The season is upon us, and amidst the decorations, hectic schedules and culinary temptations we have managed to find a small bit of time to send love and news. We hope this letter reaches you in good spirits, and if our will is able to sustain our intentions, this will be only the first of many future Christmas letters. The year began with another step up the flight of adulthood, with the purchase of a town home in January. I had maintained a steadfast search for six months prior in order to find just the right place. After all, I wanted this to be a place where Manali and I could start our life together, so capturing her approval was paramount. Considerations for Bailey were also mulled over, and in the end we found a cute little community that is well maintained, complimented by quiet and pretty grounds and finally holds the ever important potential for attractive property value appreciation.
In February, we were lucky enough to find free lodging in Breckenridge, Colorado. Being the infinitely practical couple, we decided it was a fine opportunity to go skiing. I have been fortunate enough to ski many a time, but for Manali, being raised in a desert for the most part of her life, had yet to behold the experience. If you know me not, know that I am the sort to push others out of comfort zones. This tendency contrasted, not surprisingly, with Manali’s timid outlook towards her first skiing experience. Needless to say, Terry’s body developed an affinity for bruises, and for the most part it was not due to his falls on the slope.
After an acceptable period of rehabilitation, it was time to engage in my first home improvement project. I had dreamed the dream long enough, and my education through the internet and browsing around Barnes and Noble has instilled me with not only the knowledge I would need to succeed, but the sheer will. The project I chose couldn’t be too big, but would have to provide me with depth in terms of tasks so that I could learn. Finally, I decided to renovate my half bath. In the end I replaced the toilet, installed ceramic tile flooring, removed a vanity sink installing a pedestal sink, textured the walls and installed crown molding. Being the optimist I thought it not too bad for two months of pain, stress and the exertion of holding back tears. Manali was very supportive throughout my frustrations, and her warm smile, tender kisses and clean/working apartment was critical to my sanity during this time period.
Our Summer left us entertained and travel wary. We kicked off the wonderful seasonal weather by heading to St. Augustine, Florida. Anyone telling you that St. Augustine is a party paradise would be telling a fib. However, it was a great place to get away and maintained a family friendly atmosphere to the point where wishful thinking consumes one if found in love. We camped with friends along the beach, where the sands were white, clean and stretched beyond the horizon. The city was filled with history, citing it as the oldest one in America, and our stay was filled with relaxation and pretty views. We also may have discovered the strongest Raccoon in the state of Florida, who performed five squat thrusts with our 5 lb bag of trail mix, as if bragging, before jaunting off into the darkness.
Anticipating an upcoming trip from my parents in July, I decided to undertake a full kitchen renovation just two weeks prior. After my significant learning experience doing the half bath I hoped my ability outweighed my faith in getting the job done. This time the tears flowed freely on a number of occasions, but in the end I had wonderful new cabinetry, tiled floors, granite countertops and the pleasure of doing it all myself. Manali and her Father were also gracious enough to help me one day installing the tile floor. My two week timeline ended up slipping to three months, but journey was meaningful. As I earlier eluded, Manali’s parents had arrived for their annual visit of approximately a month. As also earlier mentioned, my parents were planning a visit from Michigan. This momentous occasion, parents meeting for the first time held the characteristics of a spectacle, something you seem to just want to stare at, but know nothing you do will make any difference. I feel safe in saying Manali would agree with this appraisal since I metaphorically caught her staring many times. Despite our natural levels of anxiety, everything went beautifully, and I dare say they got along splendidly. I’m not sure if others have felt this way when facing such life events, but I think Manali and I feel the quirks of my family and her family are equal in number and magnitude, and therefore all is right in the world, leaving the path for our love to flourish unobstructed.
To close out the summer, Manali and I attended the wedding of her childhood friend in Boston. It was the first time visiting the city for each of us, and we fell in love with the city. Unfortunately, neither of us views the 9 months of utter cold the city finds itself in to be attractive. I’m not sure if you could find a better place to bike, as we discovered the city, riding through Harvard, MIT and the public gardens atop our rented cycles. Biking also saved us from the confusion of navigating the road ways, which seemingly require a degree from Harvard to master.
In August I made the plunge and started school again to get my MBA. I just finished up my first semester and enjoy the level of interaction, of which I was unaccustomed to during undergrad. Manali and I both were promoted this year. We both work at Home Depot, as part of the Internal Audit Leadership Program. The learning opportunities are abundant, and working for an organization as influential as ours in the industry holds unique benefits. We hope to acquire Management positions by April of next year.
Manali just got back from vacationing in Bahrain for a week and India for one week. If you don’t know, her parents reside in Bahrain, where she was raised up until high school. She claims to still be recovering a week later, and in a very genuine manner tells me that the two foot rubs I give her each day is significantly helping to speed her recovery and jet lag. Manali in general is staying busy. She has “adopted” a little sister through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor program, and they hang out every two weeks or so. Manali has also attempted to master knitting, and although she has hit a little bump, has received an influx of offers to help. Additionally, she has really become the master cook, and her meals are amazing. Aside from all this, she has the full-time job of keeping Bailey and I out of trouble, groomed and mannered. For myself, I find work itself is enough sometimes to tucker me out. However, I’ll be continuing to go to school and I’ve also joined the Board of Directors for my housing community.
Most weeknights you will find us cuddled up on the couch watching Lost, 24, Ugly Betty or Grey’s Anatomy. We always fill our weekends up fast with activities and errands. Again, warmest wishes to you and your family this holiday season. Although we may not be together to enjoy friendly company, you are in our thoughts and prayers always. May your holiday and forthcoming year be filled with good news, blessed friends and loving family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Love, Terry & Manali
It awesome to get a bit of extra information for renovating (or planning too). If you need a few expert tips, I would also check Masterrenovator.com, the guy has good information for things that can keep you out of trouble.