A Long December

What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. And while I've been away from the blog world, I've been spending some quality time with the people I love the most. My beautiful, talented, loving sister came to visit and I had a blast! True, she was escaping a pretty tough break-up but I think sister time is really what she needed. We got a week away in the mountains courtesy of my future in-laws, spent some time fighting (what sisters don't?) and a great weekend with our sister-cousins capped it off. We cried at the airport as I dropped her off, even though I saw her two days later in Houston.

Courtesy of CA's photographic genius.

Next came the Christmases. First was D's family, and we had a great time. It was the first time I  met his brother and his brother's family, and really it seemed like we already knew each other. No awkwardness, just fun family time. I feel really lucky to be marrying into his family. They really do respect and love each other. I then flew to Texas and spent Christmas day with my family in Houston. And it was really nice. Just the four of us, and it will probably be the last time that happens. My mom, sister and I went wedding dress shopping and yes, I did buy a dress! I'm so excited about it despite swearing I wouldn't fall in love with the first dress I tried on. Ok, this was the 3rd but really, at the price and the way I look in it I couldn't let it go. Now if August 2012 would only come sooner!

After Christmas, it was tv heaven. As part of Christmas and a delayed engagement gift, we ended up getting the home theater items D's been eyeing for a year. The 54-inch plasma mounted on the wall with the blu-ray, receiever, and satellite all hidden in the closet. After 3 days of construction (no, really, he was in the attic and everything cutting holes), we got everything to work. Mostly. We're still working out some kinks ;)

So, after my December, I welcome January with open arms. I am resetting again, and looking forward to resuming the weight-loss journey I began a year ago (thankfully I haven't gained the weight back, just plateaued). I am also looking forward to finally finding a job here, and resuming the relatively normal lifestyle I've tried to instill for myself. But knowing the unpredictable nature of my life lately, I won't be surprised if I end up throwing all these plans and caution to the wind and just letting God take me where He wants.