Day 256: When did I become THAT girl?

Well, crap. I miss him. I can't help it. Let's see, it's been one day since I saw Mr. O.? And there's still, hmmm, I think 18 more to go?! How can I miss him already? I mean, seriously, it's not the end of the world, I'm going to see him soon. But, there's this empty spot inside of me that just feels sad. I just miss him! When did this happen? I've always been an independent sort, a girl who can enjoy her own company. But, now I seem like I count down the time until I see him again. Oh well, I think I'm okay with. Just 17 days and 23 more hours to go.

Day 255: Yeah, I done good.

I don't claim to be a Betty Crocker or a June Cleaver. In fact, my feministic values often have me striving to be the opposite. But, I can't help but get a thrill out of putting a good meal on the table, and seeing other people enjoy my handiwork. There's other things too, like keeping a clean house, ironing a shirt to crispness, wrapping a nice present. But there's just something that makes my inner Rachel Ray soar when I cook a nice dinner. This was my latest creation and it. was. GOOD. Not to mention super easy to put together! We're talking meatloaf and potatoes...plus some asparagus and salad. But, I made the meatloaf with lean beef and added some italian sausage and salsa. I cut up the potatoes and baked them mixed up with some olive oil and french onion soup mix, and baked the asparagus with some olive oil, sea salt and basil (if you haven't tried it this way, do it! Delicious!) As for the salad, it was simply romaine lettuce, with some cut up apples and dried cranberries, some crumbly blue cheese and a blush vinaigrette. Yes, just salad, but TO. DIE. FOR! The best part? It was all done at the same time! No meat sitting getting cold while the potatoes cooked longer... it just seemed to all work out that it was all pulled out of the oven at the same time! I don't like to pat myself on the back, but Mr. O. seemed quite pleased with the end results and his compliments made me feel, this sounds goofy, but like a proud peacock, showing off my pretty feathers. What can I say? Am I an apron wearing June Cleaver who will greet you with a hot dinner on the table and fresh cookies at the door? No. But, will I enjoy cooking a meal that we'll both appreciate? Yes. And, there's nothing wrong with that.

Day 251-254: Not sick all winter...but now??

Seriously. I have been singing my flu shot's praises all season long, swearing it not only prevented the flu but apparently any other hint of cough, sniffle or sore throat. Well, it seems my luck ran out and it did with a wallop. I woke up one morning this week with a sore throat, and pretty much came to 4 days later, spending the majority of the time in a hazy, stuffed up cloud. Finally, FINALLY, life seems to be clearing up and I'm feeling like a normal person again. Well, whatever you might define normal... :) So, the question is, is it better to get little bouts of sickness, small colds that are easy to get through your regular day with or just get a knockdown, knockout punch of a cold that puts you out of commission for a few days once or twice a year and are pretty healthy the rest of the time? Who knows really, I'm just glad I can taste food and breathe through my nose again. I don't think I'll mind if I go another 6 months a very healthy person.

Day 250: Maybe not great music, but my music...

Late 90's, early 2000's...'NSYNC, Britney Spears, Ja Rule, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, remember Shaggy?? Any of it and I'm transported back to the time I was coming into adulthood.
Tooling around in my Volkswagen Beetle, back and forth to Nazareth College and my job as a manager at the movie theatre, hanging out with the Chad, Friday nights with Ilona and Mary, that time before it felt like my life actually got started, and there wasn't time to really worry about money or careers or rent or bills. Some good times. Anyway, we got to playing some classics on YouTube and I thought I'd share just for the fun of it. What do you remember when you hear this song? :)

Day 249: Seriously, does this make me crazy?

Okay, we've established I'm a bit OCD with things, like making my bed and keeping things picked up, things I know are a bit over the top, but hey, it's my house, it's how I roll, not hurting anyone, right? Right. So is it crazy to ask someone who's spending most weekends at your apartment to respect a few of my quirks and NOT say they're silly? For example, putting the seat down. I mean, I don't need to raise it to use the toilet, so if you do, then put it back where it started. When it's your toilet, I'll leave it up. And, maybe I have this thing where I wipe the bathroom sink out after using it. I've been doing it for years, and lingering water spots have become one of my hugest pet peeves. So, I'm not asking you to always follow my lead and wipe it out, but if I've mentioned how much it means to me, maybe you'd make an effort to do it, too? You know what though, I don't even want you to feel like you have to do annnny of this. Like I said, it's my house, you're a guest, I don't expect you to keep up with my quirks. But please don't make fun of how I do things...a little teasing, that's fine, but don't tell me it doesn't matter. Because it does matter to me. And, you matter to me...so don't make me hurt you. :)

Days 247-248: Nothing like some time with The Chad...

