I passed! I passed! I passed!
My professional title is officially: MS, OTR/L (Master's of Occupational Therapy, Registered and Licensed)
What a relief!
Thank you for your prayers
...Join us as we seek to glorify God and enjoy him forever...through our lives, our marriage, and every adventure- the extraordinary and seemingly ordinary.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Naval Aviation Museum
Today was supposed to be a rainy day, so we planned to go to the Museum of Naval Aviation onboard. It ended up not raining at all, but we had a nice, brief visit to the museum (we figured we'd read more of the placards when we have visitors in town).
(Naval Air Station, Pensacola)
A "Tomahawk" from World War II
This plane has a cut out so that you can see what the people would be doing on the inside (see the Naval Flight Officer reading a map and navigating in the center of the photo?)
Bob Hope was an "Honorary Naval Aviator" because of his dedication to spending time with and entertaining the troops...this exhibit is temporary
On another note, today was a great day because we finally framed and hung our world map!
I have had a 7 dollar antique map since we were married. I had big plans for this map- I wanted to frame it and put a gold thumb tack on the map wherever we live/travel...well, it has been quite a project to say the least! Word to the wise: "do it yourself" translates "done in years" (okay, maybe months). We tried to get the map framed for cheaper, so we ordered one online that we would have to put together ourselves...well, it arrived without the pieces to assemble it...then apparently we missed the fine print that stated you have to request the "free hanging materials"or they won't send them...so a few weeks went by...then another few weeks, and so on. Then we realized we needed plexiglass cut because no one would cut glass that large, and then we realized that we needed a backing for the frame...the saga continues....duct tape was readily used by the end of it....don't ask. But alas, the frame is assembled (for now) and on the wall...not sure one would want to sit under it though!
Another few random tid bits while I'm posting: today I received my unofficial temporary license in an e-mail (and I should receive the official one in the mail soon hopefully). Also, Josh has a tentative Flight School date set: April 24th. It seems like a long time from now!
Finally, if you are receiving this post in an e-mail and you cannot see the pictures, you can go to www.joshandwhits.blogspot.com or there should be a blue link at the bottom of the page that you can click on.
That's all for now!
(Naval Air Station, Pensacola)
A "Tomahawk" from World War II
This plane has a cut out so that you can see what the people would be doing on the inside (see the Naval Flight Officer reading a map and navigating in the center of the photo?)
Bob Hope was an "Honorary Naval Aviator" because of his dedication to spending time with and entertaining the troops...this exhibit is temporary
On another note, today was a great day because we finally framed and hung our world map!
I have had a 7 dollar antique map since we were married. I had big plans for this map- I wanted to frame it and put a gold thumb tack on the map wherever we live/travel...well, it has been quite a project to say the least! Word to the wise: "do it yourself" translates "done in years" (okay, maybe months). We tried to get the map framed for cheaper, so we ordered one online that we would have to put together ourselves...well, it arrived without the pieces to assemble it...then apparently we missed the fine print that stated you have to request the "free hanging materials"or they won't send them...so a few weeks went by...then another few weeks, and so on. Then we realized we needed plexiglass cut because no one would cut glass that large, and then we realized that we needed a backing for the frame...the saga continues....duct tape was readily used by the end of it....don't ask. But alas, the frame is assembled (for now) and on the wall...not sure one would want to sit under it though!
Another few random tid bits while I'm posting: today I received my unofficial temporary license in an e-mail (and I should receive the official one in the mail soon hopefully). Also, Josh has a tentative Flight School date set: April 24th. It seems like a long time from now!
Finally, if you are receiving this post in an e-mail and you cannot see the pictures, you can go to www.joshandwhits.blogspot.com or there should be a blue link at the bottom of the page that you can click on.
That's all for now!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Perdido Key
Here are some pictures from our visit to Perdido Key today (about a 15 minute drive from our house- this is where most of the Josh's friends live....I guess you can figure why!) We decided not to live on Perdido key because, it is just that (a key)...and it would make my commute to work 15 minutes longer. However, we enjoy visiting the key frequently!
