Maxfax

Now on General Hospital. Believe it or not, it's time to get ready for the General Hospital weekend. I've pretty much explained this process before but for those who need a reminder. Here we go!!!
IN ANTICIPATION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL 99.
Basically it's a six month situation. We have to purchase our tickets for the main luncheon in January but the luncheon (limited to 400 seats is always a sellout) is in July. So for those who are going to attend, talk about the upcoming luncheon and weekend for six months prior. And when the General Hospital weekend and luncheon concludes, talk about it for the entire six months after. Therefore, there is never a lull in the discussion of the General Hospital weekend. Always a funny, poignant or silly moment to relive within one's memories. Again from year to year this goes on. And, again, the circle of life rings true.
These years go by too quickly and then we turn around it become today again. We hope we are not that much older but wished to be so much wiser!! Make the time to make your memories smile by making your days count. Whether it's volunteering your time, being the best parent, child, grandparent, and friend there is. Grab that brass ring while you still have the energy. Make every moment meaniful. AND Don't let life slip through your fingers. This is the time to create your CIRCLE OF LIFE.
Have a Happy New Year and make it WONDERFUL!!!

For those who know me, know I rarely use the word "hate."To me, hate,is a wasted emotion. So with that statement out on the table, I will tell you I HATE Mother's DAY. Mother's Day is the hardest day of the year for me.

Years ago when our son, Andrew was a little boy and we lived in New York, Mother's Day was my favorite holiday. Due to the fact that my husband's family lived across the street, my brother and his family lived down the street and my parents lived 11 miles away, it was a natural progression for us to invite the entire clan over. Now, I will share with you that my husbands family and my family never had what you would call an argument. It was more like a meeting of NOTHING IN COMMON. We invited the "entire clan" over one time only and then we decided ..his family gets the Saturday before Mother's Day and mine gets the actual day. It wasn't worth hearing from either side on that Monday..You know what he said or did you see how much she ate? Two different menus, two different table clothes..basically, you get the picture Two Different Worlds.

While preparing for these events during the week one year, I told my friend what we were doing and she asked me, "When do you celebrate Mother's Day? When is it your turn to be served on Mother's Day"? I looked at her and told her that the day I am THE princess on Mother's Day, would mean that Mom and Mother in law are no longer with us. I wanted them with us for many many years. And besides my husband treats me like a princess for the other 364 days. She looked at me and realized the same as I, its great to continue be the hostess.

Now, fast forward many years later with Andrew being fully grown. We no longer live near any family. And Mom and Mother in law have been in the arms of the angels for about 5 years now. (We lost them 8mos apart in 1993/94) I long to celebrate Mother's Day with them on Saturday and Sunday. I miss my mom so very much. Even though my start with my mother in law wasn't what you would call GREAT, we came to terms and I can honestly say, I did love her. I miss them both and rarely a day goes by without my thoughts drifting to one or the other or both. With our son away in another state. With my attitude on Mother's Day not always being the brightest. You know, always needing that prozac moment, our son doesn't address the holiday. He is a great young man who is kind and sometimes even generous. However, this isn't the holiday of choice for him to show that side. I once embarrassed him and insisted he purchase a card for me on this day. He went to the local Walmart the night before and found others did appreciate MOM and the only card he could purchase was,"You have been like a Step mother to me, Happy Mother's Day." If you think about it, it is amusing and I do bring it up every year, just so he doesn't think I will ever forget this most cherished card.

This week on General Hospital, watching Laura mourn over her lost child, listening to Bobbie remember BJ, seeing Liz with Grandma Audrey looking for comfort and following Luke into Kelly's searching for his late pseudo mother Ruby tore me to shreds. And with the real news in Colorado, mothers and fathers losing 25 children. I long for the days to celebrate Mother's Day. I long for a happier time. I long for the days I can complain about making two different menus for two different days. I long for yesterday once more. I know we cannot relive the past. However, making today count is key. My husband and I have been adopted here by a wonderful family. They adopted us, we adopted others. Life goes on. Appreciate those special people in your life. Tell them you love them. It doesn't have to be Mother's Day to express your joy to that paramount person in your life. If you are a mom, cherish those children and if you are a child, cherish your mom.

I MATTER

Have you ever gotten so angry that you felt like yelling and screaming and even throwing an object? Have you ever gotten so tired being taken advantage of? Have you felt that your world is going topsy turvy because it isn't your world any longer? Have you noticed that somewhere along the way, it became someone else's world and you are just in it for the work? Have you gotten the feeling that I am pretending to be a female Andy Rooney?

