Boo to you!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Dan sent me this ecard last year on Halloween.  I just realized they spelled Halloween wrong!

I truly feel like if Halloween falls on a Friday we shouldn't have to go to work.  Am I right? Ugh.

So Dan and I are hosting a little party at our place tonight with friends from church.  It will be casual and cute.  I didn't want to go overboard planning around the theme because who has time for that?  We just put up some decorations, made a couple of treats, hunted online for Halloween  game ideas, got some cheap prizes, will order some pizza, and a call it spooktacular. 

I was hoping that Harvey and Lil Casper would be our festive jack-o-lantern centerpiece but when I went to move them last night Harvey felt a little squishy.  I pulled the top off and found something quite frightening inside.

Let's choose to remember them in their finer hours.

Now guess what Dan and I are going to be for the holiday (don't comment if you already know).

Clues:
- Dan was allergic to his costume
- We are a classic couple
- I come in a variety of flavors
- No refrigeration necessary

Come back tomorrow for the photo reveal!  Have a sweet and spooky day!

In other news, yesterday was October 30th - our two month anniversary!!!

I convinced Dan he should get me two red roses because he got me one last month.  If he continued the tradition I would have a whole bouquet on our one year mark.  So he did.  So sweet.

Then he told me they charged him $4 per rose.  WHAT?  Too expensive for something that dies after two days.  So I think we'll end that tradition before it even started.  Drats.

I left a note and spooky wrapped favorite treats on his pillow.  No chocolate here.

Then we re-read our vows to one another.  It is a simple way to remind each other of the words that sealed our commitment.

Now, is it party time yet??

What's in a name? And why I changed mine

I love my maiden name.  It's certainly unique, albeit a tongue twister, it's a conversation starter, and it's special to me.  It connects me to my Dad's side of the family in a way that I always loved.  I felt pride when we would go to Iowa for family reunions or to visit relatives and I could be confident in being a Schmeling.   Some others there had different last names (but they were just as much a Schmeling - I was a silly possessive kid what can I say?).  Anyways, I like being a Schmeling so it was a little bit sad on Monday when I took the day off of work to legally change my last name to my new married name, Johnson.

The decision to change my name wasn't even really a decision. I always knew I would take my husband's name. When I was growing-up many people assumed that my parents were divorced because my mom had a different last name.   My mom chose to keep her maiden name for lots of reasons (which I support), the primary one being that she was just starting her career as an artist and had already established her name.  Also it was the 1970s and female independence was all the rage.  Anyways, as a kid I didn't care about the reasoning, all I knew was that people thought my parents were divorced and that always confused and hurt me.  I told myself back then that I would change my name to save my kids from that question.  Well I'm older now and I'm not so concerned what people think about the martial status of my parents but if you're wondering see here.  Nevertheless, I can't betray my seven-year-old self and break my vow to change my name, right?  

Many women nowadays staunchly refuse to change their names because they feel it perpetuates patriarchy.  For me the choice has nothing to do with exerting my femininity it's about tying myself to my husband in as many ways as possible.   One, I want the Johnson family and all of Dan's family for that matter to know that I feel tied to them now too.  I want to be able to take pride in being a Johnson just as I do when I'm around my Schmeling roots.  Two, I didn't pick to marry Dan because he had an awesome last name (or ordinary name, really) so why would I be picky about changing it?  To me it's like saying I'll take your eyes but I won't take your hair.  I'll take you but I won't take your family.  I'll take your love but I won't take your name.  Three, I like tradition.  I'm not your fist pumping feminist (nothing wrong with that) but I don't feel like I'm taking a step backwards for female advancement in society by taking his name.  And finally, even in death, I want to be connected to my husband and in some ways that can only be done by taking his name.  And I'm good with that. 

So I'm a Johnson now but I'm keeping my Schmeling at heart.

