End of the year update...

Hello my friends!

So I know that it's been quite awhile since my last blog, but you know life happens.  So what has happened since my last blog...well, quite a bit!  In the month of October, I celebrated my birthday.  My mom drove up from down south to be with me for my birthday.  It was nice to have her with me for a couple of days :).   In November I got to drive down south for about four days to see my family for Thanksgiving. It was very nice to see everyone.  My assignment in Atwater was supposed to end on the 16th but it got extended a few weeks.  I know that I had said that I didn't like it very much there, but toward the end, the place grew on me.  I was invited to go wine tasting with some of the ladies from work and it wasn't until then that I really started feeling part of the group and not just a "traveler filling a position."  I had even offered to extend my contract for another 13 weeks, but I asked for too many days off in December.  My sister was graduating in December and I HAD to be there!  I wouldn't miss that for the world.  And Christmas, I had to see my family for Christmas.

As I get older, I realize how important family is.  You can't pick your family, but you can choose how you handle them.  They won't be there forever and you need to cherish all the time that you can with them.  I was so happy that I got to see my Grandma.  It's so important to me to see her on each and every holiday because I know that there will come a time when she will not be with us.
 
I decided that for this next assignment that I would find my own housing. So I looked on Craigslist and found a few listing for some rooms for rent.  I found one in Greenfield, which is about 12 miles or so north of King City.  The room was nice and simple, it was furnished and ready to move in ASAP.  So I was good to go!

My last week in Atwater was bittersweet.  The Friday before they had a "pizza party" for me.  Which was very thoughtful.  My last day was on December 11th and it took me FOREVER to pack up my car and clean up my apartment.  I didn't leave until 2 pm when I had expected to leave at 11..the latest!  But it is was it is!  So when I was all packed up I drove down to Riverside to go to my sister's graduation the next day and the drive back up north to start at 1 pm in King City.  Talk about a crazy three days!

My sister's graduation was beautiful!  She had worked so hard and I wanted to be there for her.  She was there when I graduated, so I couldn't imagine not being there for her!

So on the morning of the 13th, I left Riverside at 6:30 am.  My step-mom was worried that I wouldn't make it there in time because the weather was bad and traffic was always bad.  She had heard on the news that there was a possibility of the Grapevine being closed down.  Oh ye of little faith, I said.  Praise God, there was hardly any traffic and the Grapevine was wide open.  On my trip back up north I traveled through three states of liquid.  It was raining when I left, it was snowing in the Grapevine, and once I hit the 5, there was miles and miles of fog.

So I'm following my GPS, and it told me to get off of the 5  and cut across the 198 to the 101.  Well, what it didn't tell me was that this was THE WORST hwy to take.  It was  58 miles of windy road out in the middle of nowhere.  It was the kind of road that you pray to God that you don't break down because not only does no one ever go down this road, but there wasn't cell service!  But, I got through it!  I got into King City about noon with an hour to spare.

Talk about a small town!  In one block there is..A Cemetery...A High School...An Elementary School...and on the other side of the road...A Hospital.  They get you coming and going.  You never have to leave!!

After finding the Human Resources Dept to fill out a little more paperwork to go with the mounds of paperwork that I had to fill out prior to getting there and getting my picture taken for my badge, I was ready to find the clinic and get to work.

I didn't know what to expect when I walked into the clinic.  My friend Gina told me a few moths ago that she really liked working there, but I had no idea.  Everyone there was so welcoming.  I immediately knew that I was going to like it there.  The first day I didn't do much.   Just followed another therapist around and got the lay of the land.

After I got off I drove up to the house in Greenfield where I was renting  a room.  The house is owned by a husband and wife that just like to rent their rooms out to travelers.  I'm guessing that there are lots or travelers in this area being that it's a small town and it's hard to find permanent employees. There are two other people that rent rooms here.  One is a  traveling nurse that works at the prison in Soledad  and the other is an older gentleman that is a Colonel at Fort Hunter Liggett a little south of here.  So it's a pretty well rounded house!

By Friday, they gave me the key to so I could come in and work on Saturdays.  Pretty cool, huh?  I really, really, really like this assignment!  I actually feel needed, like my opinion counts.  I get to go to meetings every morning to talk about the patient's.  I never got to do that before.  I feel more then "just an Assistant" and it's pretty nice.  I could see myself here for awhile.

So onto Christmas!  I left here on the 21st to spend some time with my family for the holidays.  Some of my coworkers told me of another hwy that I could take that was a little less windy then the 198.  And I now know that the 46 was the same hwy that James Dean died on.  So much history I'm learning!

