December 2011 - Holiday Letter

Another year…another letter.  You may be thrilled to hear that this year I will finally be keeping it brief.  I seem to be running out of time and if I ever what to gets these out on time I better move it!

William is growing daily; at least it feels like he is.  If we have to buy him pants one more time this year, I just might scream.  I think he will be taller than Russel before this year is out.  He is a junior at Coral Academy of Science – a local charter school he has attended since 7^th grade.  He is still into computers, engineering, robotics, legos, and video games.  In May he made his confirmation, using the name of Saint Joseph in honor of his grandfather.  This summer he began working as a cashier at Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse.  He stayed through September when we decided it was best to him to focus on school and just become a back-up cashier when they are in a pinch.  He has been doing very well in school this year although AP Physics has been a bit of a struggle.  They changed the Robotics Club into an actual class and he has been really enjoying himself this year.  He has also made some really good friends.  One of his classes is an SAT prep class that helps the kids understand how to navigate the test plus completing college applications and those dreaded essays.  He wasn’t thrilled but as his mother…I was.  He is still taking summer engineering classes at UNR and plans to attend in the fall of 2013.

Russel’s business is having a fabulous year.  I joke if it has a wire, battery or plug, he can (and will) fix it.  Most days he is running around so much he forgets if he is coming or going.  But his clients love and (who could ask for more).  He still teaches karate and helps at their tournaments and other events.  He is now also teaching the Coral’s junior high robotics team.  It has proven to be taxing…if he had any hair left it would be turning grey.  Regardless, he is having a good year.

I am happy to say I have now been with the District Attorney’s Office for six years.  Being a county employee is tough, between the pay cuts, lay-offs, and budget slashing it’s a wonder… But despite all that negativity I still love my job.  I get to use both my creative and analytical sides, which is fun.  I have few remaining accounting clients on the outside, just enough to keep my skills sharp.  I am trying to be a “good” girl and listen to my doctors.  My arthritis and asthma sometimes contradict each other but I am fortunate to have excellent doctors who care.  I still sing at church but have cut back much of my other volunteer work to focus on the art of relaxation.

We’ve had our ups and downs this year but continue to survive and maybe even (do I dare say it) thrive.  We have been scrimping and saving and couponing our little hearts out.  In January we will spend a few days in Disneyland…the last hurrah before William goes off to college (and bankrupts us).  Then budget season begins anew at the county and my nose will be to grindstone to find new ways to save money.

In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with peace, joy and happiness.  No matter which holiday you celebrate, may if be a happy one.

All of our love,

Vicky, Russ, & Will