Tuesday, June 29, 2004

11:57pm  Goodbye to New Jersey

This will be my last post from New Jersey.  Our internet connection and cable will be cancelled at midnight.  We turn in our keys to the leasing office on Thursday afternoon. Its funny how I'll miss a lot of things about this home, town and this state.  But more importantly I'll miss our friends and the great times we've shared here. 

The guys came over for one last game of ball.  Hang on!  it's been their "last game" for the past week or so.  Hee!  When security finally came around at 11pm to signal the close of the clubhouse, Ryan offered the ball to Jay to keep as a token of their friendship and for the great time they've had playing together.  I'm not sure if Ryan or any of the guys read my blog.  But in case you are, Jay wanted to let you know how moved he was by that gesture.  He'll truly miss the games and the camaraderie too (and the luxury of having an indoor basketball court at his disposal).  But trust me, he'll be looking for ways to arrange for some games in Toronto - or I'm almost positive he'll drive to Jersey often  just to play with you guys again. 

Our friends, Yuki and Marty, here in the neighborhood had us over for an impromptu dinner tonight.  We enjoyed Yuki's home-cooked Japanese meal.  Jessica enjoyed playing with her little friend Kina - her best buddy here at the Crystal Ridge Club.  We've learned so much about the Japanese culture through them. 

Much love to our New Jersey friends who've become just like family!  Keep in touch! 

11:47pm  Happy Anniversary

Jay and I have been married 7 years today.  He got up and snuck out while I was in the shower early this morning and brought back 2 dozen red roses and a beautiful card.  Our home has been in absolute chaos for the past few days and the roses are now the only beautiful thing about this place. 

We've been through thick and thin in our married life.  We've experienced good times and bad ones too.  But in the face of even the most stressful situations, we've managed to get through it all.   No - our marriage, like most, isn't perfect.  We just take it one day at a time.  And now we're facing a new phase in our lives - a new job, a new city, a new life.  I suppose we can't be accused of having a boring life!  I'm just glad I'm leading a not-so-boring life with him! 

Monday, June 28, 2004

12:56am  Great Friendships in The Garden State

We had every intention of attending the church services at the annual church campout at the Spruce Run Recreation Area early Saturday morning.  But we were dead tired from our roadtrip and before we knew it the morning had passed us by.  We didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to see everyone before leaving so we made the drive and managed to get there just after lunch. 

As soon as we got there, we heard the horror stories about the tornado that had passed through the camp grounds Friday evening.  Luckily no one got hurt in spite of the fact that most of the tents were lifted off  pegs and that a few trees had fallen.  Our friends that were there to experience it had quite a scare but they all remained at the camp site.  They weren't about to let a tornado, hail, wet clothes, and a little tent damage  ruin their weekend.  Now that's what I call hardcore camping! 

The church family presented us with some wonderful gifts and a nice card for us to remember them by.  Several people did goodbye speeches and said some very touching things.  Apparently, I missed the memo that should have advised me to wear waterproof mascara.  However, I was doing pretty good until Margie, Aurelle and TJ just had to go there.   I'm a sentimental fool and goodbyes are always very difficult for me.  There were more tears  when the hugs and kisses went around.  I am really going to miss the wonderful friends we've made here in New Jersey.  But I know that this won't be the last time we'll see each other.  From now on I'm doing all my shopping in Jersey - the shoppers paradise.  Three words:  No Sales Tax!  Short Hills and Judy Gamez shall  meet again! 

We enjoyed socializing some more over an open fire, BBQ chicken and corn-on-the-cob.  The kids roasted marshmallows and made s'mores and it was one huge sticky mess before it was all over.  It was a beautiful night by the lake decorated by  a fireworks display that was taking place in the distance.   We ended up staying until everyone said their goodnights and retired to their tents.   

We had hoped to return there this morning to join in the fun and so that Jessica could play with her little girlfriends.  But we decided that we had way too much packing to catch up on and time is quickly running out.  Just the thought of it makes me ill! 

As luck would have it, our good friends from the old hood out west are relocating back here.  And for crying out loud, we're leaving!  Jay thinks that this is providence because he pales at the thought of how much damage two old friends could do meeting up for coffee and shopping on a daily basis.  I think for once he's actually right on the money on that one! 

