Hibernation Has Ended for 2012

With the buds on the trees, the flowers showing their colors, and the grass jutting up here and there, it is time to awaken from my winter slumber. Where does the time go? Time again for a catch-up-recap...

February
Karen Update
As always, loved my birthday, but felt a tremendous loss as Dad was not here on Earth to celebrate with me. Kelly, Tina, and Michele came through and spent a lovely evening with me and champagne. I never realized but our birthdays were so connected. We used to always have a cake for mine and the second half on his two days later. Many times, we had to get a brand new cake because the ice cream cake wouldn't last two days. C'mon though - it was always one of the "lil' love" small cakes. What you may not know is that my mother had a choice for birthdays as I was a planned c-section baby. She purposely chose a different day (Feb 9) from Dad's (Feb 11) so that I would always have a day 'just for me.' And for that, I am always grateful. Now knowing that, you'd think that I could differentiate my day from Dad's this year. I realize it wasn't the birth day, it was the fact that my childhood memories are just memories now. No Daddy to say "happy birthday, honey" as I brought his paper up. I'm sure it will get easier, but I must say "Belated Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you."

Logan Update
Logan's big February happening actually happened on my birthday weekend. On February 10, Logan made it to the High School swim team's big championship. He had qualified at his very first meet to swim in the 100 breast event (4 laps at the 25 yard pool.) He swam his best time ever at this event and went on from the qualifying meet to the Championships on February 11 - Dad's birthday. It was very exciting. Logan, Jimmy, and Kenny were the only 9th graders to make it. What a great feat!

MARCH
Karen Update
They say March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. They were wrong. It was a lamb since November. We were worried back in October when we had snow before Halloween. And that, my friends, was it for us. Maybe, can't recall though, maybe a dusting of snow once since then. It was really a quiet month filled with long hours of work - still loving it - and enjoying the close of swim season.

Logan Update
Swim, swim, swim. Logan ended the high school season in February but was in full swing with his club team and the local CYO swim team. He went on to swim in the Junior Olympics but also the next level up, the more challenging Zones Championships. Again, he qualified and made it into the actual Championship on his breast stroke. He went in as 8th and came out in same position. His pals Jimmy, Kris, and Vinny also made it to the Zones qualifying meet. Poor Jimmy was sick as a dog. Vinny did his best time and came in, I believe, 5th in his 500 (20 laps!) event.

April
Karen Update
It finally happened...I converted back to a full time employee with my firm.  It came as a surprise as for years, every six months my contract would be extended.  I outlasted Ruben, Amie, and Todd as the big bosses who each in their own turn recognized my role and agreed that I should be an FTE.  Only when Kate left our department to become a planner at another firm, that it happened.  the offer came and before I knew it, I slid from consultant to employee.  That was my highlight.  April 30, 2012. 

Logan Update
If finally happened...Logan broke the 50 Breaststroke record at CYO for the 13/14 age group.  it was very exciting as I sat with Mrs. Salerno at the Aquatic Center and watched his do it.  I knew he was in the lead and was on to his gold medal, but it was only when he looked up at the timer - Coach Glenn - that Logan threw his fist in the air.  Now, his name remains in the books until the next 13/14 year old boy bypasses it.  Next record to break - Coach Ilchuk at the HS.  Logan's coming after you Coach!

May
Life has been so wonderful.  It actually breaks my heart to not have Dad here to experience each joyful moment, victorious celebration, and successful achievement.  I have to believe that it is because of HIM that it has all come together so quickly after his leaving.    Logan continues to swim and do well at school and has a new girlfriend.  As he grows up and spreads his wings, I see only great things in his future.