2009

Oh, man! It's here! Finally! A new year! New beginnings! Naturally, there are still the sad overtones, but here's to hoping that the year is much better than last year. (How much worse could it possibly get???

My sister Jean and brother-in-law Chip are on their way to Bloomington for an extended weekend. They are bringing some of my things from Mother and Dad's house, but the most important thing is themselves. It's only been a few days since Fred and I last saw them back in Pennsylvania, but still they are missed so much. It will be great to see them and already I am sad to think that they will be leaving in only a few days. It hard to think that it is only Jean and myself left from our family, but we are so lucky to have Chip and Fred and all of the extended families that are a part of our family.

Yesterday was New Year's and it started off with cleaning. Such a Japanese thing, no? NOT that things are really clean, but it's a start. I did come across the last Christmas card from Mother and Dad while going through piles. THAT was hard. Of all the envelopes to open!

I am at work now and hear that the 52" widescreen TV has arrived! I can't wait to see it! I had some anxiety today about the work that I needed to complete today without being interrupted and it seemed as if the day was just full of interruptions. But -- I did get a rough draft done of what I was working on and that was my goal, so I can enjoy the weekend with Jean and Chip. Poor Fred has been doing most of the cleaning of the house while I prepare for the TV's arrival. What would I do without him?

Okay, I need to go out to the bagel store -- a block away -- and check on some painters before I head out for the day. I hope that everyone had and has a wonderful New Year!!!