Kitty Love

Today is my dad's birthday and I actually got to help him celebrate in person!  

Happy Birthday Daddy!

My parents are in Sunny (and chilly) Florida visiting and its been wonderful to have them here.  

Miss Aurelia has been slowly adjusting to visitors in the house and although her tolerance level is small, she has been making an appearance in the evening and hanging out with the family.  

I found her sleeping in the closest after dinner and couldn't help but scoop her into my arms and give her a giant bear hug!  My mom a.k.a Nana, captured the sweet moment before she quickly scurried off to find another sleeping spot.

Buon Natale

Merriest of Christmases!  Wishing you and yours a warm and lovely holiday season!

Love

The Macuens

soul mate

My twin sister Jessica is my soul mate.  I mean, we were split in two so I'm pretty sure we each have part of the same soul.

The day we headed off to college was one of the saddest days of my life.  I remember laying awake in my tiny bed, in my new dorm room, on my first night and not knowing how to feel or how to be.  How would I make friends without my best friend by my side?  How would I survive class?  How would I go to the grocery store by myself?  Who was going to tell me that my outfit should never see the light of day?

The next years were hard, but we both grew.  We became braver and more independent.  We experienced things the other did not.  We took trips, met friends, got our hearts broken, fell in love and graduated.  The next years were even harder.  I headed off to Texas for graduate school and took a blind leap into the unknown, alone.  I was so used to everyone knowing I was a twin back home that it was a strange feeling for new people in my life to not automatically know this about me.  Our whole life we had been known as "The Twins" which always annoyed me. But here, hundreds of miles away from home, I wished and hoped that just once someone would refer to me as one of "The Twins".  

Life has taken us both down different paths and we are happy in our careers and little families.  And even though its been years since we lived in the same state and we've grown accustomed to these separate lives, we miss each other with all of our hearts.  I guess we've become grownups during this time because lets face it, it would have been crazy for us to not have learned how to function in the real world without the other nearby.   

But you see, the truth is, even though we are grownups and we live wonderful, independent lives, I just don't function my best without her.  

On the rarest of rare days that we can't talk I feel like there is a hole in my day.  Who can I tell that for a brief second after lunch it smelled exactly like the skating rink we used to go to when we were little?  And there's no doubt that she will understand completely---my co-workers at lunch would just look at me weird!  Or what if I have to describe a color and the only description I can come up with is that it is that shimmery color from that one ride in Disney World?  And of course my sister would say, "Oh right! The one with the dragon.  I know that color."  

I usually talk to Jessica on my way home from work each evening which can last from 5 minutes to an hour :) .  The minute we say, "hi" a feeling of complete contentment washes over me. 

Even living 2000 miles away, our lives are interwoven.  They are forever connected.  You always hear of twin struggles--of those twins who yearn to be their own self and independent of each other.  At least for us, this is impossible.  While we have our own distinct personalties and preferred nail polish color, we are our most true selves when we are together.  We are soul mates.

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Happy Birthday to my sister.  I'm glad I get to share this special day with you always!

5 y e a r s

As I waited for the plane to taxi into the Kansas City airport, my stomach dropped as my phone dinged to let me know I had a voicemail.  I quickly dialed and listened as someone in the HR department asked if I would call them back as soon as possible.

2009 : My first Florida picture from my hotel room the night before my interview

I was returning from an interview and knew that this was "the call".  I had either gotten the job or hadn't.  

As I scurried off the plane, I scanned the busy airport for a quiet place to make my phone call.  I stepped aside as my shaky fingers dialed the number.  

After the required formalities, Josh from HR got to the point.  They wanted to hire me for the position.  I couldn't believe it!  It had been a whirlwind.  I had applied to the position, the next day had a phone interview, and here I was only hours gone from the actual interview and they were offering me the job. Was it meant to be?

Christmas 2010 : The first time wearing my winter coat!

I blurted out a yes as fast I could.  Yes, I would take the job.

