{I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life}

I had a good week. There. I said it. Outloud. Man, does it feel good to say! I started the week by being able to cuddle with the boy {which has become a luxury these days}. He even drove me to work and picked me up Tuesday. Spoiled much? {Though I still think it had more to do with the errands he had to run but I'll take his explanation that he wanted to spend as much time with me as possible} Wednesday, the office went out to lunch to treat a co-worker and I for Administrative Professionals Day. I, of course, had NO idea that, that even applied to me. I was very caught off guard. Another amazing lunch I have been spoiled with since starting this job. Wednesday night, I had a shopping/dinner date that I thought went really well. Conversation flowed naturally {which is something I think I'm really bad at...keeping conversation going} It was so nice to laugh and talk about boys. {It really is the little things I miss about having girlfriends} Oh, and the shopping and cheesecake were really good too. She just so happens to be moving closer to me, so I'm hoping there are a lot more dates in store.  Friday, as I drove to work, I realized it was the 27th. Six months. You can only imagine that got my mind reeling about how one of the worst things in my life turned out to be one of the best. I reflected on how different my life was now compared to what it had been. I got to re-visit those thoughts Friday night when I agreed to have a drink with my female sales rep. I'll preface her by saying...have you ever noticed someone and known that you have a lot in common with them but you're not quite sure how to approach them? That's how this was. Little by little, I'd pick up on pieces of her conversation and take note of her actions. So, when she casually threw out "You wanna grab a drink before you leave the city", I took the opportunity. The conversation that ensued was so refreshing. It almost instantly transformed my attitude about life. The similarities in our situations were incredible. I knew almost instantly that I adored her. I can only hope our friendship will continue to grow. Saturday, I woke up inspired. I got right to my chores {which I'm going to be honest, I have been pretty lackadaisical about for the most part} and FINALLY dragged my ass outside for Week 1 Day 1 run. It was nothing to brag about. 1 minute running 1 minute and 1/2 walking for 1/2 hour-ish but it was something. We all know that starting again is the worst part. I just have to power through the first 2 weeks of soreness and I should be good to go. It takes 14 days to build a habit, right? Saturday night, I made the trek to visit my cousin and her boyfriend {Gasp! Yes, I said cousin. As in, actually blood related} They had the idea of heading to Providence for the evening. I didn't realize how close it was to MA. {Insert really really really horrible navigation skills, here} I had an amazing italian dinner followed by crepes that were to die for. Driving back I started reflecting, in the previous 9 months I've experienced CA, NJ, NY, TX and RI. I've touched down in Atlanta and Phoenix. I think that's a pretty good track record for a little girl who had never left Maine. Within the year, I hope to add NC to that list. Never mind hope. I WILL.

{Somewhere In This City, Is A Road I Know}

Pity party is over. I swear. {I even read an article called ' Feel as happy as a pig in Mud' as I wrote tonight}

I woke up this morning and thought to myself,  Enough IS Enough. I have a million and one reasons to be happy. So, I started my morning by downloading a couch to 10K program. Because let's face it. I haven't really run since last July. Do the math on that=not good. I went for a run 3 or so weeks ago and couldn't even make it a mile without feeling like I might collapse. Running has always been hard for me. I hate that {Remember those beautiful children I've already planned for? Well, I'm also planning that they'll get their Daddy's genes} But, running makes me happy and it keeps me fitting comfortably in my clothes. {Let's just say that after....almost 9 months of not working out, the clothes aren't fitting so well.} I'm not gonna lie. I feel foolish doing a couch to 10K program. I mean, I used to run 7 miles for fun. I figured it'd be a sure fire way to build my endurance back up and not overdo it. So, I'll start Day 1 tomorrow. I figure by this fall, I'll be back to my old running ways.  I also organized some strength exercises from this month's Self magazine to incorporate. I have far too much spare time now to NOT be exercising. In addition to the happy hormones and the fact it is almost summer, I also have another reason to get in ridiculously good shape.... I'm participating in a boudoir photo session in July. Eeeek! I've always wanted to do one but I never had a guy in my life that would appreciate an actual photo. {Insert boyfriend who loves photos here} My beautiful and talented friend is trying to expand on her experience and invited me to attend. You should go check her out {www.staciemaddoxphotography.com } 