Lately, all I dream about is losing my temper. I am very capable of doing this task. However, should I just lose it for simple matters or for that really important reason? I fear I will lose it over something so minor because the major issues bothering me are weighing me down. Somedays, I find myself being sucked away by people. I feel that large STARBUCKS STRAW lodged in my neck.
Their financial woes, their problems with their kids and their spouses. I feel like Barnabus Collins has come to me and I am his latest victim. Where is my Barnabus ring I had to have in 1968? Oh why oh why did I ever throw it away?

Have you ever noticed that some people will ask,"How are you.?" Your reply is usually, "Great, and how are you doing?" Now, that was a mistake, because then THEY will actually tell you every about every ache and pain wrong with them. It's usually more information given about their health than I care to know.

There is discrimiation out there people!! Did you know there are some people who think that when a person has a business inside her/his home or is a domestic engineer either by choice or by need, that the homebody doesn't have a schedule or isn't accountable for time. Oh, since you have so much time, could you please run to the grocery and pick up some magazines for me? Since you don't work,would you be a dear and call the beauty shop and make an appointment for me? I need you to pick up my kid from school, take him to the dentist and feed him dinner, I am going to the office party tonight, Thanks!! OOOOhh Ricky Martin is coming here, would you call and get us tickets? Oh you want to see him too? Ok then get tickets for you too when you call for us.

Since we live in Las Vegas and I don't work outside the home, it has brought us other intrusions. We will get a phone call (sounding) something like this. Hi , we are here in Las Vegas for two weeks, how do we get to your home? Can you pick us up? Excuse me? Is my house clean for company? Do I have enough food to accommodate you, your husband and your five children? Have I invited you? And mostly did you bring me a gift? I am not sure if it's because we live in Las Vegas, people are confused and think it's a party town. However, it's amazing how many show up here thinking that we are on a constant vacation. I know when we first moved here 15 years ago, we had company for one week per month for the first six months. Granted reservations were made in advance due to availability so we always knew who was coming. Arrival and departure time was a must. Afterall, we had to pick them up and deliver them to and from the airport. There was one occasion as his stay was came to an end, I brought him to the airport and dropped him off of at one gate and literally turned around to the other gate and picked up our next group staying at CHEZ BENNETT. We did register with the AAA for a 5 * rating. We actually got one !!!

Sometimes I feel that people take me for granted. I have a great deal of trouble saying NO. Even though the word Yes comes out so much easier for me than No, No, has to be said. Last week someone wrote me a note asking if I can get a famous person to help her win a contest. Frankly, I was appalled that anyone would ask that. I think there is a part of me that is tired of being nice. Can you imagine anyone tired of being nice? However, I think my venting is making me come to terms and admit, I matter.
If I don't educate people that I matter, it gives them the license to disrespect me, again. Have you watched characters like Luke Spencer, Bobbie Spencer or Sonny Corinthos and admire their boldness? They do not care what people think of them. They do not care if they are rude. They, of course can be loving and sweet but they can be crude at the same time. And neither of them care. I think thats one of the reasons for their popularity. When I think of the song 'MY WAY", it epitomizes each of their attitudes and characters. I bow to their security within themselves. I bow to their self esteem. I need them to help me grow as a person.
I am not sure if age has anything to do with my attitude. I have noticed in my constant joy of watching people, my elders have no trouble expressing their likes and dislikes without batting an eye lash. Granted, I don't want to become a cranky biddy but, I matter. St Johns Wort will see to a kinder, gentlier but, a much more direct me. As I begin my 50th year of life, I vow I will no longer allow anyone to take advantage of me. Each day, I vow and take an oath to work on letting people know I matter. I view my opinions as mine and mine alone. I have no problem with those who do not agree. If I don't stand tall for me, who will? It's time for those who try my patience to realize, I matter!!!

Its about 3 in the morning right now and i have just finished some work that i had to get done. i've also worked most of the early evening volunteering with the homeless and all i can think about is that in four weeks, i will be attending the general hospital fan club weekend. this will be my 7th or 8th year. i still cant figure it out only because at one time this luncheon was held every other year with some side events and the "off" year just had some other side events. and yes there was one year that i didnt attend so, you get the picture, i dont really know how many years but its enough to share my thoughts on the subject with you.

i also know that when i came back from last years gh weekend, i started saving my money because i was determined to attend every side event as well as the gh luncheon and pc dinner. now this is not to knock any body but have you seen the list of the side events offered for this weekend? in order for me to attend every event, i would have to take a loan from the bank. now imagine what the loan officer would say as i told him why i needed this money.
i think its great that all of these events are offered but i have resolved myself to realize, i am not going to be able to attend them all.
now take a look how many events are offered. how much each costs and see what i am talking about. the amounts with questions marks are those events i am not absolutely sure of their cost. but then again i am either $5-$10 off on each. If you are a fan club member in some cases there is a slight discount.

gh luncheon $75
pc dinner $65
kin shriner $40
q brunch $75
jackiez $45?
real $30
tyler $50
wally $35
stephen nichols $45?
steve burton $50
maurice benard $50
becky herbst $40?

this doesnt include air fare, food in some cases and hotel rate.
so now i am contemplating, i know i am going to the pc and gh events. kin, maurice and steve are a must and of course the q event. can i really afford any others? i think not. the gh weekend for the most part is meeting up with the friends you have met there from year to year. some you keep in touch with throughout the year and others its a nice reunion to see each other again. since i have joined the aol community, it brings me together with many of my online friends who i get to visit with each night. however, its not the same as getting that special hug from each of them as we start the weekend or tears when we leave as the weekend comes to a close.
we plan and plan easily for 6 mos prior to this special weekend and then we talk about the fun we had the next 6mos and then all of a sudden we find out its time to get those money orders in again for the next years events.
if you have never attended this weekend, start saving now for the blast in the year 2000. i am giving you fair warning to start saving up now for a great great time.
so have you added up the price of admission?
now where is my calculator when i need it it comes to about $600 just for the events. ask me if the weekend is worth it? i will tell you the beauty of this weekend is that you can pick and choose in advance what events you want to attend and what you choose to ignore. if you just want to hang out at the pool and not attend any of the events, believe or not, no one will look at you funny. if you are a star seeker and with a beer budget, there is always a chance of running into one of the stars of gh or pc during this weekend. so ask me, is this weekend worth attending? does the word "yes" ring a bell?
wishing all who will be attending a great experience and if you see me walking down the street...dont walk on by. make sure to say hello.

Where do I begin with this story? I don't know so please indulge me and let me ramble on.
All I knew was that our son Andrew and his girlfriend Ali were coming into LV and I was counting the days. I knew both of them were coming here since Febuary or March. We hadn't see Andrew since January and Ali since last August. We were so excited that "our" kids were coming in and we were going to have a nice visit with them. I thought this would be nice to invite Bobbie and Cliff (our very close friends) and family over to our home for a BBQ the day after the kids arrived. Steve does great BBQ. Ali thinks it's a big deal when we grill. So aiming to please always..we always grill when she joins us here. I need to share with all of you that I adore this young lady. She is the answer to our prayers. I honestly don't know if they will marry but for now I think of her as our daughter in law. And as our friend Kimberly suggested, I will adopt her either way. She is a living angel. Some of you also might be aware that Debbie, Andrew's former baby sitter who we've also "adopted" into our lives, left us to start her new life last week. She did slip up and say she was coming back to LV for this past weekend. I questioned her during that statement weeks ago and somehow she got out of it. It never dawned on me that she would not be telling me the truth. I kept repeating how sad I was that she and Andrew wouldn't be saying good-bye for now. Being she left the week before and he and Ali were coming in this weekend it wasn't great timing on either of their part. Then miraculously, Debbie told me she will be traveling to Houston at the end of August and would meet up with Andrew so I didn't feel as badly. Our good-bye last week wasn't the best. I didn't want to cry and she didn't want to cry so we hugged and just said bye .. She isn't as emotional as I am (really, who is?). However, I didn't want to get her going and selfishly I didn't want to get going (crying) either. I've known her 1/2 her life..it was like saying good-bye to another child, friend, sister all in one.

A few weeks ago after insisting that the BBQ be held here at our home, Bobbie suggested that we have it in her backyard. After all they have a pool and Steve and the kids could swim if they chose to. I thought about it and agreed. I think Bobbie was shocked only because she knows how stubborn I really am. However, I insisted on handling the food. I felt that was the least Steve and I could do. So we shopped thinking..ok this is good ..or they would love this..oh that would be delicious--etc I think you get the picture. Making sure that each guests needs would be addressed. Cliff, Bobbie's husband just had a physical and the doctor suggested he was borderline diabetic ..therefore, since I am watching my carbs and so is he..we made sure our needs were taken care of too.
Bobbie kept saying she had the soda and the paper goods. I told her I could furnish that also but she said don't worry ..again not thinking anything strange.
Kimberly asked me the usual questions about Andrew's and Ali's pending arrival so I didn't think anything strange about that. Little did I know, she was checking to make sure we didn't meet in the airport that night. Annie joked with me one night suggested her red car pick me up on the strip..I started thinking and said to the both of them, oh gee maybe you guys could come into Vegas in Oct. (Steve and I are one day apart and celebrating our birthdays are a big deal. We are like little children when it comes to this occasion)..I miss you and that would be cool..well Kimberly reminded me (as she burst my bubble lol) that she is going to Ireland ..and I immediately realized what a pompous idiot I was to even ask people from out of town to join us here in October for our 50th birthday.

