December 2011

A Reflection on This Past Year
(Conversational style as a teacher would say)

*** The raw and unedited version. ***

Aaron: This year has been a crazy one. We have a new house. We have a new car. We have a new baby. Wait, that hasn’t happened… yet. What would you say the best thing about this year would be?

Mary-Beth: A new baby…? Ahh, that’d be nice to get done and over with sans the morning sickness, sleepless nights, and weight gain. (dreaming) After some pondering thoughts, I think becoming first-time homeowners has been the best (and least) thing about this year. We’ve discovered both of our least favorite chore is washing dishes. One person is supposed to love doing that chore so the dishes don’t pile up next to the sink, right? It’s fun bickering over who gets to wash the cars and shovel the driveway and sidewalk as it guarantees those tasks will eventually be completed by one of us. Do you agree?

Aaron: I agree with the analysis of being first-time homeowners as being the best and least thing about this year. FYI, you wash the dishes better than I do, so there. I want to extend thanks to Wells Fargo for the tremendous amount of paperwork and delays we’ve had to endure through the three months of twiddling our fingers before getting the keys. (Palm to head). However another highlight is the fact that you went back to school and kicked arse. I mean, 4.0 GPA your first semester? You’re such an overachiever…

Mary-Beth: Shhhh….I don’t like the attention drawn to me. (blush) Well, heck, I can say that 4.0 was well earned as there were many long days and nights where I didn’t think I’d make it to the end of the semester. Sixteen weeks of course information condensed into 5 weeks is hardcore. I’m looking forward to veering away from the core classes and moving into special education courses. How has your second year of teaching been thus far?

Aaron: It’s safe to say that it has gone much better than my first year. I don’t know how I can state that enough. “MUCH BETTER…” This is the year of organization since I can never find enough time to keep all my papers in order. My desk has just become a mountain of paper work that I keep hacking away at, but it continues to grow and grow. It will be strange knowing that the program is moving to a different school, but at least I can look forward to having my own classroom! Speaking of mountains, aren’t you glad we invested in all that ski gear so we can kick our own butts on the extremely technical slopes of Colorado’s beautiful mountains? I just want to make everyone jealous that we are only hours away from some of the best skiing in the world.

Mary-Beth: That’s so AVR-like, trying to make everyone jealous. 🙂 Yes, we scored such good deals on the brand new gear that will last for years. I hope 2012 brings us more hiking trips as we didn’t get the opportunity to do that much this summer. I’m telling you, if we invest in the treadmill I’ve so badly wanted for 10 years, I’ll somehow find time to get ourselves into shape to do the fourteener we were supposed to do this past summer. (grin) What did you think of our first live football game? I’m not Tebow-fied yet as I know it’s the defense that deserves way more credit than he does. Anyhoo, GO BRONCOS!

Aaron: Go Broncos indeed. Sorry that you had that dead fox staring you in the face, you animal lover, you. I kind of wish he had a bear pelt instead. That would have been badass to have a huge bear head hanging off your shoulder. Hey, that gives me an idea for my birthday… Let’s have a bear throw for the living room. Nice, furry, and warm :). As for getting in shape, speak for yourself. I’m in good shape, after all I can out-hike you any day of the year. I don’t need Insanity since I’m already insane in the membrane…

Mary-Beth: (laughing) Oy vey, that fox pelt. I give myself props for petting it when the owner asked me to (shudders). Are you requesting a challenge from me? I’d be a tad bit careful there, honey. On a more serious note, I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and are surrounded by loved ones. We’ll be relaxing in our cozy house with our first real tree enjoying a day of doing nothing as it’s much needed. We very much look forward to seeing what 2012 brings us. Remember to enjoy every moment as 2013 will be here in no time.

Aaron: I can’t wait to travel to the land of nothingness as it will truly be a wonderful experience attempting to think about nothing and nothing else. May everyone have a Joyous Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Be safe and be good.

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