You Got a Fast Car, I Want a Ticket to Anywhere

Day one and two of our Valley Forge getaway:
We left very late in the evening on Friday because, quite frankly, we didn't feel like going at all. It was rainy...and late...and it had been a long week...and we had to do two loads of laundry just to pack...but we finally made it on the road.

Once we hit the highway, it was immediately evident that we HAD to go on this trip. It was one of those things in your life that you aren't dreading, yet aren't looking forward to either - but you are compelled to do it.

The car ride down was filled with singing off key and all kinds of silliness....thanks to some coffee and an IPOD, we finally made it.

Day two (which was really day one since we didn't get to the hotel until 11pm or so) was beautiful and quiet. I began the day with Dominick at the art studio, staying to hear the opening remarks, then leaving the master to his work. I had some work to get done, so I snuggled into a chair at Starbucks and spent the better part of the day there.

Afterwards I made a quick trip to the King of Prussia mall, which is immense and beautiful and has a great selection - but is overwhelming and not a "strolling" mall. I later found out that it was the largest mall in the US before they built the Mall of America. I had a shocking and very strong negative reaction to these mega malls; while 400 stores is an exciting prospect, is it enjoyable? To me, it crosses a fine line by ceasing to be a "shopping mall" and is instead a "shopping destination" that requires a Global Positioning System and the better part of the day to find Ann Taylor.

Just as you are not truly a mall unless you have a Gap, in my humble opinion as a Jersey Girl, there are things that detract from mall status as well. For instance:
Malls should not grow to such a size as they require the same infrastructure as airports; examples include people-movers and parking garages with traffic lights. Malls should not be designed in starburst designs with multiple buildings that confuse and anger the elderly (I saw two grandmothers who were about to throwdown because the salespeople did not recognize the description of where they *thought* they were parked - probably because it was in a different zipcode). Malls should not make you feel crazy by having more than one major department store (i.e. two Macy's). And while I love malls and roller coasters - they go together like rack of lamb and chocolate milk. Ok, over-analytical digression over...

So that evening, we drove down to Philadelphia to spend the evening with Rutgers donors who have become friends of ours. We went to dinner at their private club in center city and talked well into the night. Needless to say, Dominick and I woke up exhausted and a bit "dehydrated". But it was well worth it to spend an evening with such a bright and funny couple.

Day three was filled with much more of the sights and sounds of the area, but more on that later as I'm having quite alot of trouble with the photo uploading....

Time to Take Time, For Spring Will Turn To Fall....In Just No Time At All

We have begun our adventure into the wiles of Pennsylvania (affectionately called "Pennsyltucky" by those of us who are uncomfortable being more than 40 minutes from a major metropolitan city), and are having a wonderful time - more on that later....

Before we set forth on our journey, I had the opportunity - no, the pleasure - no, the blessing of spending the day with my cousin Allison, her daughter Megan, and the most recent addition to our family: Ryan Michael.

The trip didn't begin well. I awoke to pouring rain and had to get Tugger packed up and over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the weekend.

I hate Tugger in the rain - because Tug LOVES the rain. There is nothing that makes that dog happier than mud camo all over his little white paws. You can image what my floors and couch looked like! But I digress...

So I woke up to this:

But it couldn't deter me from seeing this:

Spending time with Allie and her children was just the rehab I needed. It is an amazing thing to grow up with someone and experience life changing events.

We sat and talked for hours - about life, about death, about nothing, about the kids. We remembered Barbie marathons and backyard parties and ex boyfriends. We remembered the fun we had together - but also the fear of not knowing how the maze of young adulthood would turn out for us. Allison spoke about sitting in her daughter's room, pregnant with her second child, and crying tears of joy for the blessings that God has brought to her life. I do the same in the quiet of the early morning, peering over the crest of my pillow at my sweetheart, my best friend, my Dommy....and I know this joy and gratitude will only intensify as our family grows (not yet folks).

But as I sat in my cousin's living room and soaked in the joy of her family, I was so inspired and proud of her. Her beauty reflected in in the laughter that fills her house, in the peaceful sleep of her new son, and in the icing-covered face of her sweet daughter.

