Category: American Holidays

It is amazing how much things can change within a year.  My father retired after almost 47 years, my mother closed her shop, and they purchased a new larger house to be closer to the grand-kids.  My son has taken up the Alto Saxophone and is plays it well.  He is also active in Cub Scouts and playing chess, going outdoors to ride bikes and scooters, and rollerskating.  My daughter really likes ice skating and learning chess like her big brother.  Plus she has taken an interest in sci-fi shows and computer games.  They enjoy playing with my iPad and iPod, and my daughter has a Discovery notebook “computer” with a pretend office she made in the basement for “going to work.”  Both are healthy, doing well in school, have many friends, and very active imaginations.  I am very proud of my children, and I wish them all the best in the years to come.

My wife and I are thankful for our careers.  Sometimes the hours are long and he days can be stressful, but it’s better than the alternative – being unemployed.

The family went on our first out of state vacation in three years.  The kids were excited to spend a week in Disney World.  All year long the kids kept saving their money to purchase souvenirs at all the parks.  We enjoyed Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot.  It was a pleasant and relaxing vacation, until the end.  A storm came in and caused delays at the Orlando and Atlanta airports.

We also have worked on our house by removing all the carpet during summer vacation, employed a landscaper to fix the landscaping I attempted, cleared out junk that we were holding on to for no reason, and painting the kids rooms.  I also replaced the canvas top to the kid’s swing-set to watch Super-storm Sandy rip it to shreds.  We also lost the backyard gate during the storm.  Fortunately no other damage occurred.

There was some sadness this year at home and professionally.  My uncle passed in late October, my father in-law is in the hospital, and 10 people I support at work were selected to be laid off by end on January 2013.  I attended retirement lunches and parties for several colleagues who were the best to work with and made my job easier.  Hopefully we will stay in contact and continue to have lunches through 2013.  All will be missed.

Here’s to wishing you a Happy New Year for 2013!