Jersey Boys

So, in an effort to maximize our last 2 months in NYC - we have decided to buy tickets to the broadway shows we want to see, and hit the museums/other events one last time. Well, it started on Tuesday night, when we went to see Jersey Boys, about Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons. The show was amazing! We really had a great time, and loved hearing all of their hits!

Happy New Year ... & Happy Birthday

Happy New Year!! My favorite part about the New Year is that you can start new/fresh. You can set goals and strive for new heights. I have an extremely strong testimony/belief in setting goals.

We went out to dinner, then off to our friend's apartment for a little house party. It was slightly less intense than the year prior when we partied at Emily's work and then brought in the New Year actually in Times Square, but still a great way to bring in 2010.

On Jan 10, I turned 27 years old. It is interesting, 27 sounds old, but I still feel like a 17 year old. I guess the other side of the coin, 27 still sounds pretty young. ;)

It was a great birthday - I had a scouting meeting, ran some errands, and went shopping with Em. The 2 great gifts I received - 1) 2 new suitcases and 2) memory foam mattress topper for our bed. As it turns out, memory foam is incredible - you just sink into it. And I dont think I have ever slept better. Thanks babe - I love you.

Philadelphia

Christmas in Cali

A Christmas miracle happened Friday night, December 18 at JFK airport. We booked the 7 pm flight, so had to leave work a little early (always a bonus), and despite a ridiculously long security line, we were able to cut to the front and made it 5 min before the flight left (last people on the plane). But that was not the miracle - it was the fact that a blizzard hit NYC that night, and all the flights were canceled the next day. We felt blessed, like a little Christmas miracle!

San Francisco during Christmas is fun. Sure, the ultra-liberals have banished anything that remotely resembles Santa Clause - but we can overlook that minor detail. It was fun going around the city - Pier 39, the wharf, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Union Sq and driving down Lombard st.

It was absolutely wonderful being with Em's parents and fam. We had a total party while there. Some of the Christmas highlights from Cali

1) Sharks game
2) The amazing weather
3) Avatar - in 3D
4) P.F. Changs
5) High Priest party
6) Carol's amazing Apple skills creating a Italy remembrance GFTH book
7) University of Pennsylvania - Wharton sweatshirts
8) Emily's kindle
9) Carol's Jerusalem book????

Life is good. But, as fun/good as all the gifts/food are - the real reason for the season is Christ. It was great to take some time away from the hectic schedule of NYC, and to think about the Savior and what truly matters.

Thanksgiving - AZ Style

We spent Thanksgiving in Arizona with my family. This has sort of become a tradition, with the whole fam getting together and celebrating "Thanksmas." Last year, everyone was able to make it but us (since I had to work Thanksgiving weekend due to the year end of Goldman Sachs.) But due to the financial crisis, collapse of the investment banking industry, GS is now a bank holding company (bless the Fed), and we have a calendar year-end, which translates to Thanksmas in AZ. But ironically, my two Colorado brothers decided not to attend this year (they both promise unrelated to my attendance.)

Regardless, we had a great time, and are so happy to spend some good time with the fam (it had been 2 years since we had been back to AZ). The weather was amazing, the food delicious, and the company fantastic (probably due to the fact that were no political debates & Obama discussions).

Some highlights:
1) Not taking any days off, but just "working from home" from our laptops in AZ.
2) Playing golf - in a t-shirt in 75 degree weather ... in November. Wow! Bless non-New York weather.
3) Playing tennis - and getting completely smoked by my 39 year old brother Mike.
4) Playing racquetball - and smoking Mike/Rick! ;)
5) The Bentley mansion (and indoor slide)
6) Being with mom/dad again
7) Cafe Rio - 5 times in a week ... ah!
8) Seeing our friends
9) Driving again --- and enjoying space

This Thanksgiving we are grateful for our family and friends. Arizona was amazing! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving as well.