Long Time no Write

Well, I had been writing so frequently that I had completely run out of things to say... I'm not sure if I really have anything to say now, but I'll try.

I just spent a week in Arizona. I started out with Gina, in Tucson! It was really fun. We went hiking along the Ventana trail. The cacti were amazing! So many different varieties, heights, sizes... I almost bought one in the airport and brought it home. I refrained after poking myself in the finger. I didn't think I would want a repeat of that every time I watered it. We also went to a delicious Mexican Restaurant, El Charro. There are only 2-3 of them in the US, and only around Tucson. I had fish tacos that were out of this world. This man was walking around playing marriachi music, and the salsa was spicy. Heaven on earth! Gina dropped me off in Scottsdale, AZ for my Deloitte tax consultant orientation. We stayed at a resort, probably the nicest "hotel" I've ever been to. I had steak for all dinners but one, where I had a pork chop. I ate grilled food for lunch, out in the sun. Needless to say, I think I gained weight over those five days. How can't you when they serve you cheesecake at lunch and dinner?!!!!

I also took a surprise visit home this past weekend. Nate came with me. It was lovely as usual. We played ice hockey out on the "rink" in our pasture. Water had frozen about six inches thick, leaving us with a great playing field. Nate beat us all without a stick. How he can bounce a puck between his skates better than us trying to score with sticks is beyond me.

My latest and greatest news is that I got a Deloitte "Applause" Award!!! $100 for a job well done on an engagement. Ooooooooh yeah! I have to report the money in income which stinks, but still! Talk about an answer to prayer. My CD player broke about a month ago, and my shoes are wearing down to the point where they hurt if I wear them for a few hours in a row. So I got a Sharper Image pedometer/FM radio for $40, a Macy's gift card for $50 (shoes!), and $10 gift card to Blockbuster (a couple fun Saturday nights). Now all I need is a new winter coat! And low and behold, my $50 gift card to REI (from my birthday) should help out with that. Sometimes I am amazed at how things work out. Just when I think I have no money and no way to get what I need, things fall into place that I never would have dreamed up myself.

Life is good.