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!

 

Happy New Year!

 Each year seems to get faster and busier, but 2010 takes the cake! However, it was undoubtedly an unforgettable year with lots to be grateful for. To briefly review, Bill successfully and safely completed his 5th deployment aboard the Mesa Verde as part of the 24th MEU. He was gone from January to August assisting with Haiti Relief Efforts and Training Exercises in Jordan, Kuwait, & Djibouti. He was also able to enjoy some port stops along the way in Greece, Croatia, Dubai, and Spain.

Once Bill returned to the United States, it became a whirlwind as we spent a great amount of time traveling and getting ready for our move to Arizona. For instance, in September we were able to spend some time in Pawley's Island, SC and also made it up to the Finger Lakes Region to visit my family and participate in a Family Wine Tour:) 

In October, we headed down to Savannah, GA where Bill proposed in front of the Forsyth Fountain on 10/10/2010 (I said yes of course!).  Savannah was gorgeous and we are most definitely looking forward to returning some day! We were also able to make a trip to Richmond, Kentucky with some friends to attend Eastern Kentucky's Homecoming Football Game (Bill's Alma Mater).  EKU won!!

In November, we enjoyed driving up to New York in order to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with my family. On the way, we were able to make stops at Monticello and Gettysburg to get a quick history lesson while breaking up the 15 hour drive. During our time in New York my family put on a festive Southwestern themed engagement party, which allowed us to catch up and celebrate our engagement with several friends and family. We also made it over to Canada to view Niagara Falls!

In December, we tied the knot at the New Hanover County Justice of the Peace on 12/10/2010. However, we are still planning on a destination family wedding sometime in 2011...details to follow! 9 days later we said goodbye to Wilmington and some GREAT friends then got on the road headed for Arizona....Fortunately, we were able to stop in Tyler, Texas to spend Christmas with Bill's Family and celebrate our marriage with some champange and cake!    

We have since completed our cross country road trip and arrived in Yuma, Arizona just two days ago. We are happy to FINALLY be here!! As 2010 winds down, we are in the process of settling in and looking forward to a relaxing and low key New Year's Eve. However, we are hopeful that 2011 will be as great as 2010 was! We are very optimistic of our time here in Yuma, Az and look forward to the next 3 years as we develop professionally, build new friendships, and explore the West Coast.

We wish you all a very Happy New Year with Best Wishes for 2011!!

Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to our Blog! We have created this site as we have opened a new and exciting chapter in our lives that includes marriage and a cross country move to Yuma, Arizona! As a result of our relocation, we are now far from many of our friends and family. Thus, it is our hope that this Blog will allow us to continue sharing our experiences and keep you a part of our new life together! We hope that you enjoy following along and that you keep us a part of your lives as well!