Well, life has been interesting during the past few months. Lots of ups and a few downs...many things to write about and little time (or sometimes interest) to do it. So, here's a recap...Fall & Winter.
Autumn was beautiful! I still can't believe we live in Minnesota. We rode our bicycles all over town this fall and joined the local YWCA. We took lots of walks and explored our neighborhood. I got used to working again and Mark pounded the pavement in search of employment. I even recall the first weekend in November being sunny and in the low 70's! We did our best to enjoy it because we knew winter would be setting in. And, boy did it! It's been pretty cold pretty much since December with some breaks here and there. January only had one day above freezing ( I believe in was 33 degrees on Jan. 31) as well as numerous when the air temperature didn't get UP to 0. While this seems horrible, we've actually grown accustomed. We both purchased a few pair of long underwear and wear our hiking boots to walk the dog. Also, it's hard to beat all the sunshine we've had this winter! I knew I could handle the cold as long as the sun was out...I'm glad to know that Mark likes it that way too!
Mark interviewed with a few companies in the late fall/early winter. After a long time and many interviews with one company they offered him a great opportunity...we were overjoyed! We went out to celebrate with friends and went shopping for new work clothes for Mark. Then, a few days later, the head of HR called and rescinded the offer. Big bummer! But, the silver lining is that Mark was approached by a good friend to begin work on a web-based business. I'll let him share more on his own about that.
We also have been looking at houses and neighborhoods. We have found lots of areas that we enjoy being in...and there is something in me that desires a Saint Paul address. Don't know why! We have made an offer on a bank owned property in St. Paul but it could take a while before we hear anything...we're excited. It's a big Tudor built in 1932 and in pretty good shape. Just needs some TLC and a new kitchen! Fingers crossed...
We have had visits from different members of my family, which is always fun! Especially in our tiny apartment! We did get to go downhill skiing with my dad, brother, and 4 1/2 year old niece. That was a fun day! Not quite like Washington but awfully fun with family! Speaking of, in January we went to visit Mark's family in Texas. The timing was serendipitous as we had had a string of -20 degree days here and arrived in TX to something like the 50's! We had fun catching up with family, eating, and even enjoying a bonfire (with s'mores) one evening. (We've also found it interesting to live in a place where you have to distinguish temperatures between positive and negative - like up to 30!).
We have found a church we really like: Church of the Cross. It's a trek but we have really enjoyed the community there and the messages. We're in a fun small group and enjoy creating and eating meals with them every other Wednesday! We feel very blessed to have found it!
One of the fun things we've done recently is host an Oscar Party! We rearranged our place, invited 14 people over (because not everyone will be able to make it - WRONG), everyone brought something to eat or drink, we voted for who we thought would win, and watched the Academy Awards on the wall using our projector. It was a blast! We love entertaining and have felt a bit trapped in our little place. It was so fun and nice of our friends to embrace the "cozyness" of our apartment!
3/11/2009
Christmas E-letter (in case we missed you)
December, 2008
We hope you enjoy a stroll through 2008 with us…it's been an exciting year for the Nicholson's!
In January, as the rainy winter was dragging on and we were looking for greener pastures, we celebrated Dani's 30th birthday with a trip to Minneapolis. This trip was to visit friends that had moved from Seattle as well as decide on the potential future of living in the cold-winter upper Midwest. Shortly after we got back, Sprint announced a voluntary separation package that they were offering employees. Basically, to reduce their workforce, they were paying people to no longer work there. This seemed like a fabulous idea to us; who wouldn't want to get paid to NOT go to work (at least for a few months)?
Late winter found Mark accepting the severance and preparing for his final day with Sprint at the end of March (after 7+ years of employment). We also began working with a wonderful realtor (thanks, Gene) to get our house ready for the market. In early April, we put our home up for sale and accepted an offer before the first weekend was over! (Thanks again to Abby & Frank for putting us up so we could be out of town for the open house). Dani left her Activities Assistant position at The Kenney retirement community after 16 fun months (she still misses her folks there).
