Butter & Co.

I managed to survive week 1 in my new studio. I even started to like it, despite the obvious lack of space. This kind of feels like a dorm room with a kitchen. This past weekend, Pedro came back to visit, and so did one of my bridesmaids, RKY. Pedro and RKY had never met, so it was an especially timely visit. We had so much fun! Friday, Pedro was extra charming and cooked a gourmet meal for the three of us. We got all dressed up and took advantage of the nice weather by wandering around the 'hood. The night was spent at an underground scotch bar. We slept in on Saturday, and went to our spectacular zoo. We promised RKY sushi for lunch, and after trying 2 places that were closed for lunch, we ended up right in our own backyard. Many cucumber rolls later, we took an afternoon nap back at the ranch. For dinner we went to our favourite hipster bar for amazing pizza and draft beer. Then we headed over to the friendliest wine bar ever, and after some riesling, we ended the night at the greatest chocolate bar ever. I had crepes, RKY had baked brie, and Pedro helped us finish. We sat outside, with candles and roses on all the tables. It was fabulous. After totally gorging ourselves on food all day, we promptly fell asleep. Today was sad when I had to say goodbye to both of my guests (after Pedro's awesome waffles). At least I have the place all to myself; Butchie is perched on the window sill like a cat. I think I'm going to drive to Butterapolis next weekend with Butchie-- our bestman invited us to his cabin. I'm ready to drink some beer and be on a boat. Maybe I will be able to get a taste of summer after all.

Rolls on Parade

Last night Pedro, Butch and I listened to live music at the Historical Society, outside. We met one of my two friends here, and she had a friend with her who was pretty cool. The music was so-so, but that was fine because I was there for the conversation and to enjoy the night. We brought 3 kinds of cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of cab. As soon as we found our company for the night, Butch promptly marked one of the ladies' bag. I just about died. Luckily, they're pretty easy going people. Though Butchie didn't quite understand sharing his parents with other adults, we had a great time. After a few glasses of wine, we came home (Pedro drove) and I promptly fell asleep.

I still haven't heard about the job. I still want it, especially since work has been very crazy and not the least bit rewarding. It's weird for me to think that this time next week Pedro won't be in town, I'm trying hard not to be sad about it, but with moving and all sorts of other stuff going on.... I'm pretty overwhelmed.

I picked out my towels (monogrammed) and sheets (monogrammed) the other day. They make me happy. After I showed Pedro the floral and multi-coloured shower curtain I liked, he announced that he "didn't care" and then asked if we could buy a house with a basement. The basement would be all his, and he wants it to resemble a "Spanish Pub". Not a cantina, but something of a boys club, I think. I said he cannot have a no girls allowed sign. I love him-- I can't believe he's done with his second year of law school-- we're going to be married in like, 52 weeks! That'll fly I'm sure.

Rolling Around

Here's a Butter update:

1) I went back to my GI doctor, who told me that I have to have surgery in one or two months. See, I'm bleeding internally, so if I can get that under control in one month, he'll take biopsies then. If not, in one month I'll try more/different meds, and then once it's under control I'll go under. I'm trying hard not to be depressed about all of this-- but getting screened for colorectal cancer twice in 6 months is not a picnic. Though I know I'm under the best of care, and catching a cancer really early is the best way to go, I really don't like thinking about it. A 23 year old cancer patient? Let's hope not.

2) Work has been crazy this week. We're starting a new semester Monday, meaning that I won't be much of a librarian; rather, I'll be a registrar. I'm doing all sorts of junk that I hate. I hope the job in Butterapolis comes through.

3) Pedro is in the middle of finals. He's studying all the time, and I think he's going to do really well this semester. His two brothers are coming out this upcoming weekend to help us move to the new apartment. Ours is getting renovated, so they are moving us a mile away. I'm not too excited about moving, or about where we're going-- it's right on the edge of our tony neighborhood, and there's definitly only one way to walk Butch.

4) Pedro is moving back to Butterapolis for the summer. I'm going to be pretty lonely. His job is very cool though-- and he'll be able to do some wedding stuff with my mom.

5) Speaking of Mom, she told Pedro that he can call her Mom. I thought that was pretty neat.

That's about all for now, I miss my friends. I wish my intestines would get under control.

No Rolls

I know I've been gone for a while, but Pedro's taken over my computer to outline as he has finals coming up. What's exciting:
1) Pedro's taking the Foreign Service Exam. If he passes, he's on track to become a diplomat. It's all based on need, so who knows? He does test very very well.
2) I got my very first engagement gift off of my Crate and Barrel registry: a dessert set from one of Dad's old friends (who happens to live about 15 minutes away from me now). Well, guess she's on the guest list now. I'm anxious to get the cake server engraved with our names and wedding date. I like how 06-10-06 looks.
3) I picked up 2 books: Colette's The Complete Claudine and Susan Jane Gilman's Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress. Bridal is definitly one of my hobbies.
4) My colon is a mess yet again. I'm on another RX in addition to the other 2... this one blurs my vision and hinders my driving ability-- but it does ease the cramps that happen ever time I eat. It's weird to feel really bloated yet look at my tummy and see that it's flat.
5) Butchie went on a 6 mile hike with Pedro and I. We found out that he's quite good at drinking out of water fountains. I couldn't believe he lasted so long-- we didn't even carry him.

