Happy Halloween!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I'm not sure that very many people actually read this, which is why I've done such a terrible job at keeping it up-to-date. So here's the 411 on all the goings-on around here:

I just started working on my grad school applications for the MSW program at Sac State. The application itself (just the paperwork part with contact info, work experience, community involvement, etc) is about 5 pages, plus a a 6-8 page personal statement. Needless to say, this is a very intimidating task. In order to gain some insight and helpful tips for the application process, I set up a meeting with my bosses at Placer County (one of whom formerly taught in the MSW program for 18 years). This meeting proved to be very worthwhile, as Tad was able to give me plenty of useful information, and he also agreed to write me a letter of recommendation. I was elated! Since this program is so competitive, having Tad as a reference is invaluable. I spent the better part of last Sunday working on my personal statement. Now it's just a matter of fine-tuning and completing the remainder of the paperwork. The application is due Jan. 16th, but I intend to submit it before the holidays so I can relax and fully enjoy myself during Christmas.

The other good news that came from my meeting is that we now have a definite date for determining when my employment will transfer to full-time (or at least permanent, since I'm not sure my boss will want to bring me on full-time knowing I will be unable to work 40 hours once school starts). The week before Thanksgiving will be the time when the decision is made. I'll be sure to keep everyone informed when I have a more concrete idea of what's going to happen with that.

As far as Halloween goes, Pat & I are just enjoying a lovely night "in" this evening. Quite different from our wilder days in college...I guess that's what happens when you get married. :) I also haven't been feeling well the last couple days (a combination of a bladder infection and a cold that I caught at the exact same time). I can hardly wait to eat our traditional jack-o-lantern pizza from Papa Murphy's and then crawl into bed. It's times like these that I really appreciate my husband and all of the sweet things he does to take care of me. Sometimes I think he longs for his college, bachelor days. But he's just stuck with me now. ;)

I suppose that's all I have for now. I hope everyone has a "spook"-tacular holiday! Be safe! And keep warm (for those of you who live in Montana and have to wear those bulky snowsuits over/under your costumes, I don't envy you).

Camping & A Visit From a Good Friend

Hello All! Sorry I haven't made an entry in awhile. The monitor on our desktop has been out-of-commission for the last couple weeks. And I keep all of my pictures on that computer, so I didn't have access to my photos to post them on here. It's been fairly exciting here over the last couple weekends.

We FINALLY got a chance to go camping a couple weeks ago up in the El Dorado National Forest. We went to a place called the Icehouse Reservoir. It was absolutely beautiful (and much needed after a hell of a work week for me). Here are a couple pictures from that trip:

Beautiful sunset (reminds me of Montana)

Yummmmm, toasted marshmallows!!!

Pat putting his Boy Scout skills to good use.

Last weekend, my good friend Christie finally came to visit! I've been out to Las Vegas to see her a few times within the last year (hey, who doesn't love an excuse to go to Vegas??). It was so great being able to show one of my best friends all around this area. Sacramento really does have so much to offer, and I know I feel that I finally know the area well enough to be able to show someone else around. We watched a chick flick, drank LOTS of wine, drove up to Tahoe, celebrated Christie's birthday, and went wine tasting. It was an AWESOME (and much-needed girls weekend).

Beautiful South Lake Tahoe!

Christie & I by the lake.

Oh, and as far as the state budget goes, the state of California has FINALLY signed one into law (only 80-some days late!). I'm not sure whether this new budget is good news or bad news for my job situation (it just depends on what the budget entails for education). I'll keep everyone posted once I know more. Have a lovely weekend!