And in the familiar comfort of our visit, I knew Grandma and Pop-Pop were smiling down on us...

Learn to Pretend There's More Than Love That Matters

This weekend is an “excursion” for us! We are going to the Valley Forge area in Pennsylvania where Dom will be taking an art class with an accomplished artist from Ireland and I will be.....well, I haven't really gotten there yet!

I know that I will not be working....I know that I will not be working on the house...I know that I will not be at home pretending to work on the house but *really* thinking about work and secretly checking my email while Dom is outside...so beyond that it is just gravy!
I will definitely be exploring the historic areas, and will probably discover an antiques market to spend some time and dough in. If all else fails, the King of Prussia Mall is nearby to satiate the "Jersey Girl" in me (even knowing there is one nearby is a bizarre comfort - just in case I am not properly dressed for a weekend of loafing? - I should talk to someone about this).

In preparing for this weekend - or, rather, in *thinking* about this weekend and realizing that I've not prepared at all - I'm saddened to admit that despite my best efforts, I've become saturated by my job AGAIN. There are so many changes going on - some for the better, some yet to be seen - that have me preoccupied. I really struggle to be present and to maintain a healthy balance in my life.

I don't pretend to be alone in this struggle. We've all been "caught": your spouse is talking to you and you are replaying that rather tense moment with your boss and thinking of all the things you could have said instead of nodding like the good soldier you are expected to be. Or, conversely, your boss is on the second filibuster of the day (and it is not yet 10am) and you are composing your shopping list in your head, hoping you'll have time to let the dog out before you go. Somewhere in your head you think "I hope someone is writing this down"...but that someone is not you.

I know this is normal….I know it is to be expected…I know I have to forgive myself and "insert any number of Oprah pontifications here"…but I still hate it.

So I am going to take this weekend as an opportunity to really connect with myself and my gorgeous husband. I'm going to consciously take the time to appreciate what a beautiful love we have, and what a blessed life we are building together.

In that spirit, here’s a look back...

The day that it all began...Six Flags, Sept. '98

The bridal shower - you can see the fear setting in as I realize I will soon have to open all of the wonderful household gifts that Dominick registered for and pretend that I know their name and purpose!

Revisiting the scene of the proposal - rockin it vintage style in Beantown

Canoodling at the lake house...I've always wondered at what level of celebrity you begin to "canoodle"? Speaking of celebrity...

Posing at my future place of employment in LA...dreams die hard...

Being married makes us want to dance

But at the end of the day, we're just the same two kids in love, playing dress up in this horribly grown-up world, biding our time until our next adventure...

Believe in the Magic That Can Set You Free

Nicolina Abigail Tapia turned 1 year old!

We were blessed and honored to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion with her family.

Nicolina's mommy Melissa lived 2 houses down from us growing up, and when my parents moved to Iselin, Melissa and MaryKatherine became the best of friends and remain so to this very day.

Melissa and her Mom often reminisce about my arrival: Stella and my mom were sitting on the patio and the girls were playing in the pool during a heat wave on July 10, 1981. Stella told my mother that she thought it would be a good idea for MaryKatherine to sleep over their house that evening and arranged it immediately. That night MK and Melissa talked about whether it would be a boy or girl (they were hoping for a girl!) - and the next day I arrived.

Growing up, our neighbors were very much our family. Melissa and my sister took the best care of me and never once can I remember feeling unwanted or burdensome (though at 7 years their junior, I'm sure that I was!). And whenever my mom would see a little red head bouncing down the driveway and ask where I thought I was going, the inevitable response was "my goin' Detta's" (Stella's) for some cookies and coloring books!
Our relationship continued through the years: I was delighted to be the altar server for Melissa's marriage to Pablo (MK was a bridesmaid) and we have been there to celebrate the christenings and birthdays for her little girls Michaela and Nicolina. Melissa was at my bridal shower (pregnant with Nicolina), brought the gifts up at our wedding, and most recently, the family was there to say goodbye to MK as she left for Spain.

