One of those days....

Ever have one of those days where you wish you could just roll over and go back to sleep???? I was awakened this morning with a phone call from Justin that he had a flat tire and needed me to come and get him. I realize this isn't the worst thing in the world but it was -8 degrees and the windows were frozen over so I had to scrape them for 10 minutes just to see out a few inches in diameter- ICK! So, I got to work later than I had wanted and had to jump from meeting to meeting (not my cup of tea). My goal was to get out of work as quickly as possible today but again that didn't really happen. I am just hoping things start to look up soon....

Justin gets to go to the MSU vs MN Gophers hockey game tonight. I guess I get to hang out with Bear all night. :) I am HOPING the goes much smoother. Stretch is coming to town this weekend so we should have a good time.

I Pledge

(A friend of mine had this posted this video on her blog, I saw it and got chills so I stole it!)

I am not sure why I am feeling so sappy these days but I really liked this video. I thought (even though it is a Hollywood production) that the video had a good message.

Maybe it is because I am seeing all of the bad effects of the economy on non-profits and other organization. OR maybe it is the fact that I went to a volunteer fair today where I sat across from the "Kids Against Hunger" booth and all I heard all day was about suffering children and how just spending an hour helping out would help improve so many lives.OR maybe I am just tired of hearing how we can't do anything to fix the problems that we have created.

This isn't a Democrat vs Republican, Christian vs non Christians, Male vs Female, etc. issue, they are OUR issues. I guess I pledge to start taking time to appreciate the little things while helping those that are less fortunate. What do you pledge?

Marriage advice- Kevin Bacon

Last night I was watching the "Road to the Red Carpet" on E! and Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedwick stopped by and talked with Gulianna. They were talking about her dress etc., and then Gulianna asked them how they made their 20 year marriage work in Hollywood. Kevin simply answered " Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty!!" I thought that was hilarious but so true. Maybe that really is the key to a happy marriage!

Sad Day

This morning I found out that one of my favorite teachers from HS had passed away. :( I think she was one of my favorites because she always made me feel like I was important, like it actually mattered if I made it to her class each day. Mrs Rosenberg had some rather interesting ways of teaching us things (rap songs she had written to help us remember human anatomy for example!) but she always made sure each of us understood what she was talking about. One of the many classes I took from her was our human anatomy class. I HATE cutting anything open and am not a big fan of dissecting things but, she made it fun and helped me forget all about it. She was awesome. I admired her for her ability to connect with so many students. RIP Mrs Rosenberg, we'll miss you!

I'm the Lucky One...

This morning on the way to work I saw a man that I see pretty much daily, walking with everything he owns on his back. Everyday I see him my heart aches a little bit.... I hate seeing people that I know are suffering and knowing I cant really do anything for them. I guess more than anything it makes me thankful for what I have. Sometimes seeing things like that really does put your life in perspective. Maybe instead of complaining about not having something I should concentrate on what I do have. So that must have been my lesson for the day- be thankful for what you have, I guess I really am the lucky one.

The Luxury of a Dog

I shouldn't even admit this BUT Bear has suddenly become completely OBSESSED with my underwear! I don't know what is so freaking wonderful about them but apparently they are such a treat they are even dug out of the dirty laundry basket. YUCK!

I get mad and then he gives me this look... I mean really, what's a mom to do?!

(yes, I realize I am a dork!!!!)

nothing exciting

Not much to report about this weekend. Justin was supposed to work all weekend so my plans were to clean, clean, and clean some more. (ridiculous how dirty and gross our house is- well was!) After about 10 loads of laundry and 2 dishwasher loads everything was washed. I even went so far as to wash the kitchen floor ON MY HANDS AND KNEES!!! :) I love having a clean house, now if it would just stay that way..... ;)

This week is going to be crazy at work. I have to be at a volunteer fair all day tomorrow and then, I will be having training sessions every night this week. YIPPIE! Oh well, the weekend should be fun, Stretch is on his way up from Denver. Haven't seen him forever!

MSU Hockey

So, I feel a little dumb now. I was uploading photos from my camera and I realized I never put anything in here last weekend about our trip to the hockey game. I would have to say we both had a good time. The Mavericks didn't win but it was fun to see them in action. Both Justin and I agree that hockey is a sport we think we could get into.

