Boucher 2008 Summary
January—This was our 5th month in Korea and after the holidays we were missing home. We tried to lift our spirits by visiting Busan, the southern “beach” city but it couldn’t compete with Hawaii. Later that month Jake was hit by a car and that topped the cake (or the kimchi.) We were done with our newlywed Asian adventure.
February—We quit our English teaching jobs six months early and fled Korea. We took a nice detour and spent a week in Thailand. This is one country you MUST see! We loved everything about it! The people, the coastline, the weather and culture…. In fact, Jake and Cody’s first date included Thai food and the beach.
March—We arrived in Utah with nowhere to live. We stayed with our aunt & uncle for a while who told us about cars that run on compressed natural gas. We were sold from that instant! We made our first big purchase as a married couple and bought a CNG car. It runs cleaner and CHEAPER! It feels good to be GREEN.
April—The job search began and we applied for a bunch, no, a plethora of jobs. Everybody seemed to be looking for experience, not a college degree. So where does a person start? Jake also started playing bass in a band whose name is yet to be determined. A good band name is hard to come by.
May—The perfect little Provo rental house fell into our hands for the summer. This place really grew on us because we had a yard in front for growing tomatoes and a big yard in back for barbecuing. Utah is a nice place in the summertime and the trees in downtown Provo are big and old and easy to love.
June—We finally found jobs! Jake started working for a local company doing some tough manual labor, not being asked to use his head much but making good and honest money with his hands. Cody started working at Sunflower Farmers Market and really enjoys helping hippies find their organic granolas and patchouli oil.
July—We both got beach cruiser bicycles for summer riding. This reminded us of living in Hawaii and we took a minute to wonder what we’re doing back on the mainland…. Reason #1: It’s good to be near family again. Reason #2: …. Well we’re still wondering why anyone ever leaves the islands.
August—We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary with a road trip to Oregon. It was beautiful and peaceful and we’re pretty sure we could live in the branches of a Redwood tree for a few months out of the year. Our Provo housing contract ended so we found another place in Orem that is old, cozy and has real character.
September—Cody transferred stores to help open a new Farmers Market location and suddenly became commander of a staff of 49 people. It’s been exciting so far. Jake started a new job working with a good friend. He’s learning all kinds of new trades. I think I’ve even heard the phrase “Jake of all trades” used a few times.
October—We looked up and down for perfect Halloween costumes. Jake grew out his mustache to be Freddie Mercury and Cody wanted to be the perfect side kick, David Bowie, but the right outfits were impossible to find. We were also called to be Family Home Evening hosts. The title is self-explanatory.
November—The Shumway side of the family got together for Thanksvegasmas. You guessed it: Thanksgiving and Christmas combined in Vegas. Jake and Cody also took a quick trip to Mexico…. Just to get out of town for a bit. 17 hours of driving home started to feel a little long for a 3-day weekend, but the tacos were worth it.
December—The Boucher side of the family is planning a great holiday get together in southern Utah. Jake showed his man skills in picking out and cutting down our first “American” Christmas tree. It hasn’t snowed too much yet so we’re surviving!
Thank you for your friendship, we love and miss you all! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!
Jake & Cody Boucher
