Stay American, Baby.

After my last depressing post, I am feeling a bit revived. We hosted our first American BBQ and to rave reviews! We had some of my guy's family over for an All-American cook-out last night. Sure, it would have been a bit more fun tailgating and cheering on the Big 10 and bouncing around to Zombie Nation, but I'll take what I can get... and the company was good!! It was a really nice night.

We were all set to have the BBQ on our outdoor terrace which was really the biggest selling point for us on this place, but just as we had the tables set and the candles lit and the BBQ fired up, it started to pour! Just our luck! We love entertaining outdoors, and we do it almost every night. We are getting good at working as a team (in tight quarters). Entertaining his family daily is also the perfect motivation to keep this place clean. There is always someone coming over here, and I never want to get caught with the place looking like too much of a hot mess. 

My guy really let me go all out yesterday (I had him feeling bad after my last post. However, it's not him - he just can't fill the void for EVERYONE else!). He patiently took me to FIVE stores to get all the ingredients I needed. He didn't complain while I spent two hours making an apple pie thus forcing him to clean the bathroom and sweep the floors. He didn't mind when I spent some of the precious time I could have used cutting the potatoes for our now "famous" french fries to decorate my mason jars as I had seen here. 

Sometimes I need to sit back and take a look at what I have. I need to be more accepting of this challenge. It is never going to be easy to be away from my loved ones, but I am fortunate to have shelter, a job, the chance to see the world, and people who love me right here. I have to remember that when I complain about being away from the people I love, there is someone right here who loves me that I am hurting. I can't always have everything I want right at my fingertips, and maybe the saying "it doesn't hurt to try" isn't always true. I am hurting myself and others by trying.

My last post saddened my family and friends that can't be here. And, it hurt my guy because it made him feel like he'll never be enough. Let me be clear when I say that I am happy, but sometimes life gets you down. Sometimes the only cure for me is a day playing dominoes, scrabble and yahtzee for hours on end with my Mom and Aunt or a day at the beach with my best friends. And vice versa, sometimes nothing comforts me more than a lazy day watching movies with my guy or watching him suck wind as I run circles around him (joking joking... maybe!!).

I will soon get used to all the changes and will adapt to life across two continents. As my friends work more and save more and when my father retires, there will be more visitors; and in time, I will make friends here, too. Maybe now I feel like my heart is being stretched in different directions, but I think I should consider myself lucky that my heart is so big and has the capacity to love so much.

Now that I got all the mushy stuff out of the way... here is a recipe for perhaps the most American thing you can think of... Apple Pie! I adapted this recipe from a whole bunch of recipes, and I promise, it was delicious! The hardest part of making this is sitting and peeling, slicing, and coring the apples as that was a bit tedious. I used apples that my guy picked himself when we were in Besancon.

Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 - 9 inch pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (I, of course, used the vegan stuff)
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add syrup, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer. 
2. In a bowl, mix half of the sugary mixture with your apples.
3. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust (this is my favorite part!).
4. Gently pour the remainder of the sugar mixture over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
5. Bake for 1 hour.
6. Let cool at least an hour before you eat. It allows the sugary mixture to form a gel rather than be too runny.

Follow the directions exactly and it's fool-proof!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm back to more cleaning and more entertaining!

the week is over.

(photos from the past two weeks)

it's been a long week, but it's finally over. i can't help but missing home and my family and my friends. when it comes to the weekend, and i have no one to go grab a coffee with or someone to see a movie with or some ladies to go dancing with, then, well, i can't help but to be a little somber.

there are so many ways an afternoon with my mom or a best girlfriend can cure me. i know these little rendezvous will be full of laughter and smiles, secrets and gossip, stories reminiscing about the past and others sharing hopes for the future. we will give each other advice. we will comfort each other. these are things that i just cannot do from afar.

i know i can't replace my friends or my family while i am here, but i just wish i could have someone here. it's so hard to do these things with a language barrier. i really need to concentrate on practicing my french, because the longer it takes, the lonelier it is.

so with that being said, it's friday night. i am laying in my bed writing on this blog. i'm not complaining. life isn't always supposed to be exciting, but i could use a little bit more laughter and a lot more hugs.

have a nice weekend everyone :) ...full of laughter and hugs (or whatever it is that makes you happy!)

checking in... again.

