A Victorian Christmas

My first Christmas in Victoria was every bit as lovely as expected! 

We were talking about Christmas newsletters and how they may sometimes come across as a bragfest and I started worrying my blog is an extended version of a bragfest all year long. But I’m sorry I HAVE to brag. My in-laws rock. 

When I first met them I knew they must be good people because Jason was good people. But every year that I have gotten to know them better they keep outdoing themselves with goodness. We have had lovely breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and been served lovely lattes in between. We went to a lovely service at Christ Church Cathedral with a choir singing Haydn and a candle light ceremony at midnight. I got many lovely gifts, and enjoyed the loveliness of giving gifts more. But the greatest gift Colin and Linda gave me was a card that asked me on the outside where they were going to be on January 30th. On the inside of the card there was a picture of Baba’s house. They want to come to Dunkirk to see Baba for her 100th birthday! Cannot begin to express my gratitude for their kindness, thoughtfulness and pure love for this gesture.

Positivity

I couldn’t think of anything to write today other than the fact that I am UNBELIEVABLY excited to be reunited with Jason in approximately 48 hours.  So I am just going to put some positive thoughts up here to acknowledge goodness and prosperity.

• I am seeing my husband in approximately 48 hrs! I know, I already said that but it is definitely worth mentioning again.

• Love. It is truly everywhere you look. Just open your eyes and look at it’s grandeur. Oh, and turn off the TV. Especially the news. Unless it’s CNN heroes.

• Health. I am totally sick right now, but it is nothing compared with the burdens many have to bear and I am blessed to have all my fingers, and all my toes.

• The Voce. This sounds really weird, but very time I go to sing I think, what the heck is this thing I have in my throat that makes music. I always joke about “the gift” but I really feel blessed that I have been given it. 

• Faith. I don’t care what you believe in, faith of some kind is beautiful. Believe in the unbelievable and miracles happen.

• Family. My family is amazing. So lucky.

• Friends. My friends are amazing.  So lucky.

• Planet Earth. You are amazing. We are so lucky.

Christmas!! ...on a ship

Every corner of this ship has been decorated. I couldn't take picture of every tree, I just couldn't...but as far as decking the halls goes, they definitely don't hold back. And the Hanukkah cookies that they have by the menorah are so addicting we take the long way forward just to heist a few.

As our cruise director said the other day, "It's the most challenging time of the year". Wait what? For some reason I thought it was the most wonderful??? Oh well, I hope your season is less challenging and mostly wonderful. Happy holidays!

I wish I could do this once a week

And that is lunch with my lady who lunches. Beth and I met up for a Target run and lunch at this amazing Hungarian restaurant Mishi's Strudel Bakery. It reminded us of good ol Alice's teacup but Hungarian style. I am so lucky to have her and all my SISTERS in my life. Jaimee, Margot, Kristy, Jen, Mo and Natasha, I wish we could have crepes and strudel every weekend. I could tell you all anything and I know you would be there for me in a heartbeat as I would do the same for you. Of course the time wasn't long enough to even skim the surface of all we needed to talk about, but yet again, seeing this beautiful girl was just what I needed being away from my loves.  This picture makes it look like we were in someone's house but seriously, it was so yummy and dare we say again, quite shabby chic!

Happy Birthday to my Mama

A little poem for the greatest mom in the world:

To the fairest mama in all the land
I always know to take her hand
In good times, in bad times, in between times too
She is the one who will support me through
My childhood, adolescence, and adult years
She will calm my fears and wipe away tears
The gift that I treasure of all this above
Is the powerful constant that is all of her love.

I love you mommy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Mazatlan...aka Marzipan

Mazatlan, Mexico. All we wanted was guacamole, margaritas, and the beach. We got them all. Surprise, surprise! We rode to the "Golden Zone"of Marzipan, I mean Mazatlan, in a party taxi...basically an open truck with benches and a huge boombox playing hit tunes from the 80's-90's cusp generation. ie. "You can't touch this", "Ice, Ice Baby", and "Busta Move". Made me feel young again. Please note the expertise of our waiter serving us our margaritas.

My Kindred Spirits and Soulmates

It was so fulfilling to visit with my girls and Tyler on Sunday. I have known Beth and Margot for so long and I have been through so many phases of life with them, that they are truly sisters to me. Way to go Ithaca College for bringing together kindred spirits and soulmates that I will treasure my whole life!  Tyler was in awe of the ship. His eyes were as big as saucers and he barely spoke three words together when he first boarded, taking it all in. But a couple of sweet potato fries later he was commenting on everything and even taking his own pictures of his very special day all for him. He was so well behaved that I starting thinking a lot about how the Tait children make me want to have...

more time with them. You thought I was going to say babies? ;)