Hard to believe that 2008 has finally gotten out of the way. I doubt that I am alone in the sentiment that it is more than over due to have departed. As eagerly as the new government in America, I am looking forward to the developments in 2009.
Speaking of things, and noting that it has been a few weeks since my last entry, a quick update might be in order. Christmas was chaotic and delayed. It is unfortunate that the weather did not allow my participating in the 64th annual "Night Before the Night Before" gathering of family and friends. Hopefully, 2009 will allow me to rejoin the merriment.
The actual Christmas events began with leftovers before Eve services. The best was an outburst from one of the younger attendees when the Christmas story was being read - and it came to pass that Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem and she was with child. "Uh oh!" came the tiny voice from the congregation.
Christmas day started with a quite breakfast. That, however, was the last calm in the day's events. A quick wrapping of the final presents and it was back for the annual festivity of children seeking presents that equated to fun. They were disappointed - mostly clothes and practical stuff. We were, after all, at the mean grandparents' house.
Friends came and went. Wine and conversation. When the hot tub was being populated, it was time for the festivities to come to a close for Mom and me. It was a long day.
Friday I managed to leave - later than desired - and arrived home by night fall. It was a very pleasant journey home.
However, the respite was short. Home on Friday night and back to Indiana on Monday. Drove to Indianapolis for an interview with an environmental consulting firm. Very interesting business model. It could be a good place to work.
Back to "home" and this time it was my turn in the hot tub. Visited with Dan and, after her personal pampering, Jean. Spent the night at Mom's and once again (December 31) left for home a shade later than I would have preferred. However, I was tucked neatly into my own home before the first shift left the taverns. Happy New Year!
Since starting 2009, I have aggressively decided on a list of goals and embarked on programs to achieve them. One goal was to read at least 10 books this year. So far, I have finished two. Looks like the goal will have to be modified and the goal number raised. New goal, two books per month (minimum).
On January 5 I was on the road again - this time to Bloomington, IL for a flight to Atlanta and then a two-hour drive north to Dalton. Arrived before the rain, and managed my first run of the new year (3+ miles on the treadmill). Interview the next day was very enlightening. Great company (subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway), and good people on the staff. Most have a long tenure with the company, which speaks well in these economic times. Again, more interviews will be held before the company makes a decision.
The return trip was not as "comfortable" as the one down. Landed on time, and then the fun began. Rain, fog, and temperatures hovering around 30. Slow go home. The last 20+ miles were down "white" roads with two tire tracks to follow. The last 2 miles put me in the middle of the "white road" (country and no one else was coming). I got out to check the mail and almost fell - thank goodness I didn't know how bad the road really was or I might not have left Decatur.
Call today. I am considered a great candidate for a position with the Illinois Geologic Survey, but they wanted to check on my interest before they contacted my references. Salary - $35K. I had to say, thanks but I will continue my quest. Next interview is Monday in Rockford, IL.
Today was reflection and catching up on messages and events. Please note I have changed the slide show. What birds?
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