Something kind of cool that I discovered while doing the whole name change processes is how much more it made marriage feel real to me.  There is so much involved in changing your name and it's not an easy task.  I had to take the day off of work - go to the Social Security office - wait at the DMV - go to the bank.  At all three places I had to submit proof that I was married, I had to fill out forms, I had to pay money.  At work I had to coordinate with HR so that my name would be changed on all my benefits.  I had to change my beneficiary on my life insurance and my retirement plan.  The whole thing was quite intense and not something I'm interested in repeating which is good because as far as I'm concerned I'll be a Johnson for the rest of my life.  The only thing now is I just have to get used to the new signature! 

I was practicing while waiting at the DMV

October Anniversaries

Both Dan's parents and my parents have October wedding anniversaries, just days apart (different years).  This makes it convenient for buying cards and for giving both sets a happy blog shout-out.

Dan's parents Terri and Allen

And my parents Barb and Al

Aren't they all just the cutest?!  Happy anniversaries you four!  We are so grateful for the loving and committed examples you are for Dan and me in our relationship. 

Spock, Harvey, and other weekend tid-bits

Sorry for the delayed Weekending-it post I was out and about all day yesterday becoming the official Mrs. Stephanie Johnson.  More on that later...

This weekend Dan and I looked forward to sleeping-in.  Of course we only managed about a half an hour more than a weekday but we still lounged in bed watching TV and eating muffins.

Later, we met a friend at Brooklyn Bridge Park for lunch and enjoyed the super warm and sunny fall weather.  Saturday night we decided to try the Star Trek video game we got a few months back.

Now, as most boys do, Dan grew-up with video games.  The boy can totally zone out and play and he really has a handle on the controller.  Me on the other hand, did not have video games growing up and my only exposure to that world were the rare times I played Mario Kart at a friend's house way back in middle school.  We are polar opposites in this area.

Anyways, I was Spock in this game and Dan was Kurt (because of our character resemblances - not).  Spock is highly intelligent from what I know which makes my navigation of him in video game world all the more deplorable.  People, I am capital A - Awful at using the controller.  Spock was running into walls, falling off ledges, jumping up and down at unnecessary moments.  Laughable but also incredibly frustrating.   I like to control things and when I feel like I can't manipulate things to do what I want I get real annoyed.  Fortunately Dan is patient, like really patient.  Even though I'm really bad at it I still enjoyed playing it and I started to get the hang of the game by the end of the weekend.

Sunday was our usual full day of church followed by the Newcomers lunch.  Since I'm married to Dan now I get to attend these lunches where new visitors to the church can get to know the leadership a little better (and hopefully stick around long term).  We followed that with a late nap and shoestring dinner of whatever we could find in the apartment.

Then we carved a pumpkin!  This was on our fall bucket list and neither of us had done it in several years so we were looking forward to it.  I named the big guy Harvey and the white guy Lil Casper (I saw the idea for the carving online).  I also toasted the pumpkin seeds and tossed them in cinnamon and sugar. We're hoping to make this a tradition!

Current Perks

Dan and I are settling into being a forever couple and are getting the hang of mixing routines and schedules.  We are just around the corner from our two month mark and this morning I was thinking about some of the things I'm really grateful for and enjoying about married life right now.  

First, the way Dan serves me in little, but powerful, ways.  He knows I like order and tidiness and he's seen the emotional fallout when those things are not maintained.  He knows how happy I get when he makes the bed and does the dishes.  Whether he enjoys doing them or not I'm not sure (I doubt it's his favorite) but he does it and it means the world to me.

I got that nice quote here

I know Dan loves me because  he says it over and over but what's more than that is that he shows me that love in big and little ways.  In fact, I think the little ways mean the most to me.  I'm a pretty simple girl...stick a note in my lunch bag every once in awhile and I've got a smile on my face as wide as a watermelon.

Second, waking-up to a snuggly hug is the best way to start the day and just having his company is enough to make my heart swell.

Third, I love coming home from work and and having someone there.  I enjoy planning and making dinner for him.  We've been sitting at the table in the kitchen most nights and talking about the day.  He always starts by praying over the meal.  Sometimes we eat while watching TV, because it's fun and that's how we always did it at my old place.  

