Looking back on 2008

First of all, Merry belated Christmas to everyone! I didn't have much access to a computer to wish the above on time. For that, I apologize.

Today is the LAST Monday of the year. Wow...and what a year it's been. I could look back and go on and on about the economy, the "bailouts", and everything else, but I'd rather go month by month in the lives of Jake and I in 2008.

JANUARY: I turned 24 to a day of shopping and dinner at the Melting Pot in San Jose with my parents, Jake, my aunt Kevin and cousin Megan. It was a kick-ass day. Jake and I rang in the New Year with a quiet get together with his mom and her friend Michael while watching the fireworks over SF from Lynn's balcony.

FEBRUARY: It was leap year. Jake and I got our first new car! Our 2008 Honda CR-V was a lot of research and comparing vehicles. In the end, it won our hearts. We've never had ONE SPECK of buyer's remorse.

MARCH: In March, Jake and I started having our first tax season. We began working 6 days a week inputting information and cranking out those tax returns. We became a well-oiled machine in no time.

APRIL: Our first tax season officially ended April 15th at 6:10pm! The final e-filed return was submitted and the three of us could finally exhale. We celebrated by going to a SF Giants baseball game the following day. We rode the ferry from San Rafael to SF.

MAY: Jake and I celebrated one year of marriage! We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the spot where Jake proposed. It was foggy and quite cold, but a hot bowl of fresh clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl fixed that in no time. The following day, we took off to Texas to surprise Jake's Dad. We arrived in the early afternoon and I got a taste of Texas weather in May. Two words: Hot and Humid. We spent 5 days there BBQing, checking out the local sites and even seeing the Bureau of Engraving where they make money. We checked out building developments in the area, and went to the Colonial Invitational where we saw Phil Mickelson play (#2 golfer in the world). We ended the trip with my first experience in a Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World...one word...Whoa.

JUNE: June saw little excitement until the end of the month when my cousin Megan announced her pregnancy. Admittedly, it was a bittersweet moment for Jake and I, but we are thrilled for Meggie nonetheless. Our time will come, and we began preparations for infertility treatments. Jake, my parents and I also trekked down to LA for my niece April's wedding in Disneyland. It was the first time my parent's had been there in 13 years. It was HOT there, but we still had tons of fun.

JULY: Of course, we celebrated USA's birthday in Sacramento with the family. We BBQ'd, played games, and set off fireworks in the street. July also saw the release of The Dark Knight which became an instant favorite with Jake. In Pt. Richmond, we stayed pretty mild and cool during the Summer months.

AUGUST: August is the month of birthdays. First, Jake turned 29 on the 8th. Then there was Summer's 27th on August 19th and my mom's birthday on the 25th. August was also the month of the release of Sex and the City, the movie. Jake was one of about 5 men total in the theater.

SEPTEMBER: September we went to Katie and Lori's wedding in Glen Ellen, near Santa Rosa. The mild day was gorgeous, as were the brides. Jake and I had tons of fun, and I got to watch my first Horrah (I don't know if I spelled that correctly). On the way home, Jake and I also walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite my back problems, it was enjoyable. I'm not sure I'd do it again though.

OCTOBER: October was a month of debates in the presidential election. Campaigns heated up, and the race for the Oval Office was quite exciting. It was also the first Halloween that I can remember where it rained. Trick-or-Treating was cut short, but I still had fun. Halloween was also my first IUI, and we were very hopeful for a positive outcome.

NOVEMBER: My parents celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary (WOW), and of course, there was the presidential election. I went to my local polling place at 7:15 in the morning and cast my vote. That night, Jake and I watched the news for updates on the polls throughout the night. We were also watching for California's Prop 8. For us, it was an exciting moment in American history, but a saddening defeat for California for Prop 8. Jake and I also decided to take a break from trying to have a baby.

DECEMBER: Well, here we are. It's the final Monday of 2008, and an entire year in summary for Jake's and my world. I learned how to make Peppermint Bark with Megan, and SOS, Inc. celebrated it's first year of business. Jake was met with Rock Band 2 for PS3 and The Dark Knight on DVD for Christmas. I got a new video camera and gift cards. Santa brought also brought Jake and I a Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner (yes, we asked for it). Our other vacuum broke even though we loved it so much.

So there you have it. A personal year-in-review from me. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Years....if I don't post between now and then. Also, I apologize for no weekly video on Friday. Again, I didn't have much internet access. :)