I'm A Believer Once Again

I'm well past the days of believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny. (I may also be responsible for the non-belief of all of the above for my brother, because as the older/wiser sibling I figured it out first.) Mom, dad, nice try.

Werewolves, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, Big Foot, UFOs. Never crossed my mind that their existence was even a possibility.

I've given up on Fate. That what is meant to be, will be if you just let things run their course.

Screw that.

I like to be in control. And when I can't be in control, I want to know someone else is up to bat for me. That there is someone on my side, hoping that I don't strike out in the game of love (or life for that matter). Enter, Cupid. You may have heard of him? Greek god, resides on Mt. Olympus, throws a mean bow and arrow? (The TV Cupid even does a great cover of the Beatles' All You Need is Love.)

Love at first sight doesn't exist? "Poppycock, that is mortal talk." This guy takes love by the horns. I can definitely get behind that.

Any fellow believers? Or do you all think I should lock this belief up along with the puppy I never got for Christmas?

Love At First... DNA Test?

Most of us aren't lucky enough to meet the love of our life in high school, stay with them through college, get married after graduation and pop out a few little ones. While I wish it was that easy, it's just not realistic anymore.

Women are more focused on their careers, getting married later in life. Men aren't ready to "settle down" in their early 20s, they want to spread their seeds for awhile first. Inevitably, a large majority wind up in the dating scene. I've done it myself and it's no walk in the park. It's easier to date people you know for awhile first, are more comfortable around and build a bond with over time. But how often does that really happen? Those aren't odds I'm willing to bet on.

This is where the internet has come into play. Making it easier to find people who are looking for that special someone just like you. Although, a first date with someone you've only seen a picture of is a little intimidating. Yet millions of people are doing it. From match.com to eHarmony couples are hooking up like bunny rabbits. Why? Everyone wants somebody to love and quite a few aren't willing to leave it up to fate. And recently, some are going as far as letting a DNA test figure it all out for them.

Yes, people around the country are getting their blood drawn to find love. Dating sites? They're old hat. The traditional first date leading up to marriage? Why bother? Love is in your genes, or rather your immune system according to ScientficMatch.com. Not only are you guaranteed not to marry your 3rd cousin, but ladies - according to the site "women tend to enjoy a higher rate of orgasms with their partner". Sign me up!

One study they did involved sweaty t-shirts. Guys were asked to wear the same shirt to bed every day for a week without washing it. Women in the study had to take a whiff of each shirt and rate how much they liked the smell. The results? The higher the woman rated the scent, the closer the match between her immune system DNA and that of the man who wore said shirt.

Seriously? Yes, seriously. I can't make this stuff up.

I've always been a believer in the "to each their own" philosophy. You've known him two weeks and you're running away together to Vegas?! Congratulations, I hope you're still married in 5 years. Having an arranged marriage to a man you've never met? Have fun, I hope he doesn't leave the toilet seat up. But this? Having SCIENCE decide who you would be most compatible with? I don't know if I'm buying it.

However, "you have a greater chance of a more satisfying sex life" they say. Can you put that in writing?

A Lot To Love*

Saw this first on She Likes Purple awhile ago and finally got around to doing it myself! (Surprisingly, this is the cut-down version!)

I love laughing, the uncontrollable kind that leaves you trying to catch your breath and in tears at the same time. I love getting chills when lyrics to a song touch my heart. I love how my hair blows and the wind feels on my face when I open the sunroof. I love blaring music and singing along as I drive. I love catching all the green lights. I love road trips. I love visiting someplace new and doing all the touristy things.

I love how it feels sinking in to a bubble bath. I love wrapping up in a warm robe afterwards. I love relaxing in front of a bonfire and the smell that permeates your clothes for hours. I love getting my hair shampooed at the salon. I love freshly painted fingernails. I love pink roses and sunflowers. I love the colors pink, green and brown. I love chick flicks and chick lit. I love hitting the snooze button.

I love leaving the house confident in how I look. I love how that confidence puts an extra bounce in my step and a smile on my face. I love the smell of a new magazine and using those subscription cards as bookmarks. I love tiny baby clothes. I love seeing a man hold a newborn. I love hearing a baby laugh. I love floppy puppy ears.

I love cheesecake. I love coming across the cheesiest potato chip in the bag. I love a peanut butter and fluff sandwich. I love the accomplishment of successfully making a new dish. I love fried pickles. I love trying exotic foods even though most of the time I know I'll hate them. I love gelatis from Rita's Italian Ice. I love cereal for dinner. I love dipping my oreos in milk. I love mixing jello and cool whip together.