Obie fishing
Josh and Bo...fishing
I was a little chilly sitting on the beach, so I went for a swim for the first time at the indoor pool onboard. It was crowded!
After the beach, Josh, Bo, and I came to our house for a delicious roasted Chicken made in the slow cooker. I discovered today that the slow cooker doesn't need all sorts of liquid (i.e. canned soups, creamy liquids, etc) to cook something. This made me very happy. I sprayed the slow cooker with olive oil and voila- a roasted chicken stuffed with thyme, lemon wedges, and a bay leaf! We also made spaghetti squash for the first time. Bo and Josh were very apprehensive but appeared to enjoy it! It was definitely a night of "firsts" in the kitchen....I've been scared up to this point to make any sort of large piece of meat (i.e. lamb, roasted chicken, a turkey, etc)...but it was quite a liberating and hands-off experience.
That's all for now! We hope you all are having a great week!
Monday, January 26, 2009
West Palm Beach Visit
After a long week of studying and taking my boards, Josh and I headed south to visit his Aunt Gail, Uncle Jasper, Uncle Richard, Uncle Richard's work buddy, Cousin Lindsey, Lindsey's husband, and "Mama" (Uncle Jasper's mother). It was a full house! Four dogs, nine people, 18 hours of driving, lots of food, and two rounds of golf!
9 hours of driving each way- lots of conversations, good music, and fun adventures. We laughed until we cried when we discovered that the highway we were on had a windshield cleaner at the rest area. You drive in front of the spigot thing and it sprays water all over your windshield. Really, it's the little things in life! We also discovered some old mix cd's from when Josh and I first began dating and had a blast singing along.
Uncle Richard relaxing after a long week of work with "Jackson" (on the right) and "Bella" (on the left)
(Josh and "Bella")
"Mama" (Uncle Jasper's mom) arrived from CT on Saturday with lots of Italian goodies (here Josh and Uncle Richard are exploring homemade salami (I forget the correct name for it).
"Mama" holding deep fried eggplant (so good), Blanton (Uncle Richard's work buddy who lives with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper right now), Aunt Gail....confused yet??
"Mama" and Uncle Jasper
"Bianca"- too precious
The dogs and I...they are so beautiful!
Good old "Duke" and Aunt Gail
"Bianca" sure does like to sleep
Sisters- "Bella" and "Bianca"
looking at our wedding album
"Blanton" with a golf book, a club, and a beach themed bed after a long day of caddying for Payton Manning and his buddies
Aunt Gail and Uncle Richard (Brother and Sister)
Aunt Gail on the golf course
Josh and I cheesin on the golf course. I made an "almost hole in one" that turned out to be a par...I was excited (haha...don't ask how that works)
9 hours of driving each way- lots of conversations, good music, and fun adventures. We laughed until we cried when we discovered that the highway we were on had a windshield cleaner at the rest area. You drive in front of the spigot thing and it sprays water all over your windshield. Really, it's the little things in life! We also discovered some old mix cd's from when Josh and I first began dating and had a blast singing along.
Uncle Richard relaxing after a long week of work with "Jackson" (on the right) and "Bella" (on the left)
(Josh and "Bella")
"Mama" (Uncle Jasper's mom) arrived from CT on Saturday with lots of Italian goodies (here Josh and Uncle Richard are exploring homemade salami (I forget the correct name for it).
"Mama" holding deep fried eggplant (so good), Blanton (Uncle Richard's work buddy who lives with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper right now), Aunt Gail....confused yet??
"Mama" and Uncle Jasper
"Bianca"- too precious
The dogs and I...they are so beautiful!
Good old "Duke" and Aunt Gail
"Bianca" sure does like to sleep
Sisters- "Bella" and "Bianca"
looking at our wedding album
"Blanton" with a golf book, a club, and a beach themed bed after a long day of caddying for Payton Manning and his buddies
Aunt Gail and Uncle Richard (Brother and Sister)
Aunt Gail on the golf course
Josh and I cheesin on the golf course. I made an "almost hole in one" that turned out to be a par...I was excited (haha...don't ask how that works)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Golfin in January
While it has been a bit chillier here, I don't dare complain, as I have heard about the weather up north! I thought I'd post a few pictures from some fun outings (and innings):
comforting Edgar after the "big boys" came over to play some Rock Band in his room.