I know, I know... I have been a terrible blogger lately, but let me assure you that I have good reason. While I haven't been blogging, I have been living!

I started this blog as a way to keep in touch with my family and friends back in the states while I was abroad. Now that I have been back in the states, I have really been checking things off my to-do list! And, for once, besides a few mundane tasks like going to the DMV and getting my Visa taken care of, the things on my to-do list have been FUN! They range from shopping to seeing friends to spending a whole day on the beach. And, even the not so fun tasks like going to the DMV became not so lame when we combined it with a day in the city.

The first day I went for my Visa, I drove into the city with my Mom. She waited while I went in the consulate and after we had lunch in Chelsea and just hung out together! The second time I went back for the Visa, I took the bus into the city, enjoyed a day of sight seeing, and met a very dear friend for a dinner date at Cafeteria followed by some iced lattes and a lot of conversation. I felt so refreshed after seeing her. She is such a kind, loving, beautiful person both inside and out. I missed her!

Life has been so enjoyable. Almost a month has gone by now of me prancing around New Jersey and NYC. There haven't been too many dull moments - family visiting, friends visiting, meeting up with friends, shopping, a lot of exercising, and trying to make it to all my favorite restaurants.

Being home is surely a vacation. I love the walks with my Mom, the dinner dates with my parents, seeing my best friends, days at the beach, reading good books, driving my car with the windows down, and soaking in the sweet summer sun. There is something relaxing about being here (that something is that my Dad doesn't work in the summer, my Mom is retired, and I am currently retired, too!). It's nice to not have to rush anywhere. It's nice to have no where to go and to fly by the seat of your pants.

Of course, the longer I am here, the more my heart aches for the guy waiting for me back in France. And, although I have truly loved every minute here, I am anxious to see him. One more week here in NJ and I'll be back. The only thing I can do to pass the time is ENJOY EACH MOMENT!! That's exactly what I intend to do. On that note, I'm off to read a book and sit in the sun.

Seaside Park, NJ

dinner on the Toms River

the steps of Madison Square Garden

dinner on the Point Pleasant beach

the show we saw on Broadway

family and friends.

Sometimes life can get you down. Whether the down be a terrible boss, a heartless thief, or anyone in between, you're bound to encounter these people from time to time. There will be people in your life that just don't belong - people that will cause you heartache and pain. When those people come into your life, the best thing you can do is cling to the people that deserve to be there. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out who these people are, but that's what life is all about. It's full of unanswered questions, nerve-wrecking decisions, and spontaneous moments. And, sometimes friendships are like that, too.

In the past year or so, I've lost friends that I thought I'd have in my life forever, and I've gained back ones I'd thought I'd lost forever. And, of course, I've met new people along the way. It just goes to show you that you never know how things will turn out. Life is a game of chance. Sometimes that's exciting and fun, other times it's heart-breaking.

I think too often in my life I've tied myself down to people; and in retrospect, I gave so much more than I ever got back. Isn't it more important to have a few amazing people in your life rather than a bunch of people that don't really care about you? I want to surround myself with people that genuinely care about me.

It's insecure people that surround themselves with people that don't really care about them because these people don't think they deserve better. I don't want to be someone like that. I have too big of a heart for that.

I'm thinking so much about this because I had such a remarkable week. I spent time with people that I know care more about me than they dare to admit. These people that have seen me at my best and at my worst - but have never judged me. It is so wonderful to be around people that are wonderful, because sometimes I need to be reminded that I, too, am wonderful.

Family and friends. Friends and family. When all else is the world fails me, I know I won't be alone; and that is a good feeling. It gives me the courage to be who I want to be, to dream as big as I want, to take risks, and to live life to the fullest.

I am full. My heart is happy.

Whole wheat everything bagels are my favorite way to start my morning and that's exactly how I've been doing it since being back in NJ. Nothing beats that!

What else have I been doing? Well, mostly, spending time with my Momma! We've been doing everything together, and I absolutely love these moments. We shop until we drop, eat at our favorite restaurants, go for walks, play games, and watch trashy television. My dad is in Brazil and Columbia for the next week or so and we're taking advantage of the ladies time.

