Can't I have the CAT without the DANDER?

My mom’s birthday week finally ended on Friday at Kazan Restaurant (Turkish Cuisine in McLean).  I think she was more thrilled for it to be over than anyone else, haha…. Being “24” and partying all week is difficult! I had some amazing Doner Kebap, which ended up being a pretty large portion, so I’m having the remainder today for lunch, YUM!

Since Derek had a “guys night” on Friday, I woke up on Saturday morning by myself at my house, which I thought would suck (and it kinda did), but then I realized I was going to be able to get A LOT done that day… and I definitely did!  I woke up early, took the dogs on a walk, went to the gym, went tanning, got my nails done, picked up Caitlyn and we went to Ulta for some shopping, got a haircut, and then went over to my dad’s to play with the kiddos AND do my taxes! I did all of this before 2:30pm, might I add ;) After leaving my dad’s, I went home to shower, and then I drove to Derek’s to hang out for awhile.  We ended up going to the mall where I got a few things, which felt so nice, since I hadn’t bought anything for myself in awhile.  After eating some Chipotle, we went back to my place to pick up Caitlyn again and we three went to Cold Stone to indulge in a tasty treat.  We went back home and CRASHED hardcore, lol.  It had been a long day for me, and Derek was probably still getting over his hangover so he needed more rest.

Sunday morning, Derek and I woke up early, got ready, and headed to Eastern Market in DC.  I’ve just got to say that I absolutely LOVE it there! I want to go back so bad, but next time bring my mom and probably Caroline, cause I know she’d love it also.  It reminded me a lot of when I used to visit my Granny and Meemaw in Tennessee and we’d go to the flea market, or annual 127 sale… just a bunch of people selling their own crafts/foods/antiques… it was a beautiful day to go, also… temps were around 59 degrees.  Derek surprised me with a very pretty necklace from one vendor, which was very sweet of him… what else is new? I got my mom a picture as well as some jams.. and I got myself a picture also, I just need to get a frame for it now.

After leaving Eastern Market, I was on a natural high from the amazing weather and didn’t quite want to just go home and lay on the couch, so Derek and I decided to go play “miniature golf”… NOT putt putt, as I found out.. but “mini golf”.. apparently putt putt is a company? Who knew?

Anyway – mini golf is closed until March…. Stupid.

So instead we stopped by Petco and they were ironically having a an ADOPTION FAIR! Hello! Puppies and doggies everywhere! I loved it! I held a bunch of puppies and kissed them, played with them, fed them… it was so cool! It made me want to get one so bad… and then Derek gave me the honest truth about how it’s like having a baby… your entire life pretty much revolves around the dog.  He is right though, I definitely remember when Matt and I got Bailey and Morgan we were tied to them as though they were our children.  We couldn’t stay out too late because we had to be home at a certain time to take them out, feed them, etc.   Well, at this time in my life I do NOT have the patience for that kind of responsibility… especially living single.  So… a cat it is! But wait… then I found out Derek is allergic to cats. What the heck? I’m currently exploring ways to rid my house of cat dander so when my boyfriend comes over he doesn’t blow up like a balloon and sneeze himself away. 

So anyway… after our adventure at Petco we stopped by the Turkish store to pick up some soujouk, feta, olives, grape leaves for Derek, candy, etc.  It makes me so happy knowing Derek likes Mediterranean food… definitely makes things much easier! Once we got back to my place, we took Shyla and Zeva on a walk with Caitlyn… I think Derek was extremely close to picking up Z and throwing her in the lake and leaving her ass there lol…. In his defense, Zeva is a very stubborn dog, and does not take direction very well… at all.

Basically -  I had an amazing weekend.  I got so much accomplished, and I got to hang out with people that mean so much to me.  What’s even better news? Today Caroline and Zach (along with Kaos, Zuma, and Bielsky) begin making their cross-country trip back HOME!  Thank goodness, because I’m craving a visit to the Leesburg Outlets.

Side Note:  I’ve decided (after many lectures from my boyfriend) that I need to watch my mouth .. with, you know… potty words.  I don’t even know what it is really, they just slide out of my mouth sometimes without me even realizing it; but obviously everyone else DOES notice it.  So, if you know me, and see me on a regular basis… please do not hesitate to inform me when my language reaches rated R.  I even give you permission to give me a little punch on the arm…I’ve got to rid myself of this unattractive habit.  I wish I could understand how it even started, but now that’s no use… I just need to FREAKing stop it. ; )

UPDATE

I haven’t updated this thing in awhile… so I thought I’d give it a go.

