Over the weekend, I celebrated by 30th birthday even though my actual birthday is Friday, February 27.
In addition to the great community of friends we have here in Cleveland, my buds Heather and Mary Kay came from Cincinnati, Alexis DROVE from Boston, and Leanne drove from Chicago.
I feel extremely loved.
I wore a ridiculous and wonderfully large and charge birthday hat (pictures to come), and a had a grrrand time. I also gave everyone a 30 question quiz about the Queen Bee of Thirty (aka Moi), and the grand prize winner won two free movie tickets. The point of the quiz was to have people mingle and get the answers from other people at the party. So, in addition to making new friends, you got to learn more about the birthday girl. What a great idea!
The winner only had one wrong AND it was not Nick, nor my sister. Can you believe it?
Thirty Questions for Lisa’s Thirty Years
(the number after the question denotes how many people should be listed)
1. What is the real date of Lisa’s birthday? February 27
2. In what state was Lisa born and grew up in? New Jersey
3. Find all who attended Xavier University with Lisa? Nick, Books, Mary Kay, Pete
4. Fine all who accompanied Lisa to the Barack Obama rally in November? Nick, Jennifer B., Adam, Christina, Brian
5. Find the person who once came to visit Lisa during Grey’s Anatomy and was left outside until a commercial break: Alexis Melville
6. Other than the United States, what other two countries has Lisa lived in for at least two months? the Philippines and Nicaragua
7. Match the nickname to its originator:
“Babar” --> Carmen Factora
“Leek” --> Francis Factora
“Hammerhead” --> Nick Borchers
“Lisa Ma-*ucking-rie” --> Lisa’s Freshman Year Roommate
8. Choose the ONE statement that is NOT true. (C is the correct answer.)
On June 4, 2005, when she got married, Lisa
a) wore her running shoes all day
b) journaled before she walked down the aisle
c) mildly sprained her left ankle
d) fell asleep after the wedding mass
9. True or False: Lisa was a cheerleader for four years. TRUE
10. Find who went with Lisa to the New Kids on the Block concerts? Carmen
11. Nick and Lisa met: (B is the correct answer.)
a) during MANRESA, freshman orientation week
b) at GETAWAY, a retreat for first year students
c) as RESIDENT ASSISTANTS in Brockman Hall
d) at a Kuhlman Hall/Brockman Hall mixer
12. Choose the ONE that is NOT TRUE. (C is the correct answer.)
Lisa has worked as all but one of the following:
a) a ice-cream server at Honey’s Homemade
b) a caddy at Glenmore Country Club
c) a cashier at Whole Foods
d) a waitress at Chi-Chi’s
e) a sales associate at the Gap
13. True or False: Lisa was born cesarean. TRUE
14. In whose apartment did Lisa watch the Buckeyes demolish the Wolverines in the latest rivalry match? Sam and Laura
15. Write the full name of the person Lisa and Nick call, “The Baker.” TOM BAKER
16. Write the names of Lisa’s unofficial wine advisers.
Mary Kay Koehler & Heather Apple
17. It was primarily because of this person that Lisa and Nick moved to Cleveland.
Carmen
18. True or False: Lisa has three nephews and one niece. TRUE
19. True of False: Lisa is the youngest of four. TRUE
20. What Ohio university was Lisa originally supposed to attend before deciding three weeks before orientation to attend Xavier University? John Carroll University
21. Choose one. (A is the correct answer.)
If Lisa could dominate one sport she would choose:
a) tennis
b) golf
c) speed skating
d) raquetball
22. Lisa has lived in all but one of the following states: (D is the correct answer.)
a) New Jersey
b) California
c) Washington
d) Texas
23. Choose the ONE statement that is NOT true: (B is the correct answer.)
a) Lisa pretended to faint in the fifth grade during gym class.
b) Her favorite color is yellow.
c) In 2000, she met Martin Sheen.
d) In 1995, Patrick Ewing winked and smiled at her in an airport.
e) Lisa despises carrying a purse.
