New Year

Wow, is this year already gone? So much has changed and happened this year for me. I've moved twice, once back to NC & then from the NC mountains to the coastal area. Now don't ask why. Everyone always asks why. I think it's because they can't believe I would leave the beauty of the mountains to come to the flatlands of NC.

Anyway, goodbye 2008 & Hello 2009!

2008 was more good than bad, more hard than easy and so much more than I expected. It was hard to carve out a new role for myself - but, at the same time it was strangely rewarding. I think it fits. I will hopefully be ringing in the New Year awake, but I could possibly be asleep.

So look to hear more from me on all my upcoming changes in 2009; back to school, hiking/backpacking stories, getting in touch with my art again, getting fit through healthier eating & exercise, and hopefully getting back closer to my beloved mountains.

I'll be back in 2009 with good things to share. Happy New Year, internet.

After Christmas Effects

I had a great vacation! The weather was warmer than I would have liked but being with my family was fun. They had two furry bundles of joy. Although not nearly as friendly as mine (perhaps I'm a little biased), they were very cute and cuddly.

Of course my pack was their normal energetic, crazy selves and I think they may have driven my parents slightly crazy. You have to be a unique person to get along in our house with 7 australian shepherds and a border collie. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything, even in the morning when they pounce on me; I still love them to pieces. I guess we're doing our part in the world of saving critters. God bless my husband, he is as patient as he can be; and loves each one too!

Christmas

Woo! Hoo! Christmas is only 3 days away and I am looking forward to spending time with my family. We'll be traveling to West Virginia over the holidays and unlike the warm weather here, it's gonna be cold and snowing there! I am excited. My husband & I are packing the car up and heading out Wedsnesday afternoon with two dogs & three puppies! Needless to say my family will have a house full but thankfully my mom is being awesome and letting all the pups come too. (thanks Mom!)


I usually only get to travel home about 1-2 times a year and I hate that! I love spending time with my family and I know each year is more precious than the last since my parents are getting older. My husband usually gets home less cause where my family is seven hours away, his are 13. Sometimes I wish our families lived closer.

Odette & her Girls...

So I have been following this blog about Odette & her girls in Rwanda. It is heart wrenching to hear about her daughters who are still in Rwanda; they're working through the political red tape to get her girls with her in the US; but this can take years.

Odette escaped Rwanda and survived the violence of the genocide. She is a war widow with two girls, Grace & Lillian. She has been working here in the US and doing everything she can with the help of Jen Lemen, attorneys & hundreds of contributors; to get her daughters here safely with her. Her oldest, Grace; has suffered from malaria and TB; she has recovered but their health as well as their lives are always at risk. This blog always tugs at my heartstrings. Read it and if you can help them in any way, please do. I know money is tight for many people this holiday season; but the best gift you can give anyone is help.

If you're interested in checking out another great non-profit group you should really check out Hope Aid. This non-profit organization was started by my very ambitious, and wonderfully talented friend; Ginger. This organization to steal a line from her, "is about developing nations through sustainable development."