Larry and Stephanie's "Newlywed" Reception

We had a wonderful time in Swarthmore, PA last Saturday celebrating Larry and Stephanie's marriage! It was fantastic seeing the Connecticut relatives again and meeting the rest of Stephanie's family! And, as always, we love being with our close family and friends, too! Thanks to Mom and Gene for hosting the party at their house, too!

During the party, I was so honored to be asked by Mongo and Judy (Stephanie's parents) to photograph Stephanie's sister, Melanie's wedding in January 2012! I am flattered but at the same time nervous because I don't have any formal training. I feel very comfortable photographing outdoor weddings but I need more practice with my indoor lighting. I think I could do it but need some more training and practice before I give my decision to them. I will definitely have an answer 1 year out from the wedding so they have time to get a different photographer if I decide against it. I really would love to do it, but will have to see how much I learn between now and next year this time.

Next Milestone

Next Thursday, January 28th, we'll be meeting with our realtor to discuss the particulars of listing our house. They confirmed my observation that there are very few homes on the market in our area! So, we may be listing it at a good time!

Mark set up a database of all the houses we find interesting and those that our realtor in Fort Collins - Loveland has been sending us. We'll meet with her on February 24th and 25th to do our first house-hunting trip up there. Just 30 more days until our trip!

It's Time

Emailed the realtor today and told them we wanted to meet with them to discuss putting the house on the market. We'd like to know realistically what we can expect to get for this house. That way, we have a baseline established when we look for property in Colorado next month.

When I look back on the past 20 years that we've lived in this house, I just can't get over how quickly the time went! It actually scares me to think how quickly the next 20 years will go by! I'll be 76 years old then! It's still not old, old but I may start slowing down at that age. There is so much I want to now that I can't do working full time here. The longer I wait, the less time I'll have to it!

I'm reminded of two favorite aging quotes: John Barrymore said, "A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams". I need to start living these dreams now! Another favorite is, " None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm" by Henry David Thoreau. If that isn't the truth!

So, Mark and I are looking forward to new adventures that await us this year! Our plans are coming together now...yay!

A Mass for Dad

I had a nice telephone call from my Aunt Dolly yesterday! She told me that she just hasn't felt right ever since Dad died. She has been tremendously bothered by the fact that my Dad's wife, Jean, didn't have a memorial service or funeral for him after his death.

So, she talked to her priest and arranged to have a mass said for Dad. It'll be at 0800 on January, 20, 2010! She said she feels so much better just having scheduled it! She knows it gives Dad's friends and family a chance for some closure on his death.

Dolly's husband, Vic, died last year and both Dad and Dolly were with him when he took his last breath. She felt very strongly that she just had to do something for Dad. I know he would be very happy to see what she's arranged.

It's in Cement...

The Lionscrest Manor in Lyons, Colorado confirmed today that they received the signed contract and deposit so the wedding date for Sara and Zach is now set in stone...October 9, 2010! Woo-hoo!!!

It's Official...October 9, 2010...Sara and Zach's Wedding!!!

Sara printed off a copy of the contract, signed it and put it and a check in the mail today for their wedding on October 9, 2010 at the Lionscrest Manor in Lyons, Colorado! So, now the real planning begins!

One of my co-workers, Andrea, has offered to coordinate the details of the wedding to help Sara and Zach. She has 15 years experience as a caterer and loves setting up events! Sara is doing an all-inclusive wedding and reception so many of the things will be taken care of already, however Andrea will be able to work with Sara on the favors, invitations, colors, whatever she needs. That will definitely take some of the stress off of all of us! Thanks, Andrea!

I'm Not Looking Until...

I have been counting Weight Watcher "points" and have exercised every day since the 1st--have made if 4 days so far...woo-hoo! I decided I shouldn't weigh myself daily, but instead just once a week. I'm hoping I'll be able to stay motivated if I don't weigh as frequently. I'm really hoping though that my once a week weigh-in will at least show a downward trend, even if it's just a half of a pound! I just don't want to see a weight gain!

I did finish the book last night and can't wait to get the other two that Mark ordered yesterday by the same author, Ernie J. Zelinski. I recommended the one I just finished to two of my co-workers who are not having fun at their jobs either. They are looking forward to reading it soon!

Finishing a Book...in Just Two Days!

I'm trying to make good on one of my New Year's resolutions...reading one book a quarter. Amazingly, I started a book yesterday and should have it done by bedtime tonight! It's called, "Career Success Without a Real Job" by Ernie J. Zelinski. He's a Canadian writer who talks about escaping the corporate world and becoming a success by doing what you like to do. So many people are in jobs they hate for many reasons. This motivational book has many examples from people, including himself, who have decided to use their creativity to the fullest and pursue their own unconventional business. This is all I needed to convince me the time is right to pursue the next phase of my life.

Happy Birthday, Sara!

I remember well...28 years ago in Okinawa, Japan...waited to the absolute last minute to go to the hospital! Sara was born within 15 minutes or so of arriving at the hospital! She was the New Year's baby on the island...born at 12:35 a.m. on the 2nd! (There wasn't a baby born on the 1st.)

I'll never forget one of the ladies in my room who had delivered after me said to her husband later that day, "...there's Speedy Gonzales". Sara decided she was making her entrance with or without her Daddy there. Mark was in Admissions checking me in when Sara arrived; wasn't even a doctor on duty--an Okinawan nurse and a Navy nurse helped deliver Sara!

We have fond memories of that day and the years that have followed. And now, our baby is planning her wedding! We are so excited for her and Zach! Looking forward to our visit with them next month!

Happy New Year!

A new decade...how exciting! A brand new opportunity to not just reflect on the improvements I want to make in my life but to make them a reality. I love looking ahead at a brand new year and imagining all the possibilities that can become realities if I really put forth the effort.

I usually start off the year with lots of good intentions...eating properly and exercising regularly are always top on my list and this year is no exception. But I think what has kept me from making it past February 1st with these resolutions is one big thing...attitude.

Oh, I'm always positive at the start of the year but I always seem to find a little pessimist fairy jumps on my shoulder and whispers in my ear just when I think I'm in a nice routine. It seems that all too often, I start believing my little friend. But, not this time.

So, it's time to lay out my goals for 2010 for all to see. A little accountability never hurt anyone. :)

1. Think positive!
2. Do not fear change!
   
3. Write down what I eat daily and track it. (Weight Watchers works for me so, in my best Joisey accent, "do it".)
   
4. Do 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. (That may not seem like much, but if I do it consistently, I should see results.)
5. Track all my expenses carefully.
6. Put the house on the market.
7. Write, write, write! Write consistently in my journal and blog. Write more creative pieces.
   
8. Read, read, read! This may not sound like much, but I will read one book a quarter. I've started reading many books recently but have only finished one in the past year! Pitiful!
   
9. Take a photography course.
10. Play more guitar.

Well, you can see I certainly shouldn't be bored this year! This will be good for me because I need to stay engaged in all kinds of activities to keep this mind of mine fresh and to stay healthy!