Looking for Love Stories Part Deux

As I was conversing with a friend about my recent love stories post, I unknowingly forgot to mention other famous couples from television. So here I go, trying to remember...

TELEVISION HUSBANDS AND WIVES 

The Buchmans

I loved watching Mad About You. I especially loved watching reruns on TV. This is one series I would love to have in my DVD collection. When I was younger and watching it every week, I wanted to marry a guy just like Paul. Turns out, I did (kinda). He's a great guy, supports our little family and is a little eccentric in his INTJ-ness. 

The Huxtables

The Huxtables' marriage is one I aspire to. They made time for each other in their very busy lives as doctor and lawyer, they taught their children morals and raised them with their feet on the ground. Even though they made a decent living, they balked at extravagant toy prices and when their kids assumed they were rich. 

The Bunkers

All I know about the Bunkers, is the stories my older family members have mentioned. Edith would do anything Archie said and he was kind of a grouch. I couldn't make a post on television couples again without including the Bunkers, it'd just be wrong! They were Frank and Marie Barone of the 70s, except Marie spoke her mind and often.

The Ricardos

As much as I dislike how Ricky talked down to her, they had their good times. But I suppose this was just a comedic version of the way life was back in the 50s. The man worked, the wife shopped for the house with her allowance. 

The Petries

I think they are my other favorite TV couple. What can I say about the Petries? I think Laura had an incredible amount of humor to live with a comedy writer, that sometimes used their lives for inspiration. My favorite episodes are when either of them freak out. "Oh Rob!"

FRIENDS THAT BECAME HUSBAND AND WIFE

Cory and Topanga

I think we all saw this coming when Topanga became a fixture on the show "Boy Meets World". This was the couple that all the teenagers I knew in high school (I believe) wanted to have. They complemented each other perfectly. Near the end of the series though, Cory became more eccentric. But I'm so happy that they gave kids a healthy (if somewhat exaggerated) ideal of a good relationship. They worked out their problems!!

Zack and Kelly

If you kept up with the whole franchise like I did, after the "Saved by the Bell: College Years" you were satisfied that Zack and Kelly made it to the altar. I love this picture! It's like a foreshadowing of what's to come. At that point in time, we all hoped this would someday be the case. 

Monica and Chandler

I think I like their love story more as I watch the series. (I have it all 10 seasons on DVD) They fall in love over the course of a couple of seasons. They finally get married and a trial tests this couple. They can't conceive. It's a problem many couples face and I'm glad Monica and Chandler grew closer together instead of placing blame on the other for the problems they were facing.

Mal and Inara

We only had 1 season! Just one! So who's to say that they didn't get married eventually? I say they did!

 Marshall and Lily

I'm not a die-hard HIMYM fan, but Marshall and Lily are the only married couple that we actually see on the show (of the friends) that they made my list. I like that they met in college, became friends and eventually got married. They make married life look funny and real. 

Amy and Rory

The Ponds! I love them! I think we can all agree that Amy wears the pants in that relationship, but regardless, Rory has never showed love like any other character I know! He waited 2000 years for Amy, he got upset that she grew old without him, that he followed her into the TARDIS to share incredible adventures with her and The Doctor. 

I realize this post would make so much more sense around Valentine's Day, but mine and the husband's  anniversary (10 years!) is coming up so that's why. 

~Lady Jane

"Memries, like the corners of my mind..."

When I was a little girl, I read a story in my elementary school library about a woman who wanted to make the world a prettier place. I loved the book, but promptly forgot about it, except this idea about a woman who could simply walk by a field and flowers would blossom.

Growing up, my mother's parents would come to visit, for months at a time! They would park their motorhome outside my bedroom window. I would come home from school and see granny unclipping her dry laundry from the line she put up moments after her arrival. I would drop off my bag and hop over to the motorhome for Danish cookies. Do you know the ones?

I loved these. (I wish I knew where to buy these).

I remember my mom saying that her rose bushes seemed to grow faster or bloom bigger after granny walked by. And that thought has never left me, imprinted in my heart and memories. So whenever I think of her, I would remember that story of a woman who walked by a field and flowers would bloom.

For years, I have been trying to find the title of the story that has been so much a part of my childhood and I didn't even know what it was called.