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) we said goodbye to Seattle from the bench seat of a Penske truck filled with all of our belongings (thanks to all those who helped us get packed!). We spent several days driving I-90, enjoying the beauty, books on cd, and small town stops. We arrived at Dani's parents, visited family, and put our stuff in storage. On May 20, we excitedly drove to Chicago to catch a flight to Europe. We had return tickets for July 18. Murphy would live in the lap of luxury at Dani's folks for a couple of months! Thanks Mom & Dad B. for helping make this trip possible!!!
We are so incredibly blessed and lucky to have had the opportunity to travel. We were able to visit Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, and Ireland. Thanks to those who gave us tips, ideas, and places to stay: Amy, Pio, Tom, and especially our French hosts, Noelle & Michel.
We arrived back in Iowa in mid-July. We spent more time with family and began a month-long road trip (this time with Murphy in tow) that took us from family in Eastern Iowa, to friends in Kansas City and Texas, and to family in South Texas. Then we came back…all the way to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minnesota. We crashed on our friends futon (thanks Josh & Kerstin!) and began the job search. We traveled back and forth a couple of times to Iowa while interviewing and apartment searching.
In September we took the plunge and rented an apartment in St. Paul. A few days later, Dani had a job (Activity Coordinator at Prairie Lodge Assisted Living). We moved and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing autumn that we'd been missing! It lasted through the beginning of November!
We are now just getting ready to begin winter (despite already having had a few days where the temps never got above 0*F) and are enjoying the snow…but not so much the commute in "bad" weather. Mark has had some promising interviews and we've begun researching neighborhoods and looking for a home. We hope that by spring we can start scheduling visitors!
We both find ourselves amazed at the last year of our lives. Sometimes it's "We should've traveled a little longer…who thought two months would seem so short?" or "Can you believe we live in Minnesota?". Mostly though, it's, "How did we get so lucky? God is good!"
We hope that you can find ways this Advent season to see how that last one is true in your life, too!
We hope you enjoy a stroll through 2008 with us…it's been an exciting year for the Nicholson's!
In January, as the rainy winter was dragging on and we were looking for greener pastures, we celebrated Dani's 30th birthday with a trip to Minneapolis. This trip was to visit friends that had moved from Seattle as well as decide on the potential future of living in the cold-winter upper Midwest. Shortly after we got back, Sprint announced a voluntary separation package that they were offering employees. Basically, to reduce their workforce, they were paying people to no longer work there. This seemed like a fabulous idea to us; who wouldn't want to get paid to NOT go to work (at least for a few months)?
Late winter found Mark accepting the severance and preparing for his final day with Sprint at the end of March (after 7+ years of employment). We also began working with a wonderful realtor (thanks, Gene) to get our house ready for the market. In early April, we put our home up for sale and accepted an offer before the first weekend was over! (Thanks again to Abby & Frank for putting us up so we could be out of town for the open house). Dani left her Activities Assistant position at The Kenney retirement community after 16 fun months (she still misses her folks there).
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) we said goodbye to Seattle from the bench seat of a Penske truck filled with all of our belongings (thanks to all those who helped us get packed!). We spent several days driving I-90, enjoying the beauty, books on cd, and small town stops. We arrived at Dani's parents, visited family, and put our stuff in storage. On May 20, we excitedly drove to Chicago to catch a flight to Europe. We had return tickets for July 18. Murphy would live in the lap of luxury at Dani's folks for a couple of months! Thanks Mom & Dad B. for helping make this trip possible!!!
We are so incredibly blessed and lucky to have had the opportunity to travel. We were able to visit Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, and Ireland. Thanks to those who gave us tips, ideas, and places to stay: Amy, Pio, Tom, and especially our French hosts, Noelle & Michel.
We arrived back in Iowa in mid-July. We spent more time with family and began a month-long road trip (this time with Murphy in tow) that took us from family in Eastern Iowa, to friends in Kansas City and Texas, and to family in South Texas. Then we came back…all the way to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minnesota. We crashed on our friends futon (thanks Josh & Kerstin!) and began the job search. We traveled back and forth a couple of times to Iowa while interviewing and apartment searching.
In September we took the plunge and rented an apartment in St. Paul. A few days later, Dani had a job (Activity Coordinator at Prairie Lodge Assisted Living). We moved and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing autumn that we'd been missing! It lasted through the beginning of November!
We are now just getting ready to begin winter (despite already having had a few days where the temps never got above 0*F) and are enjoying the snow…but not so much the commute in "bad" weather. Mark has had some promising interviews and we've begun researching neighborhoods and looking for a home. We hope that by spring we can start scheduling visitors!
