Good Friends, Good Times

Tonight I went to dinner with two very good friends. We went to school together from 5th grade through HS. Maddy and I had seen each other several times over the years but she came back into my life in a fuller way about 9 years ago. I knew Lois in school but just to say hello to. Last April she found me on Classmates and lo and behold... we live 2 miles from each other. She is SOOO nice as is Maddy). They then hooked up not only with each other but with Debbie, who I have been in touch with for the past 9 years. Maddy and Debbie both live in NJ. On Monday Maddy arrived in Ft. Lauderdale with her daughter Leslie for a little vacation. Lois and I met them tonight for dinner. We ate at the Bimini Boatyard. We had the BEST time, talking about the past, the present, everything and anything. There is nothing like good friends, especially when you share a common past. And we all agreed... Bronx Girls Rule!!!

Lois Maddy Me

What WAS I Thinking??

Last year my 2 daughters and their hubbies took part in the Disney 1/2 marathon in Orlando, FL. They all finished, even Becca who had not really trained but had persevered. About two months ago Becca called and asked if I would like to do the Princess 1/2 Marathon with her on March 8th in Orlando. I asked if she would train this time and she assured me that she would - she didn't want to end up with the severe blisters and pain as last time. So... I said YES! I bought REAL running sneakers at a runner's store - Running Wild in Fort Lauderdale. Let me tell you, there is a definite difference b/t these sneakers and regular sneakers. They are light, airy and FIT so well (the saleswoman took a lot of time fitting me). Mike, my son-in-law, told me that I should run 3 miles twice a week and do a longer run on Saturdays (once I was able to). I started running 3.7 miles each time (following the power walking route Gerry and I used to take). I ran 1 minute, walked for 2 minutes and was starting to build up my time. But Becca can't run and said she will walk fast - we have to do a pace of 4 miles in under an hour in order to finish in the qualifying time to get a medal. It gets so hot walking here and so I went into the gym last Tuesday and did 4 miles on the treadmill - pain the next day... OUCH!!! I couldn't go on Thursday and Saturday was hot, so I went this morning, knowing the temp would be cooler... it was - it was 61 degrees. I DID IT!!! I did 4 miles in 50 minutes and another two miles in 30 minutes - I did 6 miles! I am so happy (but I still think I am nuts for taking this on). Oh, the things we do for our children.

Ladies Night

Last night a local radio station that I listen to - Sunny 104.3 - sponsored an event called Pretty In The City. This is a Ladies Night Out event. It was held at the PGA Marriott in West Palm Beach, FL. There were many, many vendors to see, services such as 10 minute chair massages (it was GREAT), restaurant sampling - mmmmm , free mini facials, and so much more. They had several Palm Beach firefighters who appear in their annual calendar. They were selling the calendar with proceeds to go to their organization. While I was getting my massage my mother purchased a calendar and had it autographed by a VERY HOT firefighter. We spoke to him a little bit later and he wasn't only hot... he was very, very sweet. He got my mom's blood flowing, that's for sure! I had to laugh... I have a calendar with DOGS on it hanging on my wall... my 84 year old mother has HOT MEN on hers. As for me, well - I would have LOVED to take him home with me but that's not where I'm at, so.... looking had to suffice. I bought 20 raffle tickets for $20 for the silent auction, proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. We hung around, dancing, having a good time, until the tickets were drawn and the winners posted. I won the top prize - a basket of Blue Lagoon facial/body products PLUS a $75 GC to Saks 5th Avenue... woohoo!!! Fun and prize all in one night. Can't beat that!

This is Mom and I taken about 5 years ago - her hair is just more gray/white but otherwise she looks the same

My prize

Back to Blogging

I can't believe that it's been 2 1/2 months since my last post (ok, so maybe I CAN believe it, but still...). I have not been keeping a running record of my life since then, and to go back and try to get it all done would be, well, boring. So for the two or three of you who are nice enough to read my blog, I'll do a quick fill in here and promise to TRY to blog more often.

First and foremost - I am fine! Hard to believe that Gerry has been gone for almost 4 months. I miss him a lot but I have to say, I am not lonely. I am not one to sit and brood or whine over things that have happened over which I had no control. Life goes on, and it has. Work is good this year but keeps me very busy. I have a nice group of 18 students - talkative, with the typical short attention span of kindergarteners, but no behavior problems among them. The unfortunate thing about teaching where I do though is that because the average student is "low" the county is always coming up with new regulations to teach this way or that or have this or that up on your walls, etc. It's not that I disagree with most of it but we are constantly having to change what we are doing AT THE MOMENT and make, do, get something new. It's exhausting at times. Enough about work!!

Avi - my grandson. He is the love of my life. He and I have gotten very close, even though we live in different states. I have been to Atlanta 4 times since my last post. Once was to watch him overnight while his parents went to TN for a GATOR game. It was the first time I (or anyone else) watched him alone overnight or drove in the car with Avi without his parents. We had a GREAT time. I took him to parks on Saturday and Sunday. We read LOTS of books (he is a book addict I think - isn't that amazing for a not quite two year old?) and played in his wonderful playroom. Avi turned 2 on November 3rd. How time flies.


When I was visiting in October Avi told me something wonderful. The conversation went like this:
Avi: GUESS WHAT?
Me: What?
Avi: NEWS!!
Me: What's the new?
Avi: Baby in Eema's tummy!! (Avi calls his parents Eema and Aba, the Hebrew names for Mommy and Daddy)

That's right!! I am going to be a GRANDMA again. AND.... it's a GIRL!! She is due April 8th, 2009. We are all thrilled!! I won't be knitting any new sweaters for a tiny baby because 1. Alison already had made a few 2. Avi wore so few sweaters as an infant, it would be a waste. I will eventually make the new baby a sweater or two of her own in a toddler size. Right now I am trying to finish the gray sweater that I am making for Michael that I started on my Alaska cruise. I have one and 1/4 sleeve left to do and since it's a top down and no sewing involved, it will be complete when the sleeves are finished.