What a year

2010 brought new jobs to both Tiff and I, a cross country move, 2 marathons, a new tattoo, a new puppy, an amazing wedding, a new house... it was a great year. Thanks for the ride. Happy New Year all!

House

As a kid, didn't we learn the only thing you needed to build a house was to have all three properties in one color and then the banker would hand you your prized little red houses? Thanks monopoly for throwing off another life lesson. I am still bitter there is no real "Free Parking" out there.

It's funny how buying a house that is not built yet gives you countless hours of mental diversion. Niether Tiff nor I profess to be very patient people, so having made the biggest purchase of our lives and having nothing but a sign and a lot of paper work can be unnerving at times. At other moments, it's as exciting as lottery ticket fantasies. All in all, it feels good but odd. We both miss Chicago considerably, but feel very good about our investment towards Colorado. I just wish they would break ground soon. It will feel good to see our plot of dirt begin to transform.

It has been a whirlwind holiday season thus far. Working in retail has so many challenging days. It's been a new perspective to have some resposibility for getting products on the shelves. What I have learned is that patience really is a virtue. I am grateful for all the folks that showed some undestanding. It's still busy with so many people coming in with gift cards and the standard statement of, "I didn' know it would be this busy." That phrse is trying the virtue of patience constantly as I know how long it took me to park. All in all, I m hanging on to the good moments and waiting till school is blessedly back in session. That will cut 80% of the crazy at my job.

Happy Tuesday Picture

Nostalgia

Over the last couple days, the memories of Chicago have been playing pretty constant. One of my goals before leaving the Second City was to figure out why people like living there so much. I did and then some. It was a fantastic town to live in for the better part of the last 10 years. Always I had this belief that Colorado would again become home some day. I am not sure if it's because there was such a brief time to realize that someday was about to happen (3 weeks to be exact) or that my affinity for Chicago was going to take longer to say good bye than I imagined, but its been tough. I know I have a natural tendency to desire the greener grass, but it's hard to remind myself of that when it has a good grip on the mind. Chicago became home and Denver has always been home for me. When I can get out of the mental tug of war and just enjoy that I have a couple great towns vying for the title of home in my head and just enjoy home much appreciate them, it helps. From Mile High City to the Windy City, I miss ya!

Candy Cane Hangover

The day after. It always has a strange introspection for me. After hearing my first Christmas song of the season in early October, it's odd that the day itself is now completed. It went well and as per usual there were the surprises, twists and turns, the loved ones not close enough, and the gift that made you sure the tag could not have had your name on it. It was grand though. What's strange is the new outlook that, with the exception of New Years, there is not another holiday insight that wields nearly the same punch. If anything we begin the 3 month stretch of talking about the weather. For a change, I will get a chance to focus on some daily maintenance. That sounds fantastic to me, I don't know about you.

Here's hoping that the big day yesterday found you well and there were moments you can still think about that make you smile. Happy Boxing Day to all and to all a good day, eh?

Happy Christmas!

This is my first Christmas as a married man. It's fun to be starting some new traditions. Hell, it's already wonderful getting to enjoy Christmas Eve with Tiff. It's unusual for either of us to not be traveling today or trying franticly to wrap presents today. It is tough to not see some of the family this year, but we have truly been blessed to see everyone just recently. This year seems to be a year of transition. It's good.

From one tired and humble Captain Stupie to each of you, Merry Christmas! May your cocoa never be empty and cookie plate never be too far!