There's a lot of news to report, so let's get started.

Jen and I are engaged! Three years after meeting, we have decided to "take the next step." Other marital clichés that I look forward to hearing include: popped the question, take the plunge, getting hitched,

I don't think "engaged" is a cliché, but I'm certain that a better word could be used. When I hear it I think of Captain Piccard ("Warp 9! Engage!") or the more common definition "busy or occupied, already in use." On top of that, I have to get used to saying a French word that has two gender-specific spellings that are pronounced the same in English: fiancé and fiancée.

Moving on: Jen and I bought a house! We have been in the market since late summer and finally put a bid on a house at the beginning of October. It's has two bedrooms and one bathroom and is quite cozy — but not quite small. It's in Bellingham and within walking distance of Trader Joe's and the Public Market (which has Barganica.)

Thanks to my Dad, we got a good interest rate on our mortgage and have joined the ranks of first-time homeowners.  

I got a raise! October 1 marked an entire year at The BBJ and I was rewarded for it. I still make the salary of a new reporter (which is similar to that of a first-year teacher), but it's moving in the right direction (up).

That's all the news that deserves exclamation points. I was getting tired of yelling anyway. That was like the front page of the paper, now on to the local section.

I can't wait for snowboarding season to start. I need snow to survive the winter. I might last if I go to the YMCA and sit on a spin bike every week, but it's not the same and getting exercise in the snow. At least the freezing level is finally dropping.

Speaking of the weather, I will leave you with the forecast from Sunday's paper. "Today: showers, breezy. Tomorrow: Showers, cool. Tuesday: Showers, sun breaks. Wednesday: Showers, sun breaks. Thursday: Rain at times."

Ike — who thinks showers are pleasant