Friday night is coffee night and Bobbie and I usually partake. She insisted that Cliff come over and get the food in advance so he could be ready for Sunday..I thought at the time, I guess they have plans on Saturday night and don't want us near their home. Again not knowing they were decorating for our party. It was odd but then again..nothing is strange with them I guess.

Then Saturday night that the kids came in, I sat and spoke to them for a long while and Ali showed me these great photos from Mothers day --Andrew celebrated with her mom and grandma and of course Ali. Need I remind anyone here ..I received my mothers day card 3 days late and I usually receive a Mothers Day card from Andrew saying "You've been like a step mother to me"..I expressed my disappointment that he had the time to spend with them but claimed he was studying for finals and couldn't mail a card or a note on a piece of plain paper to me on time. He didn't break..he didn't blow it ..he kept a straight face and said, with a grin, he was going to get online right now and send me a Mothers Day card via Blue Mountain, so I would stop complaining.
Sunday arrived and prior to that day we were told we shouldn't come over until 4:30pm. I questioned Bobbie as I felt since she invited the kids and Steve to swim, why so late. Her excuse was that Cliff was going to be out doing something and ....double talk double talk..I thought again whats the point of going swimming at 4:30 but then again..it was now their call for their house.
Andrew and Ali kept us occupied toward the end of the day ..and my least favorite words are. come on, come on...little did I know that was their job to stall us so we wouldn't get their early. Those who know me know, know I feel it's an absolute crime to be late and I will start to pace and get nuts.
Finally we loaded the car and got to the house and the door was locked..again a bit unusual but ..we rang the bell and I said to Steve..gosh this is dumb they knew we were coming over ..and then door opened and all I could hear was SURPRISE. There was a couple there I had no idea who they were at first ..that was the first people I focused on..We hadn't seen them in so long their look was completely different. Once I realized who they were, I was sure that this party was for us.
My face was beet red..I saw this one and that one Debbie..Tracy, Bobbie, Kimberly ...Annie, Cliff holding the video camera. Some others that were there that I had just spoke to the day before or the week before. All keeping this secret....and lots of other wonderful people in our lives. It was truly an amazing experience. I hugged each and every one of them at least 4 times .
I started looking around the room I think I looked up at Steve first..still in total disbelief that this party was in our honor. As we moved around the room most everything made sense. We had sent a basket to Debbie and beau Bryan (from cindy's company) as a welcome to her and his new home and living arrangements gift..she never told me she received the present. Once again I think she was "afraid" of spilling the beans lol. I saw Kimberly and had told Steve earlier no one was online today..I said everyone must have a life but me. (poor Maxine) I couldn't believe that Kimberly flew from LA to Las Vegas for this event. It totally blew me away. All of a sudden I saw Annie and I flipped out. Imagine someone coming in from NY to share this occasion with us? I am not accustomed to this. I then saw Leslye and I was dumb founded. Leslye had been working so hard that a Sunday should have been a day to rest not to come to this event. And low and behold she drove from Orange County to come and share our day. Side note: she left 8pm or so to drive back to Orange County and work the next day..Unreal. Tracy who surprised me greatly by coming was another treat. I found out later that all my onliners enjoyed messing with me throughout the week knowing what was going to transpire
Friends who we hadn't seen in a while due to scheduling were at this party. I know others were invited and it was understandable that they couldn't attend. My brother and his wife were leaving for Italy from NY the very next day. It would have been too difficult a trip for them to come to Vegas and then go on to Italy. Some other friends who were on a cruise were sad they couldn't attend. I don't really know how many people were there but those who were there were terrific. Those who couldn't attend were there in spirit and were in our hearts.

