Resolutions Update

In our first post we shared a list of "resolutions" with the goal of keeping busy through this transition time. Well - it's working...we are DEFINITELY BUSY!!!

Here is an update on how we are progressing:

•Guitar lessons (Jean): I have the names of 3 possible guitar teachers….this takes some tracking down in this town!
•Making wood furniture (Darin): Darin made me a lovely printer stand for my office it is a combined unit with a pull out platform for the paper shredder that nests underneath the printer – VERY cool!! His next project is a "kitchen" for our nieces Caelyn & Carlee and then a desk for my home office (his list keeps growing every time he turns around!!)
•Visit family more often (both of us): Well, so far our plans to visit family outside of Bremerton have been thwarted by the big snow in Eastern, Washington. BUT – we are planning to visit Jeff and Bonnita this Saturday evening; we have managed to visit Aunt Velma several times and are having Todd over to our place this week for his birthday dinner.
•Have more company (both of us): We have a Valentine’s Dinner bash scheduled for February 16th at our place with several of our friends with children. We are cooking the dinner and providing the babysitters – no more details until after the event in case some of the invitees happen to be reading
•Ski adventure with nieces and nephews in February (both of us): This is on the books! We can hardly wait. We rented a great cabin up at Mt Baker and so far Leah, Logan, Tyson, Dallas and Tyler have all accepted. Anna-Lisa and Kyle are on the “maybe” list.
•Volunteer as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate - Jean): I have mostly completed my CASA training – just one morning of court observation left. As soon as my background information comes back I will be able to start reviewing possible cases for assignment. I am very excited about this opportunity.
•Back to school for Master's Degree in Psychology - first class starts January 8th (Jean): Class is in full swing – I’ll admit, a bit overwhelming. I have a total of 120 pages of “learning journal” to complete before the end of the term (by March 13th)
•Dog Obedience class (Darin and Watson): We start obedience training on Tuesday night this week. We found a trainer (recommended by our Veterinarian) that will come to the house for an hour per week for 5 weeks for a surprisingly reasonable price.
•Keep a journal (Darin): I’ve definitely seen him writing in his journal (gift from Mom & Dad Foster)!
•Join the YMCA with Jean (Darin): Darin joined the Y last Friday and we worked out together on Saturday. Our plan is to meet at the Y 3 – 4 times/week before he gets home and we get busy with chores!
•Create a web photo album (both of us): Still working on this – we have downloaded the shutterfly software and have been working on getting all of our photos organized.
•Organize boxes of photos (both of us): This is still on the “to do” list
•Take a Pilates class (both of us): First class on Thursday this week
•Oh yes, and last but certainly not least ... lots of house and yard projects!!: House: We met with an architect a couple of weeks ago – he is currently working on a proposal for us; Yard: Our friend Lisa is attending landscape design school and will be working on a design for our yard as a school project – LUCKY US!!