Year in Review

Can you believe that the year is half over? Wow, where did that time go. I figure I would review the first half of 2011 for today's post.

January-February brought us the ice/snow storms that shut down everything for basically two weeks. I have never had work close for as many days ever (and I've worked here 23 years) as it did for these ice storms. We were very lucky and didn't lose power, didn't lose our tree, and didn't drive each other crazy. During that time off, I did have to work from home finishing a $75Million proposal to keep our contract with the government for another 5 years. The announcement will be made next month hopefully. I'm feeling pretty good that we will have it.

Whitney finished up her last semester of high school. There were so many lasts that after awhile I stopped saying it. But she worked so hard and got the scholarship she needed to go to the college she wanted to go to. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful child. I know she is going to be successful and have a great college experience.

The house is almost done being renovated. We built that house 18 years ago and it looked like a 90's house. We took down or painted over all the wallpaper, installed recessed lighting in the kitchen (bye-bye flourescent light) and got the cracks in the ceiling fixed before being painted. It really is looking good. There still are some projects left to be done but I'm pleased with our progress. Plus the house will be paid off in five years!

As we enter summer we are in the middle of a drought and hot, hot temperatures. Yikes, we set a record for the entire month of June above 90 degrees and we set a record for most days in a month over 100. And there is no relief in sight. My favorite season is fall but we won't have any pretty leaves this year since it is so dry.

I won a big award at work this spring. It was great to be recognized by the university for my hard work. I know I'm good at my job, but always a plus to get the external recognition. Plus we are getting pay raises starting in July. After three years without an increase, this couldn't have come at a better time.

And I've found many new people here with this blog and reading others. I truly enjoy seeing what happens in other people's lives. I wish all of you a healthy and happy second half of 2011.

Tracy