January- I love you.

Wow. I have a feeling that 2005 is going to knock my socks off.
If the rest of my year goes anything like January has and will, I am going to have no complaints.
I started out this month, and the year, in Chicago with most of my closest friends at WSC 2005. What a great conference. New Years Eve was extra special because it served as a Salaam reunion. A good majority of the people I came to love this summer all got to reunite, and for those of you who couldn't quite make it, your presence was missed.
The conference was awesome in so many ways. Too many to list here. We had so many amazing conversations which got me really pumped about the direction that Aiesec US is headed in. One of the things that made this particular conference exceptional was our chair- seriously Maz, you rocked my world. She is the most enthusiastic, motivational, fun and crazy person I have ever met! Talk about ending on a high note- I left this conference feeling motivation that I have not felt in a long time!!!
The lack of sleep and close quarters caught up with me though, and as I hear, many other people as well: sickness. Its been a rough week, but its almost over. And no way does this put a damper on my January. Its given me an excuse to catch up on sleep and recharge. Plus get a few things done that I would not have had the time to.
So- more rockin January-ness: On the 15th I am bound for the beautiful Costa Rica! OOO- I can't wait. I'm packing up all my summery stuff for a few fabulous days in the sun!
Then I am back on the 20th to start school. Why does that get a showcase in the 'fabulous january' entry? Because (if all goes to plan) it will be my last 'first day'!!! I'm all ready to have an awesome last semester!
Two days later it is off to my cabin for the LC retreat. Always thrilling. Unlike most, I actually enjoy retreats. But I am usually not on the recieving end, which I plan to be this time, so it might be different. It is always fun hanging out with the LC though- particularly this year. We have such an awesome group!
That Sunday night I am back in St. Cloud for my work holiday party. I think I might try to have a little less fun than last year. But it will still be a blast!
And that following weekend, the last of January, is ICE FISHING!!! Oh man. I can't wait. Ice Fishing will be tops this year. With most veterans returning and plenty of new faces. Not to mention two of my favorite international men who may grace me with their presences. Oh the anticipation.

Not bad for what is supposed to be the coldest month of the year filled with post-holiday blues, eh? Not for this girl.