2 1/2 weeks to go...

We're finally on the final countdown to the FMD -- the end of the semester is upon us and things are getting crazy! In less than 3 weeks, I will "officially" move to Jeff City. It is very exciting even though I know my family is sad and happy all at the same time. We will talk every day I'm sure and see each other as often as possible -- we'll just be a little bit farther apart (geographically) than we are now. Ben had his 3rd birthday on Tuesday -- I can't believe the little booger is actually 3 -- a big boy! He finally lol gave up his "pappy" on his birthday -- he believes that we had to give it to Ruby since she is still a baby and he is a big boy. I told him she would take good care of it!

I'm getting very excited to start my new job at Capital Region Medical Center -- ready to get back to actually doing the therapy -- I've really missed that even though I love teaching. I will definitely have to come back to see "my" grad students graduate next May -- they were my first grad class to teach so they have a special place.

End of the semester preparations are out of control this year -- I just have to stay on top of things so nothing begins to pile up.

It's hard to believe it's almost here!!! :)

Hell Bent for Cooper's Landing!

Chad and I decided to ride our bikes from Hartsburg, MO to Cooper's Landing on the Katy Trail today. Cooper's Landing is a small boat dock community right on the Missouri River. It's about 10 miles from Hartsburg. We rode there and enjoyed the view for a while then rode back -- had so much fun although my butt was really hurting by the time we got back! Haven't been riding in a while -- really have to get back in the groove. We took some pictures along the way and are posting those. The picture of the Hart's Creek conservation area is the entrance to the spot where Chad proposed on November 7, 2009. The locals in Cooper's Landing are a bit different but welcomed us all the same. They all turned out to watch one of their own launch a houseboat he had been working on for a few months. It was interesting to say the least! I'm also posting a picture of Ruby digging yet another hole in the yard -- you've really got to watch walking when she's around because you can turn an ankle pretty quickly!

Circus in Dexter

Last night, I had the pleasure of accompanying Amy and Ben to the circus down at the fairgrounds in Dexter. Ben was so very excited and couldn't wait to see what animals were there. It was great to see how excited he became watching the clowns, performers, and animals. The circus that was there had 3 elephants, 4 camels, 5 tigers, and ponies.

Just to step up on my soapbox for a minute, I was appalled that these poor animals were subjected to tasks and an environment that they do not belong in! They are WILD animals and belong in their native environment or a safe haven where they can be what they truly are. I don't know about the treatment of the animals at this particular circus but when one of the ponies was starting to collapse from walking in a circle for hours while Ben was riding one of the others, I really began to question their quality of life. It made my heart hurt to see these animals struggle to be something they are not. I am officially boycotting circuses that use live animals from this point on!

Anyway, now that I've gotten that off my chest lol, I was very excited to be able to spend some time with Ben and Amy last night. That kid is so very special and I am lucky to be his aunt.

Race Day

Well, I ran in my first 5K in 3 years and I had trained for it for about 2 months. My goal for myself was to run the entire thing regardless of where I placed, but because of a large, steep hill -- I didn't accomplish my goal. I ended up having to walk up the hill -- I had kept a nice, steady pace for 2 miles and then the LARGE hill came up and I had to walk (not to mention having to use my inhaler -- yuck). I am running another race on May 1 so now I have a goal to beat and I WILL do it.

Later this afternoon, Chad and I bought 2 adirondack chairs and a wrought iron table/chair set for the back porch. It looks so nice!

Good Weekend in Jeff!

The weekend started with a second interview with the hospital and I was very nervous -- I even dreamed about it the night before. The interview went really well though and shortly after I got home from the interview, they called to offer me the position! Chad and I are both relieved to have the job worrying out of the way. The rest of the weekend, we just hung out, played with Ruby and got a few projects done. We started working on our mantle for our fireplace on Friday night and thanks to Andy's help, we finished it on Saturday. It looks really great -- the pictures don't do it justice for sure. I'm posting some pictures of Ruby -- she had a really good time in the backyard. She had two rawhide bones that she kept burying somewhere in the yard and then digging up again and reburying -- it was crazy to watch her do it over and over. It was a really nice weekend -- and I know we'll have many more like this one -- just hanging out at our house, enjoying life.