Is Christmas really already over?

This Christmas came and went at an unprecedented rate. It was a lovely Christmas though. I had all of last week off and I spent my time with my family and Alex's (Cleveland & Cincinnati).

I am really tired of talking about the wedding though. In the midst of all of the visiting and eating, I managed to book a florist, photographer, cakemaker, dj and bought a dress (and I have the church, the reception site and the invitations). The dress happened to be the first one I tried on! My mom was tearing up. I was worried I wouldn't find anything I liked at all, but once I started trying them on I loved them all. There was magical lighting in there I think! Everything has been coming together in a way that makes me feel like it's all really meant to be. I feel better now that only the little details are left. All that you girls need to know is that the date is set for October 2, 2010! Start asking off work! jk!

By the way, CONGRATULATIONS MARIA! That is such exciting news. You deserve it and I am so proud of you. However, I am disappoinetd that you and Kev won't be making the pilgrimage to our fine state. By the way-that german bar you were describing on Erin's facebook wall sounded like the perfect place to spend a cold night.

Amy---have you started packing for LA yet? I am jealous that you get to leave this weather behind. I cannot wait to hear the stories about Mr. Fecker. Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a smidge early!). Do you have any birthday plans with John?

MJ-hope you're fully recovered from your surgery. I am glad to hear that everything went okay! By the way, you are santa's naughty helper! I got your text the minute I was going in to meet with the photographer and it freaked me out so much because I couldn't call you! When are you rolling back in town? Are you moving the rest of your stuff to Eric's? Let me know if you need any help!

Erin-any luck with the new year's plans and your work? I am sure you will have a real fire there--please roast a marshmellow for me!

LC-SOOOOOOOO jealous you had a real break! I am sure it was a much needed a break. I don't remember if you were off for a week or if it was two? You are such an inspiration!

Also, thank you girls for all of the lovely mail I have received lately! I LOVE getting mail! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to each of you. What are everyone's New Years plans? I will be in gloomy Cleveland once again...

Hugs and Mistletoe,

Lauren

New Job!

Just wanted to let everyone know on Wednesday I got offered the position of Supervisor to Polly's Cottage! It was a great early Christmas present to me and Kev! So far as supervisor I have been dealing with non-stop crisis in my unit. I was at work last night from 9am to almost 2am! I've been getting a little beat up at work, but you guys know me, I love battle scars.

But as for the visit in January, my time off has been denied because of all the training I'm going to have to do. Now I get Saturday nights, Sunday's and Mondays off... so Kev and I are looking for plane tickets to at least get out there for a short weekend or something. I dunno, we've been brainstorming for a way to get out to Columbus ASAP. I'll keep everyone updated, I know everyone's busy so I'm going to talk to my boss today about when I should be able to take some time off. I love you guys, and I am sorry that the visit fell through, I can't wait to see everyone soon.

How is everyone doing? Wedding plans? Subleasing? Jobs? Trips out west? I want to hear it all.

Hope everyone has an extremely Merry Christmas and has a great time with your families!

Maria R

addresses

Hey guys,

I am terrible at keeping up with everyones address, so I was wondering if everyone could post theirs as a comment on this blog.

I'll start with mine:

6581 E. Knollwood Circle

Loveland, Ohio 45140

I may be subleasing my apt, so I am not going to put that address up anymore : )

Love you all!

Merry Christmas!

MJ

Tis the season...

Maria, great idea. Normally I can rattle off a mile long list of things I am thankful for, but pinpointing one thing of which I am truly thankful took some thinking. I feel like I am at a giant crossroad in life. I don't know whether I should stay in Cincy after I graduate, where I will have a stable job and family supporting me, or if I should move away. It seems like Eric will be going away for his phd in psychology, and I want to be there with him. I think it would be a fun time for us and it would definitely make our relationship stronger. However, I have a hard time leaving my family, my friends, my grandparents, and my little boys. I feel like one of my grandparents will pass away in the next 6 years (I know this sounds grave, but in all reality it will probably happen), which is how long it would take him to get his doctrate, and I am not sure that I want to miss out on time with them. In a sense, Amy, I can almost remotely understand what a tough decision you had to make. Also, I am so proud of you. Anyway, with such big decision ahead of me, I am thankful to have all my family together for this holiday season. I am not sure what it will be like in the future, but I am glad for the sense of security and happiness I feel now.

It's kind of interesting how a post that is supposed to be so cheery and bright can spawn so many dismal thoughts. On a brighter note, I want you to all to have a great Christmas. And, in the spirit of December and Santa, let's also post one magical thing that we wish Santa could bring us (that we know isn't practical)! (P.S. Ignore my terrible grammar, I just painted my nails, and I'm sure it impacts it! : )

I want Santa to bring me a new kitchen/bathroom floor in Erics apartment (which is pretty much where I live now), and I would also like a big plush couch!!!! (I am so sick of a futon. I definitely miss the homeliness of 1806) Oh, and I want Santa to fix my knee so I can run again!

Love you all! Merry Christmas!

MJ

I am thankful for...

I like this idea Maria! Sadly this was harder than I thought it would be. Things are definitely not how I thought they would be at this point in my life. Actually, almost nothing is. Some of that might be good but a lot of it is definitely not. I'm sure there are positives to a lot of these issues but it is pretty hard for me to understand why a lot of this is happening. Sorry, not to be like poor me... I know everyone is in the same boat in some way or another. I just get mad and frustrated a lot, so I'm glad you requested this Maria, because I think I need to do this more.

I know that I am very lucky in a lot of ways though. I, of course, am very thankful for all of the very understanding and loving people in my life, like you guys, my family and John but to be specific as you requested, Maria, I am thankful for Ryland.

I know I talk about this place like it's magical or something. It's really not that exciting but I am so grateful that my family has found a place that is so peaceful and welcoming. This place definitely feels like home to me and I think my family feels the same, which is probably why we haven't left yet! I know I won't be living here forever but I think that my family will be (at least during some point in the year). The people here are a little wacky and a lot nosey but I love them. Almost everyone we have met here has instantly treated us like family and cares about us like we are. So many are so understanding and helpful with Sarah, that sometimes it makes me cry. Most of the people here we have known for under a year and I feel like we have known them for years. On top that, it's just really beautiful here. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that my parents and Sarah will have a home here for good. It means the world to me that they have a wonderful home they are comfortable in and a community that will look out for them.

Anyway, that's my sappy story for the evening. I feel like I should call Delilah or something. I hope everyone had wonderful Thanksgivings. I'm so looking forward to seeing you ALL in the coming weeks!! And yay for Christmas time- THAT is another thing to be thankful for!

Amy