Christmas Time is Here!

Ready or not, Christmas is here! I am ready and anxiously looking forward to the very nice Christmas break from work, my mother, David, and grandmother's visit, and all the fun festivities that take place at Christmas time. At this special time of year, I always think about my love of Jesus Christ. Although, I am not a very religious person (mostly because there is no proof or facts to actually say who is wrong or right), I think that whether or not Jesus is our Lord and Savior or just a man who lived a life that we should all try our best to follow, he is loved and worshiped the world over, and he is the only reason we celebrate this wonderful holiday. Since the Christmas songs seem to say it best-- May your days be Merry and Bright! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Merry New York Christmas!

We had our Annual New York City Christmas Outing this past weekend and saw the Broadway Show "Jersey Boys"! It was Excellent! For those of you who haven't seen it, it's definitely a must see. The tree (also a Jersey Boy) is beautiful this year! We ate dinner at Ben Benson's Steakhouse. Delish! We even managed to squeeze in some shopping. There's nothing like Christmas in New York; the shopping, the decorations, Rockefeller Center, St. Patricks Cathedral, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, I LOVE it all! My beautiful brite colored and ever so soft cashmere scarf was a gift from Michele.

The only thing worse then an accident is one at Christmas time...

Well, with all the holiday hustle and bustle that I so enjoy, I had an unfortunate event happen on my way home from work Friday night. I was merging into a lane on Route 18 and was continuously hit from behind by a tractor trailer, driven by a blonde, pony tailed, southern hick! I love NJ for all it's diversity, but if you're not from around here, please don't drive here. As always, there's construction lanes all over the place on 18 and you are forced to merge. This guy was clearly not letting me in. But, I saw a break, moved my way in and the next thing I know he was hitting my little Nissan Sentra from behind! I could hear my bumper crunching. He could have said he didn't see me, my car is small, but instead he insisted that I cut him off and hit his truck! C'mon, my little car hit him and caused that damage? Well, as I went over it afterwards I actually started to question what happened, that is until I was telling the guy at the Body Shop what happened and a lady was there to pick up her car and said the same exact thing happened to her and also on Route 18! She said, as I did, that she could swear the guy was hitting her intentionally. And now I don't doubt what I thought happened as well. Of course the officer (men always side with men) said the damage appeard to be my fault and said he was writing it up that way. I get the police report on Wednesday, joy of joys. Anyway, I'm currently carless. Which is never good around the holidays with all there is to do. Going to try and rent a car. But with the lovely $750 insurance deductable I now have to pay, I hope it's not going to cost another leg.

My bumperless car!

The tractor trailer that hit me!

Yeah, Merry Christmas to you too buddy...

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

There's nothing like Christmas -- Christmas spirit, Christmas music, Christmas shows, Christmas decorations, Christmas gatherings, Christmas presents --I love it all! I'm almost finished with my shopping so the wrapping (another favorite of mine) will soon begin. I hope to start getting decorations out this weekend and put the tree up by next weekend. My mom, David, and Grandmother are coming on the 23rd and will finally see our new home. Next weekend I'm going into the city for our annual trip to see the tree, the nativity at St. Patricks, and the broadway show "Jersey Boyz". All the reasons why it truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! They're lighting the tree at Rockefeller Center tonight. The tree this year is called "miracle" and it's from NJ! Hope everyone is enjoying this truly magical time of year...

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year (and every year). Carmine and I are so thankful to have eachother, we're thankful for the love and support of our family and friends, as much as we struggle with it, we can honestly say we're thankful for our health, as much as we complain about them, we're thankful to have our jobs, and we're so very, very thankful for our home!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone we love and care about!

Happy Birthday Chris!

Tomorrow is my brother Chris' birthday. Now an avid surfer, I'm sure that's how he'll be spending a good portion of his day. Tomorrow (November 22nd) he'll be 32 and all I can think is how quickly time flys by and before you know it we're "old". Chris--sensitive, caring, and always giving-- I'm so proud of you and where you are today and so thankful to have you as my brother. I love you more then words could ever express and I hope this birthday is a happy one for you. Love, your Sister.

Pics of Our Progress...