On our way home we stopped by Blue Bricks for a cocktail and then decided to head back home. As we were walking home we heard a band playing some 80's rock so of course Justin pulled me inside. The funny part was he was the one that wanted to leave not long after. I guess Motley Crue, Poison, and Guns & Roses really wasn't his thing. (secretly I just think he didn't know the songs so he was ready to go!) Anyway, the lead singer did look right out of the 80's complete with his entourage- NOT pretty! Let me just say sequence, tight shirt jeans with slits from the waist to the hem, and BIG bangs... Gotta love the 80's!!

Fridays at work....

I hate working on Fridays. I always try to figure out a way to get out of the office early.

(I think that comes from SOH when EVERYONE left early on Fridays)

I come up with reasons why I should be "able" to go home at 2:00 or 3:00. I wonder if the work week was just Mon- Thurs if I would feel the same way. I suppose I probably would but still, wouldn't a 4 day work week be a whole lot better?! :)

A Little Treatment Update

I realize it has been awhile since I have written anything about our infertility treatments so I thought would do a quick update. Nothing overly exciting has been happening and, we are in the hurry up and wait part of everything, but I guess it is to be expected.

Last week I finally had the tubal dye study. We had been talking about it for several months but the doctor never wanted to do because she didn't want to "disrupt" anything. (You only have about a 5-7 day window) So anyway we finally did it and let me tell you, it was QUITE the experience!

It started out with Justin and me running from one department to another before we were finally able to go down to radiology. The front desk clerk took us back and told me to get ready. (I was really nervous at this point because who knows what the test will show) I had to stand in a bathroom for over 10 minutes before they took me into the room. I got up on the FREEZING table and got ready for the test. So, there I am the bottom half of my body completely exposed and freezing while the top have was covered and dying of heat. (weird feeling!)

The test started out all right though it wasn't the most comfortable thing (let's just say having something in place that it shouldn't be is not fun.) The Dr. says "you'll feel a little pressure" and boy was she right! Of course the Radiologist wasn't in the room yet so we couldn't actually start the testing procedure until he got in there. What felt like 10 minutes later, he finally showed up!

As the dye started going in, everyone started freaking out. First there was a consecutive GASP and then they were saying things like "what is that", "have you ever seen that mass before", "this doesn't look good", etc.

Now THAT sucks to hear when you are laying on a cold metal table. (Justin was even nervous he told me afterwards) So, after they made me roll, twist, and then do it all over again (and remember this isn't easy with all the "stuff" shoved where it shouldn't be!!) all breathed a big sigh of relief that it was nothing. Luckily it was just part of my ovary/ uterus that hadn't filled with dye yet.

So, the final consensus was that everything looked good so we should be good to go. I guess from here on out we will just see what happens. :) I am thinking positive thoughts!

Workouts

I realize you probably aren't supposed to talk about your accomplishments while working out BUT I can't help myself. I have been lazy for WAY too long so I am actually super proud of myself for getting up and doing something. I have been hitting the elliptical pretty hard the last 2 weeks and I actually do feel a bit of a difference. I didn't work out for 2 days in a row and honestly felt different/crappy. (is that weird?) A month ago I didn't really think I would enjoy (Ok, enjoy is a strong word) working out but I kind of like it now.

Anyway, I think I wrote this just to keep myself motivated... sorry if it was boring BUT GO ME! :)

Obama!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOO unbelievably EXCITED today! I think I will remember today as the day that America takes a step forward. I have so much hope for all of the things that are to come. I believe that this is the place to start to bring our country back from the difficult times behind us.

I realize there is plenty that needs to be done but to do so, we need a leader that can see us through the hard times. Congrats to all Americans for a step in the right direction!

25 Random things about me

I did this on Facebook and thought I would share put it on here too... it was kind of fun to think of all the random quirks about me!

1. I dream about winning the lottery all the time. I always have a specific plan for how I will spend my winnings!

2. I collect snowmen but Justin hates it!

3. I hate crowds and it drives me nuts when people walk up behind me and act annoyed that they cant get around me or the people I am with.

4. It annoys me that people sit in front of me in a movie theater when there are tons of open seats all around the theater.

5. I want to have 100's of dogs! I would love to have a dog farm (not the creepy/crappy kind)

6. Daffodils and daisies are my favorite flowers.

7. I love watching As The World Turns and have watched it for as long as I could remember. I used to want to be a soap star!

