Goodbye Omaha!

I. love. Omaha. Its the place where I met my dreamboat husband 10 years ago. Its the place where we were newlyweds and lived for four years of dental school at Creighton (2005-2009). In Omaha, I got my master's degree in Medieval and Renaissance History and taught Italian for two years - both at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Its where my in-laws became my BFF's. We spend numerous weekends at their cozy three bedroom home so that Peter could clerk for hours on a Saturday night and I'd still be entertained. Plus, it was close to church, so we'd be able to get there quickly on a snowy Sunday morning. Ah, Omaha. Vivid memories include: living at Drake Court same time as Eric & Cass & Patalie, hanging out with Barb & Levi Murray, attending Elmwood Ward, roller blading the trails with Peter, going to Creighton gym, going to UNO gym, thesis research & writing, planning activities with the Faith in God girls, teaching Relief Society, throwing amazing Halloween parties with Mary, singing with Melanie Bartlett & Lauri Cunningham, lots of board games, Kristy White's baptism and friendship, Natalie still on her mission when she met Patrick (getting a tour at trail center from Sister Harwood), making a gingerbread creation with Mary, going to movies with Steven, etc, etc...

Recently, my father-in-law found a job in Scottsdale, AZ, requiring he and Mary to move. Their home is for sale in Omaha, and so a few of us had one last shin-dig reunion there last weekend. Eric, Andrea, Amy and I flew out for four days. No grandkids except baby Autum, and no spouses. An eclectic but fabulous group. We went to the temple, had a 2nd Thanksgiving dinner, saw a movie or three (Harry Potter, Social Network, the Namesake), played games (I let Eric beat me twice at the Train Game), and generally relaxed and reminisced. We caught up with old friends at church and went shopping (I may have shopped more than the others).

Once Mary & Steven move to AZ, its unlikely that we'll make it back to Omaha much. We all said a heartfelt goodbye to this wonderful place of dear memories and amazing people! Goodbye Omaha! How I love thee and all that you represent.

Macy's and Mayhem

The night before the Macy's TG Day parade, the big balloons are inflated in a rectangle surrounding the Museum of Natural History. This event has become an attraction in its own right, with hordes of people lining up to see the inflation process. Police direct traffic and block off designated areas. Its only 30 blocks south of our house, so Peter and I decided to brave the crowds. Can you say MAYHEM!? Oh well, we're learning that everything fabulous in NYC must necessarily involve the masses. And it was pretty cool to see. The next morning, I biked down to the parade starting point - 81st and Central Park West - and enjoyed viewing the likes of Kayne West (loser) atop a float, Jessica Simpson (why is she famous again?) and Joan Rivers on her horses (don't know what her costume is all about). It was also interesting to see all of the people walking underneath those big balloons, keeping them moving and grounded. Thats how they move and don't float away - people literally walk underneath them with ropes attached to the balloon. Well, Hmph! :) I guess the SMURFS are back...? From 20 years ago? Don't know the story there, but it brings back memories of my sister Meredith's many nicknames. When she was in 5th grade, we called her Merf, hence the slogan when she ran for political office: "Be Smurfy, vote for Merfy!"

Anyway, by far the smartest person at the parade was a girl with a stool (pictured), giving herself at least 18 inches of height on the rest of us. Next year I'll be more prepared.

Smile, Peter!

So, last year I swore I'd not transport food on Thanksgiving in NYC. It was a major hassle - hauling the crockpot and several dishes stacked in my little red cart up and down the subway stairs... well, this year we only had to haul four dishes ten blocks. But we had a hot item (green bean casserole), a cold item (chocolate mousse pie) and two loosey-goosey items (crudite tray and deviled eggs). I came up with an ingenious idea for our 10-block trek: I put two rulers in the cart stackings above the casserole so that they'd hold up and separate the pie, then put in towels and a small pillow to separate the two trays on top! It worked for a little while, but the streets are quite jagged and bumpy, at times sending chocolate mousse over the edge.

Oh, the stress. We should have taken a cab. Peter was NOT happy about the situation. He would have preferred that we eat out at a restaurant or ordered in. And why not? Our kitchen is too obnoxiously small to cook a decent meal. Next year...

Anyway, we had a lovely dinner with the RS President in our ward Catherine Edwards (I'm her first counselor) and her parents, who were in town from SLC. They served a mission in Romania recently and her father actually grew up in Flushing, NY, so was baptized in Manhattan and had some great stories. Catherine's friend and old roommate was also there, Dawn, who prepared a mean pork roast, cornbread and spinach salad. We didn't have turkey, pumpkin pie, rolls or gravy, but the food was delicious! What a feast. Peter eventually smiled. :)

A life well lived

Last Tuesday I got a call that my first cousin Tracie Holland had passed away. At age 39, the doctors said her "insides" were equivalent to a 78 year-old. She suffered from tuber schlerosis, epilepsy, and kidney failure. She'd been living with only 1/3 of a kidney for years, and when it failed last week, it triggered an epileptic seizure. Poor thing, she'd been bleeding profusely a week before that, and her body was just done. She died in her mothers' arms after a few minutes of a very weak pulse and her mother telling her to "go"... home to her beloved grandparents and to her fiance' Daniel, who'd died in a fatal car accident nearly a decade ago.

