2005 Recap

Okay, so as you may have noticed there's been some slacking going on regarding our website updates. I can give a lot of excuses, but frankly most of it is due to laziness. So for the sake of keeping YOU informed and ME informative, hehe, I have installed this (very informal) blog. Now for a quick recap of 2005.

Last year was pretty tough for my side of the family. We lost my dear, sweet, funny, friend-to-everyone granddad. It feels false to even write it now, almost 7 months after the fact. This has been the biggest reason for the loss of updates (aside from the afore mentioned laziness) as I couldn't seem to make my fingers type the words. It was and still is a devastating loss for all of us. I miss him so much every day, but I feel him around me constantly. He was the best human being I ever knew and is missed by all those whose lives he touched. I like to think he can now easily play every musical instrument he ever wanted. :)

I had a career change. I am a teacher! The world of software chewed me up and spit me out. Frankly, I'm glad to be gone, though I will always have my little projects. Anyhow, I've finished my schooling and my testing in December and now work for Round Rock ISD. I'm still amazed that I now come home after work actually smiling. :)

In July my mom came with Rafi and I to visit Panamá for the first time. It was close quarters all of us staying with Rafi's parents, but we managed just fine and had great experiences. Who would have thought that our parents would all do a zipline in the tropical forest canopy?! Well, we all did it and have the pictures to prove it! Mom had a good time sight seeing and enjoying piña coladas at a resort, although not such a good time discovering a food allergy. I would venture to guess, though, that she'd love to come back again. I know for a fact she loved the food!

December led Rafi and I back to Panamá. Strangely this trip we saw the beach for all of two hours, but we did have one major accomplishment - we climbed an active volcano! It was TOUGH and the high altitude didn't make it any easier, but the view was incredible.Volcán Barú is located in a small town in the interior close to the Costa Rica border. If you ever decide to do this, take plenty of water, Pascual lemon cookies, and bug spray. We didn't think about the latter and paid for it later. Oh, and expect to hardly move the next morning.

That about wraps up 2005. I'm sure I left all sorts of details out, but I'm ready to move on to 2006!