8. I love giraffes. I think they are just about the most beautiful animals.

9. I want to learn how to shoot a hand gun.

10. I want to go back to school but I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!

11. I am addicted to the internet.... I know I should seek help!

12. I am a planner/calendar fanatic. I am always purchasing new ones that are "cooler" or "totally different" from the 10 I already have.

13. Softball is my favorite sport to play.

14. Football is my favorite sport to watch. I would have played if I could have.

15. I am VERY afraid of the dark. I freak out when I have to go outside at night!

16. I hate dealing with money.

17. I have a numbers phobia. I freak out when I have to do math without a calculator or in public. My 6th grade math teacher told me I was too stupid to figure out math so I would never understand it. That has always stuck with me and I have mini panic attacks when someone asks me to calculate something.

18. I used to believe that love was what you saw in the movies. Now I just realize it is better!

19. I would love to be like Reese Witherspoon. I think she is amazing.

20. I don’t' have a "type" of guy that I find attractive. It annoys Justin because he can never figure out my taste in men. I suppose this is a good thing. :)

21. I can listen to any and ALL types of music.

22. I really love reading but I never do it anymore.

23. Needles freak me out. I get a lump in my throat when I know I have to get blood drawn!

24. I love designing homes/ redecorating/ remodeling/ designing landscapes.

25. I always wanted a cow growing up. I never understood why my dad wouldn't let me have one. I suppose it's because he had then when he was a kid. Whatever, it would have been cool!

Movie Madness

Since we haven't had too many weekends to ourselves lately we took full advantage! We have always loved renting movies so we went to Blockbuster and rented Hamlet 2, Dark Knight, Lost Season 1, and Eagle Eye.

(wow now that I write all of those down it sure sounds like we parked ourselves in front of the tv.. yowza.)

I wasn't a huge fan of Hamlet 2 though of course Justin thought it was hilarious. It was a little to "out there" for my liking plus, stupid funny with no point, just isn't enjoyable to me! We both liked the other 2 though so that was good. We haven't started the Lost seasons yet but we have heard many good things about them!

Sunday found us spending time with some friends from High School. We met Scott andLisa at Famous Daves for a quick lunch and then Bryon, Brooke, Justin, went shopping. B&B just found out they are having a baby so they were looking for baby furniture. It was nice to spend some time catching up since we haven't seen them in quite awhile. When we got home we caught the last two play off games of the season and called it a night.

Rather lame/boring weekend but I am completely fine with that! I have today off so I FINALLY booked my massage Justin gave me last Valentine's Day. (I suppose it is about time I use that!)

Something New!

For the past few months I have been trying to figure out how to offer blog updates via email. Well, I think I finally figured it out! Now you can just put in your email address and have a notice sent to you that we have updated our site. Hope this comes in handy for some of you! Have a good weekend.

House Shopping

Justin and I are hoping to start house shopping BUT we are totally clueless about the process. Does anyone have any great advice? We are looking for recommended lenders, mortgage companies, etc. Any helpful hints would be much appreciated!

MSU Mavericks Hockey

Tomorrow night (Friday) we are FINALLY going to be attending our first MSU Hockey game! I am really excited since I have only been to 3-4 hockey games total... (2 of which were my cousins and those were eons ago!) I think Justin is looking forward to it. We keep hearing how much fun they are so we are hoping it is all its cracked up to be!!

I wonder....

What the heck people would think if they could hear my Ipod!! I was working out today and I listened to everything from ACDC/John Mayer/ ZZ Top/ Garth Brooks/ Michael Jackson/ Matchbox 20/Jack Johnson/ Guns and Roses/Temptations/and I even threw in a little New Kids on the Block for good measure. I was thinking about some of the songs and I actually caught myself turning it down when some of them came on...

I guess I do have some strange musical interests but, I can't help what keeps me pumped up!! :)

Weekend recap

Our weekend was rather uneventful after Friday night. Justin went out with some friends on Saturday night and I chose to stay home. I realize to some of you this makes me sound old but really I was sick of being gone . With Justin and me on totally opposite schedules he wants to go out when I want to be home and vice versa... it can make weekends a little annoying when we can't agree on something to do but, I suppose there are worse things!

