At this time last year...

I mentioned in my very first post that I've been reading a lot of blogs lately. I read one, which links to another one, which then points me in the direction of another wonderful blog. I love it. I get to meet strangers and they inspire me from different corners of the globe. A lot of the blogs I read are written by Mamas who often speak of what was happening in their lives at this time last year. They tell stories of their baby starting to kick, or discovering the pain of giving birth to a child with Down Syndrome with no warning.

In my life, a year ago at this time, I fell... hard. Yes, like the head over heels in love kind of falling. I can't quite explain how it happened - friends and family insisting that they had my perfect match, but there was a catch - he was on the other side of the world, Afghanistan to be exact. It all started with a message here and there to appease everyone's pleas for us to talk. Then it turned in to running home from work to check for a new message. Then came the late nights - I stayed up until midnight and John would head to a computer when he woke up and we would chat until 2, 3 sometimes 4 in the morning. I laughed out loud. He told me he missed me. He told me he couldn't wait to hug me and I told him that I could eat as much as he could - huge mistake. Our life together has changed so much - first of all, we met. Then we started our relationship long distance. Then we shacked up. He drives me crazy and he makes me happy. I love him.

There is the once promised, too much information, too gushy for public to post... post. I couldn't help myself. Here are some fun pictures to go along!

A few days after we met in real life. I was sold - and skinny!

Just a couple of tourists being in love...

Fourth of July

I'm so very happy that JJC popped into my life. He made me laugh and feel at ease and he loved me, like really loved me, and a year later, he still does. A small miracle. I still think about our late night chats, or our first meeting and get all fluttery and giddy. Or sometimes I just look at him - it has the same effect. Ok, no more sap... thanks for letting me sicken you with all of this!

The Finger Lakes

The plan was: two days, the boyfriend, the in laws (ok, not officially, but you get the point), one car, and 20 or so wineries or vineyards. It is no secret that I am quite the lightweight, so about 4 wineries in I was ready for bed, and at about 7 p.m., I was passed it in our hotel room. We left at 7:30 a.m. - yes that means I had to get up at 5:30- in order to make it to our first stop on Keuka Lake just in time for the tasting room to open...



Bully Hill was our first stop and probably my favorite - sweet wines and a funny presentation. There was no wine snobbery just a couple of old guys making jokes about getting girls drunk and taking advantage of them. Overall, a good time.



















Also, we got this wonderful picture. I finally know
what it is like to be blond... and have boobs

I love this picture so very much... this was about the time that JJC's mom insisted on taking "engagement pictures," to which I inevitably yelled, "Minus the engagement, Sue!" while shooting JJC an evil look. It was hilarious and depressing at the same time. She insisted that they were still good if we got engaged within the month. I very much appreciate her excitement and that she thought that was possible - clearly it was not.

(Still love him though, to the moon.)

Here are a few more pictures that I like...

Sue and Cuff at Bully Hill. Cuff was already sick of my picture taking, but he got used to it.

Keuka Lake

I would for sure use this as an engagement picture. Good job, Sue!

Eventually I will learn to make those cool picture collages that I see everyone using.
For now, you will get a row of pictures!