Merry Christmas!! I hope this season finds you well and happy!
For me, last year was ending on a low note during the time that I wrote my last Christmas letter ~ I was not employed and uncertain of my personal relationship. I am glad to say it improved with the New Year.
Nathan, my nephew, moved in during the latter part of the year, which was a huge help, source of encouragement and companionship. To finish 2005, we hosted a wedding at my house on Christmas day ~ it was full of thoughtfulness and generosity, as everyone pitched in to make it a beautiful, touching ceremony on very short notice and no budget. It was the highlight of the year for me, as I know it was for my sister, the bride.
The New Year began with a new job for me as a Project Manager for another staffing company; same industry, completely different role. I am learning new things everyday, and appreciate the opportunity that this position is giving me. There is still travel involved, but has so far not been near as much as I was doing in my previous position, and I am very glad for that.
I’ve been riding my bike much this year, as most of you know, since I sent just about everyone a letter regarding the Team in Training ride in Tahoe last June. That was an amazing experience; I shared it with some wonderful people and met many new friends in the process. I still ride with the TNT group some Saturdays, and find them a constant source of inspiration. I also rode in several other organized rides this summer and have been having a great time; I met some new friends and we have started having our own rides and setting some goals for the coming year. Keeps me busy and I feel great physically; it is a good balance to my desk job.
The household changed with the loss of Patrick this year during July. I know I will never have a cat like him again, more like a dog, but Lucy has really become a house pet since his death. We are all adjusted just fine but I still miss him so much. I never thought I would be so attached to a cat.
My family is all doing very well, my mom is healthy and done with all her treatments. She finished the clinical trial within the last couple of months, just needs to have the port-a-cath removed, and looks and feels great. My brother Mike and nephew David have visited me many a Sunday morning this year, and one day another nephew Matthew joined us for breakfast and a photo booth foray – I showed one of my friends the result and they said the photo belonged on my Christmas card. I agree!
Have a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year 2007!