Sunday was a rough for JR so I tried to stay away from him! :) We ended up watching 2 movies "88 Minutes" with Al Pacino and "House Bunny". Both were pretty good however, I do tend to get annoyed when women act like bimbos so that did get old during HB.

I started my workouts (long time coming!) yesterday also. I am starting small but I was happy with my progress. I actually made it on the elliptical machine for 35 minutes!! Quite an accomplishment since I haven't done anything for months (years, maybe?! yikes!) Anywho, hopefully I can keep it up because I do feel a lot better afterwards.

One thing I didn't mention is that on Saturday night I watched "Marley and Me". (lucky for me a friend of mine shared a site that you can watch movies still in theaters online. Here is her blog entry.) Anyway, I had been wanting to see it but after Justin heard it was sad he wouldn't go. Let me just say this, it was a great but VERY difficult movie to watch. I SOBBED (not lying!) for the last 30-45 minutes.... I am not sure if it was harder for me because I am so attached to my puppy or not but, as funny as it was in parts, it was very emotional in others. My family had seen it in theaters and even my dad said it was emotional if that tells you anything! I have to say I give that movie 2 thumbs WAY up! I would suggest that anyone see it but remember your Kleenex! Have a good week!

2008 in review- survey from Myspace

Where​ did you begin​ 2008? In Green Bay with JR and my family. We had been at a Green Bay game and enjoyed an evening full of games!

What was your statu​s by Valen​tine'​s Day? Married- living alone in MN most of the week :(

Did you have to go to the hospi​tal?​ Just for blood work for all of the fertility stuff.

Where​ did you go on vacat​ion?​ For work I went to Disney World, Las Vegas, and Caribbean Cruise. With Justin... a few weekend/day trips to Green Bay, Minneapolis, Family's houses.

What did you purchase that was over $500? Nothing that I can think of.... We are poor!

Did you know anybody​ who got marri​ed?​ Yes, quite a few people.

Did you know anybo​dy who passe​d away?​ yes, but thankfully no one very close to me.

What sport​ing event​s did you atten​d?​ Packers game, Vikings game, ARHS football games, MSU football game

What conce​rts/​shows​ did you go to? Sugarland, ACDC, April's Christmas Concert

Descr​ibe your birth​day. Rather uneventful.... Grocery shopping and ordered in pizza- HAPPY 26th!

What'​s the one thing​ you thoug​ht you would​ never​ do but did in 2008? Work with people with disabilities.... I never would have thought I would be doing that 2 years ago.... I LOVE IT!

What has/​have been your favor​ite momen​t(​s)​? ​Spending time with my family, traveling with LEEP, ACDC concert, Packers game, Vikings game with Justin.

Any new addit​ions to your famil​y?​ Our nephew was born, My sister got engaged,

What was your best month​?​ either July or August.

Made new frien​ds?​ Yes

Any regre​ts?​ None that I can think of.

What do you want to chang​e in 2009?​ Buy a house, hopefully add to our family! :)

Overa​ll,​ how would you rate this year? 8

Have any life chang​es in 2008? Yes, moved to MN, both of us started new jobs and moved 2 times....

Chang​e your hairs​tyle?​ yes, I always do!

Get a new job? I did, Assistant Director at LEEP

How old did you turn this year?​ 26

Do you have a New Year'​s resol​ution​? yes, to send out birthday cards to family and friends

Did anyth​ing embar​rassi​ng?​? Sure, I do that quite often!

Did you Get marri​ed or divor​ced? ​No

Be hones​t - did you watch​ Ameri​can Idol?​ Yes I did! Go David Cook!

Start​ a new hobby​?​ Not really anything new... just revamped some old ones- reading, scrap booking

Been snowb​oardi​ng?​ No but I would like to learn how to.

Are you happy​ to see 2008 go? Just excited to see what the new year will bring!

Been naugh​ty or nice?​ both

What are you wishi​ng for in 2009? health and happiness!

The Best Thing........

about living with a dog is the unconditional love and companionship. Who wouldn't love cuddling wth this big lug on a couch?!

Now this is the best way to spend a Saturday night!

Friday Night Fun and Games

I full filled a life long dream last night... I finally got to partake in a "real" rock band! :)

We went over to Tommy and Hilary's and tried out their new Guitar Hero Band set up. I started on the guitar while Justin was on the drums. I didn't too bad on the guitar but I was much more interested in trying out the drums. Both Justin and I enjoyed it and I can see how you could get VERY addicted to beating the game!



