Monthly Archives: August 2008

Nory's Bookshelf

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I don’t know if it’s because I’m dating a man who reads something other than the sports section, that Darling and I have turned our conversations into more serious talks (all good things, of course) or what it is but I’m reading many books at the same time:

  • Twilight. I got sucked in and I’m glad for it. A friend confessed to me in a whisper a few weeks ago that she was reading the “Twilight series.” Due to her hushed tones I thought perhaps they were those bodice-ripping type novels, but no, it’s a vampire series book, which I’m sure many of you have heard of. I’m only 150 pages into the first book but I’m most definitely hooked. Bonus: TDH thinks it’s awesome I’m reading a vampire series. He loves them.
  • A Farewell to Arms. It’s Hemingway. It’s classic. It’s not a hard read so long as you aren’t overanalyzing the symbolism to death like we had to in high school. And even though I’m not actively analyzing it I can see the meaning behind the words.
  • Gentleman & Players. Ok, well, I haven’t started it yet, but it’s on my bookshelf begging to be read.
  • International Business: A Manager’s Perpsective. Yes, this my book for grad school. So far, so good. Intriguing without being boring. Informative yet not fluffy, cheesy writing like some books try to do.

What’s next for Nory’s Bookshelf?

  • Certain Girls (the new Jennifer Weiner). I love her books. It’s not deep, but she makes some good points.
  • The Blind Assassin. Saw the book at Borders on Saturday and decided I should read it.
  • The rest of the Twilight Series.
  • Midwives.
  • The Kite Runner. I think I’m the only person who hasn’t read it.
  • Some sort of book about the Mafia. I saw a bunch of them the other night and I just feel like reading one.

I’m open to book recommendations so if you have one, please share! What’s your favorite book of all time?

Sigh of Relief

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There are only six units in my building. Of those six, I have met three people already, two who introduced themselves to me. All three of them are men which makes me feel safer and one (who I believe lives across the hall from me?) has a black lab about Jack’s size so another sigh for not being the only person with a bigger dog in the place.

I have not heard any yelling, screaming, loud sexual noises, booming music, nor have I smelled pot or other odd substances in the stairwell. It also seems that most of them are not around on the weekend which is kind of nice so that if I happen to have louder music no one should mind!

Insert HUGE. SIGH. of. RELIEF.

Livin La Vida Solo

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Three days later and the move is finally complete. Friday brought several interesting revelations… while old apartment buildings are charming and unique, their staircases aren’t forgiving. My fabulous red couch which is very bold and similar to something you’d see on FRIENDS is at my old place as it does not and will not fit in the stairwell (front or back). My box spring mattress faced the same sentence and is now lying by the dumpster.

So what’s a girl to do? Well, I took my brother and TDH out to dinner Friday night for their assistance in helping me move, enjoyed half a pitcher of beer and declared I would buy furniture that is easily put together.

And so I did. I am now the proud owner of a futon, wood frame, red cover (of course, I love my red furniture and matching accessories), a very neat Japanese bed frame which TDH is putting together tomorrow and a matching dresser which I am going to attempt to put together myself today.

The bathroom and kitchen are mostly put together, the living room is 90% of the way there. I still need to pick up the dining room table from my parents place, hang my artwork, my curtains and source an a/c window unit for the sun room as it’s the only place in my apartment that is not connected to the central air & heat. My closet is a mess and I have lots of trash to throw away but it’s slowly starting to feel like it will be my new home.

Jack has been at my parents for a few days so I’m going to pick him up today and bring him back to our new casa. I hope he likes it.

I have managed to take care of setting up my internet, stereo and other technical aspects of the apartment on my own. I borrowed ManMate’s hammer and will hang my art and curtains today. And then I will enjoy my first meal in my very own apartment this evening.

I have trepidations still about being alone mostly because for the last 48 hours my brother, KH or TDH has been with me, and I as I type this I’m all by myself. Just me. The t.v. in the background. It will take some getting used to, but I’ll do it. I always do.

The Crazy Box Lady

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I picked up the keys to my new apartment last night. Technically, as far as my landlord is concerned, I’m not moving into until today. However, I couldn’t resist taking a look around the apartment last night to get a feel for my new home for the next year.

It’s clean, open, and slightly daunting. I know that I will love living on my own but right now it’s kind of terrifying. Confession: I started crying last night after ManMate left for work. I haven’t seen much of him outside of the gym in the last month since he stays with his girlfriend every night but I’ve lived with him for two years. He’s the one responsible for my health and fitness goals. He’s the guy who’s been there to offer to beat up the jerks I’ve dated, to take the trash out, to walk Jack when I’m sick. I know that I have TDH to fill-in, but it’s different.

