Time to Run
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas is over, and it's time to run. Many, many miles. As usual, more than a month's worth of eating and not working out has left me a few pounds heavier. First, the few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving were so busy that I had little time to work out. Then there was Thanksgiving itself, the beginning of the many feasts. Following that, two weeks of Achievers, with a big banquet every night (I have so little self control!!). Then home again, a quick trip to D.C. (and more excellent restaurants) and then all the special holiday lunches and Christmas feasts and ... well, 'nuff said. Feeling a little bloated, I guess.
I know, it's not even New Year's yet and my resolution is pretty much set. Sigh. As always.
The few days ahead represent some of the quietest in corporate life. Most people are on vacation, which means lots of quality time to wrap the year up. I'm looking foward to it. The past several days have been filled with many activities, even though we stayed in Grand Rapids this year instead of heading to Wisconsin to be with my wife's family or to Canada to be with mine. We stayed home in order to create some of our own traditions. We did caroling with others from our church on Friday night. Saturday we saw "Night at the Museum" which was hilarious (I love Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson has a great supporting role). We put out the cookies for Santa and did early morning present-fest Christmas day (which normally occurs in Racine, so it was kind of odd for us). The kids were ecstatic, of course.
Conner got an electric guitar that we bought for him back in September and kept hidden all this time. Amanda was delighted with bedroom furniture, including desk, chair, lamp and bedside table from IKEA to match the dresser we set up a week earlier. Dillon got a boombox and Guitar Hero II for PS2. Jack got lots of dinosaurs and Dino Mountain. Kari and I treated ourselves to a new leather couch, loveseat and armchair, which will arrive next week. With the commercial aspect of the holiday accounted for, we also spent some quality time as a family (bowling) and with family friends like the Kosters and VanDykes (we did brunch today and then played laser tag at the Zap Zone). Kari and Amanda sang a duet in church on Christmas Eve, and Dillon had a solo part as part of a boys chorus.
And now 2006 is coming to an end. I'm hopeful for many wonderful new things in the year ahead, both at home and at Quixtar. I hope all of you experienced a warm and wonderful Christmas celebration and a fulfilling 2006. I also hope the year ahead brings much joy and growth and fulfillment of potential. -- Kia