Our Family: January 2008 Archives

We are once again going to Arizona in March to see the folks, and to see some new country. This year, we fly into Phoenix, then drive to the Grand Canyon. We were there in 2005, but I've been wanting to go back since I bought my Nikon D200, and because I think my technique has improved a great deal since then.

After a couple of days there, we head off to Kayenta, Arizona, where we will spend a couple of days touring Monument Valley. We've never been there before, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

Then we are off to Sedona, Arizona for a few days to visit with the folks. We were there also in 2005, but we only passed through, with just enough time to take a not-so-close look at the canyon in Sedona (Oak Creek Canyon), which is quite beautiful. It may be a bit different now though, because in 2006 the region was burned by wildfires. We'll see. Either way, it will be interesting to visit again.

It seems like we've gotten nothing done today, but in reality, we booked all the hotels, car rental, and plane flights for the trip. The only thing left is the confirmation back from our pet sitter saying she is available for those dates.

Snow expected tomorrow morning promising a sloppy commute to work. Can't wait!

This morning we talked about the possibility of Huckabee winning. I don't think he has a chance, but then again, I don't put much faith anymore in the wisdom of the American People. If you listen to Huckabee... getting rid of the IRS, all those good old religious family values (which really amounts to political gay bashing)... he will appeal to a great many people. And let's not forget that we haven't even heard from the southern states yet. He may pick up a lot of momentum there. Anyway, at breakfast this morning, we were talking about what it would be like to have Huckabee as President. And all we could think of was... moving to Canada. This is the guy who in 1992 wanted to quarantine people with AIDS. You can read more about it at Pam's House Blend, but it's pretty scary stuff.

I think this next presidential election is probably the most important one I've witnessed in my lifetime.

I had to take a few moments to savor this. This happened just as I turned into my driveway tonight. Enjoy!

Wow! I don't know where to start.

The end of 2007 and the start of 2008 are a bit of a blur for me because so much has happened is such a short period of time. For me, this year has been a very personal one. A few of the highlights...

June, 2007
I had a wonderful vacation to Seattle, and Olympic National Park, in Washington State (view photo sets). It was a two week vacation. We had a wonderful time. But right after I got back to work, at 8:00 Monday morning, one of my employees resigned. I don't have to tell you that after three days of the stress that caused, all the unwinding that my vacation provided me was gone.

It was tough for me because he had worked for me for 12 years. We worked well together and I really hated to see him go. We had a close working relationship, and he is a good friend of mine. But the opportunity was a good one for him and I didn't want to hold him back. Three days later, my second employee resigned. He had been free lancing for another firm. I knew about it and it was ok with me. It was just the timing that sucked. The first employee of my department left, followed three days later by the resignation of my second employee (we are a three person department). He said it was just the timing and the way things worked out. Still, had my first employee stayed, I don't believe he would have left at that time. Do I think he bailed on me? Yeah, I guess I do. The timing was just too precise. And I feel betrayed a bit about it. But, one thing I've learned is that you don't hold on to issues you have no control over. You have a choice in life on how much you will let any one issue bother you. I no longer get that bothered by issues that are outside my personal family, and my circle of friends.

So, I hired a new staff, and went through a very rigorous training regimen for them. It has taken time, patience, and endurance on my part. But we are 99.9% there now. The hard stuff is behind us and the team is working well together now. The challenge for me has been to let go of what I once knew -- the two guys that used to work for me that I cared a great deal for, and to embrace my new team. Recently, I realize that I've done that.

December, 2007
I'm not what you would call a social butterfly. I hate parties and social events. The problem is, I'm extremely shy when it comes to talking with people in party situations. It's a bit strange. I'm fine when I invite people over to our home to dine and entertain them. I'm fine talking to people at work or in meetings about work related issues. But at parties, I'm shy. But I really had to go to the "holiday party" this year at our company. I was asked to be the "official photographer" at this function (a title that will probably be mine from now on since they seem to think my photos are the best), and, I received my "20 year service award". So, I really couldn't blow the event off.

I actually had a great time. But I have to tell you, being called up to accept my 20 year service award was a sobering experience for me. Twenty years at one place. In brings up all kinds of questions for me. Did I stay too long? Can I do nothing else? Am I a loser for not doing more? The fact is, I'm comfortable where I'm at and I have an incredible amount of flexibility in my job. I can work anywhere (at home or at work), although I usually do drive in to work.

My Birthday
My birthday is on December 31st. Each year, I'm reminded just how many loving friends I have. I am a very lucky man! My mailbox is filled with birthday greetings and phone calls. On the 29th of December, we traveled to New Hampshire. This was a new experience, and it was perfect. We came back home on the first of January.

To end all of this, we went to the Flood Tide Restaurant last night at the Inn at Mystic. I love that place. We got a nice table overlooking the harbor. And speaking of special friends who make life even more special, I want thank two really great friends from Idaho for the gift certificate from the Flood Tide. It was truly a very thoughtful and special gift. Thank you Mary and Ernie!

I have so many things to be thankful for. I'm not sure where we are heading as a country. And being part of a still unpopular minority that seems to be the target of some politicians running for President doesn't give me a great feeling. But my personal life -- my home, friends, family -- are very much in tact. For that, I'm a lucky man.

Looking Forward
I look forward to 2008! And hopefully, we will elect a President who will unite us as a people instead of using some groups in this country as political footballs. We have more in common than we have in differences. My wish for 2008 is that when the American People go to the voting booth to determine the course this country will take, they will keep that in mind and turn their backs on those who would use their position to demonize those who don't fit into their picture of what this country should be, and those who would continue to erode our personal freedoms guaranteed by The Constitution. It would also be refreshing to have a President who is just as concerned for our citizens as he is in fighting the battles of other people in the world. Things like the housing crisis, hunger, poverty, heating fuel and gasoline rates, the environment, health care, equality in the legal system for ALL citizens, and education.

I know the President is concerned about education. He himself posed the question, "Is our children learning?" That kind of says it all, doesn't it?

Oh, and Happy New Year! And did I mention, I'm a lucky man?