24. Find all of Lisa’s Facebook friends. (This one is stupid to answer now...)
25. Choose the ONE statement that is NOT true. (C is the correct answer.)
a) Lisa has talked her way out of two speeding tickets.
b) She has an extra bone in both her feet.
c) Prior to getting a nose stud, she had an eyebrow ring.
d) Lisa reached 5”2 in 4th grade and has not grown taller since.
26. Choose the pair of sport icons whom Lisa followed religiously growing up:
(A is the correct answer.)
a) Andre Agassi and Kim Zmeskal
b) Michael Jordan and Jennifer Capriotti
c) Shannon Miller and Magic Johnson
d) Stephi Graf and Kristi Yamaguchi
27. At age 11, Lisa seriously considered becoming: (A is the correct answer.)
a) a nun
b) a writer
c) a counselor
d) a lawyer
28. Lisa’s first home fitness instructor was (C is the correct answer.)
a) Billy Blanks from Tae Bo
b) Chenille Johnson from Turbo Jam
c) Jane Fonda from Step it Up
d) Richard Simmons from Sweatin’ to the Oldies
29. Choose the one statement that is NOT on ” Lisa’s Bucket List for 30.” (C is the correct answer.)
a) run a road race
b) get pregnant
c) skydive
d) become a saavy vegan cook
30. Correctly spell her entire name: ANA LISA FERNANDEZ FACTORA-BORCHERS
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Truth
Ugh, I've been the queen of blog neglect and I'm searching for the energy and perspective to write about the most wonderful weekend I've had in Cleveland. My birthday fiesta was on Saturday and I am still recovering this Monday morning.
That should tell you how good it was.
More to come.
That should tell you how good it was.
More to come.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Late Night Out
Spell insomnia.
L-I-S-A.
No caffeine. No uppers. Nothing to keep me awake.
But I can't sleep.
N-I-C-K, on the other hand is snoring louder than our beloved space heater in our bedroom.
Happy Valentine's Day! And instead of getting a nice rest and putting Friday the 13th to bed, I am up, writing, blogging, brainstorming possible article topics because I can't sleep. I think the culprits are the two pieces of Ghirarhdelli chocolate I had five hours ago. For those that don't know, I rarely eat chocolate. (I heart vanilla.) I don't drink caffeine. And so, when I take a moment or two to indulge, my heart goes a little something like, "HEY! WHAT'S THIS? LET'S SEE HOW FAST I CAN PUMP BLOOD AND KEEP HER AWAKE!"
And my mind follows suit with, "HEY! LET'S THINK ABOUT WHAT I WANT TO GET DONE TOMORROW, WHAT I DIDN'T GET TO DO TODAY, WHAT I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY, HOW I WILL GET TO THE POST OFFICE BEFORE NOON, DON'T FORGET TO BUY GOAT CHEESE AT FRESH MARKET."
And I waaaant to sleep, but can't.
Nick and I returned home at - grab the sides of your computer screens - 1:30am.
GET OUT! I'm not lying.
It's like 2001 without college drama.
We met up with Books (aka Matt Thomas), his leading lady Janet, and our two friends Sam and Laura at a wine bar about 20 minutes from our house. It was one of those situations where you have no idea who everyone else is at the table (there were at least 8 other folks all crowded with us) for someone's birthday, but you don't have the capacity/energy/motivation to talk, so you just smile and mooch off their cheese plate.
Well, that's what I did anyway.
Afterward, we got all kick ass crazy and went to Panini's, a bar with 89% John Carroll students and I felt like the only female within 15 miles not wearing a black top (aka typical bar attire). So much opportunity for people watching. Why wish to go back to college days when you have the real thing right in front of you?
"I don't think I have to relive anything from college. I can just walk into the bathroom of any bar and find a drunk, crying, grasping her cell phone 20s something gal who is going through exactly what I went through eight years ago." - my comment to Nick at approximately 12:30am
"Do you remember in college when you saw that it was 12:30am and thought, 'Maybe it's time to head out to Dana's?' and now it's like, 'Get me out of this place. I want to go to bed.'" - Nick's comment to me at 12:31am
Regardless, it was a marvelous time and it was good to show that we're not completely old and gray and still kicking it.
