Saturday, January 2, 2010

Auld Lang Syne

 
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2009 was a pretty quite year with the most eventful thing being the purchase of our first home. As first time home owners, Devin and I have learned a few things.

1. Money doesn't go far
2. To check credentials if you hire someone off Craigs list
3. Not to wash carpet remnants in our new washer{I solely get the idiot stamp for this one}.
4. To make sure that the on/off valve is turned on, before you spend $60 for furnace guys to come and and tell you, "You would be surprised at how common it is for people to panic, or not know about the on/off valve before calling us." {Devin can take sole responsibility for this. He had forgotten he had turned it off.}
5. We have learned that all the poison bombs, bait, and coyote pee, does not deter the gophers in our yard.
6. Just because the house you are moving into has been flipped, does not mean that the flippers did a good job. Don't look to close at things the next time you visit.

I should have kept a running list of mishaps, because I know there are many more I am not remembering or ones that could result in a phone call from Devin scolding me about how some things should remain private, and not mentioned on our blog or Face Book.

I will give my unhandy man props for becoming more confident and acquiring more handyman skills. Even if it is instructions from the printout he Googled on how to fix your disposal, to adjusting your sprinkler heads{that was something even Google couldn't help with}.

Overall we are thankful just to have a little roof over our heads, with good
neighbors who let you borrow their ladders, take your garbage out when you forget, and who keep a watchful eye out for you and your house.

Among other events this past year, Devin and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary{eight years total}by making a quick trip to San Diego with our good friends Jeff and Natalie, and their sweet baby Luke.

Maren conquered potty training. Actually, as a trio, "WE" conquered potty training.

I opened up a little aesthetics room at a salon, a couple months only to leave because I was barley making booth rent, and because Natalie hooked me up with a sweet little part time position with the company she works for. It may sound strange, but I have so enjoyed working with the disabled again

Almost as astounding as purchasing a home, we FINALLY moved out of the motel, but are still managing and working up there four days a week. It has continued to be trying, in the aspect that we don't get as much family time together, but we are thankful to still have the extra income.

Maren started preschool, at a school where they learn through the arts. It has been perfect for my imaginative girl, and she adores it.

We lost our old family dog Ollie of 14 years, which has been hard. But Devin received a tiny fluff ball for Fathers Day that I picked up from a breeder off the side of the road on my way to Home Depot. As thrilled as Devin was, Fez has found a place in his heart for him.

Maren and I made our annual family Laguna beach trip, minus Devin. He had to stay home and bring home the bacon, and move us into our house. Maren continues to talk and dream about "Magoona", and we hear about going back at least once a week.

Devin continues to hold a successful position as GM. As with a lot of businesses, the hotel industry took a bit of a hit this past year. He remained positive, and the hotel has some prospects for the next year.

All in all, we remained happy, healthy, and halfway sane this year. But as always, I am looking forward to a new year. Be kind to us 2010.

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