jibber jabber

Random thoughts:

1. I really need to see Wicked next month. Mandy Gonzalez steps into the role of Elphaba in the musical on March 23rd and I'd like to be there for that! By the way, her name is a link you can click to show you who she is.

2. As an anniversary present, I wanted to take Jonathan to a musical (which he already knows so this isn't spoiling the surprise!) Originally it was going to be Addams Family but I've also got Rock of Ages in mind. Of course, it is ultimately up to him! :)

3. Normally holidays such as St. Patty's Day don't make you think of giving gifts but since Jonathan is practically family already and I've got a huge Irish fam (not to ignore my mother's German family -- much love to them too), I had an idea. Since the holiday is right around the corner, I picked up two funny (but useful) St. Patty's Day gifts for Jonathan since he is now Irish...Irish by association that is :-D Very excited to see his reaction.

4. Lately I have been into wrestling. Yes, you read that right. I can tell you, not only who Bret Hart is but who his father was! If you mentioned The Million Dollar Man, I wouldn't be thinking of a man made of money, I would tell you that it is Ted DiBiase, Sr. Even though I've always known what WrestleMania is, I am now excited for it! NEVER would of that I've EVER say that!

5. Summer...I can practically smell you...why aren't you here yet?!

picked my brain with useless questions!

With three birthdays coming up next week (with my sister's 23rd this Sunday!), I am in planning mode. Hopefully I can figure it all out before they arrive. Very excited to surprise my sister with hers! Unfortunately hers doesn't, ah, arrive I guess you could say, until March 2nd. And later that night, Tiffany, Robyn and I are going out to Marquee to celebrate. We can't make it a long night since Tiff has school and Robyn has work the next morning so that's why we're keeping it low-key with a small group. Even though Marquee is pretty much old news in the bubble that is New York City nightlife, we've never been and I know I am excited (and if you ask Tiffany, she'll tell you the same! It's one of those places we've always wanted to check out).

By the way, before I end this fluffy entry with a survey, I was at Duane Reade the other night and who but one of my favorite actresses, Kathy Najimy, was standing in front of me on line! I didn't realize it until maybe 5 minutes into the wait. She was with 2 friends and a few people (who I mistook for friends) were coming up to her. Now I realize they were fans. I snuck two photos from my iPhone, haha.

Who was your last text from?
Jonathan :)

Where was your default pic taken?
In front of my parents' house. The photo is almost two years old but I feel it fits my username perfectly!

Your relationship status?
About to hit the 1-year mark on Saturday with J :)

Have you ever lost a close friend?
Through circumstance, yes, but not death.

What is your current mood?
Pretty chill. I gotta rush this as I chose to do this survey when I should be getting my butt out the door!

Whats your brother(s)/sister(s) names?
Robyn, Christopher and Michael.

Do you have a job?
Yeah. I would love a career though (who wouldn't?)

Where do you wish you were right now?
In bed. Oh man. I could use the sleep.

Have a crazy side?
Who doesn't!

Ever had a near death experience?
There are three that come to mind. All involve almost getting hit by a car.

Something you do a lot?
BS on my phone. Visit Starbucks. Think.

Angry at anyone?
No. If I was, I don't remember being angry LOL.

What's stopping you from going for the person you love?
Work but I'm seeing him after.

When was the last time you cried?
They were happy tears just the other day

Is there anyone you would do anything for?
Yes.

What you think about when you are falling asleep?
I am thinking about the coffee I will drink the next morning. Sad, but true.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Jonathan. I'm sensing a theme here, LOL.

What is your favorite song?
Limelight.

What are you doing right now?
Taking sips of iced coffee, checking my texts and doing this. Also, glancing at the time every other minute.

Who do you trust right now?
Family and close friends. And above all, God.

Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
t-shirt is from American Eagle and sweater is from NY&Co.

Have you kissed someone in the past week?
Every day.

Who is your friend that lives closest to you?
My sister ;-)

Describe your life in one word
meaningful

Who are you thinking of right now?
Well, my sister, since I just wrote about her.

What should you be doing right now?
I should be putting on my shoes right about now. Why do I always do surveys when I'm trying to leave? SMH

What are you listening to?
Adam Lambert's new single "If I Had You"

who was the last person who gave you a hug?
Jonathan.

Who was the last person who yelled at you?
Maybe Michael.

Do you act differently around the person you like?
No, I am myself. With Jonathan, I have never felt like I had to be someone I wasn't.

What is your natural hair color?
A very dark ashy color. One hairdresser put it best: "It's not blonde and it's not brown...it's ashy" Haha.

Who was the last person to make you laugh?
I know I laughed not long ago...but I can't remember why or because of who, LOL. Go figure.

Who was the last person to make you sad?
myself. no surprise there!

