This is what's up...

Since this may be my only annual update for 2009...ha...just a quick re-cap on our lives so far this year!

2009 had the potential to be quite the year - possibly lots of changes for us. I'm happy to say it has begun better than expected! Lou is leaving ND at the end of this semester and the worrier that I am, it made me a little concerned that he would be looking for a job outside of academia in this horrible economy. I am happy to report that Lou has taken another position in the private sector and has actually begun working two days a week there while finishing his teaching for the spring semester. While we don't get to see each other much now, I think it's reassuring to both of us that he was able to find a job he is really excited about. If he is able to juggle both places and get lectures taught, papers graded and final grades submitted - it will be worth the chaos!

As for me - I'm chugging along with my job. This scholarship season has seemed very stressful with lots of extra time spent at the office with the addition of two new large programs. I am fortunate to work someplace that "sets the bar" for the creation and implementation of programs - while I haven't seen the top of my desk since late October '08 - I am confident in the quality of work we do and the impact it has on the students we fund. I am also finishing up my second year as President of my Tri Kappa group. While rewarding, I have found myself struggling to keep my momentum and juggle priorities this year. I truly need another 4-5 hours in my day!

Our cats have already provided us with drama this year - Bigsby was in the Emergency Vet for a couple of nights due to a mystery virus that began attacking his liver. He's home and now taking supplements to try to increase the health of his liver and get his blood work back to normal. While we don't have kids, our two furry babies give us enough excitement for the time being.

My big goal for 2009 is to really work on my "purging" skills. While many trips were made to Goodwill last year, there is definitely room for more to happen! I am really trying to be more aware of purchases I make and whether or not I have the space for it. I am proud to report that I have now successfully made it through two months with no purse or shoe purchases (two of my biggest weaknesses).

I hate to say that I am able to condense 2 1/2 months down to a few lines - are we really that uninteresting? - but this will hopefully inspire me to sit down a little more often!