Tricia's Trotters came our in full force with around 40 of us walking in perfect weather in late September. Vancouver's trottters made it out for yet another year later in October too. Overall we raised around $7,500 which was amazing. Thanks to all for joining us in body or in spirit.
While I hadn't planned a trip for November, it seems travel always finds me (:)) and I spent a few fun days in Montreal shopping and eating with my friend Yvette before we took in the UFC 154 fights (yes, that's right). All I can say is I saw a documentary on a few of these guys a while back, got interested, and the crowd that night with George St Pierre in his hometown was louder than any CFL/NBA game I have ever attended (Riders included!!).
In December mom, dad and I crashed the Regina Antonini's Christmas party and there were 54 of us in Rob and Bonnie's place enjoying laughter, food and drink as long as we could stay awake. It is a remarkable family and was so awesome to visit with so many cousins who I knew growing up, meet their kids or remark on how they've grown (I get why people did that to me now), including my little angel Ellie Tricia Rose, get to know cousins who were too young to know when I was growing up, and aunts and uncles who now seem closer in age to me and reconnect with them more as friends. And you will be pleased to know that my Uncle Tony who next month also will be 15 years post-transplant (kidney from sister Marcia) shook hands on a deal to "go for 5 more". 
While in Sask, I also got a short visit with goddaughter Mireya (and her mom Amy, grandma GG and great-grandma) and she demonstrated the amazingness that can be accomplished in only 2.5 years. Age is really irrelevant isn't it. Having been in Regina, I missed my PwC Christmas party so instead decided to have the smaller group of people who I often sit with at the monster size dinner to my house last weekend for appetizers and cheer. I have a great group of colleagues and friends that I work with and we really have a lot of fun together - so I do feel like I've gotten to experience the season a lot this year. Gifts of moments - that's what it's about.
I realize my posts have become less frequent - but only as a result of life just being too interesting to stop and report! A few weeks ago I sent 15 cookies to my hero for 15 years since transplant #1 and we got to have a spontaneous bite to eat together too. A bit surreal as it often feels like 150 years, and then 15 minutes since everything...all I know is that from my brother to Oliver to mom and dad, to family, friends and coworkers to the docs and nurses at Tom Baker and Sloan Kettering, I am incredibly fortunate.
I know it's been a struggle this last week to feel like truly celebrating when you know (but can't possibly imagine) the pain that the families and friends and thousands of people that were impacted by some act we cannot understand in Connecticut must feel...the inability to really direct that pain and anger and disbelief, because there is no answer to why. All we really can do is live. And hug those around you. And laugh. It is a stark and in-your-face reminder that uncertainty, in whatever form it takes, is always around us. Awareness of that is our only tool to counter it.
So let's enjoy our gift openings, favorite meals, the eggnog, the turkey, the time to spend with loved ones and friends. Enjoy them just a little more... the only way to respect those families who have been shattered is by appreciating the moments we have now. And respect but don't be paralyzed by uncertainty. Not just this month but forever. Life will be just that more potent as a result.
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Mele kiliki maka.