After I hung up, the reality struck.  What in the world had I just done?  My current job at a museum in Denver was coming to an end.  I needed a job, but Florida?  It was possibly the furthest place I could move from my Colorado home.  Bobby and I had talked about the "what if" but suddenly I worried maybe he wouldn't come with me.  I mean, we had been dating for almost 5 years, but still how could I ask him to move across the country for me to the foreign land of Florida.  

2011 : petting a panther

While waiting for my connecting flight back to Denver, I made the calls to Bobby and my family.  Everyone was overjoyed for me, but I could tell that they were also very sad.  I was moving away.

The next month was busy.  Packing, finding a place to live, getting work things in order, and starting to say our goodbyes.  

The night before my mom, Bobby and I embarked on our 3 day journey to the southern tip of the United States, we had dinner with Bobby's family and spent the rest of the evening with mine.  I could barely look at my sisters as we hugged goodbye.  We slept on the floor of my older sister's living room that night, but we didn't really sleep.  We both had butterflies in our stomach and tears in our eyes.  I remember though, feeling some peace as I realized I wasn't doing this alone--that Bobby would be my side. 

2012: I got married!

I often look back at the journey and can't believe that I did it.  I survived it.  

I jumped full force into my new job and loved it.  It took awhile longer for Bobby to adjust and find his niche, but he did.  The first few months our GPS was a life saver.  We learned which grocery store was better than others and that I would never have straight hair again :) .  

My mom always says that Colorado will always be my home and she is right.  Its where our family is and many of our close friends.  But Florida is our home too.  We are making a life here and after 5 years it feels like our space-- our own tiny world. 

2013: Weeki Wachee Springs

Florida will always be the place where I grew up.  In 5 years, a lot has changed and I still continue to grow, but looking back at my first few weeks here compared to now, I am different.  Good different!

Aurelia: A sweet addition to the family

Remember this? My first blog post!  I started this blog as a ways to document this journey and I love looking back at my posts to see how far I've come amidst the ups and downs.  I love looking back at major life choices and knowing that I made the right one.  I can see how it all fits together like a puzzle and that sometimes it only makes sense looking back years later. 

Life is good here in Florida and I look forward to the next 5 years!

2014: Miami

Birthday Boy!!

Yesterday was Bobby's 30th birthday.  

I asked him, "When did we become grownups?"

What a year this has been and his 30s are already starting off with a bang.  

Here's to a wonderful 30th year my dear husband!  Let the adventure begin.

:)

Peaceful Moments.

la famiglia

a typical skype session

I love my family.  When people ask me where I hung out in high school my first response is, "At home, with my family".  

Strange looks ensue, like I must have been some weirdo with no social life.  But when you have the best family in the whole world, why wouldn't you want to hang out with them?  

My little Florida family has been quite busy these past few weeks.  Aurelia has learned how to catch lizards (gross.) and that she has a tail.  And Bobby is back to school part time and getting geared up to go on some tours with the bands he works with.  I'm off to Jacksonville in a few weeks for a conference and working on some fun little projects in my free time.  

In my mind summer is coming to an end and I'm reminded every day now by the big yellow school buses that made me late to carpool this week.  But the weather is not cooperating and I can tell my a/c wants just a little break.  

Hope everyone gets to spend some time with their family on this hot and 3 day (yippee!) weekend.

:)

Hello & Good-bye

A quick little update

July and August have been a whirlwind!  I've been playing catchup with my life and just when I am starting to feel caught up I am off again.

Here's what we've been up to the past week or so.

We spent an amazing week at home and in Michigan with my family and friends. 

{  My sister wrote up our road trip to Michigan here, here, and here!  }

Back in Colorado we spent our days lounging at my parent's house, enjoying the "cooler" summer weather, watching lightning storms at night, chasing around my niece, catching up with my Aunt and sister-in-law, seeing friends, playing piano and violin duets with my brother-in-law, and eating Mexican food (yum!).  

