Welcome Elizabeth Hales Rose

Well the long process of changing my name has begun. Who knew the complexities of the entire process, but it all began with the Social Security Card and hopefully will end by April with a passport.

I went to the Social Security Office near China Town and may have been the only person who did not speak fluent Chinese. It was great because it wasn't crowded. The 20-degree weather and time of day worked in my advantage and I only had to wait 10 minutes. Then I tried to change my driver's license or bank accounts, but everything needs to have a copy of the new Social Security card first.

However, when I start my new job on Monday, my office and telephone will say "Betsy Rose". Yeah!

Christmas doesn't end yet

To celebrate our relaxing weekend together, Garrett and I decided to go to the American Natural History Museum and see if their tree was still up. It was still very festive with the dinosaurs made out of large pine-tree branches and the TONS of people there. It wasn't as bad as Time Square at New Years, but we were amazed at how long the lines were.

When we mentioned that all we wanted to see was the Christmas Tree a worker took pity on us and showed us a faster way. And there it was the origami tree!
I was so excited. I had no clue about this until this year when I googled a few "must see" things in NY. But don't worry this wasn't the first and only year. "For over 35 years" OrigamiUSA has designed and decorated a tree to herald the beginning of the holiday season" for the museum. This year the theme was Origami A to Z. As you look up close you'll see dinosaurs, birds, letters, etc. So much fun!
The top was also very impressive. Maybe we should decorate Mom & Dad Hales' tree this way next year. Are you game?

Just a close up to show all the amazing detail. I love the centipede.