Over the years, I have slowly made my way around o Over the years, I have slowly made my way around our house … decorating, renovating and reorganizing it into a soft place to land. The only part that I haven’t touched that much are our yards (except for a fire pit area that went in two years ago, thank you pandemic). I want our outside to be as much as a sanctuary as our inside is, so I plan to spend the next year digging in (no pun intended 😂). I don’t have a green thumb, so feel free to spam me with all your awesome, low maintenance ideas as we create a Japanese-style zen garden. 🤩 I also hate gardening, so there’s that, but am hoping that some #gardentherapy changes my mind as much as it changes the space.
✌🏻 ✌🏻
About last night … we spontaneously decided to m About last night … we spontaneously decided to make a @crumblcookies run at 8:30 and snagged a front seat to Mother Nature’s show. 😍
I took five books with me when we went on a little I took five books with me when we went on a little vacation in May, and got through two of them, one of which was The Magnolia Story. You are, no doubt, familiar with Chip and Joanna Gaines, but you might not know how they became so popular or how their business exploded. This book, told by both of them, shares their journey from their dating stages to just a few years ago. It’s quite amazing how their path unfolded, with the universe seemingly guiding them every single step of the way. Every time they hit a crossroads, they received clear signs to continue to point them in the right direction. It was interesting to learn more about their story, and a great reminder that you need to trust in yourself and follow your passions, and everything really does just fall into place. Chip has his own book out too, Capital Gaines, which I added to my list after I read this one. If you’re curious about their story or just need confirmation to continue to chase your dreams, read this one. ✨ #catesbookaweek 6/52
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the w “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl ✨
We’ve been dog sitting Gracie while my sister an We’ve been dog sitting Gracie while my sister and her family were away. She has settled into a new routine here (ours 😂), and now doesn’t get up until after 9 am, stays up until well past midnight, eats a very late dinner, knows that the kitchen is where the magic happens and sits for a treat after her morning backyard visit. We’ve broken her in nicely but she will be returning with her continued bad habit of suffering from #fomo, playing tag with the cats, and barking every time she hears a door open or sees someone go up the street. We did our best. 😇
The rewards of a weekend of farmers marketing! Gar The rewards of a weekend of farmers marketing! Garlic butter and bleu cheese butter from @njgarlic (the bleu on steak! 😍), empanadas from @catalina_empanadas_2017, half sour pickles from @pickleculture and the quiche and bread were from a vendor I forgot to get the name of. This was all from the @bernardsvillefarmersmarket. Today I hit the @denvillemarket and added full sour pickles from @pickle_licious and a roasted garlic and duck fat loaf and cheese biscuit from @bobolinkdairyandbakehouse. Basically give us all the bread, cheese, butter and pickles and we’re happy campers! Did you hit up a farmers market this weekend? What’d ya get?
Sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and so it Sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and so it is with the gnocchi from Trader Joe’s. Skip what their directions tell you and pan fry them in olive oil, add some of their 4-green bag of vegetables, salt, pepper, drizzles of pesto and a sprinkle of parm. So freaking good and dinner on the table faster than you can order take out. 🤤
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

A Year Ago Today… I Met Mystic

April 21, 2012 · Narrative

cherry blossoms
I was sweating and gross.  In every possible sense.

I had just gotten home from a 2 hour Zumbathon with my friend, Beth.   He was waiting outside in his truck for me to get home.  He was picking up his daughter.  Our babysitter.

He got out and walked towards my car.  Stuck out his hand to shake mine and introduced himself.  Walked up the steps with me to my front door.

He sat on my couch and we talked for over two hours.  About anything and everything.

While I tried not to think about how disgusting and sweaty I was.

I had gotten a replacement BlackBerry, and when I saw he had one too, I mentioned something that I couldn’t figure out on it.

My friends are now rolling their eyes.

Me and technology just don’t mix.  Mostly because I don’t have the interest to learn it and don’t always embrace change.

So I use things (cassette tapes, VCR tapes, cell phones, and the like) until I can no longer.  And then I begrudgingly make the switch to the newer and better thing.  Usually years after everyone else did.

Me not knowing all the ins and outs of my BlackBerry is no surprise.

So he’s talking about the BlackBerry instant messenger.  And I’m all like “Huh?”  Didn’t know there was such a thing.

He set it up for me.  When he gave me back my phone, I noticed that he had added himself to it.  I didn’t mention it then.

Very sneaky.

During our conversation, he gave me a tip about my printer.  Awhile later, and well past midnight, he left.  That was that.  I mentioned the encounter to Beth.  Wondered if there was something there.  I think being able to talk to someone you just met for two hours is always the sign of good things to come.  Whether it just be a friendship or something more.

That was a Thursday night.

Friday passed.  And Saturday.  Beth asked what I planned to do.  I decided that if his tip panned out, I would text him to say thank you.  It did and I did.  Sunday night.  We started chatting back and forth.  All the while, I was online working on a freelance assignment and chatting with Sarah on GoogleTalk, as we do most nights.