Earlier in the night Hilary and I went to "Bride Wars" starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. I thought it was a good chick flick.... It's reminiscent of the time when friends have the hidden competition where everyone is silently racing to become engaged first. It's probably more funny because no one talks about it. Anyway, it was a good movie and I enjoyed my time at the theatre. :)

I DID IT!

I have been mulling over getting a gym membership for the past few weeks and I FINALLY DID IT! Now, don't get too excited for me because we all know how I loose motivation. I am just hoping I can stay on board through ALL of the winter months!

I may be a little more enticed though since I get 6 months of FREE tanning!!

(and yes I know that is "bad" for you but it's all good)

Anywho, I made Justin get one too and since I have to drive by it everyday on my way home I think it will be a little easier to want to go. If you notice me losing my motivation PLEASE light a fire under my big behind and tell me to get moving! Well I am off to get my walking shoes... wish me luck!

I Sang Backstreet Boys- and I liked it!

I actually got up the nerve to sing some karaoke last night and I hadn't been drinking!! For some reason when you sing "I Want It That Way" with co-workers at LEEP you just don't feel stupid and you giggle the ENTIRE way through.

(you know me and my stupid giggling... even I was getting annoyed!)

Last night was our first ever LEEP membership kick off dance and carnival. We have been planning this event since the beginning of November and it went off without a hitch. We had everything carnival game under the sun and even had karaoke set up for our participants to sing. THEY LOVE KARAOKE! :)

The highlight of the night for me had to be when one of my favorite participants grabbed my arm with excitement and pulled me (and I am not exaggerating, he drug me actually!) into the game room. He was pulling me straight to the fortune teller table and tried to give one of his tickets to her so I could have my fortune read. He was SO excited to hear his that he thought I should hear mine to. (I told him to keep his ticket because this reading could take awhile- ha ha!)

The night rounded out with my hitting up Mexican Village for a margarita (or was it 2?) with some co-workers. I have to say the night as a whole was quite a success.

Tonight is our LEEP Christmas party. We are having Wii tournaments and hopefully, we will play some games of Cranium and Apples to Apples. Should be an interesting night!

The Art of a Subway Sandwich

Does it annoy anyone else when the "Sandwich Techs" (or whatever they are called) don't put more than 3-4 pickles (or any other topping for that matter) on your subs?

Today I grabbed a quick lunch and asked for my typical lettuce, pickles, and ranch on a turkey and bacon sandwich. I had to ask the lady for "a few more pickles" 3 TIMES. 3 times really?!?!?!?! And I still only got about 8 pickles total... Wow!

Well, now that I got that off my chest I think I will go back to eating my 8 pickle limited sub. Have a good one! :o)

A few random updates.

I realize I have written a few posts over the past few weeks but, I have also left out quite a few things. So, rather than writing separate posts I will just give you a quick rundown....

* Christmas went WAY too fast. We crammed 5 Christmases in 2.5 days the weekend after Christmas and rounded out our celebrations this past weekend in Hastings.

* My sister was home from DC for Christmas! With all of the crappy weather and delayed flights from the few days earlier we thought for awhile she may not make it. BUT lucky for us she caught a flight into Cincinnati where she then proceeded to drive to Iowa with a guy she had met at the airport in DC. He was traveling to Des Moines so that worked out rather well! We were all happy to have her home.

* New Years Eve was very uneventful. You know you are old when you are asking yourself if it really matters whether or not you actually see the ball fall at midnight rather than just calling it good at the East Coast ball drop... :)

* We were pumped that the Hawks won on Jan 1. It started 2009 off right for us!

* I spent New Year's Day watching the Hawkeyes and then I headed down to Fairmont for the annual Anderson/Gunderson bowling extravaganza. We missed JR but still had a good time. I actually bowled over 100 which made my day. I had hoped that all the Wii bowling had improved my game but no such luck! After our games our tradition is to eat at Jake's Pizza. By far the BEST pizza around and I would eat there all of the time if I could. It was a really fun day!