It took me about 5 hours to get back home and was so glad to get out of the car!   I didn't do much for Christmas, just got to hang out with my family. That Saturday I got to go make cookies with my mom...along with then enjoyment of some Wine, Brie and crackers!  Good combo

We had fun decorating! 

I did a little more Christmas shopping.  Look at that line.  Happy holidays!!

My dad had his "dinner" on Christmas Eve, so I spent the night with my mom and wake up with her on Christmas.  Later that day on Christmas, my mom and I drove down to see my Grandma.  It was so good to see her!!  I love my Grandma!

Well, Christmas was over and it was time to drive back.  The drive back was quite nice.  The Grapevine was kinda crowded, but other then that, everything went smoothly.  I even joined the crowd and pulled over to snap some pictures with my phone!

So, I just found out today that I live in a salad bowl.  What is that you may ask?  Well, it just means that this area is not only known for one or two things, even though there are wineries EVERYWHERE, but they grow everything here.  Everything you can put in a salad.  Thus we have, "The Salad Bowl!"  HAHA!

Well, that's all for now, I will try and keep up on my blog and not go wait so long till the next blog.

Until later....

Wedding's and Vacations

Hi all!!  Hope everyone is doing well!!  These past weeks have been a whirlwind, but looking back they went way too fast.  The last week before I left for my vacation was THE longest week in human history!!  I worked the Sunday before because I was taking the following Friday off.

Work is going good.  I am leaning a lot.  As you all know, because I wouldn't shut up about it for the longest time, I was not fully enjoying my experience here in Atwater.  One of my old CI's from school told me,"Your experience is what you make of it."  And as much as I could not STAND the man that gave me this advice, it is all too true.  So I called a friend of mine who's wedding I attended, and prayed with her.  I thank the Lord that He gave me such amazing friends that love the Lord and we can share out struggles together.  I love you Renae!

Anyway, after we prayed and as I was driving to work and crying out to the Lord, "Why did  you allow me to come here??  I know you have a purpose for me, but please show me what it is so I don't keep driving myself crazy!"  I love how God answers me in such subtle ways that if I didn't know any better, I wouldn't see His grace weaving itself in my life so beautifully.  The Bible tells us to , "Let your light so shine before men that they see your good deeds and glorify the Lord."  God was showing me that that was one reason why I was there.

Being in a nursing home is VERY depressing!  So I try and bring a little light to a dark and depressing situation.  The awesome thing about working with the elderly is that most of them have some sort of faith and they love to share it.  I have had a wonderful opportunities to share with them and reassure them that God is in control of their situations.

But...Onto the good stuff...Renea's wedding!! I was able to work half day on Thursday so I was able to leave around 1:30.  Being that I didn't "accidentally" get on the Bay Bridge this time, I made it there by 4ish.  Praise the Lord, there was no traffic.  It was just a beautiful drive.  We checked into the motel and got ready for the rehearsal at the Community Center in Mill Valley.  The rehearsal went very well!  Got to snap some shots with the bride to be in the midst of the chaos!

So beautiful!

The happy couple!

 After the rehearsal, we all went to the most A-mazing restaurant in San Rafael, San Rafael Joe's.  I had the best Salmon ever, so if you are ever up there, I suggest you stop in.  We all left the dinner before desert was served because we were going to have a desert of our own!  Because I had a new car, I like driving, and had the most room, we all piled into my car and drove to San Francisco.  We had a lingerie party at an underground desert wine bar in San Fran!  I'm not a  big wine fan, but deserts, yes!   I forget the name of the dessert I had, but it was 13$ and took what seemed like FOREVER to make.

All the girl's at the party.

Onto Friday!  All us girls in the Bridal party went to get our hand and feet done up for the wedding.  Such fun to spend this time with the bride.

Finger's done!

My dress was a little too big up top, Renae's neighbor who is an amazing seamstress offered to alter it for me on Friday.  It was a great time.  I found out that she used to be an OT (Occupational Therapist) and worked at Rancho Los Amigo's in the 70's!  How cool is that!  We had such a great time chit chatting about rehab, and how things have changed over the years in the therapy world.  What an awesome opportunity I had!  She had my dress all fixed in less then an hour and I went back to the motel to get ready for the evening.  Renae's future sister-in-law was hosting a barbecue in their honor that  night.

The happy couple at the barbecue

Finally...the wedding day came and at the end of the day it seemed to just fly by. I was told later by one of the groomsman that I cried the entire ceremony.  I didn't even realize it.  He sang to her as she came down the isle and they wrote their own vow's to each other.  I was just so happy for her.  They were tears of joy.   Here are a few pic's of the glorious day!

This lovely lady put together the most beautiful wedding!

The Matron of Honor, Erin and I.

