Our Cups Overflows

Hello Loved Ones,

We just got home this weekend from our awaited cruise. We traveled to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamacia. We had PERFECT weather. The cruise ship was incredible-with the pools, jumbo TV screen on the top deck, mini golf...and the food, of course the food. We are pretty adventurous as many of you know so we made sure we participated in an excursion on each island. In Cozumel, Mexico we took a jet boat ride on a boat named Twister-and that's esactly what it did. At high speeds and twisted in 360 degrees. We were soaked but it was such an adreline rush and I think we would do over and over again. Then the boat dropped off us on the most gorgeous, secluded beach where we were greeted with open bar, Mexican buffet, lounge chairs, cabanas, and hammocks. In Grand Cayman we did something I said I would never do: parasail. I did it and will definitely do it again. It is so amazing and so relaxing. It is just so quiet 400 feet in the air, especially over Caribbean waters and especially with someone you love next to you. In Ocho Rios, Jamacia we climbed the famous Dunn's River Falls. This is 900ft of water falls, that seem to have a naturally formed staircase going up. It was challenging since the water is freezing and you have no choice but to be up to your waist in it. It was fabulous. We also visited Dolphin Cove where there are 14 dolphins who interact and swim with the guests. We didn't get to swim with them, but got good pictures.

The cruise was probably our favorite trip together and I felt so sad to leave and head back to reality in CT-snow, rain, cold weather, and of course, work. But when we came home (hours late because of snow in Chicago), we finally rejoined reality by going to the mailbox, collecting the pile and opening each piece. In the pile was Chris' score to his final exam. HE PASSED! The final exam-meaning he is now a Certified Public Accountant. I know I have mentioned before (I am so proud), but it is incredibly unlikely, almost impossible that someone passes all four parts on the first try, but Chris did and the achievement is monumentous. Because he never sings his praises I will.

We feel very happy that during such hard economic times for our nation, us, as a young couple, are able to travel, that we have great jobs, and are able to tackle occupational challenges and excel. I think our future is bright and I feel very lucky!

Christmas was great this year. I think it was one of my favorite Christmas' ever! We celebrated with friends and with family and then the day after Christmas Chris and I celebrated together-as we exchanged gifts as husband and wife sitting near our tree that morning.

This winter has been pretty brutal-freezing temps and lot's of snow-but luckily in mid-February we'll be on our cruise for seven days. Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Jamaica sound really nice right about now. We have enjoyed winter, though. We've been sledding and Chris is looking forward to getting some skiing in.

Chris just completed his FINAL CPA exam. He feels really confident about it-but I don't want to jinx him. He should be getting the results back in a few weeks and it will be unbelievable if he passes (which I have no doubt he will), because only 10% pass all four tests consecutively and certainly a 23 year old CPA is pretty unheard of.

We've been thinking a lot about getting a puppy. We're a little nervous because we know they are a big responsibility and we are spontaneous people who like to take off for a day or weekend at our liesure. Also, we love our cat, Cassius, so much and we know she will be petrified of a dog. Either way, a dog is in our future-maybe in our near future. We've decided on a breed-American Eskimo or Eskies as they are nick-named. We love them and they are known as one of the most intelligent and loyal breeds. Maybe this Spring or Summer we'll add a dog to our little family.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm this winter. I'll keep you updated on Chris' score!