It turns out that Sarah has been around for lots of big moments in my life over the past few years.

During our conversation, he casually asked, “What would you do if I was on your doorstep?”

One of the kids would open it because I never get to the door first with them here.

“They’re still up?”

Ohhh.  You mean now.  (Apparently I was a little slow that night).  No, they’re fast asleep (it was nearly 11 pm now).  I’d open the door I guess.

“Ok, good, I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Sarah can atttest to my mini freak-out.  Wasn’t expecting him to come right over.  Not then.  He waited for me to say it was ok.  And pulled up mere minutes later.

And that was the beginning…

Here we are exactly one year later.  Obviously falling into the “more than a friendship,” our relationship has been very easy from the beginning.  As I’ve mentioned, dating with kids is definitely full of all sorts of not-so-fun challenges, but what exists between Mystic and I is pretty darn effortless.  Especially when I behave myself.

I have moments, especially in the beginning, where I just want to be by myself.  Not necessarily single, but just needing space.  I like my own company, and I think that’s a big difference with someone who has lived alone (both before I got married, and, of course after with kids), then someone who goes from their parents’ house to college to roommates to getting married, you know?  I have no problem spending the day by myself and don’t need to always be around others to feel like myself.

I think it’s important to like to be by yourself.  To like your own company.  And I think that makes me a better partner.

Mystic is awesome in terms of being mindful of what I need.  What we need.  Nothing phases him, and I love that laid-back approach (The Ex had it too).  I think it’s a great balance for me, because I tend to sometimes be a whirling dervish of activity and that yin/yang is good.

Although I’ve also gotten way more zen over the years.  More so now than ever.

He is truly an awesome guy and I swear he can fix anything.  He is the most observant person that I know, constantly remembering things that I have long since forgotten.  He is the hardest working person I know, next to my Dad.  He is thoughtful like no other.  He can speak eloquently on a ridiculous amount of topics and I catch myself looking at him with a “how do you know THAT?” look on a regular basis (just recently when he pointed out things about Nick’s history lesson that I had never heard of).  I tell him he is Mr. Better Faster Stronger, because no matter what I am doing, or trying to do, he has a better, faster, stronger way of doing it.  Without that annoying condescending “I know everything” approach.  A pretty unbeatable quality, if you ask me.  He’s not perfect, and neither am I, but he is perfectly imperfect.

We’ve had all sorts of adventures over the past year… searching for the best hot dogs and falafel, taking the kids to Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge, and doing household things like painting Madeline’s room (which was actually when we talked about not dating others).  Dealing with sprained ankles (mine and his daughter’s), work trips, ER visits, holidays with family, sports for four out of the five kids, power outages, flooded basements, ex-spouse negotiations, broken cars, a beloved pet dying, hurricanes, and a mini earthquake.  It’s not always easy, and there is always extra give and take with a collective five kids in the mix, and ex-spouses to boot, but it’s been quite the ride so far.

I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I am forever glad for the fateful twists and turns (and there were many) that landed him squarely on my front steps that sweaty Zumbathon night one year ago today.

I love you, Mystic.

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Posted In: Narrative

Comments

  1. Merry120 says

    April 21, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    Sounds like you found a great guy!

    Reply
  2. Casey says

    April 21, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    This could be a start of a lovely book, my dear. Him on your door step? Swoon. You seem so happy and although I’ve only know you thru the blogging world we live in, I’m beyond thrilled that you’ve made a solid connection. Mystic sounds like a real gem. Don’t let him go. Good guys are hard to find. And, you DESERVE a good guy.

    XOXO

    Reply
  3. Paula Ann says

    April 22, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    So happy for you, Cate. Mystic sounds a lot like my husband. And, as I read this, I realized you sound a lot like me. I’ve always enjoyed spending time alone. My friends find it strange that I don’t mind shopping alone. My time is used much more efficiently that way. Don’t get me wrong, I love a fun “girls day out”, but also have no problem being by myself. From all you’ve said, Mystic is definitely a keeper!! I love a quote that floated around on Pinterest: “Don’t marry a man unless you’d be proud to have a son just like him.” Sounds like you’ve found that guy. I know I did. (Not that anyone is pushing you down the aisle…we dated 3 years before we took the plunge!)

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron says

    April 22, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    I remember that time well. I am so glad you found Mystic. He’s quite a catch.

    Reply
  5. patsy says

    April 22, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    What a really lovely post! Such a nice way to look back at the beginning of your start with Mystic. Effortless, imperfect perfection is wonderful!

    Reply
  6. Joanne says

    April 23, 2012 at 6:33 am

    This post made me cry. With happiness. I can definitely see the love when you two are together, which, amongst the mayhem of kids running around and asking endless questions, is no easy feat. I really couldn’t be happier for you!