Switching gears now... I have finally hopped on board the Hunger Games obsession train. Yeah, I know. I'm late. I'm always one or seven steps behind. But seriously. I picked it up in a bookstore a few months ago and read the excerpt on the front cover and thought "eh...I don't wanna read about children dying..."  {Why this is writing in italic, I have no.freaking.idea. I can't seem to remove it. I've tried clicking the button. I've tried ctrl i. I've tried changing the font. Argh. It's driving me cra-aaa-zy} Then,the buzz of the movie started and everyone I knew was talking about it. I was on the outside. I had NO freakin clue what everyone was so excited about. So, I read the first book in about 4 hours while I was in Texas. {In fact, that was the highlight of my Houston trip} I didn't want it to end. I didn't have the second book with me so I started another one I did have hoping that I'd finish before I got home. No such luck. So. For a week, I've stared at book two, knowing that if I picked it up, I'd never finish My Friend Leonard {Which I didn't like as much as A Million Little Pieces, but I will admit, I bawled like a baby at the end...very well written. I don't care if it isn't a completely true story} Last night at 8:30 {which is a 1/2 hour before my usual bed time} in an attempt to divert my thoughts from the deep depression I seemed to have been spiraling into, I picked it up. Needless to say, I couldn't put it down. It took all I had to stop at part 3 around 11 because I knew I'd been in big trouble come 5:30am. {Because I'm an old woman now and I need at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep} The last book came in the mail today. Huge moral dilemma because I know that I'll want to start it immediately BUT I bought it for him. But he's not here to read it...and I could be done with it before he gets home... So, we'll see. The problem is, I feel like I need to drag it out for as long as possible. I can predict Katniss withdrawals once I'm finished. I'm not sure I could handle that. Then I'd be this lonely girl obsessed with a fictional character. That, my friends, is NOT going to make me any new friends. That's for sure. 


And to finish up here is a story from my first few Boston adventures:


On Wednesday a good friend of mine was in town for the Celtic's game. So that meant, I got to be a big city girl and take the T to Fanneuil Hall. Of course, because some girls have all the luck, my train got re-routed and didn't go all the way to Gov't Center.  Not only did I NOT know how to get on another train because the station was swarming with people, I had no idea where I was. So, me and my 4 inch heels partnered up with my Google Map app and found my way. I felt quite proud.  I have some serious wandering to do around this city to get acquainted. On my way back to the Prudential Center, I tried to stick my card into a machine that wasn't working. Two officers standing guard said "ma'am, you'll want to use another machine, that one isn't working. Long day at work?" {Why, yes. Yes, it was a long day at work but for the most part, I'm just an idiot. I don't think I'm that cut out for the city, though I'll reevaluate that in a few months} Upon returning to the Prudential Center, I am painfully walking to the escalator {the heels aren't made for city walking} when I spot a petite black man {no racism meant here. He was approximately 3/4 of my height and probably 1/2 my size} wearing a huge cowboy hat, pants that were too big, shirt tucked in with a ginormous belt buckle and boots walking towards me.  When parallel to me, he turns and says, "hey". Not wanting to be impolite, I say, 'hi'. He holds out a manilla envelope he has in his hand and says "New Edition just signed this. They're staying in the hotel here you know" In my head I'm thinking {Who the F is New Edition?!} I smile and nod. He says, "You are the most beautiful, gorgeous, pretty little thing I've ever laid eyes on". I'm sure I blushed and sputtered 'thank you' all the while thinking, he probably doesn't get out much. To which he responds, "I'm from Alabama, you know. I'm Ricky Henderson's cousin" and then he keeps walking. Who in the F is Ricky Henderson?  


This half regular, half italic crap is really messing with my head. I blame it for the round of hives I just broke out in. Yes, I'm still getting hives. It's rather ridiculous really. I realize I probably should start keeping a journal. One thing is for sure though. Every.Single.Time. I have a beer, I break out in hives. I thought maybe a gluten intolerance? But I eat bread and pasta often enough... I just don't know. My body is medical nightmare it seems, though it could always be worse.