Well, this past weekend was another great one, of course, because it was spent with Derek ;) Friday night we went out to the Reston Town Center with Laura and Nikki… we had a fun time drinking margaritas at Uncle Julios, and then we had drinks at Clyde’s.  It was Derek’s first time at the RTC, I want to take him back when it’s warmer outside and actually more enjoyable.   Derek and I spent all day Saturday hanging around my house with Jaden/watching TV/him playing Madden with Jason/me sleeping.. you get the idea.. it was very relaxing.  We originally had wanted to do something out that night, but got pretty comfortable on the couch with pizza and beer haha.  Also, Jason’s brother, Adam, and his wife, Ciara, came by and spent the night, so it was a pretty chill night – I loved it.  Sunday, Derek and I met up with his mother and sister in Manassas at a small Italian restaurant.   This was my first time meeting any part of his family, and it was a great time, I think.  His sister is absolutely beautiful, and his mother is probably one of most kind women I’ve ever met.  I was very thankful that I had the opportunity to meet them, and I very much look forward to hanging out with them again!

Monday was President’s day and I got the day off, which was much needed actually..  I went over to my dad’s house and hung out with my siblings for a little while, lounged around the house, then went over to my old office to say hello to everyone I hadn’t seen in a few months – it was very nice.  Around 4ish I went over to Derek’s, we popped open a bottle of wine, and started putting together a jigsaw puzzle that I think will probably never get  accomplished… especially since his cleaning ladies put the puzzle away – which means we will have to start ALL over again -_-

So Tuesday was my mother’s birthday, and she didn’t let anyone forget, lol.  She has come up with a new rule that works perfectly for this year and next only.. it goes like this:  So this was her 42^nd birthday, so she takes those numbers and flips them, so really.. this was only her 24^th birthday!  Next year she turns 34, which is still great, because as I’m finding out as I’m getting older, my 20’s will be NOTHING compared to how much fun I’m going to have in my 30’s!  Anyway, we celebrated by going to the Ashburn Pub for some drinks with a whole group of people.  I actually had a lot of fun, mainly because Derek came also, and I think he really enjoyed himself, too.

Side Note: It’s so nice to have a boyfriend that will actually go out with my family and friends and have a good time, not complain about how boring it is, or give me crap about how he’d rather be at home in his sweats watching TV.  I spent way too long worrying about the satisfaction of another man, it’s so nice to have someone in my life who shares my same interests, and I’m not constantly having to make sure they are O.K. or amused.

Well since it’s my mom’s birthday “week”, we are also going to celebrate tonight by going to HH at Jackson’s in the RTC; I think Laura may join as well, so that will be very nice.  I believe we are finishing up the weeklong celebration by going to a Turkish Restaurant in McLean tomorrow. 

  

Good news – Caroline just texted me with, “I’ll be home in 130-140 hours”… this put a HUGE smile on my face, which was definitely much needed, since I’m having a horribly stressful day at work so far.  All I can really say is, thank goodness Derek supplied my chocolate fix yesterday, otherwise I’m pretty sure I would have screamed today at work.

Two things:

I’m pretty positive the amount of nights I will be going out/eating out are going to be CUT, and the amount of new Spring clothes I will purchase this year is going to be drastically lower than previous years.  Why? I’m saving up for my trip to Turkey in August, which Derek may join me on, which would be SO much fun (for MANY reasons).  I can’t wait to show him Istanbul, and then go to Bodrum with him and party our butts off on the beach all day.

The other thing I’m being financially picky about? MOVING OUT! I still live with my mom… and I love her to DEATH, but the era of living in my mom’s basement has got to come to an end.  Between my mom, Jaden, Jason, Caitlyn, and Alan being home every now and again… I’m smothered! I should have done this a long time ago… but, better late than never.  So hopefully this occurs within the next few months! :)

Ghirardelli Squares, I Love You.