OK, so here (finally) are a few before and after pics of our house! Some of the "before" pics are from the former owner's shots (all we have). We're still amazed at how much work and money we've had to put into our 7 year old townhouse, but the majority of problems came from or were the appliances so once we replace them, we should be good for some time to come. We still have a garage full of stuff to unpack, organize, and get through, but we really feel like the place is at a point where the major work is behind us. The stress of it all kind of takes away from the enjoyment and pleasure we should be feeling so hopefully as things wind down some of that good stuff will be a little more apparent!

A Work In Progress...

Carmine and I moved into our new home on November 1st. The move itself went rather smooth, with the help of our family and friends. We pretty much got it all done in one day and filled the 27 ft. truck we rented. We couldn't have done it without all of those who were there to lend a hand. I had the entire next week off from work to unpack and get the house somewhat livable, which brought our first disaster. The first day I was home (alone) the dishwasher broke and water filled our (finished) basement. Now we have to replace the dishwasher and fix the basement ceiling, and in the meantime I'm back washing dishes by hand. Our furniture was delivered, all but the wall unit (back ordered) and sofa for the basement which didn't fit through the entrance way (thank God for small favors). And right in the midst of all this excitement and madness....OBAMA BECAME OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!! I couldn't be happier. I hear one of the first things he hopes to do when he enters office is sign off on stem cell research, which could lead to a cure for diabetes. I'm so proud of our country for moving us forward with open minds. I'm so happy for my little brother and my future child and the doors that have been opened for them, now there is nothing they can't do. So, here we are, new house, new president, terrible economy and just about as broke as we've ever been. But still, very, very, happy!

SOMEWHERE is Here!

Well I've been waiting for years and WEST SIDE STORY is finally returning to Broadway after all these years and I can't wait to see it! I've always said, "I wish they would bring West Side Story back to Broadway" because I LOVE the movie, the music, the dancing, the story....and I just have to see it come alive on stage. Prices will probably be high, so maybe next year, but I've waited this long so I'll be patiently hoping to see it and hoping they have a cast and production as good as the Rita Moreno, Natalie Wood cast was!

We're "Home Sweet Home" Owners!

Well, as of 2:00 p.m. yesterday it was official! Carmine and I are the proud owners of 83 Heron Court (our first home). Our closing went smooth as can be, we bought paint, Carmine changed the locks, I cleaned the kitchen and now we just can't wait to get back and do more! We'll be changing the carpet, painting most rooms, and replacing 2 sinks. We'll probably bring an air mattress over and spend our first night there this weekend. We'll be officially moving in on November 1st. Can't wait for you all to see it! I'll be sure to post before and after pics as the work gets done. It's like all those make over shows I've watched coming to life...very exciting!!!

Our new address is: 83 Heron Court, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Fall, Football, Family and Friends...

October (thankfully) is moving right along. We have our final walk-thru a week from today and our closing a week from tomorrow. Then the work begins, painting, carpet installing, cleaning, moving, more cleaning, unpacking, decorating, etc. Very exciting! We got together with my friend Sissy for some fun in Red Bank. We ate at Teak (always yummy) and had drinks at Rick's (her husband) bar (Echo). Being the old tired farts that we now are, we had to leave before the Reggae band came on and I couldn't help remember the days when nothing would have had me leaving before the music came on! But, with work, school, and moving Carmine and I are tired most days. Check out some of Sissy's work below (and see her Flickr under My Blog List), she's an amazing photographer! Sunday we went to my little brother's football game, they tied, but played a great game and Chris had a few great plays that left me even more proud then I already always am of him. So cute, so smart, so lovable -- but then I guess I can't help but be bias. And yes, he's just about as tall as me already at 9.

Chris' Game:

Sissy's Pics:

Ahhh it's OCTOBER finally...

Well, here we are entering the merry month of October FINALLY! Pumpkin Month, Haunted Happenings Month, Hayride Month, Costume Month, Candy Month, Fall Foliage Month and.....MOVING MONTH! We have our final walk-thru at 83 Heron Court on October 13th and we close on October 14th. We can't wait! What an exciting time for us, our first home! What a busy time for us, getting the house ready and moving will devour October for us no doubt. Of course being the Horror fan that I am, I still hope to squeeze in some pumpkin carving, scary movies, and a visit to a local Haunted House or Hayride. Any suggestions or plans to join me, just let me know! Don't you just love how Halloween brings out the kid in us?

