April 2011

Overall, April has been a pretty low key month....


Easter Sunday 2011

 Even though Bill and I have been in Yuma for a couple of months now, I finally feel like we have settled into some sort of routine that works for us and things are becoming more familiar, which has been great! Sometimes, I think that it is difficult to realize you're still adjusting until you look back and process all of the changes that have happened in a very short amount of time-- like new jobs, new people, and new geography:) Sometimes, it feels like we have been here forever already when we really haven't! Fortunately, for both of us, all changes have been and continue to result in positive professional and personal growth.

My job continues to be great in the sense that I am afforded the opportunity to learn something new everyday in regards to the Behavioral Health/Mental Health field.  More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to work with children AND their families, which has been challenging and rewarding. Working with these families has given me an overall sense of appreciation for growing up and having the family that I do! During this particular month, I was able to take a group of 30 kids to Mission Beach located in San Diego, CA for one of our trip outings. That was alot of fun as it was some of the kids' first trip to the beach! They loved it and even got to see some dolphins swimming in the waves! I think that this has been the best outing to date and look forward to assisting with future trips.

Bill will be wrapping up WTI this weekend, which is GREAT news (for me, haha)!! In all actuality, WTI was NOT that bad in regards to Bill being gone all the time. Maybe it was because my job keeps me pretty busy... OR maybe because nothing compares to the work ups and deployment we were preparing for last year! Actually, I feel bad for saying that because I know that Bill loves what he does and I am proud of him for what he does. BUT, I can't deny the fact that I am looking forward to having our full weekends back so we can execute some of the official plans that we have made for the upcoming year!

And, we sure do we have some plans!!! A couple of Sunday's ago, we vegged out with some Papa John's Pizza and mapped out the rest of the year in regards to our "adventures". We really wanted to hike Half Dome located in Yosemite National Park over Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, we missed the memo that you have to get a permit to hike the cables, which are available only 60 days in advance. Well, apparently, they sold out within minutes of being available. SO, we have made a change of plans and are planning on hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon over the holiday weekend, which I think will be equally as awesome!! I am really looking forward to it!

I am even more excited for our Fourth of July plans that we have booked to Catalina Island, which is located just 26 miles off the coast of California. It is supposedly a very popular scuba diving destination, which would be awesome to do. I haven't been diving since my check out dive in college, which was in 37 degree water temps with 0 visability! Hopefully, if we get around to diving, it will be much warmer and we would be able to see if we were going to be shark bait before it was too late! Even if we don't, I think it will be a great trip! For you Bachelorette Fans, Catalina Island is where Roberto and Ali got engaged! :)

Other adventures that we have planned for the year include a family reunion in Montana and a family wedding back in New York during the later half of August! And of course, our Hawaii destination wedding in November, which is already set!:) I am looking forward to the upcoming months!


Mom and Dad


Speaking of family and holidays, we were fortunate to have my parents out to visit over the Easter Weekend. We enjoyed Beer Margarita's by the pool concocted by Bill himself. We were also able to show my parents around town including a tour of the Prison, Quarter Master Depot, and the rolling Sand Dunes. It was a nice treat for them to come out and enjoy the beautiful weather considering it has been a cold and miserable winter back home in Rochester! We enjoyed their company and were sad to see them go!! Hopefully, they will make future trips out!

Dad and I



Center of the World
Felicity, CA

 On a more random note, Bill and I were able to visit the "Center of the World" over the past month, which is apparently located just outside of Yuma. Who knew?! Actually, it was kind of hokie, but the official "Center of the World" is located in Felicity, California -- 10 minutes from Yuma. If you're like me, I am thinking you want to know how that specific point became the "Center of the World". Well, its a short story really --some French guy wanted to establish a town and to do so he wanted to claim SOMETHING to make it grow. Well, since nobody had yet claimed the "Center of the World", he did and that is how it came to be. Disappointing, I know!! No scientific evidence whatsoever!! On a positive note, if you visit, you will get an official certfiicate and get to make a wish when you stand on the exact center. Happy touring! PS...it still remains the ONLY establishment in Felicity, CA....that town still has ALOT more growing to do!!


Stairs from the Eiffel Tower also located at the Center of the World Landmark

Lastly, we continue to stay in shape, which is an essential stress reliever for me. I have continued my running, but I am embarrassed to say I STILL have yet to get out on my new Road Bike!! I finally have all my gear in, but I think that I ended up with a wrong combination of shoes and peddles, so I am still working on that!! However, I am participating in the Warrior Dash this upcoming weekend in Florence, AZ --which should be a good time!! Wish me luck!! :)

Until next time.....