Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Old stomping grounds



I started my awesome new (and old) job this week. I'm in New Jersey all week, learning all kinds of new things and meeting all kinds of new people. I'm also enjoying reminiscing back to our NJ days. Elisabeth had asked me before I left if I would take a picture of  the city, and of course I forgot to bring my camera, but lucky for me (or not-so-lucky, depending on the situation!) I have a BlackBerry now that I can take pictures with!  The picture quality isn't so hot but at least I was able to get the picture for her. (Actually, my old boss Lisa was able to get the picture - she had to show me how to use the camera properly.)

Really, I could look at the NYC skyline for hours.  We used to live across from Central Park on the other side of the Hudson River, and had the most amazing view.  I miss it.  So I felt it was necessary to drive around our old stomping grounds and see what's changed and what hasn't.  A daily-new-door-ding on the side of your car is still there. Our old apartment is still there, and our slimy landlord (who lived above us) is apparently still there too. Or at least his red BMW is.  Our dry cleaner is still there. El Sonsonateco, a little restaurant at the top of our road, that we never ate at but LOVED to say out loud (seriously - try it!) is still there.  The lack of parking is still there. And so is the awesome view. My favorite building is the Chrysler building, and it's still there too!  Still as beautiful as ever. Oh, and some really great friends are still here!

I kind of forgot how much I missed New Jersey, but still it will be so nice to see the girls and Mark again. Sydney told me tonight "Mama, Ah Eee Ah Ceam!" Clear as day -- Mama, I eat ice cream.  Why do kids age so much while we're away from them? She also said "wuv oo tchooo". Sigh. 

So I will see them late Friday night when I return home. Until then I'm going to continue to enjoy my stay here in NJ!

Monday, December 7, 2009

On the Nice list


We went to Oney's Tree Farm the Saturday after Thanksgiving to cut down our Christmas tree. It was such a sweet day, I am not sure I will ever go back to getting a tree from Home Depot! Talk about a difference in experiences.

Before we went out to the trees we hung out with Mrs. Claus and then rode some ponies that she has living next to her cottage.





As always, you'd never be able to tell but Sydney thoroughly enjoyed herself on the pony ride. She's actually signing "more" with her hands in this picture. She couldn't get enough.  Not sure she felt the same way about Mrs. Claus though.

Mrs. Claus was such a sweet lady.  I have met Mrs. Claus in various locations throughout my life, but I still found myself all choked up while we visited with her this time.  I had to wipe quite a few tears away after we left her cottage and I made sure give her a huge Thank You for being such a great lady.  What would the world be without Mrs. Claus? I mean, really? The world could use a few more of that sweet lady.

Mrs. Claus was sure to ask Elisabeth what she and Sydney (who wouldn't even so much as look at Mrs. Claus) wanted for Christmas, so that she could report back to Santa. She also asked Elisabeth to use her special pen and put Sydney's and her name on the Nice list, which she would be bringing back to Santa as well that evening. What a great wife. She does this daily for two weeks straight! Talk about jetlag.







Sydney watched with a cautious eye as Elisabeth put their names on the list. Probably to make sure her name got included.







Thank you Mrs. Claus, for bringing so much joy to my life and to my family.  I promise to try not to cry next time I see you!




Friday, December 4, 2009