Things have been hugely crazy for obvious reasons, so we've had to postpone the California vacation we were hoping to take before Jay starts his new job.  I was looking forward to spending some time with my sister and brother-in-law and the relatives.  Guess that spa appointment will just have to wait.   On the bright side, we still have our October trip to look forward to.  See you guys then! 

Saturday, June 26, 2004

2:24am  Home Sweet Home

...at least it will be for the next 5 days.  We're back from Toronto where we had to spend a few days handling new work authorization and Canadian passport business.  I have a new found appreciation for the high level of Canadian customer service friendliness!

My poor husband has been back and forth between Toronto and Jersey in the past few days more times than he'd care to think about.  Jay received his new work authorization without too much trouble.  We still shake our heads in dismay at how our plight is often left to the discretion of  immigration officers with an inconsistent knowledge base or the lack thereof.  I still think that there should be a better system but hey that's just me.  I'm just glad that we won't have to deal with that process for at least another year. 

Jay starts his new job in Atlanta, Georgia on July 6.  Or have I already mentioned that?  He has accepted a permanent (whatever that means these days) position with an Atlanta based company that will allow him to telecommute from Toronto.  That's his wildest dream come true - working in his pj's out of a home office  or anywhere there is internet access for that matter - all in the name of the USD. 

Jessica and I plan on spending most of the summer with him in Atlanta during his training period.  I've never been there so I'm excited to experience all that is Georgia.  Then we'll head back to Toronto ahead of Jay so that  Jessica can begin Kindergarten at her new school in September. 

This is my cue to return to the conventional workforce or perhaps start my own business.  I'm excited about all the possibilities and a little anxious about the transition.   After 4 years, we're finally giving up the consultant's nomadic lifestyle...at least for now.

It was great to see Em and Dan on Thursday afternoon.  Unfortunately it wasn't under the happiest of circumstances - we visited them at the home of Dan's mother where he and his family were sitting shiva (the customary Jewish tradition of mourning) following the recent loss of his father.  We've definitely missed Em and Dan and hope to visit them in San Francisco soon. 

Good night or rather good morning!  I'm off to bed so I can get up in a few hours to see our church friends at Spruce Run in our final days here in The Garden State. 

Sunday, June 20, 2004

11:35pm  Happy Father's Day! 

I once saw a bumper sticker that read "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad!"  So Happy Dad's Day to my Dad and to my husband and all the special Dad's out there! 

We spent most of Saturday celebrating Brianna's 6th birthday with Jane and Paul and their extended families.  Jessica was beside herself all Saturday morning and kept asking when we would be leaving for Brianna's birthday party.  It was wonderful to see the Esoy's and the Ibarrola's again!  It was a great time as it always is whenever we get together with our good friends!  

They catch an early morning flight back to San Francisco tomorrow.  We're looking forward to our next visit! 

Today I spent most of the day packing and Jay had to deal with his car.  Apparently the starter is shot so it had to go in for repair today.  The timing couldn't suck more and this was really the last thing we needed to deal with right now.  There's at least 5,234 other things we need to do at the moment! 

We seem to have zero motivation with this particular move.  It seems so overwhelming.  Maybe we're beginning to lose steam after all the moving we've been doing in recent years.  Or maybe its because we now have more stuff.  I think I've convinced myself that this will be next to one of the last moves I'll ever make in my lifetime.  But don't take my word for it.  I may just find myself eating that last sentence one day. 

Some of the guys made it over for one last game of ball tonight.  Who am I kidding!  I have a sneaking suspicion they'll figure out a way to fit one more in this week. 

On a more solemn note,  our condolences go out to Dan and his family on the passing of his father.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you in Toronto at this difficult time.  Lots of love to you! 

Friday, June 18, 2004

10:46pm  That's Procrastination with a Capital P

Today we finally stopped procrastinating, hauled out the crates and boxes and started packing up our New Jersey life.  Packing sucks but someone's gotta do it!  Jay and I keep fantasizing about one of those professional moving services showing up at our doorstep - the kind where you merely supervise but never lift a finger.  Unfortunately the killer invoice would leave us for broke no doubt.  There's still plenty to be done but the pressure of time keeps us on our toes. 

Yesterday, our friends here in the Crystal Ridge Club community took us out for a Farewell Lunch at Dynasty, a popular local spot for dim sum.  After lunch, the ladies and the children met at the pool in the complex for a little more relaxation and conversation.  We've met some really wonderful people in this neighborhood and the common denominator is that we all moved here from out-of-state and even out-of-country because of a job. 

