There's no place like home . . .

Late Monday night/early Tuesday morning, I arrived back at my house in Waterloo, after 12 days at home with my family and friends. It was so great to be back at home for Christmas! At first, it felt a little funny to be there - things and people had changed, and I hadn't been a part of the "Regina" life, for 4 months. But, it didn't take long for it to feel normal.

I arrived home on the night of the 21st, and was greeted at the airport by family and friends. It was great to see familiar faces. I came home to the house, and spent the evening chatting, eating, and just enjoying being home. We headed to Winnipeg on the 23rd to spend Christmas there. It was nice to get there to see the family, and to also hang out with some friends while there. We came home from Winnipeg on the 27th, and the rest of the time was spent in and around Regina. My time was kept very busy, with many people to see, places to go, and things to get accomplished. I had a "list" of things that I wanted to get done, and I was able to get most of those things done. I feel like I barely sat down at all during that time - and I am pretty sure that I was running on adrenaline the whole time, since I really didn't get much sleep. I flew back on the 2nd, to begin school on the 3rd.

Some highlights of my time at home include: being greeted at the airport; coming home to my house and spending the evening catching up with people; Care Group Christmas party and carolling at Extendicare; spending Christmas in Winnipeg, and being able to spend time with friends there; skating on my backyard rink (I have missed skating SO much!); massages at Hotel Saskatchewan with mom and Alicia (thanks to dad and Jonathan!); pedicures and supper with Tamara; seeing Cinderella at the Globe Theatre; eating at India House twice; visiting Grandma and Grandpa Slywka in Ituna; going to see King Kong and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; seeing good friends, and being able to catch up with them; staying up late; eating good food, and lots of cookies, candies, etc.; sleeping on a blanket bed on the basement floor with Alicia; watching the World Juniors on TV; just being with family and friends . . . and the list could go on and on!

To my family and friends at home: It was so amazing to see you all, and to be able to spend time with you. You have no idea how much I have looked forward to coming home at Christmas. Thank you for your hugs, smiles, chats, and encouragement! It is those things that will keep me going during the tough times this semester. I appreciate you all so much - and I know that God has blessed me richly by placing all of you into my life!

All in all, it was a great holiday - far too short, but great, none the less. I feel "filled" and rejuvenated, and ready to take on this next semester! And the good news is, I will be home again in about 6 weeks for Reading week! I can hardly wait!