I found out the story how it all began with Andrew realizing that it was time to do something for this momentous occasion, our 50th birthday and our 25th wedding anniversary. Being that our birthdays are in October and our anniversary is in November and the fact that he couldn't get away from school at that time of year, only increased the surprise. I guess he knew we wouldn't do this for ourselves. He started in March. Got Debbie and Bobbie and Cliff to help.
They "broke" into our home when Steve was at work and I was at the GH weekend ..Cliff and Bobbie were given the key by me. Cliff had promised to fix something in our home. However. when he was done, he left the door unlocked so Debbie could use my scanner and scan some very cool photos for this sign in board that she made for us. Then I heard she deleted whatever she needed to delete so I wouldn't catch on. Bobbie left the invitation on my desk and had to come back to get it. A comedy of errors for my mission impossible but possible gang. All in all it was a brilliant plan. Talk about us being totally stupid. Ok don't !! Andrew made sure that deli trays were ordered and other food as well. Bobbie helped him order and Cliff and Bobbie got a very cool clown cake (don't know how they knew that I loved clowns) from Costco

Needless to say they didn't use our food that was sent over on Friday night. We invited some of the gang over the next night for a BBQ. And as always, Steve did a great job.
The gifts were fabulous. However, as I started to open the gifts, I explained to this wonderful group of people that their gift was their presence. By having all these people gather together for us in one room..taking time out of their day to share it with us..Long distance phone calls...Donna, Linda..my brother, my best friend gail, who had just left Vegas the week before, was enough for anyone to feel ferklempt.(totally emotional)
There is a video of this event. I am very much looking forward to watching it. My beet red face and of course Steve's reaction. There was a part in the afternoon when every one was expected to say something terribly nice about us. And everyone accommodated. I was quite embarrassed. Steve ate it up, he loved it. I have never felt so loved, so honored and so blessed while each spoke and remembered something about one or both of us. As they spoke about us touching their lives, I could only emote how they've touched my life as well as Steve's and made us so much richer for the experience. The highlight of course was Andrew's speech. I sat there in awe and listened to this young man who is no longer a baby. Who spoke with such love and conviction about us as his parents and as a couple. We all pray for this moment. That moment when our children become the person we mold them to be and in this case...and more. There is no doubt that G-d granted us our wish and bore us a wonderful son. In the last few months, Andrew and I have had many discussions about labeling people. There are times I don't always remember what classes he takes, or what journals he writes.To me that's not as important as how is he or who he is inside. I am more concerned about the person who he is becoming. He was viewing himself as Andrew, Law student. I've explained to Andrew, that Andrew, the human being ..our son ..etc. was far more important. Within the last few weeks, he finally saw my point without me having to mention it again. I watched with parental pride as he spoke, as Andrew, our son. The respect and the love for his father and for myself was worth more than FT Knox houses. There is no need for a Mothers Day card. I have it all. To have a son who is such a mench (yiddish for a gentleman or lady depending on gender), a husband who has been with me through thick and thin--and that same family unit who believes as I do that love is considered paramount and is given unconditionally. A bank of friends who I know I can count on without any need of an explanation. I know I have it all. I said this all this past Sunday. With all thats in my life, I am truly the luckiest person in the entire world.
Thank you for listening to this and allowing me the absolute joy of bragging and sharing our wonderful weekend with you.

Tonight, I received that dreaded phone call. You know the one. I am sorry to inform you your .... has passed on. Well tonight my dad passed away. I knew it was going to happen today. I got a certain twinge just at the time that the hospital told me he passed on. In fact, I felt it all day long. Seven years ago, on this very same date, my mother left us too.

Dad had been losing it since mom's passing. He was her caregiver and then when there was no more care to give, he let go.
My parents marriage wasn't necessarily the marriage of the century. No marriage is for that matter. But they were married for over 50 years and were faithful in every way to one another. In their own special way, they truly loved each other. He would look at her and the world shut down. She loved him through thick and thin. And they would argue with words. Sometimes my brother and I wondered who deserved the purple heart more. She for sticking it out or he?

When mom died, there was no reason for dad to go on. He never recovered from her death. I don't really think one can really recover. Moreso, just continue life. In his case, he chose to exist.

It's a funny/odd situation, how on the soaps, when a character dies, people mourn for a day. Then the story takes them and their character in a different direction and they never mention the deceased character again. However, when a character is "dead" and the writer decides to bring that character back from the dead, it's amazing how that dead character's name is placed in the dialogue so we, the viewer know, Ah Ha--so he isn't really dead!

It's times like these I wished I lived in Port Charles and could revive my dead loved ones.