Next up...trip to Maine tomorrow.

{I know that there's no turning back. If we put too much light on this, we'll see through all the cracks}

It is entirely possible that I reached an all time life 'low' this afternoon... After perusing 'YELP' in search of social stuff in my area and having absolutely no luck, I decided I'd look on Craigslist under 'strictly' platonic. I'm not even sure I knew that existed until I saw it, but holy crap, if you ever need or want a laugh, just scroll through a few of those ads. I quickly decided that, I probably don't need to meet people through that avenue. Ey. Yi. Yi.

I did search apartments and found a young professional in Beverly. So, I emailed her. I totally wouldn't blame her if she didn't respond. I felt kinda weird e-mailing but I figured, I really have nothing to lose.

*sigh*

I honestly did not consider how difficult this part would be. I think I was blinded by my new "city" job and my "grown up" living situation. Since, I haven't had an insurance manual to fill my time, I've thought a lot about this, this week. I don't seem to fit into any of the common categories. I'm not married. I don't have children. I'm not in school. I'm not athletic. I'm not dating. I'm through with partying. Where does that leave me exactly? Aside from lonely, I'm not quite sure. I thought about joining a gym but thus far any around here are super expensive. I, also, thought back to my time in previous gyms. I never became friends with anyone outside of the gym. So, that probably wouldn't work. {Besides, I'm disgusting when I work out. That's not exactly a good way to approach someone, all sweaty and such.}  I love my apartment and the location but I wonder if I'd be doing myself a favor if I looked into moving closer to the city this fall? I do know people in the general Boston area...and there's a lot more going on{and as I write this, I can already picture the expression on a certain someone's face} 

This starts a whole downward spiral in my thought processes. It makes me miss being 'married.' No, I don't miss him. I miss the 'safety' of marriage. It didn't matter if you hung out with anyone else, because you always had someone to hang out with. It makes me wish I had a baby. Which also leads me to say that as much as I have always wanted to be a mother, I wish with all my heart that I never would have 'tried'. Had I never tried, I'd only feel the sting of getting older. I wouldn't feel the pain of longing. I wouldn't have to listen to people who already have children or don't want children tell me, 'well you know, people are having babies later on in life now...' Yes, I know you're trying to be nice. You're trying to be supportive. I appreciate that. But it kills me. It kills me just about every time I log into Facebook. It's replete with the most beautiful photos of everyone's children. And if it isn't someone's child, it is someone's sonogram picture. {Please know, I am so ridiculously happy for all of them. I am. But, I can't help but feel like I can no longer relate to their lives. I feel the stigma of divorce even more so. Yes, I'm having a pity party for one tonight. Just let me have it, k? Because the sane part of me knows that none of the above mentioned topics would be 'right', right now} It makes me bitter that I don't have parents to call. There's been a few moments in the last 6 weeks that would make any girl want to call her  mom. I think that's part of what makes all of this so difficult. My friends have always been my 'family'...

Someday. Hopefully real soon. I'll stop mourning the life I thought I'd have by now, and I'll start celebrating the life I do have.

So take a minute just to breathe
And think of everything you wanted
And what you got instead

{Any great truth can -- and eventually will -- be expressed as a cliche}

I should be ecstatic. And I am. But all I seem to do is tear up every 2.5 seconds. I know the majority of the emotion is relief. I finally passed my exam. {It took 2 times out of the gate. I won't get started on how stupid I feel. I don't do failure. Well, I should probably say I never used to. Seems like lately, failure has reared more of itself than I've wanted to admit} Life can resume as normal now. I can excercise. I can clean. I can meet new people. I can cook dinner. I can do all those things I wasn't doing. All I was doing was working and studying. I was literally eating, sleeping, and breathing insurance. It has been a long long long six weeks {okay, I'm 2 days shy, but still...}The rest of the emotion is a combination of a lot of different things. I think I've been on the go so much, that I haven't honestly processed the magnitude of this life change. I changed everything.single.thing. I changed my name. I changed my state. I changed my job. I changed my car. I changed my routine. I changed my entire life. I am no longer anywhere near a comfort zone. Most everything on a day to day basis is a challenge; from navigation to my job duties to learning how to be alone. I have never been alone.  Let me tell you. Being alone is really hard. I know none of this is forever. I know that before too long, I'll look back and wonder why I thought things were so difficult. But in this moment...

