Dad's Surprise 60th Birthday Lunch

Planning a surprise ANYTHING for anyone is not an easy task. However, today I was able to pull off yet another surprise party. This one was for my dad, as he is turning 60 this Monday. My sister and I began the planning about a month ago, and with the passing of our grandmother we weren't sure if it was still a good idea. However, our mother and aunt both gave the go ahead & so we did!

My family & some of dad's friends dined at La Corsa in Manhattan. The cuisine is Italian & the food was delicious.

We surprised Dad by telling him he was going to a birthday lunch for Justyn since his birthday was two weeks ago & we weren't able to celebrate then. I loved how he really didn't get that the 'SURPRISE' was for him! Justyn had to turn around and tell my dad, 'It's for you!'. VERY FUNNY!

Everything turned out WONDERFULLY and a great time was had by all. I'm grateful that my dad is still in our lives. He is an excellent example of what a father should be. He's always been encouraging and sweet. God gave us His best as far as fathers go. I pray we'll have him for many, many more years.

Training 2012

It seems like I'm always training for a race. This year, training began early because a friend is running his first half marathon at the end of March, and I will run it w him. It's his birthday gift / accomplishment to himself. This morning we will head out for our 8 mile run. I believe it will be good despite today's cold temperature. He's been doing well with the training & I believe that's been encouraging for him. Running isn't for everyone. Since my former training partners are married and not running as much anymore, I'm thrilled that my friend has become my new 'for now' running partner. Not sure if he'll continue to run after this race, though. We shall see. At least this will keep me conditioned for my fall marathon training which will begin in late June. There's something about running that I truly just enjoy.

New Year, New Post

As always, it's been much too long since my last post. Summer came and went, as did the fall. Winter is nearly over, and my life has gone through enough changes to last me through the remained of the year.

Another semester of grad school is behind me, but now the end of my time at Hunter is upon me. Sadly, though, the time won't be finished by way of graduation. However, life happens and we just have to roll with the punches. If we don't, we'll wallow in the whys and why nots. I will hold on to my memories at Hunter ... it was a good time while I was there.

Marathon 2011 was successful and FUN. It was more fun than I've ever had because I had so much support from my family and friends. This year's course, smiling faces and hugs will forever be a special memory. My time was awful due to my foot becoming injured during the race, followed by pain in my knee, but crossing the finish line and making my way to the dinner that followed made up for all of the pain. Of course I do not recall the name of the restaurant, but the food was yummy, and the company could not have been beat.

Four days after my 35th birthday, we welcomed my nephew, Ayden Christian, to our family. My sister went through the LONGEST labor EVER, and I was blessed to be part of the delivery process. It was pretty amazing, to be honest. My nephew is seriously a carbon copy of my sister, and it's disturbingly funny. He is adorable and my sister and Justyn are loving the new addition to their family.

We celebrated our last Christmas with Grandma, as she left us just two short weeks ago. Oh, had we known it would have been the last, how many things would we have done differently? However, the memories we have with Grandma will not leave our hearts any time soon - actually, never.

Now, I'm finishing my February break and working on report cards, grading papers I have pushed to the side, and ordering camp supplies. The year will continue moving day by day ... and I look forward to the new things I will have to write about.