This week I have a lot to look forward to and I'm really happy for that. I want to make sure to take advantage of my time here. Tomorrow I'm going to have dinner with a dear friend. My sister's birthday is this Wednesday so we'll take her for a nice dinner date and have family over. My mom's brother is coming to visit from Seattle. My friends are coming to visit from Pennsylvania. We have a family party on Sunday at our state's capital. Monday I'll be in NYC.

I have phone calls to make and doctors to see, but mostly, I just want to enjoy the beauty that is my home. I want to take full advantage of the fact that we live by the beach. I want to wake up early and run on the boardwalk. I want to swim in the pool and the ocean. I want to ride bikes. I want to soak up the sunshine, read good books, and of course, do more shopping!

So forgive me if I continue to be MIA for a while longer, but I want to enjoy these moments I have here with my family - in the house I grew up in - and that means doing my best to keep off my computer (except to g-chat with my favorite European guy back across the pond).

i'm coming home

It's true. My 90 days as a tourist in Europe have come to an end. I feel like it flew by, but some days felt like they'd never end. I transitioned from a job where I worked a lot and commuted, too, to not working at all. I transitioned from talking to my friends during my commute to having a 6 (and 7) hour time difference so we've had to make "chat appointments." I transitioned from seeing my family all the time to obviously not seeing them at all (although it was a nice break from life here to visit my aunt and uncle in Italy).

Can I say that I am relieved to go home? Yes. I miss so many things about home. My heart aches for the comforts of home. I also can't wait to eat at my favorite restaurants (first stop: Office Lounge!!) and to see my best friends.

But does it mean I'm willing to give up on my life here? I don't think so. Everything here is new to me. Every route I run is new. Every person I meet is new. My future job is going to be something totally different than what I was doing in NY and NJ. There's something exciting (and scary) about all this newness. And, I know that no matter where I am, my friends are family will always be a part of me.

The bottom line is: I know that no matter where I am, I can find happiness in my life. And, that's exactly what I am after.

N'oublie Jamais

So when I first arrived in France, we decided a good way for me to practice my French would be to watch movies in French. We've only watched one of the five we bought that night - N'oublie Jamais (The Notebook). I read the book way before it became a hit blockbuster, and I will admit that I actually still loved the movie which, for me, is NEVER the case. It is such a beautiful love story, and I don't think anyone, male or female, could deny that.  I could probably watch that movie 100 times and never get tired of it.

I think maybe I'm just feeling romantic right now after a wonderful weekend in Paris. We had such an amazing time, and I have plenty of pictures to share. We met up with a wonderful couple, friends of his from school. We ate good food. We saw so much of the city. And, I fell in love with Paris and my man all over again.

...And, it got me to thinking of The Notebook and how true romance is possible and how it isn't always easy. Our journey hasn't been easy, but as my favorite quote from the movie goes...

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day." 

So look at me... I'm living in France. What am I sacrificing really? Sure, I miss my family and friends. I know that I will always go see them though. I will visit them often. It won't change my love for them or their love for me. France... could be worse. This is a wonderful place for people to come visit! If my love is here, that's where I want to be. And, that leads me to my second favorite quote from The Notebook...

"That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is." And, it's true.

Loved

The world is a crazy place. People are killing. Mother nature is killing people. There is turmoil in so many countries. There are so many people in this crazy world without water, food, shelter, and education - without so many things that I take for granted everyday.  I want to take a moment to show gratitude to the two people who have given so much to me. They have supported me, loved me, and provided for me [without judgment, despite my falls, and to no end]. Although I may be halfway across the world from you both, you are never far from my thoughts and are always near and dear to my heart.

*Mom and Dad

Celine really says it all. My parents were always the best parents (still are). They weren't the kind of parents that did a half-ass job. They were the kind of parents at every soccer game, at every race, at every THING - spelling bees, chorus concerts, science fairs... really, they were ALWAYS there - no event was too small. They didn't just go to events nearby, they would drive however many hours to be somewhere so that they would never miss a thing. I had soccer tournaments in Virginia, Pennsylvania, DC, NY, and even Canada. No matter how far, they were there. They were always the parents volunteering to drive my friends when their parents couldn't be there. That's just the kind of people they are.

