Happy Thanksgiving!

Our day yesterday continued as well as it started.we made it into the museum, and a wheelchair and tickets were waiting for us. Oli did a great job wheeling and walking throughout the
Museum. We ran into his old PT, Ms. Ruth and her family. It was Ruth who got us into this tradition in the first place, so it was great to see her there. When we left, we were caught on the queue to see the balloons again. It was crowded, but cool to see all of the balloons ( including spidey) inflated now. We finished up with Starbucks and headed home.

Today I was up and met Beth and her friend Alena for a Turkey Trot in Princeton. Now I home watching the
parade with the kids. It is so cool to see the balloons from yesterday now in the parade.

I am thankful for our family traditions and the family that goes with them!

At the museum

We may have finally done it right! this is our third year coming into NYC to see the parade floats be inflated. The plan is always to get in, go to the American Museum of Natural History, and then hop outside to see the balloons. The first year, we missed the museum, looked for parking for an hour, then saw the floats. The next year, we took the train, struggled through the subways (we thought oli was big to carry then!), made it to the museum and then the floats. This year I called ahead of time and secured a wheelchair and tickets. We drove in, hit no traffic, parked in a garage (moderate
rip off) and saw the balloons half inflated. Viewing doesn't start until 3, but since the balloons are big and right out on the street, we could see them as we walked up.

Our day has sort of stalled, as we are now stopped for lunch at UNO. After this, we are back across the steer and into the museum. Here is what we have seen so far.

Things I'll Miss

We are fortunate enough to be in the final stretch of moving. Everything is settled but our mortgage. That is a big hurdle, and we are holding our breath until that is through. But on the buyers end, everything seems settled, so ready or not, we are moving anywhere between 11/23 and 12/6.

We are really excited about the move, and luckily, so are the kids. But as I go through the days completing tasks and going places, I find myself wondering if this will be the last time I go there/do that. I know this is a normal part of moving, but it reminds me how bittersweet a move really is.

1. I will definitely miss easy access to my family. This goes without saying, and isn't one of the mini-epiphanies I am talking about. I've realized this all along. But on a "things I'll miss" list, this has to go on top. Dinner at mom's, runs with Beth, and being not too far  grandma for a weekend visit, are all things that won't be as easy once we move. Also, when I get locked out at our new home, I will be completely screwed b/c there will be nobody to borrow keys from. Did I mention the babysitting?

2. My gym. It sounds dumb, especially coming from me, but I really like my gym. I like the classes, the feel, and the vibe. I went a lot over the summer, and kind of tapered off as I concentrated on running leading up to the half marathon. But lately (especially with the cold weather) I have been back to the gym, and I really enjoy it.

3. Our pediatrician. I am taking Mac and Oli for flu shots today and I realize this might be our last visit there. I went there when I was little. They have been so great with both kids, and especially helpful about fitting us in whenever we needed something. In Oli's baby days, when we didn't have any answers about his hydrocephalus, legs, or anything else, they were always kind and patient. And when Mac hid under the exam table, screaming, and had to be restrained by no less than me and 2 nurses to get a shot, they were so kind and patient. Service like that can't be replaced.

4. Our library. I looooove our library. I took Mac weekly when she was a baby. Both kids have spent lots of time there. Although we go less now that the kids are in school, all of the librarians know us, and I don't think that there is ever a time when at least one of us doesn't have something out on loan. It is a beautiful place with lots of choices, and we can borrow from any other library in Middlesex county. I haven't bought a book for myself  in years because the selection is so good!

5. My Starbucks. Because working at home isn't always conducive to getting work done, I have a trio of Starbucks that I rotate among when I need to get out of the house to be productive. They are my happy places, and have seen me though coursework, dissertation, lesson plans, and other papers. Just as research shows that you can improve test performance by studying in the location that you will take the test, I think that I am productive in Starbucks where I have been productive in the past. Like my productivity is imprinted.

I'm sure that there is so much more that I will think of as I visit over the next few weeks. This isn't meant to be a downer, b/c a) I realize I'm fortunate to have had all of these places, and b) I do realize we are only moving an hour away, and that things aren't that different there. This is more of a fond remembrance, looking forward to the future. And I realize that no matter where we go, Tim, the kids, and I will make great memories and a great home. And no matter where we go, the love and support of our truly wonderful parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents will be with us.