I love how I have a connection to anyone at the push of a cell phone button or mouse click. I love hearing the sound of my phone alerting me to a new voicemail or text. I love checking my mailbox after work. I love hand written notes and letters. I love cards for special occasions or for no occasion at all.

I love the way I sign the M in my first name. I love brightly colored outwear, especially my green peacoat. I love wearing heels. I love the way "come fuck me" boots make me feel powerful. I love eyeliner and I don't know how I ever got by without it. I love sparkling rings and dangling earrings. I love to read. I love a challenge. I love word games. I love my daily dose of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. I love learning something new.

I love browsing typography websites. I love downloading fonts I know I'll never use, but are too cool to pass up. I love looking at billboards. I love seeing my design work in print. I love art exhibits. I love amazing photographs and taking photographs of my own. I love blogging. I love palm trees. I love when the weather is sunny enough to wear sunglasses and warm enough to wear flip flops. I love digging my toes in the sand.

I love trying on clothes in the dressing room, sneaking in with an item count way over the limit. I love catching a clearance sale at my favorite store not knowing about it beforehand. I love grocery shopping, especially when I have time to write a detailed list and cross things off as I get them.

I love reality TV even though it rots my brain. I love DVRing shows I know I'll never get around to. I love catching marathons of a favorite show on the weekend. I love witty one-liners, plot twists and to-be-continueds. I love riding. I love taking a walk, no destination or plan. I love listening to live music. I love hearing a new band or artist for the first time and falling head over feet.

I love surprises. I love snuggling. I love how my naked skin feels on warm, freshly washed sheets. I love making memories. I love how a passionate kiss makes my toes curl. I love bear hugs, the lifting you off your feet kind. I love hearing the words "I miss(ed) you".

I LOVE love.


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*I challenge you to make your own list or leave a love of yours in the comments. The only catch? You can't include a single person you know on your list. No "I love the way my husband laughs" or "I love hearing my little girl call for me." It'll be tough, I know. But this particular little exercise is about stripping away everyone who defines you and figuring out what you (not his partner; not their mother/daughter/sister/friend) love.

THE Ring

Of course I said "yes"


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He stole my heart for a quarter*. (And my favorite color is green)

Sorry guys, I couldn't save it until April Fools :)




*Only second to homemade chocolate covered strawberries, this might be the sweetest thing ever.

Valentine's Day - In Pictures

We decided to DIY this year:
Candlelight steak dinner prepared by him.
Baked mac and cheese side dish prepared by me.
Homemade chocolate covered strawberries prepared by him - SO IMPRESSED!
Some of his favorite cookies prepared by me.

And a few other special surprises for each other.

In one word: wonderful.

My Faith Is Restored

"You're beautiful."
Two words have never sounded more lovely.

And this...




A Chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a heart-shaped mark in his fur. (Appropriately named Heart-kun)


If that doesn't restore your faith in love, I don't know what will.






And if you haven't participated in Never Have I Ever yet, get to it! ;)

I Never Wanted Nothin' More

One year ago today I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my date. He was nearly a 1/2 hour late (he called saying he would be - so I gave him a little credit), but luckily he was worth the wait. In the weeks prior we had text messaged each other, flirted in the office, the whole nine yards. He had even asked me before to hang out, not in those exact words but more along the lines of "So, what are your plans tonight?". I knew where he was going with the question, but I was afraid of getting involved with my boss. I don't know what it was about that Wednesday but when he asked that same question I responded with "I'm not sure, what are you doing?" That answer gave him the courage to suggest getting together for drinks and a movie.



We had a great time. Conversation flowed really easily at Adobe Gilas. We had a few drinks, ate chips & salsa, and talked about work, how much we hated our boss, and the fact that I recently conquered Tiger Woods on the golf course on XBox (although he didn't believe me). The chemistry was pretty obvious. His smile told me he felt the same way. A little while later we ended up at the theater watching Gridiron Gang. Not the best movie in the world, but great for a first date because it contained several bust out laughing scenes. Eased the nerves.



We had parked in different lots, my car being closer, so I drove him to his car. I could feel the butterflies flying rapidly in my stomach. There was no first kiss, but we had hit it off. I liked him - A LOT. We followed our first date with a group date a few days later (dinner at Champps and bowling with our friends Roger & Krista). That night we shared a wonderful kiss in the parking lot of Champps when he walked me to my car. The butterflies were back. He put his arms around me and we stood there for what seemed like hours. I didn't want to let go.



