Car Envy and Valentine's Day

It's been a fun couples weeks.

Two weekends ago was Cam's Amway holiday party (they like to do it later in the season when it's not so busy). That was a lot of fun; they rented out the whole Van Andel Public Museum downtown GR. There was a bunch of food and beverage stations set up throughout the building. We got to ride the carousel for free, got a professional picture taken, and watched a lazer light show.

My mom was gone visiting my grandparents in Florida so I called home to see what the boys were up to this weekend. We ended up going to the International Auto Show at DeVos place with them on Saturday. I've had my heart set on a Mazda 3 hatchback for a while. But I've officially been won over to a Mini Cooper extended Clubman in either red or metallic chocolate brown, ahhhh....



That Sunday we went to the Hurds to watch the Superbowl. I brought some delicious nachos that were heartily scarfed down.

Last week at work was exciting as I applied for and interviewed for a permanent content editor position with Booking. I'll find out by the end of the week if I got it or not - I'm so nervous! I would really love this job. I'm a temp now and I like what I do, but it's not very challenging and extremely repetitive. And the vacation and benefits would be a huge plus too.

This past weekend we laid low for the most part. I wasn't really feeling into going out to crazy busy restaurants for Valentine's Day. Friday night we went to my parents' house to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. We left when the guy reading poetry came on - seriously? poetry at the Olympics ceremonies?

Saturday night we celebrated Valentine's Day at home. Cam had to work all day, but he was able to come home and make a delicious Fucilli with Zuccini and Lemon. I made lava cakes with white chocolate and raspberry sauces. Combined with some Asti Tosti and the movie Love Happens, it was a very nice, relaxing weekend. I found it much more enjoyable than going out to a crazy busy restaurant. And I was pleasantly surprised by the meal Cam made.

Best Date Ever

Saturday I got to enjoy my Christmas present from Cam.
We started out with dinner at the 1913 Room at Amway to use some of my remaining "Amway money". Most amazing dinner experience ever. Despite some delicious sounding options, we chose to skip first course to make sure we would have room for dessert. But that doesn't mean you don't have anything to snack on before the meal. The "bread man" came by several times with his tray of about 6 different breads to choose from. My favorite was a cranberry one. And then there was this little tray with a bite of fish, blue cheese and crouton, and a shot of potato soup. And to cleanse the palate - a little scoop of berry sorbet with a sparkling wine topper. We chose to order a bottle of Pino Grigio from a winery in Northern MI. For dinner I got the Dover Sole - buttery, lemony, light, flaky fish with pea-size vegetables and some fancy-looking potatoes. Cam got the duck that came in a red wine sauce with potatoes and endive. For dessert we had to get the Milky Way since Cam hasn't had it - a cone of 3 chocolates filled with a chocolate mouse on a shortbread cookie, with a side of amaretto and more chocolate sauce. Amazing!!!

Then came the Cirque Dreams Illumination show at DeVos place. We saw a Cirque show in Vegas last year, and I think I liked this show more than the one we saw there. It was astounding. The Asian contortionists/acrobats were probably my favorite. We had great seats too - in the little boxes on the side of the theater. It was nice to have some room and not feel fenced in by people.

After the show we let the crowds pass and got a drink at the Lumbar Baron bar in Amway. I got a peach bellini and Cam got a delicious coffee drink with Bailey's and amaretto. It was nice to just sit and relax and talk after the evening.

We said hi to some old co-workers as we walked to the lobby and got our picture taken. I'm so excited because I think this is one of the best pictures taken of us recently, possibly ever. Overall, quite possibly the best date we've ever been on - valet parking, dressing up, amazing dinner and show, relaxing over drinks, my favorite!

In lue of this date, I told Cam we don't have to do much for Valentine's Day, but I'd like it if he would cook a nice meal for me. I think he's going to do it, so we'll see how that goes, haha :)