Although, if you need further proof that we have graduated from young sprigs to oaks and cypresses, here is my newest thought:
The biggest evidence that I am old is that when I was out and about in college and decided not to didn't drink, my friends would pat me on the back and say, "Pretty bad hangover, huh?" Now when I go out, someone will glance at my water and say out of the corner of their mouth, "Probably pregnant."
L-I-S-A.
No caffeine. No uppers. Nothing to keep me awake.
But I can't sleep.
N-I-C-K, on the other hand is snoring louder than our beloved space heater in our bedroom.
Happy Valentine's Day! And instead of getting a nice rest and putting Friday the 13th to bed, I am up, writing, blogging, brainstorming possible article topics because I can't sleep. I think the culprits are the two pieces of Ghirarhdelli chocolate I had five hours ago. For those that don't know, I rarely eat chocolate. (I heart vanilla.) I don't drink caffeine. And so, when I take a moment or two to indulge, my heart goes a little something like, "HEY! WHAT'S THIS? LET'S SEE HOW FAST I CAN PUMP BLOOD AND KEEP HER AWAKE!"
And my mind follows suit with, "HEY! LET'S THINK ABOUT WHAT I WANT TO GET DONE TOMORROW, WHAT I DIDN'T GET TO DO TODAY, WHAT I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY, HOW I WILL GET TO THE POST OFFICE BEFORE NOON, DON'T FORGET TO BUY GOAT CHEESE AT FRESH MARKET."
And I waaaant to sleep, but can't.
Nick and I returned home at - grab the sides of your computer screens - 1:30am.
GET OUT! I'm not lying.
It's like 2001 without college drama.
We met up with Books (aka Matt Thomas), his leading lady Janet, and our two friends Sam and Laura at a wine bar about 20 minutes from our house. It was one of those situations where you have no idea who everyone else is at the table (there were at least 8 other folks all crowded with us) for someone's birthday, but you don't have the capacity/energy/motivation to talk, so you just smile and mooch off their cheese plate.
Well, that's what I did anyway.
Afterward, we got all kick ass crazy and went to Panini's, a bar with 89% John Carroll students and I felt like the only female within 15 miles not wearing a black top (aka typical bar attire). So much opportunity for people watching. Why wish to go back to college days when you have the real thing right in front of you?
"I don't think I have to relive anything from college. I can just walk into the bathroom of any bar and find a drunk, crying, grasping her cell phone 20s something gal who is going through exactly what I went through eight years ago." - my comment to Nick at approximately 12:30am
"Do you remember in college when you saw that it was 12:30am and thought, 'Maybe it's time to head out to Dana's?' and now it's like, 'Get me out of this place. I want to go to bed.'" - Nick's comment to me at 12:31am
Regardless, it was a marvelous time and it was good to show that we're not completely old and gray and still kicking it.
Although, if you need further proof that we have graduated from young sprigs to oaks and cypresses, here is my newest thought:
The biggest evidence that I am old is that when I was out and about in college and decided not to didn't drink, my friends would pat me on the back and say, "Pretty bad hangover, huh?" Now when I go out, someone will glance at my water and say out of the corner of their mouth, "Probably pregnant."
Friday the 13th
It's Friday the 13th and I tend to get excited for this stupid day.
There's really no reason for the excitement. It's kind of like when New York City had a huge blackout back in 2003 (?). I am intrigued by how people react to random, rather large scale phenomenons.
It's all the little stories of superstition, full moons, and random fears that attract me. It's fun, funny, and somewhat entertaining to hear what people do or refuse to do on days like today. Personally, I have no superstitions because I'm too scared to believe in them (if that makes any sense), I just like the fun of talking about it. But if someone offers me a black cat, you can be sure I'm more than likely get in my car and drive away from it. Perhaps even consider running over the cat, but am too scared about what might unleash from that act as well.
So, it's safe to say, I like the fun spookiness of it all, similar to Halloween. I just regret I don't get to dress like a bee. (My new costume for Halloween 09.)
(And this is a personal shout out to Pat Ryan, aka Goatee, I hope you have a great and normal day with no complications whatsoever.)