ManMate historically doesn’t talk to many people socially purely out of time constraints and lack of money so I know that since we no longer live with each other I will only see him once or twice a week at the gym. It really does sadden me. He’s been an amazing friend and we’ve been good for each other in many ways.

So, last night, in an effort to not feel sad and instead be exited, I started moving boxes into my place (mostly so I could empty them out and re-pack them), threw some clothes in the closet, took my shoes over and put food in my cupboards.

TDH stopped by last night and I took him to the new place where he played the role of concerned boyfriend, opening every door and cupboard, checking out my appliances and locks. He was jealous of my kitchen since it’s big and open, while his is more of a galley kitchen. He of course gave his approval and hugged me in the middle of the living room saying he can’t wait to hang out in the new place which I take to mean he could sense my apprehension.

The move continues tonight, all small things and boxes will be vacated and then tomorrow TDH and my fabulous younger brother will help with the couch, entertainment appliances, bed and heavy stuff that I just can’t lift on my own.

I hope to have the place 75% situated by Sunday so if all goes to plan, I’ll post pictures, just for fun.

I love being a twenty something. The adventures never cease.

I'm Back!

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Life is still a whirlwind but after three years of constant tornadic activity in my life I know not to expect anything less. I thrive on being busy (for the most part) and have accepted it as part of my lifestyle.

I have had a lot of friends who read this blog ask me about TDH, wanting specifics. I suppose I never really provided them for fear that he would use his wiley IT ways and track me down. I’m 99% certain he hasn’t done that so here goes:

  • His birthday is coming up on November 4th at which time he’ll be 26. You would think he was older as he acts that way
  • He’s a former improv/actor. He did improv and acting since middle school and was even part of an improv troupe after college. His mannerisms and hand motions indicate this, not to mention how funny he is
  • He has stacks and stacks of books at his condo (yes, he owns his place). Everything from David Sedaris to Ernest Hemingway to James Joyce to the Collection of the Best Short Stories (all years). I recently invited him to book club and he’s interested. We are reading Gentlemen and Players which at first blush sounds like a good book.
  • He owns a measuring cup, olive oil and really great kitchen knives. I mention this as it explains his kitchen proficiency. He dabbles in the Asian Cuisine more than anything else but what he’s cooked for me so far has been quite excellent.
  • He doesn’t have cable but instead listens to iTunes and downloads movies and t.v. shows he’s interested in.
  • He paints. And writes. And smokes (cigarettes). We have actually gotten to a point where he’ll smoke in front of me and I don’t really mind. Don’t condone, but it’s part of who is he is and I’m actually okay with it.
  • You already know he brings me flowers, has no fear showing his affection for me; it seems I might “Meet the Parents” next week which I’m excited and nervous about.

If you have other TDH questions, just let me know.

As for the other areas of my life…

  • Grad school starts on Sunday. I’m very excited about the courses I’ve signed up for and am thrilled I went the online route. It will be much easier to deal with than going to class for four hours at a time.
  • My OLD apartment is full of boxes and bags and mess as I get ready to move into my place starting tomorrow night. Everything should be done by Friday evening and then I can commence to decorating/organizing/re-arranging and unpacking until I have everything where I want it.
  • I am going to work for Cha-Cha (a texting service, check it out, it’s cool) for some extra bucks a month. You work from home, online, and it’s awesome.
  • Canada is in two weeks. I’m so excited. Should be gorgeous.
  • Work = super busy. I’m taking the time to write this during my lunch hour, at my desk, so that I don’t go crazy. All sorts of exciting things coming up at the office, including new projects, job roles and more.

Evidently I can't stay away…

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I’m back from the bridal shower which was quaint and lovely.

 Jack is laying sprawled out on my bed as his stomach is a tad upset… lord only knows what he got into on the farm this weekend.

My a/c at my soon to be old apartment is not working.

I’m ignoring the fact that I have to pack my entire apartment in the next three days.

I’ve got a casual black dress on as I’m seeing TDH soon (he’s somewhere on the highway abyss, rapidly approaching StL) and I will repress the ridiculous girl questions I’ll want to ask him and instead smother him in a hug.

Pants on Fire…

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… I’m back. For a post.

So this is kind of a big weekend for TDH and I in a weird sort of way. I’m heading to Jefferson City for a bridal shower and time with Mel (she’s getting married in six weeks. Crazy though. So exciting, emotional and… another word I can’t even think of right now). He’s heading to Chicago for a housewarming party for the couple who is getting married in November (yes, I’m going to that wedding as well).

For the first time since Houston and since we’ve been officially together we’re going to be apart. With no cell service me, which is familiar to us from his stint in Minnesota. So why the need for a post about this? Why does it matter, because trust me, I know time away from each other is important and necessary. And I enjoy my alone time/girl time just as much as I enjoy being with him.

