Christmas Time is Here!

As usual, Christmas was great! I spent about 10 days at home with my family. It was so good to be home for more than the usual two days. I really got to spend some quality time with my parents and my sister and the boys. And I also got to see some of my friends from high school that I haven't seen in a while - even attending an Ugly Christmas Sweater party!

The Saturday before Christmas, we had the Karsten family party which is always a riot. After the party we decided that we should go visit Steve at the City Vu in Holland. I think that we should continue that tradition. Here is the whole clan - minus those who had to watch the kiddos:

Christmas Eve we spent with my my mom's side of the family. It's so much fun to watch the boys open presents! Here are a few pictures:

Gary and Logan reading a story

No presents until we get a good picture! :)

Logan sure loved his "Melmo Bear"!

And Chase immediately wanted to play his Ben 10 game...

I hope that everyone else had a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

California Dreamin'

It was sooo nice to be able to spend a few days in California to take my mind off the whole unemployment issue. I arrived late Friday night after spending 5 hours (and 4 glasses of wine) in the airport. I attempted to get on standby for an earlier flight but was unable to. I was able to extend my trip until Wednesday, and it only cost me $50.

The weather was beautiful and I even got to lounge by the pool! The hotel we stayed at was in a great location, right on the beach, a block from the Santa Monica Pier and walking distance from the Promenade. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The view from our room

The famous Santa Monica Pier

We had to do some tourist stuff - me with Britney Spears' star on the walk of fame

Gary and I on the pier with a view of the beach in the background

A gorgeous Santa Monica sunset!

Although Gary had to work, I am so greatful for the few days I spent out there. I think I really needed it.

My First...and Last Event

I spent the better part of November stressing out about my first event in Washington DC. Thanksgiving was far from relaxing since I was freaking out about it! The event is now over and done with, it went as well as could be expected. Nothing ever goes perfect so you have to do a lot of on the spot trouble shooting. It felt great to have my first event under my belt. I even got to see the Volt in person! Here's a few pictures:

I returned to work on Friday only to find out that they were letting me go. So I am now officially unemployed. I'm off to California with Gary to take my mind off it for a while...