Cosmic Bowling- it's a great deal onboard (Saturday and Tuesday nights). Josh is thinking of joining the intramural league after the basketball ends.
We discovered that Pensacola does have some nicer restaurants downtown (other than your classic Ruby Tuesdays and Sonic). This place, "Dharma Blue" was kind of cool- creative sushi in a neat atmosphere with all sorts of artwork from local artists. We'd like to try the place next to this one some time- it's Italian.
Outside the restaurant
Josh's flight school buddy and his girlfriend at the restaurant
On Josh's favorite 9 holes of the Navy course, "Bayview"
Josh and I on the course- I only managed to play a few holes- my wrists are hurting from all of the mouse clicking I've been doing for my practice tests (600 questions the day before)
"Bo"- just taking up golf but you wouldn't know it!
Isn't he handsome? I think so :)
A video of Josh swinging right by the bridge that goes to the "main gate" onboard. Pretty view!
As you can see, I am "tapering" for my exam, haha. I will take my exam Wednesday and then Josh and I are looking forward to a weekend away at Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper's place in West Palm Beach. If my temporary license arrives in time, I hope to start work next wednesday (Jan 28). If not, I am sure I can find plenty to do exploring our area.
Well, thanks for taking the time to visit!
comforting Edgar after the "big boys" came over to play some Rock Band in his room.
Cosmic Bowling- it's a great deal onboard (Saturday and Tuesday nights). Josh is thinking of joining the intramural league after the basketball ends.
We discovered that Pensacola does have some nicer restaurants downtown (other than your classic Ruby Tuesdays and Sonic). This place, "Dharma Blue" was kind of cool- creative sushi in a neat atmosphere with all sorts of artwork from local artists. We'd like to try the place next to this one some time- it's Italian.
Outside the restaurant
Josh's flight school buddy and his girlfriend at the restaurant
On Josh's favorite 9 holes of the Navy course, "Bayview"
Josh and I on the course- I only managed to play a few holes- my wrists are hurting from all of the mouse clicking I've been doing for my practice tests (600 questions the day before)
"Bo"- just taking up golf but you wouldn't know it!
Isn't he handsome? I think so :)
A video of Josh swinging right by the bridge that goes to the "main gate" onboard. Pretty view!
As you can see, I am "tapering" for my exam, haha. I will take my exam Wednesday and then Josh and I are looking forward to a weekend away at Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper's place in West Palm Beach. If my temporary license arrives in time, I hope to start work next wednesday (Jan 28). If not, I am sure I can find plenty to do exploring our area.
Well, thanks for taking the time to visit!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Authorized to Test
This morning I received an e-mail that finally authorized me to take my National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy! As nervous as I am for the test, I am also thankful to finally have a date.
I will be taking my exam on Wednesday, January 21 at 1:00 pm in Alabama (about an hour away).
Please pray for my safe travels, smooth orientation process (sometimes people don't have the ID's they need and they get hung up, etc), and good concentration (the test will be 4 hours long).
I should receive word soon about my temporary license and then I will be eligible to work while I wait for my results!
On another note, Josh and I have had a great week. I was able to study quite a bit and I also was able to complete almost all of my pre-employment shenanigans (I even had to get fingerprinted!)
On another note,
One of many answers to prayer is that Josh received some information from someone in his leadership class about an organization called "officer's christian fellowship". I had heard of it but I did not know that it would meet at this base. It has been an interesting game to find out information about how to meet people and get involved, especially some women. They meet near our house on Thursday nights for dinner and a bible study. The group is mostly young marrieds as I understand it. They also have a women's group on Mondays. We are so thrilled about this opportunity to get plugged in somewhere, especially with fellow Christians. We will visit another Church on Sunday and then try to decide where we'd like to settle in. The church we plan to visit is quite a drive, but we've heard really great things about the bible-based teaching, opportunities, congregation, and worship. We will definitely need to prayerfully consider all of these things -we are so happy to have a group to fellowship with in the meantime.