When we first started dating back in June I knew I liked him but it was the early stages of like and dating where I wasn’t concerned with him meeting someone else or what would happen if he did by chance. Now, now that I have time invested along with feelings and upcoming weddings and booked hotel rooms I get nervous. It’s totally not TDH. He hasn’t done anything at all to remotely make me think he would do anything to hurt me or upset me. It’s totally me.

I am so conditioned from my past experiences to think that something bad will happen. The last time I was in Chicago with a boy I found out he had been cheating on me and we broke up. On New Year’s. That same boy also had a girl in my college town, whome he visited frequently, not answering his cell phone while he was gone. The worst part? I didn’t know until after the fact. Countless other guys I’ve dated have broken up with me because they met someone else or were sleeping with someone else or wanted their ex back.

I know that all of his friends, even the ones he’s going to visit, know who I am. He tells everyone about me. He’s amazing. I feel bad for having moments of doubt about trusting him. I’m mad at myself that I can’t trust as well as I used to. That I let my relationship ghosts affect (indirectly as I don’t talk to TDH about this unless need be) my current relationship and state of mind.

I figure this weekend will be a test and a feat. I can get through it, I will get through it and I’ll see him on Sunday afternoon when things will be great as usual. Nothing bad will have happened. He’ll have missed me (I made him a little road trip care package with some super-cheesy notes for him to open along the way) and all my worry will be for nothing.

Sometimes I just wonder how someone who is a hopeless romantic like me can even begin to think negatively about one of the best, most healthy relationships she’s evern been in. I think I’ll blame my fear/vulnerability for the time being.

And now I’m going on blog hiatus… I think :)

Blog Break

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I’ve been finding it difficult to write lately mostly because what I’m thinking of/about, want to share, need to discuss seems too personal… or I’m too afraid to put it out there.

Nothing bad is going on, in fact it’s all fascinating, amazing, breathtaking at times, while occasionally being a tad bit scary and overwhelming in the best way (if that makes sense?)

I’m approaching my 25th birthday and things are finally falling into place. I feel more at peace with myself in many respects, who I’ve become, what I think, where I’m going with my life (alright, I don’t really know that but the point is I’m okay with that). I’m finally going to be living on my own for the first time in 25 years and to me that’s a huge accomplishment. I’m financially independent. I own my car. Have a great dog. Own over 40 pairs of shoes and have a closet full of clothes and accessories to match. (Silly, but I think that’s an improtant aspect of a young woman’s professional career.) I’m pursuing higher education, I read for fun, follow the news enough to be informed but not so much that I’m afraid to go outside.

I’ve surrounded myself with a fabulous network of friends and family who are there anytime I need them. I’m actually seeing a guy who is amazing and makes me laugh and smile more than I remember ever doing in previous relationships.

I suppose I struggle with the fear of sharing too much, having it discovered, it jinxing me. I also wonder if some of my stupid previous relationship hang-ups will ever go away.

I guess I need to shut the world out for a few hours, put pen to paper and just write, not being afraid of what I might discover.

I think I’m taking a blog hiatus for awhile… (knowing me it won’t be more than three or four days). I hope to return re-energized. Or maybe I’ll start taking suggestions about what to write about? Anything you guys are dying to know that I don’t mention or talk about? I’m open to new ideas…

Hugs as always,
Nora

Seriously, it's a small world

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I found out on Saturday that TDH and I met briefly, two years ago.

The lady who set us up (we shall call her RB) and I happened to be, by chance at the same restaurant one evening. She was there with her now fiance (TC) and many of TC’s friends, including TDH. She brought me over to the table to introduce me to the group. TDH was wearing a leather jacket, which is the only part of meeting him that I remember.

TDH and I laughed about it on our way home wondering what we thought of each other at the time, obviously having no clue what could possible happen in the years to come.

Such a small, interwoven world sometimes.

Movie Montage

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I’ve always wanted to put together a series of clips of my favorite movies, moments, quotes, etc, most of them involving romantic comedies. However, I lack the technical skills to do that but thanks to YouTube, I can do it.

Number One: When Harry Met Sally, end scene
Why: The thought of a friendship turning into love, enduring each other’s relationships, heartbreaks, ups and downs the whole time. The way Harry tells Sally how he feels, I mean, what girl wouldn’t like a list of the reasons a guy loves her?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/PRhCTnkd3vM&hl=en&fs=1]

Number Two: Love Actually, the door scene
Why: This scene gets me every time. I love that he puts himself out there knowing his feelings won’t ever be returned. I love that she stands and watches/reads what he has to say. The tenderness and vulnerability of this scene really get to me.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/5m2T5yfgsZ0&hl=en&fs=1]

Number Three: You’ve Got Mail
Why: No explanation necessary. Just do.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/FyroU5KAzCc&hl=en&fs=1]