Jovi-al: December 2006

Goodbye '06 Hello '07!

Well another year has passed and it's time to move on! 2006 brought great memories! I can't believe how much happened this year--my promotion to Marketing Manager, Silvia and Steve tied the knot as well as AR and Amy, Rich and Monica, and Anthony and Lisa. We bought a house and maybe someday we'll close on it and actually get to live there! Kim moved back home to NY, so did Gina and my cousin Michael as well. I had the birth of two new adorable cousins. The celebration of my cousin Amy's engagement and the announcement of my cousin Terry's pregnancy and my best friend Kelly's pregnancy. Rachel and Chuck's engagement. Pick Me Up hit the NY Times Bestseller List. Endless nights drinking and dancing with my friends at Culture Club and fondue parties followed by nights at Rhythm and Brews. I also accomplished big financial goals this year--paying off three credit cards, Frankie's car and my car (with the help of Mom and Dad of course--thanks you two!). With all these great memories I can't even imagine what 2007 holds but I know I look forward to it.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe New Year! Let's make 2007 another great one!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I hope Santa was good to you!

Eight is My New Favorite Number

Wow...I believe it, and I don't believe it. Hard work paid off this time--big time! Our company's book Pick Me Up made the New York Times Best Seller List! It came in at #8 this week on the children's chapter book list. This is pretty much a first for DK and it's big news around here. The book totally rocks. If you haven't bought one yet, buy it. If your on myspace make it your friend. Spread the word that is Pick Me Up!

Gift Suggestion #21

Had to spread the word on the really cool gift I received from Sarah yesterday! Beer bands! They're like wine charms for beer and they have really funny sayings on them. Totally fun gift and knowing me they will definitely come in handy. I will now always know which beer is mine. You rock Sarah!

Christmas Comes Early

Last night our family did our "Christmas Eve"--yes I know it was only December 16th so don't ask. But we did have a blast! All the cousins were there, there was lots of drinking, laughter, singing Christmas carols, the traditional matching pajamas, a very big surprise and even some gambling! Before dinner we all sat around and played Left, Right, Center which was hysterical. I didn't win anything but we had fun. Then it came time to get our big cousins' gift which Uncle Jack and Aunt Anne were in charge of this year. Last year we all got to go to dinner and a play and I couldn't wait to know what this year's was. So Uncle Jack got up and asked me to stand with him for a little demo. He gave me an apron and a chef's hat and told us all that we are going to an Italian cooking school! How awesome is that! All 15 of us (one cousin now has a new girlfriend so we're one up on our 14 from last year) are getting a private lesson where we plan a menu and make an appetizer, dinner and dessert. And since drinks must always be included in the cousins' gift, he also made sure that we get to have wine when we do this. How cool is that? I've always wanted to take cooking lessons so I am psyched.
After this was announced we all got on our aprons and hats and headed outside for the group photo...too funny. Then we decided to do some drunk caroling on the block and headed over to our neighbor Dominic's, knocked on his door (10:30 at night) and sing Deck the Halls. He was very amused, not sure about the rest of the neighbors though.
Oh and then there was the big surprise. My cousin Mike and his wife Terry are expecting their first baby this June! Very exciting news for them and us. Can't wait to have another munchkin running around next year.
Then it was time to say goodbye but some of us headed over to my place for the after party which ended about 2am when Amy passed out...hehe

Precious

Last night was movie night with the girls. After work Cristina, Ann, Maria and I went to see The Holiday which was so cute. It was funny and sweet--the feel good movie of the year, even though Maria feel asleep for most of it. After the movie Cristina and I headed over to Union Square for a drink and wound up at Heartland Brewery. Inside was packed but there were tables outside so that's where we wound up. I can't believe we were able to sit outside for that long in mid December and not freeze. It was kind of bizarre. But it was great to just sit there and catch up with her.
Then I came home to something that totally made my whole week. There was a letter in the mail with a return address that just read "Grace". She sent us a note to say thank you for taking her to Princesses on Ice a few weeks ago. It's just too precious for words so here it is...

Is that adorable or what? Yes, it did make me cry.

Vacation

Just got back from Disney and even thought it was for vacation, I feel like I need a vacation. Six adults, two kids and a hell of alot of walking. We had a great time though. Weather was nice in the day but cold at night, Grace rode some big scary roller coasters and took pictures with the characters (first time!) and Robert got to meet Mickey, Tigger, Pooh and Goofy...he loved it! In fact he loved it so much that he kept waking up at 4am to talk about it. Frankie and I shared the room he was in so there wasn't much sleep this week, but it was totally worth it.
But the coolest part of the trip by far was standing in the middle of the Magic Kingdom looking up at the sky and seeing the space shuttle go off. Everybody stopped, looked up, stayed silent for a few minutes and then started cheering when it went out of sight. Not to sound like a dork but it was literally one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It made the trip even that more perfect.