There's really no reason for the excitement. It's kind of like when New York City had a huge blackout back in 2003 (?). I am intrigued by how people react to random, rather large scale phenomenons.
It's all the little stories of superstition, full moons, and random fears that attract me. It's fun, funny, and somewhat entertaining to hear what people do or refuse to do on days like today. Personally, I have no superstitions because I'm too scared to believe in them (if that makes any sense), I just like the fun of talking about it. But if someone offers me a black cat, you can be sure I'm more than likely get in my car and drive away from it. Perhaps even consider running over the cat, but am too scared about what might unleash from that act as well.
So, it's safe to say, I like the fun spookiness of it all, similar to Halloween. I just regret I don't get to dress like a bee. (My new costume for Halloween 09.)
(And this is a personal shout out to Pat Ryan, aka Goatee, I hope you have a great and normal day with no complications whatsoever.)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Blog Features
If you haven't noticed, there are now "labels" to every post I make. If you don't follow blogs or understand why I do that, think of it like a filing system. If I ever want to find a post (or a reader wants to find a post), it'll be filed under one of the labels, which is found on the right of the screen. Small random fact, but I'm trying to organize everything so I have some order.
Also, if you are reading this blog and YOU have a blog, put your blog URL in the comments section so I can put a link up for easy access to your stuff. This means the Wards, Mandy, Laura, and others who have blogolicious lives.
Thanks!
Also, if you are reading this blog and YOU have a blog, put your blog URL in the comments section so I can put a link up for easy access to your stuff. This means the Wards, Mandy, Laura, and others who have blogolicious lives.
Thanks!
A Walk in the Rain
Within moral reason, I would do just about anything to keep the temperature at 61 degrees for the rest of February. I cannot believe the difference it makes to wake up and not have your first thought be, "Damn, it is so cold I do not want to live in Cleveland anymore." This morning I woke up and thought, "Good morning Nick! Good morning world!"
Much nicer.
Over the weekend Nick and I celebrated many things. First, we went to Cincinnati and celebrated Catie Bella's inauguration into Club 30. And Erin Kraft Houston's impending water burst. As of Friday, she was one day overdue. Then, we headed to Russia and celebrated Nick's grandfather's 80th birthday. For pics, see here.
The warm temperature this week are big fat teasers and I wish they could stay. 97% of our house and property has melted and you can see my car's tire tracks in our front lawn. Spring cannot come soon enough.
But we took advantage of the weather and took a nice long walk today. It's been awhile since we did our normal 3 mile early evening walk and it felt like it was taking FOREVER since we haven't done it in several months. As we dodged lake-sized puddles on the sidewalk, we discussed our plans for Valentine's Day. I tried to hide the fact that I get a little more excited about Friday the 13th than Valentine's Day, but we decided that to celebrate our wonderful love and life, we'd do something special. We're not big Hallmark people. Nick nearly goes into a spasm on Sweetest Day and I don't really feel the need to make a big deal out of it. We're loved everyday, I tell people, and I think it's rather DUMB to do cliche things for 1 day out of the 365.25 days out of the year.
But, we decided to do something fun.
Nick announced we would have a theme. (If you haven't noticed, we're big on themes.) The theme for Valentine's Day 2009 is IN LOVE IN CLEVELAND.
That's right! From 12noon to midnight, we will do all the things and spend time in places that we love, think we grow to love, or are falling in love in Cleveland. For me that means rocking independent bookstores and the west side market, unexplored cafes and coffee shops, art galleries and the Tremont area of town where there's a real artistic spirit. It's going to be super cool and super fun.
Forget roses and chocolates, leave poems at the door, but give me an art gallery any day of the week and I'm happy.
So, Nick announced this as we huddled under the umbrella during our evening walk and in my excitement almost slipped on thawed out dog poop on the grass.
And, just on cue, a dog - on a long leash held by a small child - started barking at Nick. I tried to move out of the way because I could sense what was about to happen. The kid didn't make any effort to pull the dog's leash shorter and the stupid animal bit Nick in the ankle. A rare annoyed look passed on his normally calm face (at a CHILD) while he lightly said, "That's alright...." to the kid's apology.
