Merry Christmas from Julie and Andrew! It is December 21 and I have just come up from wrapping gifts. I am tired, a little crabby, and overwhelmed by what I still have to accomplish in the next couple of days. Once I sat down to update this blog, I realized how silly it is to feel that way. I am so blessed! I have an awesome family, very good taste in friends (yes - all of you!) and a life filled with happiness and good memories. It is so easy to look at what we don't have and dwell on it. I could wish for a lot of things - more money in the bank, a 50 lbs slimmer body, a housekeeper (how cool would that be?) but the truth is I have everything I need and then some. It won't matter if the ribbon exactly matches the paper, or if the gift tag coordinates. It won't matter that some of the chocolate covered pretzel rods have an extra bit of almond bark hanging off of them. It won't matter if we wake up on Christmas morning and there are shoes, clothes, mail, and everything else from the day before on the floor of the living room. (OK, I really do want a picked up living room on Christmas morning) It doesn't matter - the people are the ones who matter.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in my life - my child, my parents, my siblings, my friends, and colleagues for their love and support throughout this trying year. There were many a night I went to bed worrying about what might happen the next day, but it was all ok! I have emerged on the other side of this trial and, I think, survived. I have a few more gray hairs, a new financial goal, a master's degree, a healthy and happy son, and a job. And you all - I have you all. Just Julie is only the beginning - there is more to come - and I hope to experience all of it with you! Have a blessed holiday - a restful break (sorry if you don't get a break), and a Happy 2011. Wow! Where does time go? Until next time - Julie