My asphalt cowboy left again today. This time for at least 9 days. I feel like all I've done since getting here is say, "Drive safe. I'll miss you." He warned me from Day 1 it would be like this. And I know deep down that when I'm "settled" into a new routine with friends etc, it won't feel as bad{ I should probably pick a new word. It isn't 'bad' but it certainly isn't easy} as it does right now. {I know the majority of you reading this may think I'm crazy or a few other choice words I could think of, but I'm not writing for you, I'm writing for me...so I'm going to err on the side of 'I don't give a damn what you think...'} This man has changed my life. I don't know what the future will bring for him and I but I know that I am a better person because he took a risk with me. {And yes, I have already planned our future...I can't lie. The house is quaint. The dogs are running around in the back yard. I have a fence, though it may not be white or even picket. Our children are beautiful.}  I am not even sure he's aware of the little things he does that make me fall in love with him all over again. {The look in his green eyes, when I catch him staring at me. The way he kisses my shoulder when he wakes up in the middle of the night. The way he reaches for my hand when we're driving in the car. The way he holds me when we fall asleep. The way asks if there's anything he can do for me when I'm stressed out. The way he bites his nails when he knows there's nothing he can do to ease my stress. The way he listens to me. The way he remembers things. and I mean everything. The way he laughs. The fact that I can make him laugh. The fact I'm his first call in the morning and last call at night (at least I think I am, ha). The way he looks at me like I am the only girl who exists in the whole world. The way he was waiting for me when I got out of my exam, even though I told him I would only see him if I passed the exam, because I didn't want our last memory before he left to be me completely freaking out. The way he believes in me and in us. I know I could go on and on...} I am not even sure my heart is big enough for everything I feel for him. It literally feels like it will burst out of my chest when I look at him sometimes. I feel things that in almost 29 years, I have never felt before.  Sometimes, I wonder if it is the"this is so right" feeling, or if I've gone completely over the deep end? Sometimes, I feel so cliche, it almost nauseates me. Everytime that happens, I wonder how people settle for less than this. I wonder how I settled for less than this. Then there's fear. That is something new for me. I am so used of loving and losing that it is almost second nature. I don't mean just boyfriends or the husband I had. I mean in life. Parents. Friends. I am a pro at losing people. Until I met him. He's the first person I've felt like I can't lose. That.Scares.The.Hell.Outta.Me. I feel like I've gotten to where I am in life {yes, I know. I took several wrong turns along the way} because of my ability to not truly need anyone. I thought I learned how to survive "on my own".{ I know what you're thinking...of course you'd survive. Of course you'd be fine without him if it ever got to that point. While realistically, yes, I would eventually be okay...the point is, this is the first time I've felt like there is a part of me that wouldn't be okay. I'm afraid that, that's not healthy...}  If you can follow my scattered thoughts, it leads me to the point that as much as I love him, he's not the reason I'm in Massachussetts. I think with the exception of a handful of people, everyone assumed 'silly girl, gave up everything for a boy...' I didn't. Even though a part of me wanted to. He wouldn't let me. Which is just another reason he is amazing. He told me I couldn't do it for him and that I had to do it for myself. It was a tough line to take. But as I sit here tonight, looking around MY apartment, knowing I passed the exam that will undoubtedly open up doors in the future, thinking about the opportunities that will present themselves, I know I made the right decision. Sometimes the right decision is the most difficult decision you'll have to make in your life. {Another cliche moment, right}

The end of one chapter and the beginning of the next...

This blog post is brought to you by: An impromptu day off due to a blown transformer that knocked the power out for the  majority of Back Bay....

Phew! I have a lot to catch up on. Let's see...

