Boston, Baby!

I love Boston. It was a great city to go to college in but an even better city to spend my 20's. I was able to walk to work and, living in the North End, walk to the best Italian eating around. (Not to mention great places for cocktails and wine). My friends were close by so we could get together for evenings in cooking and watching NBC Thursday (I'm dating myself now). And I swear I don't remember the weather ever being as harsh as the current winters are.

I miss it - the town and my friends. And wouldn't you know this year, right after the baby is due, our big Annual Meeting will be held there?  But I will be nestled in my house with Baby and Pups (and hopefully T depending on his work schedule!) So this past weekend was my last trip to Boston for a while... and it was all about Baby and me!

My fabulous friends and extended family threw me a baby shower. Even while opening gifts and eating yummy food I still couldn't believe it was for me. I've attended all my friends showers and am used to them opening the gifts but this was just overwhelming. Not only am I totally grateful for these longstanding friendships but also for the occasion which brought us together. Baby, T and I are blessed!

So this post is simply a thank you to my Boston Beauties and families. You are such a gift in my life and I love you all. I can't wait until we are together again!

8 Years Ago

Eight years ago, I lived in Boston in a relationship that should never have happened, living a life I couldn't even recognize. It was the lowest point in my life and I wasn't sure how I was going to change it. I was lost and afraid, too proud, too deep in denial perhaps, to admit it - the loneliest and most scared I have ever been. Then my phone rang that beautiful September morning. It was my mother telling me the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane and her friend's son-in-law was in it. She was racing to her friend's house to help her pack, so she could get to NYC to be with her pregnant daughter. As so many people lost their lives, including my mom's friend's son-in-law, I realized life was too short. At that moment, I decided things would change no matter what it took.

We all have stories of that day. We all know people who were lost and none of us will ever be the same because of it. 9/11 changed all of us for different reasons. 9/11 saved my life. So many people were affected by things beyond their control, and I knew I had the power to control the choices I made. I was suddenly filled with courage and faith in the friends and family who cared about me to do what I needed to do. So I began packing, slowly, discreetly, and a month later drove to my parents house never to go back to the unhappy life I was living.

It is hard to believe 8 years have passed. Since moving back to DC I've found a career I adore, a husband who completes my life, 2 pups that make everyday brighter as well as cherished new memories with my family and friends. Everyday I thank God for granting me the opportunites I have. I know it is small, but the new life I created is my tribute to those who sacrificed so much.