Life: It Changes Very Quick

Good morning, friends!!

It’s been a long, long time…but don’t think that doesn’t mean you weren’t missed.

 

I’ve missed you all and I’ve missed being a part of the blogging world.

Raviolis & Waterworks has been a part of my daily routine for over a year, making it a struggle to break from. 

That being said, I bet you’re all looking for some great excuse as to why my page has been on a hiatus.

Don’t worry sunshines, I have a great excuse and big, big news to share!! 

As of today, I am 5 months pregnant with a baby girl.

Surprised?  Not as much as I was when I first found out! 

When I found out the big news in August, Boyfriend and I were both shocked, petrified, and excited.

I’ll never forget his face when he looked at me and said “I’m going to be a dad!”.

I’ll share the whole story of the pregnancy test another time. 

No, we’re not married.  No, we’re not even engaged.

It’s been mentioned, but I’ve asked to take everything one step at a time.

Yes, we moved in together and worked out a family budget.

This has been the hardest experience of my life.  Independent Jax has to share a closet??  Um…

No, things aren’t perfect but we’re determined and happy for an amazing future.

Believe in destiny?  Everything happens for a reason. 

Now that you guys have the basic gist of what’s been occupying my free time, I hope you’ll all forgive me.

…and hopefully even welcome me back!!

I can’t promise regular postings, but I promise to share much more often than every 5 months!

Ideas: Fall is Officially Here!

As you all have noticed, the air suddenly got a light, crisp chill to it.

The leaves are gracefully falling from the trees and people are starting to reach for boots and jackets.

As much as we all want to fight it, let’s give a big hello to autumn!!

Summer dresses and beach days, I’ll miss you…but I’m totally ready to welcome the fall.

 

Fall is my favorite season for many different reasons.

I’ll be spending the next 2 months with a jam packed schedule trying to get all the fall goodness in!

…and, yes, that includes gaining 10 pounds from eating my favorite fall foods… 

Jax’s Top 10 Favorite Things About Autumn

 

10.  Haunted Houses

I love to spend a few nights of the season going from haunted house to haunted house.

There’s nothing like spending some quality time with friends having ugly things jump out at you!

For those who don’t know me, I’m not as brave as I’m making you think.  I usually close my eyes and run…

9.  Squash

My favorite food season is the fall mainly because of all the yummy squash recipes.

Madre makes a butternut squash soup that I would DIE for, not to mention my spaghetti squash recipe.

Fall foods remain to be unbeaten.  They are even worth a 4 hour drive upstate to buy the best!!

 

8.  Hayrides

There's something so fun about taking a hay ride to a distant pumpkin patch and corn maze.

I love to take GodSon to do this every year.  He really enjoys it!!

 

7.  Classes

Fall means that classes are back in session and that I'm back to the grind.

Some people might hate this, but I love being busy and productive while meeting new people!

Ok, so I'm a nerd.  Let's act like we don't know this already...

 

6.  Scenery

Autumn is famous for the colorful leaves that paint the typical green horizon.

The change in scenery and addition of color is much welcomed after all those months of summer!

My family and I take trips upstate, NY just so we can really take in the beauty of the fall.

 

5.  Hair

Good bye to humidty and frizz!!!  I won't have to see you guys for almost another full year!!

Fall means less time with chemicals on my head and more time enjoying life.

Come on now, I'm a girl!  My hair decides what mood I'll be in despite how I actually am!

 

4.  Wardrobe

I'm excited to pull out the sweaters, boots, and blazers!!

My wardrobe will now consist of fun, earthy colors to keep me in the spirit of the season.

Ok, so I miss my bikini and sundresses just a little bit...but fall clothes hide so much more!!

 

3.  Pumpkin

This is the time of year to chow down on EVERYTHING pumpkin flavored.

I'm in love with pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, pumpkin spice lattes and everything!!

I have to do a shout out to Dunkin Donut's pumpkin muffin.  The yummiest thing I've ever tasted!

 

2.  Season Premieres

Since the days are shorter and the nights are colder, the couch is looking real good!

That's why I'm so happy that all my favorite shows are back on.

So, who caught Once Upon a Time and Revenge last night??? Soo juicy!!!!!

 

1.  Football

Sneaking out to club in hot red dresses with open shoes are over.

Now it's time to go to the bar in your teams jerseys cheering for your favorite players!!

Not to mention fantasy football makes me happy and Aaron Hernandez makes me swoon...

 

 

What are your favorite things of autumn?

