Family | Peaches Prattlings

{September 7, 2015} An amazing weekend

Well, we just got back from a long weekend on the Cape…I swear I hear Thurston Howell III saying that to Lovey!

It was an amazing weekend, I have the best beau ever, but it was so amazing that I am “plum tuckered out!” and as I have to meet with my personal trainer at 5:50am, I am going to sign off and say thank you PSM for another fabulous weekend! You did it up right and I am so lucky to have you in my life, thank you.

Tomorrow, I will tell you, in great detail, I know shocker! about our weekend on Cape Cod, FABULOUS!

I hope you all had a fabulous Labor Day weekends!

{September 6, 2015} Happy Birthday CWB

I met CWB when she was still CW.

We met in the 6th grade when I went to her middle school, which was not the one near my house. The reason I remember, and I know I could be wrong, was that my parents wanted me to go to a middle school with more Jewish kids and a lot of the kids from my temple and Hebrew school classes went there.

CWB and her twin sister and I met and became fast friends, spending most weekends together, we were inseparable.

As we got older, things did not change, even when we went to different high schools. We took drivers education together, SAT prep together. Yhe panda picture, I don’t know if she remembers, is representative of Joe Blow, a stuffed panda that I had when we were in our SAT prep class. Joe Blow was one of the examples the instructor, Kalmam, would use for everything.

I loved being at their house, their mom would treat me like another daughter and include me in things, it was very special. We helped each other get ready for prom, even hung together the next day after their prom.

Throughout college we were together, home on breaks, after college and then even though I moved and we didn’t talk very often, we were in each others thoughts, especially on our birthdays, which are both in September.

A few years ago I was on a project that took me up north and I got to see CWB and spend time at her house with her family and it was so wonderful, as if no time has passed, as it should be.

Today, we message on Facebook, and keep up with each other, encouraging, supporting, laughing. And I know if we get to see each other again, it would be as I’d no time has passed.

So I wish my dear friend, CWB, the happiest of happy birthdays and many more to come!

{September 4, 2015} We have a kindergartener!

Today, MGS rode the bus to school!

MGS is five and a big girl now and big girls go to big kid school! So…off she went.

Yesterday she went in yesterday at noon for part of the day, but today, she rode the bus for the first time. Now, she’s an old hat at riding the bus, having ridden the bus over the summer to camp, but this was the bus for school, a whole new ball game.

Ok, I have to tell you a secret, you have to promise not to tell! First, she asked me to help her put her sneakers on, loved that! Happy to help! Then she said “shh…I have a secret” ok, what? “You can’t tell…I’m a little nervous to ride the bus, I’m going to sit with EJS”. I think that sounds like a good plan MGS.

We went outside to take pictures, of course, and some of the neighbors joined us and ACS came back from his day at school to see her get on the bus, that was very cool.

There was a girl from the next block over, her parents, one of the boys from across the street, MGS and EJS, us and COF, another great gathering and send off!

We took pictures, EJS hamming it up for the camera, of course, the kids being goofy, then the bus came from a different direction, huh? The driver is on a new route, change of plans and sides of the street. All the kids piled on MGS’ backpack was almost bigger than her! SO CUTE!!!

Then they were gone and it was business as usual.

Have a great time in kindergarten, so many great things are coming your way!

{September 2, 2015} It’s the first day of school!

Today was the first day of school and I got to see it!

It was the first day for our THIRD grader! EJS started third grade today! Can you believe it!? You have been with me every step of the way for the past several years and “seen” her grow and what a fabulous person she is becoming! Third grade, this is the big time!

And today, I found out that her second grade teacher called earlier in the week and asked her to come in and help her set up her classroom, what an honor, she was so excited!

Now, it wasn’t just EJS’ first day of school, ACS, as I told you went back to school to get his Masters in Education and today was his first day of school! He is teaching fourth grade, how cool is that. “Hi Mr. S” “Could you explain that again Mr. S” “Mr. S is the best teacher ever!” I wish him all the best for an exciting year!

