My Last Fall Semester

I only had one final this semester, which was SWEET, and it was a take-home. I have to say, saving all my electives for my senior year was the way to go!! I got a 97% on my Gerontology final! Next semester, I only have one online class to finish my Gerontology certificate and my senior seminar to finish my major. The rest of my classes are electives. I can't wait! :) I'll be working out 5 days a week, 8 times a week with my three health and exercise classes. I'm hoping to get in really good shape before graduation.

Other than finals this week, I had to say my final goodbyes at work. It wasn't as hard as when I made the announcement, but I will be back to visit, I'm sure. I also went to the Avery House for a tour and the gal that gave the tour is 95 years old. :) I went earlier this semester and didn't get to finish the tour, so I went back. It was really cute and as we said our goodbyes...until I start my new job in January...she gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It's not every day I get to cherish a moment like that. :) It's people like her that makes me excited to start my career and work with older adults. There was also another resident I saw earlier this week that gave me a huge hug before I left. They're so amazing there and I'm getting excited to start my new job.

Today, I went to the Air Force commissioning ceremony. One of my good friends who I met through ROTC Bible study back when I was in ROTC freshman year was commissioning. I knew 3 of the 4 and saw a few good old friends. It was nice to go. I got a little teary-eyed even though I didn't know everybody extremely well, but it's a momentous occasion for them and it was nice to be a witness to it.

I leave for home Monday morning. :) I sing Sunday night, so I can't leave just yet. I went to the doctor...AGAIN...today and they don't know what's wrong with my throat. I don't have any other signs or symptoms of a cold or strep, but they're going to call within the next couple of days. They already tested for strep, so it's not that, which is good. I just hope we can figure out what it is.

Just Some Pictures :)

Tim's mom took pictures of us in Oldtown a couple weeks ago. I'm just putting some of those up. :) These turned out really cute.

My Birthday Celebration :)

Because Tim had to work tonight until late, we celebrated my birthday yesterday. :) It was a blast! Everything was a surprise, which made the evening even more fun. First, he took me to this cute little Italian restaurant called Canino's close to Oldtown and we had dinner there. It was romantic and I loved it. :) We had free cheesecake and on Tuesday nights they have a dinner special. Our total check was $12! I'm even a cheap date on my birthday. :)

After dinner, Tim gave me my presents. He bought me 'The Dark Knight.' GREAT movie! Also, a coffee mug with a little chicken with sunglasses on it that says 'biker'...because I'm a biker chick...too bad it took me a while to get it. :) He also gave me some vanilla candles. He knows me so well!

Following presents and dinner, Tim took me to Oldtown square and we went ice skating!! I've been wanting to go ice skating for my birthday for years! There was nobody there (probably because it was SUPER cold) and the girl didn't charge us for skates and skating time. It was all free!!! :) Hurray! Anywho, it was a great time and I loved every minute of it. Both of our cheeks hurt from smiling so much...but so did our butts, noses, and ears because of the cold... :)

Today, on my actual birthday, I've had a ton of phone calls, which has been great, but I'm still trying to finish up my semester and get ready to go home. :) My roommate made me a German Chocolate cake and it was heavenly! It will last us the rest of the week because there's only two of us and Tim won't eat coconut. But it was a nice surprise to have something on my actual birthday. All in all it was a great 22nd! :)

Two Weeks Notice

So, today I gave my boss my two weeks notice...:( I was really sad and it was really hard for me to do. I LOVE my job and I love the people and the population I work for, but because of my back I physically cannot do my job duties. I was having a really hard time not being able to give 110%. It's unfortunate, but I needed to for my own health. She kind of knew it was coming because I haven't been the same the last couple of months. She knows me really well and could just tell that I wasn't as happy as I used to be at work. We talked for about an hour today about a lot of things. I told her where I'd be working next semester and that I wanted to stay in touch with the organization. She's putting me on the newsletter so I'll know when activities and events are happening. :) Anywho, we talked and she really feels that I have a heart for people in need, such as the disabled population that I work with now, and I totally agree with her. In the long hall, I do want to work in an independent facility for older adults because I feel that's where God may be leading me. But part of me will always want to work for the needy, so there's no telling where I'm headed in life. The only thing I know is that I want to work with the older population. The decision of where I end up is not up to me anyway. :) I know God has it all in control and I just have to be patient. As for next semester, I'll be the wait staff supervisor at the place I've been interning (which is an independent living adult facility). The head chef basically made up the position for me and wants me to be in charge of scheduling, covering shifts, and training the wait staff. I don't want to continue doing that after I graduate and she knows that, but it's a 20+ hour a week job that will help pay the bills. :) And it keeps my foot in the door at the location if something were to open up. So, I'm excited but very sad at the same time. I just need to say my goodbyes in the next couple of weeks. I'm very emotionally attached to all of them, but I will definitely be keeping in touch. :) Just pray that the transition goes well for me and for the participants.

The Johnston Visit

Last week was a lot of fun! Tim and I went to my high school and saw a few of my old teachers. I saw my old volleyball and basketball coach. He was one of the most influential mentors I've ever had. He's now the Dean of students so he's moving on up. :)

Visiting with my parents and Tim was a lot of fun as well. Tim really likes my parents and that feeling seems to be meutral. Now he just has to meet (and survive) my brother and Kendi. :) He's excited to meet them after Christmas...if he can get time off.

The Johnstons got to meet Tim as well. We all hung out for a bit and shot some guns. The boys really enjoyed that...and when I say boys, I especially mean Tim. :)

I returned to school Monday and it's already almost Thursday! Next week is my last week for classes and I can't believe my semester is almost to an end. It went by SO fast. I just hope next semester does as well so I can graduate. :) Super exciting! I don't want it to go too fast though. I want to enjoy my final semester as CSU.

Yesterday, Tim and I met his mom in Oldtown. She takes pictures as a hobby, like my dad, and she took a few pics of us. So look for those soon! :) Some of them turned out great! And we got them in before the snow hit. AND I finished all my Christmas shopping!!!! Hurray!

With love,
E