Year in Review

I'm sitting in Subway in Orcutt (who knew they had free wifi?) listening to the P.S. I Love You soundtrack and thinking over this last year, 2008. This blog was originally going to be a lot more organized and systematic but I'm on the iPod and it's a bit of tricky business wielding this touch keyboard. So you're getting a ramble.
Let's see. I didn't make any New Year's resolutions last year because I had an amazing Chinese calendar and it was destroyed by a sibling and I was determined that it didn't bode well for the year so why bother being resolute about anything anyway? 2008 definitely was unpredictable: my first trip out of the US was definitely the landmark, though not the highlight. This year seemed so slow most of the time but has really flown by.
On Sunday at college group we talked about this one verse in Phillipians tha talks about forgetting what is behind and striving for what is ahead, and I think that's going to be most applicable for me this year. In a lot of ways, 2008 was a pretty icky year. But it's been a pretty fabulous year, too. I've learned a lot: how to decline marriage proposals from eastern European men, for example; how to survive on pretzels...(even I, the Carb Queen, wanted veggies after that!) This is the year of the Late Service. The year the college group has stopped being sad and started being awesome. The year of the advent of Alice. The year my heart was melted by a little man named Paul. The year I realized that K&K are going to be way taller than I will ever aspire to be (sad).
I'm excited for 2009- more coming soon.

The Sex is on Fire

That's right, I said it. But it's not what you think! I'm sitting at Parker's right now while he's working on some cabinets, and that's the song that came on (by Kings of Leon)...

So anywho, what's new? Not a lot, and yet the things that are changing are pretty dramatic. First thing: I have a new brother! His name is Paul, he's three, and I'm in love. The whole family's whipped, to be sure, although after a week it's interesting to see and notice the changes in family structure just by this little guy's presence. Krystine isn't the youngest anymore (I think she's probably pretty happy about it)! But also it adds a bit of stress and added responsibility over basic things, like keeping the bathroom and front doors locked- he will open the door. There's lots to say about him. Here:

Good Things About Paul:

• Cute
• Great hugs and smooches
• He's pretty good at saying my name- at least for a three year old
• Greatest little boy laugh EVER

Iffy Things About Paul:

• He bites
• He yells
• He's not toilet-trained

So that's what's new in the familia...what's new with me? I still have a boyfriend...we've been going out for a month now. There's a lot of things to be said about Parker, so here:

Good Things About Parker:

• Cute-esque
• Great hugs (and smooches. As Parker would say, "Don't worry about it.")
• He's pretty good at saying my name, except when he forgets and calls me Murray
• Numerous other little details that have me liking him a whole lot
• He is toilet-trained.
  

Iffy Things About Parker:

• He bites
• He yells
• He...hmm...yeah, that's all I got

How 'bout the gnome, eh? Little David the gnome is safe and sound...somewhere...muahaha. Last night a dramatic battle was fought between law enforcement (who was keeping the gnome hostage) and little ol' me- and let's just say I should be a cop, because justice was served! Yay. So. I'm excited because there are some surprises in store for the gnome and the Shaws- and if you'd just be patient (Parker) you'll see it all unfold and the gnome will be brought home peacefully and merrily, in the manner of Christmas.

That's all for now!

~V.L.~

It's December- Christmas is Nigh!

Wow.

I can't believe it's already this time again!

There's a whole lot more to say, and not a whole lot of time to say it, but I'm altogether excited for this month!

Main points to cover in this blog:

My birthday was terrific: gatherings with various friends, a party, a trip to Disneyland...

Disneyland was so great! They say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...well, after not visiting for over four years, I'd say I'm more than fond of that happy place, especially at Christmas.

At Disneyland, I acquired a boyfriend. Well, that's the wrong word- it's not like I picked him up at a gift shop on Main Street or something- but before I went I didn't have one and afterwards I did. And I didn't ask...does that mean I was aqcuired? Hmm. Anywho. He asked and I said yes and I'm pretty darn excited.

Thanksgiving was wonderful, with friends and family at the Grandparents Leos's home. Lots of mashed potatoes- I was very thankful!

Late Service has started Christmas songs and that in itself is exciting!

The Christmas program at church is coming and I'm playing my flute and piccolo- good times!

Apparently also I'm playing my flute for a bunch of people I've never met. This makes me a little nervous.

That's it for now! Be merry!

~VL~