Date Nights Are A Must

I don't think that will ever change. Even when Sal and I are living together, even when we are married and have children, I think we'll still be going out on little date nights. And why shouldn't we?

We have been dating now for over seven years, and believe me, the butterflies have not gone away. I still get excited to see him everyday, and excited when we plan little date nights, whether we go out or spend the night cuddled up in a blanket together. We make sure that we plan to go out on a date at least once a week, especially now since we've both been so busy, it's even more important to spend even a little time doing something we love, together. With Sal at his new internship, and teaching at CKO, and me at my full time job, and teaching at CKO as well, we rarely have time to see each other and hang out like we used to, as I'm sure many have found out when being thrown into the real adult world. So, every week we make sure we plan something special together, and I'm not talking a big elaborate dinner at a 5 star restaurant either.

This past week, we decided Friday would be our night together, after I got out of work. We planned to go to dinner and a movie. I chose Steak N' Shake so we could grab some burgers, fries, and milkshakes, something we haven't eaten in forever! I had coupons, so it was going to be even less expensive than we had planned for the entire night. The coupons didn't work (long story), but we still enjoyed every last bite, and left the restaurant hand in hand.

We headed to the movies afterwards, and bought our tickets for American Sniper. If you haven't seen it yet, you really need to get your butt to a movie theater real quick. It was such a powerful, raw story, about something that we don't normally allow ourselves to think about sometimes, war and how it affects each and every man and woman that gets deployed and sees things that we could not even imagine, and how they deal with coming back to their families. We grabbed each others hands during certain parts of the movies, and I found myself resting my head on his shoulder every once in awhile, just to feel close. The movie didn't bring me to tears like some people who I know, but I was inspired to change my thought process, and to really appreciate each and every day I live in here in freedom, with the people I love and care about.

So since we're only here for such a short amount of time, why not still date the person you're with? Why not go out together and act as if you're going out on a first date, every time you go out? I'm pretty sure it's one of the keys to having a successful relationship, and if you're hesitant, I say, give it a try! Text each other at work that day, make plans to even meet at the restaurant or place you're going to, in separate cars just to build up the excitement! Get dressed up and just spend the night together - no phones, no fighting, just being the two of you! I promise you, it's worth it.

7 Years Since 2007

When Sal and I first started dating, we would always joke, saying "next year." As if we weren't going to be dating next year, as if we might kill each other before we get to the next year, but look at us now... seven years later. If you asked me I don't know that I would have guessed we'd still be together, but we are and I would not have changed a thing. Every obstacle we faced, made us stronger than before. When I pushed, he pulled, and eventually I ended up pulling too. It's amazing how fast time goes... The days are slow, but before we know it, time slips away and we're looking back on pictures we took 7 years ago... 2,555 days ago. 

I feel like we've done it all together, from vacations up and down the east coast and islands, to extravagant dinners and dates, special occasions spent with one another's families, and lazy days curled up in one another. 

This year Sal was at a loss as to what to do, having pulled together such incredible anniversaries for the past seven years, including a cruise around the city, trips to Rockefeller Center, and delicious dinners. He turned to Groupon, which turned out to be such a great decision. He knows how much I love wine, being that we have been to many wineries and wine trails, so he typed in "dinner and wine." Turns out Groupon was offering a deal for the Wine Bar in NYC - 6 wines to taste, 2 cheese plates, two entrees, and a bottle of wine to take home for a price that no one could have passed up. He quickly bought it, made reservations, and picked me up on the night of our anniversary with flowers in his hand, after we went to kickboxing and showered up. 

We arrived in the city a little earlier than our reservations, so we strolled to the resturant after finding parking. They took us as soon as we arrived, and even though we ended up sitting at the bar, we were more than happy to pass up a table, because we had much more space at the bar, and it was definitely more comfortable. 

We immediately started off with our wine tasting, paired nicely with a cheese plate. Another wine, and we placed our orders... Another wine and our orders arrived - skirt steak for Sal and chicken Milanese for me. It was by far, the best chicken Milanese I've ever had, especially paired with the wine we were given. Even though the deal didn't include a dessert, we decided to have one anyways... We chose two cannolis, the perfect way to end such a good dinner.

