Long Slow Beautiful Dance

June 12, 2012 by Jessica Fine

The title of this blog post is from one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite country artists Rascal Flatts.

The lyrics are:

Sounds like a scene from the silver screen
Yeah, that’s how it was
Love doesn’t always look like a picture perfect storybook
Ah, but sometimes it does

Standing beside her the stars shined even brighter
And for a moment all the world was, all the world was still
I knew we belonged together the moment my eyes met hers
And I thought nothing lasts forever, but maybe this one will

A deep breath and baby steps
That’s how the whole thing starts
It’s a long slow beautiful dance
To the beat of a heart

The world starts to spin again, you learn things you didn’t know then
Feels like the bloom is off the rose
But you weather a few storms and you pull out a few thorns
And together the garden grows and grows

It’s a long, slow, beautiful dance, my friend

The house is filled with so much love
We got more than enough for two
So we’ve been thinking about having a baby
I know it sounds crazy, but it seems like the natural thing to do

It’s a long, slow
It’s a long, slow
It’s a long, slow

Here is the video for your viewing pleasure:

The reason why I chose this song for this blog post is because last night my dad and I went for our second dance lesson. We went to a group dance lesson at Arthur Murray Dance Studios and we learned a few new dance steps for our father daughter dance. Having the group dance lesson was very enjoyable because you got to switch dance partners throughout the lesson, you were able to socialize with new people, and you were able to have a good time learning some new dance moves. Since, the other people who were in the dance lesson were dance newcomers as well all of us were on the same playing field. Just remember to “dance like nobody is watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth” written by William W. Purkey.

I Hope You Dance

June 8, 2012 by Jessica Fine

The song in the title was by Lee Ann Womack.

The lyrics are:

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

For your viewing pleasure, here is the video (I think that this video reminds me of me as a child and dancing at my dance lessons):

Really, I hope you do dance (at the wedding). Well speaking of dances, last night my dad and I went to Arthur Murray Dance Studio for our first private dance lesson. We learned a few dance steps that we can use for our father daughter dance at the wedding. We are going back next week for a group dance session and another private dance lesson. By the time these three dance sessions are all over all my dad and I need to do is practice the dance steps to the music we chose for our father daughter dance. My dad and I both had such a great time at our first dance lesson and we cannot wait for our next two dance sessions. My dad and I cannot wait for everyone to see our dance!

Summer Nights

June 5, 2012 by Jessica Fine

No, I am not talking about the song from Grease. When I was in Middle School until High School I went to a camp called Camp Tel Noar in Hampstead, New Hampshire. I was a camper, then a counselor in training, and then I became a junior counselor before I went on to a real world job.

During my time at camp, every day after we eat a meal we said the Birkat Hamazon (the grace after meals) as a whole camp in the cafeteria. It is a prayer you sing after you eat a meal. It especially said on Shabbat.

Well, for our wedding we ordered Benchers which are booklets that people use to read prayers during holidays and special occasions. At our wedding, we will be singing a special wedding version of the Birkat Hamazon that includes the Sheva Berachot (7 blessings) and we will be giving out benchers for people to read, follow, and sing along.

I cannot wait to relive the moments of camp at our wedding with a ton of shira (songs/singing), and sameach (happiness/smiles).

Here is an example of my life at camp singing the Birkat Hamazon:

Dance Again

June 1, 2012 by Jessica Fine

This song has been stuck in my head for the past couple of days.

The song is called Dance Again by Jennifer Lopez.

The lyrics are:

Dance, yes
Love, next
Dance, yes
Love, next

Shimmy Shimmy yah, Shimmy yam
Shimmy yay
I’m a ol’ dirty dog all day
No way Jose
Your girl only go one way, ay mi madre
You should check that out
Maybe you ain’t turn her out
Maybe it’s none of my business
But for now work it out
Let’s get this, dale

Nobody knows what i’m feeling inside
I find it so stupid
So why should I hide
That I love to make love to you baby
(yeah make love to me)
So many ways wanna touch you tonight
I’m a big girl got no secrets this time
Yeah I love to make love to you baby
(yeah make love to me)

If this would be a perfect world
We’d be together then
(let’s do it do it do it)
Only got just one life this i’ve learned
Who cares what they’re gonna say
(let’s do it do it do it)

I wanna dance, and love, and dance again
I wanna dance, and love, and dance again

Dance, yes
Love, next
Dance, yes
Love, next

Baby your fire is lighting me up
The way that you move boy is reason enough
That I love to make love to you baby
(yeah make love to me)
I can’t behave
Oh I want you so much
Your lips taste like heaven
So why should I stop?
Yeah I love to make love to you baby
(yeah make love to me)

