Leaving the 95 degree weather with 89% humidity of Indonesia and being greeted by the -20F weather with 0% humidity of Canada was like a slap in the face…literally.  But Canada is not only magical in the wintertime, it’s also where my sister lives and I was so happy to get to visit for just over two weeks after my year away.  And truth be told, after being hot and sweaty for a year, the cold of Winter was actually refreshing.

After some rest, relaxation, book reading and movie watching, I was able to help my sister with some home projects and still have time to have some fun.  Holiday decorating, bowling and sledding were all on the agenda.  Having never been on a toboggan before, that outdoor afternoon excursion was probably the most memorable.

My next stop was Pittsburgh, PA.  I’ve only been to this city two or three times before (years ago when I was still in college).  I was excited to do some exploring…and it pays to have a friend who lives in the area.

After a stop at the Mattress factory (a really neat, installation art museum) and trying a famous sandwich at Pamani’s near the strip, I got to walk around the Christmas village where crafts of every material were on sale before the holidays.  It was great to have a hot beverage in my hand and walk around with the other cozy shoppers.  There was also an area nearby where adults and kids alike could try their hand at ice skating on that very brisk day.  And just beyond the skating rink was a building that housed life-sized Santa’s from around the world.  An orchestra was playing Christmas carols as the crowd wandered around, learning about the names, customs and traditional dress of the jolly gift-givers in different countries.  That was a real treat for me.

As quickly as my week in Pittsburgh began, so too did it end, and I was once again on a plane.  This journey took me to the lovely state of Rhode Island…my former home.

The benefit of visiting right before Christmas was that friends who have gone far and wide were back in Lil’ Rhody for the holidays.  It was wonderful to have a wide range of friends in the area to say ‘hello!’ to.

I was able to visit dear friends in the town I used to live in, and they were nice enough to have a holiday get-together during that particular week to ensure I’d get to see as many people as possible.  Those people are true gems!

Then I spent some time catching up with former co-workers, who have remained very close to me.  From playing darts at a local bar, to going to the movies, to having a day-trip in Boston, to visiting my favorite place in the world…located on the East Bay Bike Path, I was able to spend time with so many who are very important to me.

And after another blur of hugs and kisses, it was time for my last stop…home, to Halifax, PA, to visit my family.

After one complete day of resting and being lazy, ,it was time to wrap some gifts, make some cookies, hang out with my awesome nieces and enjoy a wonderful Christmas.  There were so many people I needed to see and visit with…it had been an eventful year.

Questions answered, hugs given and belly satisfied, it was time to turn my attention to New Years.  This holiday season worked out great with my parents having two very short work weeks, so I was happy for the time spent hanging out, cooking and watching old movies.

New Years was uneventful, as usual, with me being up past midnight, but forgetting to turn on the TV to watch the ball drop!  But it didn’t matter.  I was happy to get New Years messages all day from people back in Indonesia, and I was happy to spend the day reflecting on the awesome 12 months I was leaving behind to make room for the next 12 racing towards me.

Saying goodbye is always bittersweet, but it’s never actually “goodbye,” it’s really just “see you later.”  I realize that the important people in my life are worth the effort needed of staying in touch, and those who value the personal connections will honor your efforts and never really be far away…no matter the distance.