Hi everybody! Today is the day after Christmas....always a bit deflating after I have worked myself up for Christmas. It was a good holiday for me despite being away from home for the very first time. JT worked most of the weekend because every New Yorker and tourist found it extremely necessary to buy $5 shirts and $20 jeans until 2:30 a.m. Just a thought, pre-planning goes a long way, so at least I could have my husband for the holiday. To make up for JT's absence, I babysat my neighbor's daughter, Jenny, three days in a row. We played makeover and tickle monster and we watched Elf and Nick Jr. It was very eventful. And to continue to the spirit of Christmas, I cooked Christmas dinner for Jenny and her mom, as well as me and JT. I know you don't believe that I can cook, however I put together quite a meal. I fixed turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce (canned), and candied carrots. Plus I had pita and french onion appetizer. I even took pictures to prove it...I will post them later tonight at home. The most amusing part of dinner was watching JT put together a Barbie house complete with a toilet who's seat raises, washer and dryer, bedroom, doggie door, laptop, and so much more....man has barbie made strides since my days of the large plastic and not easily moved Barbie house. By the way, I have a picture of JT doing this.....;-)

As for our Christmas together (as if playing with Jenny was not rewarding enough), Jt and I went to dinner together on Christmas eve and we actually took cabs, which is a treat for us train lovers (I say with hint of sarcasm). Gradisca is the name of the quaint Italian restaurant in Chelsea where we ate. (It was on 13th between 6th and 7th avenues.) The food was delectable. We had the seasonal Italian Cheese appetizer, followed by the carmelized pear and italian cheese topped salad (which was the tastiest salad I have ever eaten). I had a the angus filet topped with balsalmic reduction and sea salt while JT had Mama's Lasagna. They disappointingly were out of their famous creme brulee, however JT and I shared the chocolate souffle and chionetti wine. The entrees alone are not that pricey, but everything in combination added up, especialy in Manhattan. However, it was a holiday treat and was much enjoyed.

After dinner, we got to open presents!!!! We made that decision so that we could sleep in on Christmas day, something we had not done together in awhile, at least with no work commitments. Anyways, my dad gave us much appreciated money, as did my mom. Mom also got JT new running shoes and I got some cute clothes and bras and a toiletry travel case. JT's parents got us American Airlines gift cards to fly home for the Kentucky Derby half marathon....yes we are running again despite my better judgement. They also got me a pajamas and a bathrobe that I needed more than anything....it is light pink and cotton material, exactly what I wanted. Sharon and Jimmy got JT some running socks, a coffee table book and some other odds and ends. As for what I got JT, besides the normal under clothes and toilettries, I got him a set of Bose headphones, which I wanted for myself (so I do not have to hear the stange people on the train) and the King of Queens DVD series, which we both love.....But enough of that, he got me an amazing gift. In August, we are celebrating our fifth anniversary, YAY, so he made plans for us to take the amtrak to Boston where we will stay one night. We will then travel to the town of New Beford, Massachusetts and stay at the Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast for four days. During that time we are going to take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard....I have always wanted to go to Martha's Vineyard once I started reading Mary Higgins Clark novels in middle school. It is the neatest and most thoughtful gift that I could never think to ask for. It goes without saying that we will be saving much of our Christmas money for our first real vacation together since our honeymoon....which was funded by dad.

Needless to say, I feel very lucky for the wonderful husband I was given, as well as my family who continues to love me. Speaking of family, my mother is coming to visit again, not really to see me, but she bringing her exchange student Gaelle (everyone in the south says it as Gayle, but it is really pronounced guy-elle) and Kayla, a girl from Stanford that has been around us for a number of years now. And I must be honest, three people sleeping in my small living room is going to be a tough feat since I will be getting ready for work at 5:45am on Friday and our apartment is small in general. We will just make do....They just will need to keep their things picked up, unlike my sister.....(I am kidding Gretchen). At the same time my mom is coming, my Aunt Pam, Uncle Joey, and cousin McKensie are coming to visit the city from Charlotte. They are actually staying at the Barclay in the city, but I am looking forward to seeing them as it is a rarity to see them. Plus, my uncle Joey is a laugh a minute. It is just a shame Bob won't be here to antagonize my mom and Pam along with Joey.

Well I must go. I am at the hospital and should probably do some doctor stuff since that is my chosen profession. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We appreciate all of the Christmas cards and I will post more pictures soon!!!

~nat