Resolutions for the Next Year

For some reason, committing to resolutions was tough for me this year. The usual suspects dotted my to-resolve list, like weight-loss, go to church, etc. But when I really though about it, there is one resolution that seems most appropriate for me this year.

Invest more in my relationships. 

Seemingly simple, yet as I started to think about it. That is a quite daunting. Living in three states in less than five years has blessed me with a wide network of friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, I am not great at the phone, or remembering birthday cards, or seeking regular updates.

As I was looking through my 2011 Facebook timeline, I realized how lucky I am to have such a great group of people to surround myself with day-in and day-out. It takes maintenance though. 

So, in 2012 I am going to invest more in my relationships. Watch out for several out-of-the-blue emails from me. And please know that this outreach is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my investment in you. Oftentimes I brag about all of you--how funny you are, how smart you are, how much I respect you, and so on. 

So, there you have it. My 2012 resolution.

Oh, and I want to lose weight. 

Christmas Recap

Did anyone else feel particularly old this Christmas? I am not sure when this change happened, but this year it seemed like all I wanted were practical gifts. For example, I told my mom "I just need socks." And what was I most excited to open on Christmas Eve? Socks.

Another example. Our Omaha home is on a tree-lined street. It's stunning. Not so much our house, but our neighbors' homes and the massive trees that canopy the road. The drawback is the leaves. I am not kidding when I say we got rid of more than 40 bags of leaves. Keep in mind, our yard is the size of a small closet.

Anyhow, what was Andrew most excited about on Christmas Eve? (Admittedly, I was super excited about this too.) A leaf blower/vacuum. For those of you that live with trees on your street, you'll know why this was so wonderful. Now, we may actually compete with our neighbors who seem to never miss a leaf, let alone 40 bags of them.

Did you ask for and receive pratical gifts this year? What were they? Chances are I will add them to my list next year.

A wonderful birthday

OK. Let's admit it. I've been really hard on Omaha as a city. But, I am starting to come around.

Last weekend was my 27th birthday. (Pass the botox please.) I didn't want to make a big deal of it, which is somewhat contrary to how Heather and I used to celebrate when in Dallas. (Heather, you know what I am talking about.) The difference between years past and this year? It's simple. I had so many wonderful friends in Dallas that I knew would celebrate with me. I wasn't sure I was willing to take the risk in Omaha. Would they come? Would they like it? Would they judge me when my teeth were Merlot stained?

So we did take the risk and hosted a Christmas party (that happened to be on my birthday). We spent the afternoon at Costco getting wine and cheese. I spent the afternoon meticulously cleaning. Finally, 8:30 p.m. rolls around and the house is filled with people that I genuinely enjoy.

To make it even better, this isn't the first time we'd had people over either. Halloween was a small but mighty group too.

But for real, it is really cold here. Really cold.

It wasn't a huge group of people, but then again I didn't have that big of a group in Dallas either.

About that new (not so new) house...

It's the holiday season, which makes me decor crazy.

Here are just a few snap shots of our house this year.

This is the main living room. I love the bay windows, but it was really hard to find something nice to put there until Christmas rolled around. 

The sun room/family room. We spend nearly all our time in this room, yet it is the most in need of decoration. The tree helps, but just not enough. 

For those of you that attended our wedding, these pieces should look familiar. :) Thought it was the right, cozy time of year to put them on the walls.

Again, that's all for now. Talk to you soon!

Fly-Over Update

OK, seriously, I know my lack of blogging is a bit ridiculous. Especially since I have managed just two blog posts this year... Counting this one.

Here's a fly-by update.

This weekend Andrew graduates from The Ohio State University with a Ph.D. in Food Science. I couldn't be more proud of the work he put into this degree and the fabulous job he scored as a result. (I could maybe do without the food science intel in the kitchen, but I'll deal with it in the name of safety.)

The dogs are good. Della is so cute I can barely handle it. And, surprisingly, Dieter has become a very sweet young pup. He's nearly housebroken, which I feel great about.

Omaha is getting better and better. My co-workers are hilarious, most of the time. I've been lucky enough to find a few great girls that also have great husbands for couple friends. And, despite the chilling temperatures, it's a decent place to live. (Don't get me wrong, I still have dreams about living in Dallas. I don't know those will ever stop.)

Also, my bosses let me start working with Carolyn (former boss) again. It's been amazing.She's such a great PR mentor for me.

Oh, and I drive a Prius now. Not because I am all that green (although I should be). More so for the gas mileage. It's amazing.

I'll make more updates later.