Into Fall & Winter

Wow! What a summer! Lots of Adventures and Changes.

We enjoyed the Spring and Summer in and outside of the city. We did some serious traveling outside the city this season. We went to China in April, did some camping in Lancaster, and NJ this summer, went to Atlantic city, New Hope, went to a Rodeo, and spent some quality time down the shore. In China we toured Beijing, Shanghai and a couple of beautiful small villages. What an amazing trip and experience we had!

We continue to enjoy the city by going to our favorite restaurants, outdoor events and festivals, picnics and BBQs. I have been doing a lot of walking and some yoga outdoors. I have rediscovered the Delaware River this past season and have spent a lot of time there. A beautiful area to spend time by the water.  Some highlights of the activities we attended in the city this past season include going to see comedian Gabriel Iglesias live, going to hear Jordan's mentor Alexa sing at Milkboys, going to North Shore swimming pool club in Northern Liberties, attending Comic Con and J1-Con with Jordan dressed as an Anime character, did a fun Escape Room activity, and attended the Stevie Wonder pop up concert.

Jordan did a significant amount of singing with School of Rock this past season. Jordan sang at The Rittenhouse festival, The South Street Festival, and the season Rap concert and 70s theme concert. He can rap...lol. He finished his junior year well and just started his senior year. I can't believe we are looking into colleges now. I am so proud of him. He has turned out to be a great person. My baby boy is not a baby anymore.....

My mom and dad are doing well. They are both getting older, with some health issues, but happy they are still fairly independent and healthy. I am blessed they are still here and I am cherishing the moments we still have together.

Some major changes occurred in my life this summer. My love relationship ended after a few years together (give or take a couple off months) and my job with the city ended as well. Both big changes, but both a very welcome change in my life. I was going in the wrong direction both in love and in work. I was not happy. It was time to better match myself with the right love and the right job. Unfortunately, we sometimes wait too long to make the needed changes to improve our lives. However, now I am on the right track again. I have healthy love and work in my life again. The future looks brighter than ever!

These changes have also brought about some thoughts about moving. Our time in the city has been grand. However, we are changing and the city doesn't seem as attractive and exciting as it used to 4 years ago. So, we are considering a move. We still have a year on our lease, since we signed a 2-year lease. However, we are making plans to getting back to a simpler life. Once that happens, this will no longer be the "Life in the City" blog. We will keep you updated on where and when we are moving. New life adventures in a new place are in the works. In the meantime, our travels and city adventures will continue, and we will continue to share them with you.

We have some exciting travel adventures coming; a trip to Puerto Rico in October, and a trip to Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic) in March, we are also visiting friends in Aspen and Chicago.

Looking forward to our travels and the fall and winter season in the city.

Spring is coming...but it's still cold!

Wow! It's been 5 months since my last post. Lots has happened.

Jordan is doing so well. He started 11th grade last fall. He is singing with School of Rock at the season shows and with the house band. He played at Underground Arts, Hard Rock Cafe, and Voltage Lounge. He will be playing at Milkboy and Johnny Brenda's this Spring. He sang Motown, Rock, and now Hip Hop & rap. The boy can sing! We are starting to look into colleges or tech schools. Can't believe he will be graduating high school soon. Amazing! He has turned out to be such a great person. So proud of him!

My Mom and Dad are doing pretty well. They are both in Norristown and in good health. Happy that they are doing well. I visit them every few weeks.

Since our last post we have been very busy. We moved into a new apartment close to the Northern Liberties area. We had to downsize on cost, mainly because we have to be getting ready for college kid soon. It's a smaller place, but it includes parking, and an extra small bedroom. We are still getting used to it. We did love our other apt., the location and space was very nice. But change is necessary. I do walk to work a few days a week. On those days, I stop by Reading Market or Chinatown and grab some goodies. The other days I drive since I have to get back to Jordan for his extracurricular activities.

We have slowed down since the fall, concentrating on school and work. Work has been tough since my change in position. My former director changed some areas at work before she left. A new director started and she has been even more challenging. Her style of management is a bit rough and I am having a lot of difficulty. It may mean it's time for a change in my work environment as well.

Haven't traveled much since the summer. Did a lot of traveling last Spring and Summer. Been saving for a big trip to China in a few weeks with Jordan. So excited! A dream come true for us. I did take a day trip to NYC in November. Did some bike riding and exploring there. Lots of fun! Spent Christmas with family and friends.......was very nice. Jordan turned 17 this past January and we celebrated big. Part of his birthday gift was the trip to China this April. We enjoyed the Mummer's parade on New Year's Day. We also enjoy movies out every couple of weeks, That is Jordan's and my favorite downtime activity. Jordan and I tried clay studio class. We created a few bowls. It was a new experience and we loved it. I continue to enjoy painting every month or so. We did visit the Franklin Institute and went to the Auto Show. I was on an oyster kick and checked out the Oyster House in Philly. I have gone to a couple of  PAFA -Art at Lunch seminars near my work. I also attend lunch church service -hour of power, near my work as well. I did discovered a new favorite place for brunch-Silk City. Yummo!

We have been enjoying other local restaurants for lunch and dinner, also some shows, and live music. Jordan and I discovered a Japanese BBQ house where we can grill our own meat and veggies at the table. Yum! I served on a jury for an injury case for the first time in Philadelphia. It was quite an experience.

This winter has been rough, lots of ice and snow. Looking forward to the milder Spring weather to come.