I think this was the National Zoo’s second year hosting “Woo at the Zoo”… and it turned out to be a fun experience.  I got tickets for Derek and I to celebrate Valentine’s Day there on Friday night, and I think he enjoyed it, also.  It’s basically a lecture in the visitor’s center of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, where they have Zoo-keepers of the lions and cheetah’s get up and explain (in a humorous way, of course) how they mate the cats.  They even had some funny videos and pictures… it was very educational, cute, and eye-opening.  I love learning about all types of animals, and I make it a point to visit the Zoo every year (or twice.. or three times ;) Animals truly make me happy, and I’ve always known my dream job would be to work with them… preferably in their natural habitat, but the zoo would suffice as well… as long as I got to learn about them and be around them.  Hell, even volunteering at Pets Mart would make me so happy.  I should really research more and find opportunities around the DC area to help with animals… it’s about time.  Anyway, after the Zoo, I had planned for us to hit up P.O.V. (Point  Of View) at the W Hotel, but Derek really wasn’t feeling well still, so we decided to just go back home.  I crushed a few pieces of pizza, and it was lights out.

Alright… hello to anyone who has never been.. you should definitely know that Medieval Times is the COOLEST experience EVER. Okay… not EVER, but it’s definitely up there, haha.  Saturday night Derek and I celebrated Valentine’s Day (again) by him taking me to Medieval Times in Maryland… needless to say, I had an amazing time.  We had great seats in the front row, and our knight (Black and White), ended up winning! What more could you ask for? Oh yes… how about the jumbo sized frozen margarita I got, being able to eat with your hands (which I wasn’t too sure about at first, but once the tequila set it, I was all for it!), and the ability to act like a crazy 12 year old boy? Hahaha… I had a blast… I need an excuse to go back ;) We ended up going back to my place afterwards and relaxing/taking care of Jaden since my parents went to DC for the night.  I think saying that Jaden “likes” Derek would be an understatement hardcore.  This kid tells him, “I love you” every chance he gets it feels like….

Sunday morning we lounged around my place taking care of Jadosh, watching Batman, and eating.  Took a hardcore nap, which felt so good, then it was off to my dad’s house for us to babysit my other brother and sister.  The kids and I introduced “Just Dance” on the Wii to D-rock, and we know he fell in love ;)  Just kidding, although that punk did ALMOST beat me, and he didn’t even get up off the couch! -_- 

Well, since Derek and I celebrated V-Day during the weekend, I’ll be celebrating tonight with the girls :) I got reservations at Clyde’s tonight for me and a few of my girlfriends… I think this is much needed, and will be a fabulous time.  I can’t wait! Pictures to come :)

Again, completely un-related… but, last night since I was a freaking insomniac and couldn’t fall asleep for the life of me, I looked up flights to Turkey for the end of August/beginning of September, and they are extremely reasonable.  I think I’ll be booking my ticket within a  month or so, I have GOT to go back.  I miss my family and Istanbul so much; however, when I go this time, I’m definitely going to be taking the train down to Bodrum for a few days (maybe 4 or so), and party my butt off in one of the most beautiful vacation cities in the World! I get a HUGE smile on my face just thinking about it. 

Sweet Wine and Sunshine

How did I get so lucky? Sometimes I really ask myself this.. and I sit there and think about all of the things I’ve done in the past (and recently) to deserve the amazing things coming my way.  This morning Caroline texted me and told me that she may be moving back to NOVA from LA within the month.  THE MONTH! Um hello? Are you telling me I’ll finally have my Sweet Caroline back home?  I seriously shed a few tears and told my co-workers how thrilled I was.

This means… hours spent on the couch watching reality TV, random hikes to Great Falls, McDonalds really late at night, cooking up some good food (more like Caroline cooking for me), shopping adventures, and so much more.  Seriously, doing absolutely NOTHING with this chick is exciting, which is why I love her so much. Caroline – Come home NOW! J

The other night I got other great news as well … my anneanne (Grandmother) is returning home to the United States from Turkey!  She will be stopping here in NOVA first to see us and go to the Cherry Blossom Festival and celebrate Jason’s birthday, then she will be heading back home to Kansas where the rest of the family lives.  I can’t wait!  I went to Turkey for two weeks this past fall with my anneanne and we grew very close; I miss her so much, and can’t wait to be reunited with her.  I also can’t wait until she is back in Kansas so then I can possibly book a ticket to go see everyone.  I have missed my family so much, and was unable to attend two weddings this past Summer (My aunt and uncle got married), so I feel very left out and just want to celebrate!