The beautiful cake

Cutting the cake

A view of our dresses

The bride and I!  

Mr and Mrs. Allingham!!

The rest of my vacation went WAY too fast.  I left Sebastopole around 7:45.  I decided that I wanted to take the 101 all the way down the coast, since I've never done it before and I hate the 5. It's so boring and flat! It took me like 9 hour's but it was so worth it.  So much scenery and windy road's that it didn't feel like 9 hour's.  When  I got into Santa Barbara, I pulled off to a Vista Point and said hello to the Ocean.  I am a true SoCal girl!

Beautiful View

So worth the stop!

Once I entered Carpenteria I hit traffic and I knew I was in SoCal.  It's funny the things that you miss when you are away.  But after 10 minutes of sitting in traffic I had my GPS find me some side street routs.

I finally got to my dad's house about 6:45 or so and surprised my nieces!  The were so happy to see Aunty "Ree".  I drove in on the 23rd, which was my Dad's official Birthday, so my dad was barbecuing.  One of his favorite pastimes.  In this picture, Julia and Isabel are chomping down in some ribs.

Olivia is such a great poser

My sister had a brilliant idea of putting 61 candles on the cake for my dad.  By the time she got to the right side of the cake, the left side had melted!

Call the fire department!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Monday:
I went to LLU in the morning to visit some Professor's.  What a great chat we had! It's crazy where God has taken me in a year.  This week (Sept 23-29) marks a year since I graduated from LLU!  Blows my mind just thinking about where I've been since then!  Later that day I drove down to Palm Spring's to see my Grandma.  Spent awhile with her visiting and got to see my favorite Uncle and his crazy cat!

Love my Grandma!

Jake is very protective of his comb!

That evening I got to have dinner with one of my many "other mother's" that God has blessed me with.   She hasn't been feeling too well lately, so it was even more of a blessing that she was able to meet with me.  Thank you Jesus for our time together!

Tuesday:
I spent the night in Palm Spring's and drove back to Riverside Tuesday morning and met up with my little brother who took me out to lunch.  I took my mom out to the most amazing pizza place in Redlands, Gourmet Pizza place.  Another place I highly recommend!  Then I went to ice cream with my friend Netanya from LLU.  The best ice cream I've ever had.  They make each cup individually with cream, sugar, and flavor, then flash freeze it with liquid nitrogen!  Talk about yum!

A la minute Ice cream parlor in Redlands!

Wednesday:
Spent the day in Murrieta.  Had breakfast at Mimi's with an old coworker/great friend.  A two hour breakfast is the best way to start the day!  She even brought me flowers!  So sweet.  I've never gotten flowers just because!  Then I drove to the Bible college to meet up with some friends that I haven't seen in quite awhile.  Then we all went to lunch and had a great visit.  At lunch, some other friends joined me when they had to get back to work.  I love long conversation.  Being that I am so "isolated" up here, I forget how much I love deep conversation with friends.  That night I got to go to my home church in Temecula.  I always watch them online, but it was such a blessing to see them all in person and get to give real hugs!

Thursday:
I drove down to Irvine to have lunch with the wonderful people at StaffRehab.  Love, Love, Love this group of people. I know that I've said it before, and I will say it again, God spoiled me when he dropped this company in my lap.  I was so happy to see everyone that I neglected to take pictures.  But Sara took one of me!  Look what was waiting for me!  I feel loved!

After lunch I went to Calvary Costa Mesa and got to visit with my friend Jasmine.  I love talking with her and sharing what the Lord has been showing/teaching us since the last time we saw each other.  We only got to chat for about 30 minutes but it was a spirit filled 30 minutes!

I was supposed to have dinner with another friend that night while I was out there, but she had to cancel.  It kinda worked out for the best though because I ended up having dinner with my aunt who I hadn't seen in about 6 years or so.  Maybe longer.  It was nice to catch up.

Friday:
Chill day.  Took my mom out to lunch and then met up with my step-mom and sister later in the day so I could treat her to a pedicure for her birthday.  That night I got to see a friend that moved out of state.  She was the little girl who lived next to my dad years ago.  Now she's all grown up and having a baby!!

Saturday:
I got to take care of my nephew all day!  Lucky me.  Took him and my two other nieces to the park.

Julia, Ryan and Olivia

Ryan and Julia

Gave him chips at the park.  Love this face!

 Later that day they had a combo birthday party for my dad, 9/23, my sister, 9/24 and me, 10/13.  My sister made ice cream cone cupcakes instead of a cake. They were a hit.

He ate the whole thing in like 2 minutes flat!