Looking back, it seemed normal to me that my parents would dedicate so much (if not all) of their time to driving me everyday to soccer practice, to games, sitting through games, going to meetings at school, helping me with projects, taking us on trips. It isn't normal, and not everyone's parents were doing that. Every weekend was somewhere different with soccer tournaments. If it was a rare weekend with nowhere to go, they were hosting a slumber party. When we would wake in the morning, my parents would have donuts, bagels, juice, and my mom's delicious home fried potatoes and fruit salad waiting to greet us! I never would have expected anything different. They were and always have been so giving. Whether it was car rides, money, clothes, or time.

As I've grown up, my father is more of a silent cheerleader. He only questions me when he feels he really needs to, but even when he doesn't say much, I know he cares. He is the most hard-working man I know. He goes early to work in the morning to offer extra help to his students (free of charge, of course). He stays late grading papers. He coaches everyday - even the weekends. He is the kind of teacher/coach that takes so much pride in what he does. The fact that the government wants to cut spending on education, take away things they were promised and are entitled to, etc. is unfair for so many reasons, but it's certainly heartbreaking and cruel to people like my father who have dedicated over 30 years to being a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and to many students and athletes, a father figure. I am not saying that there aren't teachers that go in there and don't teach a thing and have the students trade papers so they don't have any grading of papers to do later (I have had some of those teachers), but they shouldn't be representative of the profession as a whole. Students of my father's from years back will still call, stop by the house, etc. to see what's up, get advice on which college to choose, or to invite him to their weddings.

My mother was also a great teacher. I can't tell you how many people I have met that have said, "Oh, Mrs. Reabold, she was my favorite teacher!" The reason I loved her being a teacher was because it meant she had the summers off (dad, too!). We would go to the beach everyday or swim in our pool. She is the kind of woman that would take my sister and I shopping and never even look for herself. She's so unselfish. I think sometimes she should be a little bit more selfish! My mom has always been the cutest person! She would sneak post-its with words of encouragement or a simple "love you!" note into our lunch boxes. When I was in college, she would always send me cute cards with a gift certificate to Starbucks or something inside! Whether I had received a good grade or the semester was almost over, I could always expect a cute card in the mail! I loved that! My mom is the kind of person everyone wants to be friends with because she is bubbly, funny, and kind (not to mention beautiful!!). She is one of those people who can always cure your bad day with a few sweet words. I really have an endless amount of nice things to say about my mom (and my dad, too!).

Overall, I have lived a truly blessed life. There is nothing like the feeling of knowing you are loved. With my parents, I never had to doubt that (even at my worst). Thanks Mom and Dad! You rock!



                                  xoxo your baby girl :)

Back in Action!

I have neglected to blog for over three months now because life has been a bit crazy (hence the title of the blog). Let me catch you up!

Thanks to the wonderful and beautiful Katherine's hookup, my love and I rang in the New Year in high style at a swanky loft party in midtown NYC. I loved the chance to dress up, and I love seeing my man looking as handsome as ever in his suit, vest, and tie! He cleans up well! Unfortunately, I have ZERO pictures to share because we were having such a great time!

My wish for the New Year was simple: bliss. Maybe it's not logical or practical but I have been hoping and praying for a year that would be simple, painless, and blissfully happy. Last year, although full of many great memories, was a bit of a disaster. I was robbed. I moved twice. I changed my job's location yet again. I could go on... but on the positive, I was blessed with good health as was my family. I met the love of my life. My true friends became clear to me. Personally, I grew stronger.

Fast forward to March 2011 and I'm living in France. I am excited for what the future will bring. I will be sure to be a better blogger so I can keep my friends and family in the states in the know. By reading my blog, you can come on this journey with me as I stop wishing for bliss and start creating it.

Lady Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge

We had friends visiting so it was the perfect time for us to do some of the very touristy things we had been wanting to do - like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and visiting the Statue of Liberty. We had such a great time that we have since walked across the Brooklyn Bridge again and went back to see Ellis Island.

It's a great deal to go see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island because for $24 (for both our tickets) you get to see a piece of history, a marvel of a sight, and the boat ride is something fun to do, in itself! In a city as expensive as NYC, it's really an educational, fun, and affordable date!