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    April 27, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    I am so very happy for you!

    Reply
  8. christy says

    April 30, 2012 at 11:17 am

    Super Like!!

    Reply

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Over the years, I have slowly made my way around o Over the years, I have slowly made my way around our house … decorating, renovating and reorganizing it into a soft place to land. The only part that I haven’t touched that much are our yards (except for a fire pit area that went in two years ago, thank you pandemic). I want our outside to be as much as a sanctuary as our inside is, so I plan to spend the next year digging in (no pun intended 😂). I don’t have a green thumb, so feel free to spam me with all your awesome, low maintenance ideas as we create a Japanese-style zen garden. 🤩 I also hate gardening, so there’s that, but am hoping that some #gardentherapy changes my mind as much as it changes the space.
✌🏻 ✌🏻
About last night … we spontaneously decided to m About last night … we spontaneously decided to make a @crumblcookies run at 8:30 and snagged a front seat to Mother Nature’s show. 😍
I took five books with me when we went on a little I took five books with me when we went on a little vacation in May, and got through two of them, one of which was The Magnolia Story. You are, no doubt, familiar with Chip and Joanna Gaines, but you might not know how they became so popular or how their business exploded. This book, told by both of them, shares their journey from their dating stages to just a few years ago. It’s quite amazing how their path unfolded, with the universe seemingly guiding them every single step of the way. Every time they hit a crossroads, they received clear signs to continue to point them in the right direction. It was interesting to learn more about their story, and a great reminder that you need to trust in yourself and follow your passions, and everything really does just fall into place. Chip has his own book out too, Capital Gaines, which I added to my list after I read this one. If you’re curious about their story or just need confirmation to continue to chase your dreams, read this one. ✨ #catesbookaweek 6/52

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Over the years, I have slowly made my way around o Over the years, I have slowly made my way around our house … decorating, renovating and reorganizing it into a soft place to land. The only part that I haven’t touched that much are our yards (except for a fire pit area that went in two years ago, thank you pandemic). I want our outside to be as much as a sanctuary as our inside is, so I plan to spend the next year digging in (no pun intended 😂). I don’t have a green thumb, so feel free to spam me with all your awesome, low maintenance ideas as we create a Japanese-style zen garden. 🤩 I also hate gardening, so there’s that, but am hoping that some #gardentherapy changes my mind as much as it changes the space.
✌🏻 ✌🏻
About last night … we spontaneously decided to m About last night … we spontaneously decided to make a @crumblcookies run at 8:30 and snagged a front seat to Mother Nature’s show. 😍
I took five books with me when we went on a little I took five books with me when we went on a little vacation in May, and got through two of them, one of which was The Magnolia Story. You are, no doubt, familiar with Chip and Joanna Gaines, but you might not know how they became so popular or how their business exploded. This book, told by both of them, shares their journey from their dating stages to just a few years ago. It’s quite amazing how their path unfolded, with the universe seemingly guiding them every single step of the way. Every time they hit a crossroads, they received clear signs to continue to point them in the right direction. It was interesting to learn more about their story, and a great reminder that you need to trust in yourself and follow your passions, and everything really does just fall into place. Chip has his own book out too, Capital Gaines, which I added to my list after I read this one. If you’re curious about their story or just need confirmation to continue to chase your dreams, read this one. ✨ #catesbookaweek 6/52
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the w “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl ✨
We’ve been dog sitting Gracie while my sister an We’ve been dog sitting Gracie while my sister and her family were away. She has settled into a new routine here (ours 😂), and now doesn’t get up until after 9 am, stays up until well past midnight, eats a very late dinner, knows that the kitchen is where the magic happens and sits for a treat after her morning backyard visit. We’ve broken her in nicely but she will be returning with her continued bad habit of suffering from #fomo, playing tag with the cats, and barking every time she hears a door open or sees someone go up the street. We did our best. 😇
The rewards of a weekend of farmers marketing! Gar The rewards of a weekend of farmers marketing! Garlic butter and bleu cheese butter from @njgarlic (the bleu on steak! 😍), empanadas from @catalina_empanadas_2017, half sour pickles from @pickleculture and the quiche and bread were from a vendor I forgot to get the name of. This was all from the @bernardsvillefarmersmarket. Today I hit the @denvillemarket and added full sour pickles from @pickle_licious and a roasted garlic and duck fat loaf and cheese biscuit from @bobolinkdairyandbakehouse. Basically give us all the bread, cheese, butter and pickles and we’re happy campers! Did you hit up a farmers market this weekend? What’d ya get?
Sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and so it Sometimes rules are meant to be broken, and so it is with the gnocchi from Trader Joe’s. Skip what their directions tell you and pan fry them in olive oil, add some of their 4-green bag of vegetables, salt, pepper, drizzles of pesto and a sprinkle of parm. So freaking good and dinner on the table faster than you can order take out. 🤤

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