I didn't laugh as I normally would have because I know a rare occurrence when I see one. When Nick is that annoyed, I just shut my trap.
Much nicer.
Over the weekend Nick and I celebrated many things. First, we went to Cincinnati and celebrated Catie Bella's inauguration into Club 30. And Erin Kraft Houston's impending water burst. As of Friday, she was one day overdue. Then, we headed to Russia and celebrated Nick's grandfather's 80th birthday. For pics, see here.
The warm temperature this week are big fat teasers and I wish they could stay. 97% of our house and property has melted and you can see my car's tire tracks in our front lawn. Spring cannot come soon enough.
But we took advantage of the weather and took a nice long walk today. It's been awhile since we did our normal 3 mile early evening walk and it felt like it was taking FOREVER since we haven't done it in several months. As we dodged lake-sized puddles on the sidewalk, we discussed our plans for Valentine's Day. I tried to hide the fact that I get a little more excited about Friday the 13th than Valentine's Day, but we decided that to celebrate our wonderful love and life, we'd do something special. We're not big Hallmark people. Nick nearly goes into a spasm on Sweetest Day and I don't really feel the need to make a big deal out of it. We're loved everyday, I tell people, and I think it's rather DUMB to do cliche things for 1 day out of the 365.25 days out of the year.
But, we decided to do something fun.
Nick announced we would have a theme. (If you haven't noticed, we're big on themes.) The theme for Valentine's Day 2009 is IN LOVE IN CLEVELAND.
That's right! From 12noon to midnight, we will do all the things and spend time in places that we love, think we grow to love, or are falling in love in Cleveland. For me that means rocking independent bookstores and the west side market, unexplored cafes and coffee shops, art galleries and the Tremont area of town where there's a real artistic spirit. It's going to be super cool and super fun.
Forget roses and chocolates, leave poems at the door, but give me an art gallery any day of the week and I'm happy.
So, Nick announced this as we huddled under the umbrella during our evening walk and in my excitement almost slipped on thawed out dog poop on the grass.
And, just on cue, a dog - on a long leash held by a small child - started barking at Nick. I tried to move out of the way because I could sense what was about to happen. The kid didn't make any effort to pull the dog's leash shorter and the stupid animal bit Nick in the ankle. A rare annoyed look passed on his normally calm face (at a CHILD) while he lightly said, "That's alright...." to the kid's apology.
I didn't laugh as I normally would have because I know a rare occurrence when I see one. When Nick is that annoyed, I just shut my trap.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Why Ohio Gets to Keep Us: Reason #2 - The Weather (No Sarcasm)
Our street in mid-November
The temperature swing in early February from a chilly 20-something to a bold 60 degree day leaves nothing on the table.
What do you call that? Insane? Global warming? A mysterious mood swing of God?
I don't know and I don't question it. I just know that it causes me some profound confusion when trying to organize my closet. Furry boots keep out in front, right next to my lavender flip flops in case I need to run errands.
My oldest brother Victor lives out in Los Angeles. It doesn't surprise me that he lives out west. He is a natural outdoorsy kind of guy. Not like granola tree-hugger kind of man, but on any given day, Victor will be out hiking, thinking about how great the weather is while contemplating which bike path is best for his afternoon exercise.
I try and lie to myself that I'm not jealous, but let's get real here, people. I am jealous. I am sordidly jealous! The jealous is so acidic, I swear, it tastes like an orange right after you rinsed with Listerine.
But I'm learning to get over it. After all, what's not to love about my spring allergies? The humidity? The snowblower mandates? Yep - that's Ohio alright.
It's taken me quite a while to swallow my warm weather veins and accept the four seasons. It does, after all, make one quite appreciative of those near perfect days where the sun refuses to set, the green of the trees ruffles in peace, and the spring mornings smell as fresh as the country air in Russia.
So, I am glad that Ohio has the four faces of weather. While the LA sun is year round and the constant outdoor activity makes me chartreuse with envy, there's nothing to compare to the smell of cool autumn days after a dog summer or the long winter walks Nick and I take in the snow and being enveloped in the quiet of our neighborhood.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thought for the Day: Winter Neighbor Edition
There is special place in heaven for those who are generous with their snow blowers.
