On living, not existing.

So the past few weeks Britt and I have been getting into a routine (see Britt's recent blog for the details) but I find that I am more busy now than I was when on the road.  I think it's just that I have more time and so am more willing to fill it up with projects.  The big project this spring of course, is the yard. 

Since we are renting the house, Britt and I are reluctant to put too much money into the property.  However, since I've never had to manage a yard before, I think this is good practice.  We plan on doing some basics like fertilizing, laying down some grub-ex (we have major grub issues), planting some new seed and figuring out a watering schedule. There was a raised garden out back, but since it was built in the shade, nothing will grow in it.  I'm taking the wood and top soil used to build that and transplanting them to the front flower bed.  Using the wood to build a new wall around the flower bed will help keep the rain out, thus the mulch in.  There is a cement patio in the back yard (literally in the middle of the yard) that I'm hoping to turn into a nice entertainment area.  We bought a fire bowl and some chairs, and plan on fixing up the yard a little so it's a nice, relaxing place.  We're looking forward to some grilling and evenings around the fire with friends!

Recently we were able to pay off my student loan.  Whoa, what a feeling! It's great to be out of debt! Now we can focus on saving for the house (we're on the two year plan... down from the 3 year plan - so I think we're on track!).  We've also been able to save up to replace my very aging car.  I'm currently in the market for a new truck, which already this spring I could have used many times over.  I can't wait to have a way to haul some big stuff! Not to mention being able to haul all of our gear to camp :-)

Last, but not least is my new job.  I'm now on my third week at Confluence and loving the company.  The position is pretty challenging, but I think I'll catch on pretty quickly.  My experience at CBORD has helped me hone my ability to learn fast and autonomously as well as giving me the wisdom to make better decisions on what I need to learn and when.  The biggest challenge here is not the technical aspect of the position - to be quite honest, there isn't much to it that I haven't already conquered in the past; it is the financial knowledge that I need to learn.  Much of what I will need to do in the future involves understanding the business needs of our clients.  The only way to do that is to talk the talk.  Of course, Brittany thinks this is great since she has a background in finance.  Now we both have a technical position in the finance industry!

And that about wraps up the current goings-on in my life.  I'm eagerly awaiting the new truck while adapting to my new job and spending my free time trying to whip the yard into shape.  I know now what my dad means when he keeps wishing there were more hours in the day. How did I find time to live while on the road?  I think the answer is that I didn't, I just existed.  Well, here's to living - it's time to get to work!  Till next time...