2010 - The First 10 Months

This has been a milestone year for me, I turned the big 4-0 in February. No, I’m not old. I prefer the word mature. For the occasion, Janelle, the best wife in the world, threw me a wonderful party filled with friends and family. My brother, sister in law and niece traveled halfway across the country for the event. It was the first time meeting little Scarlett and a nice surprise for this maturing dude. Many thanks to all that attended.

Speaking of birthdays, in March another birthday rolled around, my Mom, and so the three of us headed to Vegas for a fun birthday weekend. In that weekend, we hung out with our dear friends Wade and Michelle while my mom met a Jackson, Elvis, a Cincinnati baseball legend, and the Beatles. Okay, Joe Jackson an Elvis impersonator (I use that word loosely), Pete Rose at his store in Caesar’s and the Beatles Love show. A great weekend, yeah, yeah yeah!

As winter transitioned to spring and March moved to April, Janelle and I were upon a significant event. In April we celebrated our first year of marriage. In this first year my love has continued to grow for the most amazing, caring, intelligent, funny, talented, supportive, sweet and beautiful girl I have or will ever meet. My love for you, always!

For our 1st anniversary we traveled across the country to the city that never sleeps, New York City. We had a great time seeing everything from Times Square, Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Natural History Museum, many subway rides, a stop at Bloomingdales, Little Italy, a boat ride around Manhattan and a fabulous dinner with a view of the city for our anniversary dinner. If that wasn’t enough, and let me tell you nothing is in NYC, we got tickets to see a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman. What a great week with a wonderful girl.

Before we knew it was Memorial Day again and time for another trip to the “crossroads of America” to witness the spectacle known as the Indy 500. Starting in 2000 this would be my 10th trip to the May classic. Looping in Janelle’s brother Andrew in the fun, we enjoyed the sounds of ZZTop on Carb Day and 33 of the fastest cars anywhere on race day. One of my favorite drivers, Tony Kanaan, had some trouble earlier in the month and started in 33rd. He climbed as high as 2nd but had to pit late with the win going to now two time winner Dario Franchitti. I’m already looking forward to the centennial race next year, 1911 – 2011. Awesome!

Summer vacation: In June I was laid off and sent back to the unemployment line. It’s never fun to lose a job and this was especially a tough time for me but I have a good support system in Janelle and my family and friends encouraging me to keep my chin up and staying positive. Thank you to all, much appreciated! During all the interviews and resume updates I squeezed in a fun day. At my birthday this year Janelle got me a sweet present, a one day professional racing school class. In July, I got to zip around Pacific Raceways in Kent WA in the Vette and learn about technique and finesse with the car. Thank you Janelle!

As the summer drew to a close the wedding season heated up. In late August Janelle and I traveled to the Rose city for her sister Janna’s wedding to her now husband Paul. Paul is from England and several of his relatives traveled across the pond for the event. We had such a great time meeting everyone and getting to know the new extended family. No need to spend a penny now but maybe later. Finally, the weekend ended with a beautiful ceremony and reception and moving speech from Paul’s best man that no one will soon forget. Congratulations to my sister in law Janna and new brother in law Paul. Best wishes and much love to you both!

But wait, there’s more wedding action. The next weekend, yes the very next weekend, Janelle’s youngest brother Aaron married his longtime girlfriend Lindsey in another outdoor ceremony hosted at her parent’s home. The weekend offered more relatives to meet and stories to be shared and new memories were indeed made. With the push of the play button by yours truly Lindsey walked down the aisle and accepted Aaron’s hand in marriage. With another great best man speech from Andrew we danced the night away, yes Van Halen reference, to Lady Gaga and wished the newlyweds well as they drove off into the evening. Congratulations to my youngest brother in law Aaron and newest sister in law Lindsey. Best wishes and much love to you both!

Back to school: Between the wedding weeks I received a job offer and by mid-September I was back to work in Redmond. It felt like a long summer vacation where I had time to reflect and re-charge regarding work. Granted, nobody likes to be unemployed but the time allowed me to keep up with the little ones, Buddy and Sydney, keep the house clean, and ponder my next move. Thank you Janelle for being so great during a difficult time for me! You are truly the best!

As fall approached we headed into October and the final stretch of 2010. Janelle and I had been discussing our next car move. The 2002 Escape had done well for her and served us both in our lives together. But, as cars age so do expenses and discussions began for a replacement. Early in the month we headed out for a fun Saturday culminating in a dinner with Aaron, Lindsey and Andrew. With a sidebar in Puyallup we did the unthinkable, walked onto a car lot of our own volition. Not planning to purchase that day we encountered the nicest, non-pressure salesman either one of us had come across. JW would answer our questions, check availability, provide refreshment in the form of Diet Pepsi and 4 hours later, with paw print signatures, we emerged in our new 2010 Ford Edge. I know Janelle loves me but she’s found a new flame in the form of this crossover vehicle. Driver to your car!