THIS HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!

 

I am still just REELING over the fact that one of my dreams has come true.

 

Last Thursday I went to see A Christmas Story on Broadway because my fabulous friend Nick Gaswirth was making his Broadway debut! 

 

The show was adorable and wonderful and they had REAL BLOODHOUNDS for the Bumpus hounds!  I mean, honestly, you won me over right there. 

 

But then, after the show, the most amazing thing happened.  I met my TV Dad. 

 

My TV dad, you say?  What the heck am I talking about?

 

Ok, so here's my Dad:

 

 

And here's my TV Dad:



 

That, my friends, is Dan Lauria.  You may recognize him from a certain late 80's/early 90's television show called THE WONDER YEARS.

 

I have loved this man ever since I first saw him on TV because he has always reminded me of my father.  In later years, I have had this feeling confirmed by multiple boyfriends telling me "Your dad looks like the dad from The Wonder Years." 

 

I know.  I know he does.  That's why I cry anytime his character on TV (or in movies) goes through anything more difficult than a papercut.  He is my dad, just on TV.

 

You're judging me now, aren't you?

 

Whatever.

 

Anyway, I posted the picture of Dan Lauria to my facebook the next day because I was so darn excited (excited enough to write this whole blog post about it...which is turning out to be longer than most posts I write...what does that tell you?) - and I kid you not, multiple people thought it WAS my dad in the photo.  (read my comment and you would've realized that wasn't the case, but that's fine.)

 

No, it's not like they were twins separated at birth, but my gosh, my dad couldn't have a better celebrity doppleganger.  And I got to meet him.  And he was SO NICE.  And I'm still really excited about it.

 

So, there you have it.  That happened.  And I can cross that magical dream of mine off my list.  Because...it SERIOUSLY HAPPENED.

 

Ok, I'm done now. 

 

Just don't forget that it happened, ok?  Cause it did.  It really did.



Grateful.

Y'all.  Less than a month until my birthday.  Let's just start with that. 

So, I said I would actually blog something of substance soon....I guess it's that time.

This week is Thanksgiving.  Can you believe that?  We are already there....shocking how quickly this year has gone by.

I have so much to be grateful for.  I really do.  My life is not at all where I thought it would be...I've had so many ideas of where I would be around this age...I am not really anywhere near any of them.  But things are still ok.  And because I feel so lucky that even if life isn't what I expected, it's still pretty fabulous...I would like to give thanks.  Here.  On my blog.  For the things I am so very grateful for:

I have amazing friends and family.  You all mean the world to me.  Like...you are seriously good people.  Seriously, seriously good.

I have the sweetest little dog on the face of the earth - and another little doggie up in Doggie Heaven watching over me.  (boy, do I miss him.)  I have the privilege of taking this sweet little pup to work with me basically anytime I want.  And she is so freaking well-behaved, I don't know how I got so fortunate.

I live in an adorable little studio in the best neighborhood in New York City.  I'm minutes from my absolute favorite spin classes.  There are about a bajillion amazing restaurants within walking distance.  The parks, the parks, the parks.  And...the streets themselves...are just adorable. 

I'm so darn grateful for SoulCycle - I wish I could afford to do it every single day.  It makes me happy.  And really, what exercise ACTUALLY does that?  Like legit you want to do it all the time?  I'm sorry, but nothing.  Nothing else is like that.

Ok, maybe dance sometimes. 

But truly, for me, nothing else kicks my butt and makes me smile at the same time like SoulCycle does.

I am grateful for my body.  I'm grateful that it lets me run and cycle and dance and stretch and sing and skip and laugh and oh-so-much-more every single day.  I'm grateful it lets me train for the half marathon I will run in February.  I'm grateful for its ability to adapt. 

I'm grateful for heytell.  Cause it's freaking hilarious.  Please, friends, connect with me on heytell.  It makes my day to be able to send stupid messages to people so quickly.

I'm grateful for vacations.  For the ones I've gone on this year and the ones coming up.

I'm grateful for the chocolate chip scones at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market.  And suncrisp apples.

I'm grateful my coworkers like my baking.

I'm grateful for Brandy, who does my hair, for literally letting me walk in EVERY time and say "I don't know what I want to do, I just want to change it" and she does her magic and I always love it.

I'm grateful for the Steelers for giving me something to cheer about and believe in.  Though you made me a little sad last night.  But regardless, nobody else gets me to yell at my TV like you do, my little bumblebees.

I'm grateful for Spotify.  For letting me listen to all the Christmas music I want.  I'm grateful to the Feinberg (and Feinberg-Rowe) children for introducing me to Spotify. 

I'm grateful for L.A. Burdick having a location in New York City.  Holy crap. 

I'm grateful for Christmas decorations - and for my ability to convince myself that it's all actually there to celebrate my birth instead of Jesus.

I'm grateful for people at work who make me laugh.  I'm grateful for an assistant who knows what he's doing.

I'm grateful for manicures and pedicures.  They make me feel instantly prettier.

I'm grateful for New Yorkers and their amazing bravery and resilience in the face of disaster.  And for caring for others when times get rough.  It amazes me how strangers can quickly become friends in the face of a crisis.

I'm grateful for snow.  And sunshine.  And crisp autumn air. 

That is just a sampling of what I am grateful for this year.  There is so much more that I'm sure I could add to this list, but you probably want to stop reading now, right?

