2008

2008 is off to a great start. I celebrated in the new year with good friends and great conversation about love, life, family, and relationships. New Year's Day I went cross country skiing up Lighting Creek with Natty, Kendra and the dogs. Despite my persistent cough, it was awesome to breathe in fresh mountain air. I still cannot believe I live in such beauty, it still overwhelms me - in a good way. When I was in San Diego I found myself overwhelmed by cars, people, and buildings. I cannot believe how quickly I learned to love the wide open spaces of northern Idaho. I will not lie though, I did see it coming. I am only surprised by the speed in which I have assimilated.

Apparently, I am not the only one who is impressed by the speed in which I can assimilate to a new culture. I received a promotion at work! Before, I was assisting someone in supervising a group of kids, and starting Tuesday I will have the first of my own group of kids to guide through the program. Needless to say, I have a feeling I will be busy for the next few weeks. There is a lot to learn and do as these new kids arrive. So, I apologize now for a lack in posting, but know it is because I am probably choosing to ski off some energy in the mountainous woods rather than sit in front of my computer.

One more thing, I have also started looking at new dogs. That was hard to type. I feel like I am giving up on Buck by looking at welcoming a new dog into my life, but I know it is time. A coworker was looking at pictures of Buck and I together and made a comment that hit home for me. He said he does not see me smile like I smile in the pictures with Buck. Buck brought light to my life, and I can only hope I brought the same to his life. It is time to smile again with the intensity that I know I can.