The Christmas Letter

 As I've opened my mailbox this holiday season,  it has been filled with many letters and updates about people's lives and happenings-- weddings, babies, new houses, new pets, etc. It's so spectacular to read these wonderful things! I genuinely care and am interested. And after reading the "what's new with you these days? we need to catch up" written in, I thought maybe this is the year I send a letter with my christmas card. There's quite a bit to share. Sadly, I am quite certain I am not going to get any cards out until after Christmas. I'll make them New Year greetings cards! :) I am okay with that. I really hope no one will be offended. Life is busy and social and booked, so I have less time to spend writing out those cards. I am a firm believer in sending a personal note on them so it takes a bit of time. They'll find a mailbox soon and will be a bright spot. I personally always love an unexpected piece of fun mail. (Silver lining or really great excuse? ;) )

Because my cards won't likely make it out in time, I thought I'd write my Christmas letter here and share with everyone.

2014….what a year! I survived my first winter in Chicago during one of the worst winters in recorded history- record-breaking snowfall, wind chills and all. The term Chi-beria was coined during the time. At the very start of the year, I got stranded in Michigan for 5 days following Gus' baptism because the freeway was closed. Yep, you read that right-- the freeway. A major thoroughfare between Michigan and Chicago was closed for days at a time. Welcome back to the midwest, indeed! But the key was that I survived it and can now truly say I am a Chicagoan. ;) Aside from the weather, the winter was fun-filled with new people, old favorites, and a couple warm-weather adventures to see my west coast pals. I am the luckiest to be able to have places to go and people who really want to see me when it the depths of frigid here and lovely and sunny where they are. Lucky.
The spring got a little dicey. While life was never bad, it definitely was not the happiest. Work was terrible. Like terrible, terrible. Terrible in a way that made me regret taking the job in the first place. Ugh. And just as I was starting to think I needed to really find something new, a more major life event occurred. My Papa had an unexpected open heart surgery on the weekend he and my mom were scheduled to move to their new home and begin their lives together as a retired couple. That week was a blur. I got home and heard the news, then the dude, dudette and I made decisions. We took charge for a bit of time. I realize we have been grown-ups for some time, but in those weeks, we really become adults. We appreciated the situation and realized it could have been so much worse. As a family, we held each other closer and were reminded that while we may drive each other crazy sometimes, we really do like one another. Spring went by in a blur of time between Chicago and Michigan.
By June, I was looking for a new full time gig and enjoying the start to what turned out to be the best summer of my adult life so far. I was able to hang with my dad when he needed a little extra time. I spent tons of time with some of my little (& big) people in Howell and Grand Ledge. I got to spend a lot of time at the beach Up North and be with my parents as they settled down into their new home.  And I got to discover and spend time at the beach here in Chicago! I got to work on a bunch of super fun events, work with really great people, and learn some new skills- copy editor to name one! I walked 10K plus steps every day. I started a new passion of pure barre, and continued to look and interview for the next big adventure in my career.
At the start of fall, I had a job offer on the table and had started to work on a gig that took me to state 49 of 50 (Maine), and work with some of my very favorite people! Ultimately, I accepted the job and am now working at Glenwood Academy. With the new gigs on weekends and the new job with a commute, the fall has been crazy. Three months later, I feel like I have finally found a bit of a groove and understand how to schedule my days with a commute and a job that takes me to an office everyday. The commute can especially brutal in Chicago traffic, but I'm figuring it out. I found a team to call my home for some time again.
As I look back on this year-- my first full year in Chicago, I am super happy! I have had lots of fun with people new and old. I have made some really wonderful new friends. The kind of friends who are keepers and will be around for years to come. I have enjoyed seeing friends that come in and out of this fair city and we've enjoyed catching up after some lost time. I have been spoiled with the time I have been able to spend with my family- both immediate and extended. I have gotten to know Chicago and am totally smitten! I met a guy. Like, THE guy. The guy that will be featured in every letter and Christmas card from here on out. I'd say, it's been a good year.
Looking ahead to 2015, I am excited for the possibilities that lie ahead. The adventures that will be. The joy that I can't fathom yet. I am aware that none of it will perfect, just like this last year (and the years before it). But I know it will be a good year!
Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukkuh! Cheers to the New Year!
Wishing you and yours a season of love, laughter, and peace.
Love,
Jessica


2014: Recap in pictures.