I'm watching the snow blow by out my window this afternoon and thinking about the old and new years. 2014 was such a nice year (even if the snow is reminding me of the never-ending winter right now!). It was a year to get out and do things! Forrest was ready for adventure, and so were we!
We took several trips including our annual trip to Wisconsin, a first trip to visit Kati and Ryan, and quick trips to St. Louis and Branson, MO. Forrest and I spent time at Poppy and Gigi's, and Joshua stayed busy with his projects. His store underwent a name change. They are now called Titan Games, and they are busy! Their sales exceeded expectations in 2014, and now they are in the process of training a new store manager so Mark can pursue medicine in the future. They're also looking into adding more stores under their name. Apparently a nerd empire is the goal!
Besides staying busy with his shop, Joshua continued to work a lot, taking on many weekend shifts at a prompt care in Peoria. It's hard to turn down the money when we would like to be done with our student loans! He doesn't seem to mind the work, and several times, Forrest and I tagged along to visit Shaun.
2014 was a comfortable year in our home. We got out and enjoyed Monticello often. We spent too much time at the Dairy Queen, and visited grandparents and great-grandparents regularly. We attended our Montessori sessions, and I can say now that I've jumped in completely. I like Montessori philosophies and ideas, and I hope Forrest can continue with a Montessori preschool program next fall.
Yes, we are very comfortable here, but it seems that it's time for us to have a new adventure. A few weeks ago, Joshua made the decision to leave his job here in Monticello as of the end of March; I support his choice. So, he's now busy interviewing... a lot. He has a couple of great offers, and we're hoping to make a decision in the next few weeks. It seems that 2015 will be marked by change again, a house to sell, a rental to find, and new routines to build. I'm praying for an open and flexible mind; change has never been my best skill. I'm optimistic that we will be happy and settled in before long.
Other events to look forward to include Kati and Ryan's wedding in April and Forrest's third birthday.
Welcome 2015!
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Hello 2014
Looking back at 2013, it gives the appearance of a rather peaceful year, and I suppose in comparison to 2012, it really was. I was able to spend so much time with Forrest, observing each day how grew and learned. What a blessing! He had so many firsts during 2013: crawling, walking, words, climbing, sleeping for long stretches, birthday... While I'm thinking of all these moments with Forrest, we did have some memorable events in other areas of our life.
Probably the biggest change for us during 2013 was the decision for Joshua and Mark to open The Gaming Goat in Champaign. It's kept them very busy since August, but they are seeing results. Their customers keep coming back and amid all their work, they do have fun.
Another exciting time in 2013 was preparing for and celebrating Shaun and Bill's marriage in April. What a lovely day they had! It was a beautiful way to welcome spring.
The event of the summer for me was my trip to visit Jenna in Texas. First time flying by myself and leaving Forrest for more than a day! I had a fabulous time and am so glad I went on that adventure.
Less exciting but still important to me is finally feeling settled into our house and daily life in Monticello. I think there were so many changes during 2012 that it took me a very long time to feel this contentment. Finally in 2013, I completed enough house and landscaping projects to feel like it's ours. Also, I have my daily routines into a comfortable pattern that I enjoy. It's so nice having this comfortable feeling back, and even though it may not sound very exciting, I think that's probably the best thing about 2013.
So what's in store for 2014? Well, we're not sure. Nothing outrageous is scheduled, but we'll see what happens!
Probably the biggest change for us during 2013 was the decision for Joshua and Mark to open The Gaming Goat in Champaign. It's kept them very busy since August, but they are seeing results. Their customers keep coming back and amid all their work, they do have fun.
Another exciting time in 2013 was preparing for and celebrating Shaun and Bill's marriage in April. What a lovely day they had! It was a beautiful way to welcome spring.
The event of the summer for me was my trip to visit Jenna in Texas. First time flying by myself and leaving Forrest for more than a day! I had a fabulous time and am so glad I went on that adventure.
Less exciting but still important to me is finally feeling settled into our house and daily life in Monticello. I think there were so many changes during 2012 that it took me a very long time to feel this contentment. Finally in 2013, I completed enough house and landscaping projects to feel like it's ours. Also, I have my daily routines into a comfortable pattern that I enjoy. It's so nice having this comfortable feeling back, and even though it may not sound very exciting, I think that's probably the best thing about 2013.