For the Lord said, "Those that hath much during a 12 inch snow storm, needs to giveth much."
Well, that wasn't really said, but for the three neighbors who all offered their snow blowers on separate occasions, I think there will a warm place in heaven for them.
There is officially no more room to shovel snow on our driveway. The peaks aligning the drive are to tall to put snow on anymore. The snow blower just throws it up in the air with ease.
They go to heaven.
I am happy.
Generosity is good for everyone.
February should be called Share Your Snow Blower Month. And the proceeding month, March, can be Appreciate your Snow Blower Sharing Neighbor Month.
For the Lord said, "Those that hath much during a 12 inch snow storm, needs to giveth much."
Well, that wasn't really said, but for the three neighbors who all offered their snow blowers on separate occasions, I think there will a warm place in heaven for them.
There is officially no more room to shovel snow on our driveway. The peaks aligning the drive are to tall to put snow on anymore. The snow blower just throws it up in the air with ease.
They go to heaven.
I am happy.
Generosity is good for everyone.
February should be called Share Your Snow Blower Month. And the proceeding month, March, can be Appreciate your Snow Blower Sharing Neighbor Month.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Life Unfolding
It is officially my birthday month and I'm happy to say the festivities to kick off my 30th year of existence are already rolling.
I already received a lovely letter from my hubster on February 1st. I'd like to think he did this out of pure freedom, but let's get real here folks. He knows what's coming to him if the first of the month went unacknowledged.
And for those who cannot believe that I take an entire month to celebrate, consider this: there are 52 weeks in the year and 1 day to be happy about yourself just isn't enough time to celebrate. A month seems appropriate. Once March begins, I zip my mouth and you won't hear a peep out of me for a long time.
Nick and I had a really nice weekend. It was one of those weekends you'll likely forget once you move into the week, but it was great nonetheless. What made it so great? Well, here are the reasons:
1) MINIMAL MOVEMENT. We stayed in Cleveland. NO TRAVELS.
2) GREAT COMPANY. Friday night we went to a Happy Hour with a group of 20-30 year olds that belong to the parish. Afterward, the few of us left (hard core partiers like me and Nick who rock till 11:15pm) went to a bar SASA where a friend/colleague of Nick's was playing guitar and singing. It was really great company and it is (finally) starting to feel like we are forming a great community here in Cleveland.
3) INDIE BOOK STORES. Saturday we went to an independent book store, Visible Voice, where I curled up into a chair and lost myself in the biography of poet Audre Lorde and Nick immersed himself in the history section. Our geekhood cannot be challenged.
4) CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT. We saw Gran Torino. We both really liked it a lot. Two thumbs up from Borchers/Factora-Borchers. It swings between being a deep movie about generational and racial differences to hilarious un-PC dialogue by Clint Eastwood. Highly recommended.
5) SPORTS. Sunday provided a nice 4th quarter for the Cards, but not enough to put Ben Worthlessburger -- oops -- Ben Roethlisberger away. Still very entertaining though.
6) CANNOLI. As we were exploring Little Italy, we stopped at Corbo's - a lovely bakery that has freshly made cannoli's - and since parking was a bit of a hassle, I asked Nick to drop me and drive around the block. So we did. I ran in, bought a little slice of heaven and waited in the f-f-frigid cold. The traffic was a bit heavy and my fingers were starting to go numb. When I finally spotted our car, I ran into the road, forcing Nick to stop in the dead of traffic. (Hey, I was frickin' freezing.) As my hands defrosted and the sweet bites melted on my face, I barely heard Nick mutter, "Way to illegally cross the street with a cop right in front of you."
Oh Nick - he's so lawful.
We're heading to Russia this coming weekend for Paul Cordonnier's (Nick's maternal grandfather) 80th birthday.
When Nick and I talked about what it might be like to grow old, Nick responded with, "It's gonna be great! Just talk with your friends. You don't have to give a crap what anything thinks about you...well, I'm kinda like that now, but that's how old people are. You get to be in your own world. Then you go to lunch! HA!"
