In gratitude...

Though I don't mean to start off with an excuse - that's not my style - truly.... but, I have been tardy in extending my gratitude to those very special people in my life who were kind enough to remember my birthday a couple of weeks ago. The fact that I was on the other side of the map, and, upon returning to Surf City, had to immediately get back to the office and dive into piles of paperw0rk just in time to head back across the country to work at my organization's annual conference.... (this is not an excuse - I swear!)... Well, the goings on have deterred me from one specific and important priority - that of saying THANK YOU to each of you! So..... I'm going to get up here on this little blog-podium, and type these words for all to see....

And so I begin...... To:

My mom and dad..... always there to greet the annual event with a thoughtful card, and, this year, some generous rainy day $ for me to blow during my trip to the Big Apple. They are kind enough to put up with Hanna(ble) while I'm away (she's a lucky gal to be in such great care!)... For everything and always, I thank you both... and love you heaps!

My biggest brother, Craig..... I'm glad that we were able to have a visit before I left on my trip! Thank U 4 the humorous card - a nun smokin' a Marboro always conjurs up a laugh! And, for the hi-tech writing instrument! You know that it'll get a good workout in my posession! Do they make pens that type?

My next biggest brother, Bruce.... and his family, (my ever-incredible sister-in-law, Lynn, beautiful niece, Kate and all around great nephew, Kevin.... ) ...As I've said before - you guys run the best B&B in New Joisey! Thanks for having the spare room vacant for me to occupy for a week! You know how much I enjoy seeing all of you (and talking to you on the phone, Kate) and it is ever so nice to do so while sharing the time with you in the comfort of your beatiful home. For your thoughtful gifts, please know that I am truly appreciative, and will pick something nice out for the spring with the gift card! Oh darn, another excuse to have to go to Anthropologie..... twist my arm!

Boo! Yes, Boo.... Nancy and the Griffin Clan - How wonderful it is to share time with all of you! From the morning on the train with Boo.... to meeting my surrogate niece, the lovely Mia, enjoying a delicious meal at Friendly's with Boo and Nan... and then our lunch at the tea shop! To just hangin' with the Griffins on Dorretta Street. It makes it feel that little time has really passed! I can't remember when I've enjoyed ticking off another year so much! And, then there is the exquisite tiara Boo gifted me with - I must say I felt a little bit "over accessorized" on the train to Hoboken! The artful seaglass necklace on which, as I've shared with you Boo, I have received numerous compliments! And the adorable felt bag.... So darling! You have always been such a thoughtful friend, and I feel so lucky that we've remained in touch over all these years! You're the best and I am thrilled that we were able to synchronize our schedules and be in the same part of the world at the same time! We must do this again very soon!

To JZ..... What can I say..... braving the cold temparatures in the city, to meet me on the corner of Madison and 48th.... (and doing very well to give the impression that you had just come from a very important business meeting!).... For keeping the conversation going.... "AG Edwards this.... AG Edwards that..." and bragging about all of the redecorating decisions you've been having to make to remodel your... what's the word.... "expansive" office space! Really, how do you get those signs posted in so many places across the country? It must cost you a fortune! For a delicious lunch at Oscars (so New York!)- and putting up with your friends little sister through the whole meal - thank you! It was fun to come in out of the cold and have a visit after so many years! It is a treat keeping the ball of sarcasm bouncing with one who I now consider a pro! And, I promise, I'll keep your charade going without a word to Perry!

To Marcello..... the guy who can do a million things all in the same breadth.... and continue to be gracious and mannerly, (ok, the accent helps!) I am glad we were able to spend some time together... even if it was between customers! One day, when the dust settles, we'll surprise ourselves and actually have a real conversation, without interruption! I look forward to that! For the thoughtful gift, thank you! That was very kind! And, for helping me to see better..... you know I am grateful! Now, close the curtain and get ready to step out onto a new stage! All my good wishes are sent to you for your next adventure!

And then there are my pals.... Dr. Broccolli, Ernie and Jen..... What can I say, you helped me come up smelling like a rose! Thank you for all of the potions and lotions. For lunch at Terry's.... well, thank god the company was good, right!?! And, for the top of the charts rendition of Happy Birthday - I saved it to my voicemail, cuz' it cracks me up every time I listen to it.... (No Ernie, I don't listen to it all the time!?!) By th' way, the cab driver enjoyed it as well while taking Boo and me to the Village. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are the best partners in crime and I smile just knowing that I get to cross paths with you pretty much on a daily basis!

To each of you.... a heartfelt thank you for making an ordinary day so very special!

x.o.