I got up in time to shower and head out, I was so not up for a walk or run this morning, the extra twenty minutes was heaven! When I walked in the house EJS saw me first and HUGE hugs! Then MGS piled on top! Do I love this or what? ACS was getting ready to head to his first day and GES was getting the girls ready. ACS’ sister in law, AS was there too, the gang’s all here!

About 7:40 we all went outside to take pictures and from across the street, CO’F and MF came out with their dog Bella to take pictures and see EJS get on the bus, EJS took it all in stride.

ACS took off, we waved him down the street and then the bus came and we all waved at EJS as she got on the bus, what a send off!

I have to tell you, this was awesome, I haven’t been able to be here/there for the first day before, so this was such a treat to be with the family, could I be any happier? And…I get to do it all over again on Friday for MGS’ first day!!! oh boy!!!!

Happy First Day of School! I hope everyone has a great year!

{August 31, 2015} What I did on my summer vacation

Do you remember when you would have to write a report or give a report when you went back to school?

I was thinking about that yesterday, It’s been so long since I’ve been asked that. But if you think about it, once you’re out of school, you don’t really have a summer vacation, unless you have a job that gives you the summers off and they are out there. I have to admit, when you first realize you’re not going to have a ‘summer vacation’ it’s an eye opener and kind of a bummer, but it’s something you get used to and make things work for you.

Hmmm…what did I do on my summer vacation?

I have to give a nod to PSM., he said technically next weekend is the end of summer because it’s Labor Day weekend but…we are going away next weekend and it’s September 1st tomorrow, so, although he’s right about the last day of summer, as we all know, it’s my blog so what I say here goes! Ain’t I a stinker?

In June, I started my long term residence at the hotel I am currently in; I went to Atlanta and got to celebrate KS’ college graduation and help TS get some packing done along with spent time with SDL and Miss A, I got to see one of my friends after a procedure. And of course getting deeper into my current project, as well as exploring more around Boston. The best part of June…we celebrated GES’ my baby sister’s FOURTIETH birthday! OMG

In July, PSM took our second international trip and went to Nova Scotia for his birthday, reinforcing that I don’t do well on cruise ships, but loved Halls Harbor and Halifax, looking forward to going back, especially on a bike trip! I got to get back in front of a class and teach a few classes. A few more trips to the NH house with PSM and some friends. Another trip to Atlanta and I got to see more friends and spend more time with SDL and Miss A and seeing another friend after her procedure and I got to spend time with KB and my grandson, Baby A!!! EJS went to summer camp and I got to hang with MGS. We also had a girls night to celebrate GES’ birthday and a family dinner for PSM’s birthday, a lot of celebrating! Throw in a sand sculpting competition and you’ve got one heck of a month!

August, the first weekend to be exact, sent GES and I to NYC to celebrate her birthday with a trip to the theater and theater and dinner with dad and La La to celebrate dad’s birthday, how perfect is that! I also started supporting the emergency department when the client went live. There were celebrations and farewell dinners, exploring and lots of fun to be had. We spent the last weekend in August exploring different cities, I saw Plymouth Rockas I told you about yesterday, what a way to wrap up the summah in New England!

All throughout the months there were also doctor’s appointments, I’m working on figuring out what’s wrong, we’ll get there eventually. Don’t forget I went on dates with my beau, family dinners at GES and ACS’ house, block parties and lobstah fests, could it be any better?

So, there you have it, what I did on my summer vacation, or at least what I could remember, along with the help of my calendar. I can’t wait to see what the fall brings!

How about you…what did you do on your summer vacation?

{August 26, 2015} Accomodating

Tonight was interesting.

As you know, I’ve been doing some testing to find out why I’m nauseous 24/7, well, this coming Friday is the next test, a glucose breath test. If this is anything like the other test, this is where they give me 8 ounces of glucose, then I get to blow into a bag every 15 minutes for 1.5 hours, fun huh?

So, part of the preparation for this test is to be on a very strict diet for 48 hours prior to the test, that means starting this morning no fruits or vegetables, what? What are you telling a vegan! I can eat any non-dairy “milk” products, rice, eggs and tofu. Yum…

This morning was easy, a nice omelet with eggs [real] and cheese [fake], it really was good and tasty. On the way in, I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and they have almond milk now, so almond milk/decaf tea, mmmmm.