Dating: Millionaire Match

Have you ever gone to a place where rich folk flock?

…I do. Manhattan and The Hamptons are two of my favorite places to visit…

You dress all fancy and practice rich people etiquette.

You learn to hide your expressions and be a little snobby.

Ok, so I fail at the second part and end up giggling!!

Every time I participate in one of these outings, I wonder what it would be like to not pretend.

What would it be like to actually sit there with a millionaire date sipping on a mimosa?

If you know the answer to that question, please share below! I’m dying to know the rich people juice!!

That’s when I decided that I would try and find a rich person to take me out.

The problem was that I had no clue where all the high ballers were out hiding!!

...ok, so I knew they were in Manhattan and The Hamptons. But that just wouldn’t work for me…

That’s when I discovered millionairematch.com.

It’s an online dating website where only the richest of the rich hang out.

The website makes all sorts of claims to be the dating home of many celebrities and millionaires.

Charlie Sheen was even rumored to be on there. Talk about a convincing fact!

After checking out the website, Peaches and I whipped out our credit cards.

We paid therich person fee $50 and signed up to be listed amongst the rich and famous.

Goodbye a week’s worth of gas or a new pair of shoes!!!

After a whole month of rocking millionairematch.com, I found not one person that was worth an e-mail back.

Everyone on there was more than three times my age or from a faraway land.

Everyone that messaged me was overweight, middle aged men looking for a little girl to spoil!

This website is what I call a rich person date fail!!!!

That’s when I realized that maybe I should stay out of the millionaire dating pool.

Did you ever try to date for money?

Life: I need to breathe!

I'm sure you've all noticed that Jax has been pretty much missing in the blog world!

Although she has been trying real hard to keep up with you guys and your blogs!

For those of you who have noticed my absence, I am very much alive.

I'm alive and well.  I'm just really, really busy!

...but busy in a good way.  I totally love it...

Jax, what exactly have you been up to that has been keeping you from us?

I knew you all were concerned!!  No worries guys, I'll let you all know!

1.  School

The genius in my head told me to take a summer class to get a few credits out of the way.

Turns out squeezing a whole semester into a four week course is similar to ancient Chinese torture!

The fact that the first draft of my final was due by the second week of class was a great hint!

2.  Work

I've been working ridiculous hours because of internal changes within my company.

On top of my daily tasks, I have been given the workload of a second employee!

Goodbye blogging time during work hours!

3.  Family

My family has been sucking my very little spare time dry.

Between dinner dates, parties, chasing mice, and just spending quality time together, I've been booked!

These aren't complaints.  I love every minute of my family time.

4.  Boyfriend

I've been seeing someone new and really enjoying it.

Juicy details?  Eh, not yet!

5.  Vacation

Next week I will be taking a full weeks vacation to lounge on the beach and get some sun.

Because of this, I've had to be working double time on my personal errands to prepare.

Ohh, how I can't wait to get a tan and spend some girl time with my Mommy and SuperDebbie!

I apologize to everyone who's blogs I have been neglecting.

I'll be working super hard this week to catch up with you all!

In the meantime, please excuse my lack of posts.

I have a lot of things going on and am running out of time to do them!

If you really, really miss me then just shoot me an e-mail.  I always respond :)

What has been eating up your time this summer?

Dating: The Scale System

Whenever I first start dating someone new, I get real excited.

Quickly following the excitement comes the anxiety.

As you guys know from this post, I am a really, really anxious person!

That anxiety quickly turns into a million questions.

Does this guy really like me?  Maybe he just wants to get laid?  Perhaps he’s really married with kids? 

After my mind starts racing I do what any reasonable person would do.

I call my mommy.

Oh, shush.  You know you do too!! 

Usually she has some kicking advice that I really take to the heart, but this time she failed me.

She introduced me to a system that she refers to as “The Scale”.

This is when you take 10 different aspects and rate them on a scale of 1-10 for you and for the potential date.

After you rate everything you add up the scores and compare.

This is supposed to let you know whether or not you are out of your date’s league.

Since when are there really “leagues” out there?  I go for what I want and never pay attention to that! 

Let’s use Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as an example.

Yes, I know they broke up, but they are what first came to mind! 

Appearance:  Tom Cruise – 6 vs. Katie Holmes – 9

Style:  Tom Cruise – 7 vs. Katie Holmes – 9

Career:  Tom Cruise – 10 vs. Katie Holmes – 8

Crazy Religious Psychopath:  Tom Cruise – 1 vs. Katie Holmes – 8

Tom Cruise – 24 vs.  Katie Holmes – 34

…and the winner is…Katie!!!