So what's in store for 2014? Well, we're not sure. Nothing outrageous is scheduled, but we'll see what happens!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Hello, 2013
Where to begin? I can easily say that 2012 was the most eventful year of my life.
January started off with the news of our pregnancy, and there began the changes and transitions of 2012.
I began preparing for the sale of our home in Peoria in late winter, with final paint touch-ups, decluttering, and for sale by owner research. We knew that having owned the house for only three years, that our profit margin would be tight, so selling it ourselves was a challenge we wanted to attempt. I had no idea how time-consuming it would be! In the end, it was well worth the stress. We sold our house exactly three years after buying it. We came out ahead of renting and were able to enjoy such a beautiful home.
While working to sell our Peoria house, Joshua and I spent a couple of days in Monticello shopping for a new home. We began the search thinking about renting, but we were soon too excited about buying. We closed on our new house (just a five minute walk from his dad's house) at the end of June and began moving in the following weeks.
During this time, we also took our annual vacation to visit Joshua's grandparents at their Wisconsin lake house. Joshua hasn't missed a year! We had a great time (although I spent too much time thinking about closing on the Peoria house, which happened the day after we returned from Wisconsin.). While we were there, Joshua's cousin Nick and his wife Nicole and their two children were visiting as well. They were a fun group to spend time with, and it's always nice to see Grandpa and Grandma.
That brings us up to the end of July and the beginning of Joshua's work in Monticello. This was a fairly easy transition because he had spent a rotation here at the end of residency doing all of the orientation necessary. Overall, he has enjoyed his time in practice here and is so glad to be done with residency.
August's major event, of course, was the arrival of Forrest, and what an experience that was. I think I will leave it at that :0)
Since then, we've continued to settle into our new house, new routines, and new family life. The transitions have been challenging, rewarding, and ongoing. I still miss our life in Peoria. I miss living so close to Shaun and my parents (although I still see them frequently). I miss our house. It was nice having everything just how I wanted it. Settling into the new house and making it our own has taken longer than expected. I don't move as quickly on projects as I used to. Forrest's helping is not always very helpful :0) We've also decided to put off finishing the man cave until we get our student loan debt under control. That's a daunting task.
Despite my nostalgia over things we left behind in Peoria, I hardly want this to be a negative post. How many wonderful things can I say about our changes as well? We love our little boy. It's a joy to be living so close to so many of Joshua's family members. Joshua is so fulfilled to be practicing in a small town after so many years of hard work. I feel blessed to be able to stay at home with Forrest. I don't know how working mothers do it! We are a very content little family.
So, on to 2013, which is a bit of a mystery. With so many years working toward specific, time-sensitive goals, our lack of goals currently is very strange. College, grad school, med school, residency, jobs, and starting our family were all parts of a carefully constructed plan, and we have achieved it! What should we do now? What should we strive for? This is what Joshua and I are thinking of as we begin 2013. What a fantastic position to be in, to know that the world is ours. We can do what we want, with the hardest part being figuring out what that is.
So, with this in mind, we begin 2013, focusing on enjoying the present, slowing down, and thinking of the future.
Hoping you are as optimistic about 2013 as we are!
January started off with the news of our pregnancy, and there began the changes and transitions of 2012.
I began preparing for the sale of our home in Peoria in late winter, with final paint touch-ups, decluttering, and for sale by owner research. We knew that having owned the house for only three years, that our profit margin would be tight, so selling it ourselves was a challenge we wanted to attempt. I had no idea how time-consuming it would be! In the end, it was well worth the stress. We sold our house exactly three years after buying it. We came out ahead of renting and were able to enjoy such a beautiful home.
While working to sell our Peoria house, Joshua and I spent a couple of days in Monticello shopping for a new home. We began the search thinking about renting, but we were soon too excited about buying. We closed on our new house (just a five minute walk from his dad's house) at the end of June and began moving in the following weeks.
During this time, we also took our annual vacation to visit Joshua's grandparents at their Wisconsin lake house. Joshua hasn't missed a year! We had a great time (although I spent too much time thinking about closing on the Peoria house, which happened the day after we returned from Wisconsin.). While we were there, Joshua's cousin Nick and his wife Nicole and their two children were visiting as well. They were a fun group to spend time with, and it's always nice to see Grandpa and Grandma.
