Welcome Back

I am posting for the first time in 2 years. I suppose I am "over" blogging. Or maybe no time. I am definitely past the " 'Stin " name I used as my handle. My name is Justin, dammit.  

Well, big news. Our wedding is in June. Thinking about it gives me jitters. Just the wedding itself, not spending life forever with Patty.I am just anxious about growing up in general... the future. Kids? Pets? House?

I was also nervous the first time I drove or donated blood. I just need to do it, and soon it will become routine.



Well, here is another day of anxiousness... .

Life Got Serious

We were at home. We had a lovely evening celebrating Valentines Day at home. After dinner, I presented her with a ring. She became overcome with joy.

We are already a team, and we've talked about our future many times. But, I wanted to give her the ring she deserves and a definite promise: She will have her day.

I am going to be some one's husband. Patty is going to be my wife.

I love you Patty.

gggrrrrRRRRRR!

Shit. All I can say... 3 days, the parking lot is finally plowed. Our local streets are still shit.

My girlfriend and I together get by alright, but we live in low income housing between two dead ends and on the north side of the railroad tracks. The local government, building management, etc.. couldn't give a SHIT about the poor people that live here.

We are moving when we can.

Shit.

Lunches Made With Love

    I am really digging this co-habitating thing. Patty made my lunch this morning because she wanted to. Later, I will wait for her to get off from work to take the bus home, because I want to.

    Before her schedule changed, we rode in and out of Minneapolis together. My shift started at 7:30, her's at 8. We both would get off at 4:30 and meet for the bus home. Her shift starts at 8:30, so bus rides to work are a solo afair. Since she got in early to ride with me, it's only fair that I should wait for her to get off at 5. The bus ride home gives us time to "strategize" grocery trips or weekend plans.

    Brainerd, Itaska, Twins games, Valley Fair.... we're just having fun.

 

   I should mention, my lack of tidyness is becoming less lacking and more tidy, and I'm eating more  green things. We're a good team.

   

Oh, and we're in love. If I didn't mention that, we are. (less than threes!) <3

 

 

I Am Fortunate

Since my last post, I've been busy falling in love. I asked her out in November and we had some very fun dates. We decided the day after Christmas that we were not interested in anybody else. And now we're an "us".

Her name is Patty. She and I met at karaoke (she sings phenomenally). She's a nurturing soul who loves sports (Wild and Twins), a good beer, and lip gloss. Patty has the cutest eyes and the most gorgeous full set of lips. We can talk about anything. She can curse like a sailor with a cute Minnesota accent. She really digs me, and lets me know it.

I haven't been so eager for Valentine's Day in a long time. She bought us tickets for the Wild game. I do not know a thing about hockey, but ended up watching more in the past 2 months than my entire life. I got something for her as well, but not in the line of tradition (it's practical). I'll let ya know after the day. It's sort of a secret, but then it's not.

I can go on forever, so I should just summarize everything in one word: Happy.

Empathy

A paper crain constructed by a Japanese  girl more than 50 years ago is in the WTC Tribute exhibit. It's very fitting- So tiny, so delicate, and  yet,  so powerful

 

Please read this article:

 

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/17/origami.gift/index.html

 

 

 

Another Reason Women Wear Scents

It's a lingering reminder of them after you say goodbye for the evening.

They KNOW this- My shirt from last night is one of my favorite smells of the moment.