Happy Friday!

Is it so bad that my Christmas tree is still up? How about the fact that sparkly Christmas cards still line my windowsill and rolls of wrapping paper litter the living room floor?

Okay, so I've been a little busy.

In a show of uncharacteristic persistence, I have maintained my three workouts-a-week schedule for five weeks now! I'm pretty impressed with myself for that alone. I don't think I've seen much of a difference, but I was complimented on my ass last night, so I could be wrong.

Speaking of last night, I attended an organizational meeting for a charity function that will be in February. About seven years ago, "newly single" me participated in the group's bachelor/bachelorette auction and since then, I've worked with a subcommittee to organize the live auction.

Earlier in the week, I got a call from Beverly Girl, a former colleague who's in town for a few days. Turns out, Baskerville, another former colleague, is also in town and wanted to see everyone. Let the party begin!

Baskerville is getting married in April to a wonderful German fellow. The wedding will take place not in Chicago, not in Germany, and not even in Tennessee (where Baskerville is from), but in North Carolina!

So, another trip to plan!

Speaking of trips, my mother has decided that she wants to go to Croatia...and she wants me to go with her! This is interesting because one of my brothers had written me a letter (I don't even want to get into THAT since I see him regularly) telling me that I should surprise my mom with a trip to Croatia.

My mother got the idea independently of my brother's letter. Turns out, her brother is going on vacation to Croatia and Ireland with his wife. With the idea firmly planted in my mother's head, I suggested we go in September, when the prices to Europe are a bit cheaper.

Why Croatia? My mother's parents were born there and although she's been to Croatia, my mother never visited the island off Croatia that is her parent's birthplace.

So let's review...I'm planning trips to New York this month, Arizona in March, North Carolina in April, Croatia in September and for my annual birthday trip in November, hmmnn?!?!?!

And it's only the first week of the year!