Gahh… well one bad thing that is happening right now is that Derek is really sick.  He had an infection in his lung or something (He didn’t really go into too much detail), and he was treated as though he had pneumonia.  He missed Mon-Wed. of work, and is at work today, but not feeling so great.  Hopefully he gets to go home and rest up before this weekend.  The only good thing about him being sick is that he is too weak to fight back with me or even care, so I’m getting my way ;) Seriously though, it makes me sad to see him in so much pain, I really hope the meds to their job.

Laura is also sick, she missed Zumba last night due to a temp. of 101 : ( …. Hopefully both she and Derek get better soon … and let’s hope I don’t get sick along the way.

Today I am craving a Rascal Flatts concert.. tailgate first of course, and then a jumbo sized margarita in one of those guitar plastic tubes.... Summer, please come quickly.

Another Weekend Gone

Since my last posting was pretty much a short novel, I'll keep this one quick.  This past weekend was the Superbowl, which is cool, I guess.  I didn't care too much about it since neither of the teams were ones that I particularly care for.  Jason, my step-dad, is a big time Steelers fan, and my friend, Anthony, is a big time Packers fan... so that was kind of cute.  I ended up watching the game at Derek's friend's house, and a bunch of people came over, including Laura, which made it even more fun!  Laura left right before half-time, and then Derek and I dipped right at half-time... it was fun to meet even more of Derek's friends, I definitely had a good time.
Backing up to Friday night, I ended up going out to Union Jacks in Ballston with Derek and his friends - this ended up being a really fun night.  I had never been there before, so I wasn't sure what to expect... and I found myself really enjoying the company of the people that were there.  I also drank a lot that evening, which could have something to do with me having such a great time, but it was totally worth it.  The hangover on Saturday morning wasn't too bad though, and I eventually killed it altogether with some meds and Zumba at Gold's! I convinced Derek to join me at the gym that morning, and after each of us worked out we went back to my place to eat, and then he passed out while I took a shower and got ready.  We were still hungry when we left my house so we ended up crushing some burgers at Fudruckers (hello magical burger heaven).  When we got to his house, it was his turn to take a shower while I got a good nap in, and once we were ready to leave, we went to the movies to see "Black Swan", which, in my opnion, was AMAZING.  Derek didn't quite agree, which is understandable, he's a guy ;) 
Once we left the theater we hit up this place off Route 50 called "Picante", which served some good Mexican food, and some extra large margaritas (just my style)... all-in-all, it was a great rainy day spent with D-Rock... I really enjoyed myself, and definitely needed the relaxation.

So now it is Monday morning, back to the grind for me while Derek is home sick :(  Hoping he feels better soon ... Maybe he needs some chocolate...oh wait, or Nyquil..

Also, I want to go back to Cancun.. or Dominican Republic.  I'm dying for some warm sunshine and a crystal clear beach with a frozen margarita in my hand........

Count Your Blessings

Ever since the beginning of the new year, and even a little bit before then, I have been constantly thinking about how incredibly lucky I am.  Actually, I've also been thinking about how the people around me should be just as grateful as I am.  If you really take a moment, pause, and reflect on all the GOOD things going on in your life, you will really be astonished at all the things you should not be taking for granted.
I want to compile a list of the things I am currently grateful for, this list is certainly not everything in my life.. but it's just what I've been thinking about mostly lately. So.. here it goes...

1.  FAMILY. I feel like for most people, this should be a number one priority.  I say most because I know many people who's family situations are far from perfect.  Mine, on the other hand, is more than perfect.  Yes, there have been (and there continue to be) fights between every member of each household in my family... but at the end of the day I have to think, would I rather be so completely alone that I have NOBODY to fight with? Or would I rather be completely surrounded by family who I usually get along with, but argue with from time to time? I'll take the latter.
It's a great feeling knowing that I have so many people to lean on and to laugh with.  Really, I don't tell them all (and there are MANY of them) often enough how much they really mean to me. 