Is your hair curly or straight?
Wavy.

Has anyone ever called you "scrumptious" before?
I feel like there was someone who used that word but I could be wrong. I feel like someone who would refer to me as that would be eccentric, and, living in this city my entire life, I've encountered a lot of eccentric people!

Do you have a best friend?
Yes.

Held hands with the opposite sex in the past 3 days?
Every day! (This question made me realize...I do do a lot of hand holding)

Do you use smiley faces on the computer?
Check back to question preceding this one. Plenty of them to go around! :)

Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
Yes. And while running through a cornfield in Illinois. But that's a story for another time =P

Are you happy with life right now?
For the most part.

Are you currently jealous?
No. I was feeling camera envy before while looking through Flickr.

What jewelry are you currently wearing?
The usual earrings and navel ring. I am sporting a necklace that has my name on a heart. It was a gift from Jonathan when we went to Hershey Park last summer.

What were you doing Friday night?
I believe I went to see Shutter Island that night and then after work, I went to a bar.

Have you ever had your heart broken?
A long time ago. Most recent was when Jonathan's grandma passed away last May. That was an incredibly sad time. When I saw her at the wake, I felt it break...she was an amazing woman. I'm sorry I only knew her for barely a year.

Have you ever broken someone's heart?
So I've been told.

Is there anybody you're really disappointed in right now?
Not really.

What was the last reason you went to the doctor for?
An ENT infection.

How late did you stay up last night and why?
Not too late. I think by 12:30am I was in bed.

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
Yes...as of Saturday, anyhow LOL

Have you been used recently?

I hope not!

Are you afraid of getting your heart broken?
Sure.

Do you have a reason to smile right now?
Absolutely. How can I be sad with iced coffee next to me? I mean really now.

Do you know what it's like to have to move on without wanting to?
Oh yeah. Definitely.

When was the last time you saw your father?
Two hours ago.

Do you still talk to the person you fell the hardest for?
Yes, we just texted.

What are your plans for tomorrow?
Non work related, I need to finish a movie I've been meaning to watch.

does it bother you when people try to make you jealous?
Depends on what it involves. I don't think this happens often. If it does, it must not work LOL.

What didn't you get for Christmas that you asked for?
a DSLR. But, no fear, I am finally able to purchase it myself next month. I like it better that way. At least I can say I worked for it.

If you were in the hospital for something serious, would the last person you kissed be there?
In a heartbeat.

You get a text from your latest ex at 4AM saying "come outside." What do you do?
I am a heavy sleeper. I wouldn't get that text until I woke up, haha. So if he was still outside when I woke up, of course I would go out and ask what the heck he was doing.

Do you like the town you are living in?
Yeah, it's always been home...and I've got no complaints.

Have you ever gotten butterflies from someone?
Who hasn't, really now.

Did you wake up in the middle of the night last night?
No, I woke up at 6am then promptly passed out.

Is it easy for someone to make you smile/laugh?
Yes.

What was the last thing you drank?
iced coffee. But I think even you could have answered that.

Did you have a dream last night?
Yeah it was really odd. Jonathan had a dream I cut my own hair and did a poor job. It was also brown again, haha.

Who was the first person you talked to today?
Jonathan. I think I asked him "What time is it?"

What are you NOT looking forward to?
I guess work at night, if I had to choose.

What is something that you're looking forward to?
All the upcoming birthdays. And Jodi Picoult's new book on the 2nd.

Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes.

Do you ever leave messages on peoples answering machines?
If I have to.

What were you doing an hour ago?
I was just getting back to my place.

Do you think this year will be better than the last?
Last year was pretty damn good but I have a feeling this year could top that.

What did you have for breakfast?
coffee and a toaster strudel.

Ever been in a life threatening situation?
I guess. Wouldn't that go hand-in-hand with my near death experiences?

What is the last movie you watched?
Horror Hotel.

When you see a shooting star, do you make a wish?
No.

How was your day today?
It was pretty darn good.

Would you marry for money?
No.

Have you ever liked someone older than you?
Yes.

Does anything hurt on your body?
My left shoulder is a little tense.

Name a lyric from the song you're playing?
From New York to LA getting high rock n' rollin/Get a room trash it up 'til it's ten in the morning

Do you think you ruined your chances with someone?
Not at all.

Are you good at hiding your feelings?
Haha...I bet somewhere Jonathan is laughing at this question. I am like a canon. I keep it inside until I can't any longer and then it bursts.

Last time you laughed?
Couple of minutes ago.

Do you have a deep secret?
yes but it's not my secret. I am...a secret keeper, LOL.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
I do...but, the one time I thought it was for me, I now realize it was infatuation. For me, I knew right away I was going to be great friends with Jonathan. We got along SO well. Falling in love was a slow process for me.