Lunch was a little more difficult, I brought eggs and veggie hot dogs and coconut milk yogurt. I actually only ate the yogurt.

Tonight we had a team dinner, I know, “JJ, not another team dinner! Oh my! ”

Well, I called them to find out if they could accommodate me and my dietary restrictions. I mentioned eggs, rice and tofu. They said no problem, they didn’t have tofu, but could accommodate the rice and egg, great!

We get there and I introduced myself to the servers and said, “I’m a problem child” and we were all set. Eventually, I added an order of deviled eggs as an appetizer. The deviled eggs came out when everyone else was getting their entrees and I asked if they knew where my meal was. Oh…let me go check on that for you, hmmm…

“I’m not sure what’s taking so long”. “They are just waiting on the rice” What? I called earlier in the day to tell you of my dietary needs and it was the simplest food…So, everyone was about finished and here comes my food. I’m glad I ordered the deviled eggs, I was hungry! Finally, when the food came, it was very pretty, rice mixed with egg and tofu on top. How nice was that! And it was brought out by a manager, fancy.

So, all in all, I was quit pleased and full! And…I have lunch for tomorrow!

{August 23, 2015} Happy birthday…mom

Today, August 23rd, my mom would have been 68.

I guess technically she would have been 69 since she passed before her 59th birthday, but it’s my blog, so she would have been 58.

I know I’ve only told you a few things about my mom, just something I keep close to my chest. My mom was quite the woman and since this is her birthday, I’m going to tell you what celebrations meant to her.

My mom loved to celebrate, it didn’t matter what it was, she made it great. I almost said my parties, but it was our parties, GES and I, as kids, they were some of the best parties ever, always so original. Until we were about 9 or 10, could have been younger, when we decided we wanted things like skating or bowling parties, we would have parties in the backyard or basement.

In the backyard, I remember an art party, she put up newsprint pads on easels or attached to the fence with paints and we had our own gallery. If it rained, we went to the basement and played games, all different stations set up and there were prizes for the winners, of course everyone was a winner!

I don’t remember the food, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, but I do remember the cakes. Until we got them from a cake shop, they were home made. What more could you want?

Those parties were what inspired me for my kids, I made sure every birthday was special. There were parties with friends and then parties with just the four of us, I made a special cake and decorated the house, so much fun. GES does the most amazing things for her girls, I know they were inspired by what our mom did for us.

She was funny too, on my half birthday, she would sing Happy Birthday, but half the song. “Hap Bir T Yo!” Silly, right? well, it’s just what she did and I loved it.

I guess that’s why celebrating birthdays is so important, especially with the person I’m with, she and dad instilled that in us, value those you are with and let them know how much they mean to you, how much better the world is with you in it.

Happy birthday mommy, I love you.

And to my cousin JFS, my mom’s first cousin and 20 years apart to the day, I wish you the bestest birthday ever. We don’t talk often, but you’re always in my thoughts. Happiest of happy birthdays. XOXO

{August 20, 2015} Retail Therapy…yah or nay?

Yes. Does that tell you everything?

For those of you “not in the know”, retail therapy is when you go shopping, not necessarily for a reason and it makes you feel a little better, hence the word therapy. It’s a good and a bad thing, let me tell you why.

Good…you buy things you want, that you like, maybe things for other people. Bad…you just spent money and in some cases, money you don’t necessarily have. Now, when you say “I did some retail therapy” most people know what you’re talking about and they’re interested in what you got, that helps, sometimes with the guilt, ha ha.

For me, I don’t shop that often, but every once in a while, if the opportunity presents itself, I take it. Marshalls is a big culprit of this, too easy to spend money.

Now, for me, when I do end up having some retail therapy, it’s usually two fold. I may get something for myself, but I seem to get more gifts than anything. The really great thing about it is that as I buy things now, usually on sale, by the way, when it comes times for the holidays and even some birthdays, I don’t spend any or very little money. Guess who is just the same…GES, guess where we learned it…our mother. My mom had a wicker chest she kept gifts in, GES has a shelving thing in the basement, in my house I had an armoire, in GES’ house, I have a giant Rubbermaid tub.

