Happy New Year!

I am so happy it is 2009. Overall 2008 was a tough year and I am glad to have it behind me. I have hope for a good 2009. I should get you all caught up on the holidays and life's events lately. As you know I went home for Christmas this year. It was a rough Christmas for many reasons. I couldn't help but reminisce about the previous couple of Christmas's i spent with Caitlin which of course made me sad. Also, this was the first Christmas I spend at home since my grandparents passed away. This was also very sad and hard on me. I was determined to have a good Christmas which almost got shattered when my mom had to rush my dad to the hospital Christmas morning. My dad's health has been deteriorating over the last few years and we have been concerned. We weren't sure what was wrong when mom took him to the hospital other than he was having sharp pains in his stomach. After lots of tests mom called a few hours later and gave us good news. It was a kidney stone. Although it was very large and would probably have to be surgically removed it was not life threatening. By the time they got back from the hospital mid afternoon I had Christmas dinner all ready. We ate and then opened gifts. I spent the next few days relaxing, playing games with my sisters, knitting and thinking about my life. I guess I had reached such a sad point a Christmas that I knew I needed to do something about my life. I did lots of soul searching and healing. I was determined to bring in this new year with a different attitude and outlook on my life.

I arrived back to Chicago on the 28th without jr. He wanted to stay at Grandma and Grandpas for the rest of his vacation. I had to go back to work on Monday. I had a very busy week at work. I had lots of end of the year paperwork I had to do. I have heard other administrators complain about the amounts of paperwork they have to do but i don't mind. I actually like the paperwork. For New Years Eve I stayed home. I was going to go bowling with friends but waited to long to buy the tickets. I don't think I have ever spent New Years Eve by myself before. Although I wished I could have had someone to kiss I was happy spending sometime by myself. Me time is something I look forward to, since I don't get a lot of it. New Years day I went out to dinner with Lisa and other friends. It was nice. We went to the Icosium Kafe and I brought my champagne I didn't drink from the night before and we also had wine. I love those savory crepes. They are so good! I had a crepe filled with mixed greens, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, sun dried tomato tapenade, grilled chicken, pistachios, fresh basil and grape oil and balsamic vinegar. Yummy!

Today I went to pick Jr. up and my friend Kat tagged along. It was nice to spend time with her and she loves the Indigo girls so we listened and sang along to them. Jr. is back home now and having lots of fun in the tub at the moment. I need to end this and get him out so I can go get in the tub myself. I nice relaxing bath is just what I need!