If this would be a perfect world
We’d be together then
(let’s do it do it do it)
Only got just one life this i’ve learned
Who cares what they’re gonna say
(let’s do it do it do it)

I wanna dance, and love, and dance again
I wanna dance, and love, and dance again

Mr Worldwide, and the world’s most beautiful woman
Modern day Hugh Hef (uh, yes)
Playboy to the death (uh, yes)
Is he really worldwide? (uh, yes)
Mami let me open your treasure chest
Play dates, we play mates
I’m the king at snatching queens, checkmate
What you think?
It’s a rumor
I’m really out of this world
Moon, luna
Make woman comfortable
Call me bloomer
Can’t even show love cause they’ll sue ya
But I told them, ‘hallelujah, have a blessed day’
So ahead of myself
Everyday’s yesterday
Want the recipe? it’s real simple
Little bit of voli, and she’ll open sesame

Now dance yes
Love next
Dance yes
Love next

If this would be a perfect world
We’d be together then
(let’s do it do it do it)
Only got just one life this i’ve learned
Who cares what they’re gonna say
(let’s do it do it do it)

I wanna dance, and love, and dance again
I wanna dance, and love, and dance again

Here is the video for your viewing pleasure:

I picked this song for this blog post because Adam and I went dancing last night for our second private dance lesson and a group dance lesson. We learned a few new dance moves and swing dancing. We both enjoyed these dance lessons a ton. We are thinking of taking more dance lessons in the future and maybe in July for a refresher. We cannot wait for our guests to see our dance moves out on the dance floor.

Service, Wedding Gown Fitting, Invitations, Shall We Dance, and The Band

May 25, 2012 by Jessica Fine

Last Friday, my parents hosted an Oneg (dessert) at the temple where I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. Before the sweets were eaten, there was a Friday night service where Adam and I were called to the bimah (stage), and were told to open the Ark (where the torah’s are kept) and the Rabbi gave us his blessing for our wedding in August. A lot of my family came and Adam’s parents came as well. It was a very nice and social evening.

The next day, I had my wedding gown fitting. It went better than I had thought it would be and I will have my second fitting in July. I cannot wait to see and try my wedding gown on again. After my fitting I went back to my parent’s house and Adam and I assembled the wedding invitations and they were sent on this past Monday. I have loved receiving text messages, and Facebook messages from my friends and family who have received the wedding invitation already and they told me how much they loved it and how gorgeous it was. It brought tears to my eyes because everyone has been so sweet.

This past Tuesday, Adam and I had our very first dance lesson. We enjoyed every minute of it. We cannot wait for our next dance lesson next week and our very first group dance lesson as well. We might sign up for more dance lessons because we enjoy having this special time together and it is a ton of fun!

Finally, last night Adam and I went to Brookline, Massachusetts to meet our band. We planned out with them the whole reception and how minute by minute everything will go for the wedding reception. I wish our wedding was tomorrow because it will be so exciting and enjoyable for everyone!

Daf Yomi

May 22, 2012 by Adam Sowalsky

The date is March 2, 2005 and I am in my first year of graduate school. That same day, the Daf Yomi cycle, a 7-1/2 year project to read the entire Talmud one page at a time, began, and I embarked on the most massive project I had ever taken upon myself. A project of commitment, determination and perseverance.

Today, May 22, 2012, I just read the last chapter of second-to-last tractate (book) of the Talmud, and I will start the final book of the Talmud tomorrow. After Jessica and I set our wedding date last year I determined that I would be concluding my Daf Yomi study a couple weeks before our wedding, on August 2.

Back in 2005 I wondered where I would be when the cycle was concluded. Would I have a job? Where would I be living? Would I be married? As I get closer to August 2, all of those questions are now answered.

In many ways, marriage is like Daf Yomi. It is something that will part of my life every day. And keeping up with marriage, just like Daf Yomi, will take commitment, determination and even perseverance. I guess it’s a good thing I have been practicing for August 19 ever since 2005!

Service, Wedding Gown Fitting, Dancing Lesson, Band, Hotel Organizer, and Caterer, Oh, my!

May 14, 2012 by Jessica Fine

This Friday is one of many special events that are related to the wedding. This Friday, my family is inviting my relatives, Adam’s family, and friends to our temple for a special event. My parents are hosting an Oneg (dessert) in honor of Adam and my wedding. But, before the dessert can be eaten/devoured (depending upon which family has the biggest sweet tooth…we all know whose family that is), the Rabbi that I had growing up will give a blessing to Adam and myself at Friday night services. We really can’t wait to see everyone.

On Saturday, I have my first wedding gown fitting at Cristina’s. I cannot wait to try it on again and get that the same feeling I had when I first said, “Yes to the Dress”.

