Healing power of being home and travelling

Hello everyone who reads my blog (all two or three of you). I'm at the airport- a very familiar place to me. I've been here in PA for 4 weeks- I am so lucky. My family is so great and I'm so glad that most of them live here. I was so homesick when I came here in late November and now I'm feeling better. I only feel a slight tang of sadness that I'm leaving to west for some skiing, job interviews and to visit a lot of friends.

My girlfriends in Salt Lake City are the ones I am most looking forward to seeing. I wish they were closer to Germany and I am looking forward to moving back to the states so that I can visit them and have some adventures with them more often. I still need to make them a CD for christmas.

Today I went on a ten mile bike ride with my baby brother. He is planning on biking 300 miles a month for the next 10 months. I think he can do it. Then in October he plans to bike across the United States. This year I bought myself pedals and shoes. If he wasn't in such amazing shape I would seriously consider going with him on the trip. Maybe he'll let me do a week or two with him through the states I'm most interested in.

I wish I had a photo of Danny on his bike- but just for a good laugh here is a photo of me on my bike. I'm wearing my skiing helmet (it kept my ears warm) and some random warm clothes. :) This photo makes me laugh! :) I'm glad I am still somewhat of an athlete- and I still haven't changed since I was a kid... I like bikes and the outdoors and I sometimes dress like a goofball! :)

Still at my sister's house

I have had a really relaxing week! :) I've played with William a lot and I went to Pittsburgh to visit my friends Laura and Kim. I also met a lot of people at CMU.

My sister Lisa arrives from Florida tomorrow. I have all my gifts taken care of (except for my grandparents) and all I have to do is finish my photo album page that I'll give out this year. Making the page reviewing 2008/2007 for me reminds me of all the amazing places I've travelled and the great visitors I've had in Germany.

Tonight I want to post a video of little William. He is so cute. When you blow him a kiss- it is so great- he smacks one back in your direction. Not only that, but he also does it if you just say, "Betty loves you".

Here is one of him enjoying looking into himself in the Mac.




I'll also add a really great photograph that my brother-in-law Ryan, William, my little brother Danny and I took the other day. :) What fun times. I'm so glad I have such a great family.


Right now, Nate, Eric and Ryan are siting here watchign the Giants vs Panthers game. It looks like a nice game. I think I'll join them now.

Hanging out at the Gajecki's House

This year there is a new Gajecki: William. Last year this time my sister Becky was close to 9 months pregnant and little william came to join the family on Jan 1st, 2008. This year I get to see him hanging out and he hardly cries- though he is at the moment. Oh- now his dad just gave him his bottle and he has stopped. :) No more tears- milk is yummy.

Anyway, My brother Danny and I are sitting here relaxing and I have some photographs to share with everyone. The one photograph that isn't me showing William my love-so that he can remember his favorite Aunt from abroad- is my brother Daniel and brother-in-law Ryan. :)

My sister Becky has a great little baby boy and Ryan is a great dad- it is a real pleasure to see them together. ;)

Home sweet home with my grandparents!!!

This is my Pop Pop hunting up at the mountains. I told him he looks like an orange monster! :) I thought the snow looked great and as he showed me the photographs tonight- I imagined skiing in Utah and in the Swiss and French Alps this year! Below you'll see some photographs of me and my Pop Pop checking out his photographs and looking at his computer. :) Okay, that is all for now. It is football time and then dinner.