You talk with your friends. You don't give a crap about what people think AND THEN YOU GO TO LUNCH.
For the umpteenth time, we debated the odds of him going deaf in his old age and while this possibility may scare some people, Nick - who is NOT like most people - says he won't mind a bit. "I'll just nod when you're talking to me and I'll get to just wander around in my own happy world." To which, I debate, the likelihood of Nick being so hearing impaired that he can't hear me is slim to none. This is true for two reasons: 1) I refuse to be married to someone who cannot listen to me when I talk and 2) In 40 years or so, when his hearing starts to fade - don't you think medical technology would have advanced so that all the elderly can hear much better than now?
We have an extremely thrilling ride of life unfolding here.
I already received a lovely letter from my hubster on February 1st. I'd like to think he did this out of pure freedom, but let's get real here folks. He knows what's coming to him if the first of the month went unacknowledged.
And for those who cannot believe that I take an entire month to celebrate, consider this: there are 52 weeks in the year and 1 day to be happy about yourself just isn't enough time to celebrate. A month seems appropriate. Once March begins, I zip my mouth and you won't hear a peep out of me for a long time.
Nick and I had a really nice weekend. It was one of those weekends you'll likely forget once you move into the week, but it was great nonetheless. What made it so great? Well, here are the reasons:
1) MINIMAL MOVEMENT. We stayed in Cleveland. NO TRAVELS.
2) GREAT COMPANY. Friday night we went to a Happy Hour with a group of 20-30 year olds that belong to the parish. Afterward, the few of us left (hard core partiers like me and Nick who rock till 11:15pm) went to a bar SASA where a friend/colleague of Nick's was playing guitar and singing. It was really great company and it is (finally) starting to feel like we are forming a great community here in Cleveland.
3) INDIE BOOK STORES. Saturday we went to an independent book store, Visible Voice, where I curled up into a chair and lost myself in the biography of poet Audre Lorde and Nick immersed himself in the history section. Our geekhood cannot be challenged.
4) CINEMA ENTERTAINMENT. We saw Gran Torino. We both really liked it a lot. Two thumbs up from Borchers/Factora-Borchers. It swings between being a deep movie about generational and racial differences to hilarious un-PC dialogue by Clint Eastwood. Highly recommended.
5) SPORTS. Sunday provided a nice 4th quarter for the Cards, but not enough to put Ben Worthlessburger -- oops -- Ben Roethlisberger away. Still very entertaining though.
6) CANNOLI. As we were exploring Little Italy, we stopped at Corbo's - a lovely bakery that has freshly made cannoli's - and since parking was a bit of a hassle, I asked Nick to drop me and drive around the block. So we did. I ran in, bought a little slice of heaven and waited in the f-f-frigid cold. The traffic was a bit heavy and my fingers were starting to go numb. When I finally spotted our car, I ran into the road, forcing Nick to stop in the dead of traffic. (Hey, I was frickin' freezing.) As my hands defrosted and the sweet bites melted on my face, I barely heard Nick mutter, "Way to illegally cross the street with a cop right in front of you."
Oh Nick - he's so lawful.
We're heading to Russia this coming weekend for Paul Cordonnier's (Nick's maternal grandfather) 80th birthday.
When Nick and I talked about what it might be like to grow old, Nick responded with, "It's gonna be great! Just talk with your friends. You don't have to give a crap what anything thinks about you...well, I'm kinda like that now, but that's how old people are. You get to be in your own world. Then you go to lunch! HA!"
You talk with your friends. You don't give a crap about what people think AND THEN YOU GO TO LUNCH.
For the umpteenth time, we debated the odds of him going deaf in his old age and while this possibility may scare some people, Nick - who is NOT like most people - says he won't mind a bit. "I'll just nod when you're talking to me and I'll get to just wander around in my own happy world." To which, I debate, the likelihood of Nick being so hearing impaired that he can't hear me is slim to none. This is true for two reasons: 1) I refuse to be married to someone who cannot listen to me when I talk and 2) In 40 years or so, when his hearing starts to fade - don't you think medical technology would have advanced so that all the elderly can hear much better than now?
We have an extremely thrilling ride of life unfolding here.
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