Six years

I’ll never forget the moment when Sebastian whispered, “I think I more than like you.” It was the beginning of our relationship, and maybe we didn’t know it at the time, but the beginning of our life together.

I won’t deny that these past six years have been challenging. Normally I’d be writing a post today about our long-distance relationship and why we continue to make it work. But I’m not going to do that. Today, I just want to say that I can’t wait to marry Sebastian and start our life together.

Six years was worth the wait, but a lifetime with you won’t be nearly enough.

Love you, Basti

xoxo

image via Allison Ewing Photography

What I’ve been doing other than blogging

Oh, hey there friends! It’s been a long time. I don’t have any excuses other than life got in the way. If you follow me on Instagram (@MJSpletzer), you might have noticed my biggest news: I’m engaged! Sebastian popped the question exactly one month ago today, and we’re as happy as clams.

So what else have I been up to these past four months? In August, my parents treated me to a US Women’s soccer game for my birthday, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Then at the end of the month, I traveled to Massachusetts to celebrate my cousin Alli’s wedding. We had a blast, and I died laughing when the shuttle to the reception turned out to be a school bus.

In September, I jetted off to Colorado for the US Air Force Academy family weekend. We spent four glorious days laughing, eating and just being together. I also traveled to Westfield, NY, for a little hiking and relaxation.

In October, the BF (now fiancé) was in town with his friend Maik. We took him to my beloved West Side Market and a freezing, cold Indians game. Later in the month, Sebastian and I spent a week of vacation hiking in Hocking Hills and then exploring and eating our way through Boston. We loved the city so much we’re heading back there for NYE.

November found me in Germany where I was asked the most important question of my life (I said yes!). We spent the week visiting Christmas markets, preparing a Thanksgiving feast and enjoying being engaged.

And now it’s the end of December – hard to believe another year is almost over. I want to slow down time and soak in all the little moments these next few days: snuggling on the couch with my siblings, being in the kitchen with my Mom and cracking jokes with my Dad. There is nothing better than the holidays and being together with my family.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a fantastic start to the New Year! 2016 is sure to be another wild ride. Cheers! xoxo

Four years

Let me tell you a story of how I fell in love.

I met Sebastian while playing on a co-ed soccer team. He was our best player, and I liked it when we were on the field together. I appreciated that he understood the sport and was good at it. That’s how it started, two people playing a game we both loved.

I remember I couldn’t really understand his accent at first, but found him incredibly charming. There was always an ease between us, like we’d known each other for years. I’d tease him about his English pronunciations, and he’d make fun of my clumsiness. I loved it when I made him laugh.

Eventually group hang outs with friends turned into outings with just the two of us. We’d play racquetball or get burritos. It was always so easy, so comfortable.

The semester was coming to a close, and it was time for him to go home. I didn’t want him to leave, but I knew he couldn’t stay. I had a million thoughts in my head. Does he know how I feel? Could we really make this work?

The night before he was heading home, he said what we both knew all along: “I think I more than like you,” and I whispered back, “I think I know.”

Four years later, I’m still madly in love and just as crazy about him. People always ask me how we do long-distance, how we make it work, and the answer is we just do. My life is so much better with him in it than without. And although it’s unconventional, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dearest Basti – life is so full of love and laughter because of you.
Thank you for this wonderful adventure.

Happy four years! xoxo

P.S. I think I more than like you.

Be mine

Whether you’re getting pampered by your man, having a girls night out or staying in, eating ice cream, watching rom coms – Happy Valentine’s Day from me to you.

And a special shout out to zee German – you know I’m crazy about you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xoxo

all images from someecards

Locking our love

I have a confession. I LOVE doing uber touristy things. For example, taking my picture with the I Amsterdam sign. Or posing with horse statues. Sebastian, on the other hand, does not. He does them for me (because I force him). So you can only imagine how often I put him outside of his comfort zone – and Paris was no exception.

While researching for our trip, I discovered there was a bridge in Paris, the Pont des Arts, where you could “lock your love.” I’ve since found out there are several cities where you can do this, but needless to say, it was something I was determined for us to do in the City of Light. The goal is put your initials on a lock, lock it to the bridge and toss your keys over the side into the Seine River. Before I left, I bought said lock and decorated it with our initials.

