Shopping Trip

Yesterday, I headed to Nashville with two of my coworkers to go to Christmas Village and then shopping at the mall. I look forward to this shopping adventure every year after Ginny took me when we were Soph. at Union. Thanks Ginny! I lived in Nashville for 3 years and rarely saw anyone I know while out shopping, but yesterday, I saw several people I know which was surprising and so fun! I didn't really do much buying which is probably a good thing. I bought a few ornaments and that is about all! I was hoping to find some Christmas presents! I guess there is always next weekend! I was also on a mission to find new bedding, but naturally they were out of what I had picked, so I guess I will have to start over. It was a fun day, but also a very long day. I got home around 7, ate dinner, and fell asleep on the couch watching the game. I think the phrase "shop 'til you drop" would definitely describe the day!

Last Day

Well, today was my last day working in the rehab dept. :( I will miss everyone there, but I am so very excited about my new job!! We had my favorite for lunch...McAlister's, and I brought cupcakes as a thank you to everyone there for a good first "real" job experience! They gave me a key chain and a picture frame, too!

I made some Oreo cupcakes from a really great cupcake book...I can't remember the title, but it is really good! I don't completely follow the recipe anyway because it calls for sour cream and maybe some vanilla flavor.

You put half of an Oreo in the bottom of the cupcake liner...must have some cream filling on the cookie!

You crush some more oreos in a bag to put in the cake mix and then on the icing.

Add in 1 1/2 cups of crushed cookies. Save the rest for the topping!

Fold in the cookies.

Bake!

and let cool.

I also made strawberry cupcakes from PD's strawberry cake recipe.

The finished product! These are soooo good!!!

These were even better than the cake I made before (dad's bday cake)!! I want more! I kind of think these are better than MBS strawberry cupcakes and those are really really good!

Family Tradition and Sweet Memories

This weekend my mom found some of my grandmother's things from her days at UU and following her graduation. I thought it was pretty appropriate to find this the weekend of UU's homecoming. I unfortunately was unable to attend because of work, but it all brought back sweet memories of my grandmother and my time at UU. My grandparents met at Union and had a part in helping me decide to go to school there. How sweet to think that my grandparents went to school there before me and while the school had moved since they attended, it always made me think about them as I walked the halls and through the campus. I am grateful they were both able to attend my graduation making it even more special to me. Attending Union has become somewhat of a family tradition with my mom going back to school to get her Masters there and now my sister-in-law is in grad school there, too. Who knows what the future brings with future generations from our family possibly attending good ole UU!


Another family tradition of joining Chi Omega started with my grandmother. What a special bond to share! She and my mom were both able to attend my initiation.

The Unionite looks a little different, doesn't it!?!

Overtime Anxiety

The AL/LSU game was a little too close for comfort. While overtime can be exciting and was last night...I still do not like it...not one bit at all. Glad "The Tide" is still rolling on to victory! Here are some pics of my parents during overtime.

Day Off

This weekend is my weekend to work, so I have today off and then one day next week. Instead of relaxing, crafting, movie watching, shopping, etc. I will be doing the following. Such a fun day off!
To do list:

1. allergy shots (flu shot was yesterday...guess I am making it a week of shots!)
2. fingerprinting for new job
3. laundry
4. organize room and maybe bathroom (I am looking for some bathroom storage...no luck so far)
5. unpack the rest of the boxes from my move in MAY!!!! Seriously, it has to be done soon...I can't take this anymore!!

Homecoming Tradition

On our way to the Alabama Homecoming Day Parade!

Future cheerleaders!

Big Al!


Cheering for the Tide!

The Million Dollar Band!

We sure do!

For my nursing friends!

The next two are for Amanda:

One car ran out of gas and had to be pushed!

Another car pic for you!

One of the only groups still full of energy by the end of the parade!

Leapin Lena...would not want to be the guy in the back bouncing up and down when they start moving!

What would the end of a parade be with out good ole St. Nick?

The best comment of the day came from one of our little friends (not sure if it was the 6 y.o. or 4 y.0.) "Look, Santa is for Alabama, too!!!"

Exciting News

When I decided on going to OT school, I knew I wanted to be a pediatric OT. I tried to have an open mind all through school when working with adult patients on my fieldwork rotations, and I enjoyed most of them, but I knew it wasn't for me. I loved both of my pediatric sites and had the hope of finding a job in pediatrics when I graduated. I ended up finding one in adult rehab and knew that that was the job I was meant to have as it would give me experience and a foundation in my career. I planned on staying in my current job for 2-3 years because it is such a great opportunity where I am learning a lot and working with an amazing group of people, but sometimes in life our plans change. About a month ago my boss mentioned there was a position in pediatrics. I was so torn whether or not to even apply because I am happy where I am, but the more I talked with her, I knew it would be a good move for me, so I went and visited the clinic a couple of weeks ago and set up an interview for this past Wednesday. As I went to the interview, I had a peace about the situation and knew that whether or not I got it, I would have a good job. I even told myself it would be alright if I did not get it because I do enjoy my job even though deep down I wanted this new position because it is my dream job. I went to the interview, and it went very well. I felt like I could possibly have the job but figured it would be a while before I would know. An hour after the interview, I got a call and a new job! I was beyond excited and felt even more at ease about my decision to leave after being in rehab for a short 5 months. I talked with my boss on Thursday and let the staff know on Friday. I will definitely miss my coworkers, but I am excited about starting the new position in a couple of weeks. I will still have to go in at 7am, but I have Fridays off! I will be working 10 hour days, but I think it will be worth it! Maybe I will have more time for my hobbies! I will also be free from working the weekends and holidays!