I was just thinking yesterday that it had been a bit since I had blogged and wondered if the same was true for Jack.  When I was at my parents' house yesterday, my mom commented that she had been "thanking the troops" for a week now and was ready for a new blog.  Thanks for the prompting and reminder, Mom! :)

Jack and I really enjoyed our first Christmas together as husband and wife and had a wonderful time with our families.  We spent Christmas Eve with my family at my parents' house where there was tons of great food and lots of family all gathered together.  We were the first to arrive early on in the day to help set everything up and we were also the last to leave as we were trying to help clean up.  A good time was had by all!  Although Jack has always fit in with our family, this year it seemed like he had been there all along as he answered the door, got things for my mom, sat with my grandparents', etc.  I know he has been comfortable with them all for years now, but it seemed even more evident now that we are married.  It was a wonderful feeling for me.

On Christmas Day, we went to Mass at St. John Cantius together and then headed to his sister's condo for Christmas festivities with his family.  Once again, a great time was had by all with lots of food and good company.  Jack and I headed home and had our own little Christmas and exchanged our gifts for each other. 

We spent the Friday after Christmas furniture shopping, and although we saw a lot, nothing caught our eye enough to purchase just yet.  We did find some Christmas decorations and such on clearance, so I was happy about that.  The next day however, I had a miserable day dealing with what I think was food poisoning from our dinner out the night before, and unfortunately, it lingered for the next few days.  Yesterday was the first day where I seemed to eat some normal food, although my appetite still isn't totally back. 

Yesterday was also the day where my mom and I finally made "party mix", as I have had a taste for it for years now, but we never have been able to squeeze it in.  It is similar to Chex Mix, but is my mom's own version and boy is it good!!  Jack had never had it so I told him he was in for a real treat, and after trying it, he agreed.  YUM!

We wish all of you a happy new year and all the best in 2009!

Normally I have a strict policy against email forwards and perpetuating internet memes.  I don't mind receiving them, but I rarely continue the chain.  Recently, though, I received a forward from my Father-In-Law about a site called Let's Say Thanks.  Apparently, Xerox decided they would put up a site whereby visitors can create "thank you" cards that will be printed and delivered to US servicemen and women around the globe.  You can read more about it in their FAQs.  The entire process takes about 3 minutes. 

Why this cause?  Well, I believe that people can make a difference in this world simply by taking a moment to reach out to someone, even a complete stranger.  In this case, someone we've never known and will most likely never meet is defending our country and freedoms.  In 3 minutes, we can do something that will impact someone's life who otherwise may not receive any other form of support or thanks.  3 minutes seems so trivial when compared with the potential positive impact.

The process is simple.  Select a card (artwork by kids across the country), enter your name, city and state, select a pre-defined thank you note or type your own, and that's it.

Today brings back a lot of memories for me. One year ago today was the day that Jack proposed to me at the Planetarium and what started a whirlwind year for us.  Gosh, it is hard to believe that in the past 365 days, we were able to accomplish all that we did.  In looking back, it started with the engagement, but then led to a birthday/engagement outing with friends, tickets to Phantom of the Opera for my birthday, Christmas with family, New Years with friends and the crazy road of wedding planning.  And if that wasn't enough for us, we each fund raised $1800 and walked 39 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 

There have been many highs this year - our wedding obviously, purchasing our first home, and unfortunately some lows in the passing on of some family members and various illnesses for those that are close to us, but it is great to look back now and say that we accomplished it all -- that despite the numerous breakdowns I had, the times where I didn't think we'd get it all done -- we made it!  But I am not foolish enough to think that we are superheros and did it all.  A huge thank you to our parents, friends and family for being there at each turn of the way this year.  We could not have done it without you and I am unbelievably grateful to you all. 

I look forward to what is to come for us and getting to return the favor to all of you - to get to be there for you just like you were for us.  And thanks to my now husband, for making this an unforgettable year!

Mary and I were in Steve and Kati's neighborhood tonight, so we decided to see if they wanted to grab dinner.  We ended up going to Chicago Brauhaus in Lincoln Square.  Neither Mary nor Kati had been there before, and I don't think they quite expected the atmosphere.  There was a live 2-man band playing what I'm sure was supposed to be German music, it was somewhat dimly lit, and people were drinking dark beers out of large glass boots.

Ahh, it was great. 

Mary had the sauerbraten with spatzle and I had the schweine schnitzel with mashed potatoes.  It was pretty darned good.  We each also had a healthy glass of Spaten Lager...Steve had two!

One of the hobbies that Mary and I have picked up over the last couple of years is drinking and trying different kinds of wine.  Are we sommeliers?  Not by a long shot.  Do we have advanced palates?  Nope.  But we like wine!

One of my favorites lately has been the Zarafa Pinotage.  The particular vintage is 2008 and Mary picked it up from Trader Joe's.  Lately I've been drinking more reds, so I'm not surprised I take to this one.  It's full-bodied, has a little spice to it, not too dry, but a good solid finish.  That's about as good as I can do as far as a description goes!  It may be one of the best $5 bottles of wine I've ever had :)

Cheers!