Happy New Year 2007!

It's a new year and I'm still not quite sure where the old one went......I've been busy (obviously, since I haven't posted in ages). Here are a few things that have happened since I last posted:

• I spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with Kyle's family.
• I celebrated my 29th birthday with 2 fun outings (and no, I'm not freaked out about "the big 3-0").
• I now officially dislike my job.
• I visited my mom in Phoenix for Christmas, where Jess and Josh joined us.
• Kyle and I made plans to go skiing---but there has been NO SNOW!
• I've eaten at a few great restaurants.
• I now know what the swim cap and goggles joke is all about.
  
• Kyle and I went to friends' new house for a fabulous New Year's Eve party.

I've discovered that I love giving more than receiving when it comes to Christmas gifts--or gifts in general. Now don't get me wrong, I love getting presents, but I was more excited about giving the people I love meaningful gifts than I was about getting gifts. I put a lot of thought an effort into this year's gifts. I'm especially proud of what I gave Kyle: an autographed Bo Schembechler photograph. I framed it and everything! I was excited because I knew it was something he'd absolutely love. His gift to me was equally impressive: jewelry! Typical girl, right? ;-) He gets bonus points for braving a jewelry store on his own and for making an excellent choice in earrings.

My mom is all about giving meaningful gifts as well. I received my great-grandmother's antique cake platter and some other amazing things. Christmas in Phoenix was wonderful. I hadn't seen my mom in over a year and hadn't been out to Phoenix in over three years. It was a sunny and warm 75 degrees! Josh is growing up so fast and becoming a typical four year old boy: cute with a little snotty mixed in.

Kyle and I took complete advantage of his lengthy Holiday break and spent lots of time together. We actually rented a movie to watch! Even more amazing is the fact that he willingly went to the mall with me to find shoes (for a man with very limited time, I took this as a sign of his over-flowing affection for me). As a sign of my over-flowing affection for him, I watched three Michigan sporting events in the span of 24 hours. Yes. Two in person and all a disappointment to us Michigan fans: Michigan Basketball vs. Georgetown (the Georgetown fans at Crisler arena were obnoxious!), Michigan Hockey vs. MSU at the Joe, and then of course the let down of them all.....the Rose Bowl. Oh well. Good try, boys.

After almost three years in Michigan, I finally made it to Canada! I live literally across the river from Canada and I've never ventured across the border. I mean, we aren't talking Toronto or Montreal here, it's Windsor. Full of 19 and up bars and one Casino Windsor, soon to be a Caesar's Windsor Casino. So we went because it is absolutely smoke-free and it is in Canada and we both walked away winners. Once you get past all of the 19 and up kids roaming around in their ball caps and Hollister gear, the Casino is really nice. I'm not a casino pro, so I ended up feeling a little overwhelmed and nervous, but I started with $20 on the roulette table and walked away with $60!

Now it's back to work (blech) but I have a few fun activities planned for January and before I know it, February will be here.

Santa Kyle

Happy New Year!