I like hanging out with "the guys", but I'm looking forward to meeting some ladies.
Last night we made 4 home-made pizzas for some friends and watched a basketball game.
Today I will study and Josh plans to play golf with a buddy that is new to the game. He always has been an encouraging teacher!
Well, that's all for now! Thanks for your support and prayers :)
I will be taking my exam on Wednesday, January 21 at 1:00 pm in Alabama (about an hour away).
Please pray for my safe travels, smooth orientation process (sometimes people don't have the ID's they need and they get hung up, etc), and good concentration (the test will be 4 hours long).
I should receive word soon about my temporary license and then I will be eligible to work while I wait for my results!
On another note, Josh and I have had a great week. I was able to study quite a bit and I also was able to complete almost all of my pre-employment shenanigans (I even had to get fingerprinted!)
On another note,
One of many answers to prayer is that Josh received some information from someone in his leadership class about an organization called "officer's christian fellowship". I had heard of it but I did not know that it would meet at this base. It has been an interesting game to find out information about how to meet people and get involved, especially some women. They meet near our house on Thursday nights for dinner and a bible study. The group is mostly young marrieds as I understand it. They also have a women's group on Mondays. We are so thrilled about this opportunity to get plugged in somewhere, especially with fellow Christians. We will visit another Church on Sunday and then try to decide where we'd like to settle in. The church we plan to visit is quite a drive, but we've heard really great things about the bible-based teaching, opportunities, congregation, and worship. We will definitely need to prayerfully consider all of these things -we are so happy to have a group to fellowship with in the meantime.
I like hanging out with "the guys", but I'm looking forward to meeting some ladies.
Last night we made 4 home-made pizzas for some friends and watched a basketball game.
Today I will study and Josh plans to play golf with a buddy that is new to the game. He always has been an encouraging teacher!
Well, that's all for now! Thanks for your support and prayers :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Publishing and Presenting
After receiving the good advice of many, and thinking about it some more, I have decided to submit my research for consideration at the Congress of Spinal Cord Medicine and Rehabilitation.
While I was in the process of discussing minor details with the principal investigator of the study, he asked if I would be interested in being a co-author (with him, myself, and two others) of a publication in a scholarly journal (regarding the development of the test we piloted). I am thrilled about this opportunity, especially considering I will not need to attend to it until I have taken my boards. I suppose, once my foot is in the door, it would be unwise to take it out or I might never open this door again.
Although there is a great possibility that my abstract may not be accepted for this conference, I am thrilled to even entertain the possibility. More to follow...
Ecclesiastes 3: 13, "That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God."
While I was in the process of discussing minor details with the principal investigator of the study, he asked if I would be interested in being a co-author (with him, myself, and two others) of a publication in a scholarly journal (regarding the development of the test we piloted). I am thrilled about this opportunity, especially considering I will not need to attend to it until I have taken my boards. I suppose, once my foot is in the door, it would be unwise to take it out or I might never open this door again.
Although there is a great possibility that my abstract may not be accepted for this conference, I am thrilled to even entertain the possibility. More to follow...
Ecclesiastes 3: 13, "That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's new
It's only Tuesday and this week has been full of opportunities!
Yesterday, I received my employment packet and my official job offer letter. It sure is a lot of paperwork to fill out!
Josh also has been keeping busy with a leadership course this week (it is required before he begins API- aviation preflight indoctrination). He seems to be enjoying it so far.
Josh also went to a basketball tryout/information session last night to see if he might be interested in playing basketball through an intramural league (it's called "Captains Cup").
Last, but not least, Josh may have the opportunity to get a "family" membership with a few other flight students to one of the nicest golf courses in the area (apparently Boo Weekly has it as a course of record or something like that).
I have been feverishly studying for my occupational therapy exam, as I will likely receive notice of my eligibility to test any day now. The licensing body has received my transcripts and they are now processing my letter to test.
