Holiday
2004
While Christmas cards are the traditional
way to correspond with family and friends during the Holiday Season, I thought
I'd try creating an online holiday newsletter to update you on the latest in life
at 313 Trescony.
2004 has been good to us. I am completing
this year with a diploma in hand. After 6.5 years at San
Jose State University, I have finally completed my B.A. degree in Radio-TV-Film,
with a minor in Speech Communication (I think my final GPA was 3.89, for anyone
who's counting). This is obviously a joyous occasion for both Mike and I because
it means that I finally have more free time, less stress, and will be more fun
to be around. If you're wondering "What are you going to do with your degree?"
I currently have three answers: 1) I'm currently co-producing a TV show at my
new job (see paragraph 3) 2) I was recently asked to Associate Produce a forthcoming
documentary on homosexuality and the bible (Research and shooting slated for Spring
05) 3) I just completed a feature-length screen play (Title: Sweet Natalie) which
a professor at SJSU wants to try and get made by a local film company (probably
a total dream, but a compliment anyway).
In the last year, Mike and I have become
fast fans of climbing at a local indoor climbing gym called Pacific
Edge. After taking a 6-week course in the spring, I turned Mike on to the
sport, and we're both trying to advance our skills and so we can take the plunge
(not literally, of course) of climbing outside. For all of you who say "Isn't
that dangerous?!" remember that climbers use ropes, knots, and devices which can
handle between 2000-5000 lb loads (for one climber).
Another major change in my life was leaving
The Museum of Art & History. After 10.5
years, I said good-bye to my coworkers and took a Marketing Coordinator position
at a local Internet Service Provider. I was
attracted to the organization because they have a much larger marketing budget
and a TV show on Community Television which I co-produce and shoot for.
The most recent and dramatic change in my
family was my sister Nicole's departure from her life as an accountant and student,
to enlisting in the Air Force. She is currently in basic training in Lackland,
Texas, and will follow boot camp with training to be a cop. While her move took
us by surprise, I support her and her choices.
Mike has continued his work at the Salinas
Fire Department. The bad news is that city funds have been dramatically cut, like
many places, resulting in the loss of the Salinas Fire Paramedic Program. Currently,
the fire department has made a deal with the city to continue providing service
at a very drastic pay cut for the paramedics. But Mike is happy to keep his medic
skills up, despite the smaller paycheck. Mike also keeps his chin up by continuing
to train so that he can excel in the fire service, taking the necessary courses
to become a Fire Training Instructor and a Firefighter Engineer. His goal is to
become Captain before he turns 30.
With 2004 at a close, we're heading into
the next phase of our lives. We contemplate and dream about the potential of buying
a larger house, working in higher-paying jobs, and starting a family that includes
more than 4-legged furry pets. We both agree that the future is bright and look
forward to spending it together. We look forward to spending some of 2005 with
you, too.
Wishing you a very happy, sane, and memorable
holiday season, with a beautiful new year full of your dreams and wishes.-Westi,
Mike, Barney, Jasmine and Guinness
Pictures at left from
top: Barney gets in the holiday spirit; Nicole and Westi on Thanksgiving at Shadowbrook
Restaurant; Mike after a long hike in Big Sur; my festive stocking.
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