The husband and I have been living in our new home for almost a year now and we're trying to figure out how to decorate our bedroom. He had this idea to find scientific drawings for his side of the bed whether it was of sea shells, coral, something. On my side a painting of the same subject and in the middle (above our bed) a photograph of said subject. He brought up lupin. Apparently, there were lupin fields where he grew up. The name alone didn't spring to mind a picture so I googled it.

And this book was among the search results. The cover looked familiar so I clicked on it, revealing a story that I remembered but had long forgotten.

This story that had been in the recesses of my inner memories once again sprang to the forefront. I lovingly attacked the husband with thank yous pouring from my mouth. I almost cried.

Looking for Love...Stories

What is our obsession with love?

My husband and I were watching Warehouse 13 (Yeah! It's back on television again) and noticed in the most recent episode a little bit of admiration on both parts. It was my husband who observed the spark between the two and it made me wonder...Are we as humans obsessed with love? In shows where there are male and female counterparts, are we automatically drawn to find the possible love story?

Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:

I would be lying if I never thought about Pete and Micah getting together. They make an excellent team at snagging and bagging and in the most recent episode it appears to be more obvious that it could be heading the way of other crime-fighting partners before them. They've done it before on the show.

Another couple I was hoping to get together was Shawn Spencer and Juliet O'Hara. And boy was I deliriously happy that the writers took them on the journey.

I was more bummed than ever when the truth finally came out to Juliet. I hate to admit it, but my friend was right about TV work partner relationships, they just mess up the show. Psych was fine up until Juliet knew the truth about Shawn.

For the past four seasons I have been waiting for this very moment...

 If you haven't unloaded the weight off your DVR, SHAME ON YOU!

And last but not least, my favorite crime-fighting duo. The couple that started out as an assignment became a testament of true love.

Does anyone else cry that the show is over?

No onto a slightly different category, but not really. Here are another two couples that found love working with each other.

Over the past couple of years, I have become ensconced into all things Whovian. However, I'm ashamed to admit, that Rose Tyler was not my favorite companion for the Doctor, but there is a love story there. That's why I'm acknowledging it.

As far as companions go, I thought Donna Noble was pretty hilarious. But that's not the point.

Jim and Pam captured our hearts! They are the everyday couple that we all are with our significant others, and that's what I love about them. They are understated romantics and that's how I think most couples operate.

In the beginning

Even though these photos were for Entertainment Weekly, I would imagine Jim and Pam's wedding photos in real life would look something like this.

Now onto the love stories that developed in a matter of minutes...

Who doesn't love a scoundrel? The love story of Han and Leia is the kind I like to capture in my writing, the heated, not wanting to admit it kind of love. This scene alone, is where it all began.

A love story for the ages, I know.

The marriage that every couple wants to aspire to...

Do I really need to say more than that?

And a list isn't complete without the roommate/apartment building/friend relationships

I don't know about you, but I love Nick and Jess! They are so quirky, weird and stupid for each other. Despite what others may say, these two have Ellie and Carl written all over 'em.

The revelation during the dare was all I needed!

The most unlikeliest of romances, but Leonard and Penny manage to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they act like a real couple. Let's just say based on my last post, this is me and the husband.

If you're thinking I'm talking about Monica and Chandler, keep on walking. Although, they are another love story for another time.

I'm a Friends Fanatic! I have the 10 seasons on DVD and have probably watched all seasons about three or four times. Even starting over, I am in agony over Ross and Rachel's relationship. Are they going to get together? And when they break up, will they get back together? They manage to keep me in suspense even though I practically know each episode if you give me the title. 

I guess if there is potential for a love story, the hopeless-romantics will find it. 

Until next time,

Lady Jane

ENFJ

For those of you nerds out there, this four letter code holds a lot of meaning to us. It's the easiest way to figure out personality compatibility.

I've learned a few things about myself in the last few days. I'm a hopeless extrovert. On Saturday night, the hubby went to a friend's house to help paint and play games afterward. I was looking forward to complete control of the television and watch whatever I wanted to. Girls, you know what I'm talking about right?

I had the house to myself (besides the sleeping boy) around 7:30pm. That is early, like old folks' buffet dinner time for a Saturday night. So I immediately began browsing my Netflix queue, Hulu plus and my TiVo'd programs. I finally settled on What to Expect When You're Expecting not the best film to watch after having a miscarriage. But I did laugh at the completely overacted push scenes and the misery suffered by one of the characters during pregnancy along with her FIL's young wife who went through it like a champ. It was hilarious!