First, my last 3 days at Unum. I couldn't have had better co-workers and friends. Seriously. I was spoiled rotten. That Monday, my friends threw me a happy hour. I was pleasantly surprised to see some faces I hadn't seen in a while. It's always funny to bring people from different areas of your life together...but things seemed to go quite smoothly. {{Insert fact: the boy came up for the week to partake in festivities. Bonus!}} That Tuesday, my department threw me a happy hour @ Jimmy the Greeks. I was overwhelmed by the attendance. The majority of my team showed up, even those who work from home. I was astonished, really. All I could think of was the first few months I started in that position and wondering how I would ever fit in... I sure had come a long way... Wednesday, my area arranged a brunch for me. Ridiculous amounts of deliciousness. I had cards and gifts on my desk. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. This was really happening. My Unum career was really coming to an end. My boss was wonderful enough to give me a 1/2 day {{Thankfully because I had no idea how much packing I still had before I could leave for MA}} and I made my way down the aisles to say goodbye. I'd like to say some were easier than others, but they weren't...It was far more difficult than I thought it would be. I cried on the way out of the parking lot. Thank you Unum for almost 5 1/2 wonderful years. I have so many wonderful memories to take with me. Most importantly, I gained some incredible friendships.

I'll skip the details about moving. It was a long couple of hours of packing the car and truck, cleaning, and figuring out what in the heck I was going to do with my mattress and boxspring. Luckily for me, the boy was incredible through it all. He made things so much easier on me.

Thursday, I hit up the RMV. Yes, RMV. No more DMV. Gawd damn you MA. Not only did you take $100, but you took my pretty Maine license. {{If you know me, you know I pretty much despise every single picture ever taken of me. I loved my license picture. loved.}} Then, I commenced to freak out that I was traveling and didn't have a picture id other than my passport {{Who know your passport is as good as gold anywhere?!}} We then packed up our stuff and headed North in the Scoob-a-ru {{C's affectionate name). In the worst snow storm to date. Now, I was in the hands of the best driver, I've ever single handedly experienced, but I was a nervous wreck. I may or may not have had wine in a coffee mug. {{Okay, I totally did...}} The concert was fantastic. I would see Brantley & Eric again, in a heart beat. I have also found, it really helps the fun factor to be surrounded by fun people who enjoy country music.

Friday morning, we headed South toward New Jersey. The road trip itself was fairly uneventful in a good way. I did see my first ever truck stop. {{Well, other than Dysarts...I suppose}} I found that the state of CT is quite boring. Most importantly, we found out that we could spend nearly 8 hours in a car together, carry on a conversation, laugh, kiss, sing and take pictures and in the end, we still weren't sick of each other. I thought that was pretty awesome. We made our way on the Jersey Turnpike {{which isn't much to brag about ha}} and I started thinking I might have made a major mistake with our hotel location. The part of the city we were traveling through was straight up ghetto. We were a bit aprehensive. We found our way to the nice part of Jersey City and were very much relieved. Let me tell you how 'out of place' I felt when I walked into the Westin lobby.... What a gorgeous, gorgeous hotel. After valet parking, we made our way to the 23rd floor {{yes, that was top floor}}. The room/view was absolutely amazing. We had plans to meet his cousin and her husband later, so we relaxed for a bit before we set out to take on NYC.

Our view of the city

Pre-Dinner

 

 

 

We ventured to the train station to make our way to NYC. We not only had NO idea what we were doing, we didn't know where we were going either... Needless to say, we laughed quite a bit. We finally figured out the metrocard and he agreed to let me ask someone where we should be going and we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of rainy NYC. Enter bicycle taxi...It was the first thing he saw and he wanted me to have a unique NY experience, ha. A bicycle taxi...for those of you who have never been in one...is much like an enclosed baby stroller. We were zipped in and there was a blanket just chillin on the bench. Because of the rain, all we could really see were flashes of light. We could have been taken out at pretty much any point. I was amazed that this guy was pulling 300+lbs in the pouring rain.

