The Man Cave

My Dad has built the garage of his dreams!! It is HUGE, as you can see, with over 3,000 square feet. It is bigger than their new house. Now that the outside is complete, he's starting on the electrical and plumbing work... when it's done it will have a full bathroom with a grotto shower, a TV, a million tools, and plenty of room for Big Boy Toys. He is so happy to have the garage he has always wanted, and I am anxious for him to start building me the set of bookshelves I have been wanting!

Appropriately, the garage has been named "The Man Cave", and it was inaugurated this past weekend with its name plaque.

2008... So far

I cannot believe January is nearly over... 2008 if off and running. The last three and a half weeks have been full of new things and good news! First of all, Trevor and I have gone back to school! Trev is working on his degree in Information Technology and I am going for my graduate degree in teaching. Evenings in our house have become dedicated to research, studying and feverish writing. It's been quite a change from our usual, "What's on TV tonight?" approach to planning our free time. Last month we were frustrated with the writers' strike because none of our shows were playing... now it's a blessing 'cause we don't feel like we are missing out on anything! No worries though, we have TIVO to rely on when everything starts back up.

This year has also brought new jobs to each of us. As you all know, Trevor was working as a detention officer while we were in Arizona; then he got a position with the Sheriff's office here in North Carolina, which allowed us to move east. Although he is thankful for the experience and grateful to have had the position and stability for the past few years, his heart was just never really in it. He loves computers... always has and always will. It was time for him to get back to what he truly enjoys! He was offered a position as a consultant with an IT company based out of South Carolina and started working as a "computer guy" last week for the first time since we left California. He works in both North and South Carolina (we live only 30 miles or so from the state line) and is absolutely loving it. He comes home smiling and very chatty about his day! And, for the first time in nearly four years, we have evenings and weekends off together. No more conflicting schedules, no more missed holiday celebrations. We feel so blessed to have more time together.

(Trev has turned in his uniform and handcuffs for collared shirts and a Blackberry)

Trev's not the only one returning to what they love. Shortly after moving here, I got a job with a credit union. It was a good job, but after a few weeks I decided it just wasn't what I wanted. Now I am working with the City of Asheville in the department of Parks and Recreation. I am the director for the kindergarten and first grade after school program at one of the local elementary schools. I am having a blast working with all the kids... I have really missed them. The job is really perfect for my schedule right now. I have time in the morning to get stuff done, which allows me to spend the evenings studying. Plus, my school program requires 100 hours of field work, which I can do at the same school. It will work out really well to have a school that I am familiar with when it comes time to do my student teaching and then find a teaching position.

And on to the wonderful news I have received this year... I am going to an honorary auntie, TWICE! Two of my dearest and best friends are having babies one month apart. Amanda and Sarah, I am so excited to share in this experience with the two of you - at least as much as I can from across the country. I love you both and think of you everyday. I am hoping to be able to make a trip to San Diego in early September to see all my friends and family, and TWO beautiful new babies!!

The Cost of Beauty

"Oh, are you sure you want to deal with all that humidity?!?" This was the single most common question we got when telling people we were moving to North Carolina. All we can say at this point is, "WHAT HUMIDITY?" Granted, it's not summer (although we were here last summer and the humidity was very low), but we have had weather every bit as dry as Arizona. We are having to use lotions and oils to keep our skin feeling and looking healthy; and with the dryness and the wind, Trev and I have both suffered from chapped faces. So, we had to resort to using a moisturizing mask. Pretty, isn't it? It was ooey and gooey, but when it was done our cheeks felt much better... and they smelled good too!

I have to give Trev credit for trying this mask and being such a good sport about posting the pictures for EVERYONE to see =0)

Dreaming of a White... New Year?

So, our Christmas snow came a little later than we had hoped... but we will take it! We celebrated our White New Year with snow, ice and temperatures between 0 and 17. It was the first taste of winter since moving to North Carolina and we are anxious to see what else the season has in store.

A True New Year's Eve P-A-R-T-Y!!

I'll tell you something... Trevor and I know how to celebrate!! Some would say that New Year's Eve should be spent out on the town, going to clubs, attending cocktail parties, listening to live music, and toasting in 2008. Here were the important components of our party:

Hot fudge sundaes (actually they were made with Nutella - a chocolate and hazelnut spread), YUM!

Flannel pajamas and a fire in the fireplace.

A concert of our own with my aboriginal didgeridoo. A couple of seasons ago on The Amazing Race (one of my FAVORITE shows) the contestants had to successfully play a didgeridoo while in Australia. It's a very unusual instrument and everyone who tried it on the show ended up laughing and having a great time. I have talked about it since seeing the show and this year Trev got me one for Christmas. It's strange and awkward and we have no idea what we are doing, but it sure is fun!

Foosball (I WON!).

It may not have been every one's idea of what New Year's Eve should be, but it was perfect for us. On top of it all, we were able to watch the 100th anniversary of the ball drop in Time Square live - no time delay. Maybe one day we will see it in person.

So what's in store for us on New Year's Day? A little laundry, a little vacuuming, some apartment clean-up, and a work out at the gym. I told you... we know how to P-A-R-T-Y!

We wish you all a HAPPY, SAFE, and PROSPEROUS 2008! There are great things ahead for the new year, and we are excited to share them all with the ones we love. Happy New Year!!!