The Beginning....

As we approach the end of January, I feel that it is time for an update as Bill and I have already been in Yuma for almost a month!! In the short amount of time that we have been here, we have been extremely busy (much more than I expected)! I thought that I would at least get to be bored for a couple of weeks!! Just kidding :) As mentioned in the previous post, we got here right before the New Year and have since unpacked (for the most part--though we may still have some boxes to sort through), done some home decorating, and have both started new jobs.

Bill immediately checked into MAWTS-1, his new squadron, and has been preoccupied with getting ready to instruct his first Weapons and Tactics Instruction (WTI) course starting in March/April. This has entailed some long hours in the office and some trips out to Camp Pendleton. Fortunately, he has been reunited with some long time friends whom have already been stationed on the West Coast for quite some time now.

I have been hired as a Dedicated Case Manager for a Children's caseload with a Behavioral Health Agency called Arizona Counseling and Treatment Services (ACTS). I will be responsible for the coordination of services for children whom have behavioral health issues in order to keep them integrated in the community and in their own homes as much as possible. I will also be responsible for some of the Adolescent Substance Abuse Groups held in the evenings, which will allow me to start working toward my independent licensure as a counselor once I am registered with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health examiners, which I am in the process of doing. I will officially complete orientation on Monday, wish me luck!!

In addition to new jobs, Bill and I have also been trying to get involved with the community and work on our Spirituality as part of our New Year's resolution. Therefore, we have been trying out some different Churches, which has been quite an experience! We have accepted the fact that anywhere we go, we will most likely be approximately 30 years younger than everyone else.... However, we feel that we have found a Church that we both like and have enjoyed making this a part of our Sunday ritual. 



Picacho State Park

As far as exploring the area, we have had some time to do that as well. A couple of weekends ago, Bill and I took a quick day trip and flew up to Lake Havasu, which appears to be a neat place to visit in the summer, when it gets REAL hot! The lake was gorgeous in between all of the rock, sand, and desert. We also drove out to Picacho State Park, which is located just over the California state line and hiked around for a day. I would recommend this state park to anyone that heads out this way. We got to hike some trails, climb over some rocks, and tour the remains of an old Mining Town. We saw some interesting wildlife such as a jack rabbit and a wild donkey as well. However, I am pleased to say that we did not run into any mountain lions or rattlesnakes along the way!! Lastly, we have been able to tour the Yuma Territorial Prison also known as "The Hell Hole" of the Southwest for any of you 310 To Yuma fans...


Picacho State Park

I am very much looking forward to exploring other parts of the area....I am really really excited to visit the Grand Canyon at some point and I would also really like to see the Four Corners, which is where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona all meet. Hopefully, once we get settled in a little more we can take a weekend trip somewhere!  

Overall, I would deem our first month here a success! We have both decided that we are really going to enjoy our time here -- the weather is great, the people are friendly, and the great outdoors is amazing with lots of opportunity for adventure! We will continue to keep you posted!