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I’m writing one of those ‘what I did this year’ holiday letters on my blog since I don’t send Christmas cards. A friend of mine mentioned that she wasn’t sure how to talk about the highlights of the year in her Christmas letter without sounding ‘braggy’. I told her that they all end up sounding braggy, so just don’t worry about it. The alternative would be to include more downers, but that’s just no fun. My ‘year-in-review highlights’ involve trips. San Diego this March was great, even though the meeting wasn’t good. Horton plaza and the Gaslight District are nice for shopping and eating. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to the Brigantine on Coronado Island for Happy Hour oysters. I did see Haus Frau and the ‘offspring’ which was great! We also got to see Aldo’s mom (who we hadn’t seen in ages). He even talked to his brother.

The trip to France and Mallorca was the highlight, but I’ve already posted about that. I was great to get together with Kitty and her hubby for that trip; we had a great time even though I was sick the whole time. Duluth is always a fun trip and even though I had a rough time at the marathon (June), it’s always nice to get up north in the summer. Of course the Christmas Market trip was fabulous. “Thank you for the fellowship” to all who were there!

My job is same-old, same-old, but I’m learning to accept that (and more importantly those) which (whom) I cannot change. The hours are good and the salary is great. I love the new patio. On that note, we may even get a settlement from the Minneapolis Airport folks from the noise lawsuit (although we’re not holding our breath). It would be great if we could get some better (i.e. soundproof) windows.

I’m trying to get back to running regularly after the 2 weeks off and it has been difficult. The running/biking paths are icy, so I’m mostly stuck at the gym. I miss sailing with my exercise-friends and I even miss cheering at Aldo’s bike races. Apparently the exercise-friends contingent have been cross country skiing and are planning an ice skating get together. I may have to try a winter sport. I like the snow, but I miss the sun!

The worst part of the year was the death of my Grandmother; but for some reason I feel like she’s nearer now. I know this sounds weird, but I think of her often and the memories make me feel good (warm and fuzzy), like she’s my new guardian angel. It even helps to think of her when I get depressed, like she’s comforting me.

I don’t do New Year resolutions, but if I did, I’d like to do better with keeping in touch with friends (both here in Minneapolis and in other states). Every year I feel guilty about not sending Christmas cards, but one of my friends pointed out that a phone call is more personal and I tend to agree. I’ll never be one of those gregarious people who throw fabulous dinner parties either, but then again I think it’s more fun to get together with fewer people at a time. We’re going to a Wine and Food tasting event in February with some friends and we may spend the night downtown, like taking a mini-vacation in our own town. Thanks for the photos Kitty!

 

Have a Great New Year Everyone!

 

Karrie