Although our second day in the city turned out to be cold and rainy, I made sure we found the bridge. The Pont des Arts itself is incredible. There must be thousands of locks – something truly heartwarming. You could really feel the love and those who had come before us. We set out to find a place for our lock, performed our little ceremony and tossed our keys into the river below.

Was it cheesy? Oh yes. Did I love every second? Of course I did. Even though our lock might not stay there forever, it’s nice to know we left a little piece of ourselves in Paris.

Up next: Palais des Papes

You’re my sweetheart

Even though I can’t spend Valentine’s Day with my sweetheart, it doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate the holiday. I spent the evening going through old photos of me and Sebastian. It was nice reminiscing on all the trips we’ve taken and memories we’ve made. Looking forward to many more to come.

We may be a thousand miles apart, but I’ll be with you, wherever you are.

Happy Valentine’s Day

xoxo

Here’s to February

Every time February arrives, I think of the time my brother said this:

“It’s pretty unfair that February gets less days than all the other months.”

It still makes me laugh out loud, but in all honesty, he had a good point. Poor February really gets gypped. At least it has some unique celebrations like Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl. Plus one of my favorites – Valentine’s Day. Yes, it’s a cheesy holiday that you either love or hate, but I can appreciate a day that celebrates love. And doesn’t everyone need more of it in their life?

As the song goes:

So here’s to February, the month that celebrates love and football and a little, furry rodent.

Have a lovely weekend! xoxo

Auf Wiedersehen

So long, friends! I’m off to zee Deutschland to spend eight glorious days with Sebastian. It’s been exactly 110 days since I’ve seen my boyfriend, and I can’t wait to finally be with him again!

{picture from my first trip to Germany back in 2010}

We’ve been doing this for almost two and half years, and one thing is certain: long-distance isn’t always easy, but when you find the right person, it’s definitely worth it.

Until we meet again, Auf Wiedersehen! xoxo

My heart is in Germany

AAAAAAHHHHH! I just checked my countdown, and there are only four days until I head to Germany! I couldn’t be more excited to visit this beautiful country again. I realize my love for this place is a little biased (because it’s home to a pretty cool guy), but in all honesty, even if I had never met Sebastian I think I would have fallen in love with Germany.

I still remember my very first visit, and how I instantly loved being there. In some cities it was like traveling back in time with their old city centers and amazing architecture. And then in others, it was like visiting a city in America. I really appreciated the mix of old and new and how it fit together flawlessly.

Sebastian had already broken my stereotypical image of Germans before I visited, and it changed even more as I began talking with and meeting other German people. Before I went, I had always pictured stern-looking, serious people. I laugh thinking about it now. For the most part, everyone is super friendly and not serious at all. In fact, my boyfriend is the goofiest guy I’ve ever met – and I love him for it.

If the people and atmosphere didn’t make me fall in love, maybe it was the food or the language or the beer. Whatever it was, a part of my heart will always be in Germany.

Did I mention I CAN’T WAIT?!?! Four days!!!

Two years

Two years ago today I graduated college, and while that is a pretty significant event in my life, it’s not why this day is special to me. Two years ago today I started dating Sebastian.

I never expected to fall for a German guy, as I’m sure he never expected to fall for an American girl. But sometimes the unexpected happens. We met while playing soccer at Kent State and quickly bonded over our love for Chipotle, traveling and How I Met Your Mother.

Our relationship had an interesting start. I had just gotten out of a long-term relationship and he was heading back to Germany. It didn’t seem like the most ideal situation, and we both had our doubts.

That first summer was filled with Skype dates, phone calls, letters, emails and eventually a trip to Germany. It became pretty clear that we were both in this for the long haul.

What a whirlwind these past two years have been. We’ve traveled to more than 20 cities, stayed in 15 different hotels and learned a lot about each other along the way. And I think we both agree we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Dear Sebastian – thank you for the most unexpected and wonderful two years.

Happy Anniversary, love.

xoxo