As Long As I Can See the Light

There is a moment in the movie "The Royal Tenenbaums" that I really like a lot, which also captures the way that I feel these days:

CHAS

We’ve had a rough year, Dad.





ROYAL

I know you have, Chassie.

This moment is not nearly as powerful on the page as it is in the film as acted by Gene Hackman and Ben Stiller. Hopefully you've all seen the movie and know what I'm talking about.



2004 has been one of the most difficult years of my life, and I am thankful to say that October may mark the start of a new direction.



After moving to New Orleans in July of 2003, where we had no friends and no family, Lindsey and I thought we could really use a little time to have some privacy and to enjoy the first year of our marriage alone, which New Orleans provided.



Unfortunately, being a nurse, Lindsey has only been able to get work at night. As an accountant, I only work days. This presented the problem that we were never able to see each other. Add to that the fact that Lindsey had to work every other weekend, and suddenly we were only seeing each other four days per month. Not an ideal situation for two newlyweds.



I am pleased to announce that this month, Lindsey will begin a new job which will provide for office hours: no nights, no weekends, no holidays.



I could not be more excited that we will finally be able to see each other regularly, rather than by appointment. I enjoy alone time and I am really good at keeping myself busy. I'm interested in so many things that I never get bored, but I've had so much time alone this year that I feel like I'm losing my mind.



I am really looking forward to the holidays now.