Hey there, hi there and hello there to one and all during this holiday season. Hard to imagine that the end of 2012 is upon us, so many gatherings and time with family to be had:) Jenny, Lincoln and I are looking forward to a journey back to the homeland to see family and friends in Iowa.
The Duck is wrapping up a pretty awesome year I must say. Since the last time I wrote, we had a joyus Bonus Friday ... pretty thankful to say that I work for a company that still is willing and able to give back to our employees a piece of the pie. Speaking of pie, we also had our 4th Annual Chili Bake Off, a tasty tradition thoroughly enjoyed by all. This year we had 10 chili entrants and while I was hoping to take home the top pick, a third place finish brought a happy face indeed:) Additionally, we brought the teams together to gather more than 1,000 pounds of food for Feeding the Valley Food Bank. Then about a dozen of the team members went and packed 7,200 pounds for local families, it was quite the rewarding experience indeed! I will tell you, there has been many ups and downs throughout this year, but with new teams, responsibilities and opportunities, it has been the most rewarding year. Just in the past 3 weeks I've had the chance to coach two more people into promotions and while projects are part of the job, those thank you cards are the most rewarding indeed!
On the volunteer front, we're closing out the year with a bang. I had a random Santa volunteer gig for the Sonoma Pointe development, 50-75 kids in 70 degree weather was a bit crazy. We've had some good Literacy Alliance, United Way and YP wrap-up meetings including a great Easter Seals pancake breakfast, always fun to flip some flapjacks. Last I wrote I told you about which was one of, if not the best volunteer gig I've been a part of ... hope you enjoy the video:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZuwMT9KfHo&list=UULoF65i50fEbEkDDXtDK1rA&index=1
The Creighton Blue Jay action has been quite intriguing this last course on Catholic Social Teaching. I really should be writing my final 5 page paper, but I have another day to git ir done I suppose. After I turn that in tomorrow, I'll be a year done with my doctorate with about another 1.5 to go. I sure have read, reflected and written a lot over the last year and it's been truly rewarding.
With that being said, I should probably finish laying down the new area rug, folding some clothes and o yeah, writing that paper while Jenny works the night shift. Lincoln and I have been hanging out and yes, he has taken over the house! We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and holiday season ... we can't to see all the family for six Christmases in three days ... yahoo! Will chat with you after the New Year, hope it's fantacular.
Alwayz, Nate