We both find ourselves amazed at the last year of our lives. Sometimes it's "We should've traveled a little longer…who thought two months would seem so short?" or "Can you believe we live in Minnesota?". Mostly though, it's, "How did we get so lucky? God is good!"
We hope that you can find ways this Advent season to see how that last one is true in your life, too!
9/17/2008
Making the move
On Monday I was offered and accepted a new job! Yeah! I will be working as an Activities Coordinator at Prairie Lodge in Brooklyn Park, MN. We're also in the process of securing a rental as I type. This is conveniently is located in St. Paul (read this with heavy sarcasm). You may wonder why we would choose this locale so "distant" from our (current) only source of income. Well, it's a cool place in a cool location and (sort of) reminds us of good 'ole Ballard, which we miss! For those familiar with the MSP area, it's 4 blocks north of Grand Ave. Thankfully, I'll be traveling in the opposite direction of most commuters!
We have been blessed to be cared for by friends and family (siblings, parents) who let us crash in their homes. But, we are excited to move and get settled. It's been a long and exciting road but we're both ready to sleep in our own bed!
When I look back through May, June, and July I can't believe the opportunities afforded us. I also sometimes find it hard to believe we took the leap. I am so thankful for Mark and his willingness to go along on crazy adventures with me. He was the one who worried 2 months might be too long...now he's wishing we would've stayed at least 1 more!
Looking forward to more of life's adventures,
Dani
We have been blessed to be cared for by friends and family (siblings, parents) who let us crash in their homes. But, we are excited to move and get settled. It's been a long and exciting road but we're both ready to sleep in our own bed!
When I look back through May, June, and July I can't believe the opportunities afforded us. I also sometimes find it hard to believe we took the leap. I am so thankful for Mark and his willingness to go along on crazy adventures with me. He was the one who worried 2 months might be too long...now he's wishing we would've stayed at least 1 more!
Looking forward to more of life's adventures,
Dani
8/16/2008
(Finally) Finishing Ireland
FROM DANI:
7/8-16
Our next destination was Glenstal Abbey which is a Benedictine monastery set on a 500 acre estate. We have a close friend who has been there and done silent retreats with the monks. It was a wonderfully peaceful stop situated about 12 miles east of Limerick city but feels much more remote. We enjoyed a quiet afternoon (this was the day Mark drove on the wrong side of the road) and went to vespers in the evening and had a yummy meal in the village of Murroe where Glenstal is located.
We awoke, ate another huge breakfast and then set out for the Cliffs of Moher. Impressive, to say the least! It was a sunny day (yeah) and we enjoyed the endless sea views as well as the big drop down. The highlight for me was seeing Puffin (although they were tiny even with the 2 Euro sightseer binocs). I've wanted to see this bird since the forth grade when it graced the cover of my spelling book. And it was well worth it! We continued on and stayed in a private room at the Allie River Hostel and enjoyed some local music (played by folks near the front door) while we bumped around other cooks in the big kitchen. We slept well to the sound of pattering rain and the little creek that wound by our place.
Next, more driving through beautiful scenery! We drove through The Burren and Connemara and stopped for photos and to take in the countryside. I particularly enjoyed the lakes in the Connemara! Amazingly twisty roads through gorgeous landscape. We found another hostel, dropped our stuff, drove around the lakes and took in an 18-hole putt putt course (Ireland is known for it's golfing!). It was a fun break from travel, even though Mark won!
The next morning we headed for and checked out Galway. Honestly, I'm kinda fuzzy on it as in the afternoon we drove across Ireland (west to east) because our car was due back the next day. Sorry, Galway--better luck next time! :) Oh, I think we ate doner kebab and hung out in a used bookshop here. Yep. Then we drove! We stayed that night just north of Dublin near Slane castle in a farm hostel. We took dorm beds in a 8 or 10 bed room but had the place to ourselves (a funny way to save some cash!). We enjoyed a beautiful sunset and Mark took some amazing pictures of sheep!!
