And That's Love.

Well, isn't this just lovely?

A few excerpts from the Modern Love column "When the Words Don't Fit" are below, but really, you'll want to just go ahead and read the whole thing. I promise it will leave your heart smiling.

When the Words Don't Fit

by Sarah Healy

... He walked me to my car, and we kissed in the parking garage, under orblike yellow lights. It was a still kiss, a postcard kiss, a Disney princess kiss, the kind of kiss that makes blue cartoon birds chirp and swirl in the sky, their beaks holding garlands.

And this is exactly where the story should end. It should cut to credits, and the music should be triumphant but soft. Your last image should be of the young girl and the handsome poetry-writing boy frozen in a movie kiss. You should brush the popcorn off your lap and leave the theater smiling because everything worked out the way you knew it would. You can leave remembering that time when you were young and lovely, and things like that could happen.

Because it’s boring to say that things don’t work out like they do in the movies. Everyone knows that. Even 21-year-olds. But it’s hard to resist a great story. If we had lasted, we would have had one hell of a story.

[...]

“You have to believe that the Lord put you together in the first place.” That’s what my father said in his toast. That was his advice to my husband and me, his way of saying that what we had was preordained, that it was divine. And really, it was as good an explanation as any for love.

[...]

So, I suppose that’s the point: Love chooses us.

My husband and I don’t have a great “meeting” story. We met in a conventional way and had a conventional wedding. And in some sense, we lead a conventional life.

But my husband has seen me at my worst, at my most vile. And he has seen me at my best. He knows the things I don’t tell anyone, and the lies that I tell everyone but him. I have made sacrifices for him and been angry about it. Sometimes his flaws are so egregious, so blatant, they are all I see. And sometimes his kindness is so stunning that I am humbled.

And that’s love. Big, epic, fairy-tale love. The kind of love people write about. The kind of love that could inspire a poem.

Make yourself a New Yorker

"Make yourself a New Yorker, declare yourself a New Yorker, and New York accepts you, and is glad to have you, and is the more glad the more you are worth the having."

Robert Shackleton, The Book of New York

File under: True Things

via Gayana's Etsy

Magic Warms My Heart

Love this. I guess a little magic can go a long way...

Rep. Gabrielle Gifford Healing with 'Harry Potter'

"We also know that [Rep. Gifford's] husband has gotten large-print pages of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first book in the J.K. Rowling series, 'for her to hold and read.' In a CNN story filled with reasons to tear up, for me, that was one of them... The series doesn’t sugarcoat what Harry faces to protect what he believes in. It’s about him standing up for himself and those he fights for, and overcoming the obstacles (and man) who would stop him.

Happy reading, Rep. Giffords. If this is your first trip to Hogwarts, here’s a spoiler: Harry’s a Gryffindor. So are you."

Every time a bell rings...

George: Now, will you do something for me?
Zuzu: What?
George: Will you try and get some sleep?
Zuzu: I'm not sleepy. I want to look at my flower.
George: I know, I know, but you just go to sleep. And then you can dream about it, and it'll be a whole garden.
Zuzu: It will?
George: Uh-huh.

Thanks for the reminder on this cold Thursday night, George Bailey. It really is a Wonderful Life.

Well, hello there

What is it about watching Christmas movies on TV? I mean, I can literally see my copy of The Holiday sitting patiently between Pretty Woman and the animated classic Frosty the Snowman (stop judging, please.), just waiting for me to drop it into the DVD player... But for some reason, I'd much rather stay snuggled on the couch under my fluffy pink blanket and watch it on TNT right now -- commercials and all.

First of all -- Jude Law, how do you still make me swoon? So. Dreamy. Sigh.

And secondly -- I want a friend like Arthur Abbott. Love this. Lots:

Arthur Abbott: So, he's a schmuck.

Iris: As a matter of fact, he is... a huge schmuck. How did you know?
Arthur: He let you go. This is not a hard one to figure out. Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.
Iris: You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for goodness' sake! Arthur, I've been going to a therapist for three years, and she's never explained anything to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant.

Oh, and p.s. I guess this means I'm back from my unplanned bloggy hiatus..? I'm sure I'll get to updates on the fun and frolic that's been happening over the past seven or so months (Did I mention I moved? And one of my best friend's got married?? And I discovered the deliciousness that is extra dirty vodka martinis?). But quite frankly, that's all a little daunting for one little lazy Sunday afternoon post...

... So for now... Hello, again :)

So much fun! So little time (to blog)!

There's been a whirlwind of giggles, twirls, and happiness around these parts the past few weeks. Between visits from much-missed friends, wedded bliss, and pretty dresses (Oh, and work. That too...), I've barely had time to breathe -- let alone blog! I promise that some time soon I'll provide a much overdue update of details (and pictures!!).