Hollywood was on the phone...of course ;)

We met up with his cousin and her friend at Joshua Tree. I was pretty much in awe the whole time. I couldn't believe I was actually standing in a bar in NYC. This isn't my life, is it?! From there, we went to 230 FIFTH. Now, let me tell you. I felt like a straight up VIP in this place. It was a ridiculously cool experience. They have a rooftop bar that you wear snuggies on that looks directly at the Empire State Building. It was windy and rainy, so we didn't stay up there too long but man, it was surprising how many people were  actually up there.

 I can't seem to get rid of the crazy eyes but love the background

We ventured inside for the rest of the night and had an absolute blast. We made a dance floor where there wasn't one. We drank and danced like rock stars. {{Sidenote: It is amazing how different people are in NYC than in Portland ME.... we tried like hell to get people to dance with us and people REFUSED. Seriously. I was shocked. But, I did dance with a marine...who had nothing on my cowboy}} From there, we got pizza. Now, I've heard a thing or two about pizza in NYC. Oh.Em.Gee. Seriously the best pizza I might have EVER had.  Lauren said it was because I was drunk, but I don't think that was it....ha. At sometime around 3 we made it back to our hotel....

We spent the following day with his cousin and her husband. They were such gracious and wonderful hosts. I definitely enjoyed our time together. The Nuclear Cowboyz performance was quite impressive. It was my first experience seeing a show like that.

I tried to add the video I took, but it wouldn't let me. Humph!

 My favorite part? Watching him... It is pretty fulfilling watching someone you love, watch something they love.

We headed home the next day. I needed a 'first day of work' outfit {{yes, much like the first day of school...}} so we stopped at the Burlington Mall. Holy Eff. Sensory overload. Despite being in jammies{{yes, I freaked out about this the majority of the time. I really don't like going out in public like that...}}, I had a really great time walking around, looking at the different stores. I even bought my first business suit. {{The boy makes an excellent shopping companion. He even picked out shoes for me}}

Needless to say, I left myself NO time to prepare for Day 1....

More on the apartment and job at a later date...

Dear Board, please approve PBI because....

I am now the proud owner of:

{When I asked him what we would do with 2 Keurigs? He said we could put one in the garage}

Now, I can make Momma Foster's pulled pork---AND---it's PROGRAMMABLE! Yesss!

I can boil water now, if necessary

Knives! Yay!

I also purchased {In no particular order...}: 2 wine glasses, a set of glasses, 2 coffee mugs, black dish towels, a new set of sheets, a cutting board, a can opener and cleaning supplies.

Next weekend when I'm not so awstruck about having my own place, I'm going to take further inventory of what else I need. IE: What color the bathroom walls actually  are, because I need towels and bathroom accessories.

THEN. It's new clothes time. Yah. This girl needs to start her 'city' wardrobe.

I am getting more and more excited as each day passes. Every so often it occurs to me that I'm going to be 3.7 miles away from him. Not 95 miles {The distance is up for debate. My GPS says 76. He says 80 and change} Less than 10 minutes. Not less than 2 hours. How ridiculously awesome, is that going to be?! Today, I was driving aimlessly{I thought I knew where I was going, but it turns out, I didn't so I ended up in the middle of a sunday drive} and I saw a handful of couples taking advantage of the beautiful weather by strolling hand and hand down the road. I thought to myself 'ohmygoodness! I'm going to be able to do that soon!'. It doesn't seem like it was 5 whole months ago that I wondered how well I'd handle a long distance relationship. Can't wait to see what month 6 holds for us. It can only get better <3

Which leads me to proclaim how excited I am for March. Yes, I said excited. {Mmmhmm, the girl who hates March} On the calendar for March 1st-March 5th:  Moving into my OWN place, Eric Church & Brantley Gilbert with some fantastic people, a road trip to New Jersey, a night in NYC, my first motocross experience, {Yes, I learned it is motocross and not motorcross} and last but not least, starting my new job. That is a lot of fun to squeeze into 1 week. Watch for photos, coming to a FB page near you...

Tomorrow signals the beginning of the end of my Unum career.