Of course we have our moments.  Sometimes we struggle to communicate well.  Sometimes stresses at work bleed out into bad attitudes and changing moods.  But neither of us can stay in those states for long.  Being kind to one another.  Saying sorry and trying better.  We're figuring it out and I think we're doing a pretty good job.

Weekending it - a whole lot of random

This weekend was definitely not our most exciting.  Dan was still away on his "retreat" until late afternoon on Saturday so I spent the day running around doing errands.

I peeled, sliced, and prepared two bags of prepped apples for freezing (thanks for the tip Aunt Kandi)

I also dropped off a giant bag of accumulated clothing and stuff we wanted to get rid of at the local Salvation Army.  Then I headed to the mail center in my old neck of the woods to pick-up some boxes and ship a package.  On my way out of the mail center I ran into Don/Ron the mailman.  I was worried I would never see this character again since I moved away from 2C and I never got to say goodbye.  Wanna know what his first question was when he saw me?

Are you pregnant yet?  Holy cow Don/Ron!  Who do you think I am?  Gosh.  Obviously the answer was no and I pretended not to be offended and then humored a 20 minute conversation with him.  Here are some of his opinions that were expressed in the conversation. I'm leaving out the most offensive statements.  

- The local Pentecostal church is a "nut church"
- All elderly people are Catholic and would never attend a "non-denominational church"
- Cities in Kansas are not actually cities, they're just pretending

Oh, Don/Ron.  I kinda hope I never run into him again.

After my chat by the post box I went to Key Foods to get the ingredients to make pulled pork in my crock-pot.  Now, if you've ever been to a grocery store in NYC you know they are about 1/4 the size of grocery stores in other cities.  While the ethnic food selection is vast, they fail to stock a lot of basics.  For example, last week I had to change my meal plans because they didn't have Rotel diced green chilies.  Really?  It's like a 4 oz can you can't find room?  They have cow tongue and pigs feet but no green chilies.

Anyways, I was standing in the meat section for 10 minutes trying to find the cut of meat I needed.  I called my mom to see if she could clarify other options to use.  She wasn't sure and my dad didn't pick up his phone.  Finally, a butcher came out (he must have seen me standing there for 10 minutes) and I asked him for 4 lbs of boneless pork shoulder roast.  He showed me one cut of meat with the label that just said "pork roast."  I asked if there was anything smaller since it was over 4 lbs and I only needed 4.  He said he would cut it for me and to wait there for 5 minutes.  10 more minutes pass and he finally comes back with a 5.28 pound chunk of meat and says "they are all big."  Well geez, thanks for nothing.  I didn't want to offend him so I took the meat.  It cost $15.

Usually Dan comes to the store with me to help lug everything back since we have to walk to the store and our building has stairs in front of the door.  The granny cart I had was filled with boxes and grocery sacks, including a 5.28 pound chunk of meat. Now, I'm a strong girl but this large cart is clunky and had to weigh at least 60 pounds.  I struggled down the stairs and to hold the door open while I got the cart in the first door.  An old man sat there watching me the entire time.  Never offered to help, not even to hold the door.  That annoyed me because clearly I was having issues.  Finally an older woman rushed to my aid and held the door and even held the elevator for me, meanwhile the mean old man watched.

The struggle was worth it, however, because all the boxes were filled with treasures.  We got our Christmas cards (I'm not showing them so they can be a surprise...but they're cute and you can hang them on your tree!).  We also got a highly anticipated wedding gift of a handmade quilt from a family friend.  My parent's friend Zoe put so much love and care and special details into this gift.  We LOVE IT!  I was overwhelmed by how special it was.

There are hearts, stars, and moons embroidered all over it and a special note as well.

It matches our bedroom colors perfectly and it will make its debut on our bed this week!  Squeee!