But for now, I'll leave you with some motherly wisdom that will for sure be applied to the coming weekend. Below is an email from the oh-so-cute mom of one of my next two dear friends coming to the city TONIGHT (Yep. Theta Reunion in the City... Havoc will ensue. You have been warned)... Many moms faced with their daughter reuniting in Manhattan with three of her silly sorority sisters might be a bit worried and feel compelled to offer caution against leaving drinks in dark corners, or talking to finance boys strangers at bars. Perhaps even a reminder to look both ways for crazy cabs before crossing the 5th Avenue. But not our Mama Kath... She's always been one step ahead of the rest:

Hey there,

Seems they are a bit skittish in NYC about unclaimed packages in Times Square so be sure and stay away from anything that looks like a bomb. Really.

love you

mom

Stay away from bomb-looking items? Check and check. A life rule to live by, if I've ever heard one. As for not talking to finance boys... errrr, strangers... at bars? Not so sure I can keep the girls away from that dangerous peril all weekend, but I will surely do my very best....... well, best-ish. :)

ReBlog: Gia's Situation

An excerpt from a ridiculously funny Bachelor Recap blog, guyinaustin.blogspot.com, courtesy of the one-and-only Jamie. I don't often comment on dating in NYC on here, but this was just too entertaining to pass up:

"She [Gia, contestant on the current season of The Bachelor] tells Jake that she’s never met guy as deep as him. Considering the fact that she’s from New York and that the dating pool consists of guys like Pauly D and The Situation from Jersey Shore, I actually believed her. "

Happy Friday :)

Sweet Dreams!

"Well, if you're going to be stranded... may as well be somewhere with cupcakes."

-Manny, Modern Family

p.s. If you're not already watching this new(ish) ABC comedy, please do yourself a favor and start... immediately. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

It's true. It really does.

On the events of this weekend...

... via a 3-day long Group BBM, which by the way, was probably our best discovery, ummm... ever:

twentysomething 1: Get out of the corner. Do the "bend and snap."

twentysomething 2: I should wear cardigans to bars more often, I guess!

twentysomething 1: The cardigan is totes the new little black dress.

twentysomething 1: You're dangling fun in my face like a tortured puppy.

twentysomething 3: You flirt with boys. I flirt with poles. NO. BIG. DEAL.

This Movie Gets Me EVERY Time

"Don't you think that daisies are the friendliest flower?"

... Why yes, Kathleen Kelly. As a matter of fact, I do.

The Boys Will Get the Wrong Idea

Morgan (the six-year-old girl): Remember, when you go out not to put too much makeup on, otherwise the boys will get the wrong idea. And you know how they are...

Giselle (the princess-to-be): [wide-eyed stare of confusion]

Morgan: They're only after one thing!

Giselle: ... What's that??

Morgan: I don't know! Nobody will tell me!

-Enchanted

Goodness, I just love this movie. But I guess considering it's basically just a real life fairy tale that takes place in Manhattan, that may not come as such a huge surprise to, well... any of you. :)

I wish I could plan a day like this...

Walter: Listen Buddy, I want to talk to you.

Buddy the Elf: Good. I wanted to talk to you too. I have our whole day planned. 

[Buddy looks at his list on his Etch-a-Sketch]

Buddy: First, we'll make snow angels for two hours. Then we'll go ice skating. Then we'll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can... And then... we'll snuggle.

Veterans Day

I've been struggling to try to put together an expression of my thanks to our servicemen and women - those of the past and of today. Words won't ever be enough, but President Obama's remarks that he made during his visit to Arlington National Cemetery today come closer than I could ever begin to write. Below are a few excerpts - you can see the entirety and read more about his visit here.

"... In this time of war, we gather here mindful that the generation serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made. In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self-interest, they've chosen the opposite. They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self; many even after they knew they'd be sent into harm's way. And for the better part of a decade, they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger; and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.

So to all of them -- to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families -- there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice.

... We call this a holiday. But for many veterans, it's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day as best as they possibly can. For our troops, it is another day in harm's way. For their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one, and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery. And in this national cemetery, it is another day when grief remains fresh. So while it is important and proper that we mark this day, it is far more important we spend all our days determined to keep the promises that we've made to all who answer this country's call.

... Ninety-one years ago today, the battlefields of Europe fell quiet as World War I came to a close. But we don't mark this day each year as a celebration of victory, as proud of that victory as we are. We mark this day as a celebration of those who made victory possible. It's a day we keep in our minds the brave men and women of this young nation -- generations of them -- who above all else believed in and fought for a set of ideals. Because they did, our country still stands; our founding principles still shine; nations around the world that once knew nothing but fear now know the blessings of freedom.

That is why we fight -- in hopes of a day when we no longer need to. And that is why we gather at these solemn remembrances and reminders of war -- to recommit ourselves to the hard work of peace.

There will be a day before long when this generation of servicemen and women step out of uniform. They will build families and lives of their own. God willing, they will grow old. And someday, their children, and their children's children, will gather here to honor them.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

To all who have served, are serving, and will serve: thank you.

Home. Again.