I completely forgot that I bought stuff after last Christmas in Atlanta and it’s in Atlanta right now! Go me! So, the fact that we shop throughout the year, when the holidays come around, we don’t spend that much money!

The other day, I went and I found two Christmas gifts, I say Christmas because they are for people who celebrate Christmas, not to worry, Chanukah is coming! Yesterday, I had to drop off my laptop at the office downtown and my headache appointment wasn’t until 1pm.

So, what did I do? I walked downstairs and the first door I went into was City Sports. I’m always searching for a good deal, especially on running paraphernalia. I found sports bra I wear and it was deeply discounted! I got two pair of running pants, with an amazing waistband that will not roll or slip, I love them! And I found out that all of their clothing is guaranteed for life!

Then I went to Marshall’s…and it was on. The first thing I looked for was shoes and I found my running shoes…$150 shoes for ready…$35.99!!!! Mine! Then I found some sweaters, one I can wear to work and did today! I found a new running shirt and socks, but then I got a bunch of Chanukah and Christmas presents! Wahoo!

Today. there was a book fair at the hospital and I cleaned up! Chanukah, Christmas, birthdays, wow, I am so excited about the purchases I’ve made lately. I can’t wait to give everyone their gifts! Is it time yet?

{August 17, 2015} A roll off and a reunion

Another fabulous team dinner, yum!

SF, one of the team leads on the project, who has been at this hospital for multiple projects has been here 491 days, what!? Well, it’s time for her to roll off.

As I think I told you, we will have roll off dinners when co-workers leave the project. The sad thing tonight is realizing that a co-worker and friend is leaving, but the fun thing was a reunion of sorts. Since I am working in a different location, I don’t get to see everyone that was there tonight, so it was a great treat.

We laughed, caught up, ate great food, reminisced over the time together on the project and what was coming next, mostly vacations that are coming up, where are we going? What are our plans? Can I go with you?

It was a great night. Nothing but good wishes for the future FS!

{August 16, 2015} Happy Birthday SDL!

SDL has a birthday today! OMG!

What can I say about one of my best friends, SDL, who truly is Super Duper! I’ve told you a little about her from time to time, but today is her day, so this blog post is all about her and I’m stoked to be able to tell you about her!

I met SDL back in 1997 or 1998, I know, crazy, right! We met while I was in graduate school taking undergraduate classes and SLD was working on her undergrad degree. We met in an art class at Georgia State University and took several other classes together after that.

Our lives were intertwined over the next, almost two decades! Our friendship has seen so very much, my marriage, my divorce, dating, houses, renovations, loss of our cats, but the best…the search and finally adoption of her amazing daughter, Miss A, I’ve told you about her, once or twice…

We’ve held each other through good times and bad, we’ve cheered each other, got riled up for each other, gone out together, stayed in together, traveled together, but the most important thing, we’ve done them together.

We didn’t stay connected as fiercely as we are today, life happens, gets in the way, but we would invite each other to things here and there, get together, but it wasn’t until somewhere about 2005 that we reconnected and never lost touch after that. We were at a party for a co-worker of hers who was heading to an assignment in London, while I was there to say goodbye to the same person who happened to be the son of one of my neighbors. We saw each other and it was on since that moment!

She is an amazing mother, let me tell you. She wanted to be a mom and went through so much to find Miss A and it was quite the journey, you have no idea, but it’s been amazing and she’s allowed me to be a part of it! To watch her with her daughter is a treat! She is kind, firm, strong, gentle, mush, loving, smart and I love it!

To say she is a great artist would be an understatement. She is magic with a camera, still believes in film, is a master with paint and brush, give her a project and she tackles it and not only succeeds, but excels! Can you imagine the costumes for Halloween?

She is steadfast with friends and family, don’t get in her way or cross her, she takes it to the next level and watch out if you say something about her kid, friends or family, it’s awesome! I’d want her on my side in a fight!

Happy birthday to an amazing woman, sister, daughter who I am lucky to call friend. I love you my friend, live it up, it’s your day!

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