Christmas Letter Season

It's that time again. You know it well: Christmas Letter Season. I was always vaguely aware of the existence of this season, but it's only been in the last few years that my awareness has grown acute and personal. It seems that as my friends have begun acquiring spouses, pets, children, mortgages and careers, they have also acquired a desire to share their lives with their rolodex once a year, in the form of a Christmas Letter. And, so, I thought that perhaps I should share a bit of my life with you as well. However, I will follow the sentiment of a friend of mine who stated in her letter, "2008 has been a rich year filled with ups and downs and simple memories made in the routine of life." Though I was elated that according to the content of the letter, they had actually only had ups, I was just a wee bit sad that it didn't actually share the downs with me. And, so, for you, dear reader -- My Reality Christmas Letter. May it leave you with tears and joy and laughter.

Dear family and friends and foes,
I can hardly believe it's Christmas already! I'm nowhere near "ready" whatever that is, my gift list is nonexistent and my decorations are still firmly in their tupperware bin. But, I noticed the other day that the wreaths are up in Union Station so it MUST be Christmas. I know that no one really likes reading these so I will make it easier for you by skipping the flowery droll and giving you my year in bullet points.

• Last Christmas, I started dating Chris. Sometime in February, I fell in love. By summer, I wasn't sure. I broke up with the absolute love of my life in October. September-November was a living hell. I cried all the time. I'm doing better now, but it's still hard. I still love him and don't know what to do with that. It's very confusing. Thanks for asking.
  
• The job I had at the beginning of the year was kinda crappy so I quit in March. I was unemployed for four months. I found a job in July that I really like. I now do marketing for the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. The commute is 3 hours/day and that sucks.
• The apartment I lived in last year had roaches and water damage. The building management didn't seem to care. So, while I was unemployed, we had to move. We found a house that is big and nice. The problem, of course, is that it's big. Taking care of a yard is no fun. Plus, it's hot as hell here in the summer and who wants to mow? At least it's close to the metro. And, no roaches.
  
• My brother and sister-in-law have had a great year at their church. Unfortunately, finances are a bitch and they lost their house. That totally sucks. Their son is pretty much the cutest thing on earth, though.
• Mom and dad and my other brother and his family seem to be doing well, though.
  
• I'm still pro-God.
• My good friend Amy moved away, got married and knocked-up (in that order). She's psyched.
  
• In the next year, I plan to implement my secret plan to take over my workplace and then start pursuing my MBA. That will take a long time, but it's free so that's cool. Too bad I have to take the GMAT.

Thanks for reading. Until next year, have a merry and roach-free year!
Hyla