What is the one thing you remember most about February of last year?
Haha, awesome question! First, Johnny's birth on February 2nd. And then, becoming official with Jonathan on the 27th. The next day was my sister's birthday and the Atlantic City trip. So, an eventful month for sure! :)

Did you have an exciting last weekend?
It was pretty fun.


Have you ever crawled through a window?
Oh man. I did this all the time in my youth. I once caused the entire blinds to come crashing down.

Where were you at 1am Sunday morning?
Probably out somewhere. Or maybe I was at Jonathan's but awake.

Who is someone you wish you could fix things with?
I'm not too sure if anyone applies to this.

Are you an emotional person?
Somewhat. Oh, who am I kidding? I am, LOL.

What's something that can always make you feel better?
prayer. music. pictures. laughter. coffee.

Are you a cuddler?
yes.

Will this weekend be a good one?
Oh yes.

What do you want right now?
For this freakin' survey to end!

Who can always cheer you up?
I got a whole list of people here.

The last song you heard?
Lambert's If I Had You. It's on repeat.

Where did your last hug take place?
Outside my parents' house.

3 days from now will you be in a relationship?
Yes.

Do you have any brothers?
two

Are you a couple with the last person you kissed on the lips?
Yes.

Looking back, did you ever think you would be where you’re at in life now?

Not at all.

Is there anyone getting on your nerves at the moment?
Nope.

Do you tend to get in fights?
Only with my sister, haha.

Do you have any nicknames?
I have many.

Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked today in person?
Jonathan. Sick of seeing your name yet? Me neither ;-)

Is anyone protective over you?

Yeah, I would say so.

Have you ever had a stalker?
It was a one time thing. he followed me home one night in a white van.

Do you know how it feels to be cheated on?
No. Not really.

Are you happier now or four months ago?
Now. I was pretty happy 4 months ago though.

Have you ever met someone who is amazing?
Of course.

What are you doing at 3:00pm tomorrow?
Who knows!

california dreamin'

I looked at the calendar this morning only to realize, not only is spring approaching but we're just that much closer to summer! This summer is going to be big in terms of traveling. There is that much awaited Disney World trip, in which Jonathan and I have been talking about since the moment we left last June!! Though not summer, I think in the spring there will be a weekend getaway to Vegas. When I went with a small group in 2008, we had a blast. (And one scary moment at the club in which no one could find my sister.)

At some point this summer, my family and I are taking a trip to San Diego to visit my dad's sister and her husband. This excites me for many a reasons. I mean, one, hello, California? Two, I haven't seen Chrissy (my aunt) in a minute. And three, I smell a day trip to Disney Land!

Below are pictures from last weekend. I went out with Kim and John after work to Caliente Cab (I believe I mentioned that before) and Jonathan came after, followed by Chris M. and Karina. So we had a nice little group going on. Looking at these pictures makes me want another papaya margarita.

Valentine's Day recap

After wishing everyone a happy Valentine's Day a few days ago, I texted with my aunt over in California and she sent me a back a wish saying Happy Saint Valentine's Day. It was then that I realized I forgot it was even honoring a saint! Apparently there is very little known about him...and when I checked this Catholic Calendar on my iPhone, it didn't even acknowledge him for today! Regardless, that day was filled with love, love, love.

Jonathan and I decided on dinner & a movie that night. He surprised me with the dinner location and it ended up being Da Silvana which was right in his neighborhood. Then we decided to see Valentine's Day at a movie theater that was so small, we had to wait for the movie outside! But, the best part was, the only movie playing in that theater was that movie so it was kind of cozy. I knew I was going to like Valentine's Day (the movie) but I had no idea how much! I saw it on the Friday it was released so that made it the second time seeing it in a span of two days. There's just something about it that made me laugh and wanting to see it again. The fact that Jonathan really enjoyed it just goes to show me I picked a winner of a Valentine's date (and a boyfriend, haha).

It's also kind of crazy reflecting back to last February 14th because Jonathan and I weren't official just yet but we did spend time together the following day instead of Valentine's Day. He had originally asked me to dinner but I declined...because I was in my "confused I-don't-know-if-we-should" stage. Women...we're nuts!

So, granted this holiday really is just another day to celebrate love, it's a good excuse to get dressed up, go to dinner, eat chocolate and exchange gifts. However, I feel like we do that at least once a month haha :) For a first Valentine's Day to be celebrated in a traditional way, this one was memorable. Hope everyone enjoyed their heart day.

Snow Day!

We got hit with the first snow storm (not the blizzard they said we would get!) of the new year since December. This time, navigating the streets to get where we had to go was easier. I would have stayed indoors all day to enjoy Snow Day from the coziness that is the DiDonato home but I had to get myself into the city. Once I got outside, boy was I glad...walking in all of this was fun. I pretty much documented the walk to the train station, haha.

