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.

I'm 24.

So... depressing as it is, I have now celebrated yet another birthday and I'm 24. One more year and it's all downhill. ;) I can't believe how fast the time has gone by especially since I've started school. I'm already almost done. Well, this time next year I'll be graduated, so close enough right? It's late and I'm tired but I'm sitting here just taking the rare moment to ponder, dream, and reflect on things I rarely give myself a chance to think about. I'm so grateful for my family and my friends. Nothing can beat the special feeling you get on your birthday. At least for me. My birthday's have always been a big deal (blame my parents, they have always spoiled me on that day) You would think that as the years go by they wouldn't be as special but yet again I had the best birthday. I was surrounded by people that I love and that's all that matters. It's the people around you that you love and care about that make that day great. I think on birthday's those people become more obvious to you than ever. My goal this year is to do a better job of strengthening my relationships. It has never been a strong strength of mine (staying in touch) but as I get older I realize how important relationships are. I have a wonderful example, Josh, who helps me see that. Josh took me to the melting pot for the 1st time which was delicious and so much fun! I had a great time with him. I always do. He's the best. So 24th birthday a success.

 

I don't have anything else to report life is great and I am enjoying it everyday.

 

 

We have a very busy summer planned and I'm sure it will be over before we know it so we are basking in every minute of it! Enjoy everybody!

Were alive update and Happy Thanksgivng!

This month has flown by! I can't believe the holidays are upon us once more and were about to start the countdown to Christmas! I thought time flew by before I started school but it seems to be on fast foward right now. I'm almost done with first semester, I can see the end and also the end of my 8 class work load. Next semester will be a more managable 5 classes. Whew! I don't know if I could maintain the craziness. Josh has gotten alot more serious with boxing, he absoutley loves it and yes, I know, it's crazy, but even after his very physically demanding job he manages to have MORE energy to box for 2 hours after work. It makes him happy and keeps him busy while I'm busy studying after work and on the weekend...and every waking hour i'm not at school or working.... lol. I finally understand what my friends that neglected me while in school were going through. As you can imagine they get a kick out of my lack of "play time" now. Regardless, I never thought I would say this but I am loving this time in my life, I find OT to be already very rewarding and lines up perfectly to who I am and what I believe. I am so grateful this door was opened and I was brave enough to go through with it! It was scary after all I had'nt been in school for 4 years...I guess better late than never though and life was waiting for me! This chapter is exciting and has just opened...I am able to picture a future that is bright and full of possiblities. It's a great feeling. I am Embracing this time in my life for I know that it will be short lived!
On that note, Happy Thanksgiving! We spent it with my parents and brother and sister-in-law eating the most delicious dinner all year. My dad really does it up every year. He is such an amazing talented cook, I did not get that talent, i'm sure once I'm the one doing the cooking I'll be praying my turkey does'nt catch on fire! Josh also got an early Christmas present and probably the best one of his life! He finally got Lasik; well CustomPRK which is the safer but more painful of the two. He is doing great and seeing better than ever! It's only suppose to improve from here. He told me "Babe, this was one thing I always wanted to get done but really never thought I would ever be able to do, I'm so happy I can see!" I am thankful for technology that it is such that my husband can see practically perfectly without the use of glasses. Amazing.
Our plans for the holidays include flying to North Carolina for Christmas, which we are very excited about since we have yet to meet 2 nephews and 1 neice and of course see all of Josh's family that we don't get to see nearly enough!
Happy Holidays everyone! Enjoy the season!

SUMMER 2012

This summer was soo fun! It did go by way to fast but the memories will last forever. I have not had the chance to write about it because ever since I decided to go back to school life has been insane. I can't believe I'm already finished with my second week. It's flown by so I hope that the rest of my 2 years will as well. I'm feeling alot more comfortable getting back into the swing of things. I.e. waking up super early 6am to get to school on time, traffic, LOTS of homework, little sleep, the feeling of no more brain capacity and making new friends. So anyway, school, so far so good!
 

SUMMER- We had so much fun this summer going on lots of camping trips and family vacations.

(Yes, that's peanut on the boat with us in his life jacket)


Josh and I decided to spend time in Las Vegas before driving over to California for our family vacation together. We got started seeing the sites in Vegas, walking all over the strip and touring the enormous hotels. We saw almost every free show there was and ate like kings at the Belligo's Buffet. YUM! We stayed at Treasure Island in a nice suite overlooking the strip. We also went to the Pawn Stars shop which was fun since Josh and I really like that show. It looked very different inside than the show protrays. They definitly make it look alot better on tv; as with everything I assume. Also went to the MOB Museum, it was awesome! So many cool facts and exibits about Mobsters throughout the years. Very cool museum. I recommended that too.

The most memorable part of our summer was for sure though being with our family. We met up in Carlsbad, CA and stayed at the brand new Carlsbad Hilton Grand Vacations Resort. It was amazing! Brand new and steps from the beach. We had a fun beach day just enjoying the sun and being with each other. Josh loved boggie boarding, I did'nt try it since everyone who did seemed to be getting an awful indian burn on their bellies. It did'nt look to appealing after that. Anyway we loved SeaWorld and the SanDeigo Zoo. I personally loved SeaWorld the most. I have never seen a killer whale in person, dolphins or tons of other things SeaWorld offers. If you have the chance to go...hands down WORTH IT! We spent half our days navigating SeaWorld and the other exploring the SanDeigo Zoo. The Zoo is also a very cool place, ALOT to see! The Lion's I think by far were the coolest next to the HUGE Elephants and Giraffes. It would be awesome to see them in the wild. We had tickets to the Safari Park but had so much fun between SeaWorld and the Zoo we decided to spent all our time at those parks.

 

Josh and I had a blast with our family, ALL of them. We especially enjoyed bonding with our neice K.D. and nephews Gavin and Conner. They are so sweet, full of life and love. After school is out we hope to have a family of our own. We will see what god has in store for us.