All of this is to say, it is not often that you can find someone in your life, outside of your immediate family, who has been there for EVERYTHING. And when you do find these people - you realize that they are the family that God knew that you needed, and sent to you. To be there for Nicolina’s first birthday was a celebration of the circle of life that we are all blessed to be part of.

At the party, there was a magician – a great guy whose patience was nothing short of magical – and the kids had a great time. But for the adults, there was real magic in that house, and it had nothing to do with bunnies, I think you'll see what I mean...

Happy Birthday Nicolina - and thanks for reminding us to find the magic...

MK Update

We promised to update you on Mary Katherine's adventures in Barcelona, so here it is!
Believe it or not, these are the first - that's right, the FIRST - photos that we've received! These were taken with her cell phone - only MK would move to Spain and not bring a camera! We are just glad that we got at least ONE photo with her in it (MK is notorious for her minimalist photography and insistence that people "mess up" pictures).

So this is how our dear Meddie spent Easter Sunday - anyone jealous - I know I am!
We miss her terribly (which she knows); but the joy, confidence and sense of adventure that this experience has brought to her life is palpable and inspiring.

Till next time...

Family Baby News!

Ryan Michael Chorba was born sometime around 11:30 this morning, weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces.
Mommy Allison and Daddy Michael are doing wonderfully, as are big sister Megan and proud grandparents Burt and Maureen.
When I've fully recovered from being sick, I will be visiting the newest member of the family and will be sure to share photos.

In other baby news, we are also delighted to share that Dominick's cousin Jessica is expecting her first child in the coming months!

In the absence of personal photos to accompany these exciting announcements, here are some updated photos of the most recent additions to our rapidly expanding family:

Liam Lagos is growing like a weed and mom and dad (Billie and Justin) are looking forward to moving into their new home in August! Baby Liam enjoys giggling, sitting for photo sessions, spending time on his belly, and (apparently) flipping the bird during feedings - don't let the dark hair fool you, the attitude it all Hogan!

Ray New IV is also growing in leaps and bounds and mom and dad (Becky and Ray) are also anticipating a big move this summer! Baby Ray enjoys napping, playing with big sister Riley and staring down his monkey rattle.

We'll keep you posted on any new developments!

A Time of Innocence, A Time of Confidences

On this date in 2003, Dominick and I had our lives changed forever. We had plans to celebrate our friend Mark's 22nd birthday; instead we awoke to a phone call telling us that Mark was hit by a drunk driver the evening before and had died at the scene.


Mortality is an uncomfortable reality for all of us - even those of us whose faith tells us to be unafraid. We were blessed to have one another and so many other people supporting us. I distinctly remember a conversation with my Aunt Bridie, reminding me that the grieving process is necessary and natural - but our faith tells us that it is a selfish feeling of loss as we know that our loved one is in the greatest grace and glory. Somehow, that brought a clarity that I very much needed. During a time of loss, no words can make things "better"...
but her words made me stronger.

Burying and mourning Mark was one of the most difficult times in our young lives; it showed the superficialities of some relationships, and solidified the strength of others. The next year was spent in disbelief, and even after attending the hearing for the young man who had killed him, we somehow expected Mark to walk through the door, sit down and order a coffee.


But soon the profound pain and sadness dulled to an ache, accompanied by a sort of strength...a mission to honor Mark by making the world just a little bit better, since he wouldn't have that chance.
We have our memories of Mark - so many trips to Six Flags, dates at the movies, trips to the Jersey Shore and the Cayman Islands, and unrelenting conversations comprised entirely of movie quotes - and these memories sustain us.



So instead of honoring him yesterday, we've chosen to remember Mark today, which would have been his 26th birthday. We celebrate his life and all of the joy , tenderness, and laughter that he brought into the world, and we thank God for the gift of having known and loved him.