Sunday:
Drove back to beautiful Atwater.  Didn't take as long as coming down, but it was a boring drive.  After all was said and done, I had driven about 1500 miles and my car's "maintenance required" light came on.  Time for a check-up!

They have light's for everything theses days!

Total mileage for 10 days; 1514.9

It was a great trip and I loved seeing every one.  Being down there made me realize how much I miss them.  But I am where God has me and that's what important.  Every one keeps asking me how long I will be traveling for.  My answer is always the same.  I will continue traveling until God tells me to do something else.  Every day is an adventure and I like it that way!

Until next time...

Adventures galore!

Hello again my lovely friend!!

Traveling is such an adventure!  You never know what and where you will be ending up next.  My motto theses day's is, "Traveling is a lot like dating. You discover what you like and dislike and move on from there."

I've been quite a busy lady...well, yes and no.  I feel like I am, but really I'm not.  It's been quite a transition for me.  I was contracted to the same company for two assignments, so moving the first two times were not that big a deal I guess.  But this last one has taken its toll on me.  I'm not saying that I don't like where I am at; it's just "different".  I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, but there is something.  I know that God has placed me here for a reason.  Challenges are good, because it keeps up from getting too comfortable and stagnant.  I am thanking God for where He has me today and what He can teach me today.  That is one of the things that I struggle with the most.  The "next thing."  I'm so focused on the next thing that I don't stop to enjoy where I am at today.  So my prayer my friends, is that God will help me to take today for what it is and learn and grow from every experience that He places in my way.

Anyway, enough of that; onto the exciting stuff!!  The past three weekends, I have had the exciting opportunity to hang out with my fellow school survivor and travel buddy!  I talked her into the travel life and she loves it just as much as I do!  The first weekend we hung out we decided to take a day trip up to Sacramento.

Gina is always in the back ground!

Froyo love!

Being silly

I shoulda bought these!

Then last weekend Gina calls me up and say's, "Hey, wanna take a trip up to Tahoe?"  Sure, why not!  It wasn't that bad of a drive.  we met half way in Sacramento.  The hard part was finding the park & ride, where one of us could leave our car.  The GPS can be so wrong sometimes.  After driving around for about 30 minutes, and finally getting directions from a Barista at Starbucks, we found it and were on out was about 11:30.  It took us a good hour and a half to get up there, but it was worth it once we saw the lake.  I was informed shortly thereafter that Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake in the US. but I think the coldest.  I think I read somewhere that it had a steady temp of about 39 degrees!  Brrrr...I'm glad I didn't take my dad's advice and "go jump in the lake!"

Since we are here, Gina suggests we ride the Gondala.  All day I was arguing with her that I gondola was a little boat.  But she didn't believe me.  But lo and behold when we got there, what was the tram called??  The Gondola.  I guess you learn something new every day!  Going up the mountain on what I call a Tram, was quite an  experience.  Gina though it was hilarious that I was freaking out.  I'm not that afraid of heights, but it was pretty high up the mountain.  If you've never experience the gondola ride I would recommend it, but only once, just to say you did it.  For 34$ a person, it really isn't worth it.  But what the hay, I can cross that off my bucket list!

So begins or trip up the mountain

That's a long drop!

This may be high, but the view is awesome!

I made it to the top in one piece!

Talk about high!

Gina Love!

Crazy me being crazy me!

Now I get to get back in the "Gondola" and go back down.  Going down wasn't as bad, but I was still freaked out.  Gina thought it was funny and took pictures of my freak out session.

Were gunna die!

Finally!

After my near brush with death, we thought it'd be fun to do a little gambling.  We were right on the boarder, so we went into Harrah's and had some fun.  One thing's for sure though, I'm sure glad I live in California where it's illegal to smoke inside.  I think a year of my life was stolen from me from all that second hand smoke!  So here's a pic of me winning at the penny slot's.  That was short lived, because I lost all that I won two minutes later/  So I walked out of the casino 30$ in the hole!  That sounds like a good day.  I would have spent 30$, probably more, at the movies anyway.   

This weekend I was just spending it at home. I seemed to have flared up my knee, so I was just going to relax it.  (As a side note, it;s not good to be injured but it's great to have access to wonderful PT's that can give you rehab tips.) But then Gina called me today and said she was thinking about driving down here.  So that's what we did today.  She drove from Yuba City down to Atwater so we could hang. She's a good friend.   We decide to drive an hour north to Manteca to get pedicures at this awesome nail place.  SO WORTH THE DRIVE!! We finished our day with Mexican food.  Always a good choice.

So those are my current adventures.  I'm taking my vaca in about two weeks.  Kicking it off with Renae's Bachelorette party and wedding.  Should be a blast!!  Stay tuned for more to come!