Monthly Archives: December 2013

My reflections on the year that was 2013

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Joel

As I look back on the past year, I don’t even know how to describe it. Was it a typical year for us? A monumental year with huge milestones? Was it a good year? A tough one? It would certainly … Continue reading →

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47 Ronin (2013)

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Joel

On a cold Saturday night in December, with my end-of-the-year vacation nearly half over, I met up with my good friend Doug in Morristown for appetizers and drinks at The Grasshopper Off the Green, then to see 47 Ronin, a … Continue reading →

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Overnight trip to Manhattan

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Joel

My wife and I planned a quick getaway trip to Manhattan for Thursday Dec 26th and Friday December 27th. The “David Cousins” (Joshua, Lily, and their 1st cousin Sofia) would all be sleeping over at the grandparents’ house (my in-laws.) … Continue reading →

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Christmas Afternoon with the Davids & Chackos

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Joel

After church, we drove over to my in-laws’ place for more food and drink, more hanging out, and more opening of presents. Also, to listen to the kids run around without tiring.  

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Christmas Morning

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Joel

Whoa, we were up early this morning to get ready for church, eat breakfast, open presents, and then get to church on time. After last night’s party, I wouldn’t have minded sleeping in a bit. As is our Christmas morning … Continue reading →

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Christmas Excellence 2013 with the Ipes & Josephs

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Joel

As is the tradition of the Ipes and Josephs, we get together for Christmas Excellence, some term that my wife and Robbie and/or Julie agreed upon. It involves one of our two families to devise and host some sort of … Continue reading →

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Christmas Party with Friends

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Joel

We celebrated / conducted / attended our annual Christmas party with friends. It’s usually a potluck dinner around a particular theme, and there’s been this whole color theme going on also these past few years. This year’s themes? Turkish / … Continue reading →

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The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Joel

Last December, the entire Ipe family went with great expectations to see The Hobbit. While the kids liked it well enough, my wife and I were decidedly underwhelmed with the bloated plot, long run time, and the overabundance of CGI … Continue reading →

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My last day at Prudential

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Joel

Today was my last day at Prudential. I was here for two years, two months. Certainly the shortest tenure at any organization in my career so far. I said all I need to say publicly in an earlier post, so … Continue reading →

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NJ TRANSIT bus crashes into Newark building

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Joel

A little bit of excitement here in Newark this morning a few blocks from my office. Around 1am, an NJ Transit bus and a taxi cab collided in the intersection fairly close to one of the parking garages owned by … Continue reading →

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