Jane, Paul, the kids and Eric dropped by last night for coffee and dessert.  A car fire on 78 West kept them sitting in standstill traffic for nearly an hour.  But they finally got here.  It's always nice to see them.  The guys ran over to the clubhouse to shoot hoops which gave Jane and I some girl chat time.  Jessica and Brianna were happy enough to be playing together again.  It was way past midnight before we noticed the time and Eric had to work this morning so unfortunately we had to break up the party.  But certainly not before Eric got some shots on his brand new digi-cam - 10 retakes later because of Jane's *ahem* attention to detail and critical eye.  For fear that I might post them in the gallery when I get my hands on copies. 

Happy 6th Birthday to Brianna!  We look forward to being at her birthday tomorrow afternoon along with Jane and Paul's families.  It'll be nice to get together again before their flight back west.  During our visit, Jane and I couldn't help but notice how quickly the girls are growing.  Blink and they'll be in high school and asking for the car keys.  I tremble at the thought. 

I've been feeling rather naked without my trusty digital camera these days.  Jay wanted to give me one for Mother's Day but he left it up to me to decide which one I wanted.  I've been holding off on buying a new one since we've had other financial priorities and I've been waiting to find a deal.  Well, I managed to find a bargain today and placed an order for my new camera.  Woohoo, I'll be able to post pics here again. 

If you dig in-your-face controversy like I dig in-your-face controversy, Michael Moore's latest controversial film Fahrenheit 9/11 is in theatres on June 25.  And Moore certainly knows how to whip up a stiff drink of controversy.

I barely have energy left to continue typing so goodnight my dear readers!   Wonder if I can convince the husband that I need a massage!  Hon, where are you...

Thursday, June 17, 2004

2:23am  Birthday Hoopla

So the birthday hoopla is over for another year (at least it was over at midnight, but I'm just getting home to blog about it now).   I really must say that it was indeed a special day.  Hey a girl only turns 30 *cough* once!  Hee!

The day started off on a great note when my husband got me breakfast.  Any meal that I don't have to prepare myself is wonderful.  After breakfast, we went out to the pool to laze around in the sun.  Surprisingly enough, the water was heated to a beautiful 80 degrees - you almost had to get out of the pool to cool off. 

Jay made reservations for a late dinner at Serendipity 3 in NYC.  I've been dying to go there since we moved here so you can imagine how excited I was.   Serendipity 3 and the huge Bloomingdale's around the corner from it were film locations for the John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale chick-flick, Serendipity. 

We couldn't resist their famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate which was absolutely decadent.  Perfect for a hot and muggy night!   Of course after dinner, we had to take the obligatory touristy shots in front of the restaurant.  Then we decided to take a brisk walk along 3rd Avenue to burn some calories before hailing a cab back to my aunt's place.  I think we're diggin' this New York City lifestyle. 

Back at Auntie Charee's place we heard about  the adventures they had during their very recent trip to the Philippines (so recent that my Aunt is still in that time zone).  We're so grateful that she was quite excited to have Jessica all to herself for a couple hours.  And Jessica is real excited about all her new Hello Kitty pyjamas. 

Thanks to all my favorite people for your phone calls, emails, text messages and the wonderful goodies I received today.   Jay surprised me (okay, I've been hinting so I wasn't that surprised) with an upcoming trip to California to take a much needed vacation and to spend time with my sister and brother-in-law.  Dude, get that guest suite at the house ready because we're on our way!  Yay, Happy Birthday to me! 

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

10:27pm  Under the Weather in Perfect Weather

I'm still feeling a little under the weather today - and coincidently the weather here in Jersey is sunny and 90 degrees, perfect to be out by the pool to escape the humidity. I started running a fever Sunday night and probably made the situation worse by sitting at the pool with Jessica and some of her little friends for most of the afternoon.

I sat at the DMV for more than 3 hours today and we'll just leave it at the fact that I absolutely loathe the New Jersey DMV.   I've had the unfortunate pleasure (unfortunate pleasure?) of being there twice and was met with incompetence and rudeness both times.  Enough said!

Today would have been Jesse's 35th birthday.  Ironically enough, my late brother's best friend and his family were visiting Toronto and were invited to have dinner at my parent's home this evening.  He remembered Jesse's birthdate.  Now that's my definition of a true friendship. 

