Join me as we bid adieu to the year of the dog.
Joel and I have faced each of life’s milestones with steadfastness; although not necessarily in order. This year, we got a dog. Actually, Joel found a dog while on duty in Mesa, turned it in and put his name down as a finder. Three days later, we became proud parents of Satchel. Satchel, while cute, is also our medical miracle dog. After three months of intense scratching, we had him tested. Satchel is allergic to the top three ingredients in dog food, all types of grass, all mold found in a home, and several types of trees. Sign us up for 9 months of allergy shots! In addition, three months ago, Satchel lost his puppy attitude and appetite. Testing again diagnosed him with Valley Fever – a common fungal infection in the southwest that can be fatal. Sign us up for months of anti-fungal medicine! To earn his keep, Satchel must now live to be 28.
Being a person who brought a cat back from Africa, sadly, I have been converted to dog lover. And Joel is nesting, relaxed now that the cat, dog, and girl get along.
Joel is still with the Mesa Police Department. While the department is dealing with issues of morale and the city with financial security, Joel continues to be active at the workplace. He is now a member of the Peer Support Team and the Meritorious Review Board. I think this is because he has more free time as he has graduated with his M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University (extension program) this past May. Joel has scaled back on the basketball playing due to his knees not having cartilage, but still plays golf every chance he gets.
I am still with Arizona State University, recently promoted to Academic Specialist Program Coordinator. A vague title that puts me in charge of improvement and promotion of the Undergraduate Programs in the School of Life Sciences, via grant proposal writing, curriculum designing, and instructional review. The position will begin sometime next semester, contingent on my replacement in the laboratory coordinator position. I am excited for the challenge and look forward to applying my skills toward the furthering of the school’s goals. I’m still active with Friends of Lesotho, but have toned down my commitments to church over the past year.
We managed to take a few trips here and there. After Joel’s 15 year college reunion, we took my “new” truck down for a drive from Ensenada to San Felipe in Baja, Mexico. We also spent some time visiting friends and others at a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer reunion in D.C. over the summer. We had regular visits from Joel’s parents, and a special visit from Joel’s sister Elisabeth and her husband, Andy. My family is doing well too.
Life is definitely treating both Joel and I well. We enjoy spending time with the babies our friends keep having. In fact, I think Joel was feeling a little left out and asked me to marry him on December 3rd. I said yes, and now we’re planning a party at the end of April this coming year. Yes, milestone achieved, just not necessarily in order. The next milestone might just be getting cable!
Here’s hoping that your milestones are all good ones! I hope we hear from all of you over the course of the coming year. Peace and love, Faye and Joel.
