So much to reflect on...

As of this morning, I have so much reflecting to do - but I think I'll do my best to focus on the good things that came of this Christmas, rather than the bad, because this year was honestly the best Christmas I've had with my family in a really long time. It was warm, cozy and not over the top, gift wise. It was as close to perfect as you can get. 

Even the boyfriend's family part went much better than I expected. I'd like to blame the smooth going on my excellent coffee-making ability and my delicious cookies and monkey bread, but I'm sure it would have been smooth even without those things. (But...the coffee and monkey bread were stellar) 

The nerd that I am got my external hard drive and green bags from Santa, along with a few other goodies, including a grown up school bag for my master's endeavors, some place mats and enough money in Starbucks and the Lost Dog to last me a good while. John added to my obsession with the show "Weeds" by providing me with seasons 1 - 3, some Hunter S. Thompson CDs and Beatles' Monopoly. We had delicious roast beef for dinner, with potatoes and vegetables and I made a pretty killer pumpkin pie and a ton of cookies. 

The holidays bring out the most Suzie Homemaker in me. 

Christmas Eve at Trinity was beautiful, I sang and rang, to keep things short. The day with my family was incredible. We all sat around my house, a little lazy, opening gifts and taking money from each other in Beatles' Monopoly. (Anyone ever finished a game??) We ended the night with "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," pie and hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. 

I worked my last (very busy) day at the LHBP. Today was supposed to be the last, but we heard news this morning that my aunt passed away early this morning. This brings me to the downside of the holidays. This is all going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise, but, until we get to the blessing part, it's a bit difficult. Mom and I are headed to Rhode Island to be with my cousin on Monday. 

Not a good way to end the year - but, everything happens for a reason, I'm sure of it. 

Hope your holidays were filled with good food, company and gifts. Have a safe transition into 2009. I should be a little more perky come a few days from now.