2012 was a strange, stressful year. Lots of uncertainty, changes, and frustrations along the way. Also, Erin and I realized that every major life event that can happen, has happened at least once this year – birth, marriage, death, moving, changing jobs, the list goes on. Not to mention a fiscal cliff… 😉 I can’t say I’m sad to shut the door on 2012.
But, here is:
Headlines and Highlights of 2012
January
We started 2012 at Esther’s – which of course included some wine tasting!
Vigilance, Lake County
A mostly quiet month of life as usual and work – but we did take a day trip to the San Luis Obispo Mission.
March
The last weekend in March found us on opposite sides of the country – me in Philly for the TESOL conference, and Erin in Seattle at the Emerald City Comicon.
April
On April 23rd, 2012, after a nearly two year battle with Stage IV colon cancer, my grandfather passed away. A very sad time indeed. The next few months are marked with lots of time with family – especially my grandma.
50th Wedding Anniversary
February 20th, 2010
We also celebrated Erin’s 33rd birthday in Santa Rosa
May
As much of this year has included confusion about where and what my job would be, I let my contract at CTB expire in anticipation of a teaching position in Turkey. Although, in the end, it made for sense to take a promotion and sign on again at CTB – I am thankful for this time off as I was able to spend over a week in Seattle with my grandma after my grandpa’s wake.
June
Erin and I headed to Alaska with Esther and Marty!
I also spent almost a week in Pasadena with my grandma – a place she used to go two-three time yearly with my grandpa.
July
On July 30th we welcomed Rogan Shaun Cleary into the world!
Hi, there!
August
We headed back to Seattle for my 10-year high school reunion.
In brighter news, Erin decided to accept the job at the National Gallery – and decisions started to be made.
September
We celebrated Gina and Andy’s wedding!
and then, off to England!
Erin headed to DC for several days to house hunt, and the packing marathon began…
Packing!
…and my friend Heather came for a visit!
November
First – we voted! With the way the elections turned out this year, I have many reasons to be excited for 2013! Gay rights were upheld across the country, and woman hating politicians were knocked out, in a cross-country demonstration of our intolerance of ignorance and arrogant bigotry against women’s healthcare and reproductive rights!
Then we started our cross-country trek from California to DC – passing through, Arizona, New Mexico, the Texas panhandle, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Finally, after several very long weeks, we signed on our house on November 30th!
Toasting right after closing
December
We’ve been busy putting together the house, making plans for updates and changes, and settling in to our new life in our little cozy Spanish bungalow!
Tonight we are spending New Year’s Eve with our friends Stephanie and Shelby at a Moroccan restaurant that promises lots of food, a champagne toast, and belly dancing!
Here’s to 2013!