Although I would prefer our busyness for the week stopped there, I received a letter today requesting that I submit my research proposal for consideration at the Congress of Spinal Cord Medicine and Rehabilitation Conference (sponsored by the American Spinal Injury Association). There's just one problem- the deadline is THURSDAY and I'm supposed to be studying! This is an incredible opportunity, so I will be considering it through this evening and I will make a decision by tomorrow. The Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley is even willing to pay for my expenses to present at this conference (it is in Dallas in September).
Well, that's a little taste of our week for now :)
Yesterday, I received my employment packet and my official job offer letter. It sure is a lot of paperwork to fill out!
Josh also has been keeping busy with a leadership course this week (it is required before he begins API- aviation preflight indoctrination). He seems to be enjoying it so far.
Josh also went to a basketball tryout/information session last night to see if he might be interested in playing basketball through an intramural league (it's called "Captains Cup").
Last, but not least, Josh may have the opportunity to get a "family" membership with a few other flight students to one of the nicest golf courses in the area (apparently Boo Weekly has it as a course of record or something like that).
I have been feverishly studying for my occupational therapy exam, as I will likely receive notice of my eligibility to test any day now. The licensing body has received my transcripts and they are now processing my letter to test.
Although I would prefer our busyness for the week stopped there, I received a letter today requesting that I submit my research proposal for consideration at the Congress of Spinal Cord Medicine and Rehabilitation Conference (sponsored by the American Spinal Injury Association). There's just one problem- the deadline is THURSDAY and I'm supposed to be studying! This is an incredible opportunity, so I will be considering it through this evening and I will make a decision by tomorrow. The Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of the Delaware Valley is even willing to pay for my expenses to present at this conference (it is in Dallas in September).
Well, that's a little taste of our week for now :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Painting
Josh recently finished painting our second dresser to match the one we painted over the summer. Didn't he do a great job?
I love having a garage to paint things!
Weather forecast on weather.com today made me laugh- "Abundant sunshine"- I don't think I've ever heard that one before.
This Saturday we are excited to begin getting our lawn back in working order. "Jack" the handyman is going to help us out and we will try to learn from him so that we know what to do in the future- it's a decent amount of land -a lot of weeds and not too much grass.
I have the perfect spot for a little herb garden....any tips?
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Unofficial Job Acceptance
I have unofficially accepted a full-time position at the skilled nursing facility I interviewed at on Monday. I was waiting to hear from the hospital/skilled nursing facility that I interviewed with a month ago and finally got in touch with the rehab director today. Their hiring process requires that all interested candidates receive an interview before a decision is made. They have had a hard time scheduling interviews with some of the candidates, and now think I may not hear from them until late January/ early February (and that a start date could be as late as March). I have indicated that I continue to be interested, as there could be opportunities for me to work PRN for them in pediatrics or acute care, however, I needed to make a decision about my full-time job for now and have chosen to work for the facility that was able to offer me a job currently.
I am very excited to start working soon and will keep myself busy in the meantime doing pre-working paperwork, studying for boards, and paid orientation at the facility. We have set a flexible start date for the facility as Feb 2nd (to begin skilled OT), however, I will probably orient earlier than that.
It really seems just around the corner now! Yipee!
I am very excited to start working soon and will keep myself busy in the meantime doing pre-working paperwork, studying for boards, and paid orientation at the facility. We have set a flexible start date for the facility as Feb 2nd (to begin skilled OT), however, I will probably orient earlier than that.
It really seems just around the corner now! Yipee!
Portuguese Man of War
Mom Albright confirmed that the creatures we weren't so sure about onboard are probably Portuguese Man of Wars!! Apparently they are very dangerous. I looked for more pictures of them and they looked just like what we saw. I don't know if I'll be getting in this water any time soon!
washed up on the rocks
floating like bubbles on top of the water
Click here for more information on these scary creatures!
Whitney
washed up on the rocks
floating like bubbles on top of the water
Click here for more information on these scary creatures!