* Friday night Jess and Mitch came to stay with us before we headed to Hunecke Christmas Saturday morning. While we were playing some FANTASTIC board :o) games we suddenly heard a VERY loud bang and heard glass pop then shatter. We were all stunned to see that the glass doors of our fireplace had exploded. Lucky for us no major fires started from that and even luckier, no one got hurt. Justin was sitting about 4 feet from the fireplace when it happened so we are really lucky that nothing shot out too far.

Any suggestions on what would be the cheapest, and still safe way to replace the glass?

* This weekend we headed up to Hastings for Hunecke Family Christmas. It was nice to hang out with everyone and especially nice to be with our niece and nephew. I love being around Jenna (as does Justin) because she is such a smart little girl. I can't get over how funny she is! Brody is hilarious too, he just grins at you and you can't help but smile back. I love watching Justin with the kids though, Jenna loves him and I think they could play all day long if we let them!

* Justin, Jess, Mitch, and I all went to the Vikings play-off game yesterday. Great time had by all (can read more about it in my previous post)

So, maybe that wasn't overly interesting but those are the quick highlights. Today was difficult for me to get motivated..... I have had a pounding headache all day long and can't seem to shake it. I am really hoping it isn't a migraine cluster coming on but I thinking it might be just that... I was really hoping to start the week/new year off right and really get a jumping start- BUT no such luck. Hopefully tomorrow starts out a little better!

Skol Vikings!

"Hi, my name is Mandy and I went to a Vikings game without wearing Green Bay garb."

"Hi Mandy."

Justin and I went to the Vikings game yesterday and had a great time (even though they lost). We got up a descent time and headed over from Hastings to be there around 12:30. After we finally found some parking we headed towards the dome to see what was happening. Justin, Jess, Mitch, and I hit up the outdoor/indoor beer garden with Jason Christensen from Ringsted. (he was the one that invited us to the game and got Justin and me tickets)


Around 2:00 we headed in to find our seats. We were in the corner of the end zone and had GREAT seats, we could see everything (except a Vikings touchdown) which was a lot of fun. Jess and Mitch were over a few sections from us but came over to our section towards the end of the game.


Even though the game wasn't so good we all had a really good time. I know Justin was pumped and the crowd was really excited until the 4th quarter. I have to say I was disappointed in the loyalty of the fans. The stadium began clearing out with more than 6 minutes in the game. I couldn't believe it! I realize T-Jack wasn't pulling through, and the play calling was RIDICULOUS but, there was a possibly that the momentum could still shift.


Anyway, the day was a success from a fun standpoint. Justin thought it was GREAT that I wore a Vikings shirt (though well hidden) and even cheered for the home team. it is a bummer that they lost but I think everyone, in our group at least, had a fun time!

Holiday Travels

Well, we are off to Hastings, MN later this morning to celebrate the Hunecke Family Christmas. (Larry's parents and family). Should be a good time getting to catch up with everyone we haven't seen for quite some time.

Tomorrow is the big game at the dome. Justin is very excited and I am VERY sad to admit I let him buy me a Vikings shirt. To defend myself I ALWAYS make him dress in green and gold for Packer games so I figured I could be a good sport. Just know I will not be happy about it and I am still plotting to throw a vest over top of it! I am even going to sport a hat so no one knows it is me! HA HA! I said we couldn't spend over $10 on anything so of course Justin finds a shirt for $9.... Who else could do that?

Anywho... off to Hastings we go and I will actually get to share pics now 'cuz I have my camera back! YAY

Gunderson Family Christmas

Since I didn't have my camera at Christmas I had to wait for my mom to upload some.... Here are a few snapshots from the Gunderson shindigs!

The whole fam with our "adopted" family the Johansons

Posing in front of the Christmas tree- CHEESE!!

JR got a grill PERFECT for tailgating... As you can see I am already planning our next Green Bay or Iowa City trip!!

As you can see Bear fared VERY well. Nana and Papa got him a toy box FULL of goodies... HE was thrilled!

Aunt Dagmar and all us kids.

I smell trouble!!

I am already prepared for Valentines Day! Yippie!

Just a picture to warm our hearts! Bruiser and Bandit (my mom and dad's dogs) really do love one another!

Uneventful Evening

Bear and I celebrated 2008 with a glass of white wine and Carson Daley on NBC. Very low key but it has been very relaxing. Justin is working but I suppose there are worse things. We hope that everyone had a safe and happy new year celebration. Here's to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009!