I hope y'all enjoyed the Blog Carnival yesterday! I know I sure did. Nerdy, you say? Maybe a bit. But writing about my own thoughts on Home ended up being a great time of reflection that I didn't even know I needed. And reading the thoughts of the 25 other bloggers' - some of them are among my closest friends and others I haven't even met - was such a treat, not to mention pretty eye-opening.

After organizing this day-of-blogging-fun, Elizabeth put together the below post that brings all 26 of our thoughts together so perfectly, I just couldn't help sharing! So enjoy, and be sure to click through to the full posts from the Carnival if you haven't had a chance already - there's some pretty fantastic writing out there:

A few weeks ago Jamie and I had the idea that we’d do a blog carnival. And, honestly, I’m blown away at the response. 25 absolutely incredible bloggers participated and shared their hearts on home. I gave no boundaries as to what they could write about, but as i read through entry after entry i picked out a line or two that stuck out to me. I copied them all into my blog admin page so that i could quote from every single one, and as read through them all i realized something:

we just wrote a story. collectively. we don’t all know each other; some of us have never even met. however, we are intricately woven together as part of a Bigger story.

so this is what i did with it.

enjoy.

When you think about it, “Where are you from?” is asking so much more than to simply name a city. Where I am from isn’t as important as where I am going. Home is not defined by geography, and neither am I. It is not a geography of latitudes and longitudes. It is not just a bloodline or a shared surname. Home is where you ache from the violence of separation, however temporary or eternal that separation might be. Home is where I’m good at being [myself]. Growing up i was a participant in the home my parents had built… now i’m leading and defining my own version of home. My roots are there, but my heart is here.

It’s a place where you should always feel loved. there is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS love. and that, right there in the middle of it, that is home. home is spending time in community. home is hope for what is ahead. Home…is where I learned that I could be myself (however crazy that may be) and still be loved just the same (and maybe just a little bit more). I feel like myself here. This is my home. For now. It’s relying on best friends who help keep me sane. it’s typically busy, it’s frequently crazy, it’s where i live. it is everything i love.

So in the meantime, i will fight to find meaning and a sense of belonging in each moment, each place. Home has a different meaning for me now than it did five years ago. It’s sitting around a table and sharing your life with someone. The table is just a device that draws us close. And yet it’s this coming together that makes home.

I’m really excited at the possibility that God could revolutionize my relationships with those people by revolutionizing my relationship with Him. I’m on a mission to know God and make Him known and sometimes that means I have to be a little embarrassed/uncomfortable/faithful/committed. We are all too often blinded to the reality of eternity. In our blindness we seek to construct, create or cultivate the most comfortable earthly homes and wonder when are hearts seem so restless. Isn’t home where we ought to be able to rest? Yet in the most wonderful homes there is a lingering homesickness for another place. It is Christ who remains. That is home. That is what we were made for.

I’ve been to these places and loved the people who live there now, yet not one location has been able to fill the empty spot I have reserved in my heart for a permanent “home.” The place that is so different from what I’ve always known, yet so comfortable and, somehow, familiar. This world is too large to live in one place for forever. whether it’s short- or long-term, i know i have somewhere else to discover someday. My fear is that one day I will meet someone that won’t know this part of me. They will not know that this experience has shaped me into who God is asking me to be. I have been challenged to go beyond so many comfort levels that I would have never thought possible; all the while learning that I can, in fact, appreciate the beauty in differences.

I love to write about home, but I also knew that it would come on the end of me leaving a place that I thought would become my permanent home. And when, in two weeks, I pack up my last suitcase and turn in my keys and hail a cab, I’ll be moving home, and leaving home, and going home, and missing home, all at the same time.

Chick-fil-A v. Boys

All I've wanted to do since last night was blog about the fabulous time that was this weekend, i.e. Alyssa's Return to NYC/Philly Road Trip '09 for Megan's Half Marathon!! However, life/sleep/lack of proper lunch hour just haven't allowed for such things. It will come eventually, but in the meantime, please enjoy Kristen's and my brief and to-the-point Gchat convo on the events:

Kristen: i know you're busy, but i just thought i'd tell you that i'm patiently awaiting a blog post on this weekend :) that's all

me: hahaha you read my mind! it’s annoying when life is too busy to blog ;)

Kristen: i know it

Kristen: i hate it when corporate america rains on my parade

Kristen: btw, any Reid [Rosenthal, a.k.a. Alyssa’s and my adorable husband-to-be Philly native of the latest season of The Bachelorette] sightings?!

Kristen: i figured there would be hysterics

Kristen: so i'm going to err on the "no" side of things...

me: hahahha… sadly, nope. other than Alyssa finding a local Philly mag with his face on the cover

me:but there WAS chick-fil-a involved... which is perhaps just as delicious

Kristen: haha, absolutely

Kristen: chick-fil-a never disappoints, boys do

Ha. Done and... done.

A Little Motherly Advice

"Sweetie, it seems that you might just be one of those princesses who has to kiss more than her fair share of frogs..."

-My mom. She always knows just what to say. :)