Our second evening home was spent at my friend's wedding.  It was a lovely night in downtown Denver filled with lots love and laughter (and a little rain)!  

Now that we are home, I am off again for a work trip, traveling to northern Florida and then to the jazzy town of New Orleans!  

My goal: to enjoy some chicory coffee and beignets.   

Remnants

A few weeks ago, my twin sister and niece came for a visit.  

It was wonderful.

Our tiny home was filled with so much activity and laughter.  Tiny toddler hands explored the new surroundings.  We visited the beach and saw alligators.  We loved on each other, explored new places and were exhausted at the end of each day.  These are memories I'll treasure always.

Today I found a small reminder of their visit and smiled-- one stray sticker.

:)

Visitors

Look who's coming to visit me this week!!

T-minus 18 hours before a whole week of sun filled fun starts with my sister and niece!

Dr. Edward Redente aka Daddy

I love this photo from a few years back. 

Here are some things you may not know about my dad:

1.  He is a world traveler

My dad has seen the world and that is amazing.  When I was little, we would anxiously wait for my dad to come home from one of his big trips, wondering what little gift he would bring each of us from these exotic lands, and look forward to the slide show on the dining room wall. 

2.  He is frugal

Over the years, and especially now that I am an actual full-time grownup, my dad has shown me the benefits of saving and taking care of your things (not so easy to do in today's world). I also love that when I go home to visit I don't have to bring my blow dryer because the little orange one from over 29 years ago is still in the bathroom drawer, working perfectly.

3.  He is a chef

"Oh, your dad is Italian? You must have had good food growing up!"

Yes, yes we did.

Holiday dinners are my dad's domain and a few years ago he taught me the family pasta sauce recipe that was passed down to him.  Right before my dad taught me, I had to be sworn to secrecy and sign a contract with my blood.

  (Just kidding about the blood!)

4.  Your work ethic ain't got nothin' on my dads

My dad has lead by example my whole life, showing me how to be a hard worker, to take pride in the work I do, and to push myself a little harder each time.  Hard work brings success. He's taught me that its not always easy and sometimes I'll fall, but then I've got to pick myself back up and keep moving forward.  And the best thing is, when I do fall, my dad is there to help me back up.

5.  My friends think he is a Mob Boss

My dad is on the quiet side.  Not shy, but is selective with his words.  He made boyfriends outwardly nervous (rightfully so) and has the power to instantly silence you with just "the look".  He's not the type of person to put up with your shenanigans.  There is just something about him that make people know he is kind of a big deal.  If he had to have a mafia name ( *cough* not saying he doesn't already have one) it would have to be Eddie Spaghetti.  

6.  He is a teacher

My dad was a professor for 30 some years.  I loved watching him teach his classes and seeing graduate students frantically write down his every word.  I would sit there, looking around at the lecture hall, and secretly wanting everyone to know that I was his daughter (I'm pretty sure they did seeing I was in elementary school---or maybe the students thought I was a genius child!) He would become invested in them, and would even invite grad students home for dinner, especially if their home was far away.

My dad has been my life long teacher and I'm still that little kid, wanting everyone to know that, "hey, that's my dad!"

7.  He inspires

My dad inspires us to be better people.  He inspires us to reach our goals.  He inspires us to enjoy simple pleasures.  He inspires us to give to those less fortunate.  He inspires us to have a loving family. 

Happy Father's day Daddy!  

Your children and littlest of grandchildren sure are lucky to have you!

:)

The mother's in my life.

I am so blessed to have the most amazing and loving mom!  

She is everything to me.  

Although this one day has been set aside to acknowledge all you do, just know that we celebrate you every day!

A happiest of Mother's Day to my two dear sisters who are so loving and caring to their beautiful children.

Our family has grown so much over the years -- adding sons and grandchildren and through it all our mom's love only continues to grow for us all.

Thanks mom
:)

Smile

//niece LOVE//

A favorite moment from my trip home a few weeks ago!

