a day in the life

One month later…

// November 30th, 2004 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month since I started dating Meg. It’s also hard to believe that it’s December tomorrow! Where does the time go?

Over the weekend Meg got to see the bar persona of the bros and Scott. Meg had been working at Kohl’s and had gotten out early. I told her we were going to be in St. Charles at McNally’s and to call me if she was interested in joining up with us.

Originally, Kelly, Andrea and Bobo were supposed to be joining us at the bar. One-by-one, they all bailed. So anyway, Meg calls around 11:00 to find out where we are. By that time we had had enough of McNally’s and had moved on to Scotland Yard, around the corner (a lot more room to sit and enjoy a nice drinkie).

By the time Meg got there, Dan had and John had already had more than a few. So much so that Dan was basically trying to make friends with everyone in the bar, while John and Scott were scoping out a few women by the jukebox.

Once Meg got there, we started embracing and basically scared off Mr. I-Hate-PDA. We had fun until the end of the evening.

Throughout the night Meg had had 3 Long Islands. Which unbeknownst to me, she basically had on an empty stomach. Needless to say she got more than a bit sick.

After some nagging and attempts to sober her up, I actually wound up driving her home. By the time I got back, it was nearly 4:20am. Luckily, Scott had offered to take John and Dan home.

So yesterday was our one month anniversary together. Of course we wanted to spend the evening together, Kohl’s decided otherwise. Of course having my photography classes on Tuesday and Thursday doesn’t help much either. So therefore, we’re going to try to go out on Friday night… if someone can figure out where she wants to go, that is…

Playing catchup

// November 25th, 2004 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Turkey Day is almost over and with it, brings the first day of the Christmas shopping season. Heaven help us all.

Needless to say that I’m not the biggest day-after-Thanksgiving shopper around so I’m probably going to be sleeping in tomorrow. Unfotunately for Meg, this is the worst time of year to be in retail; though she doesn’t work the morning shift at Kohl’s so there is some consolation in that.

Speaking of my sweetie, Meg and I have had a wonderful time together the past couple of weeks with a few bumps along the way. A week ago Monday, we spent the evening at Dave and Busters. We had a great time but, unfortunately, Meg had an accident on the way home. She bent the rim and damaged her tire. Being the good boyfriend, I drove out to help her put on the spare and reassure that everything would be alright.

Wednesday of that week, between jobs, we did the movie thing and spent the evening making out in the back of the theatre. Afterward we went back to my car and cuddled while she rested before starting her shift at Kohl’s.

We had orignally planned to go out last Sunday but circumstances at home dictated otherwise. So, instead we spent Monday evening together. We did another movie night again, with her and I snuggling, making out, and fondling in the back of the theatre. It was a bit naughty, but very very nice.

Our relationship has strenghtened to the point where we want to spend as much time together as possible and have thought about a future together. In fact, we spent Tuesday at Oakbrook looking at various places where we might register should our relationship progress to the point where I would propose to her (not that we’re going to get engaged anytime soon, mind you). One thing I can say for certain is that I’ve totally fallen for this woman and now really can’t imagine her not being a part of my life. I look forward to our future together and the day where we actually do become one.

The wonderful Ms. Ward

// November 13th, 2004 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

So Wednesday was our date at Second City. Contrary to my previous speculation, the show was execellent. The cast is between productions now so they performed many more improv segements than sketches.

The best of the sketches, in my opinion, were the Shakespearian ones. The premise of these was that a gay friend would interviene during a critical scene of the Shakespearian tragedies (“Julie, what are you doing with that knife?”). Hillarious.

My main concern of the night was getting there early enough so that we had some time to eat beforehand. We *barely* eeked out a dinner at BBQ place about 2 blocks south of the theatre. We both had the pulled pork sandwiches (since it was one of the things that could be prepared in the allotted time we had) and a nice glass of wine.

Fast-foward about 40 mins as we headed out of the restaurant and made it to the theatre and our seat just as the house lights were going down. We loved the show and loved spending the evening together. We spent the entire evening in some embrace or another. It was pure bliss.

When we got back to my place, we kissed and said goodnight. I wanted her to stay but I knew she couldn’t.

“The Talk” Pt. 1

Thursday night, Meg and I got into our first serious “thinking about our future” conversation. She has two legitimate converns about our relationship: our age difference and the fact that I’m still at home.

She is concerned about the age difference mostly becuase of her experience with how her parents treated her vs. how they interacted with her sister, who is 7 yrs younger. She stated that her parent were much more energetic when they were raising her than when they were raising her sister. She is concerned that if we eventually do marry and have kids, that the same thing won’t happen with us. This is an issue that won’t go away but it something we can work on and I can hopefully ease her fears.

