Welcome to 2008-It's Going to Be Great! (The year, not the blog)

Dear family and friends,

As I sat down to send out my (late) Christmas cards for 2007, I decided it was time to join the digital age. And so, following in the footsteps of my nieces and nephews, I am creating a 2008 blog for the Swann family. (No, I didn't discuss this with Alicia, Alex, or Jenna. I'm just launching out on my own, so I'm pretty much responsible for any potentially embarassing comments or pictures.)

To catch you all up on 2007:

Susan: This was a tough year for me. While I had just moved into a beautiful new home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, I was now officially an empty nester and living on my own. What an adjustment! I have heard this time period referred to as "the narrows." And there's no doubt that it's a time of passage. So there I was in the process of adapting to a new neighborhood and trying to make friends, when the project I oversee ran off into the ditch. I'll save you the scary details, but suffice it to say that I spent a good month of my life apologizing on behalf of my team and my company to school districts across the state for the late delivery of test materials. (While it was only 26 districts out of 1200, it felt more like 1200.) This was an experience I hope never to repeat. As my boss told me, "You now have combat experience." He wasn't kidding. For those of you who saw "The Office" episode where the guy in charge apologized for the obsene watermark, that was child's play compared to what I endured.

Just when I thought it was safe to come out of the woods, the tenant in my home down south lost his job (mortage banker, so no surprise) and refused to either pay rent or move out. That tenant episode is also behind me, and I'm looking forward to the new year. So I repeat the mantra daily, "2008 is going to be great." Ever the optimist.

The good news is that I am healthy, relatively happy, my family is doing well and they are all healthy and happy. I am blessed with wonderful people in my life. I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my children, my mom, and my brother Brent's family. My children came to Northern California over the 4th of July, so we went to "the city" (SF) , rafted down the American River, and watched fireworks at "the lake" (Tahoe). I am also fortunate that my niece Katy and her family are living here while Tyler is in law school. I love having them here, especially their baby, Lucy (who calls me SueSue. Note to brothers: She's the only one allowed to call me SueSue!)

Alicia and Jenna: Alicia took a new job with a nice pay raise. Alicia is the medical assistant for a neurologist, and most days, she loves her job. She and Jenna live in a very cute townhome. They are also blessed with good friends. Jenna is 10 now, and her Grandma Susan thinks she is very fun. Jenna tells me that she wants to be a chef and open her own restaurant when she grows up. I was fortunate enough to spend Christmas with Alicia and Jenna in St. George. (Thanks, guys.)

Alex: Alex bought his own townhome with a friend of his in Aliso. They bought just before no money down loans disappeared. Their rate is not adjustable, so Alex should be fine, although he's working two jobs to pay the mortgage. (To be young again!) Alex came to see me with his friends and joined me for a few days before the New Year (on their way to "the lake"). I met his new girlfriend (who lives in Manahattan for now). Alex is still "living the dream," as he tells me. He, of course, is reponsible for me being an empty nester. Just when I thought I might have a "failure to launch," he took off like a rocket!

So for those of you who made it this far through my blog, HAPPY NEW YEAR! If I can figure out how to add pictures, I'll post some of our river rafting trip and our time in San Francisco.

Love to you all!
Susan