As I ponder this year's annual letter....

...and how to fit all the changes onto one page, I'm somewhat bowled over by the twists and turns this year’s path has taken.  Had we an inkling of what lay ahead, we most likely would have timed a few decisions differently.  For the most part, we’ve just hung on and enjoyed the ride.  We are certainly learning to turn challenges into opportunities! 

      Although never unproductive, Mike’s diligence in putting his degree to good use recently paid off with a terrific position that allows him to excel using his geoscience education, work experience, and talents.  The challenge?  Learning to live mostly apart, as he’s working and living in northern California.  The opportunity… we will eventually be living in a great Pacific coast town full of friendly folks.  We’ve always dreamed of living at the beach!  

      Layoffs earlier this year gave me the chance to leave a despised career and try my hand at working with the public.  I love my new position with the local medical clinic greeting and scheduling patients, amongst other duties.  Having lived here for 10+ years, I'm finally getting to know and serve my neighbors.  And with the incredibly short commute, enjoying lunch at home every day is a real bonus!

     A new pad was in the cards for Daniel this year, as he moved with newlywed friends into their recently purchased home.  Still busy with both UPS and school, he’s looking forward to wrapping up his final year of aviation maintenance training.  He seems to be enjoying the friends he’s developed over the last few years; several who share his interests in gaming…both tabletop and online.  After being nominated for best costume at a local gamer convention, he’s discovered he has a talent for designing and constructing costumes.  The hobby definitely brings out his creativity!

     Bonnie’s high school graduation wrapped up a banner senior year of honors, academic and sports awards, and scholarships.  She returned from a short trip to North Dakota with her promised Ford Mustang, and jumped right into her summer jobs at two different pools.  College for her will start in California next month, with her eye on an RN degree.  In the meantime, she’s busy learning guitar, crafting, and recuperating from a recent injury of which there is no exciting tale.  Let’s just say it involves a friend’s dog, jumping, and a sofa!  

              

      As chapter 2010 nears its end, we look forward to the new adventures 2011 has in store.

What happened to July??!!!

Wow, where has that gorgeous summer month gone???  I just noticed I last posted 40 days ago.  Guess I've been enjoying these incredible sunny days that have graced our part of the world since early July.  :D  Summer here may have gotten off to a slow start, but it's in full swing, and one incredible Pacific Northwest season.

Early July found Bonnie and I on a whirlwind road trip from the airport in Dickinson, ND to home in the 2006 Mustang convertible her dad promised her.  Cruising across Montana late night on the 3rd, very early morning of the 4th, we were treated to one fantastic fireworks display after another.  We cruised into town just in time to freshen up, then back out for our local fireworks display.  I loved spending the time yakking with my girlie.  Well worth the effort.  Thank goodness the next day was reserved for napping!

Two days after our return, I started a new job and probably a new career.  I LOVE working with the staff and the patients at our local medical clinic.  Providence is a mission-driven organization.  I appreciate how they promote supporting the mission in the way they train, the way they treat people, and in the way they communicate.  For the first time in years, I'm feeling productive and refreshed.

Last week, Bonnie and I headed to Ft Lewis, WA for my nephew's graduation ceremony from ELDEC (???) training.  After the formalities, the three of us headed north, where we visited the Seattle Aquarium and Pike's Place Market.  Zach had his first taste of Mediterranean food.  Having talked us into Avatar:The Last Airbender in 3D, we headed to the South Center Mall just up the road from the SEA TAC airport.  This was my first 3D, and I have to admit, I rather enjoyed it.  Bonnie was most impressed with the mall.  She walked around with this dreamy look, and muttering something about wanting to move closer.  ;)  It was sad to end our visit, but I know Zach was anxious to get back to his own bed, his own place, and back to spend time with my sis and bil and the rest of the family.  

Yesterday, my first born turned 23 years old.  How can that be?  Surely I'm not old enough to have a child that age!  (at least, not mentally =D )  God knew exactly what He was doing when He matched up this mother and son.  Daniel truly has blessed my life in more ways than I could ever have imagined.  To celebrate his birthday while juggling schedules, Bonnie and I met up with Daniel at the Cheesecake Factory (can you say yum!?) for lunch on Wednesday, followed by a "tour" of his newly put-together room and the rest of the house.   Both having the day off, Bonnie hung with big bro and friends yesterday evening.  Today, Mike (and maybe Tim and maybe even Avery) are meeting him to see the movie Inception. Looks to be a good flick.

Having Bonnie gone from early June to early July, then basically "gone" 24/7 between working two jobs and thoroughly enjoying her summer, we've had a real crash course in empty nesting.  On the one hand, it's been quite an adjustment for us.  (Who knew a house could be so quiet!)  On the other, Mike and I have truly been enjoying just hanging out together.

Book Review for Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl and April Henry

A friend introduced me to the site BookSneeze, which offers free books to those who are willing to write reviews of the offered works. Turns out my first assignment was a crime thriller. Though not my usual preferred genera, I found Hand of Fate to be gripping from beginning to end.

This who-done-it begins with the murder of a controversial talk show host in his own broadcast studio room. The author takes three friends on a roller coaster ride of suspicion, fear, secrecy, and paranoia. First there is the question of whether Jim Fate's death was an act of terrorism or premeditated homicide. If the former, what group would commit such a horrendous act? Or is it more likely the latter, as those offended by his broadcast opinions could form a line around the city; perhaps twice over? The prosecuting attorney, the FBI agent, and the crime reporter set their course to uncover the truth. Little did they know their journey would take them on a dangerous journey of discovery beyond the act itself, revealing a motive none of the friends (nor this reader) predicted.

Wiehl’s story took place in the city of Portland, Oregon; of which I’m well familiar. The places and details were spot on, increasing my enjoyment of the author’s work. Although initially apprehensive about reading a crime novel, I found I could not put this down. Hand of Fate was truly spell-binding from start to finish!