Next week, Adam and I will have our first dance lesson for the wedding. We are getting dance lessons at Arthur Murray. We scheduled for three private dance lessons and one group dance lesson. We already picked out our first dance song and we cannot wait for all of our family and friends to see our final dance creation.

During the same week, Adam and I have a meeting with the band. This way we can make sure that they have our song list, make sure they have our first dance song, and they can let us know if they have any music suggestions that are not on our list that people will enjoy listening too.

The week after that, we have our first meeting with our hotel organizer, Austin. He is a great guy. He will let us know what else we will need to accomplish to make sure the wedding day goes smoothly. Also, he will give us any recommendations he might have that he has used in the past that he thinks will look nice and make the day special.

In June, we have a meeting with our caterer (Catering by Andrew). This is when we will go over the menu, test out the food that he suggests, and make sure that we are all on the same page with timing during the cocktail hour and the reception.
I am saving the best for the last: our wedding invitations will be going out to our guests by Memorial day weekend! Get excited! Less than 100 days to go!

Four Weddings and its Funeral

May 14, 2012 by Adam Sowalsky

Quite often, Jessica and I post about things we are having at our wedding. This post is about something that won’t be.

Last week, Jessica received a call from a producer from Semisweet Productions, which films the TLC Series Four Weddings. For those of you that don’t know, this is a show that pits four brides against each other to judge each other’s weddings. They critique food, atmosphere, and overall experience. Even better, they are followed around by a film crew and have to attend each other’s weddings.

This summer, TLC wanted to “cast” brides to be in the Boston edition of their show. Jessica was contacted by a producer and our wedding was selected by Semisweet as one they wanted to film at. However, close to a hundred pages of disclosures and releases needed to be signed first. So, if the judging criteria and thought of a production crew at our wedding wasn’t appealing enough, we also had to agree to the following terms (this list is not all-inclusive):

  • Once signed we were obligated to appear irrespective of the opinions and requirements of our in-laws, family, friends and officiant
  • We had to agree that the cameras following us around would be an invasion of our privacy
  • If production wanted, they could disrupt the ceremony to get their cameras into a better position and we could not protest
  • If any action on our part disrupted their ability to collect advertising revenue from the completed production, we had to agree to pay production $1,000,000
  • We are contestants, not cast members, so there is no guaranteed compensation

Doesn’t that sound wonderful? As the children of lawyers, we were smart enough to realize they don’t expect their contestants to actually read these documents. Needless to say, that was the death of Four Weddings and this blog post is its funeral. However, Jess is quite excited to see what suckers from Boston actually went through with it!

Checking Items off of the List

May 7, 2012 by Jessica Fine

Here is a video of a few ideas of what is on our wedding checklist:

This past weekend, Adam and I went to Brookline, Massachusetts to do some wedding errands that needed to be accomplished. Our first stop was at the Israel Book Shop to order our personalized benchers for the wedding. Now, we just have to wait for the order to come in and we will get a call when the benchers have arrived and are ready to pick up. After we were finished there, we went to Kolbo to purchase the ceremonial glass for breaking at the end of our wedding. We will send the glass shards away after the wedding to a company who will place the glass shards into a mezuzah of our choosing to use in the future.

The symbolism of the smashing of the glass by the Chatan at the conclusion of the ceremony has a variety of explanations. One is that the shattering ushers in the outbreak of merriment that should immediately follow the pronouncement. Guests usually respond with “Mazel Tov!” (“Congratulations!”) Another explanation is that the breaking recalls the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Even at height of personal joy, sadness is remembered.

We are crossing things off of our list one by one and by the time that August comes around we will feel completely accomplished that we got everything we wanted completed.

Dates and Numbers

April 27, 2012 by Adam Sowalsky

April 26, 2009. A date. Our first date. Three years ago yesterday.
April 14, 2011. Another important date. One year and two weeks ago.

In April, Jessica and I celebrate two anniversaries. One is the anniversary of the day we met and the other is the anniversary of the day we get engaged. It is remarkable how important those dates are now and yet by this time next year we’ll be celebrating a third date as an anniversary: August 19.

Our lack of posts lately does not indicate anything slowing down; in fact planning is as busy now as it has ever been. With 114 days until our wedding, our focus now is making appointments with our vendors for catering, music, and dancing lessons, while at the same time finalizing our guest lists and sending out invitations over the few weeks. This weekend we will be deciding on the style of tuxedos for the men to wear.

Winter was essentially our “calm before the storm.” Spring is here, summer is around the corner and planning is in full swing. 114 days is going to go by in a heartbeat.

And August 19 will soon be here.