That brings us up to the end of July and the beginning of Joshua's work in Monticello. This was a fairly easy transition because he had spent a rotation here at the end of residency doing all of the orientation necessary. Overall, he has enjoyed his time in practice here and is so glad to be done with residency.
August's major event, of course, was the arrival of Forrest, and what an experience that was. I think I will leave it at that :0)
Since then, we've continued to settle into our new house, new routines, and new family life. The transitions have been challenging, rewarding, and ongoing. I still miss our life in Peoria. I miss living so close to Shaun and my parents (although I still see them frequently). I miss our house. It was nice having everything just how I wanted it. Settling into the new house and making it our own has taken longer than expected. I don't move as quickly on projects as I used to. Forrest's helping is not always very helpful :0) We've also decided to put off finishing the man cave until we get our student loan debt under control. That's a daunting task.
Despite my nostalgia over things we left behind in Peoria, I hardly want this to be a negative post. How many wonderful things can I say about our changes as well? We love our little boy. It's a joy to be living so close to so many of Joshua's family members. Joshua is so fulfilled to be practicing in a small town after so many years of hard work. I feel blessed to be able to stay at home with Forrest. I don't know how working mothers do it! We are a very content little family.
So, on to 2013, which is a bit of a mystery. With so many years working toward specific, time-sensitive goals, our lack of goals currently is very strange. College, grad school, med school, residency, jobs, and starting our family were all parts of a carefully constructed plan, and we have achieved it! What should we do now? What should we strive for? This is what Joshua and I are thinking of as we begin 2013. What a fantastic position to be in, to know that the world is ours. We can do what we want, with the hardest part being figuring out what that is.
So, with this in mind, we begin 2013, focusing on enjoying the present, slowing down, and thinking of the future.
Hoping you are as optimistic about 2013 as we are!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Ready for 2012
I'm struggling to believe another new year has arrived. It seems that 2011 went by much too quickly. I suppose it's time for a recap.
2011 was an eventful year. Last winter I began looking for a new job, as mine was no longer available after the end of the school year. I accepted a position to work for a therapy company, proving speech-language services in a nursing home and outpatient settings. After a very unhappy summer of driving around doing a job that was quite different than described during the interview, I made the decision to leave. I'm so glad I did!
I quickly found a new position working for District 150. Despite all of the unpleasant rumors, I have had a mostly positive experience. I love my students, and my coworkers are fantastic (not to mention the fantastic school schedule). I have also continued to work a few PRN shifts at Rosewood Care Center. I always enjoy seeing everyone there, and it's great to work with adults.
Other memorable moments of 2011 include our first vacation to somewhere other than to visit family. Riding the train to Chicago and seeing the sights was great. It wasn't the dreamed-of beach vacation, but still a fun adventure with my favorite boy.
We were also able to spend lots of time with family and friends in 2011. Mom and Dad have been to visit several times, and Joshua and I toured his grandparents' homes in Monticello and in Wisconsin. We have seen our favorite niece get bigger; she's walking now!
Now that 2012 has begun, I'm thinking about the eventful year it promises to be. Joshua will finish residency at the end of June. He has accepted a position to begin practice with a group in Monticello, IL. We'll be close to his family, in a beautiful, small town. He is so excited to complete his education and move on to a real job.
Before we get there, though, we'll need to think about selling our home in Peoria. I'm trying not to dwell on this too much; I love our life here so much! Although I know Monticello will be fantastic, it's hard to think about leaving Peoria, my job, proximity to my sister and parents, our house, and my plant babies. Monticello is a wonderful opportunity for Joshua to make a tremendous impact in a community, and I'm sure I will be able to reinvent myself, as well. Who knows what I will do?
Here's to 2012: may you be as friendly and happy as 2011!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
2010 treated me quite well. Here are the highlights.
Last spring I discovered my love of flower garden design and tending. What a relaxing thing to do outside in the sunshine. I also finished my clinical fellowship year, allowing me to earn my certificate of clinical competence, a goal I've been working toward for seven years. In May, Shaun and I took a road trip up to the suburbs with the help of Linda the GPS and a new i pass. We snagged lots of deals at the outlet mall and had a fun time being adventurous (for us).