The wine hit us as we wrapped up our meals, but we just kept enjoying one another's company, and eventually found ourselves heading towards the tree with our bottle of wine in tow - somewhere Sal vowed he would not go this year. 

It wasn't cold, but even if it was I don't think I would have paid any attention to it.  The magic and wonder of Christmas in NYC is enough to make anyone forget about the cold... It's as if you're a child in Disney and even after hours of running around the park, you don't feel your legs hurting. We took our annual pictures by the tree, we watched the video displayed on the nearby building, and we walked hand in hand admiring the lights in every tree, the decorated window displays, and the overgrown holiday soldiers, ornaments, and Christmas lights. We didn't leave though until Sal bought and ate his dirty water dogs. I, for one, passed those up rather quickly... 

We fell in love a little deeper and our bonds grew a little stronger that night. These last 7 years together were beyond words, here's to another 7 more after that... 7, 7, 7, 7! 

Dinner at the Mohawk House

After seeing a friend's post about a great restaurant [Mohawk House] near me, I was intrigued. The food, the views, the atmosphere, it all seemed great. The next time Sal and I had a date night, I suggested it. Even though it took us awhile to get there because our GPS has failed us, we eventually arrived and had our car valeted. We were worried because we were not dressed for the type of place that valets cars, but after asking the man that parked our car, he assured us that we were fine.

We walked in and asked for a table for two, and was quickly brought to the left side, where we noticed right away that something was different. My friend's pictures that I saw had been dark, and what she had recommended wasn't on the menu. The atmosphere was clean and crisp where we sat, and I felt underdressed. We were served our bread, but I kept mentioning to Sal how out of place I felt, even though we could have had a perfectly nice dinner. It was expensive and I wasn't about to spend that kind of money on dinner, at least not when we've been trying to save for the future. 

I grabbed my phone out at the dinner table, something I never do when we're on a date and searched the restaurant's website. With one click I realized that there were two sides to the restaurant, and we had sat on the dinner side instead of the bar and lounge side. Sal worried about telling our waiter we wanted to switch sides because he would ultimately lose the table, but when I want something, Sal knows by now that it will be given. We kindly asked the waiter if we could sit on the other side and when we walked over there, I immediately relaxed, although not until we apologized to our waiter multiple times. The atmosphere was much calmer and enjoyable. We excitedly grabbed the menus, having heard a lot about the food, and ordered quickly. With a glass of wine in our hands we clinked glasses, because what's wine without celebrating something. 

We ordered the mussles to start which were out of this world. Thanks to Sal I've actually been eating mussels for a couple of years now... I don't know why I was so nervous to eat them - I mean if you pay not attention to what they look like, the taste is great! I got the chicken sandwich with an arugula salad for dinner, and Sal enjoyed the burger with fries. I took half of mine home to enjoy for lunch the next day. The food was delicious, and I would definitely go back.

We were mistaken in thinking that the restaurant was actually on the lake, so we drove to the lake nearby, the lake that we normally run our Turkey Trots next to, and found an ice cream shop. I most certainly enjoyed cookie dough ice cream, because I just can't ever resist ice cream... It's my weakness. We talked out in the chilly spring air until they started packing up the chairs, that's when we knew we had to head back home.

The whole car ride home we held hands; those are the nights I wish never ended.

Fajita Night

Whenever Sal asks to cook for me, I let him. Since we don't live together, he doesn't cook for me as often as I would like, but it's just enough, for now at least. After our usual CKO session, I decided that I was going to spoil myself by getting a mani and a pedi. I never get my nails done, but need to get a pedicure almost every month in the summer. Sal was all for me taking the morning for myself, but suggested that he make dinner for the two of us, which is fine by me. I love watching him cook, and helping annoying him, in any way I can. He went out and bought the ingredients, as my feet were soaking in the tub. I think the best part of those pedicures are the foot massages, but they always seem to go so fast.