Before I finally settled on being alone with a sleeping boy. I was scrambling to find someone to come over and hang out with me. I used to love having the house to myself when I was a teenager and I wasn't even the oldest child, the youngest actually.

I need people and I hope they need me.

I recently attended the open house of my friend Katie's book release! That's right, I am personally friends with an author who is my age, by the way. (And I'm so excited to read it!) At this party I met a girl, who could have been my double, but with brown hair. I couldn't believe how much we had in common. Even her mom decorated wedding cakes! That's just creepy because my mom did too!

~ Happy reading!

Lady Jane

Theme Song

Music speaks to me. It makes me reflect on my life and certain people in my life have their own song. Anytime it comes on the radio, my thoughts immediately flutter back to that simpler time.

I didn't have a boyfriend in high school but I did have a good friend who happened to be a boy. His parents were always so nice to me and constantly thanked me for being their son's friend. I couldn't help but feel good loved and welcomed. He didn't always make the best decisions, but he tried and that's what counted. He was one of the few people that helped me celebrate my 16th birthday. He came over at Thanksgiving and fit in like one of the family. He was my best friend. So every time I hear this song, I think fondly of him.

I will admit I loved those silly Facebook games of discovering the soundtrack to your life. I really liked it when the songs fit the category, I didn't like it so much when it didn't match up. Sometimes I wish that I had a soundtrack to smile and cry to.

Although, every time I hear this song, it reminds of a boy that I did date for a brief moment.

I wasn't exactly sure what it meant to him that I reminded him of this song, especially since a few weeks later, it fizzled out.

But the boy that stole my heart and made me a wife and mother has too many songs that remind me of him. But the one that makes my toes curl and my heart fly is this classic:

The first time that we ever danced to this song, was in front of my house. He was dropping me off from a date and this song came on the radio. He parked the car, but instead of turning off the car, he turned up the radio. He escorted me from the car and without light but the headlights, we held each other and swayed.

I had read about two characters who shared the same experience and thought that was the most romantic thing I'd ever read. I had never told the husband about this dream of mine. He just knew somehow and made it true for me. 

Music is powerful and seeded with memories.


What's your favorite song? The one that makes you happy every time you hear it?

~Lady Jane

The Pop Culture Allusion

My husband and I love to watch The Big Bang Theory and also pause to read the vanity cards at the end of the show. This is where I learn so much about Chuck Lorre and the television business in general. In the most recent episode of TBBT in the vanity card is where I learned that the writers of TBBT watch Downton Abbey! I love reading allusions in literature, but it's just cooler for a pop culture fiend like myself to see allusions to another great program that is leaps and bounds in a completely different category being referenced. I think I missed my calling: writing for a popular television show. My whole life is television, just ask my siblings.

Nerd

I'm not gonna lie, I've always had a kindred connection to the geeky and let's face it ridiculous. Heck, I even asked my blind date (I call him husband now) if he liked Star Wars; an important measuring stick for future dates. If he didn't like Star Wars, he was going to learn to like it. We watch a few TV shows on the SYFY network, our favorite being Warehouse 13 and Alphas, another favorite is Doctor Who. It completes the trifecta.

We are impeccably perfect for each other:

We know a plethora of useless pop culture trivia. I have now become my mother's own search engine. Ask Jeeves? No way, ask me.

We know lyrics to otherwise unknown tunes.

We both get excited when we find a Cheeto shaped like a caveman's club.

We speak in accents to each other usually no one else is around.

After a blissful (hectic, exhilarating, momentous, etc.) nine years of marriage, we're still as nerdy as we've ever been, perhaps even more so.

And on that gushy note, I'll be excusing myself now.


~Lady Jane

I Knew I Could Do It

I love it when I figure things out. Since having F I've felt like, at times, my brain doesn't operate at 100% like it used to. For the longest time I couldn't update my pages (have you even looked at those? Yes, those tabs at the top of the page for the curious eye) and it was driving me nuts! Do you want to know the problem, I had been able to post under another email login but I couldn't really change anything about my blog (especially the stuff that I wanted to change). I figured out I needed to name my other login an admin too. * SIGH *  That feels so much better!

But on another note, I feel like my life is going to become very stressful in the very near future. I'm going to have to learn how to really prioritize my time. I recently accepted an offer to be a vocal coach for a performing arts group. Yes, I sing too.

