Christmas Vacation

Back from Christmas. Will attempt to post some pictures later. Was a wondeful time, and, thankfully, Lupe made it through. She is still with us, though only God knows for how much longer--every day is an unexpected blessing. A couple of days ago she recognized Josh and called him mijo, which she hasn't done in quite some time. It really touched him--he said as a child he didn't think of Spanish as Spanish, but as his grandmother's language. Here's hoping today is a comfortable day for her, and that she knows she is surrounded by love.

Josh and I have the week off of work. Because we are not Company employees, we don't get paid for the full week, but I really don't care. I am just enjoying the time. Josh is going to hang out with one of his old buddies later this week, and I am hopefully going to get together with my first college roommate tomorrow or Wednesday, whom I haven't seen in several years (thank you, Facebook!). And I may get together with a high school friend this weekend as well. Beyond that, the goal is simple relaxation. I have a stack of old People magazines to get through, plus a new Repairman Jack novel. I have a new KitchenAid mixer to try out (thanks, honey!!!!) and some cleaning to get caught up on. I want to get my hair cut, and I'm thinking about getting it colored (perhaps darker this time). We have Mario's birthday to celebrate on Wednesday, and we're ringing in the new year with Rotel, lil' smokies, and some sparkling cider we got for Christmas.

And then we get to begin a new year. I always find that to be an exciting and apprehensive time, just because it is so uncertain and so full of hope. 2008 has been a good year, though not without its struggles (moving, jobs, family illness, etc). But I am thankful for it. Josh and I got to go on our first vacation since our honeymoon this summer, and we were able to move this summer. We have new jobs--I love mine, and he's advancing in his. We are near family and got to enjoy birthday parties, job celebrations, Bernadotte, Rachel's safe arrival home from Kenya, Jeremy's wedding, and a thousand other things. I don't know what 2009 will hold, but I'm excite for it.

And now...off to find some lunch!