The summer brought my first summer vacation as a worker in the school system. I spent many hours relaxing by the pool, crafting in my favorite sewing room, and being ladies who lunch with Shaun. (why do teachers complain about their jobs?) I also found a part time job at a nursing home. I'm really proud of myself for getting out there and trying something new. It turned out to be a great experience. Joshua and I spent a week in Wisconsin with his grandparents, which is always a relaxing time. As the years go by, we imagine more clearly and hope more strongly that we'll be able to continue this type of lifestyle on our own.
I began my second year working in Dunlap schools at the end of August. Despite many new challenges and an extremely diverse caseload, I'm happy with my job. I feel confident doing what I do, and it's nice to feel that way.
Another bright spot of the fall was the birth of my first niece baby, Ava Lee on September 19th. She is a lovely little thing, and Joshua and I are going to work hard to be her favorite uncle and aunt. We have lots of competition!
During 2010 we also began seriously considering where we will be after residency. Joshua has been on a couple interviews, with some disappointments and some optimistic possibilities. We're excited to make an official decision in 2011.
Other events to look forward to in 2011 include finding a new job, another fantastic Labor Day party, a probable trip to a lovely beach in April, and more sales in my etsy shop.
Happy new year!
Last spring I discovered my love of flower garden design and tending. What a relaxing thing to do outside in the sunshine. I also finished my clinical fellowship year, allowing me to earn my certificate of clinical competence, a goal I've been working toward for seven years. In May, Shaun and I took a road trip up to the suburbs with the help of Linda the GPS and a new i pass. We snagged lots of deals at the outlet mall and had a fun time being adventurous (for us).
The summer brought my first summer vacation as a worker in the school system. I spent many hours relaxing by the pool, crafting in my favorite sewing room, and being ladies who lunch with Shaun. (why do teachers complain about their jobs?) I also found a part time job at a nursing home. I'm really proud of myself for getting out there and trying something new. It turned out to be a great experience. Joshua and I spent a week in Wisconsin with his grandparents, which is always a relaxing time. As the years go by, we imagine more clearly and hope more strongly that we'll be able to continue this type of lifestyle on our own.
I began my second year working in Dunlap schools at the end of August. Despite many new challenges and an extremely diverse caseload, I'm happy with my job. I feel confident doing what I do, and it's nice to feel that way.
Another bright spot of the fall was the birth of my first niece baby, Ava Lee on September 19th. She is a lovely little thing, and Joshua and I are going to work hard to be her favorite uncle and aunt. We have lots of competition!
During 2010 we also began seriously considering where we will be after residency. Joshua has been on a couple interviews, with some disappointments and some optimistic possibilities. We're excited to make an official decision in 2011.
Other events to look forward to in 2011 include finding a new job, another fantastic Labor Day party, a probable trip to a lovely beach in April, and more sales in my etsy shop.
Happy new year!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Feliz Año Nuevo!
New year's eve was never a huge deal in our house. Sometimes we would have some sparkling grape juice and chips with Velveeta around 10 pm, and then it was off to bed. Because of this, I still find it difficult to get very excited for this event; however, Joshua is a big fan, so I make an effort.
Last night we decided to go out for dinner. After going to Red Lobster with the intention of using a Christmas gift card, we went out for Chinese food instead. (I just couldn't wait two hours for a table along with the rest of the population of Springfield.) That's okay. Chinese really is tastier, and no waiting. (not to mention our super-hot Asian server)
Later in the evening we met some of Joshua's friends at a piano bar, very classy. It was a nice place with a band playing mostly oldies, pretty fun. We toasted the new year with some champagne, found out Joshua's friend has been married to his girlfriend for almost two years, danced one song (not nearly enough alcohol to dance any more), and then were home by 12:30. I would say it was a very nice evening. Hopefully some pictures are on their way.
Last night we decided to go out for dinner. After going to Red Lobster with the intention of using a Christmas gift card, we went out for Chinese food instead. (I just couldn't wait two hours for a table along with the rest of the population of Springfield.) That's okay. Chinese really is tastier, and no waiting. (not to mention our super-hot Asian server)
Later in the evening we met some of Joshua's friends at a piano bar, very classy. It was a nice place with a band playing mostly oldies, pretty fun. We toasted the new year with some champagne, found out Joshua's friend has been married to his girlfriend for almost two years, danced one song (not nearly enough alcohol to dance any more), and then were home by 12:30. I would say it was a very nice evening. Hopefully some pictures are on their way.
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