The Gypsy’s Expiration Date

Well, it’s been 3 months – to the day – since my last blog entry. And it’s not because I don’t love you… that’s just not the case. Rather, I have been very pre-occupied as a result of my last entry.

For those of you who don’t know, Debi’s persistence in setting me up with her son paid off this time around and we have been very happily together since August 19.

Now, it would be super easy for me to go on some long, cheesy romantic rant about how he’s gotten me flowers, and how he cooks dinner regularly, and how sweet, romantic, etc he is. But that’s just obnoxious and not very gypsy-like at all.

I think it’s much more important to tell you that tomorrow is the Y2K of my relationship with Eric. The do-or-die. Or, as we’ve coined it, “Our Expiration Date.”

Before I proceed, it’s important for you to know that I could probably publish a book with the stories that the two of us have together already… so all you’re getting is the Reader’s Digest version. And, for those of you who know me well, you know that telling “short” stories does NOT come easily… but I digress.

Over Labor Day weekend, Eric and I went to his parent’s house for a family picnic. A couple of days before hand, Eric tells me that the last girl he took “home” was his prom date. Way to put pressure on a girl. I found myself nervous to go spend time with a family that I ALREADY KNEW! Well, I was nervous for no reason, because his family – like always – was awesome. And, it was that day, that I found myself standing in the kitchen talking to Debi when she dropped the bomb on me, “You know, Eric has never made it past 3 months with a girl.” I turned and look at Eric and, without skipping a beat, said, “you didn’t tell me I had an expiration date!” And so the joke began.

When Stacy (his sister) invited me to Morgan’s (Eric’s niece) birthday party, my response, “I guess it’ll depend on whether or not he dumps me by then.”

When we had our first serious “discussion” (we haven’t fought!), I could see the look in his eyes (I was the one getting in trouble) and I just looked and said, “so this is how I get dumped.” Fortunately, it lightened the mood and didn’t make him more annoyed (phew.)

When we made plans to go see Godspell with my family, I told him, “now, before my mom buys these tickets… I’m not going to expire before the show am I?”

You get the idea. In my truest form, I have held that joke over his head at every situational juncture possible.

Well, tomorrow is that infamous 3 month mark and, unless something drastic happens tonight, I’m gonna be the first girl that makes that mark. But, we shouldn’t be surprised. After all, last weekend, at his parent’s house, I was inside with his mom who brought up our babies while Eric was outside with his dad who asked if we were looking at engagement rings yet.

Both of those topics make me a little nervous... but I find myself cringing less and smiling more.

Only time will tell.

Choosy Moms Choose The Gyspy

An odd thing has been happening lately. I have had mothers of single (and not-so-single) men telling me that, "you need to date my son!"

While I'm flattered at the compliment, I also have to stop and giggle that this loud-mouthed, opinionated, piss-and-vinegar Italian with the vocabulary of a sailor is winning the hearts of suburban mothers who are anxious to marry off their sons.

My favorite future mother-in-law HAS to be Debi, though.

Several years ago, I was at a wedding of a long time family friend. I attended with my parents because weddings make me nervous and going with dates make me crazy ("when are YOU two getting married?!") Debi also attended the wedding and, at one point in the evening, I realized that she was taking pictures of me. Before the end of the night, she managed to get my phone number, which she then proceeded to give to her son, Eric.

Well, it wasn't long before Eric called me and the two of us met for drinks and subsequently went on several dates - including a Cubs game. In retrospect, the Cubs game is a perfect illustration of how desperately Debi wants Eric to get married (more specifically, to me.)

You see, Eric's parents had SIX tickets to this Cubs game. His parents were going, his sister and her husband were going, and Eric was only invited to go IF he brought a female date with him. Debi knew full well that I would be that date. It was about three dates in and we were already triple dating with his family. It was hilarious and an absolute blast. Plus, I have to love a family that loves the Cubs!

I'm not sure exactly what happened, to be honest. But Eric and I just kind of stopped talking. No disagreement. No break up. Just a fizzle. My best friend says that since we didn't break up, we're actually still dating.

Funny she should say that...

My mom recently ran into Debi. Debi mentioned to my mother that Eric was still single. My mom echoed that I was as well. Additionally, my mom referred Debi to my sister to get her hair done. This is where things get interesting.

After Debi's first appointment with my sister, I get a call from my sister that started something like this:

Jenni: Mrs. Waligora and I have decided that you and Eric are destined to be together. You should call him.

Amy: Shut up.

Jenni: No, seriously. He's single and he really likes you. You should call him.

Amy: I'm not calling him; he should call me.

Jenni: So you'll go out with him?!

Amy: I'll talk to him.

Jenni: Oh, it's love!

Amy: Shut up.

This past Saturday, Debi came in to see my sister again and the phone call that followed went like this:

Jenni: What are you doing tonight?

Amy: My high school reunion is tonight; I'm going to meet friends at the Fifth.

Jenni: Well, I have plans for you.

Amy: I told you I have plans.

Jenni: But this is important!

Amy: What is it?

Jenni: Eric is going to be at a party at [our neighbor]'s house tonight. He is expecting you.

Amy: I'm not going. I have plans. Tell him to call me.

Jenni: Well, I gave Mrs. Waligora your number but you should know that Eric has been hanging out in Homewood bars hoping to run into you.

Amy: He's been WHAT?! Why doesn't he just call me?!

Jenni: HE DOESN'T HAVE YOUR NUMBER.

Amy: Oh my gosh.

What a frickin Yente. I wanted to just start singing, "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match" to my sister. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I do NOT respond well when other people make decisions for me.

And, seriously, stalking my bars! If I didn't know the guy, I would have thought about a restraining order right in that moment. But, after I got past the initial shock, I couldn't help but compare the gesture to that of John Cusack's character in Serendipity. A genuine quest.

So, I stopped by the party just to say hi. After all, if he's been spending so much time looking for me, I guess I can meet him halfway and give him my number again.

Honestly, it was good to see him. And he did call. We talked for awhile and we're meeting for drinks tomorrow night.

I imagine Debi will have us engaged in the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for your save the date cards!