I'd like to share a poem that I wrote upon his passing:

We were fearless once…and young
Tart wine un-aged with timbered dreams
Lives made for stage and movie screen
Where laughter surged in crystal tides
And stolen kisses still abide

We were fearless once…and young
Moonlight laced among smoky truths
Obscured by the hazy tint of youth
In love strewn passages through which we turned
Smoldering whispers tremble and burn

We were fearless once…and young
When dew-spun morning dawned with hope
In pools of promise, dread eloped
Trapped in the circle of time’s parade
Humility bestowed by an ignorant blade

We were fearless once…and young
Coffee steeps where then you sat
In phantom booths where first we met
Eyes rage to condemn all that remains
And those who pretend to be sane or unchanged

We wake now to shadows and incessant fear
Wine aged too soon with abandoned tears
Seamless years unraveled, undone
Where you live fearless…and forever young.

Home and the Heartland Pt. 2

I couldn't resist - enjoy, if you are into this kind of thing!

Home and the Heartland

So when I was growing up, my understanding of what it means to be Irish was solidly based in an Irish-American experience. My grandparents were patriotic and proud Americans who would much rather regale us (my parents included) with stories of opportunity and rising out of poverty than the glories of the Motherland. I am more familiar with stories of my grandfather growing up with 15 siblings in upstate New York, with my grandmother and her sisters being offered a singing gig that instead went to the Andrews Sisters because "good girls" weren't entertainers, with the heartbreaking story of my Grandma Hogan who married a dapper young soldier, only to send him off to WWII a few weeks later and, as the story goes, got her husband back a very changed man. But what of the courageous members of my family who said goodbye to the craggy shores of County Mayo, hoping to find prosperity on the other end of a seemingly impossible journey? It was knowledge I didn't have growing up- but didn't miss either. My heritage was something I trusted in, something I assumed; I confidently declared myself an Irish-American. But was I?

What did I know of Irish Culture but a stereotypical family history with alcohol abuse, the occasional sing along to folk songs, and the annual baking of soda bread with mom (still the best in the world), and being sung to sleep every night with An Irish Lullaby? I first awakened to the richness of my heritage in a dark theater in New York City, sitting beside my mom and Barbara Dougherty. As the haunting pennywhistle transported us back to the moss laden fields of our ancestry and the fiddle began, Riverdance instilled a pride in me with roots that reached into a dormant place in my heart.

As the years progressed, I learned to jig, I learned a simple reel, I became president of my highschool's Irish Cultural Association and visited Ellis Island for the first time. I continue to search for a deeper connection and understanding of my ancestry, and others for that matter, but I will always be grateful to Barbara and my mom for taking my Irish pride out of a pub and into the culture itself.

But then again, there's always room for a pint! Speaking of which, here are a few photos of our family's Saint Patrick's Day Celebration:

Aunt Burt is always festive!

The hosts with the most!

More Italian than Irish - but still gorgeous kids!

Tis themselves - Daddy and the Godfather

You Ain't Nothin But A Hound Dog

Well, a few weeks ago we had some beautiful 70 degree weather, only to wake to an ice storm the next day. But it seems as though Winter has left us, and Spring is carefully creeping in. I try not to complain, knowing that in the 99 degree heat and 99% humidity of August, these 40 degree days won't seem so bad. And after all, if you can't appreciate the four seasons - you have no business living in the Northeast Corridor!

So here are just a few shots of Ginger and Tugger having together time, frolicking in the snow, and snuggling:

Panting and getting sprayed with the hose gave way to this....


This photo captures the essence of their play - "Na na na na na na...you caaan't catch me"

Tugger's newest pastime is jumping at the snow that we kick in his face...which now that I've written it down seems horrifically mean...isn't it funny how things sound differently in your head and then you articulate them and somehow feel evil?

...But he really does love it!

Even Ginger enjoyed the snow for a few minutes before she started shivering!

But after a half hour or so, they declared a truce of exhaustion.

And we came inside and the humans had hot cocoa, and the puppies had bones and snuggles.

Then mom and dad came over for some cuddles of their own!

We're happy to be emerging from our hibernation - but we sure did have fun and are grateful for the snapshots and memories of Winter 2007!
We look forward to posting some more colorful photos as we begin to bloom.