This time of the year always gets sooo busy. Between work, family functions and other ahem get togethers with friends I am always stretched thin. Ha, don't I wish. Looks like all of that weight I lost last year has found its way back. Sigh. Granted I haven't gained it all back, maybe about 10-15 pounds but it pisses me off. So being the thin skinned and reactive person I am I have decided to get my own key to the gym in our apartment complex. Maybe if I do not have to worry about sharing with the roomate (who does not really share anyway) I will actually go more often. One of my goals for the new year is to hit the gym at least 2 times a week in addition to hockey.

Finally finished my Christmas cards last night. Definitely one tradition I put off until the last minute. Usually I do not get them in the mail until two days before Christmas so I am definitely considering this year to be a major victory. Can not wait for next week! Several of my friends will be back home AND I actually have off three days. Woo-Hoo! Granted I have to work Christmas Day but that is mainly so I do not have to spend too much time in the company of my family. Bugger, I just realized I am going to miss the lottery ticket tradition with Leslie and Bob. I will have to find a way to sneak out of work for an hour or so. Now you are probably wondering what the hell I am talking about. Even if you are not, I am going to tell you anyway. Many years ago when we were still in high school, Bob, Leslie and I went out one Christmas Day evening to go sledding and escape our respective families. After we were finished, we wanted something else to do but since the only thing open that day are the convenience stores, we ended up at a Uni-Mart doing scratch off lottery tickets. It has kind of become a tradition. If one of us can not be here we send a ticket in the mail and we all scratch off Christmas day anyway. Weird, I know but that is just the way we all are. I would not trade those guys for the world.

Heard from Chris again. This time he's in Italy somewhere checking out the vineyards. Lucky bastard. On the other hand less than a month and a half until my trip! Oh my god I so can not wait. You all are going to be so sick of my talking about it after I get back. If I come back that is.

Until we meet again...