My little morning seemed to fly by, and pretty soon, I was back at home, smelling fajitas cooking on the stove. I was able to get in some studying, while Sal marinated the meat, and began to simmer it. Studying has proved to be a lot harder to do now that I'm out of school for almost two years. It's easy to be motivated when your boyfriend makes you do it though, and you're sitting there telling yourself you can't eat that delicious smelling food unless you finish a chapter.

Sal made sangria too, cutting the fresh fruit, adding tequila, white and red wine to the pitcher. We put together a small salad to go with our fajitas. Once we laid out our spread, I began salivating. We poured our sangria in mason jars, and clinked them together. The meat looking incredible, and the peppers and onions were so colorful. I could not wait to try everything, and once I did there was no turning back. I felt like I could eat all of it, but of course I didn't. Instead, I took the fajitas to work for the next few days. I didn't even mind it, that's how good they were. I couldn't take the sangria to work, which was a shame, because even that was tasty.

Needless to say, I had to work out extra hard at CKO the next morning. It SO was worth it. 

Flashback to Easter

I have much to catch up on in the blog world, and I'm okay with that. Don't mind me as I play catch up. I still want to document all of life's adventures and celebrations, so I will, regardless of how long it takes me... regardless that I'm blogging about Easter, when I probably should be blogging about Memorial Day, but I'll catch up... maybe one day.

The Saturday before Easter, I had to work, but I didn't mind. We ordered hard boiled eggs, and a wonderful group donated easter egg dying kits for the kids. I set up everything in the playroom, and invited the kids, their parents, and even the nurses to get involved in egg dying. Regardless of whether these children are in the hospital or not, traditions must still happen! If I was younger, and I wasn't able to participate in these traditions with my family, like easter egg dying or opening presents on Christmas, I would have been extremely upset. Of course, I would have gotten over it, but for children, it's like the end of the world. The following day, on Easter, a fellow Child Life Specialist came in and did an Easter egg hunt with the children, and even passed out Easter baskets!

While the children were waking up and opening their Easter baskets, I was preparing myself for a free yoga class with a friend. We had heard about it from another friend, and thought it would be the perfect time to try a different workout; it being free was just an added bonus. We headed to the studio, and had an incredible class - I even ended up doing a headstand, with help of course. I want to try to continue to do yoga - it is on my 25 before 25 list after all. We decided to stop for a fresh smoothie from a local place, and while mine was a little watery, it ended up being refreshing. 

I headed home after to get ready for our early Easter dinner. Before I got ready though, I made sure to open my Easter basket, which was filled with healthy treats! The Easter bunny sure understands my healthy lifestyle!

My family always eats Easter dinner early, which is different than any other night, and any other holiday. Usually we eat dinner late, so I look forward to Easter. In the past we've spent Easter with family, or at home by ourselves, but for the past two years, we've eaten out, and it's worked out really well. Good food, great company, without all the added stress and mess. I know what you're thinking - "What about the people working?! Don't you feel bad that they have to work, and you're enjoying time with your family, when they can't?" Yes, I do feel bad, and those thoughts have crossed my mind, but I hope that they volunteered to work, and that they were planning on spending time with their family that night, or celebrate the day before/the day after. 

We headed off to dinner - just the four of us. We went to the same restaurant we went to last year, and enjoyed the light laughter of the kids at the other tables, the families talking and enjoying one another's company, and the food that seemed to just keep coming, along with the sangria. We ended up getting dessert, and of course, I tried to get something on the healthier side, and that's when my eyes came to find the coconut sorbet, served in a coconut shell (I may or may not have had this last year as well). 

Sal and I don't usually spend the holiday together, unless we meet up later that night. Well my family decided at dinner that we would be heading to my cousin's house afterwards, and I just could not wait. I love spending time with family - especially my cousins, if you couldn't tell from my posts. No drama, just conversation over more food, and laughter. There was plenty of laughter when we arrived, especially when the chocolate icing just somehow ended up all over my cousin's face. The night seemed to fly by, and when Sal had finished celebrating Easter with his family, he joined mine. It was a long day, but a memorable one to say the least. 

Make Me Chicken, Rice, & Beans!

