Happy 2009, everyone!
As we say sayonara to 2008, it's time to look back on the year that was...well, in a word...crappy. Now, don't get me wrong, 2008 had some good points, but it had some times I'd like to forget as well. With that in mind, there are a few things that some people haven't heard yet about me during the last 3 weeks of 2008.
On one hand, I traveled all over the country, visiting locations I never would have had the chance to visit on my own. Seeing New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and other places were amazing. I'm very grateful for the opportunity! It wouldn't have been possible without my position at Athena Cosmetics.
However, my time at Athena Cosmetics came to an end on December 15th. It was due to "restructuring", and since I was an "at-will" employee, they didn't really need a reason. It stinks to start the New Year without a job, but everything happens for a reason. I'm not worried about what happens going forward.
In that vein, I've moved back into the house in Oxnard. I know that 2008 ended my relationship with Jarrod, and I moved into my own place in Ventura for 5 months, but with the death of Tutu at the beginning of the month, there was an empty room at the Lawrence/Dillon house. This allowed me to move back into the house and spend more time with Aiden. As you can tell from the photo, he's enjoying New Years Eve at home.
So, between the death of Tutu, the end of my relationship with Jarrod, and the demise of my job with Athena Cosmetics, I'm officially done with 2008. Here's hoping that 2009 will bring a much better year for me.
To all of my friends, family, and acquaintances, have a happy and prosperous 2009!
- Location:Oxnard, CA
- Mood:
optimistic
There's been Star Wars, SpongeBob Squarepants, Batman, and now, according to Gizmodo, a new set will be arriving this year to celebrate the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the fourth part of the movie series.I had given up LEGOs years ago, but with the advent of these new sets, I might just have to pick up two or twenty. All for Aiden, of course...At 2 1/2, he'll be playing with tiny building bricks before you know it.
Ah, who am I kidding? I've already picked up a Chum Bucket set from SpongeBob Squarepants, and a discounted airport set. The latter was indeed for Aiden, but there's no way he'll be able to fully enjoy it until he gets a little older.
- Location:GCB Office - Ventura
- Mood: excited
Lady Luck was not with us that afternoon, as we arrived at the mall shortly after 1pm, only to find out that Santa was on his lunch break until 2. With a tired 2-year-old (no nap at this point) in tow, we made the mistake of hitting up The Disney Store where they were stocked with "Cars" toys galore. Aiden loves the movie "Cars", so he wanted everything he could get his hands on. We quickly made our exit from the store, and hopped over to Gap to purchase an outfit for Aiden to wear to see Santa.
With a quick stop by the car to change the clothes, we got back into the mall just before 2pm and stood in line with the other kids waiting to see Santa. Although Santa was only a few minutes late, it took us nearly an hour to get to the front of the line. Aiden, being 2 and tired, was quite a trooper. He wasn't sure what we were standing in line for, but once we got to the front of the line, he quickly realized what was happening. His new favorite movie is The Polar Express, so Santa is a big deal to him right now.
His turn to visit with Santa was amazingly perfect. I was worried that he'd turn into the child from A Christmas Story who wouldn't stop crying once he sat on Santa's lap, but Aiden was in awe of the jolly man that knew his name and asked if he wanted "Cars" toys for Christmas. Plus, Santa asked him for a High-Five, which was Aiden's perfect way to end the conversation. I say "conversation", but it was more of Santa talking and Aiden left speechless by the man in the red suit. Very adorable.
As we left, Santa gave Aiden a stuffed penguin, and that quickly became his newest favorite toy. He fell asleep in the car on the way home, and he clutched the toy the entire time. The photos that were taken were cute. I'm sure the photos were just as expensive when I was a child, but I only remember a $5 polaroid with the mall Santa - no stuffed animals, no crayons and coloring books, no photo packages. As a new father, I got suckered into the "A" package, which included the portraits, the photo CD, the special gift (the aforementioned penguin), and a "Sucker" stamp on my forehead. Well, he's only young once...
It was an adorable afternoon, and it was fun to experience Christmas through the eyes of a little kid again. As we get older - and eventually more jaded against the commercialism of Christmas - it's hard to remember what Christmas use to feel like as a child. Aiden gives me the chance to do that once again. I'm a lucky, lucky man.
- Location:KVTA Studios - Ventura
- Mood: cheerful
- Attention Getter:Spence & Bob Morning Show (AM 1520 KVTA)
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