Birthday Celebration!

Last Sunday, my friends and I were invited to celebrate our other friends children's birthday. This was no ordinary party. We celebrated Amber & Teddy's 5th birthday at Maestro's Catering Hall. Yes, it was a big party with a kid-friendly DJ. All the children were VERY entertained with the games, dancing, and even a conga line.

Amber & Teddy are the sweet twin children of Diana and Teddy, whom we know from work. Teddy is a dean at our school, and Diana works in the city. During the party, Teddy spent time videotaping, as well as socializing. Diana also did some socializing, but she spent more time enjoying the festivities along with the children. It really was special to have been a part of their day. These children, like all children, are a gift from God. This is a precious family whom I am happy to be friends with.

Mr. Crabs

Our newest family member has a unique name. Of course, just by looking at his sweet face, you would never know why we refer to him in such a way.

My newest little love, Ayden, is humorously referred to as 'Mr. Crabs.' At times it can be a chore to calm him down or keep him happy. But when we see his smiling face, we can't help but laugh & love him for who he is ... Crabby and all.

March

I'm glad February is behind us. While there were many birthday celebrations, a week off, and time to spend relaxing, it was also terribly draining at times and left me feeling exhausted and sad.

Now that March has begun, I find myself looking forward to all that this month will bring ... All that the Lord has in store for me.

Spring is not too far off. I'm praying we don't get a blast of wintery weather before the season ends. Hopefully we'll see trees and flowers blooming before we see another snowfall --- in December. :). I'm looking forward to a new season & new adventures.

My cousin, Ally, is coming home to visit for a week from South Dakota. I just remembered that & I honestly can't wait to see her again. I hope we get to spend a few days together. We miss her dearly.

March has LITERALLY just begun. I'm truly looking forward to what's in store. Hopefully lots of fun with fantastic memories.

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.

Trip up North...

Since my last blog, a lot has happened. I definitely have to write all the summer memories down before they are forgotten, and I plan to do so. Now that I have some time off before school begins, perhaps 'catching up' will be my next project. For now, I will begin today's update on my latest trip.

Once again, this NYC girl traveled out of state. This particular trip not only took me out of our wonderful country, but to our neighbor, Canada. Going there served two purposes, well, maybe three, and it proved to be a great time!

Normally, Canada would not be the destination of choice for my annual summer getaway. However, having met an interesting Canadian last month at my dear friends, Sue and Gary's, wedding, I decided to see what he was really about. Let's be honest...most people put their best foot forward upon meeting someone of interest. The question then becomes, "Is this REALLY who this person is?" After spending a few weeks getting to know him, as much as one can via phone and text, chatting, laughing, and just enjoying the moments, we decided a visit was an order. Being the travelista that I am, I decided to go back to Canada. As mentioned above, the trip would serve three purposes: a much needed vacation, seeing what this person was really about, and having the pleasure of spending time with my dear friend, Sue.

Having gone there with no expectations, well, less than usual for me, led me to be pleasantly surprised. Not only was Canada, specifically Georgetown, beautiful and quaint, but the company and everyone I met, was wonderful and hospitable. The days and nights were low-key, yet entertaining, and I got a lot of much needed rest. It's been an exhausting year in many ways, so this mini-vacation was simply perfect.

Getting to know my new friend was easy, enjoyable and entertaining, to say the least. I quickly felt comfortable and things seemed to fall right into place. Conversation flowed easily, the laughs and such that had gone on via phone were now happening in 'real life' and simply stated, it was a lot of fun. From wearing my cowboy boots and hat to the rodeo, to cheering him and his team on at the soft ball game, to hanging with friends, walking through a fair & making faces at ALL the unhealthy food there, haha, to simply relaxing, I could not have asked for a nicer time.

My friend is training the sweetest Golden Lab puppy to work, one day, with Autistic children. The puppy, at 14 months old, hardly seems like one. He's huge, playful and cuddly. However, when you return from breakfast to find one (just one) of your fabulous sandals and not yet read magazine both shredded to pieces, you're quickly reminded that 'fully grown' doesn't mean 'adult'. Good thing I was completely in love with the puppy, and getting over the sandal (and magazine) was surprisingly easy.

One day was spent with Sue and Gary. We all met for lunch, but not before indulging in a chocolate chip cookie. YUM! Afterward, I had the pleasure of hanging with them for the rest of that day. It felt just like our old times together in NY. I find that missing her hasn't gotten easier, but on this trip I learned that we don't say, "Good-bye", but instead we say, "See you later." And same with my new friend. Perhaps I'll 'see him later.' Time will tell, I suppose. For now, I will fondly remember my time away, and the memories I made with my new friend and old ones.


The puppy who chewed my things. Too cute!




The McDonalds in Canada have a maple leaf in the middle of the arches!