Merry Christmas Friends & Family!
My dear sister Nicole coerced me into doing a Christmas letter this year – hope I get this down in the professional manner that she always manages to. So here’s our news!
Last December I got laid off after eight years with AOL. This worked out rather nicely as I was already planning to go back to school and change up the old career. I’m happy to report I’m officially halfway done with my Masters degree in Geography and carrying a 4.03 GPA. I’m very involved in the Geography department and very much enjoying the program. The plan after graduation is to work in an environmental science field utilizing geospatial analysis and geo-technology.
Brian is busy being a very supportive husband while I concentrate on my studies. In February Brian won a makeover contest from Albuquerque The Magazine. He got $500 dollars in salon services and wardrobe. It was all a secret to me until he showed up looking so dashing and whisked me away for an evening on the town! In August, Brian moved from contracting at Sandia Labs to a local science and engineering firm, Bohannan Houston, where he continues to work in software development. Brian is also ready to provide any of you with the latest and greatest in video game review!
This spring we were lucky enough to travel to Europe. We spent a few days in Paris doing and seeing the typical tourist things: Eiffel Tour, Louvre Museum (seeing the Mona Lisa among other great works), Champ De Elysees shopping, eating baguettes and decedent French pastries, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe. We loved Paris and would definitely go back. The overcast and drizzly weather made it a perfect Parisian experience. We then flew to Rome and spent a few more days doing and seeing: the Coliseum, Roman Forums, Pantheon, Vatican City and museums, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona. It was amazing to walk down 2,000+ year old cobblestone streets and see amazing historical architecture around literally every corner. It was terribly hot so we made sure to eat that tasty Italian gelato several times a day! The trip was such a wonderful experience and we hope to do more traveling in the future.
Two big things happened in June – On the 23rd we celebrated seven years of wedded bliss, and amazingly we still like each other! On the 22nd of June we brought home a new addition to our family! He is full of energy, very hairy, and so darn cute! We named him Gryphon and love having him around. This year we were also able to do some upgrading around the house. My dad helped us install new lighting fixtures and we purchased lots of new furniture. Hopefully new carpet will be in store for next year. We are also very lucky to spend time with our adorable, angel-like nephews Isaac (4yrs) and Eric (18 months), who live only 15 minutes away.
That’s all the news from the Arnold front. It has been a great year full of fun times! We wish all our friends and family a happy holiday season and the best for the coming year.
Love,
Lisa, Brian & Gryphon