She said 'I think I'll go to Boston...' Part 4

I find it amazing that the easiest part of this journey has been getting the job offer. Shouldn't that have been the hard part?{ I can't tell you the number of people who have told me I am lucky to get a job in this economy. I hadn't really considered that. In fact, I haven't properly celebrated getting this job....} Instead, everything else has been a process. Not only has my background check NOT processed through {even though she said Friday would be the earliest...I'm not the most patient of people and do you know how difficult it is to go and look at places and talk with people when you absolutely no idea when you start date is? Sure. I'll agree to live here? } but the showings proved to be difficult, too. Come to think of it....In the last, 7 years, I've only looked at one place. So, that could very well be apart of my issue. I looked at 3 places yesterday. The first one went like this: 22 year old girl greets me in underwear (okay, so maybe they were shorts but they were so small, they could have passed for boy cut underwear) and a tank top. Do I need to say anymore? The second one can best be described as a speed date. I wish I could take credit for that term, but she coined it. It was a perfect analogy. Well, not that I've speed-dated before, but if I did, I'd imagine it would go a lot like this did: "What are you pet peeves"--"What annoying habits to you have?"--Place was gorgeous. Owner was sweet. Not the most 'comfortable' fit, but probably could make it work. The third place can best be described as "future hoarder". I mean that nicely. The couple was very nice and explained that her boyfriend had just moved in (after 4 months...trust me, I am not one to judge but....) and she didn't quite know what to do with the 'stuff'. The 4th roommate stays to herself, they think it's a culture thing. It just didn't sit right with me. I realized that I was so overwhelmed with looking at ads, that I was bound to just pick a place to be done with it. The smart part of me told me that this wasn't the situation to do that in. I needed to find a place where I'd be comfortable, where I could invite people over, and where I could unwind after work for starters. So back to the drawing board, I went. Then I found this: Insert Basement Apartment here. I decided to email the link to the boy who immediately replied, "call that one." Call? Whattyamean? I had already emailed them back.... Oh wait! Re-read the ad, and wouldn't you know that I completely overlooked the phone number. My attention to detail is clearly on a hiatus. I'm seriously slacking. I call. She calls back a few hours later. Not only does she try and talk me out of it because it's not 'close' to Boston, but she tells me it may not be available in 2 days (as I'm planning on taking Wednesday off to schedule viewings). >>Insert exasperated sigh here <<  I casually mention that I'm dating someone in a nearby town and that I'm not a 'stay out all night and party' girl but more of a 'glass of wine and read a book' girl. She laughs. She says, " well, you can send your boyfriend over to look at it if you want." Uhm really? I can't quite wrap my head around that as I would assume as a landlord, you'd want to meet the person that will be renting from you, not their significant other but hey... I really need a place to live and I like this place....so I call my sweet and deathly ill boyfriend and explain the situation. He sets an appointment with her. Now, I'm not sure if I've mentioned before how ridiculously good my boyfriend is at reading people. He is likely the best judge of character, I've ever known in my life. Less than 5 minutes on the phone and he had already pegged her. He's that good. And in probably less than 5 minutes, he's sweet-talked this lady into renting to me. Voila. Little girl from Maine going to the big city finally has a place of her own. I'm afraid I'm going to love it so much that I won't want to move in with him. I am so ridiculously happy to be done perusing craigslist. Also, ridiculously lucky to have such a supportive man in my life.

That's a great segway {spell check does not like this word...it is a word isn't it?} to discuss Valentine's Day, right? I can make you all nauseous by telling you that every day feels like Valentine's Day with him? I've made plenty of jokes that I want chocolate covered strawberries, perfume, and a card. But honestly, I don't need or want anything different than what I already have.  I would agree that Valentine's Day has been a 'hallmark' holiday for a while now. Now me, I love cards. So, any holiday that involves cards is right up my alley. I also love, love. You'd think I'd be incredibly jaded, but I'm not. {Hence my tears during The Vow} But, I don't need a designated day to feel loved as he makes me feel loved and special every.single.day. {Sorry, babe, I'm pretty sure I just stole your line...} It also didn't stop me from getting him a card and a little "something" for our first Valentine's Day. I am scrapbooking our first year, after all:)

Now, c'mon Prudential, send me an email to confirm my offer is final...