wow, it's been like 10 months since i last updated... how time flies... works is slow right now, so just sipping coffee in my tree house (my office window looks into a big tree). don't you want to be an appraiser too? this is what we do all day... :P it'll be interesting to see what happens to the housing slump and the potential credit crunch. just heard last week an economist predicting that housing market won't pick up until 2009 the earliest. i feel kinda mean, since real lives are being affected by this, but this is all quite fascinating. my vacation was wonderful and quite timely, because i think both of hege and i were getting burnt out at work. it was good to see different parts of the same country, to get out of my california-centric little world that i live in. i think it's funny that we have buildings that were built in the early 1900's designated as historical, while in the east coast, we're talking about buildings built in the 1700 and 1800's. the eating was good too on the trip, but i confess, by the end, i was sick of eating out on every meal. and i cannot believe how much cheaper seafoods are, especially for oysters. yummm... i'm drooling just thinking about them... of course, one of the best parts of the vacation is a chance to see my new nephew, elijah. he is so cute with his chubby face and puppy eyes. that boy has such strong legs that i think he's going to start walking before he learns to crawl. it was definitely a joy to see my sisters' family, and a particular encouragement to know my sister and frank are already praying for elijah's salvation. God has been good to us. we're really looking forward to move into the new place and being next door to friends. i'm sure the remodeling work will take up quite a bit of time, but even that would be a great learning experience. it was also great to have been able to attend so many weddings of our good friends these past few months. God has really blessed me with awesome co-workers... they were so sweet in that they decorated my office for me when i was out (i think it bothers my boss more than me that i have no decoration in my office, except a picture of my wedding... which my boss gave me). also, i'm thankful for our church family, filled with people who are really reflective of everything beautiful and wonderful about God. it's great to see many new people too, and i can't wait to see what God has in store for the church. alright, time to refill my coffee... | 
