I've been reaching out to old high school friends and having lunches with them. We've had a great time catching up. I haven't seen some of them in over 20 years. So many stories.

We are now in Toronto staying with friends. The husband and I have been exploring the city and socializing. 

Merry Christmas all.

The husband, one of my brothers and his family are visiting my parents. Its snowy and sunny. 

Eating too much chocolate today.

We spent Saturday with friends in Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a nearby tourist town that has adopted a Bavarian building code. During Christmas, it lights its self and its trees to the max. 

We at too much good German sausage there. 

It was cold. Snow was on the ground. None the less, we spent a couple hours on an outdoor patio to watch the tree lighting ceremony. 

So much job churn.

A peer of mine has left the company for a completitor. I can't say I'm suprised. He has been frustred by a few things, including the exodus of our former manager, and the reasons that lead up to that event.

Apparently this has been in the works for a while.

The guy they have on-tap to replace my former peer is very smart. He may not be suited for the role, but he is hard working, and will be able to learn. Part of my job will be to help him though this.

This next year will be interesting for me. WIth the up-leveling of my boss, and my new peer, the org could have much more hourse power than three months ago. It's my challenge to keep pace. Not get left behind. 

The husband is on the central coast in California. He is at his home town. By coincidence his work brought him there. The husband loves it. He hasn't been there since he was young. It's bringing back fond old memories.

The husband still has a job.

One third of his old team was laid off. In fact, the company laid off 200 people in total.

The husband has a new boss and new responsibilities. He has started training this week. Some of the wind has been knocked out of him though. He will need some time to gather his strength.