Merry Christmas 2011

Well, well...wasn't THAT a year!

I began in Texas, still hopeful about a company and job that wasn't quite what was advertised but still had potential...and I've ended home in Colorado, optimistic about a company that has tremendous values and the promise of a stable, bright future.

My journey this past year, I think, was in reality simply a chapter in my return home to Denver, where I quite simply thrive. From the ever-changing mountains, to the wide variety of weather, to the lovely low humidity, to the circle of good friends, to the Broncos, to the accepting, live-and-let-live philosophy of the West...I am so very glad to be home.

With the new job and the old stomping grounds comes something I haven't been comfortable pursuing since 2008: I'm buying a new home! Certainly, renting provides flexibility, and in retrospect, renting in Texas was an extremely smart play on my part, given the Sears debacle. But I have so missed being a homeowner and tinkering at the workbench or tackling some handyman project. The patio home on the 7th fairway that I'm under contract with (interior preview pic above) closes on January 6, and of course there's always a teensy chance that closing won't happen on time, so stay tuned for the new address, which I'll reveal via e-mail when it's time. It is in Aurora, close to Bill and Gary, and I'm looking forward to the housewarming party!

Also on the agenda to finish up the year is a quick trip to Las Vegas over Christmas, to see if I can still play hold'em poker with any skill; and then a visit to Ryan to help him with a couple of projects in Lincoln. Ah....it's good.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season with great good things for the New Year. So many of us have been battered and bruised by the Great Recession - I honestly think that 2012 is finally, finally the year of improvement in the economy.

See you soon!