Girls Night

Last weekend, a group of us got together and had a girls night. We had only one intention: to have an awesome time! I think we were more than adequately prepared.

There was dancing

and card games

and time for girls to be girls

and of course there was drinking.

And the drinking lead to some other interesting situations, like a surprise bear hug for Bre

Isis joining the party

and whatever this is

and we didn't forget what an important political time we're living in.

We ended the night by frolicking in the snow! And Tobogganing. Totally legendary.

Barack Obama

I just want to take a few minutes to reflect on how incredible it is that Barack Obama is the President of the United States. He is pretty much the opposite of a legacy. He is living proof that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. His opportunities weren't handed to him. He worked so hard for everything in the face of adversity- people just waiting for him to stumble. And now, he is the most important person in the entire world! He is truly inspirational. Congratulations, President Obama!

Vacation

My family just got back from an awesome vacation. We went on a cruise and visited several tropical locations.
The ship itself was pretty spectacular. I had a lot of fun in the dining room.

It was easy to find ways to be entertained while on the ship.

As you know, I always like to try new and exotic foods. In Grand Cayman, I had some turtle soup. Just so you know, turtle has the texture of chicken, but tastes like fish.

In Cozumel, Bre and I went climbing and zip lining on the beach.

We did get a little homesick (and a phone call to SarahRose seemed to help).

Bre and I did a lot of sisterly bonding.

And I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my mom.

In Roatan, Honduras, I pet a shark!!!

The whole family had an amazing time!

Happy New Year!

My introduction to 2009 has been good so far! Bre and I had a bunch of friends over to say good-bye to 2008, and it was a lovely evening. And so far, 2009 has been pretty good. I've got a good feeling about this year!

Christmas was good for the girls

Santa was good to everyone this year. I got a new jacket. And a bunch of new clothes for my upcoming vacation. But he brought the fanciest present for the girls this year.

That's right. A pretty elaborate cat condo! I was hoping that they would love it, but I've heard of people having their cats ignore the condos.
My question was answered as the cats quickly picked their favorite spots. Roxy likes the tippy top...

...while She-Ra would rather chill on the bottom.

And after a long day of play, they have a new nap spot.

Thanks, Santa! They do love it!

My Future

I've made a pretty big decision. I'm going to go back to school. I guess it's a career change. Or maybe just a career advancement.
I plan to start school in the fall (it was too late to start in spring by the time I decided) to get a Bachelors in Psychology. If I enjoy that, then I would have the option of getting a MSN and working is a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
I have seen first hand the effects that mental illness can have on a family (and one's self), and I like the idea of being able to help others in similar situations.
Let's see what happens...

It's Snowing!!!

The first real snow and I have officially completed all of my Christmas/Christmahanukkah :-) (you're welcome, SR) shopping for the year! Ands don't worry... I didn't forget myself. But I deserve some new clothes. I've lost 31 pounds so far, so my old clothes look a little silly sometimes.
But this isn't going to be a long post. I have to bring in a bunch of stuff from the car and get to bed. I have a fun-filled day in the City to look forward to. For Christmas, I got my parents, Bre, and of course me tickets to go see "All My Sons" on Broadway starring John Lithgow and Katie Holmes! I'm super duper psyched! If only it was going to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day...
Oh well! I'm not going to let it rain on my parade- or snow as the case may be.