I can remember the first time he walked up to the Regal Cinemas Culver Ridge cafe, where I spent the summer before my freshman year at NYU serving up lattes, cookies and pretzel bites, and introduced himself as the newest manager. But it wasn't really until I returned to work the following summer, that I just knew the Chad was going to be a special person in my life. I can even remember our first "date," catching the movie "Hollow Man" one night in August 2000 (good thing we didn't judge each other on the movie choice...). Here were are, over 10 years later, and though we've had our ups and downs, we're closer than ever. He's made me realize that family doesn't have to just be the people you're related by blood to. Have you ever had a friend you can be your absolute self around? You can tell them anything, no matter how embarrassing or personal or weird and know they're not judging you, just sharing the moment with you? That's my Chad. And, despite my job that's taken me away to 3 different cities, he's always been just a phone call away and remains my closest confidante.

Sooo, that in mind, I've been trying to figure out how to understand this latest hurdle he's now forced to face, and how to be there for him despite my 5 hours drive distance from him. Not only is he recuperating from major surgery, he's now dealing with another huge medical issue, one that changes your life, and alters how you look at your future. It's scary, it's confusing, it's annoying and it's frustrating, and I hate not being closer to him to stand by him through it all. That's why weekends like this, where I can spend the whole time just hanging with him like old times, laughing and gossiping and watching SATC reruns and staying up waaay too late mean so much to me. I hope it reinforces to him that I may not be around the corner, but I'm there for him through it all, just like he's been there for me through all my crazy life has thrown me, always just a phone call away and ready to head home for a visit should he just say the word. Friends like the Chad don't come around often, so when you find one, hang onto him. Here's to some serious "hanging ooout" time, Chaddy. :) I heart you.

Day 246: Return to the Empire State

I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since I've made the trek home to Ro-cha-cha, but here I am Friday morning, and I'm hitting good ol' Route 15 for 5 hours on the open road. It's just a weekend, and I know it'll be a whirlwind of a trip, but I get to hang with BFF Chad the entire time and I'm psyched! I haven't gotten to just hang with him in FOREVER, and this weekend will be all about being lazy in sweat pants, lounging on the couch and watching movies, maybe some SATC episodes, perhaps some Friends reminiscing...maybe even a trip to the movie theatre like old times. Of course, we're taking it easy, seeing as Mr. Edwards just had some major heart surgery, and I can't wait to see for myself that he's okay. I've had hospital updates from his family and I've talked to him on the phone, but sometimes you just need to see for yourself, you know? The Chad is my family, there's no friend quite like him, and having to wait this long to be by his side during this scary and confusing time has got me nervous and on edge. So, I'm looking forward to seeing him smile, seeing him roll his eyes at my lame humor and hearing him crack up over things I say that I never mean to be funny. I know you're recuperating Chaddy, but I hope you're ready for a good time. :)

Day 245: Feeling a little Irish past...

Did I wake up planning to drink with my cereal? No. But, much of America did today, and it's totally acceptable. Happy St. Patty's Day! Though, while you're celebrating with shamrock antennae and green eggs and Guinness, I must say I'm lacking my green luster this year. Hmmm...I'm thinking the work start time of 2:30 a.m. may have something to do with it. But, just because I'm playing it a more subdued of a green this year, perhaps a nice mint shade, doesn't mean I haven't done my share of celebrating in the past. So, I'm using today to reflect on my St. Patrick's of past, mainly sending a nod to the fabulous Irish parties of Bingo and to my first in Harrisburg, kudos to one Aaron Fallon. I've had many a tipsy, Irish-jig filled, green bead wearing, afternoon beer drinking, parade on a different day attending, car bomb chugging celebration...most of which ended with my head in green beer, or a toilet. So I wish you all the same joy and merriment, the luck of the Irish to you, and a much easier hangover than I usually experience. Trust me, I'll catch you next year. ;)

Days 207-244: Whoops, I got a little distracted...

Okay, so I fell off the blog wagon a bit. What can I say, I'm falling in you-know-what that starts with a capital L, and I've let myself become a bit wrapped up in the whole four letter word... BUT, I've pulled my head out of the sand, brushed myself off and I'm getting back down to business. Why? Exactly 4 months from today, I, Lindsey Nesselbush will turn 30. So, I've got a bit to accomplish before then, and I feel the need to chronicle it all and know you're all dying to come along for the ride. :)

Anyway, here's a bit of a recap from the last month. I had my very first and most lovely Valentine. I mean, I've been around for 28 past Valentine's Days, but I've never actually celebrated the day with a sweetie...until my 29th. And Mr. O certainly made it one to remember, surprising me with dinner and flowers a day earlier than he was expected, taking me out to dinner and drinks the next night and just generally making me feel like one very special girl. Who'd ever thought I'd be so lucky? Hmmm...work is pretty much the same, getting a little better. I got new glasses. I've been running, but sporadically...will it ever become routine?? I'm also a bit worried over my very best friend Chad, who's just had heart surgery. It's very frustrating to be here and not there by his side through all this. So, I'm headed home to the ROC to get in some QT with the BFF.

So, what's in store the next 4 months? Only that time will tell. I do know I want to make it the best 4 months of my life, and I hope you want to come along for the rest of the ride. This year has already brought a few surprises I'd never have expected...what else could happen? Let's find out!!