Unable to work the past five years due to her seizures, she chose to do family history all day long. She treated her siblings to movies, babysat their children, and gave friendship and kindness to all. She was a pure soul, a good example of priorities and enduring to the end.

On Sunday, my older sister Teri and I were asked to attend and assist with the dressing before the funeral on Monday. We both had never done this and had much trepidation. Boy, were we wrong. It was a beautiful, spiritual experience. The room was filled with peace and hope - for the Resurrection and for a reunion with Tracie. There was such respect towards her body, towards the human body as we all realized what a gift that is. I was blessed to attend.

The whole experience/ trip was valuable - so much reflection about life's priorities, loved ones, and the preciousness of every single day. I'm grateful to be alive. To be healthy. And to have the example of great ones who have gone before.

Returning to CO is always special because everywhere we go, people recognize us, know our parents, and our grandparents. Its such a warm, connected feeling. I grew up in AZ, disconnected from extended family, so to come here and feel linked to generations is significant.

My parents grew up here, the San Luis Valley in southern, central CO; a mere four hours north of Albuquerque and 4 hours south of Denver. Sanford - population 817 - is the same today as it was back then. Farming communities, cowboy hats, friendly waves and smiles. This NYC girl couldn't get over how friendly and spacious everything was (even though I've returned there and visited almost every year of my life)!

I flew to Denver, then drove down with my sister Teri's family. We spent 48 hours in the valley, then headed back last Monday night. I'm so glad I was ble to go! Death is tragic, but it prods spiritual exploration and growth, makes us grateful for life, and brings families together. Thank you Heavenly Father, for each day, for the Resurrection and for eternal families. Thank you Tracie, for a life well lived. You are a stellar example to us all.

My Mamacita!

My Mom visited two weeks ago, and we had a marvelous time. Here are some pics from our adventures visiting the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, the theatre, Times Square, and the amazing view from my office. Peter and I really enjoyed her stay with us. What a treat! XOXO mi mamacita.

When Kathy was in town...

Here are pics from my friend Kathy's visit. Yes, embarassingly, in this last picture we are crouched underneath the Wall Street Bull. It was Kathy's idea...clearly. We were able to visit the Skyscraper Museum and Kat was fascinated with the landfill that makes up 13% of Manhattan. There was an exhibit to show the "growth" of the city as new landfill stretched its borders into the sea. For example, did you know that the dirt from building the Twin Towers in the early 1970's was used to create Battery Park City on the lower W side? Very cool. Also, landfill filled the gap between Brooklyn and Coney Island (not an island anymore), and the tip of Manhattan is also landfill - surrounding the Castle Clinton/Garden outpost. Cool stuff. We hit the M&M store and took pics from my office - 35th floor with an amazing view of the statue. Other friends out there - come visit and I promise I won't make you visit the back of the bull. :)

Last weekend, I...

1. Went to the US OPEN and saw Nadal beat Verdasco. Thursday night. It was freezing. We scalped our tickets from a coupla dudes outside the stadium. Talked 'em down to $100 a ticket. Cash. Kathy sported me. She's a fab friend. Very keen on tennis. I was unworthy of such a gift because I didn't even know who Nadal was before Kathy came to town, but I enjoyed every minute. Especially the antics of Pat Cash in an expedition doubles match after the main event.

2. Morphed into NYC tour guide extraordinaire on Saturday afternoon. We explored Wall Street, the Museum of Finance, Battery Park & the Skyscraper Museum, Ground Zero (where a debate was raging over the Mosque), and Times Square.

3. Saw the show the "Fantastiks" on Saturday night for $20! We arrived late at TKTS for discount tickets and fortunately, there was a special "20 for 20" for the Fantastiks. I'd heard it was good from cousin Clin and he was right. Cute show. Oldie but goodie. Its been playing for 42 years!!! Off Broadway show with lots of characters and good songs.

4. Took the Chinatown bus to Philadelphia on Sunday morning. Two hours, door to door. $10 each way = $20 for the whole trip. Except I took a cab to Chinatown from 72nd because the subways were extremely slow and I wouldn't have made it otherwise. Cab ride = $22. Thus, entire trip = $42. Still not bad.

5. Went on a walking tour of Philadelphia with my sister Meredith, husband Jake, and baby Quinn. Fun times. Learned that Robert Morris practically funded the Revolutionary soldiers during the war, only to go bankrupt later, lose at speculating, and spend a few years in jail. Poor guy. Also learned that the "Columbia" part of D.C. = broad, general (feminized) version of Christopher Columbus! Jeepers, you learn something new every day. The baby was very fun and I enjoyed gooshing on him and trying to get him to love me. Great smile. Pictures coming soon. We also explored the Constitution Center and saw the preparations for Tony Blair's reception/ award ceremony to receive the annual Liberty Bell honor. ? Something like that.

This was one of the best weekends in a long time. I missed the Pete, of course, but was happy to play with friends and family! Most of the time, I go on bike rides and clean my house. Thats pretty much what this Saturday is looking like.