Awesome Dad

Not everyone is aware of this but my Dad just visited Arizona. He hiked, rafted, and camped for 16 DAYS in the Grand Canyon. This is a pretty cool thing at any age. My Dad is in his 70's (sorry Dad, I had to tell). After that, he came to my house and did pretty much everything I asked for a week....all those things that I didn't have time for or more accurately the patience. Then...he drove my van across country. I feel pretty lucky to have parents that are SO supportive to a daughter in her 30's who really shouldn't need all that support. Thanks M&D! Picture shows my Dad after 16 days of no shaving. After 40 years of marriage, my Mom had never seen him with whiskers.

Exciting times for a 30 something

For those of you that know me well, you won't be surprised by this, probably because I already called and told you. I....drum roll...bought an automatic coin sorter. I know...pretty cool. We have already amassed over $100 in coins all wrapped and ready for the bank. You would not believe how excited I get doing laundry now and finding change. Instant gratification! Forget the excitement of youth (smooth skin, party all night, etc...) now you can count coins! Yes...I did add a picture. :)

Conflicted

Now that the move is finally happening I have a lot of conflicting emotions. I am so happy to be moving near family, reuniting my own family, and living in the land of green again. But...I am extremely sad to be leaving all the good friends I have made here in Arizona. I find it very difficult to imagine what my life is going to be like in two weeks. I have clicked with so many awesome women here who have been examples to me on how to be a great mother, wife, sister, & friend. I have watched how they have dealt with sickness, joy, love, and loss and I am in awe at their strength. Anyway...I will miss you guys

Moving Schedule

Yuck!

May 22nd - Finish packing
May 27th - Moving truck loaded
May 29th - Fly to NC to pick up Van from the rents
May 30th - Drive to VA
June 1st - Move in Rental

Cousin Engaged

My cousin Ashley just got engaged. She and her fiance live in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a sommelier and Ashley owns and runs Flying Trout Wines. Let's just say that Ashley lives a life of adventure and all the relatives live vicariously through her!

Waterpark

We made it to the Waterpark on Sunday for the Grand Opening weekend. I didn't really know anyone there and it made me kind of sad. It reminded me that once we move I am starting over. Being my shy self, I started to look around to see who I could talk to...I only bothered one gal. I decided it would be wrong to make someone else love me when I am getting ready to move.

Kids had a good time, but we only lasted an hour because the water was so cold. Had my first positive front desk experience since I moved here - hooray!

Evidently, there was a man harassing young girls who they had to kick out. We missed the fanfare but did get the email. Watch out for your kids!

Happy Mother's Day!

Peeps Saying Goodbye...I mean "see ya later"

Friend from College

John F. Altieri, 'Jersey Boys' National Tour Actor, Dies at 38

Robert Simonson Playbill On-LineThu May 8, 5:51 PM ET

He had been asked to perform in the Las Vegas, NV, staging of the Four Seasons musical.

Mr. Altieri was born in Brockton, MA. He discovered his love of theatre at an early age and performed in all his school plays. At Duke University, he took a BA in Dramatic Literature and was President of the Hoof 'n' Horn's Theater Group. He then moved to Los Angeles and received his MFA in Acting from UCLA.

In Los Angeles he worked as an actor and director with The Blank Theatre, A Noise Within, Sacred Fools, Zoo District, The Odyssey Theater Ensemble and Circle X theater companies.

Regionally, Mr. Altieri appeared with San Diego Rep in David Mamet's Romance, Long Beach Opera's The Threepenny Opera, La Jolla Playhouse's The Love of Three Oranges, San Jose Rep's The Two Gentlemen of Verona and A Flea in Her Ear.

He toured for the last several years. He also found time to volunteer as director and coach for The Arc of San Francisco, a nonprofit organization that serves and supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

Mr. Altieri is survived by his parents Charles and Eileen Altieri of Brockton; his brother Charles, his sister Mary and her husband John and their four sons.

A wake will be held from 3-8 PM May 9 at the Conley Funeral Home in Brockton, MA. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes May 10 at 9 AM also in Brockton, MA. Donations may be made in Mr. Altieri's name to the Idyllwild Arts Academy/Children's Center Summer Program (52500 Temecula Road in Idyllwild, CA 92549).

Lou Gehrig's Disease

Friend's husband just got diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease last week. Please keep her family in your prayers if you are the praying type.

Coincidently, Lifetime Fitness is hosting a ALS fundraiser on Saturday May 17th from 9am-11am. You pay/donate $20 and you attend a 2 hour cycling class or 2 hour Total Conditioning class. If you would rather do an hour of each, find someone to sign up with you and you exchange an hour with each other. Let me know if you are interested.

New to Blogging

Ok...I feel alot of pressure to be witty and funny so I am going to be very short and boring in order to manage everybody's expectations. Hopefully this site can be a fun and easy way to keep in touch with family and friends.