You know what Jax says to this scale system?

Well first she said “phooey” and made the wtf face!  Then she said…

Jax thinks this whole system is ridiculous. 

The Scale is just an excuse to feed your own insecurities and make yourself feel lower than you are.

Everyone is equal when you scale out different aspects.

Where one lacks in one department they will be able to pick it back up in another.

…or maybe I’m just trying to make myself feel better after my score…

 Do you believe in “the scale” system?

Happy Birthday!: Jax

Today I turn the ripe old age of 24.

For the love of God, I feel old!

Happy Birthday Jax!

That was R&W doing the wishing.  I totally was not talking to myself…

This past year has been full of many things good and bad.

I’ve met some new, lovely people and I’ve lost some others.

I’ve had exciting, fun adventures and I’ve had some crisis.

I laughed a lot but I also cried a little.

Since we don’t dwell on the negative here, that’s the end of the comparisons!!

The Top 10 Best Moments of 23 for Jax!

…because I’ll never be 23 again…

10.  Apartment

I moved out of my old apartment that I shared with The Viking to live on my own.

It was the start to a new type of independence and it ignited the fire to burn a big bridge!!

Hello snazzy new place and GOOD RIDDENS to LLS!  Remember him?

9.  GodSon

I developed an even deeper relationship with the baby boy, my GodSon.

I’ve watched him grow mentally and physically.  The memory of his 2^nd birthday will always stay with me!

Nothing can make me smile quicker than when he calls out for me by saying “Jacket!!!”

8.  TheLoveBug

TheLoveBug got smacked around quite a bit this year, but she also got a makeover!

TheLoveBug got eyelashes and a full body lift this year.  She’s prettier than ever!

Well, until those bastards stole half of one of her lashes and I had to wish diarrhea upon them.

7.  Kathy Bates

I’ve seen her nude while flashing the good goods in a video with Jack Nicholson.

I never laughed so hard then when I HAD to Google it late at night with Madre and Biff!!

It may be silly, but it has been talked about at every family function since!

6.  The Avengers

The best movie from my 23 years of life came out recently.

The Avengers rocked the theaters and got me screaming!!

Screaming with joy and excitement at the super heroes and the hunky men.  Yum!!

5.  Superbowl

My NE Patriots may have lost the Superbowl to the NY Giants this year, but it was fun to watch!

It’s not every season that you get to cheer your team on to the very end.

Hello Aaron Hernandez!  You’ll get them this year.  I know you boys got it ;)

4.  Red Head

I went red head for a little while this year!

It was fun to change my hair color and treat it with things like whale sperm and placenta.

Don’t judge me…

3.  New Friends

I’ve made several new friends and acquaintances this year.  It’s always good to meet new people!

I’ve met a few crazies like EggMan, but I’ve met a few people whose friendships I will cherish for life.

Yes, that includes you, Pat Hatt!  We had an awesome experience in NYC for a week!

2.  College

I went back to college in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Going to a new school introduced me to a couple new friends and taught me many new things!

Isn’t it weird how it actually feels good to get back to school when you are older??

1.  Blogging

I started blogging around my birthday last year.

I’ll remember my age of 23 as the age that I got involved with Raviolis & Waterworks.

It’s given me something to look forward to and opened doors for me.  I also discovered a passion; writing!

The best part of blogging has been meeting and getting to know all of you!

Thank you all for making the year 23 one to remember for me!  Ok, now wipe those tears from your eyes…

What has been the best part of this year for you?

…and thank you all in advance for the birthday wishes…

Dating: Insecurities

When you first start dating somebody it’s common to feel insecure.

I know I do.  Suddenly I hate my hair, want to lose a few pounds, and decide I need a new wardrobe!

I always thought that these insecurities were typically a girl thing with very few men in between.

Turns out I was wrong.

Newsflash Ladies:  Men are just as insecure as we are.

I’m not sure why I’m so happy about this, but this fact makes me feel a little better!

The problem with being insecure is, women are attracted to confident men.

When we are with a guy who exudes confidence it sort of rubs off on us.

I mean, if a man is really confident then he must be confident in his decision to take me out.  Right?  Right?!

After talking to a few of the men in my life, I came up with a list of ways for men to “fake” confidence.

10 Ways for a Man to Fake Confidence on a First Date

10.  Grooming

The best way to feel confident is to properly groom yourself.

If you’re looking good then you’ll feel just as good.

