Home for the Holidays

I arrived in Minnesota yesterday (Saturday, December 18th). It is great to be back and to see family and friends. Although the weather is extremely cold here compared to the upper 70 degree weather I left in Houston, the familiar faces seem to help keep me warm. I think my tolerance of cold weather has been significantly weakened from living in Houston, but hopefully after a few days of this (cold weather), I will be able to adjust. As much as I don't miss the snow, there is still part of me that was happy to see the white stuff from the plane window as we got closer to Minnesota. Speaking of snow, there seems to be an awful lot of snow this year in Minnesota. Enough to collapse parts of the roof of the Metrodome and basically shut down most of the metro area last weekend.

I am excited to be home and spend the holidays with my family. I remember when I was younger that Christmas was all about the presents. Now that I am a little bit older (and probably because I live much further from home) I appreciate the time I am able to spend with my family. I am very fortunate to be able to come home and spend the holidays with the people I care about. I will be having Christmas Eve with my immediate family and on Christmas Day everyone who is able will be joining us. My mom is an excellent cook, I am anticipating the wonderful food already.

Although the teaching professions has many things that make it less than ideal, the availability to have most holidays off from work is something that makes it pretty nice. I will be thoroughly enjoying my two weeks off. I will be spending lots of time with family and friends... and maybe even doing a little relaxing.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- Joe