Bliss.

I'm getting married.

That sentence has more meaning than you know. For years, I've thought, "Nah, that marriage stuff just isn't for me." Then, I met the most amazing man on the planet...and he changed my outlook. He made me understand why people want to do this whole commitment thing. I want to be his wife and he wants to be my husband. We have a love that is envied and adored. Equally. He is the love of my life and I wish all of my friends my kind of happiness. It can happen. You just have to NOT be looking for it. Love smacked me upside the face. When I least expected it, in the place I least expected it. Believe in love and it'll happen for you.

Brian, I love you and I can't wait to be your wife. In (almost) seven days, I will be Mrs. Pepi. You've already made me the most satisfied and happy woman on the planet. I love you so much. xoxo

Almost home.

So, the inspection went well. Nothing earth shattering and nothing we weren't already aware of. The biggest project for us will be the kitchen, which we have to completely redo. Brian and I spent the better half of Sunday at HomeDepot getting some insight and checking out new appliances. Last night, we had some homework to do in the workbooks they gave us. It's a lot of stuff to look at and I just hope we get it all right!

We are going to sign the P&S tomorrow or Wednesday and close at the end of the month. Literally, like the last day of the month. We're hoping the bank will let us in there over the next couple of weeks to put some paint on the walls and clean the place before we move in. It's so exciting!

Finally!

The bank finally got a plumber into the house yesterday. He replaced the water meter and fixed the one pipe line that burst. We went to the house last night to turn on all the faucets and everything was flowing and draining nicely!! Our home inspection is Wednesday afternoon and we sign Thursday!

Oh my gosh, this is really happening!

Waaaaah. We just want a house. Waaaaah.

Really?

Is it always this difficult to buy a home? It just can't be. Our offer was accepted nearly two weeks ago and we still have yet to sign a PNS!! Problem is it's a foreclosure, so we're dealing with a bank. And the bank SUCKS!

Long story short, we had to put oil in the tank to get the heat up and running. That went fine. Next step was the water, which has been off for as long as the property has been vacant (420-plus days). So the bank turns the water on last week and guess what? There are leaks! So they say they're going to get a plumber in there to do some work. That was last Wednesday. It's now nearly a week later and they've yet to get a plumber over there!

Why does the bank not see the urgency here? It's January...In Massachusetts!!! News flash, it's pretty freaking cold these days and that's not a good thing for pipes! I know it's all going to be on their dime so I really shouldn't complain but I just think the longer they wait, the more damage there could be! Just get on it already!!! We want this home!

Life reflections on my birthday.

Today, Lady J is 31 years young.

In looking back over the last 31 years of my life, I can recognize several peaks and valleys. Indeed I've had plenty of ups and downs in my life but I've always persevered thanks to the love of my wonderful family and endearing friends.

But over the last two years, I've come to rely on someone else to help keep me sane and happy. And someone is Brian Pepi. Meeting this wonderful man has improved my life in so many ways. Until I met him, I'd never known what it felt like to be truly loved by a man. He is so giving, caring, and loving that I am at times overwhelmed. How can someone love me so much?, I ask myself. But then I think of how much I love him and it all makes sense.

And not only have I been blessed to have him in my life over the last two years, but also his three boys. Stephen, Anthony, and Drew have impacted my life in a way I never thought possible. I've always been a somewhat selfish person when it comes to how I spend my time and for that reason, I never wanted children. But having these three boys in my life has made me see things differently. Though not technically mine, I consider them my kids. Excuse me, our kids. When I know we're going to have them over, I get so excited. And just thinking about seeing them open presents on Christmas Day brings an instant smile to my face. Sure our weekends with them can be long and exhausting, but I constantly forget how tired I am when one of them flashes me a smile, wakes me with a nudge, or gives me a squeeze or smooch.

I guess these two last years have been the most memorable to me, mostly because they've shaped the life I'm going to lead. I've found the personal life I've always wanted. I have the man of my dreams and the children I never thought would exist for me.

Thank you, Brian, for coming into my life and bringing your beautiful boys with you. Here's looking forward to another 31 happy years together. I love you!

Why I love Bill Belichick.

Wanna know why? Here's why.

Because with 2:33 remaining in the final quarter of the Patriots' game against Oakland Sunday afternoon Coach Belichick tossed a challenge flag on the ground to contest a Raiders first down.

Oh, it gets better. The Pats were up 49-20 and he looked like a wet dog because it had been raining heavily all day.

Just classic Belichick. Always keeps you guessing and coaches the first minute just as tough as the last.

But the call on the field stood.