Christmas Letter

Sitting here, looking at a stack of un-addressed Christmas cards that likely will never be mailed on time, I keep trying to think of a better way to do this thing. I mean, do I really have to go find STAMPS! It’s so medieval.

It's not going to happen

A few friends and I recently had a conversation about why people even bother sending cards and the pros and cons of picture and/or pre-printed cards versus a handwritten. The consensus was that the typically seen family photo card was really a testament to the old-timey Christmas letter, albeit less personal.  I definitely have much, much more to say than photo! But for those of you who are just into the pic, here is my family.

Abbie and Mr. Cullen, 2011 (Cullen got too fat and I didn't fit in the frame)

And while I have a LOT to say about 2011, I guess I’ll try my best to be brief and instead provide you a pictorial history.

This year started off with a whimper, so I’m going to just jump right past the first two weeks of 2011. I mean, let’s be honest, after 2010, I was over work drama, and I am simply pissed to realize it had carried over to 2011 to taint an otherwise amazing year.  By the end of January, things were so stressful, and I realized that it was time for me to take a big chance.

No more wishing! Time for Action!

Now the drama didn’t stop at unemployment! Oh no! Between job interviews and endless applications, I was also spending much of Q1 in and out of doctors’ offices–Orthopedist, Neurologist, Pain Specialist and on and on. After many tests and much misery, I knew that surgery was eminent, and was honestly my best option to avoid the coming and going of pain that I had been experiencing. But if, when, who, how was all still pending… Full history of this insanity is documented in my Facebook Note: Back Attack!

Ow Yeah!

Then, on Feb. 11, I got a call from TekSystems. Yes, someone found my resume and thought I was qualified for a job, imagine that! Seven days later, I was starting to prepare for the move to Huntsville! Yikes.

Soon to be the view from my new home in Alabama

In the meantime, I was planning a surgery and very brief recovery period. March 2 marked surgery #2 on L5-S1. Whatever it was I did to that disc to make it hate me, I just don’t know. All went well, and I’ve healed very well. I think even the numbness behind my right leg has lessened (although I know there is some permanent damage there).

Nervous Pre-Op Feet

So I got about a month to heal then had to get my butt moved to my new home! I struggled a bit at first, getting over the fatigue and general aching, but regardless, I made it to Huntsville on April 6, 2011! I have missed everyone in LA a lot, especially in the first few weeks. But over time, I’ve met some good people. And it didn’t take me long to realize that this was the right move for me!

HSV Peeps

My job and co-workers have been awesome. Intergraph has given me more than I expected, and they have a confidence in me that had been lacking in my jobs over the last year or two (ever since I lost my biggest cheerleader, Lynn to less crazy pastures). As much as many don’t want to hear it, I can see myself here for a while, building a life and a true career.

UX Wizards

So here I am! I’ve been in Huntsville for 8 months and am finding my way here. Granted, I had to deal with tornadoes only two weeks after I moved in! But once I learned how to hide in a closet, it was fine.

Tornado survial kit: Ice and a disposable grill

Other activities of note…I’ve had the opportunity to travel to both Denver and the UK this year. Yes, my first trip across the pond!

Brilliant UK Weather

Other than being in a new location, life is continuing as usual and becoming more of my norm every day. 2011 was fraught with change, and it made me truly realize how much those in my life cared for me. I am truly thankful for everyone who has supported me and cheered me on through EVERYTHING – you keep me going!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, Abbie

Merry Christmas!