Edit:   My deepest condolences to all you Lakers fans out there.  Jay just can't stand the fact that they played some seriously bad game tonight.  Guess I'll be conducting some armchair grief counseling in my living room! 

Friday, June 11, 2004

11:53pm  My Best Friend's Address Book

And I suppose since we're on the topic of mourning,  I should tell you that I'm beginning to feel the sadness and the emotions that come along with change.  I felt the same sadness when we relocated from California to New Jersey.  But at the same time I feel a sense of excitement in the adventure that lies ahead.  All I have to do is get through the good-byes unscathed. 

Change is always difficult especially when you're comfortable and have fallen into a routine.  Although I think change would be a wonderful thing if someone told me we were moving back to California.  I'd have this place packed in no time. 

Moving is a daunting task!  Just ask anyone who's moved 6 times in the last 4 years.  I think I have it down to a science by now - dump half your worldly possessions onto the nearest curbside before your neighborhood garbage collection day.  It minimizes shipping costs.  I'm kidding but let there be no mistake that there have been days that I've been tempted to do just that. 

I've been told by a dear dear friend that I owe her a new address book because the "G page" in hers is completely ruined by having to erase and Liquid Paper out all the previous addresses of a certain GAMEZ, Jay & Judy.  At this point our current address is simply penciled onto a post-it note.  I wonder if her wrath would be pacified by say a new fancy-schmancy LV address book or better yet a handheld!  Ha - you wish girl! 

11:25pm  A Nation Mourns

I've been riveted to the TV all day watching the live coverage of the state funeral of President Ronald Reagan.  A nation mourns the loss of a great leader.  I am awed by the military tradition and its pageantry and proud that former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney spoke at the funeral service on Capitol Hill.   Certainly this is an important day in American history.  

As an expatriate living in this country I have noticed the remarkable sense of pride the American people have in their country.  I  have lived this side of the border for a total of 6 years in my lifetime and it is indeed apparent that the American people wear their patriotism on their sleeve. 

This country is considered the land of opportunity and indeed it is.  My family and I are just a few of the many who have enjoyed its bounties and its beauty. 

Ronald Reagan was known as the Great Communicator.  There is something to be said about a man who is eloquent both in speech and in his written word.  Today he was eulogized not only as a leader but also as a husband who loved his wife dearly and often expressed it through his handwritten notes: 

Dear Mrs. Reagan,

And you are Mrs. Reagan because Mr. Reagan loves you with all his heart. Every time Mr. Reagan sees the evening star or blows out the birthday candles or gets the big end of the wishbone he thinks the same wish—a prayer really—that so much happiness will go on and somehow be deserved by him.

It is true sometimes that Mr. Reagan loses his temper and slams a door but that’s because he can’t cry or stamp his foot—(he isn’t really the type.) But mad or glad Mr. Reagan is head over heels in love with Mrs. Reagan and can’t even imagine a world without her—

He loves her,
Mr. Reagan

Tuesday, June 8, 2004

4:25pm  Tick Tick Tick!

It's really looking like our time here in Jersey will be up by the end of the month.  There have been some exciting developments since the last time I blogged about all the changes that have come about.  As things stand Jay is in the process of negotiating a couple opportunities that will definitely take us out-of-state and possibly even back to Toronto, our hometown.  I still need to be somewhat discreet when I blog about it, but the details will all be revealed when they are all written in stone.  The waiting is a little nerve-wracking but it all comes with the territory.  Hopefully when this is all over, we'll be able to take a vacation and spend some time with my sister and brother-in-law.  Norm is waving prime seat tickets to Game 6 of the NBA finals and Jay is chomping at the bit.  It would be Jay's other dream to be at a Lakers game in what could be the clincher to the championship. 

Jane and the family are scheduled to arrive early Friday morning from the SF Bay Area for a visit.  Just in time to help out with our move reminiscent of the last three we made out west.  Hey what's a Gamez move without Jane, Paul and the kids!  Ha!  But seriously, I'm looking forward to spending time with Jane as much as Jessica is excited to see her little buddy Brianna.   How 'bout some pizza amidst all the moving boxes just like the good ol' days!

Sunday, June 6, 2004

8:15pm   The Tranquil Valley Experience

I'M ALIVE!  I made it back from our weekend camp-out at Tranquil Valley in one piece...dying-to-shower-and-sleep-in-a-warm-bed piece, but one piece nonetheless.  Firstly, we decided to postpone leaving until early Saturday morning instead of Friday evening. 

