Minnesota Christmas

Happy Friday!  I imagine this has been a short week at work for everyone, so hopefully it was a good one!  I had an absolutely wonderful Christmas.  In the weeks leading up to Christmas I was kind of worn down due to all of the travel I had been doing and I was feeling very down about life in Charlotte, but this trip home was really good for me.  I slept well, relaxed a lot, and enjoyed spending time around family.  And no one brought up Charlotte - which I was thankful for as it's a topic I don't enjoy discussing.  For the rest of the post, I'll let the pictures (mostly) do the talking.

My trip home definitely did not get off to a good start, though.  I spent 6 hours at the airport as they kept delaying my flight due to mechanical problems and then they ended up cancelling it.  I was a sad, crying mess and going back to my apartment in Charlotte that night was the most depressing thing ever, but I got re-booked on the first flight out in the morning.

After connecting via Minneapolis, I flew into the tiny airport in Fargo, ND.  You know you are in the heart of the Midwest when there is snow removal equipment on display in the airport terminal!

My mom picked me up, we grabbed some lunch, and were on our way to the lake!  It was so good to be reunited with some of my nephews!

The weather was bitterly cold when I was home...  I did not complain at all.  I was just happy to be home.

Since it was so cold, I spent a lot of time huddled up on the couch in front of the fireplace, reading.  Most mornings I was awake before anyone else and it was really peaceful to start the day reading by the fireplace with a cup of coffee to warm me up.

While reading during the day, I'd often have the company of my Godson, James.  I'd read, he'd play on my mom's iPad, and we'd snuggle up together.  I am glad he's not 'too cool' for his aunt yet!

One afternoon we had a little Dance Dance Revolution face-off, which was a lot of fun (and a really good workout, I might add).  No one could beat aunt Lisa!  :)

Christmas Eve started off with me receiving a bracelet made by my nephew Matthew.  He is so thoughtful - he remembered to use my favorite color (pink).  Handmade gifts are the best. 

I was impressed with how well the boys all played together.  With 4 boys under the age of 10, it can get a bit rowdy at times, but that is to be expected.  It's tough to get them to sit still for a picture, but I managed to snap one of James and Charlie on Christmas morning.

And before I knew it, it was time to come back to Charlotte.  The time at home went incredibly fast and I wish I would have taken some pictures of the delicious food my mom and brother prepared. I also wish I would have remembered to take a picture with my parents and with my Grandma on Christmas Day but it just slipped my mind.

The trip back to Charlotte went better than when I came back in November.  I made it through the goodbyes and the flight without crying.  I think it it helps to come back knowing I am just over 3 months from my relocation contract release date.  For the first time, I came back knowing I could start to look for a new job opportunity, and I have an action plan.  Having a plan really helps.

Luckily, I came home to a bunch of Christmas mail which really brightened my day.  I think this is the most cards I have ever received!  So if you sent me one, thank you very much!  I look at them every day!

And so another Christmas season has come and gone.  To be quite honest, I am glad this one is behind me.  It was tinged with heavy emotions of sadness and anxiety, but like I said in my New Years Eve post, I am hopeful that 2014 will be a better year.

I'll be back on Monday with my goals for 2014!