Oh, did I mention that I'm grateful for you reading my blog?  And humoring me and my crazy thoughts?  Yeah, I'm totes grateful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

Goodbye Sweet Boy

Friday morning, I said goodbye to my best friend.  You may roll your eyes...but really, my dog Charley was the best friend I could ever ask for.  He was there for me constantly - anytime I wanted or needed him, he loved me unconditionally, he made me smile and laugh every single day, and he was always willing to wipe (or lick) away my tears.  He was completely devoted 100% of the time.  Those are just a few of the little joys he brought to my life. 

I had a really hard time deciding to let him go.  It was such a painful choice to make, but I was almost feeling selfish making him put up with his pain so I could have him there.  Now, really, I don't know how much pain he was actually in because he couldn't tell me...and I had him hopped up on codeine (chicken flavored!  my vet is awesome...) all the time.  But as I looked back at pictures and I saw him sitting up or standing or...in motion...and I realized I couldn't remember the last time I actually saw him like that, it sort of hit me how far his disease had progressed. 

I was completely willing to pick him up and carry him everywhere and hand-feed him and bathe him every time we had an "accident".  But I finally had to ask myself what kind of life that was for him.  After many conversations with my vet and with my family, I decided it was time.  And now watching Scout run around and jump and play and go get a drink whenever she feels like it, I feel like I did the right thing. 

It doesn't make it any easier.  Even with Scout around, the apartment feels empty without Charley.  He just constantly showed his love for me and radiated happiness.  And I can feel it missing now... The little smile he would get on his face made my heart melt every time.  And he was so content just to sit against my leg or sleep in my arms.  It's where he was happiest - as close to me as he could be. 

I miss him so much.  Every morning I wake up and wish he was here.  I wish he had been a healthy dog so his life wouldn't have been cut so short. 

I am relieved he isn't hurting anymore.  But the relief just doesn't cancel out the grief. 

The vet who came to put him down made an imprint of his paw out of plaster and gave it to me, along with a poem called "The Rainbow Bridge".

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

I am going to believe in that.  Because it gives me hope that I will see my little guy again.  And we can mend the piece of my heart that he's taken with him.

I love you, Charley.  Goodbye my sweet boy.

Day 337: Happy Birthday Thomas B Sapienza - the best Dad a girl could ask for! I love you.

Day 337: Happy Birthday Thomas B Sapienza - the best Dad a girl could ask for! I love you., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

What a handsome guy! You're the best, Dad.

Day 294: Finally opened my birthday bottle of wine. Only to dump it outand save the bottle. Thanks Dad - this bottle is awkwardly one of myfavorite possessions.

Day 294: Finally opened my birthday bottle of wine. Only to dump it out and save the bottle. Thanks Dad - this bottle is awkwardly one of my favorite possessions., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
To be clear (since the picture isn't....you totally can't see the 1985) - This bottle is from the year I was born. Dad bought each of his children a bottle of wine after we were born to drink on our 21st birthday as a celebration. Needless to say, I didn't drink mine on my 21st birthday. In fact, I never opened it. So in order to pack it safely (it's traveled with me the past 5 years! but with some close calls...), I emptied it today in Dad's presence. I only felt right about doing it when he was here. :)

Day 212: Meet Me In St. Louis - Momma and Me

Day 212: Meet Me In St. Louis - Momma and Me, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Heading back to NYC. I taught my mom how to use the camera on her phone and flip it around so she can see herself in it . Makeshift mirror for on the go!

Day 211: Me and my Meemaw

Day 211: Me and my Meemaw, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
89 Years Old and still going strong. I love her. :)

Day 209: Christmas with Mom proved to be quite impressive!

Day 209: Christmas with Mom proved to be quite impressive!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Yay cooking stuff!!!!!!

Day 208: All through the house, not a creature was stirring - unless you count my Dad snoring.

Day 208: All through the house, not a creature was stirring - unless you count my Dad snoring., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Christmas tuckered Dad out.

Day 207: Merry Christmas! I made Christmas Morning Cocoa (from LA Burdick, of course!)

Day 207: Merry Christmas! I made Christmas Morning Cocoa (from LA Burdick, of course!), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
That's a Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate Maker in the back...it works quite well - our hot chocolate was very frothy! Dad was the only one who wanted whipped cream.

Day 206: The Christmas Eve Table

Day 206: The Christmas Eve Table, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My sister made a fabulous meal! And decorated beautifully!

Day 190: Holiday Card Night!

Day 190: Holiday Card Night!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I thought I got plenty...and now I only have one left and I KNOW I'll think of more than one person I forgot. And honestly, Charley looks so dang adorable in the picture (you apparently can't see him in my mass of cards here) that I want to share it with everyone!! Yay Holidays!

Day 178: Another awesome thing when I visit Pgh: Mom does my laundry :)

Day 178: Another awesome thing when I visit Pgh: Mom does my laundry :), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Best Mom Ever….Seriously.

Day 177: My Birthday Dinner (almost a month early)

Day 177: My Birthday Dinner (almost a month early), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
We get a picture EVERY year at the same restaurant. :)

Day 176: Happy Thanksgiving

Day 176: Happy Thanksgiving, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I made these pies. Because I am awesome. Seriously. …This was also basically my only contribution to our dinner. :)

Day 89: A Special Birthday Surprise for my Nephews!

Day 89: A Special Birthday Surprise for my Nephews!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I'm not telling you what it is because I don't trust that you won't tell them! So there!