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In the past few days I have taken up the cause of finding housing for Nicole & myself by perusing craigslist instead of studying for my board exam. Probably should be doing the latter, but it's an excuse for a few minutes of not studying. As I've been looking at housing in the Colorado Springs area, I've noticed some fabulous finds....in Fountain.
Let me explain why I have an immediate aversion to Fountain. For those of you who do not know, my dad is a retired Army officer, which means that he had a college degree and my family was typically around other officers' families. I grew up at an Army post that was primarily an officer installation due to the school that was located there. My first real experience on a large troop housing base was going to Ft. Riley in college, and I was pretty shocked. I try not to dwell on stereotypes, but there are just some very common ones with enlisted soldiers and their families that can drive me crazy. Also, every large military base seems to have this part of town (or just a town) that is full of sketchy motels, gas stations, bars, etc. Fountain is this to Ft. Carson.
So, needless to say, when I've passed along ideas for Nicole, I definitely avoid the whole Fountain area. We could probably get a great house for lots cheaper, but I'll take sanity first, thanks. In reality, we both would like to live near downtown anyway, and Fountain would probably be a good 25 minute commute for me to work. I will keep looking for a cute house near downtown with lots of character for us to live in!
I feel like my life is flashing before my eyes, but today I took a position as a pediatric physical therapist in Colorado Springs! Hard to believe that it's at that point in my life. I will start receiving a salary, paying off student loans (finally), and beginning a new chapter of my life in yet another new city. I'm absolutely thrilled about the environment that I will be working in and my new co-workers. I will definitely be busy, but I will learn so much and be challenged in so many good ways. Please continue to pray for the process of finding a place to live (anyone need roommates in Colorado Springs?) and entering into a new community. These times of transition are so good in providing me with new ways to trust Father for great things. I'll be moving to Colorado Springs over Memorial Day weekend and will start work June 1, which will be here before I know it. I'm sure that I will be posting more about this entire journey as more develops. But for now, I need to get busy studying!
I have just been so thoroughly overwhelmed by the birthday wishes today! Every time I checked my phone at work there were new messages, and my email inbox was overflowing with well wishes from so many people. I felt so loved!
After work, I took a short run in the neighborhood around my aunt's house in the 70 degree weather before going out with my cousins. We went to a little sports bar, because the Irish pub had a line forever long, had drinks and ate. Afterward, we came back to my other aunt's house for Italian Cream Cake and birthday time with the rest of the family that couldn't come to dinner. I just enjoyed being surrounded by so many people that I love on my birthday, and it was the first time ever for me to be with this part of my extended family on my birthday. I must admit that I've liked being a military kid most of my life, but when it comes to family celebrations, I enjoy being with this part of may family so much! This birthday will be a memorable one for so many reasons, and I know there will be more like this to come. Thank you to all of you for the birthday greetings, too!Here are some pictures from the hike up the incline this past Saturday with Tom & Jessie. Don't I look amazing in running tights? (*not*)
I have officially been in Colorado for just over a week now. I have loved almost every minute of it too! There's something about being here that just captures my heart and brings me to a different place in life altogether. Here are a few things that I have loved in the first week:
- Running after work on trails
- Driving towards the mountains every morning
- Aunts, Uncles & Cousins!
- Hiking the Manitou Springs incline (even if it kicked my rear this time - I will conquer it!)
- Hanging out with dear friends that I haven't seen in a long time (sometimes years!)
- The daily reminders all around me to pray for people
I'm still a little bit in shock that I am here and not at my original assignment. What a tremendous blessing! Another huge praise is an upcoming interview in Colorado Springs. I'm absolutely thrilled about this possible position, so please keep the interview in your prayers. I'm sure there will be more to come on that topic in upcoming months.
I leave tomorrow morning bright and early for Colorado! I've been packing, loading my car and cleaning all day. Time for a blog break! Here are some of the things I will miss about Kansas City:
* Summer Theater in the Park with friends and picnic dinners!
* Student discounts at Starlight, the Opera, the Symphony & most especially the $20 tickets for the Lion King that were originally $120!
* Running the Kansas City 1/2 Marathon every October (and the personal best that I did this year!).
* Running on Mill Creek Trail and in Shawnee Mission Park.
* Shopping at Town Center and the Plaza.
* Scooter's!
* The blasted Chinook that flies around Olathe at least once a month (is it sad that I can now tell what it is by the sound it makes?).
* Hot guy Hyvee.
* Celebration at the Station for Memorial Day and the cannon for the 1812 Overture.
* The Plaza lights at Christmastime.
* Sprint Thanksgiving Day 5K.
* Bumping into people in Target and Starbucks.
* First Fridays - art and chocolate!
* Working with some of the cutest children ever.
* Sushi with awesome people!
All of these things would not be nearly as meaningful without the amazing friendships that I've had in the past almost 3 years. I will miss my Kansas City family and will visit frequently!
Now to start this process all over again as I uproot and begin life in Colorado!
