best of 2009
Our eventful year started out with much anticipation and excitement in London. We lived there for the first part of 2009 while Mary studied tropical medicine at the University of London. We enjoyed exploring the city and spending quality time with Michael's family while in the UK. Endless museums, pubs, markets, shows...and easy weekend trips to Bath, Paris and Edinburgh endeared us to historic Londontown.
After the the three month course, we indulged in a six week European adventure: Eurailing our way through seven countries including Spain, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland and Greece. It was a whirlwind tour to say the least! We loved the food, history, wine and cappuccino, but most of all gained a new admiration for the European lifestyle.
After returning to Seattle in May, we stumbled upon a small house in a wonderful neighborhood and decided to take the plunge and buy it! We sold our first home (thankfully very quickly) and moved into this charming old home near Green Lake. It has a beautiful yard and organic garden, as well as a friendly, walkable neighborhood. This is our dream location. We're hoping to add an addition to the home in the next few years, but for now, it's in perfect shape and just right for us.
Year in Review
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2009 Photos
In the fall we each took on new challenges. Mary is learning mandarin chinese and was asked to serve on the advisory board of an emerging movement to fight global poverty, One Day's Wages. Mike ran the Portland Marathon (averaging a 7:15 minute mile) in October to qualify for Boston in 2010!
In addition to those adventures, we've both started new jobs. Michael is working feverishly on the regional Cool School Challenge program, hoping to take it national. The program is for 3rd-12th grade students, teaching them to easily calculate and then reduce the carbon footprint of their school. Mary got hired for a permanent position as a family medicine physician with a Group Health clinic in Seattle. She is looking forward to re-starting obstetric care in the new year and incorporating global health and medical ethics into her practice as well.
Looking back on an eventful 2009, we reflect on our incredible blessings, which include our wonderfully supportive family and friends. Thank you so much for being a part of our lives. We wish you and yours a blessed holiday season and much joy in 2010.
With love,
Michael and Mary