Auld Lang Syne

So, that's 2004 away and gone. Time to get used to writing "05" when you sign on the dotted line or write out a check (if you still do that kind of thing in this digital age). It's also time to make new year's resolutions and wonder what life will bring to you during these next 365 days. Last year we had 366 because it was a leap year, but this year we're back to the usual arrangement. But before we even try to look ahead, it only seems right to look back on the year that has just shuffled off its mortal coil.

2004 was a year of...

...Marriage... Though we've said we wouldn't do it, we did it anyway -- eloping on June 10th in Scotland and haven't regretted it one bit!

...Relocation (again)... On August 30th, we left our beloved Brussels, Belgium to move to Norwich, UK so RP can go to school again. While we have finally started to make ourselves at home in Norwich, we do still have sentimental pangs for Brussels and our life there.

...Anglicizement... Meeting, learning about, and somewhat becoming British people. After all, it is inevitable that you pick up some colloquialisms and maybe a little bit of an accent when you live somewhere long enough.

...Education... After about 6 years out of undergrad university, Rich decided to go back to school for a Masters in Film Studies/Archiving. After getting accepted to the U. of Exeter and U. of East Anglia, he took the most logical choice: UEA for it's Film Archiving course. The fall semester began on September 22nd.

...Car Ownership... We got rid of our vehicles in the summer of 2003 in preparation for moving to Belgium. After a year of pedestrianism, we're back on the bandwagon (sort of) with our old Beemer

...Mold... When they warned us about the "damp" in England, they weren't kidding. A lesson learned.

...Frustration... Working as a "Customer Support Analyst" at So-ny Europe and fielding many an exasperating calls from some world-class whingers (our now fellow neighbors) was a soul-dampening experience and not the least of Rich's motivations to go back to school.

...Vikings... As revenge against our elopement, Rich's father -- aided by the extended Danish and Swedish family members -- launched a campaign to celebrate our marriage Viking-style. It was an unusual, but fantastic celebration. Revenge that we didn't mind being served.

...Family... Us visiting them and them visiting us. A lot of fun! Rich spent a week with his Mom in Florida; Kristen's mom, grandmother and aunt spent three weeks with us in Belgium; We made a road trip to see Rich's family in Denmark (both the Danish and Swedish branches were there... see above); and lastly, a Christmas visit to Oregon where Rich got to meet all of Kristen's family.

...Travel... Belgium in all directions, Luxembourg, England, Scotland, Netherlands, France, U.S., Germany and Denmark. Whew!

...Prince... His rapidly deteriorating health lead to the inevitable decision my mother had to make. RIP.

Looking back on the year makes one thing clear: we are in the midst of an interesting adventure. Where it will take us next is anybody's guess (in spite of how cheesy that sounds). Let's hope that 2005 is just as good.

-RP- & ~K