It's Dad writing today.
This blog covers the goings-on of my girls. After six years and over 500 blog posts, you'll see that we do a good job covering the pleasures of our lives together.
But pains and pleasures seem to go along, hand in hand. In hindsight, "good" things bring unforeseen trouble, while 'bad' things usually have a bright side.
So, in the interest of learning, here are a few events from 2010.
1. We re-financed the house and dropped our interest rate over a point. Then we discovered rates continued to drop another 3/4 of a point, so our timing was off.
2. I replaced our dishwasher with my own two hands. The old one did a mediocre job of cleaning. Getting the job done right and the satisfaction of a shiny new stainless steel dishwasher took a backseat to the realization that the new dishwasher also does a mediocre job of cleaning.
3. We spent a bunch of money on new hardwood floors. We love the way they look. We hate the way they snap, crackle, and pop with every step. After four months of negotiations with the manufacturer and installer, we're still no closer to a fix.
4. I spent the summer refinishing our kitchen table. I finally learned how to refinish a table just about the time the table was finished. I also had the unique experience of chatting with my in-laws on a hot July day, while standing in a garage, in my underwear as I polished and stained the table. At least I wasn't wearing tidy whities.
5. One kid went through sinus and adenoid surgery which was a misery for her. On the bright side, she's only had a single respiratory infection since the surgery, so our entire family is healthier and happier.
6. The other kid got hit in the face with a shovel so she'll have a permanent 'point of interest' just next to her nose.
7. Both kids started new schools. The youngest settled in well and is happy. The eldest is fighting against the structure and looking at days long past at her old school through rose-coloured glasses. There's nothing like seeing a four-year-old suffering from nostalgia...
8. The missus finally got the job she wanted. Now she's discovering the trials of management. She's also expected to travel around the world for work. There's nothing like 2am calls from the executives to make life more interesting!
9. I came down with two serious medical conditions and spent months under the weather, in and out of emergency rooms, and with tubes stuck in odd places without anesthetic. I learned a lot about myself, lost some weight, and got treatment that has brought me new energy, intensity, and vision for 2011.
10. I also found that the job I wanted throws me much more directly into the chaos and indecision that typifies my workplace. Before I was bored but calm. Now I'm frantically active and involved...is chaos better than boredom?
So, in writing all this, I encourage you to take a good look at your own lives. No doubt you'll find joys and sorrows, ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses. But I hope you'll also find wisdom, perspective...and hope -- just as we did.
Best wishes for a successful 2011,
Dad
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