Thanks to Lauris for lending us a tent and for pitching it for us too.  The guys have promised to pitch us a tent at Spruce Run during the church camp-out at the end of the month.  In that case, maybe we'll go.  Hee! 

The weekend turned out to be rainy and cool but the children refused to let this dampen their spirits.   Unfortunately, the bonfire had to be cancelled because of the damp conditions.  Boooo!  All the kids were looking forward to that part (and I was eagerly anticipating making s'mores on an open fire). 

Jessica enjoyed her first experience spending a night in a tent.  She was snug as a bug in her little sleeping bag.  Meanwhile, Jay and I were desperately trying to keep warm in our thermals, blankets and the feather duvet minus the air mattress I had planned on bringing but had to leave at home when I realized that the Coleman pump we own didn't fit the mattress nozzle. Sorry about that run-on sentence!  And it was officially confirmed that we suck at camping when we realized that we'd forgotten to bring a flashlight!  Doh!   Then lying there in the darkness trying to fall asleep, Jay and I heard something run by our tent...and it certainly didn't sound like a human. 

The sentimental words and the tearful gushes are starting now.  Margie, the Club Director, thanked Jay and I for our support of the club and wished us all the best in our plans.  Ulysses piped in that we would be greatly missed and that there would always be a home here for us.  Then it was hugs and kisses like we're leaving tomorrow.  Awww c'mon now guys - don't get me started just yet.  Good thing I wasn't wearing mascara!   This will be a difficult bunch of friends to leave that's for sure! 

Congratulations to the Precious Jewels Adventurer Club for winning first place again.  That would now make it 5 years in a row!  Great job!   Since my digital camera is busted I had to dust off the old 35mm so you'll just have to come over sometime and see my prints when I have them developed. 

Friday, June 4, 2004

10:04am  Camping

Oh by the way did I mention that we're going camping this weekend?  Yeah I know, you're probably wondering what hotel we're checking into because most of you know that I'm just not a camping kinda gal.  I like my electricity, running water with hot and cold options, and washroom facilities with some semblance of sterile conditions.  Hee! 

Well you read it here first, Judy Gamez is going tent camping at Tranquil Valley with the Precious Jewels Adventurer Club.  So its not completely a test of my wilderness survival skills (I'd fail miserably) - there will be those portable toilets in place.  Oh joy - those things are scary and I'd much rather have to go in a bush or hold it all weekend and risk the chance of getting urinary tract infection thank you very much! 

Jay is really quite amused that I have agreed to go for the entire weekend.  I think visions of Jessica Simpson camping with her $1600 Murakami Louis Vuitton bag flash through his mind.  I have already confessed to all the parents that I really do suck at camping - in spite of my years spent in Pathfindering.  No fronting here boys and girls - I suck at camping!  Now its a running joke and I think most can't wait to see if I'll survive this weekend.  Some of the men were ribbing Jay last Wednesday night, "Hey are you guys ok in tents?", "Yeah sure as long as the tent is Crystal Ridge Club right Jay!"  Truth rings through in that humor.    

If I'm still alive at the end of  this weekend I'm sure I'll have plenty of funny stories to post when we get back Sunday afternoon.  I'll have my cellphone on if there's signal up there.  On second thought, I might turn it off to dodge the calls of my loved ones-who-think-they're-funny just dying for the opportunity for a laugh at my expense.  Those smart-ass comments will be funnier when I'm sitting in my living room! 

Then again I may need to make like a wannabe millionaire and call a friend...and my sister!  And I think I'll definitely have a new appreciation for the comforts of home by then.  Shoot I might have to kiss the front gate when we get back! 

Thursday, June 3, 2004

9:49pm  In Appreciation for Teachers

As luck would have it, my digital camera flaked out in the middle of Jessica's graduation last night.  I knew that it would meet its early demise when I noticed that the last few times I've used it the sliding panel that shuts over the lens didn't seem to be sliding shut properly.  Now when I open the panel the lens does not come out.  One more reason to finally go out and get that 5.0 megapixel camera to take what may be my last set of Jersey photos. 

Jessica and I dropped by her school today to pick up her artwork and her things.  I left some pretty little cakes for the preschool staff in gratitude for their influence in Jessica's early learning experience.  All the teachers hugged Jessica and told her how much they love her.  Tears started to well in my eyes as they each told her that they would miss her and made her promise to send postcards just like the one she had sent them from Disneyland this past April.  Mrs. Carlisle thanked me for sharing Jessica with them. 