In regards to the second item, Meg has a very good point in feeling that we’re like high school kids sneaking around behind out parent’s backs. I am in a position where I should be able to have my own place and frankly, her not so subtle nudging is something I needed. I want to have a future with this woman and to do that, I going to need a place where she feels comfortable staying.

I’ve been saving for a place of my own on and off but haven’t done any serious budgeting to this effect. It’s time I start.

As to how I feel about Meg in general, I feel completly comfortable with her and want to be around her more than we are currently able to be. Not to get ahead of myself, but this is a woman I can see a future with and someone I want definitely want to persue a future with.

I was a bit put off yesterday when I mentioned the “L” word yesterday in casual conversation with Meg. She flat-out told me that we are too early in our relationship to be throwing around that word so casually. She’s only had two previous loves in her life (one of which she almost married) so she’s very reserved about telling someone that she loves them. Perhaps it seems like she’s being too harsh, but her honesty is one of the many things about her I respect and appreciate. I also appreciate the fact that she raised the issues I mentioned above. There’s a lot of compromise in a relationship and, frankly, if I’m not willing to accept compromises, I shouldn’t be in a relationship in the first place.

By Meg’s definition of love, I’m not exactly sure I’m “in love” with her yet. But I am definitely smitten with this woman and I look forward to falling completely in love with her and making a future for the both of us.

The best part: I know she feels the same way.

This is Grand…

// November 10th, 2004 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Tonight Meg and I are making a trek uptown to see Second City’s review, “Doors open on the Right”. From the description of the review, some of the sketches may be a bit dated with the election having come and gone but I think it should be fun anyway.

Considering how much Meg enjoys The City, I found it interesting that she’s never been to Second City before. I’ve been there quite a few times now and have had fun each time I’ve been there. I think she’s in for a treat.

On the other hand, I’m looking forward more to just spending an evening together with Meg again than seeing the show. Due to her work schedule, we haven’t seen each other since our weekend together in Milwaukee. She and I have chatted and talked up a storm since then, but it’s not the same as being with her. Absense making the heart grow fonder is never more true in a budding relationship.

Milwaukee Redux

// November 6th, 2004 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

So the brothers and I decided to spend the evening last night in Milwaukee watching the Chicago Wolves get spanked by the Milwaukee Admirals. It was a good game was and the fans didn’t really have much on us as we openly admitted that the rest of our teams either choke or suck outright.

After the game, we took a trip over to Real Chili in the downtown area. Comparing Real to Skyline in Cincinnati, each had their own unique style and texture and I would rate them equally. Real Chili has a bit more kick than Skyline — especially the hot version. We also found a little bar district near Real Chili. The one we visited was Greek-themed and classy (the perfect place for three guys in hockey jerseys to go).

Of course, last weekend was my weekend at the Hyatt Milwaukee with Meg…

The day started off with Meg messaging me to see if I wanted to go up to Milwaukee since her friend Kristin had gotten sick and had cancelled. Since I had already made a commitment for the evening, I was hesitant to go. After some serious contemplation, plus a trip to Starbucks for overpriced Internet connectivity (since our power was out because of the wind storm) I decided to go. It was easily my best decision that weekend, especially considering that with her hectic schedule, any time I could be with her is precious.

Meg had plans that evening to have dinner with her brother and girlfriend. Since this was the first time we had been together, she was uncomfortable with me coming along. Also, considering that she was supposed to be with Kristin and was with me instead she went out with her brother alone (which I completely understood and supported).

In the meantime, I went to a little Thai place that I spotted while we were circling the hotel looking for parking.

When she got back we had originally intended to go out to a club near Miller Park that had a Prince tribute band playing there. She laid down for a quick nap and we decided it would be better to stay in. So we spent the next 4 hours together, talking and getting to know each other. We didn’t get much sleep but I really didn’t mind. Plus, I was being a bit selfish in hoping that we could continue on for the rest of the night.

In the morning, we spent some quality time in front of the TV cuddling and enjoying each other’s company. At some point, we got changed and went to brunch. The Hyatt has a rotating restaurant at the top where you can get a spacious view of Milwaukee. The brunch was very tasty — especially the homemade omelets.

We took the scenic route home along the lake and got home around mid-afternoon. Since Meg’s grandparents also live in Addison, she also got to spend some time with her grandmother that afternoon. She just had to explain why she was 45 mins out of her way.

We were originally supposed to see each other last night but circumstances dictated otherwise. So, we’re planning on getting together Wednesday night instead. I’m counting the days…