Long Time No Post

I have a few friends whose blogs I enjoy reading regularly. I get mad when they don't post as often as I think they should. Not mad, but like, "Come on already! Time for a new post..." Perhaps I should take my own advice. Updates:

--The housing design continues. We spent half the day today with our architect going through plans. Just when everything seems to be perfect, another idea or suggestion pops to mind. The master bath has proven to be especially difficult as we haven't come to the layout that we just "love." We got pre-approved for financing earlier this week, so once we get our final plans we'll bid it out to several builders. Then the madness begins.

--Another one bites the dust at work. I can't tell you how many co-workers have left this year. This time it ended up being to my benefit as I inherited several new clients that were previously handled by the banker who left. The most unique company: a meat packing plant. I went to visit them on Friday and took a tour of the facility. Wearing a hard hat, coat, business suit and high heels, I walked from the kill room through the freezers. Have never been surrounded by so many dead cows hanging from the ceiling. Am still reeling from seeing a pile of skinned, bloody cow heads with glassy eyeballs glaring at me. My favorite quote from the owner: "The red stuff on the floor is not food coloring." Oh the joys of being a banker.

--We got a world map to hang in our guest bedroom. It's huge - close to 50" x 70." It reminds me of my Granny's hallway in her house, which happens to be entirely covered with world map wall paper. When we were little my bro and I always used to look in the Middle East for Jordan...

--Our friends Paul and Becca are officially in Africa and have been for quite some time, acting as missionaries at Soddo Christian Hospital. We have not seen them since March, a few months before their departure from the US. Their work is inspiring and I adore their commitment and dedication to serving Christ. They have a 1 year old son, and Becca is pregnant!! If you want to be inspired also, I would encourage you to read their blog.

--I'm making a 2008 book through blurb. Now most any photo site like shutterfly, snapfish, etc. have these available. Since I don't have time to get all of our pictures developed and scrapbook, I figure this is the next best alternative. Plus, it will be a great reminder of all the wonderful places we were able to travel to. This year my guess is that we won't be globe trotting quite as much; however, we're still contemplating a trip to China in a few months for a wedding. Italy also remains at the top of my list...

--I enjoy posting photos because I feel like all-text posts aren't as engaging. As such, I will end with a picture of one of our favorite Christmas presents, compliments of my bro. He took a picture of Abby in Houston one weekend, then sketched her in pencil and had it framed. What a thoughtful gift - and look how talented he is!