Approximately 45 minutes ago I opened a blank Word Document and have concluded that the blinking cursor is mesmerizing and it’s time to begin jotting down what we have been up to this year.
This past spring we upgraded from our exceptionally reliable Honda Civic for a more family friendly vehicle. It was exciting to explore all the features that minivans offer as standard options yet after taking a rental minivan for a little off-roading, we began to question, “What exactly are we doing with our lives?” Both Traci and I are stubborn at the idea of driving automatic cars or “automatico” (for the Spanish reader), so that narrowed down our options significantly. It’s nice to have 4wd in our neck of the woods so after throwing my back out from placing Ben in the back seat of our two-door Civic; it was decided to either upgrade to a four door car or grab a grinder and cut open a set of doors. Since that would damage our resell value and image, we decided on ordering a Jeep Patriot from the factory.
The projects around our house continue each year as far as our wallets allow us. I was able to learn how to build and frame a tool shed in our backyard and a tad bit of landscaping. However, completion time triples with any project, as I constantly need to keep a watchful eye on Ben as he explores everything. On the other hand, we also got a chance to get out this past summer and visited the rocky coastline of Olympic National Park. The ocean was a bit frightening for Ben at first with the constant rumble of the crashing waves, yet he quickly became at ease and enjoyed walking along the beach carrying random rocks. We enjoyed a campfire right on the beach; two beautiful unobstructed sunsets and some much needed un-rested nights.
We have been blessed that Traci has been able to hold a steady job as a graphic designer for Coffey Communications for 10 years now. Her job is near our house, and therefore we are able to have lunch together each day and sometimes visit her during breaks. As for myself, I began working as an operations manager for a small, but growing local business a year ago. Although I don’t have much background in administration, the job has been an immense learning experience and very rewarding. Due to it being a small business, on many days I am required to fill the role of other team members to complete the various task. Despite being chaotic many days, I have learned better interpersonal skills, more attentiveness, greater patience and a bit of culinary proficiency while coordinating office meals. Work has kept me busy this past year (sometimes working close to 80-90 hrs. a week) but it’s good since it keeps me out of trouble. It’s an exhausting job but I regularly remind myself that there will be a day when I will miss working with my associate in spite of it all. I will be grateful I had the opportunity to stay at home and raise my son.
One tradition of ours is to include a set of wheels with our Christmas picture. Since Ben is mobile these days we thought he should show off his newest vehicle. It was a gift from Jeff Hanan and we are excited to see Ben explore his neighborhood.
In conclusion, we wish you happy holidays and pray that God blesses you in 2015. If you are ever in College Place feel free to look us up and we will be the same when we are in your neck of the woods. If you are every curious what we’ve been up to lately you can check out www.jgalan.com.
Love, Josue, Traci and Ben
(Thanks Damaris for taking the picture!)
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