Monday, July 14, 2014

Pacific Coast Highway Las Vegas to Seattle Trip May 2014

Since I had the rare opportunity to live in Las Vegas for two months Josh and I decided to take the rare opportunity we had to drive the famous "Pacific Coast Highway"in celebration of a big summer, which included both of our birthdays, 5 year anniversary and my graduation! The pacific highway is nothing but OCEAN the whole way, it was our kind of paradise--Yes, please! We had an amazing time, unfortunately I took far more video of the beauty we encountered than pictures. I hopefully will be able to put together all the video's into one clip soon. Meanwhile, here are some pictures to give you an idea. We took 4 days to complete the journey, only stopping in Eureka and Monterey, CA making sure to soak in every ocean view and drive through the "Avenue of the giants" and the time went by waaayyy too fast. We could take 2 weeks easy to drive it again. Next time, we will camp on the beach or in the cute little motels along the way. We decided if there was anywhere we could live the California Coast is by far  one of the most beautiful places on earth I have seen. Stunning and breathtaking views.




















-AVENUE OF THE GIANTS-





































-PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY TRIP-




Home from Vegas, Graduated with a new addition!

I can't believe how fast the past year has gone by, it was last summer I wrote last.....a lot has happened over the past year but the most important and hardest times have happened in the last few months. After my school completely screwed up my internship opportunities in WA, in addition we had a major emotional set back that left us both feeling like we were so deep in this hole we never would be able to get out, everything was going against us. We didn't understand why all this was happening to us and all at once. We kept plugging along, I finally caught a break when I put a post up on Facebook for anyone to reach out so I could find placements asap instead of twiddle my thumbs waiting for my school to get their stuff together...I managed to find 2 internship sites on my own, one which required me to move all the way to Las Vegas, NV to live with brittany and shaun for 2 months (I know, poor poor me, hang out with cute nephews and my niece, enjoy perfect weather) It ended up being such a blessing and a wonderful learning experience in more ways than I can name. I was able to intern at a skilled nursing facility that gave me great insight into that environment--in an ideal setting. All skilled nursing facilities are not created equal. So grateful for my sister and shaun for letting me stay with them and invade their space for 2 months. I missed my hubby more than words could describe but we were both so crazy busy the time flew by (which we were so grateful for) it was time that we knew sacrifices would have to be made, that was just one of the sucky ones. I still say if only Josh was in Las Vegas with me it would have been perfect. I miss it and wish I could go back tomorrow.
As soon as I got back, I started at a private outpatient pediatric clinic, this experience has really made me feel prepared to enter the field. I am so grateful for the therapist that were apart of my learning experience and the sweet, kind and loving kids I got to play with while I was there. I literally felt like I played for two months, that is what I love most about occupational therapy, most everything canbe therapeutic   if done in the right way. I truly feel great that I chose a profession where I feel at home, like I was meant to do this and I will be great at it. It's an amazing feeling. As of July 3rd, 2014 I was graduated. I still have to take my national exam to be certified but as of next month that should be complete.
We have decided after many many years of deliberation we are moving to the east-coast, Josh is from the east-coast and only came to WA temporarily for a change of scenery, only to meet me and be stuck for 7 years. It's time. We are ready to start over, another chapter in our life and close this one in WA. We will be doing a nice long drive cross country and hopefully stopping at as many places along the way as possible. The light at the end of the tunnel is dim but there. We are looking for work and housing but hope to be settled by october at the latest.

While I was in Las Vegas, my wonderful sister Brittany Meng of Brittany Meng Photography http://brittanykphotography.blogspot.com did a mini session with Josh and I for our 5 year wedding anniversary coming up.
Our newest addition, Saddie, had not been adopted yet hence why she is not in an new family pictures..

















This is Saddie, our newest addition, the cutest little 6lb chug (chihuahua and pug mix). She's one year old and sweet as can be. She is what you could call "high maintenance" which is why her initial parents had to give her up. Peanut is getting used the idea of not being the center of attention all the time and enjoying having a puppy to play with other than old dog Tucker. We love her and glad she's apart of our family.