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Tis the season to be sending out updates,
Four score and who knows how long ago, we set forth on our three hour tour only to have our tiny boat tossed and marooned on a desert island of chance and circumstance. Now how was that for multiple references in a single bound?
It is, of course, just about Christmas time again and therefore it is time for the annual Rodifer Christmas letter and electronic gift package. We try hard to keep the content of these letters short, sweet, and entertaining. This year should not be too difficult a challenge as not a whole lot has happened. Compared to years past, this year was downright boring, however, a few minor changes have occurred in our lives, and as always we will do our best to keep you apprised of these events.
First of all, we celebrated five years of wedded bliss this past May, it’s hard to believe it has been that long since we stood up there and said “I do”.
In last year’s letter we informed you that we had moved out of our old house and into a new apartment. We are ECSTATIC to say that this situation has not changed. We are still living in our beautiful apartment and are grateful to his Lordship, Mr. Mercer, for all the assistance he has given us. He has truly gone above and beyond what would normally be asked of a landlord, so we want to make sure everyone knows if they ever need an apartment in Rockford, IL check out http://www.riverdistrictapartments.com and let him know that Ted and Jill sent you.
In other news, a member of our extended family has gone to the great cheese wheel in the sky. Ge passed away in June of an apparent climbing accident, his brother Sal misses him much, and so does TJ the cat, since Ge was so adept at getting out of the cage they liked play chase around the apartment.
We had a few false starts this past year as well. The radio program we informed you of last year did not get started. Our schedules being what they are we never had the time to record as much as was necessary for the job, however it is a fun past time and may become something we pursue in the future.
Ted was also scheduled to go back to school, however due to circumstances beyond his control his scholarship funding was pulled and we were not able to make up for the extra funding necessary for his continued education. Even so, this is not a heart-breaker, he has too much other stuff on his plate to deal with.
Our efforts to join the Lions Club did not pan out either. With schedule conflicts, and funding issues, we simply were not able to follow through with the application process. However Ted still does the website work for the Rockford Noon Lions (http://www.rkfdnoonlions.org) and they seem very happy with his work.
On the health front. Ted had successful ulcer surgery in January and jaw surgery in May. Originally a gastric bypass or some other bariatric surgery options were looked at to help Ted manage his weight since exercise is difficult for him, but those plans have changed as well. Jill and Ted both have been using Alli along with some dietary and lifestyle changes for weight management and have had some success. Since starting in August Ted has lost 30 pounds and Jill has lost… well we won’t talk about that now will we? Suffice it to say this has been a successful solution for us and we plan on continuing it.
Now for the work portion of the program:
Jill has worked for West Corporation for 4+ years. The longest job she has ever had and was in line for promotion when the economy picked up. Well, as things often have for us this year, that didn’t work out.
In October the news came that West was closing its location here in Rockford and 226 people were soon to be unemployed, adding to the 20% unemployment rate in Rockord. To West’s credit they have done much in helping the displaced find work. One of the most enticing to Jill was the West @ Home program. Since West is the world’s largest phone for hire agency they have an at home solution they can provide to their clients.
The minute the news came down, she applied. West escalated the applications from Rockford employees to get them working again as soon as possible. Jill was hired right away of course and started training two weeks before Thanksgiving. Since she will be working from home that means no more two hour bus rides, no more going out into the snow and cold just to be told work was canceled for that day… none of it and she is very excited.
On Ted’s side of the work coin, it’s been a a quiet year, but what noise has been made has been pretty loud. The biggest noise maker would have to be the Rockford Ravens (http://www.rockfordravens.org) a Pop Warner youth football and cheer leading team that helps promote healthy environments for kids to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. The Rockford Ravens website is one of the most popular sites Ted has created, receiving 2500 hits per day.
So, as you can see it has been a quiet year with some minor hills and valleys on this roller coaster we all life, but as always we look forward to what tomorrow may bring, knowing that each day is another step closer to happiness and fulfilling God’s plan for our personal paths.
We wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope that this new year brings you greater adventures, happier times, and better days than those that have gone before.
P.S. don’t forget to download your gifts.
Love always,