When I have days off, I usually don't relax... I'm running errands and trying to catch up with my friends who I haven't seen all week, or Sal who I haven't even had a second to text. It's not until someone tells me to relax, that I actually relax, and I'm not going to lie, it feels good, and I start to wonder why I don't relax more often. So as a relaxing morning was slipping into the afternoon, my stomach started to rumble. I was so relaxed, that I had barely thought of what Sal and I were going to eat for dinner. The bed was so comfortable, and I didn't want to get up, but upon the mention of food, I had an immediate craving for chicken, rice, and beans. I had been asking Sal to make it for me for weeks then, and he was not up for it. It was then that he mentioned making empanadas, and I shot up and nodded. If I couldn't have chicken and beans, I would have meat empanadas with rice. We had purchased white and red wine at a winery a few months back, that when paired together, with fruit, made the perfect sangria.

We ran to the grocery store, and grabbed all of the ingredients, making note for what we already had at home. Loading our cart with fresh fruits, tortillas, and ground meat, we were out the doors before we knew it. We began preparation for dinner, and then soon after started cooking. Well, I should say Sal prepped and cooked most of the dinner, but I did help out, and learned how to make empanadas! I'm a decent cook, but when compared to Sal... well let's just say there is no comparison, especially when it comes to chopping vegetables or cutting fruit, he would win every time.

We paired spanish rice with our empanadas, along with our pitcher of sangria, and dinner was on the table before I knew it. We called my family to eat, and then there was silence. The food had consumed our words, and we were captivated with a meal that we don't often have. I mean, who makes empanadas on a whim? That's right, we do. 

Surprise, Surprise!

A month or two ago, while I was on lunch at work, Sal and I were talking about going out to dinner that night. Usually he picks a new place that we haven't tried, and most of the time, the places are actually quite good. It gives me something to look forward to after work, instead of thinking about the hour drive I have before I get home. I usually just ask him what I should wear, something more formal or casual. I figured I'd just wear jeans and a nice top, but Sal had other ideas in mind. When I got home from work, I stopped to talk with my mom in the kitchen, and noticed a text from Sal, asking again what I was wearing, even though I had already told him... And he answers "still?!" At that point, instead of thinking he was up to something, I was annoyed. Yes still! My mind didn't change on my way home. 

But when I got in my room, this is what I saw. 

A beautiful dress was laid out on my bed, along with a card, roses in a vase, and my cowboy boots that I was obviously supposed to wear with the dress. My mom was in on the whole thing, having had to let Sal into the house. She walked in after me with a huge smile on her face. I was in awe and was honestly speechless, I just secretly hoped the dress fit. 

The note read: 

I quickly hopped in the shower and slipped on the dress, and let me just tell you that I've never had a dress fit more perfectly...ever. I found out later that Sal had went to Target, and after finding nothing, headed to the mall... Guess, to be exact, and immediately asked the saleswoman what would be the best dress with cowboy boots. The woman was confused and asked what for, and he told her it was a surprise for his girlfriend who he was taking out to dinner that night. The woman loved the idea and told everyone else that worked there, explaining what an amazing boyfriend he is. He eventually showed her a picture of me to figure out the right size. It was more perfect than anyone probably could have guessed. I was even shocked that a dress I hadn't tried on before, fit better than dresses I actually tried on in the store. He had gone through all that, just for me, and I couldn't have been more grateful. 

He picked me up at 7 sharp, and we headed for dinner at the Blue Morel, a restaurant and wine bar - come on, could it have been more perfect for us? Wine lovers. 

The wine was crisp and sweet, because we got a bottle of Riesling, of course. We ordered appetizers and eventually dinner and dessert. Everything was presented quite incredibly and tasted great. We both had salads, but while Sal ordered the steak, I ordered the swordfish. I wasn't a fan of the sauce, but everything else tasted pretty good. Dessert was a sweet sorbet, which I don't normally have but Sal convinced me and I'm glad he did! 

It was nice because there weren't many people there so we felt like we were out to dinner by ourselves. I felt so beautiful in the dress he had picked out for me, beaming with confidence and feeling the love around us. It felt like I was imagining the entire night and I could not stop smiling. You only see these things in movies or read about them in books, and I was living it. 

If I could choose again, I'd still choose you.