Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Well, for Christmas this year I spent it in Des Moines with Jamie, Gretchen, their girls, and some of Gretchen's family at her parent's home. We arrived there on Wednesday afternoon and got back home yesterday afternoon. It was a great time! There was plenty of food, including an awesome meal of grilled steaks and twice-baked potatoes on Christmas Day. Because of all the food and snacks, I went and worked out both Friday and Saturday mornings with Jamie. I had to offset the calorie intake somehow! We also managed to get a few games in on a Wii, which Gretchen's brother-in-law Robbie had. I might just have to get me one of those someday, as the games were a blast!

I also have this entire week off from my internships sites, with the only thing that I must get done is some research for my final Masters paper for school - a 40 to 45 page paper. I will probably head to the U of M's Wilson Hall Library tomorrow to begin the research process, assuming they're open over the holiday break.

After sleeping in late this morning, I went out to breakfast at Mickey's Diner in St. Paul, followed by an amazing 100 anos at Stogies on Grand - another wonderful day! I hope you've had a nice Christmas, too!

The Holidays

I love Christmastime! Whether it's Christmas music, movies, and TV shows; Christmas trees and decorations; or even a little bit of Christmas shopping (assuming the crowds aren't too hectic). Tonight was my annual tradition of enjoying a warm fire while watching a classic Christmas movie (A Christmas Carol) and partaking in a fine cigar (earlier this afternoon with Dan and Jamie)...what a fun day!

Thanksgiving

Well, I survived the Thanksgiving holiday! I spent Wednesday through Sunday in southeast Wisconsin at my uncle Dan's (a view of the Wisconsin countryside at left). We were joined by my aunt and uncle, Gale and Susan (they are the parents of my recently departed cousin, Monty). My uncle's girlfriend Jane was able to join us for the turkey feast, too. My uncle is not much of a cook, so he ordered a turkey from a local bakery, along with the stuffing and cranberry sauce. He and I managed to peel, slice, and mash the potatoes all by ourselves! My aunt brought us homemade pumpkin and pecan pies - her baking reminded me of my Mom's, as it was wonderful!

As some of you know, my uncle and I have a strange relationship. I used to spend at least one long weekend a year with him, going back to when I was about 15. I can still clearly remember (somewhat clearly) the first time he and I went to a local bar, and I was served underage as a 15 year old. This practice continued for many years, with me being his drinking buddy. After I became saved, I didn't see him as much as before, as I struggled with being around him and his lifestyle. He too didn't know what to make of my new-found religion. He is a practicing Atheist, but has at least come to accept my belief in God. I do not judge him, but try to lead by example. However, I have been known to stumble a bit when I am around him. This Thanksgiving, I managed to only partake in a few Guinness'.

We were also able to connect for an evening with my uncle's cousin Bob, who is my second-cousin. He and his wife Pat live in Alaska! They have always been known as the adventurers in our family, and hearing their stories of his small airplane was pretty exciting! I hope to visit them one day soon in Alaska. They moved there almost 30 years ago, so Bob could work on the Alaskan pipeline as a mechanic. He retired a few years ago, and has been hunting, fishing, and flying ever since!

I got back into town yesterday afternoon, after spending the morning and early afternoon in the car - with a few stops, it only took me about 5 1/2 hours to get home. Considering I get very sleepy and bored while driving by myself, I did pretty well with my ipod and some podcasts.

I hope your Turkey Day was enjoyable - any fun adventures?

A few pictures of my uncle Bob and aunt Pat in Alaska: