Great holiday!

This Christmas went much better than expected in my house. Let me preface, I warned my wife and son that on Christmas morning, this would be my routine: wake up when I heard the dog whining, let her out, then let her in to eat, then let her back out. While she was out the 2nd time, I would log on to my work laptop to capture some reports that run (yes, even on Christmas), which would only take about 5 minutes or so. Also, would make some fresh coffee (a little stronger than usual). When the work was done and the coffee was made, I would be waking everyone up. This would probably be around 7am. I was right on the schedule with this one. At 7am, I woke everyone up. The wife was easy. I go in, she was coughing, and I told her "it's time" and she got up. Then it's the son's turn. Usually, when I want to wake him up, I go in and yell "WAKE UP!" or shake him. But, being it's still dark during the winter at 7am, his room was dark. So, I simply put on the light. The reaction I got was better than any Christmas present. All I heard was "Oh God! Light!" I fell on the floor from laughing so hard.

Everyone very much enjoyed the gifts they received. I got the Rapala Bass Fishing game for XBox. My son got a couple of XBox games that he wanted. My wife got a sapphire ring and necklace (her birthstone), which she liked, although "where am I going to wear it" was the reaction I expected and received. We also bought 2 new board games for the family, which we enjoyed over the weekend. Had great laughs, great times. It was much needed and well deserved.

Now, it's a short week at work. I am working today and tomorrow, will "pop on" the next two mornings to retrieve a couple of reports, then Friday is New Year's Eve. Can't go far as Ann is working, but that's ok. All the bowl games will be on TV, so I'm ready!