For Now...

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I am enjoying every minute.

Oliver Lawrence Backos

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Graced us with his presence on 2/9/2014

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High five to my amazing sister who is already such an incredible mama---  Welcome to the family little man!

Count Down

My older sister is nearing the last few days of her pregnancy and we are all anxiously waiting to meet the newest addition to the family.

A new baby!  I cannot wait to hold my tiny and precious nephew in my arms, kiss his baby nose and fingers, and daydream about who he will become.  

Learning

Bringing a new member into your household is a learning experience.  It takes time to figure out the routines, the likes, the dislikes, the quirks, and the habits.  It takes time to just figure each other out.

We've had Aurelia for just over a month now and our lives have definitely changed.  I still feel like each day I learn something new about her.  Its been a good experience to expand our "parenting" skills and actually be responsible for another living creature!  

Here is what I've learned so far:

1.  She is a Turkish Van which means she likes to constantly T A L K.  When she goes for a quick stroll through the living room, when you bother her, when she's hungry, when she's happy, when she's mad...you get the idea.  

Our cat growing up was very quiet and only meowed when he'd had enough of our "play time" or when he was chirping at the birds.  I'm still trying to identify all of her meows and what they mean.. just like a new born baby.

2.  I need to be up at exactly 5:00 am (which you know  n e v e r  happens) to feed her.  She's on a strict diet because she is slightly obese (is that mean to talk about your cat like that on the internet?)  and so she is not shy to let me know she is hungry.  

3.  She likes her tummy rubbed, but not that part of her tummy--geeze.  There is an imaginary line she has created and if you cross it you get nipped.  The line seems to change every day.

4.  When she is awake, she likes to check in with me every 5-10 minutes.  She comes and finds me, jumps in my face, meows, and then leaps away. 

5.  She loves us and we love her.  She's started cuddling and sleeping by my side and has recently started sleeping on her back with her legs straight up in the air. classy.  My mom said, "I guess that means she's comfortable!"  

When Bobby leaves for work, he always runs and finds her so he can say good-bye.  It's pretty cute!  

Winter Bliss

I woke this morning to a drizzle and a sea of grey clouds covering the Florida sunshine while my family reported snow and more snow back in Colorado.  I have to admit, its been nice to feel the humidity and warmth on my skin since we've been back from our trip home.  Each night Bobby and I would huddle under the massive pile of quilts on the bed, shivering and trying to remember how to live again in a "normal" winter.  

Everyone laughs and makes fun of us (especially Bobby who grew up in the mountains) for our thin blood and quick adjustment to warmer weather.  

I forgot that the toilette seat is always freezing cold when you sit down and that you have to wear socks 24 hours a day.  I forgot that my lips get chapped and I can drink hot chocolate in the middle of the day.  I forgot that you have to warm up your car at least 5 minutes before getting in and that wearing ballet flats is asking for a slip and fall.  I forgot that my teeth can chatter and my skin can withstand the hottest setting on the shower.  I forgot that when its a high of 45 degrees people will be outside in shorts!

But I also forgot what it felt like to wake up and see a fresh layer of snow on the ground and hear how quiet and hushed the world is.  I forgot that with the right angle of light your backyard becomes a sea of diamonds and the snow can capture little moments with frozen footprints.

On Christmas morning my internal clock was still adjusted to Florida time and I got up at the ungodly hour of 4:45 am.  I snuck upstairs, turned on the Christmas tree lights and stared outside the window for a long time.  As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I looked out across the snowy fields with the tall shadows of the mountains behind them.  I was thankful to be home, even if I did end up freezing to death.

:)

My sister made this wonderful video today and I wished for just a few minutes I was with them, playing in the glittering, sparkling snow.  But then again, I am secretly glad that when I get chilly I can just turn off my ceiling fan.

Christmas

Song: The First Noel by W.G. Snuffy Walden

Niece Love

The best way to end my day!