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful husband, son, brother, nieces and true friends who will be with me through this horrendous time in my life. Steve was just so comforting tonight. He didn't know what to do for me but just sat and listened. Poor Andrew, it just broke his heart that Grandpa is gone. He wanted him to be at his graduation or even his wedding. I explained to him that's how I felt at my wedding. I wanted my favorite grandmother to be there too. Unfortunately she had passed on 12 years earlier. I continued and explained that my grandma was there. I felt her there in my heart. I explained that he could have the same feeling similar to I at his wedding or graduation too. Or anytime for that matter, he wanted that special person there. Nothing can stop that feeling from your heart.

I do have comfort knowing that because my dad was so unhappy for so many years that he is at peace for the first time in seven years. My parents have been reunited and for them, it feels so good.

When you lose one parent, it's not an easy situation. It's that first reality that our parents nor are we, going to live forever. I said when my mom passed on, I've joined the club. The club that knows and can relate to losing a parent. So tonight, I have moved up and have joined the newer club.
Front row and center I sit with those who have lost them both.

We've just learned the most wonderful news. Our son Andrew and his girlfriend Ali became engaged last night. Imagine me a mother in law? Steve a father in law? Where have the years gone? Please don't start singing SUNRISE SUNSET!!!

Andrew and Ali met in Israel Christmas Eve 1997. They were on a student trip touring Israel. I knew when Andrew returned from that trip life was going to be quite different for him. He met the girl of his dreams. He had one semester left of college in Washington, DC but his heart was with Ali in Texas. Graduation came very quickly and because Ali had her own final exams to study for she was unable to join us in Washington, DC and be part of his graduation celebration. A few months later, we welcomed her to our home in Las Vegas and if there is such a thing as love at first sight we experienced that during our first meeting with her.
Many curves were thrown to this couple. Education being paramount. Each decided to make sure theirs was addressed with great success. Andrew moved from Las Vegas to Austin. Then Ali moved from Austin to Dallas and then Andrew moved from Austin to Houston. He wanted to achieve his goal and become an attorney. It seemed the 18 month program that Ali sought after for her speech therapy masters was an eternity. This long distance relationship helped make the telephone and airlines very wealthy. Somehow they managed to make it and now with them living in the same zip code they've decided it was time to take this relationship to the next level.

When they visited with us this past March, Steve and I were asked what our requests were for their wedding party and religious ceremony. Even though I knew Andrew was going to ask Ali for her hand in marriage I didn't want to act as if I giving away his secret. Both Steve and I addressed certain issues that we felt important. When the kids left to go back to Texas, teasingly I asked them to call me when they were "official"

Throughout the last couple of weeks it hasn't been easy for me not to spill the beans. For those who know me, know keeping secrets is not one of my best traits. However, there was nothing on this earth that would allow me to ruin this for Andrew nor for Ali.

After many weeks of planning. Andrew was able to receive Ali's fathers blessing for her hand in marriage, Ali's mothers blessing too, purchase a truly lovely ring and call the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC so his "plan" could be worked out. The Embassy was wonderful. They were more than accommodating. Andrew did all the right things and somehow got her on a plane and whisked her off to DC. Everything was in place for a wonderful moment for them to share.

The Embassy invited Washington DC's local Jewish Newspaper to interview the kids.What a great human interest story.. Couple meets in Israel and gets engaged at the Israeli Embassy. Now if you knew my son you would know that only HE would revel in proposing marriage to the woman he has waited for all his life AND carry a press conference all at the same time. Without missing a beat I might add!!

They called us after they went out to dinner and told us the details of how Andrew proposed etc. Both Steve and I were on different telephones so we wouldn't miss one detail. All we could do was cry and smile and listen and laugh all at the same time. We are beyond thrilled. I understand that a tour of the West Wing of the White House is in store for the them too. As Ali said, "Andy claims to have a surprise each day while we are here in Washington, DC."

When my dad passed away this past November. My brother and I wanted to honor both my parents with memorial plaques and place them in my synagogue here in Las Vegas. They were ordered in December but apparently it takes many months for them to be processed. They are sent from NY. I received the phone call yesterday that their plaques were here in Las Vegas. Full circle of life. Once again Mom and Dad are looking down at us with joy.

The night before we knew the engagement was going to become "official", Steve and I sat at our dining room table eating dinner looking at one another and asking.....Where have the years gone??? Are you sorry you married me?? Do you love me? We felt like Golda and Tevya from "Fiddler on the Roof."
My life began when I married Steve and it only became more enriched when Andrew was born. With each life cycle is a wonder and a miracle. We gladly embrace this new addition to our family.