I realize how difficult it is for a parent to entrust their child to someone else.  I'm glad that I put my daughter in the hands of such warm and positive teachers.  I've never before witnessed a teacher's eyes fill with tears as she gives a student one last hug.   There is living proof that she does what she does every day not merely for the paycheck, but also because of her passion for our children!   

Update:  Pictures taken at Gail and Mon's wedding are now up in the Family Gallery. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2004

11:39pm  Class of 2004

Congratulations to our precious daughter, Jessica, on her preschool graduation at Lake Nelson Early Learning Centre!  It was a beautiful ceremony showcasing the many things that the students have learned this school year.  The kiddies looked so cute in their little graduation caps and gowns - pink for the girls and baby blue for the boys.  Jessica sang  a solo rendition of  "Dear God" as the closing song and thanked the guests for attending their graduation. 

The children's artwork and projects were displayed for all the parents and guests to see.  I have plans for that beautiful box Jessica made.  I'm secretly hoping that she'll let me have it.  Hee! 

I'm a proud mother today.  I don't think I could be any more proud if Jessica were graduating from Harvard.  She has learned so much this year and loved her teachers and classmates. 

I love you Jessica...more than you'll ever know!  I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments.  Keep working hard and playing hard too.  Big hugs! 

11:00am  Planet Rock

We're back from our weekend trip to Toronto after extending our stay by an extra day.  Jay received a business opportunity that he wanted to explore before we left town [ translation: he wanted to go fishing with Nathaniel who took Monday off specifically for that purpose ].  Hee!  Just kidding hon! 

The trip to Toronto last Friday took a little longer than we had anticipated.  Let's just say that we had a long stop at a Dunkin' Donuts along the New York State Thruway so that Jay could take a conference call on his cell.  Anyway, long story short you just might be receiving my signature Gamez new address email soon.   It's just great to know that we have some very solid options at this point, although it is looking very much like we'll be leaving this place we've called home for the past year and a half or so. 

Unfortunately, we arrived at Gail and Mon's rehearsal 30 minutes late since we lost travel time and due to the long lines at the border crossing.  

Gail and Mon's wedding was graced with a  wonderfully sunny day.  The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast.  Jessica did a great job as the flower girl.  Jay and I managed to get through our candle-lighting  responsibilities without messing it up, although the priest did have a little difficulty with the child-safety mechanism on the lighter. 

At the reception, Jay was in charge of having the guests sign the engagement portrait and guestbook.  The bride gave me 8 rolls of film and her sweet SLR camera to take candid shots throughout the evening.  I'm hoping that my attempts at photographic creativity turn out well.  If they do, I'm hoping to snag a few copies to add to my portfolio.  *wink*

The reception was beautiful and sentimental.   I cried a river during the video montage presentation - especially during Ninang Soly's (the mother of the bride), voice over message to her daughter and new son-in-law.   I don't think there was a dry eye in the room when Ginger, the maid of honor and sister of the bride, paid tribute to their late father during her toast. 

The DJ for the evening challenged the groom and his boys to show some breakdance moves on the floor.  Mon, his brothers and some of their friends were all part of the popular Flip City Rockers breakdance crew back in the heyday of breakdancing.  Apparently they were so good that they appeared in a chocolate bar commercial at the height of the breakdancing era.  The boys were a little shy at first, but when the DJ pumped out "Planet Rock" the old moves started to come back.   Off went the tux jackets and on went the  windmills and backspins on that hardwood dance floor.  Apparently they still have all the moves - they were hot and the guests went wild!  Woohoo for the old school! 

Congratulations again to Jay's cousin, Gail and her new husband Monchito.  Thanks for making us part of your special day.  It was truly an honor!

The rest of the weekend was spent taking it easy with family and a few of our friends.  Between grabbing coffee at Tim Hortons, having the obligatory dinner at Swiss Chalet with Jon and Christine, Jay's intimate encounter with a mousetrap *giggle*, celebrating Chris' recent graduation over some delicious West Indian food, and popping into Blythe and Rommel's house to finally meet their baby daughter - it was a busy weekend.    Boooo - didn't get to have Sababa's falafel and lentil soup this time around. 

Happy Birthday to my cousin Rebekah!  Hope you had a wonderful day cross-border shopping in Seattle and that you found the perfect pair of shoes.  *wink*