cute overload

How precious is this kid? We taught Johnny how to "smell the flowers" on Sunday and ever since, he wants to go up to every flower and plant to sniff it. It's SO cute!

I predict many cute photos this summer, now that he's walking around.

Have I mentioned how cute this kid is?

five on friday

Five on Friday

1. I went to the Yankees/Red Sox game on Monday, the 17th, at the last minute, courtesy of Jonathan's aunt and uncle. They had two spare tickets for 19 rows behind home plate. Yes, you read that right. Only 19 rows behind HOME PLATE! I was thrilled to say the least. That game was exactly what you want in a baseball game when you're there to view it live. They had a five run lead in the first inning only to lose it halfway. By the 9th inning, they were down two runs and they came back to win it! Between A-Rod's home run to tie the game and Marcus Thames walk off run, I couldn't sit still. Big thanks to Aunt Connie and Uncle John for making this happen! And for the generousity that evening.

2. Last Saturday, the 15th, Matt and Christy were married at St. Raymond's in the Bronx. It was a beautiful ceremony and they were married by a former priest of my parish! Fr. Kevin is Matt and Christy's age so he created a cool atmosphere for the whole thing. I've always loved him and was sad to see him leave St. Sebastian's. So it was a sweet treat seeing him over there. After the Mass, Christy and Matt released butterflies, in what was a pretty cool thing to see but also amusing, as the butterflies didn't want to leave the box. Matt had to shake it out a few times! LOL. The reception was at Chateau Briand, out in Long Island. Another beautiful affair. A full length picture post to come.





3. Yesterday, I met Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) of Saved by the Bell fame. It was a spur of the moment trip to see him at Turtle Bay, a bar in Manhattan. Let's just say Mr. Belding knows how to gather a crowd! The upstairs portion of the bar was PACKED. It felt more like a club...which I think is the point of the upstairs portion anyway. He was very friendly, taking pictures with everyone and signing anything you sent his way. I spent far more on drinks than I originally planned (especially since I have a busy weekend ahead!) but it was a blast and I'm so glad I went out!





4. There's only 33 days left to the Disney World/Orlando/Florida trip. Are we excited or are we excited? I can't help but look through last year's photos and browse Disney's website, just because I want to relive the experience all over again before I can literally do that!



5. I've discovered how to follow the Yankee games live from the MLB app off my iPhone when I'm not home to watch or near a TV. This is good for two reasons: 1) I don't have to check Twitter for live updates and 2) I don't have to ask my boyfriend for any more "unnecessary" requests. Hahaha...a total inside joke...in which he will probably roll his eyes at me for posting...hehe.

What a day May 7th was. We had a great dinner with friends at Caliente Cab and then saw Pablo Francisco at Gotham Comedy Club. He was hilarious and those of us in attendance (myself, Tiffany, Karina and my brother Chris) really enjoyed his set.

Something happened earlier that day that I didn't think twice about when it originally occured. It was while we (Tiff & I) were dog walking two clients. However, over the weekend, it turned into something much bigger. I am disappointed with the way things turned out as it seems I won't be working with them anymore. I've walked this dog for two years and grew to love her like she was my own. So, disappointed is an understatement, especially if you knew the details. Unfortunately I think it's best I don't tell the story until everything is resolved.

Here are some pictures from later that day though!

The prospect of Mexican food & mojitos make Kimmie a happy girl.

John also brought his camera along. (We have the same one!)

Drinks are served!

Kimmie took this shot of Vinnie and us girls had to agree, this photo is adorable!

Tiff & I had the passion fruit margarita.

The sky was beautiful that night.

John wanted to try on my Ray Bans.

So did Karina.

Would you believe these are no longer complimentary?

Dish for two.

Check out this daschund walking past! So so cute...my favorite breed.

Ron (pictured below with Kim) also joined in later that night. Congrats to him -- he is recently married! :)

Later that night at Gotham...

My bro, the reason we were able to see the show! Thanks again, Chris.

With comedian Sean Savoy.

Pablo Francisco outside after with fans.

Big congrats!!

I was drinking my coffee yesterday morning when Jonathan runs into the den, all excited and said, "Gina is engaged!" We laughed about this with Gina and Anthony later that day because he had just read it online via Facebook through Gina so he forgot to say Anthony's name. Of course, I knew which Gina he meant.

I texted Anthony but then realized calling would be quicker. Gina picked up and I learned, it had JUST happened! She posted it on Facebook right away. I thought it had happened overnight for some reason, LOL. I rushed her off the phone, apologized a thousand times and promised to call later, hahaha.

