2009 A.D.

Happy New Year.

Some thoughts...

Denver//After San Diego, we spent a few days in Denver. This being the third year I spent with the Denverian relatives, I've begun to feel like a regular user of party favors and new year cheers at the Porter residence. It was wonderful seeing them, as always. This was the first time I've been there and there was no snow on the ground. Boohoo.

Old Folks//We visited some of my Dad-in-law's elderly relatives in the nursing home. I just wanted to hug those old ladies over and over again. And they would take all the affection we had to offer. One aunt reminded us over and over again, "I'd never thought it'd be like this" (referring to the limitations and loss incurred by old age). A sovereign plea they made to us to remember to treasure the time that is given to us. I love the old folks; I want to be loved when I join the club one day.

Marley & Me//Great movie, though it warranted a higher rating for suggestive references and I do not think parents should take their kids to see it, ironically enough. The cute but outrageous dog serves merely as a plot device to show the life cycle of Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston's marriage: the wedding day, the start-up careers, attempts to overcome infertility, suddenly having too many kids, wife's postpartum depression, marital strife, career changes, etc. A very thought provocative and heartfelt movie for those thinking about starting a family (i.e. getting married), it almost made me teary-eyed. (For what it's worth, I've only heretofore cried during war movies and The Passion.)

Murder Mysteries//I'd never heard of this before, either, except for the times Amanda told me it might be a good idea. A great way to spend New Year's Eve, we all played this prepackaged game in which each of us was a character and had to solve a whodunnit. Filled with a dead defense program worker, FBI investigations, crack dealers, KGB agents, jealous lovers, and other colorful characters, a great mind exercise and way to pass the time.

Grades Are In//Glory to GOD.

Year in Review//Enjoy.