing. The music wasn't bad, but it's simply not my kind of music; and I was pretty bored for the majority of those two hours.
But during those same two hours, Brandon was really happy. He enjoyed every minute of it, in fact, singing along and moving to the music. And as much as I wanted to be anywhere else (or at least somewhere closer to the beer tents), it occurred to me that I was just doing what any decent wife would do.
Brandon and I both have many of our own interests, and we both have lives outside of this relationship. But a lot of times, I'd rather be with him doing something I don't particularly enjoy than have to spend time without him. I mean, we already spend the majority of our lives apart.
So I let Brandon have his fun. And as Buddy Guy played on the main stage, I occupied myself thinking of all the ways I could get Brandon to make this up to me. Because, you know, that's just what any decent husband would do!
I say that like I know who this is, but I really don't. Although Brandon did get out the guitar encyclopedia that I got him for Christmas to prove to me that Buddy Guy really is somebody. So now I believe him. Still, I can't find it within me to care.
And yet, tonight I found myself back at the Garlic Festival, this time not watching a hot dog eating contest, but instead standing for two hours in a crowd of people in front of the main stage on which Buddy Guy was performing. The music wasn't bad, but it's simply not my kind of music; and I was pretty bored for the majority of those two hours.
But during those same two hours, Brandon was really happy. He enjoyed every minute of it, in fact, singing along and moving to the music. And as much as I wanted to be anywhere else (or at least somewhere closer to the beer tents), it occurred to me that I was just doing what any decent wife would do.
Brandon and I both have many of our own interests, and we both have lives outside of this relationship. But a lot of times, I'd rather be with him doing something I don't particularly enjoy than have to spend time without him. I mean, we already spend the majority of our lives apart.
So I let Brandon have his fun. And as Buddy Guy played on the main stage, I occupied myself thinking of all the ways I could get Brandon to make this up to me. Because, you know, that's just what any decent husband would do!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 226: Do Not Kiss Me After You Eat That!
On the theme of doing fun more things and allowing ourselves to take a break from work and chores and the day-to-day grind of life as grown-ups, Brandon and I went on a date right after I got home from school today. There is an annual event in Delray Beach called the Garlic Festival, and we thought we'd go see what it's all about. We were not surprised to learn that it's all about garlic!
Well, there is music, art, and beer, as well; but most of the fun revolves around tasting all of the different garlicky foods. They had garlic burgers, garlic pitas, garlic chicken, lamb, pork, and shrimp; they even had garlic ice cream.
So we walked around, we looked at everything, and we made some tough decisions about what we were going to eat (as neither the budget nor the bellies could have handled trying it all). And just as we'd finished our plates of Garlic Greek Sliders and Garlic Curry Chicken Kabob and were contemplating trying the garlic ice cream, we came upon a hot dog eating contest. That's right, just as we'd finished eating.
I encouraged Brandon to go for it anyway. If there's one thing my husband can do, it's eat! They were taking contestants straight from the audience, and the prize was free pizza for a year. How could anyone say no to free hot dogs with the opportunity of free pizza? (Although, come to think of it, I wasn't volunteering!)
Brandon was too full, though; he'd simply put too much garlicky food into his belly, and he was not even a little bit interested in attempting to eat seven hot dogs. (I really think he could have, though.) In the end, we went to wash away our garlic-breath with beer. Then we headed back home, feeling full and happy, and wondering if we ought to swap the goodnight kiss for a goodnight handshake. Just this once.
Well, there is music, art, and beer, as well; but most of the fun revolves around tasting all of the different garlicky foods. They had garlic burgers, garlic pitas, garlic chicken, lamb, pork, and shrimp; they even had garlic ice cream.
So we walked around, we looked at everything, and we made some tough decisions about what we were going to eat (as neither the budget nor the bellies could have handled trying it all). And just as we'd finished our plates of Garlic Greek Sliders and Garlic Curry Chicken Kabob and were contemplating trying the garlic ice cream, we came upon a hot dog eating contest. That's right, just as we'd finished eating.
I encouraged Brandon to go for it anyway. If there's one thing my husband can do, it's eat! They were taking contestants straight from the audience, and the prize was free pizza for a year. How could anyone say no to free hot dogs with the opportunity of free pizza? (Although, come to think of it, I wasn't volunteering!)
Brandon was too full, though; he'd simply put too much garlicky food into his belly, and he was not even a little bit interested in attempting to eat seven hot dogs. (I really think he could have, though.) In the end, we went to wash away our garlic-breath with beer. Then we headed back home, feeling full and happy, and wondering if we ought to swap the goodnight kiss for a goodnight handshake. Just this once.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 221: At Least We Know How To Throw a Good Party!
Unless you live under a rock (and perhaps even if you do), you will know that tonight was the Super Bowl. It was extra special for many reasons: 1) My dad is still here, 2) Brandon was actually off for it this year, and 3) The three of us together know how to host quite the party.
We had about 10 people here, but food and drink enough for 25, and fun for at least 50! Corny? Sure. But it's also the simple truth.
And the fact of the matter is this: Brandon and I both have a lot of good qualities. But at the end of a day like today, all that really matters is that, at the very, very least, we know how to throw a good party!
We had about 10 people here, but food and drink enough for 25, and fun for at least 50! Corny? Sure. But it's also the simple truth.
And the fact of the matter is this: Brandon and I both have a lot of good qualities. But at the end of a day like today, all that really matters is that, at the very, very least, we know how to throw a good party!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 216: My Second-Favorite Guy
Brandon and I have been married for exactly seven months, and that means it has been exactly six months since we've seen our parents. Brandon and I are very happy living here in Florida, but we miss our families a lot. We are both blessed to have parents with whom we have close and meaningful relationships, but it makes being 1600 miles away from them difficult.
We just wish that we could go to the birthday parties and the holidays and the special events or out to dinner on a whim or over for the evening just to talk. We also with they could be here more often to share in some of the things that we do.
Well, today is our lucky day because my dad is arriving here from Chicago any minute now. And my dad just happens to be my second-favorite guy. He and Brandon have always gotten along really well too. And this is fortunate, considering he will be staying with us for the next few days as he attends a conference in Delray Beach. The other three parents are not tagging along, but we're thrilled to just get one of them!
I'm so excited to see him, I can hardly sit still. Six months seems like a long time to go without seeing one's parents, and although the time has gone pretty fast, I really have missed them. Obviously, I love being married to and living with Brandon. We love our life together, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But there is no relationship like that between a daddy and a daughter. And there is no time like now to celebrate that.
Did I just hear the doorbell?
We just wish that we could go to the birthday parties and the holidays and the special events or out to dinner on a whim or over for the evening just to talk. We also with they could be here more often to share in some of the things that we do.
Well, today is our lucky day because my dad is arriving here from Chicago any minute now. And my dad just happens to be my second-favorite guy. He and Brandon have always gotten along really well too. And this is fortunate, considering he will be staying with us for the next few days as he attends a conference in Delray Beach. The other three parents are not tagging along, but we're thrilled to just get one of them!
I'm so excited to see him, I can hardly sit still. Six months seems like a long time to go without seeing one's parents, and although the time has gone pretty fast, I really have missed them. Obviously, I love being married to and living with Brandon. We love our life together, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But there is no relationship like that between a daddy and a daughter. And there is no time like now to celebrate that.
Did I just hear the doorbell?
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