Goodbye Summer! Hello Real World!

First of all, I realized how slack I have been with this blog. I have SO MUCH to catch everyone up on. I will try to summarize my summer with few words and several pictures. I'm a visual person, so that's how I will present my life to you!

After graduation, I expected a sweet summer of bliss. Living at home with my parents, visiting friends in NC and DC occasionally, and just enjoying NOT being in graduate school. Luckily, I did all of those things, but it wasn't pure bliss. While visiting Zak in DC (and interviewing for several metro area jobs), he got in a motorcycle accident. He broke his left wrist and right tibia (at the knee). He had surgery on his knee and I spent 7 days in the hospital with him. It has been an interesting summer for that broken boy. Here are some pictures that he has allowed me to share with you...

Zak in the ER with his wrist and knee in temporary casts

The only real damage the motorcycle sustained from the accident

Caretaker and patient

When he got home from the hospital, I thought I was done with hospitals. Unfortunately, my mother was admitted. That was frustrating, but we all got through it. My mom had a good outlook on things and we are all proud of her!

I spent some free time out of hospitals to enjoy friends. Zak flew out to his parent's house in Utah to do his physical therapy, so that meant that I wouldn't see him the rest of the summer. Fortunately, Zak's mother is incredibly nice! She flew me out to Utah and took care of everything for my full 8 days in Ogden. It was such a nice vacation to see Zak and see Utah! I had never been there and really enjoyed meeting his family and friends. He flew back to DC last week and has been doing well (even walking most of the time without a cane now)!

Zak & I at the dinosaur park in Utah

The Vono's backyard!

Me feeding a tortoise in the Vono's backyard

Zak's mother made this amazing quilt for me! I did not deserve all her kindness!

In other big news, I moved and started my new job!!!!!!!!!!!!

I moved to Statesville, NC a week and a half ago into a one-bedroom apartment. I love my new place!! It is very spacious and I've enjoyed getting furniture (with the help of good, family friends) and decorating. I didn't know anyone when I moved to Statesville, but have met a few good people so far and think I can handle this slower lifestyle for a little while.

My living room/study area

My dining area is a bit bare so far, but still nice!

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

My mom, dad, and Aunt Kaki visit my new apartment!

I started my job...TODAY! I will be contracted into the Iredell-Statesville Schools. I will be working at an elementary school with children Kindergarten - 5th grade. Today was just organizing my new office/therapy room. Below is my new room after a full day moving boxes and putting things in their places.

My new job!

Me, Dad, & Mom in front of my new job! We are the Crawdads!

My new office/therapy room!

I am very excited about starting life in the real world and in a new place for a while. What an adventure!!!!


Also, on September 11, my brother (David), sister-in-law (Vickie), and I will be walking in the Gail Parkins Ovarian Cancer Walk. We have been raising money and appreciate those who have given time, money, thoughts, and prayers the last decade during my mother's fight. If you would like to give, please visit this website ( click here ) and click on SUPPORT OVARIAN-PORTANT CAUSE underneath my mother's photo. Thank you for your support (both monetary and emotional)!!