Sadly, my mother lost her job at Wachovia recently and will be hoping to find something that pays well in Florida and David is still trying to sell his house so together they can carry one mortgage instead of two. We all know that the only thing worse then the job market right now is the housing market, so hopefully if both things don't pan out for them right away, with a little luck at least one will.

No doubt, the current state of our economy affects all of us (although some much more then others) and especially those of us who are part of the ever disappearing middle class, I truly hope you're watching, listening, and learning what our Presidential candidates have planned for us and that you'll go out and VOTE (for Obama) in November. Our country, our future, depends on it....

Business As Usual...

Nothing much to report, we've been super busy with securing all the necessities for our mortgage (insurance, paperwork, rate lock, etc.), packing, school work, our busy jobs, and shopping for the house. I have to say this has been the longest month of my life. I'm sure the fact that it's 5 weeks instead of 4 and I'm overly anxious to close on the house and get moving next month has a lot to do with it. Saturday I packed, Carmine and I went to see "Burn After Reading", I loved it, he didn't. Chris and Monique helped us shop for paint and house stuff on Sunday. Another weekend here and gone and yet it's still September and October just isn't coming quick enough...

Another Engagement...

Congratulations Shelley and Sean! Susan, Rich, Stephanie, and Shelley (a.k.a. "The Prietos") have been long time family friends that we shared many a Thanksgiving and Christmas with growing up. Shelley, the same age as my brother Chris, has long wanted to find "the one" and get married and she has found him. Sean, from Point Pleasant, came to our wedding and now we will be saving the date for their wedding next June. Shelley is all smiles and couldn't be happier and we're all very happy for her. They had a lovely engagement party at Sean's parents' gorgeous house in Point Pleasant right on the water by the Beaver Dam Bridge. It was nice catching up with "The Prietos".

Carmine and I are still a buzz with all the planning, packing, mortgage tackling for the big move that we are both so very anxious for. We bought some new furniture and my Dad bought us a new refrigerator and we just can't wait to move in and use it all!

Closing date, now scheduled for October 14th, is only one month away (yippee!)....

Shelley & Sean's Engagement Party

Labor Day Weekend Already?

Saturday we went to my friends Glenn and Michele's wedding at PNC Bank Arts Center. Once we made it through the Lynard Skynard/Kid Rock crowd, which made me realize even if you gave me free front row tickets to the show I would turn them down, we made it to their outdoor ceremony. My friend Glenn is Jewish and they had a lovely cermony outdoors which is traditional for Jewish weddings that included an array of purple (their chosen colors) yarmulkes (just learned how to spell that), purple flowers, bubbles, and the signature stomping of the glass before the kiss that despite the humidity and occasional annoying bug, was as I said earlier lovely. Indoors, the cocktail hour was delicious! The coolest part was the ice sculpture of the Burger King "King". It was perfect since Glenn proposed to Michele on April Fool's Day dressed in full "King" garb. It was a very nice wedding and it brought back many of our cherished wedding memories. Unfortunately, we forgot our camera, so Carmine's Blackberry had to do...

Sunday we spent the day in Manhatten at the Museum of Natural History and we went to see Spamalot on Broadway, which was AWESOME! I've been wanting to see it for years and it was finally available at the TKTS booth (my favorite way to see a Bdwy show for much less) and we had 4th row Orchestra Seats. Once again, no camera. Once again, Carmine's Blackberry.

It's hard to believe summer is officially over, especially when the weather is still so hot and beautiful. But yes, no more wearing white, the leaves will soon be starting to change, school is back in session, and we only have 8 weeks or so until we MOVE!!! So, Happy Fall to All!

Glenn & Michele's Wedding:

SPAMALOT:

Home Sweet Home - FINALLY!!!

