Holiday Greetings 2008

Happy Holidays 2008

As I looked back at the many postings of events and excitement in our lives during the course of this year, I realize that our family and friends must think we have become obsesed with softball. Well, perhaps we have....at least we can honestly say that it is a family activity that we all love and can physically do together and most of the time truly enjoy each other in the process.

2008 has been an interesting year for us. As we look back on the year I can truly say we are thankful for our health and happiness. We are weathering the storm of the now officially labelled "recession" as a presently one-income household. Duane's position was one of the first eliminated at the Silicon Valley K/F office back in mid-Sept and he was fortunate to pick up contract executive search projects with the firm until just before Thanksgiving. So for now he's working on his own business idea (hopes to launch in early January!) and keeping his eyes open and ears to the ground for a new opportunity in the Sacramento region.

On just about every other level we are doing great! My work is busy and demanding - that old recession thing again - college grads and MBAs are facing a tough job market to enter for the first time. And alumni call frequently seeking advice on making career transitions or landing on their feet when the career rug is pulled out from under them. I've also been fortunate this year to be the beneficiary of many fantastic referrals of executives in need of resume writing expertise from a few trusted professional colleagues and these projects have been challenging, fun and contribute to an ever expanding network of contacts across a wide range of industries. (If you are reading this, thank you so much to Cyndi, Beth and Penni for your valued referrals!)

Through our softball adventures (yes, back to that again) we have been blessed to see our friendships in Elk Grove grow tremendously. We are more thankful everyday that we took the risk two and half years ago to move here because we've built some cherished friendships through the teams we've been lucky enough to be a part of this year!

As we look forward to 2009 we are embarking on a new and exciting experience in softball - participating as coaches of a travel team. The most exciting thing for me is that Kali & Melia will both be on the same team this year. No more drives between Rocklin and Modesto (almost 200 miles round trip twice in one weekend) or to Yuba City and then El Dorado Hills..... all in the name of cheering for our favorite players, Kali & Melia! But that's what being involved parents is all about, isn't it?!

2009 is also the year in which both girls officially are teenagers - OMG! (For the non-texters, that's "oh my gosh".) And Kali will enter high school. I'm sure I'll be coloring my hair to hide the overwhelming gray this coming year. Duane's more concerned about the year she starts driving and that's still a bit down the road.

We truly wish each and every one of our family and friends all the best during this 2008 holiday season! May 2009 bring you blessings and joy!

Love,

Duane, Margaret, Kali & Melia

(Uno, Jennifer & Michelle too!)

p.s. For a look back on some of the highlights of the year, spend a little more time browsing through the blog for photos and stories from 2008.