Winter Wonderland

As most of our friends and family are, we too are buried in a layer of 6-8" of snow, 1/2" of ice, topped off with another 2-4" layer of snow. This is day nine of what local news media has termed "Artic Blast 2008." Kenji doesn't quite know what to think about the snow. She loves playing in it...but she finds it very incovenient to go to the bathroom in. The good news is that her igloo in the backyard is now truly an igloo (although the spoiled dog doesn't spend any time in it).

The good news is this: we finally have time to update everybody as to our undertakings over the past several months. Since our last post, we really haven't been up to much, so this should be fairly short.

In late September, we went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a week on vacation. We stayed at a beautiful all-inclusive resort called the RIU Playa Car. It was a wonderful week filled with lots of time sipping margaritas by the pool and swimming in the ocean. I think the only thing we did active all week was take a tour to some Mayan Ruins near the town of Tulum. Overall, it was a much needed time of rest and relaxation.

Work has been uneventful for both Brook and me. The bad economy hasn't really affected either of our jobs. Brook works for a not-for-profit, so obviously times are getting tough as folks cut back on their donations. As for my job, there is always accounting work to be done, regardless if it is working on a merger or acquisition or even bankruptcy. I think that during these times, it is important to remember that we are called to be witnesses of Christ and that we can shine during these times because our faith and our hope is not dependent upon our 401(k)'s or our savings account. A verse that I have printed out and on my computer at work to remind me of this is Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"

Brook and I are so thankful this Christmas season for jobs, a roof over our heads, heat, our pets (at least the dog) and family. We wish everybody a Merry Christmas!