We awoke to drive our car back to the Dublin airport and returned it without problem (thankfully). We took the bus into the city and headed for our reserved accomodations at Trinity College. We stayed in a quad with a kitchen and enjoyed university breakfast every morning. It was fun living "on campus". Dublin probably didn't get a fair shake because we were in going home mode...already thinking about the future. But, we did do a Trinity College tour, saw the Book of Kells, had a drink at Octagon Bar (inside The Clarence Hotel, owned by Bono and The Edge). Mark took a swim at the pool on campus and I took a historical walking tour. We also started reading The Shadow of the Wind together.
Our last day of holiday was spent in London. We caught a RyanAir flight to Gatwick, a quick train to the city, the tube to our hotel (the same we had stayed at 3 years ago), and spent the afternoon walking. Beautiful day - warm and sunny!!!!! Then, we jumped back on the tube and headed for my favorite restaurant (so far) in the world. We had eaten there on a previous trip and it lived up to the memories. If you're in London, take the black line to the Angel stop and walk to Galipoli! Well worth it!!!
And then, we flew home to Chicago. My dad picked us up at the airport and we made our way to Maquoketa, Ia.
We were gone 58 days...but the time flew by. Can't wait to travel again soon!
7/8-16
Our next destination was Glenstal Abbey which is a Benedictine monastery set on a 500 acre estate. We have a close friend who has been there and done silent retreats with the monks. It was a wonderfully peaceful stop situated about 12 miles east of Limerick city but feels much more remote. We enjoyed a quiet afternoon (this was the day Mark drove on the wrong side of the road) and went to vespers in the evening and had a yummy meal in the village of Murroe where Glenstal is located.
We awoke, ate another huge breakfast and then set out for the Cliffs of Moher. Impressive, to say the least! It was a sunny day (yeah) and we enjoyed the endless sea views as well as the big drop down. The highlight for me was seeing Puffin (although they were tiny even with the 2 Euro sightseer binocs). I've wanted to see this bird since the forth grade when it graced the cover of my spelling book. And it was well worth it! We continued on and stayed in a private room at the Allie River Hostel and enjoyed some local music (played by folks near the front door) while we bumped around other cooks in the big kitchen. We slept well to the sound of pattering rain and the little creek that wound by our place.
Next, more driving through beautiful scenery! We drove through The Burren and Connemara and stopped for photos and to take in the countryside. I particularly enjoyed the lakes in the Connemara! Amazingly twisty roads through gorgeous landscape. We found another hostel, dropped our stuff, drove around the lakes and took in an 18-hole putt putt course (Ireland is known for it's golfing!). It was a fun break from travel, even though Mark won!
The next morning we headed for and checked out Galway. Honestly, I'm kinda fuzzy on it as in the afternoon we drove across Ireland (west to east) because our car was due back the next day. Sorry, Galway--better luck next time! :) Oh, I think we ate doner kebab and hung out in a used bookshop here. Yep. Then we drove! We stayed that night just north of Dublin near Slane castle in a farm hostel. We took dorm beds in a 8 or 10 bed room but had the place to ourselves (a funny way to save some cash!). We enjoyed a beautiful sunset and Mark took some amazing pictures of sheep!!
We awoke to drive our car back to the Dublin airport and returned it without problem (thankfully). We took the bus into the city and headed for our reserved accomodations at Trinity College. We stayed in a quad with a kitchen and enjoyed university breakfast every morning. It was fun living "on campus". Dublin probably didn't get a fair shake because we were in going home mode...already thinking about the future. But, we did do a Trinity College tour, saw the Book of Kells, had a drink at Octagon Bar (inside The Clarence Hotel, owned by Bono and The Edge). Mark took a swim at the pool on campus and I took a historical walking tour. We also started reading The Shadow of the Wind together.
Our last day of holiday was spent in London. We caught a RyanAir flight to Gatwick, a quick train to the city, the tube to our hotel (the same we had stayed at 3 years ago), and spent the afternoon walking. Beautiful day - warm and sunny!!!!! Then, we jumped back on the tube and headed for my favorite restaurant (so far) in the world. We had eaten there on a previous trip and it lived up to the memories. If you're in London, take the black line to the Angel stop and walk to Galipoli! Well worth it!!!
And then, we flew home to Chicago. My dad picked us up at the airport and we made our way to Maquoketa, Ia.
We were gone 58 days...but the time flew by. Can't wait to travel again soon!
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