Christmas was a blast. I had 5 days off, so it was a nice stretch of time, but no where close to what I am used to. I quite enjoy the December holiday season, and therefore generally try to take extra time off. This year my vacation bank was all used up...but that's perfectly fine with me..I used it for our amazing trip to Jamaica!
We arrived home to a house full of sick people. Not exactly what you want during Christmas time. However, it was short-lived for those who got it, and I've still yet to see the signs of me getting anything.
My brother and his 3 kids were also home for Christmas, which made it that much more special. There's just something different about Christmas when there are kids around. It's not just how their eyes light up when they see Santa arrive on Christmas Eve, or how excited they look when they open a gift they were hoping to get, it's also the joy and excitement that everyone feels when you are spending time together, whether it's playing a game, doing a puzzle, or simply helping prepare dinner. Mr. J and I spent most of our days entertaining the kids with the Wii, the onslaught on remote control devices Uncle J bought for the kids, and puzzles. It was wonderful - but I'm exhausted.
Christmas wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to see my friends. And I was happy the opportunity presented itself on Saturday. We drove into the city to begin a day of shopping and visiting. We had a chance to visit our friends from Dallas who were home visiting the family; we visited our local favourites that you just don't get here in Edmonton - comic book store, coffee/tea store and gaming store. We spent supper with our soon-to-be-parents friends, and then headed over to AJ and J'Bra's for the party.
It was wonderful to see everyone. It's been quite sometime since we all got together in one place to hang out. It reminds me of the many party's that happened over the years. It's nice to see that some things never change - getting together, talking about the usual - gaming and school. Although, as we get older the conversations are starting to include work, cool vacation spots, and other non-gaming activities. I am so glad we convinced BB to come out, although I hardly got to talk to him. (sniff)
After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and having to work a couple of days this week, I am ready for some pj-wearing-naptime-moviewatching-relaxo time.
Today we leave for Canmore. In keeping with tradition, we are off to a special get-away (just the 2 of us) to ring in the new year. Last year, Mr. J planned the surprise get-away to Candle Lake, so this year it was my turn. I picked the mountains, considering neither of us have been since there since we moved here. I've got dinner planned for tonight and Banff Hot Springs (with massages) planned for tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll be enjoying some quiet time together watching movies, playing games, and sleeping.
I hope everyone enjoys their New Years, whatever it may be, and with talk to you in 2009.
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