Good night, 2009. Good night, moon.

We started the year with this sunset, and we’ll end the year tonight with a full/blue moon.

2009 was a mixed bag. I accomplished some major feats. For starters, I moved my family from Charlotte back to the west coast in what economists say are the probably worst economic times in decades. I remember that golden day early February when Kari and I made a promising hand-shake – agreeing that we would do everything in our power to find the next wagon to hop on destined for the Oregon Trail and to never look back. Our family & friends called daily throwing caution to the wind that it would take much longer to move back since the recession was so bad. I laughed really loud that day in April when I got an interim job offer in Portland and said, “Honey, pack your bags, cuz we’re moving to Portland, Oregon!”

Here we are in our warm little cottage in Portland, Oregon. We’ve settled in quite nicely; meeting some new friends and re-connecting with family. We both landed awesome jobs. I dove further into my photography and created this blog. I think a daily photo blog challenge for myself was just what I needed. Kari picked up a new guitar. She’s learning the A, E, and D chords. We both tried out yoga for the first time. And, we definitely both agree that it’s a great workout for the body, mind, and especially our Spirits.

Through all of the other rough patches we encountered this year, I think what we both learned above everything else is that we’re both very lucky to have each other. Our bond is tight. Our trust is great. Our loyalty and faith in one another is amazing. Our love is intense and passionate. We’re only just getting started!

Bring it on, 2010!