Baby Fig Newton: Happy Birthday Mombosock

October 21, 1955 - my mom was born. Today she would have been a young 56 years old. Although she died way too young.. she lived every day to the very fullest. Today- on her birthday I want to reflect on all the great things I loved about my mom- and be happy for the times we shared together. My mom was truly my best friend- when I was little I would dress up in my spandex tights mom made for me- and do aerobic videos in front of the TV along side her. I idolized her. As I grew older we grew even closer. From mother daughter National Charity League meetings and events in high school- to trips around the world - Japan, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Australia.. we always enjoyed each others company.

I love the way mom...

Always (yes! always) had a positive attitude

Took her passion and made a career out of it.. 3 times! (Baby furniture rentals, Spandex "Sussex Sport" and Real Estate

Put her family first- and always wanted the best for us

Believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions

Lived a healthy lifestyle- and made daily exercise a (fun and social) priority

Taught us to give to people less fortunate- especial during the holidays (delivering sack lunches downtown)

Lived in the moment

Lived spontaneously- she was up for anything anytime

Loved animals (especially adopting peoples used pets- Sandy, Cosmo, and my two gerbils that bit)

Dressed 80's - probably for way too long

Sang out loud to whatever song was on the radio- even when she didn't know the words

Substituted missing items in her recipes.. for what ever was in the pantry (but still made a great meal)

Loved the water and sailing- especially with her dad, brothers and cousin

Never gave up on her dreams and the dreams of those closest to her

Totally blurry- Ill have to find the original photo somewhere
Gilda's club fashion show- mom threw her wig off at the end of the catwalk- and everyone cheered!

Mothers and Daughters

So mom- on your birthday- I am going out... on the water- "soaking up the sun" - living in the moment- eating birthday cake and enjoying your day!

Happy birthday to Grandpa Sussex too!! They shared the same birthday- pretty neat.

Heading down to catch the Ferry from Manly to The opera house to meet Dan

Manly Wharf

On the ferry- with Manly Wharf bar behind

Dan waiting for me to arrive - at the Opera Bar

The sail boats were out- on mom's birthday!

The harbor bridge at sunset

I took the jet cat (18 min fast ferry- as opposed to the 45 min ferry- cause i was running late.. oh surprise) We passed the ferry- as well as a pirate ship (on the far right of this photo)- NBD

See the opera house in the distance?

Pulling into Circular Quay- not a bad time of night to be out on the water

We met up with Stacy and Bushy at Opera Bar for some drinks- apparently we weren't the only ones with this idea.. but we got super lucky and snagged a table with a great view