Later that day, after celebrating Matt and Maggie's birthdays at a really great bar/restaurant named the Ainsworth, we went back to Queens and after a quick stop back at Jonathan's house, made our way over to Anthony's, where the newly engaged couple were hanging out. His parents were there too, as well as his brother, so we had cake and they told us all the details. I had wondered what the significance of May 12 was because one thing about them, especially Anthony, is they're big on numbers. I thought for sure it would be a date with the number 6 (their birthdates) in it or at least June 19, their four year anniversary. But even better, May 12 was the day they had their first kiss. I love it! (And them).

It was so exciting to see their relationship come this far. They have been through a lot and through it all, showed nothing but unconditional love for one another. It's the kind of love you hope to find one day (and the kind that IS out there!). I've known Anthony for seven years (and Gina two or three years after that) and have seen his search for "the one" from back when he thought it was hopeless, haha. And Gina is a rare breed. She is down to earth, passionate about what she does, has a close relationship to God (as does Ant) and is always fun to be around. She too, has been through a lot and they deserve all the happiness in the world. I mention all this because it explains just why I am so happy for those two.

Much love guys! XOXO.

The ring. He picked it out himself!

Chocolate lollipops that Ant's mom made. They were delicious and I am craving one now.

Hahaha.

Our flowers for them.

Mother's Day

Chrissy & Grandma

Oma & Mom

On Sunday, we went out to Donovan's (best burgers in town! No really) with my grandparents (dad's parents) and Oma (mom's mom). Opa is out of the country but it would have been nice to have him there. Nonetheless, three of four kids were there (Chris had to work) so it made for a nice afternoon since all of us haven't been together like that in awhile. I wanted the surf -n- turf (steak & shrimp) but they were out. Insert sad face here. Instead, I settled on the shell steak. Should have gone with the shrimp parm that my Oma ordered. It looked and smelled delicious!

It was nice being surrounded by all my mother figures. But, there are so many mother figures in my life I have to be thankful for. It goes without saying that I owe everything to the Blessed Mother. For both my aunts for looking out for me, even though in age they're more like sisters. For Jonathan's mom, for always making me feel welcome in their home and accepting me into the family. It helps we share a deep love for coffee, haha. For Jonathan's sister, for being a great mother to Johnny. For Mother Teresa, for always being an inspiration. For my Nanny and Grandma Esther, who are resting in eternal peace, showing love always. Grandma Esther wasn't my Grandma by blood but it didn't matter -- she always made me feel loved. She was that way with everyone. She was a rare breed. My Nan (my dad's grandma) was so unselfish, giving everything she had in life to her family. And for Teta, who has also passed on, for being like a mother to my mom while she was growing up. Teta (which means Aunt) acted like a grandma to us. Her home was like a second home and she made the BEST whipping cream I have ever tasted in my life. To this day, I can still say that.

I am truly blessed to have known them.

five on friday

Five on Friday

1.

Jonathan scored two free tickets to see Rock of Ages the musical last night. He was able to do so through a friend of his (thank you Jason!) and we were SO excited when we got the e-mail confirming the 2 tickets. I've been dying to see it for a year now. The desire to see it was even more fueled when my sister learned she'd be ushering there. She kept telling me to come and do lotto for it but I never seemed to have the time. The show did not disappoint at all. I enjoyed every minute. It was like a glorified rock concert. The finale, Don't Stop Believin' was the perfect way to end the show.

2.

TGIMexicanFriday! What perfect way to start the weekend but with margaritas & Mexican food at Caliente Cab? One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the heart of the West Village. Oh yeah! I don't know what it is about the atmosphere of a good Mexican restaurant that gets me excited but it does.

3.

Jonathan finished the editing for The Insiders last week and we premiered it last Friday, the 30th of April. "Help Unwanted" was received with a lot of laughs. A good time to be had by all. I had a small speaking role in this episode, as "Bridgette", J.D's neighbor. We tried to set it up in a way so that she could appear in the next episode. I remember I didn't want to say my line (I make a joke about J.D wearing an Elvis suit) but Jonathan assured me it would be a) funny and b) natural. I think my blooper got more laughs than the actual line, hahaha. Jonathan did a phenomenal job on the editing and overall episode, as did Sal and Mike. I can't wait until the second premiere party. It's fun to see how people react to it. Plus, I actually want to see it again!

4.

Lately, I've been having a Friends marathon and I've gotten up to season 3. I've always loved the show but lately I've grown to have a real appreciation for it. Ross and Rachel's story (before they got together) really reminds me of Jonathan & I. That line where Ross tells Rachel to "start looking" at him that way was something Jonathan said to me back in the day, LOL. It worked (and hopefully he doesn't kill me for posting that, hahaha)

5.

I recently applied to LaGuardia's 2-year photography program. I wanted to try something new and really challenge myself. Wish me luck!!