And..... We're Back!

Shalom, y'all! It is great to be home, but so sad to have left Arizona. I had such a great time, and treasured every moment. This first picture is of Jessica, my best friend since forever, and me (on the left). Don't I look relaxed?

I was there for five fantastic days - cuddling with the baby, laughing with Jess, watching movies (Super Troopers and Eurotrip - very highbrow choices, as you can tell), eating many fine meals, and just chilling overall. Ahhh - a much needed vacation

And, here I am with the cutest baby in the entire world - Evan!! He is just such a sweet, happy little munchkin. I couldn't believe how aware, smart, and observant a six month old could be. He's already such a little dude, you know what I mean?

I am honored to have been given "Auntie" status - Jess is like a sister to me, so Evan is my nephew! I got to be his Auntie Marci the whole time, and this is indeed a role that I am pleased to accept.

In Yiddish, we call it "kvelling" when all we do is feel so proud of someone, and take the opportunity to share our happiness and joy with the world. I am definitely kvelling over cute little Evan!!

Finally, how could I not include a picture of the proud mama with her baby. Jess is such a good mom. It is certainly bizarre to see the gal that I've known since we were eight being a MOM, but she fits the role perfectly. Her husband, Josh, was unfortunately out of town for the majority of my visit. They are such good parents, and I am learning a lot from them - someday, it will be my turn, too!!

Thanks again, Jess, for a great trip!!!

Like a Phoenix, She Rises Again

Well, that's an overly dramatic title :) Tomorrow morning, I am taking advantage of my (much-needed) vacation from work, and I am flying to Arizona (get it? She rises.... in an airplane....).

Oy vey.

Now, some of you may ask, why in the world would you fly to Arizona in the god-forsaken month of August? Marci, do you want to melt in that dry desert destination?

Well, trust me, I have a very good reason. My best friend, Jessica, lives there with her husband, and they had a baby in January. I've blogged about long term friends before, and Jessica is the longest - we've been friends since we were about 8 years old. She is like a sister to me, and thus, her son is like a nephew. I can't wait to cuddle him and give him a big hug and kiss! Occasionally, I plan on jumping in the pool a few times!

I really love the Phoenix area, and Arizona in general. I have a dream of opening up some kind of spiritual center there - a Jewish wellness center of some sort. I think it could really be something incredible, and a much needed institution. We would offer retreats, spa treatments, worship and meditation experiences, all through a Jewish lens... Cool, eh? Just check in with me in about five years, and let's see if I've made the dream a reality!! But, shhhhh, don't tell anybody :)

Well, I hope to write an update from the Southwest while I am gone, but, if not, talk to you soon!!