Happy new year!

I can't believe it's already 2006! The holidays flew by in a frenzy of baking, my nephews and niece tearing through embarassingly big piles of gifts on Christmas day, trying to be a good host to our holiday visitor, Madeleine (Georges' mom), all followed by a very welcomed and welcoming getaway to Montreal to spend new year's with Georges' extended family.



It was a good holiday with the right balance of stress and relaxation. The hectic days leading up to and including Christmas allowed for a nice contrast to and better appreciation of the winding down of the year.

The best gifts I received this holiday were opportunities: the opportunity to get to know Madeleine better and learn more about the young Georges; the opportunity to meet new people (such as the highly animated and entertaining Genny, daughter of Georges' cousin Sophie, and Sophie's dad Jean who lives in Red Deer, Alberta); the opportunity to practice my French (which, I discovered, has deteriorated significantly); and, of course, the opportunity to spend time with the people I love.



For the new year, I wish everyone happiness, good health and an appreciation of where they are, what they have, and what they do (or at least a good time in pursuit of those things). Enjoy 2006!