Slightly out of order but this is Tula, the cat we went to visit. What a (shy) cutie pie she is. Last time I would be seeing her too, as her owner is taking her back to Jersey at the week's end :(

This picture got a lot of comments on Facebook, much to my surprise. I have come to the conclusion that you should never be too old to write initials in the snow :-D

This is probably the most modern looking McDonalds I've ever encountered. Located between 15th & 6th, blocks from Union Square.

13th street, between 6th & 7th. Little known fact: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen used to live on this block. (They may still for all I know)

Mission: impossible?

So, all in all, a great day! I entered that last photo for publication in the NY Daily News. With all the Snow Day submissions, who knows if it will actually get accepted (but it's definitely should be on the website soon)

when the cat's away....

In exciting news to start with, I'm 98% sure I'll be back at Disney World this summer. Tax season is hinting at being a good one for both me and Jonathan. If so, it will definitely enable us to go. Granted the job thing pans out and he can get time off. So, fingers crossed.

I'm in a job hunt myself for a day gig on top of my current night one. My mom is a massage therapist at a spa and there plenty of positions to go around in that environment. They require schooling but she can get me a discount, which I'm all for. Again, fingers crossed. I'm up for trying something new this time around.

Speaking of new things, apparently for Christy's bachelorette party we are going to Lips and then to a strip club. Lips, I am looking forward to, because I always hear such crazy things about it. The strip club, not so much. That environment is not my thing and I don't think I've ever heard of one for females but hey, if Christy wants us to come out for her, who am I to say no? (Besides, I don't think Kim will let me sit that one out, haha). And on top of that, the boys are going to one too so it's only fair ;-)

The thing that gets me about going to a strip club for a bachelor party is what it represents. A lot of times they say it's the "last night of freedom." I beg to differ. Marriage is not like going to jail. Marriage should be about celebrating the life and love you've found with someone, not the end of having fun in life! Hopefully that made some sense. I just don't see how looking at naked women all night and then marrying the person you love is right or respectful. But that's just my two cents. I would never tell a friend how to go about things or doubt that two people love each other because of how they celebrate the time before the wedding! It is just something that never sat well with me (that should surprise no one who really knows me, haha) Tell me I am not alone! LOL.

That being said, Johnny's 1st birthday did NOT disappoint! That little cutie is growing so fast. I wouldn't be surprised if he started walking completely on his own in the next few months. We are going to celebrate on Saturday again. I think I mentioned before I am in the market for a Canon Rebel. It would have been perfect to have on Saturday, with 11 children there (I love photographing babies/young kids). But, my goal is to have it before the summer.

All right, bed time for me. That nap a few hours ago didn't do any good!

The Valentine hoopla begins.

Happy February to all! This month is filled with so many birthdays, starting with...

...this little guy! John, Jr. turns ONE tomorrow. That's right, one! Don't ask me where the year went; I couldn't even tell you. I have the cutest gift for him already. Right now it's more for his parents LOL, but he will appreciate it when he's older, I'm sure. I'll post a picture of it after his birthday, just in case someone stumbles upon this!

January went out with an interesting weekend. On Saturday night, nine of us went out for dinner (hibachi on Bell Blvd.) and then dessert. The first picture is of as at Pearl, our choice for dessert. Except apparently on Saturday nights, the cafe was turned into a dance club. Yes, you read that right. We knew something was wrong when we needed our IDs to get in. "IDs to get coffee?" I remember saying. Little did we know that not only did they close the coffee bar but they had no desserts either. That was an amusing 10 minutes spent! What's worse is when we went to Martha's Bakery afterwards, the wait was 45 minutes! The manager had to come and kick a few people out. Not gonna lie, that part was kind of awesome, haha.

L-R: Me, Enza, AnnaMarie, Christina, Rita, Daniela :)

The dinner was fantastic of course, as hibachi usually is. And entertaining. Our cook harassed Christina quite a bit, with a fake mustard bottle and his operatic "Christinaaaa!" (That still makes me laugh when I think about it). And who could forget, Sal "The Situation" and his "Love ya!" ;) Plus, we had a new addition in Enza, Mike's girlfriend. She fit in so well with the group. Very happy for Mike!

Speaking of relationships, this will actually be my first time celebrating Valentine's Day. Last year was a funny time. I was supposed to do dinner with Jonathan but had bowed out. Yet, the next day I came over anyway and we kind of celebrated, even though we wouldn't be official for another week or so. Funny how things change in a year!! I never really cared for the holiday but now this is a good excuse to go out for dinner and stuff our faces with chocolate :-D Besides, I give Jonathan a lot of credit for making me feel 100% loved every single day. Definitely don't need to wait for a holiday to come around to show it! :)