2. My siblings... which goes hand in hand with appreciating number 1.. but I definitely feel the need to speak up about this one since this is a very emotional subject for me.  I would do just about ANYTHING for my siblings.. I love them more than I can even explain.  For example, the other night after going to the gym and having dinner with some friends, I came home and went upstairs to give my 3 y/o brother a kiss goodnight.  Well, my brother then asked me if I wanted to sleep with him... I mean, how can I say no?  He and I stayed up a little bit chit chatting, playing with his Wolverine action figure, and looking through the Victoria's Secret magazine (okay maybe that was just me), and eventually passed out.  If you have never had an experience like that then I can honestly say you are missing out.  Same thing goes with my 3 y/o sister and 5 y/o brother... I absolutely melt when I hang out with them.  Honestly, I'd rather spend a Friday or Saturday night playing Wii with them than going out spending money and getting hammered.  I'm so happy my parents decided to have more children... I am truly, TRULY blessed. 

3. And who isn't grateful for good friends? I mean seriously, I can't be the only one who has had multiple, MULTIPLE "best friends".  You know.. those friendships that are "strong" but then only last about 9 months to a year until one or the other becomes fed up with the other or breaks a promise/tells a secret.  I've had way too many of those and have quickly learned to be extremely careful about who I let into my circle.  I really don't have any time for heartache from a friend... I've done it too much, and now I can look around at my group of friends and know who are the real ones and who are not.  Which makes me appreciate them even more.  Honestly, I can say I only have two girlfriends who I will do just about anything for... and each of our friendships have been tested and pushed to the limits several times, and here we are today - still best friends.  I can't wait to someday see these girls at my wedding :) As for the rest of the people out there that have "done me wrong", I'm even MORE grateful that they are NOT a part of my life anymore.  

4. This is a new one... and I've only been truly appreciative of this person for the last few weeks or month since he came into my life.. but now that he is apart of my life, I never want him to go away.  Of course with  every new relationship the girl feels this way.. all part of that "love and infatuation game"... well, I really think this is something different.  I've never felt THIS way with any other man before.  He does and says every single thing I've wished all my ex boyfriends would do or say.  All of those times my previous boyfriend's would say, "Kristen you're being ridiculous", or "You're asking for way too much", even.. "NO man acts that way".  Well, he DOES exist.. because I found him.  I've never been happier, and I hope this feeling lasts.  He is a very special person, and really makes me believe in, "everything happens for a reason" :) 

5. I also want to explain my being thankful for my friends and family's health.  Recently I found out a good friend of my family's has cancer... she is in her 30's and has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Brain Cancer.  If you don't know, Stage 4 is the last.  How could this have happened to her? Especially since she is SERIOUSLY such a positive and fun person.  Literally, her laugh is contagious. Why her? Why ANYONE for that matter?  I get so sad when I think about illnesses like those…
Even thinking about my step-dad and his survival of testicular cancer… and then my grandmother and her two open-heart surgeries, and the fact that my mom could have the same issue my grandmother had.  Of course then there is breast cancer, I mean, nowadays it seems as though you have to be pretty damn lucky to escape having breast cancer.  I feel like half of the women I know have had it/are battling. 
We all live our lives day to day complaining about the same old stupid stuff never remembering that these insignificant trials will one day mean nothing in comparison to our battles for survival.

...On a brighter note.. I am also thankful for having the sense to get a Gold’s membership. I have never been overweight by any  means, I am actually a petite girl (which I am thankful for haha), but I am also extremely hard on myself, and I recognize this.  If I start to look a little chunky in any part of my body I begin to freak out hardcore; Well, after the holidays this past year (Um hello Debbie’s Mac & cheese, and mom’s pumpkin cheesecake?!), I was definitely becoming obsessed with my looks.  Well I’ve had my membership for about a month now, and I can definitely see some improvements.  I’m not necessarily trying to lose weight, I’m really just trying to tone. I’m beginning to feel muscles in places I haven’t felt since high school, and my stamina is WAY up.. all of those Zumba classes are treating me well I guess! I’m really looking forward to wearing a sexy bikini this Summer and actually FEELING sexy!

Oh yes, and how can I forget? Today is FRIDAY, and I am ecstatic about this! It’s only the AM, so plans may change .. but for now, work of course, tanning, gym, then showering and getting ready for a night out with Derek, his friends, and hopefully Laura will tag along :-)  Not sure where we will end up tonight, all I know is is that I am in the mood to DANCE, and to hang out with my man who I haven't seen since Sunday (UGH!).

Happy Friday everyone, keep your heads up :)