Day 326

Happy New Year!

Wow 2013 has been an amazing year. Here's a quick recap:

1. Completed 3 clinical rotations in NC, SC, and Ohio
2. Moved from WV - Good-bye Wheeling!
3. Graduated, defended my research, and was given my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
4. Passed my national board exam
5. Got a great job.
6. Moved closer to friends and family.
7. Gone to numerous UNC football games and a Panthers Game
8. Completed two 5 mile races and two Triathlons with a few 5k races in between.
9. Grew stronger, wiser, and more passionate.

Overall, this has been an amazing year. Braxton and I were lucky enough to spend it together with some friends from undergrad. Cheers to 2014! I never thought I would end up where I am right now, so who knows what this next year will drop on my doorstep.

Day 319

Merry Christmas!

I swore I wasn't going to neglect this...however due to working full time and not getting my whole house put together, I have been waiting to get everything up before I took pictures, but I guess that's too long from now. It was so nice to be home today for the holiday. To be home with family is one of the nicest gifts this christmas.

For Christmas, Braxton got us Panthers tickets and dance lessons for the two of us. Here are some latest pics from this past weekend:

Day 307

It is Friday and my upcoming move is this Sunday. Though I am sad to go and have gotten used to having company at all times, I am ready to establish my adult life. Things I have realized from the moving process:
1. Everything is more expensive than you think it is. Having little credit, my security deposits are off the wall and everything requires an initial installation or initiation fee of some kind.

2. I don't know if I need cable. Though I love my TV shows, I am going to try an experiment for a few months and invest in Apple TV or Roku. With a flat fee and then starting up my subscription to Hulu and Netflix, I believe I can save around $60 per month of cable.

3. I think I am okay keeping my old hand-me-down items until I get a few more months pay under my belt. Considering I didn't have a full week's paycheck under my belt, I spent the whole paycheck plus savings on my rent and 1/2 security deposit this month. Though I have my wishlist for some upgrades that were made in the year 2000, I am excited to start the process of moving in and upgrading to some adult staples.

4. This calling and spending hours on the phone to set up accounts and going before work to set up accounts is for the birds. Do people still fax? Also, would it kill to email some of this stuff in?

SO, I will give an update on Monday (that's when they are installing my internet) on how the move went. To sign off...here are some things my wise oldies have taught me this week:

*Your butt checks should be referred to as your "biscuits".
*Sometimes it's important to just hold someone's hand.
*Poop really isn't that big of a deal. Farts are even less of a deal.
*Always wear a bra...or your tatas will end up by your belly button or lower.

Day 302

This past week was long, and the weekend was welcomed with a Holiday Gala and some well needed relaxation time. Spending time celebrating the end of Braxton's first semester of PA school with all of his friends was so much fun! Top top the weekend off, I saw the coolest house with Christmas lights this weekend. It had everything from a T-Rex, to the nativity, to Sponge Bob, and South Park. It was so funny. Plus, it had it's own radio station. Here are a few shots I got of the house. Hopefully it will spread some Christmas cheer.

Day 297

Big News!!!

I just signed a lease for a place to live! It is a nice townhome, so close to work, and perfect distance from the BF and the Fam. After looking at many different apartments with granite counter tops, valet trash, and fancy fitness centers, I realized that I wasn't paying for square feet, I was paying for all of the upgrades. Though they were beautiful and I could see myself at most places, I couldn't really see myself building a home for an extended period of time. I felt young and temporary. Finally, while trying to make my decision, my mother and I ran across a few townhomes for sale and rent. That same day, someone called us back to check in on one. It could've gone either way: outdated and a dump or a hidden gem. Luckily, I found the hidden gem. Although I will be giving up some counter space, fancy appliances, granite counter tops, large jet filled tubs, and a fancy gym just steps from my doorstep, I will be gaining > 500 sq ft and amazing closets. There is a space for my bike (and hopefully a new road bike this spring!) along with a small fenced in yard for a dog (maybe this summer). Though it needs some TLC and personalization, I am excited to get this new chapter of my life officially started! Move-in day will be in a few weeks, expect some pictures and updates on new furniture as the new year progresses.

<3

Day 292

Today on Facebook everyone has been posting pictures of their lavish feasts and what they are thankful for having in their lives. I could talk about the awesome food, and brag about my family/boyfriend/job/friends, but it struck me to think that 5 months ago I was in the midst of terrible poverty. The feast we had tonight, though it is tradition, slightly disgusts me due to the fact that all of that food could've fed a family for a week, and we made it for one night. I sit here covered in a blanket, wishing the fire was on because it's "chilly", when I should be so grateful to have real walls, a roof over my head, and heat. So, on this Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for my family for giving me support and love. I am thankful for the opportunities that have been provided for me to get an education and find a job. We forget how lucky we are to have these simple amenities and I shoot up a prayer to all of the families I met, and the millions that I didn't meet, wishing them hope for the future and the perseverance to brave the world.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Day 284

I have officially started my first big-girl job. I can honestly say I work at a lovely facility with lovely people. Thanks to all of my family and friends that have celebrated with me this past week. I am excited to work with patients again.

I was less excited to sprain my ankle earlier this week...which has me out of exercise for the next week at least. Hopefully it's just minor and I can work through it... I getting tired of wincing whenever I want to walk.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MITCHELL!!! My baby bro, Mitchell Moo, turns 21 today. I am sure he will be drinking strawberry kiwi capris sun as always.

 Operation Christmas Child boxes!!! 6 boxes total...one from each of us, one from Braxton and another from Britney. 

A celebration package from Margie and Marie from getting my first job. :) Thanks for making my day!

Happy Birthday Mitch! Cheers!