Christmas Break 2005

What a wonderfully incredible Christmas Break. This break I have had the chance to share stories with friends and family, rekindle friendships, watch some of my best friends get married, reevaluate what is truely important to me as a person, and how I can hopefully be a better person through my weaknesses.
A couple days ago, I learned of the passing of one of my dear soccer and college buddies, Janell. She was one of those girls that could always and will still light up a room with her presence. She will be greatly missed. She had a way about her to make any bad situation turn into a good one or at least one that we could laugh at. I remember doing 120's in soccer practice back at SFA and how we all hated them more than anything. She probably hated them more than any of the rest of us, however, she always gave her all. I wish I could say the same for myself. Janell, you will be greatly missed! Thank you for the great example that you set for all of us in life. Thanks for living your life to the fullest!

At the beginning of the break, I had the undeniable opportunity to visit Barbados. This happened all because I could not get a ticket out of Grenada for Christmas, so I booked a ticket instead out of Barbados. All I had to do was find a way to Barbados. In Barbados, I was blessed to get to stay with a family in connection with CEF ( the organization that I went on a mission trip to Atlanta with in summer 2002). I had a wonderful time visiting and talking with Diane(CEF leader in Barbados). What a life she leads following the Lord! Barbados is like a "little England". Very simular to Grenada except that it is flat and the waves are much bigger. Hint hint... you surfers out there!!!
Shortly after Barbados, I returned to the states and attended the weddings of my close Texas A&M veterinary friends, Travis Nichols and Anne Ray. Getting to witness both marriages of Travis to Katy and Anne to Josh and seeing the delight in both of their eyes made me truely believe in love. (I know that this is sappy, I apoligize, but if you only saw them you would say the same thing). At the weddings got to reaquant myself with old friends. It was great to see you Lisa and Brad. Good luck this coming semester!! I am so proud of you! Also while making my way through Austin, I got the treat of seeing my Uncle John and Prissy and my 2 cousins Misty and Andrew and there 2 baby girls(one of which I had not had the pleasure to meet yet!). While passing through Dallas, I got to visit the Staib side of my family (Melzer- my moms side). Getting updated with my uncle Bob and new wife Christi, exchanging experiences with my cousins and second cousins, and learning about the soon to be still baking in the oven. Life is good. :)
Then one of the highlights of my entire trip was getting to spend a couple days with my little bro Trey and his best friend and wife, Becki. I love you guys more than you ever could imagine!!! I am so proud of you guys! Around this same time I got to make a short but sweet visit to my Aunt Beth and Uncle Erics house. Of course, Eric cooked and boy was it delicious!! During this Houston visit I got the chance to also rekindle a friendship with an old roomate at SFA, Fro, that I had probably not talked to in 2 years. It is amazine how time flys!!!
For Christmas, my Aunt Martha and cousin AnnE came to Midland. So I packed up my things and headed back to Midland but not before stopping into College Station and visiting with my good friend Amanda. She left for a mission trip to Ethiopia a couple days later. At Christmas dinner as my grandfather gave the blessing, I could not help but reflect on how blessed our family is and how incredible it is to be part of the whole thing.

Then to bring in the New Years, I got to spend it with three of the most important girls in my life. Erin Wolf, Marge Barnes, and Sarah Williams. These girls are the greatest. I can only pray that people have friends like these girls in their lives. Erin has joined the Peace Corps and she leaves for Zambia, Africa in a couple days now. http://erinwolf.bravehost.com/ . Have a time of your life Erin. I'l be visiting soon!!
The next thing on my agenda was a Colorado ski trip. All I have to say is I love Colorado!!! I had the time of my life. This was the best birthday present I could have ever given myself. Not only did I get to spend some great time with my soon to be married friends Brian and Angela, meet 15 new people, play in the snow, but I got to learn how to snowboard! Yes, I thought that I was going to die after the first day because I was so sore, but I had the time of my life. People should be arrested for having as much fun as I did. I did not want it to end! Daniel... sorry that I had to use your picture in my blog, but I could not help it. Too funny!

Now as I reflect on the past couple weeks. I am flabbergasted. I got to visit almost my entire family and friends. What a gift!!! Life is such a gift!! I would not trade any of the times that I had for anything. Please all of you take care of yourselves. Until next time!! Love each and everyone of you silly creatures!!!