Get a fresh haircut, make sure your clothes are neat, and make sure that you’re smelling good!

9.  Agreeable

It’s nice when you share similar views with someone, but to agree with everything is near impossible.

If you are seconding everything that I say, I’m going to think that you don’t have a mind of your own.

It’s never bad to express your own opinion.  When it’s done in a friendly manner, no one can be insulted.

8.  Voice Volume

Mumbling can be taken as a sign of insecurity.  Yelling can also be viewed as insecure or overcompensating.

Keep the volume of your voice to a reasonable tone and talk in a way that you always do.

Unless you are Italian.  We can’t help but yell.  We don’t even know that we’re doing it!!

7.  Time

Keeping an eye on the clock or the door means that you want to leave.

You’re showing your date that you’re either insecure and ready to run or you’re not interested.

We’re out!  For the love of God, just enjoy it!!!

6.  Critical Thinking

Don’t sit there and pick apart every little thing.  Enjoy the moment and don’t worry about the flaws.

When you are picking apart your personality, a previous date, or even a conversation we are left questioning.

Most of the time these critical thinkers bring things to my attention that I would never think of!  Stop it!!

5.  Breathe

If you’re not sure that your breathe is fresh, then you’re going to be keeping your distance.

Keeping your distance could be misread for insecurities or lack of interest.

Men, brush those teeth and gargle with Listerine!!  Also, steer clear of stinky foods for the night, please!!

4.  Bully

Putting everyone around you down is a sign that you’re insecure of yourself.

Try and remain positive to reinforce positive thinking.

I mean, who wants to sit with a bully or a Debbie downer anyways?  Not Jax…

3.  Eye Contact

When a man can’t keep eye contact with me it’s never a good sign.

The fact that you’re talking to me and looking down either means you’re lying or that you’re intimidated.

Too insecure to look me in the eyes?  Fake it and stare at my eyebrows.  I’ll never know!!

2.  Grilling

Avoid asking your date a billion questions.  Nobody wants to be questioned like they are on trial for murder.

Keep the questions appropriate and to a minimum.  Too many questions are a key to insecurities.

I mean, do you really want to know how many men she’s dated anyways?  It’ll just feed it more!

1.  Be You

As cliché as this sounds, make sure that you are your normal self.

Pretending to be something else is unnatural.  We could tell and sniff that insecurity from a mile away!

Besides, acting different to impress a date is lying.  Don’t try to trick a woman into wanting to be with you.

How do you try and act confident on a date?

Happy Birthday!: Brother

Yesterday was a very special day.

It was my baby brother's 21st birthday!!

Woo hoo...he's legal now!!  Pop those bottles!!

Happy Birthday Brother!!!

Brother and I have a very special relationship.

We are each other's best friends.

One minute we are acting like clowns and the next we are at each other's throats.

No matter the situation, it's always done with love!!

A list of 10 Reasons Why I Love My Baby Brother:

You guys totally knew a list was coming.  I mean, this is R&W...

10.  Singing

Brother and I have a habit of bursting into impromptu song.

We even had our own radio show growing up.  106.7 ROGER THAT!

9.  Crazies

No matter where Brother and I go, we both seem to attract the craziest people.

We went to the store and a random person randomly says to us "I can't eat soup".  Um, why?

8.  Laugh

Brother can always makes me laugh.  Whether it's pointing out something funny or just telling a story.

He takes his laughs serious!  I got a distressed call from him once saying "Jax, I think I lost my funny!"

7.  Football

He taught me everything that I need to know about the sport.  He's also a Patriots fan!

He was the captain of the football team in high school and pretty damn good at it!

6.  Smart

He's one of the smartest people I know.  His brain is like a damn computer soaking up information!

He's one of those annoying people that aces a real hard test without even picking up a book...

5.  Cooking

He's an EXCELLENT cook.

The guy even offered to make me homemade zeppolis last night.  Holla!!

4.  Lost

He's also pretty darn good with directions and helping me find my way home.

Don't believe me?  Just ask Pat Hatt!!

3.  Leedle

He obnoxiously chases me around while screaming "Leedle Leedle" at the top of his lungs!

Oh, how this irks me, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

2.  Help

He is always there for me when I need help no matter what it is.

The poor guy even helps me keep my coffee in a cup while I drive and African dance in the kitchen!!

1.  Protection

Brother protects me from all the evil men and people in the world.

He's even threatened to bodily harm a man that was 6'6 and a college linebacker.  Um, yea...

What do you love most about your siblings?