One Year

Today marks a year to the day that was my last day at my last job.  Like usual, I wasn't necessarily in love with my job, but the end of that job made a lot of things real to me.  The week that followed was one of the most difficult for me in recent years.  I had to continue to pack up the house (alone--Nate was still in Vegas), I had to say good-bye to what felt like everything and everyone, and we had to move across the country--again.  The whole moving thing isn't that impressive; many people have done it, and done it more than once or twice...but this is me we're talking about.  Once I finally gave up and learned to love Ohio, we had to go.  I was finally comfortable with our little (dumpy) apartment, comfortable with our semi-trashy rec center for work outs, comfortable with our ward, comfortable with our friends, and even our mall (we visited often for walks during the winter months).  I think somehow I needed to love it (flaws and) all, so I could learn what I needed to.  And learn I did, but once we packed up the truck and said good-bye, we've had to do it all over again.  The (almost) year mark of our arrival as a family into Las Vegas has caused me to evaluate my/our progress.

 Nate's evaluation is easier; he's worked anywhere he could, has landed in a good spot and continues to work at developing in his career. Because he's so positive, I always feel like I'm the one that has to be convinced that something is awesome, or even okay.  So the results of my evaluation?  I'm getting there.  Our apartment is roomy and not embarrassing for visitors, we have a little club house to work out in (although the retirees LOVE to remind us of the closing time, where weights should go, etc)...the rest of my list is becoming better all the time, but I'm a hard sell for new things.  (PS-why does the local mall in Toledo have an Express and Gap, but neither can be found in the local Vegas mall??)  We've loved being closer to family, and take every opportunity to visit; it's been nice becoming "regulars" again; we've also benefited from many visitors we wouldn't normally get to see.  So, perhaps, I should evaluate again: in comparison to the quote "bloom where you are planted", I've sprouted.  That's something, right? 

Joseph Keith and Jessie Lee come to visit

Since moving to Vegas, we are now blessed to have all sorts of visitors.  We love them all, but we hosted some of our favorite friends from Ohio!  Joe and Jessie are now living in Indiana, but it's still too far, so we were delighted they decided to spend their Labor Day weekend with us. 

Down on the Strip...the reflection of the building looked kinda artsy...and that's about as close as we were going to get to art, so I grabbed a shot.

Liz, Jessie, and Joe.

The only good part of the pirate show. 

From the walkway.

Taken for Halloween costume research (pay attention: Mal and Kathryn)

Taken somewhere within the labyrinth that is the Venetian/Palazzo

Who doesn't enjoy a good law school joke (except Liz and Jessie)?? 

He wouldn't kiss back.

Red Rock Canyon

One of my favorite pictures.  Just because.

Same with this one.

I'll settle for this shot because I'm too cheap to buy the special Red Rock license plate. 

Kathryn loved Joe.  Actually, both kitties loved the extra attention and took full advantage. 

La Reve

La Reve flowers. 

La Reve lazy cat. 

**not pictured--we ventured over to the New York, New York and I spent a few minutes being scared out of my mind on the roller coaster.  We discovered that Joe should've taken his glasses (unharmed) off only after our first time around....

--I hit my head on the door frame of my car just because and I saw stars.  I suddenly gained sympathy for any/all of my brothers who have hit their head on any of my small cars. 

--I managed to get lost whilst trying to find a sandwich shop less than 10 minutes from our house...I'm an impressive tour guide. 

--we had plenty of time to talk about a whole bunch of somethings and possibly more nothing...it was wonderful. 

Come back soon!