It's been awhile....

So I've fallen off the blogging band wagon...but I think my reasons {excuses} for not blogging may be validated since a lot has been going on:

• finished work, trained the new hire and handed all of my responsibilities over - a HUGE relief. I didn't realize how unhappy I was sitting in a dungeon for 9+ hours a day alone in my dark little corner. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders after I closed the door in on that experience. 
• relaxed with my family for the last week...one of the first times I was actually given the opportunity to enjoy Maui without being on call for work.
  
  
• packed, cleaned, organized and shipped all of our belongings home (thanks to Dad and Mel for checking all 47 inches of Mike's gigantic TV on the airplane and thanks to Mom and Doug for taking home seven 50.5 pound suitcases which included golf clubs and a guitar) I am still wondering how everything made it! 
• tearfully waved goodbye to Maui...it was hard to go, but knew it was time. 
  
  
• stopped in Kauai for two days to relax with Mike....it was cold most of the time, but when the sun peeked out, it was gorgeous and we were able to reminisce about the adventures and memories we made in the past year. 
  
  
• took a red eye from Kauai -> LA -> San Jose -> Caltrain to SF -> to surprise the heck out of Lindsey {got ya girl!} The four of us (Lindsey & Scott, Mike & I) had a great long weekend that included a Giant's game, a night at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay (where we drank hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar while listening to a bag piper and sitting around a bonfire), made dinner, played cards, and were able to relax and catch up. 
  
  
  
  
• moved to Yelm with my Mom and Doug - we are living in their "apartment" above their garage - it's huge with a waterfront view so although we are a bit far into the boonies, we are lucky to have such a beautiful place to live. Not to mention...I get to see my Mom everyday! 
  
  
• we finally met our new niece!  Her name is Payton Starr and is the sweetest little thing. Amy and Jason are doing a great job and the three of them make an adorable family. 
  
  
• we bought two cars in the last week - both great deals....now we are just keeping our fingers crossed that they last us for awhile. 
• I start work back at the Tides tomorrow... they generously were able to fit me in, but there are quite a few days I am on call, so I am looking for some other supplemental income in the form of one or more of the following: starting an Etsy shop, baking cupcakes for weddings, helping Mike's dad sell his awesome antiques, help some of my friends plan their weddings....hmm....we will see!