Mandy sent us a box too! Filled with goodies for the apartment.  I requested she make a collage of felt flowers in frames for our kitchen wall.  It really pulled everything together and I added a matching pom pom garland to the mix for added flare.

Comment if you think Mandy should add more inventory like these framed flowers to her Etsy shop?

Sorry for the poor quality photo.  It in no way reflects the quality of the felties

Anyways, Dan came back and I gave him a big squeeze hug and we soaked-in company we had been missing.  

Sunday was our usual church gig and I had two friends over for lunch.  Dan did the laundry - what a guy  - while we made cookies.  That morning I had prepped the pork to cook all day in the crock-pot.  It took me an hour to trim the excess fat off of the meat 1) because I had a dull knife 2) because I had never done it and 3) because it was a total hack job.  Anyways it tasted great and we have tons of leftovers. I should mention it was the real deal recipe with all kinds of spices and stuff including coke and chili sauce (I had never in my life seen chili sauce and was stunned that Key Foods had it).

Some homemade applesauce in there too!

PSA:  Every Monday should be a holiday Monday.  I just can't seem to be productive on the big M.  Fortunately it's almost over.

Side note:  Did anyone watch the Broncos vs the 49ers game last night?  We did for a bit and since I only pay attention to the game a quarter of the time I had no idea what all the fuss was about when Manning hit 509.  I was going on an on about why is it such a big deal...it was just a touchdown it's not like they won the game or anything...why are there so many cameramen in his face?  Then Dan was like, "do you want me to tell you why it's a big deal?"   I felt pretty silly.  But now I feel like records should always be a round number.  510 career touchdown passes seems like a way bigger accomplishment to me.    

Flying Solo

Dan is out of town for a couple of days on a church leaders "retreat."  I was not happy about his absence because I got so comfortable with his company that I didn't want to have him away.

Despite my whining and pouting for the last two weeks, he went.  And I'll survive. I guess.

He left while I was at work yesterday and when I got home I walked in to see some nice surprises.

1) He did the dishes (he's getting so good at that)
2) He made the bed (it's his new "thing" in the morning)
3) He left me a delicious treat on the table with the sweetest note.

4) He rounded-up all the snuggle buddies and displayed them nicely on his side of the bed so they could keep me company while he was away

5) He sprayed the buddies with his cologne so that when I snuggled up next to them it would smell like him.  So romantical.

Such a sweet and thoughtful guy ;o).  Oooh, I love him.

I'm really looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and giving him a big ol' squeeze hug

Apple Treats

One of the things I really wanted to do with all the apples we got over the weekend was make homemade applesauce.

Dan and I love us some applesauce.  We go through a pack of these a week

Easy.  Cheap. Convenient.  Delicious.

But homemade is always better so I found a super simple recipe online from The Pioneer Woman

The most difficult part was all the peeling and cutting.  Also, the recipe called for six pounds of apples.  I don't have a scale so I just put a bunch of apples on the counter until I felt like they approximated a six pound infant.  The final product tasted good so I think my system worked.

You can put the cooked apples in a blender to made the sauce smooth but I have issues with putting hot things in blenders.  I'm not sure why.  But chunky applesauce was still great. 

Then I made apple pie bread.  I got the recipe from  Better Homes and Gardens.

Again, the most difficult part was the peeling and the grating.  The recipe called for pecans and raisins in the batter, but gross.  I only eat raisins in their natural form.  The pecans I had were salted so I was worried that putting them in the batter would make the bread too salty.  I did put the pecans in the crumb topping and that was perfect.  Yum!  People, I could eat crumb topping all day.  I know its pure butter and sugar but wow, it would be my last meal if I could pick.

We still have quite a bit of apples left and I think I'll attempt to make an apple pie.  Maybe I'll peel and cut all the apples in advance and freeze them before they go bad.  Has anyone done that?  Is it a bad idea?  Help.  

More pics from apple picking

It was a beautiful idyllic day (minus the gloomy skies) so I tried my best to get lots of photos.  I didn't want to overwhelm the last post with too many pictures so here are a few more.