A couple of pros:
I'm getting paid!
It's in the afternoon so it shouldn't interfere too much with the home life
I'll be improving on my skills as a singer as well as my teaching skills
I get to do something fun

And the cons:
I have to hire a babysitter for the time I start until hubs gets home
My time won't always be my own
I'll miss F's bedtime twice a week

So now I have the wonderful task of trying to figure out how to do the mom thing, wife thing, and career woman thing.

Hopefully by the semester's end I will be saying...I knew I could do it.

~Lady Jane

Adaptations

I figured that since the boy is occupied with toys and his beloved cartoon characters I would take a minute and express my excitement for a movie that has long been striving to appear on the silver screen: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. My husband loved the book as a kid, he says it has something to do with validation of being a genius kid. *Cough* Anyway, I read the book a few summers ago and really enjoyed it.

As far as I know, Card has wanted Ender's Game on the big screen for so long that Haley Joel Osment was considered for the role of Ender.

That's out of the question now. He could have been perfect! But imagine all of the special effects that could be done NOW! 

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender's_Game_(film) the kid from Hugo (Asa Butterfield) will be playing the role of Ender. I'm so excited to read who is playing what part, that I want to read the book all over again. Guess that means I've accepted the fact that my family won't be moving anytime soon so I better get to unpacking our books.

I know what you must be thinking, aren't I a reading enthusiast? Why would I pack my books away first?

What book would you like see turned into a movie? Perish the thought, but I think some books would have been better watched than read. Like any of the boring books that I had to read in high school and they were all about boys! What's up with that?!

In case you are a little like me and have dreamed about writing your own screenplay, I found a couple of sites that could come in handy.
http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting
http://www.simplyscripts.com/

Happy writing!

~Lady Jane

My Son

As Mother's Day approaches I reflect on the little miracle that made me a mom. I love my little boy and I thank Heaven that he came to me! Ever since he was born I felt like I was taking on a huge challenge to raise one amazing little man. Having received my Bachelors degree in teaching before F was born, I thought of all the wonderful things I could teach him as he grew. Little did I know, he has taught me more than I ever thought possible.

Minutes old

Days old

Month old

Six months old

He has taught me to love. I love him beyond description. When I found out that I was pregnant, people asked me "If you could choose the gender, what would you have?" Every time I replied, "Boy!" I don't know why even but as soon as we found out that little F was going to join our family, I felt blessed. I was going to raise a son of God and teach him how to be a good man like his daddy.

He has taught me to reflect. Because of him, I have appreciated the sound of a bird chirping and leaves blowing in the wind and the rain. All these things are new to this little person and he is helping me remember these simple pleasures.

He has taught me to be patient. There are those days, that every parent has, where fuses are short but they lengthen over time because my son reminds me what is really important. So what if we're a little late for an appointment somewhere because he wanted to learn how to climb into his car seat? So what if we don't make it to the grocery store today if we get to nurture our relationship by playing cars? 

He has taught me to be consistent. Children, especially mine like structure and consistency, once we created a bedtime routine, within days he was reminding us what came next. I have learned that when I give him a heads up on what's coming next, he transitions to the next activity (or naptime) almost seamlessly. 

One Year!

Eighteen months

Two years!

I am grateful beyond words (but I'll try to find them) that I have been with my little man for two years! Four weeks after his birth I got a blood clot in my leg. I didn't realize how life threatening a blood clot was at the time. I just kept thinking about how much I missed my sweet husband and my precious newborn. I wanted to get out of that hospital bed and go home to be with my family. I couldn't even feel like I was with him by sending home breast milk. I was on a cocktail of different medications and painkillers throughout my stay at the hospital that I couldn't even pump. That alone was disheartening. After my thrombectomy (blood clot removal) procedure I recuperated at my parents' house. I couldn't walk without the assistance of a walker, so midnight feedings were taken over by the hubs or my mother. I have been a mother two years now and plan on being one forever! I have enjoyed it too much.

And most importantly, I owe my life to my mother! Even after having the perfect Brady Bunch family, she didn't feel like her family was complete until I came along (that sounds really egocentric). What I'm trying to say is, "Thanks mom, for wanting me!"

June 2007

I hope you mothers out there enjoy your day!

~ Lady Jane