I really have been neglecting this space ever since I started my new job. It isn't intential, I assure you; it is simply that I do not always have the urge to get on our desktop or laptop after I arrive home in the evenings during the week. I am actually writing this from work, in the slower time frame of the morning.
So, lets see. Christmas was great. After dealing with almost an entire year of unemployment and worrying what we would do, I got an offer for temporary/contract work that more or less saved the day. We were able to actually have an enjoyable holiday season. That isn't to say it was all about the presents; it was about not having the pressure involved with being unemployed. This holiday season was nice because we were able to focus on time with family and friends, which is sort of the entire point, right?
I turned 43 on January 10th. Some might lament turning older but I actually enjoy it. Might have something to do with the fact that I refuse to act as if I am "old". I am not doing the whole midlife crisis thing (at least not yet!); I just feel more at ease in my own skin and what I am doing in my life. I love my wife and kids and feel we have worked well together to make the right choices we needed to make in order to move forward, enhanced with the added benefit of being much closer to friends and family we had missed for some time. Amy surprised me by giving me a new bass guitar starter set-up that I had wanted last year but needed to put on hold. It is very cool and I need to really sit down and focus on learning how to play. I have been listening to various artists and trying to develop my ear, pick out the bass lines. So far I find it interesting that it seems as if many bass players stick to one or two strings with slight variations in the notes. Maybe that is being simplistic, but it is my take on it as a novice. I may try to take actual lessons. No, I am not looking to start a band or anything, I just always thought it would be fun and cool to learn how to play. We'll see how it goes but I am excited to try and was very happy with my birthday gift. (thanks, honey!).
Sloan is slowly but surely transitioning into her new school, having a few road blocks here and there, but working very hard. The move was probably the hardest on her, losing immediate contact with close friends. We are still working it out.
After a couple of months, I have to say I really like Tracy. Affordable and quiet, I really do not even mind taking the train in to Milpitas/San Jose every day. It can be hard at times being without a vehicle and getting home a bit later than I used to, but we make adjustments. Have to be prepared for little things like this that made me pretty late Friday night.
Anyway, that is pretty much all I have for the moment. Looking forward to having a small get-together for Super Bowl, with the official uniform being pajamas and sweats!
Hope everyone is doing well!