We've had so many great times together. Visiting the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Conservatory, the infamous Halloween party, Thanksgiving & Christmas spent with each other's families, nights out on the town, work parties, St. Patrick's day in Cleveland, going to see Wicked for my birthday, the Great Big Sea & Ricky Skaggs concerts, the Lorain County fair this summer, and so much more.



Clancy, I can't wait to spend more of my life with you. Each day we grow closer and even more in love. There are moments I wish I could stop time and be with you in that moment forever. Your arms around me, your hand gently brushing the hair from my face, kissing my forehead and telling me you love me. To quote Kenny Chesney, "I never wanted nothing more."

I love you. Happy one year.

What I Like About You - You Keep Me Warm At Night

Why I'm convinced I am dating the best man on the planet:

• He hates sports even more than I do.
  
  You're wondering how this is possible I'm sure. I know, it defies the laws of physics. A man that hates sports - are you sure he's a man at all you ask? Yes - TRUST ME - he's one hell of a man. And you may wonder if two people who hate OSU can even live in the same zip code. I know it doesn't seem logical, but yes it happens even here in Buckeye Country.
  
  
• We've had the same 6 pack of beer in our fridge for weeks and only 2 are missing.
  
  He's not your typical beer chugging, can crushing frat boy and god do I love that. We have fun in our own ways, why drink beer? And when we do drink, we don't mess around - where's the vodka?
  
  
• He doesn't think guys should have "girl" friends.
  
  Um, hello? Did this come out of a man's mouth? I am so glad that I know the guy who admitted that platonic male/female relationships are hard to come by unless one or both people are related, married, or have known each other since before they thought about sex (and even then it's still iffy). Secretly I'm just glad he doesn't hang around unnecessary ginormous jugs.
  
  
• He's Tim the Toolman Taylor & Lance Armstrong rolled into one.
  
  This boy rides and is passionate about it. Hearing him talk about what it was like to ride at night was like hearing him talk about the best orgasm he's ever experienced (not that we've talked about that - hmm I hope it was with me). He doesn't just ride, but knows bikes inside and out. It's so great to see him working on bikes and knowing how happy it makes him warms my insides. Now as for the Toolman part, he's a regular Mr. Fix-it. Show him once how something works and he'll remember it for the rest of his life. He's fixed so many things around the house like second-nature and I look at him in amazement saying "Babe, how in the hell did you know how to do that?" His response is always, "Oh, this is actually my first time attempting to (change a light fixture/rewire electricity/fix a screen door/change a faucet/put in cabinets) but I saw my dad do it when I was younger and I remember how." He is a god.
  
  
• He knows what an iron is and knows how to use it.
  
  Seriously, this guy can iron with the best of 'em. Sometimes I even pass off my ironing because he's so good at it. But really, I'm just glad to be dating someone who doesn't mind sharing the daily chore list. Sometimes we slack, but neither one of us are afraid to wash a dish or get out the vacuum.
  
  
• He gets more questions right than me on Jeopardy.
  
  I swear he is a Mr. Know-it-all. Where all those sports stats would normally be stored in a man's brain, he has stored the most RANDOM things you can imagine. He even used this extra knowledge to score some points with me early on in our relationship. "This man knows art!?! Are you kidding me? Can I have his babies?" His genius is a running joke between us, me usually being the butt of the joke. "Oh, remember that one time you were right?" And I'm never right about anything important - no, the last time it was Blockbuster's Late Fee Policy. And I graduated with honors from college people, I'm no dumbass.
  
  
• Behind all that alpha-male lies a sweetheart deep down inside.
  
  You may wonder why I started writing this as the topic of my blog today. Well, I was looking for something in the night table beside the bed when I got home from work(I'm leaving out the name of the object to save myself some embarrassment - but for those of you who I know can relate, all I will say is it takes 2 AA's). In the back of the drawer I came across the movie ticket stub from our first date. How freaking adorable? It warmed my heart to know that he kept that after this long. Lately, I've been worried about his feelings for me. When you've been dating someone for awhile things just aren't the same as that initial lusting for each other. Me, being the most insecure person in the world, takes it to mean "Oh my god he must not love me anymore." But then he'll do something like he did the other night in bed that makes all my fears disappear. I laid my arm across his chest to snuggle closer to him and he gently picked up my hand and kissed my wrist ever so softly as if to say "Good night, love of my life."

I can only smile as I write this knowing that soon I can put my arms around him again and kiss his sweet lips.