Slight change in plans kids...

Michael and I on NYE in Austin

Best burger joint in Texas: Alamo Springs Cafe...where they have hand crafted burgers with over 10 toppings to choose from! So how did y'all spend your New Years? I spent it without work for 4 days, at an Improv Comedy show in Austin, and then finished it off the next day with a football game and then traveled to one of the top Texas burger joints in Texas! Yes, i've gained probably 8 lbs since I've moved down here but I'M HAPPY! I never crave red meat, let alone burgers, but the second I walked into this little cafe, my mouth began watering and before you knew it, I was shoving a 1/2 lb burger in my mouth. I topped it off with Jalapenos, avocado, bacon, and cheese! Yes, I know, it's a heart attack waiting to happen and I could literally feel my arteries clogging but I did this traveling OT gig to explore and experience new places and to be honest, I have no regrets about eating that massive burger! The other little picture that I have posted is of my lovely, charming, and handsome boyfriend, Michael. I know, same name as my Dad, my best guy friend, and middle name of my precious nephew and darling little brother. So why not bring another Michael into the mix? I love this picture of us b/c we look so happy and excited! And to be honest, it was probably one of the best New Years that I have ever had! He has such a tender heart and is probably the best thing that has happened to me in a long time...well besides becoming an Aunt; my little nephew/godson will always be number 1...well, until I have my own children (sorry Jenn, but I'm sure you understand!).

Aside from all of that, I did want y'all to know that I will be extending my contract here in TX until April 23rd. I was offered an extension with the hospital and after careful consideration, I accepted. I have really been wanting to get to CO for the spring/summer but for some reason, there has not been a lot of openings for traveling therapists. So, since my company is having a difficult time finding work in CO for me, I thought it would be safe to stick with Peterson Memorial while giving my company more time to search. I am not complaining, but I was really looking forward to another change of scenary and pace of life...so in the meantime, I 'll just continue to eat massive burgers at my new favorite burger joint! All for now and much love from the hill country of Texas!

New Year, New Beginnings...

Grammie, Jenn, Trent and I Xmas Eve
Cole and I at Giles Xmas Party
Wow, it has been some time since I last wrote, and I apologize. But as you can all relate, the holidays are always a busy time for all. I was lucky enough to fly home for Christmas and stay for a week! I knew I missed home the second my little "puddle jumper" of a plane landed in Portland and I felt tears running down my cheeks. I never thought I would be so excited to see white grounds and muddy slush, but I was! It ended up being a long and tiresome, yet exciting day for me--Aside from the TWO layovers and crammed airplane seats, I made it home just in time for the annual Giles Family/Friends Christmas Party. I would say that it was our biggest turnout this year and looooongest...people stayed until the early morning hours...which was fun and of course, welcomed, but I had been up for 24 hours by that time.

It was so nice to be home and spend some quality time with my family, boothbay friends, Boston friends (I was able to make a day trip to my old stomping grounds) and of course my precious, nephew whom I miss dearly. I never thought I could love a little man so much as I do Cole. It was so fun to learn about him all over again while I was home. It's so amazing how 3 months changes one person. I applaud my sister and brother-in-law for being such fabulous parents to a very ACTIVE little toddler. You can see in the picture above that he loves cell phones and has the chubbiest cheeks--both of which I think he inherited from his Auntie! haha.

One thing that I had really wanted to do while I was home was go visit my grandfather's grave. The stone had not been placed by the time I left Boothbay in September so I was pretty eager to see it when I got home for the holidays. I went to visit him with my parents on the very next day that I was home, which happened to be the first snowfall that I had experienced this winter. The gray stone and blanket of white snow created such a beautiful contrast that his name was shining brightly. It was a short, but very sweet visit. I finally felt closure...everything was complete...The stone had a picture of his favorite German Shepherd standing next to a tree, which demonstrates his love for both animals and the outdoors. I still think about him nearly everyday b/c everytime I have an older gentleman as a patient, each and everyone one of them carries a trait that my Papa had. It is almost as if his spirit is living through each of them, which makes me smile everytime.

I never thought I would say this, but after a week of being home, I was pretty excited to head back to Texas. I just absolutely love my job right now and the people that I have met along the way. I only have about 5 more weeks left here and am excited to see where everything takes me next. I am looking into an assignment in Colorado...so hopefully within the next week or so, I will find out. I am so grateful for so many things right now and when reflecting back to this past summer, I am so happy I decided to make this change in my career. The southwest is a gorgeous area and I encourage all to visit at some point in their life! So from my lil apartment in Texas to all your homes, Happy 2010! May this year bring exciting opportunities and fill your hearts with warmth and happiness!