Carmine and I are finally going to be homeowners and more importantly, NJ residents! Our short sale that we waited so long for (since April) still hadn't come around, so I decided to ask our realtor to put an offer in on the unit that we had also seen back in April but that was priced too high. It's the same unit as the short sale unit (2 BR, 2.5 Bath, Basement, Garage) in Tracy Village, Manalapan, but in better condition. So, we offered $10,000 more then our short sale offer and $20,000 less then their asking price...and they accepted our offer! We should be receiving the contract Monday and inspection is scheduled for this Friday, 8/15. The only bump in the road so far (there always has to be one, this is me after all, the Queen of bumps), is that they decided they're taking the refrigerator, washer, and dryer with them! So, we're in for a long road of expenses (DP, closing costs, furniture, and now appliances). BUT, we'll finally have a home of our own and I'm finally leaving Staten Island! Any connections on furniture or appliances (new or used) would be greatly appreciated. We're scheduled to close mid-October.

Here's a few more pics of 83 Heron Court - our new home!

August is Here and How Time Flies!

We spent the weekend down at Chris' house. It was a weekend for surprises! We caught the end of Jen's Dad's 70th Surprise B-Day party at their house and on Sunday went to a Surprise Farewell party for my long time BFF Pam Baker and her family. They got a really beautiful house (I saw pictures and can't wait to visit) right near Hershey Park in PA. We wish them the best of luck and know they'll do great out there. Monday Carmine and I went for a consultation at the Prenatal Center in Neptune. Dr. Benito was very nice and is sending me for a series of tests (heart, kidneys, thyroid, etc.) to make sure there are absolutely no complications to be aware of or take care of before Carmine and I begin our conception journey. Scary stuff at my now advanced age and having been a diabetic for 15 years! But, it's all well worth the risk and the work. Hopefully, by this time next year we'll be blessed enough to have a baby either well on the way or already here!

Outlet shopping Break:

Bike Riding at Midland Beach - Staten Island, NY:

Not for those from the Jersey Shore!:

Happy Birthday Moms!

Yes, that's correct, "Moms". Ironically, my mother and Carmine's mother have birthdays only 3 days apart. For Carmine's mom we spent this past weekend at their house in the Catskills. Although, Carmine and I have both been wanting to go rafting, we didn't prepare for it this trip and we'll have to save that for another trip. We did hit a street fair and did a little antique shopping this trip. My mom, spent the weekend with her now fiance, David, and my Grandmother. Just how much I wish I could be there is hard to put into words. Happy Birthday Mom, I love and miss you!

(July 30th) (July 27th)

Summertime...

Saturday I got a nice summer haircut and shared my wedding photos at the salon. These days I don't go anywhere without wedding albums and pictures, no point in describing what my 10 albums can better show! Afterwards, I went to Rose's to spend some time in the pool with her family and her ever so sweet Aunt and Cousin. Carmine and I spent Sunday with my father and Marla enjoying crabs and bbq...mmm, mmm! Still no word on our home, can't help starting to doubt it will ever be ours and we now have to start the dreaded house hunting once again just in case we don't get it. NJ has to be the worst place to be a lower-middle class first-time home buyer. Carmine and I would appreciate any help with the prayers! No pictures from this past weekend. BUT here's a few oldies but goodies...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Grandpa (Thursday 7/24) Monique (Friday 7/25)

Happy 60th Louise!

We celebrated Louise Palmieri's 60th B-Day on Sunday with a surprise pool party, friends, food & drinks, and lots of fun. Carmine and I got to share some of our wedding pictures, relax, swim and really enjoyed the day. Louise was very surprised and deserved all the love and good wishes sent her way that day. She's someone I admire for her flawless style (I've never seen Louise and not had to ask where she got either an accessory or article of clothing that I absolutely adored), her genuine good nature, and for the way she's been a true friend to both my mother and I. We love her. You wear 60 well Louise! Just have to add here, Rose and Mom, you're next!

It's Never too Late to find True Love!

Great news! My mom will soon be Mary Stoops! Mom and David got engaged over the weekend during their fun trip to Universal Studios. They're both very happy and we're very happy for her (yippee, another wedding!!!). She has long deserved someone just like David, well actually, David is even more then one could wish for anyone you love to find. He's kind, fun, devoted, and completely in love with my mother. They genuinely enjoy eachother's company. My mother, my best friend, has finally found what she has long deserved. Congratulations Mom & David!