Butter and Basketball

mArch madness has taken over my neighborhood. Of course, I can't pry Pedro off the couch tonight, but that's ok. We had our fun last night-- a coworker of mine was a beer tub girl down by the river, so we hopped the train and headed down to tourist central looking for her. I was in a halter cut way low and black pants-- and of course I run into another coworker (male) who was also looking for our beer tubber. I"m sure I'll hear about that on Monday. Turns out we couldn't even find her, so after a strong V&T and a few free shots, we took the train west to a trendy Asian bar for JH's birthday party. I had a great drink-- cucumber, apple and gin-- that I'm going to try and recreate at home. We had a decent enough time, but it's kind of hard to hang out with all those law students. Pedro and I have basically abandoned them on the weekends, as he sees them during the week. Being engaged, working, finished with school, with a puppy at home... even though I'm the youngest of everyone out last night I sure did feel old. Pedro assured me that he couldn't be happier with our stable life, and after really thinking about it, I agree with him.

In hush-hush news, I'm applying for a new job. In Butterapolis. For the following school year. At my alma mater (where my future mother in law and my current stepmom both teach). It's really a good opportunity. While I don't want to be away from Pedro and Butchie, if I got it, it'd be so so sweet. I could save money by living with REL or DDL, get a good start on a career in Butterapolis, be able to plan my wedding efficiently... sigh. I act like I already have the job. My app. will be in the mail this week, and I'll certainly keep y'all posted.

In the meantime, please take note that my address has changed. I'm still on the same street, but now the last 2 numbers in my street address are 16 instead of 05. My new apartment number is 302. Just so you know.

Just Butter

Work was great today-- I went to lunch with a coworker, and then this afternoon we had an all staff meeting. I know most people hate meetings, but honestly I love them. I like being able to ask questions and see what's going on with the rest of the college. Today's meeting was about space-- the school is acquiring a third floor, and consequently the library will be moving to a more central location (it's just down the hall, but this is a good chance to reorganize some things). As the libraries I worked in Boston had moved, this is old hat for me, especially since this library is tiny compared to those. I know lots of librarians are trying to add computer terminals, but I'm anxious to get rid of ours-- they run down the center of what is essentially a large classroom with the shelves lining 3 of the 4 walls. Not quite Harvard, I know, but I'm working with what I can. I'll have 16 terminals and have 2 round tables for group study (this is the first time there is non-computer seating in the library). I'll also have a nice brand new wrap around desk all for me; I can't wait to get away from the secretaries and into the library. I think I"m going to throw a housewarming party of sorts, so the whole school can see what's going on in their library.
I got home from a good day at work to find Pedro and Butchie cuddled on the sofa. After my usual greeting of, "Hi Boys!" and kisses all around, Pedro made me heart shaped pasta for dinner. We've been polishing off a bottle of wine, and watching movies. "Breaking Away" is on; it's about Pedro's alma mater. Go ahead and google it, it's supposed to be pretty good.
Posting will probably be sparse for the rest of the week-- we're off to Orlando for a wedding this weekend!

Luck O' The Butter

Because I work in a nightlife hot spot (seriously. We're located between a nightclub and a pub) my St. Patrick's Day fun didn't involve a car ride. I went out with 2 girls from work for the first time. After working there for 6 months, we all decided it was time. It was quite nice-- even though the beer was so-so, to go out with other girls reminded me a bit of last year. I miss my old grad school girls, and I think it all kind of came back to me last night: I was again the youngest, the most outgoing, and the one who always seemed to draw attention whether I was asking for it or not.

I didn't feel bad leaving Pedro back in the apartment. He's been sinking into the couch watching hours upon hours of college basketball. Yesterday he added a four pack of Beamish, and with Butchie at his feet, he was in heaven.

I don't even remember how I spent St. Patty's Day last year, but I'm sure I had fun. One funny story from last night: this guy in a suit was hitting on me, even though I was dramatically gesturing with my left hand, flashing my ring. He noted my red hair and asked if I was Irish. I looked at him squarely and reminded him that not all redheads are Irish, and not all Irish have red hair. I don't know why Americans think it's so cool to claim to be Irish (we have a friend who is maybe 1% Irish and 99% French and still proclaims he's Irish). I'm proud to be an Eastern European Mutt.