Whitney
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
An evening stroll onboard
Tonight we had a chance to explore the Gulf Coast onboard NAS Pensacola. There are several places to walk onboard- an 8 mile woodchip trail, a similar distance concrete boardwalk, sidewalks throughout the base, and a white sandy beach with dunes! Tonight we went for a walk on the boardwalk- it was getting a bit chilly but we enjoyed people watching, dog watching, and of course looking at the beautiful sunset :) Although we didn't frequent it before our dinner, there is conveniently a Starbucks across from the parking lot for the boardwalk (I can't say the thought didn't cross my mind).
Josh walking on the sea wall
Whitney too cautious to stand on the sea wall :)
Can anyone tell us what they strange creatures are? We saw many washed up on the rocks. The living ones we saw floated on top of the water and looked like oval, translucent bubbles....scary
Josh thinks this is a zipline for training purposes...who would want to go in the water without knowing what those strange creatures are!? I must investigate!
One last picture before we got into the car
It was getting a little dark to continue exploring the coast, but on our way out we couldn't resist stopping at this inlet tot ake a peak (it's a pretty set of steps that go down to the beach)
Right behind it was this working lighthouse
Apparently it's haunted....$5 to climb to the top
That's all for now! Visitors always welcome :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Heidi's blog address
Here is another link to Heidi's blog: www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com
A post was made this evening by my mom with an update. Please feel free to stop in from time to time for updates on how you can be praying for Heidi and our family.
Thank you for your prayers
A post was made this evening by my mom with an update. Please feel free to stop in from time to time for updates on how you can be praying for Heidi and our family.
Thank you for your prayers
New Year's Updates
It seems life has been in fast-forward motion ever since we were married (really, even before that)and we are looking forward to when life settles down a little. However, we are so thankful for the opportunities we had as a couple in 2008 and we are looking forward to a great year in 2009!
Yesterday I had two interviews with the same company (just at two different locations)- they went very well. Although every place of employment will have disadvantages, this place really seems to be potentially a great fit for me (and for Josh for that matter!)
I have been offered a job with the company I interviewed with yesterday and they have offered me a great salary (above the national average for my profession- very surprising for this part of the country and as a new grad). Today I was also able to further discuss options with this potential employer and they have now offered me a sign on bonus, an "agreement" that states I will be guaranteed a 40-hour work week (I would be paid hourly- this was initially a concern that sometimes therapists at the facility are sent home if there is a low census or not enough work to do), and an "agreement" that I would be paid for travel time and mileage if I needed to go to one of their 5 other facilities in order to get all of my 40 hours in (however, the director does not seem to think this will be an issue).
Aside from benefits and pay, there would also be potential for me to be mentored by another OT (Occupational Therapist) with 15 years of experience who works at this facility. Anyways, I could go on, but I am excited about this opportunity and hope to make a decision as soon as I hear from the first company I interviewed with (back in mid-December). I should hear some time this week.
Other than spending time on my Job search, Josh and I have been trying to settle into our area. We visited a different Church on Sunday (we liked it, however, there wasn't anyone our age there), we have plans to meet the neighbors, and we are very excited to go to our first Yoga class together on board Wednesday night. We've also enjoyed a visit to the bowling alley on base with a friend of Josh's and look forward to taking advantage of the $3 movie showings soon!
As far as living in a home vs. an apartment- it has certainly been an adventure! We are loving the challenges of "figuring it all out" (e.g. how do you weed your lawn when that is all your lawn is made of?!) Josh has also done a beautiful job sanding and painting one of our dressers to match the dresser we had painted before our wedding. It sure is fun to have a garage for projects and storage!
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do, it has been quite challenging to muster up the motivation to study, however, I am slowly getting there as a realize how soon my exam could be!
Josh is enjoying himself as well- today he had a physical exam to make sure he is healthy enough to be a Naval Flight Officer and he passed with flying colors! He is also enjoying himself on the golf course and the tennis courts (we played this Sunday). He has been so helpful around the house and I really appreciate having him around so much.
We are so grateful for the many blessings in our lives and we are thankful for great family and friends to keep in touch with.
Thanks for reading and thank you for keeping my sister, Heidi in your prayers. She has been so encouraged by the flood of people interested in praying for her! For more updates on her health feel free to visit her blog at www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com
Yesterday I had two interviews with the same company (just at two different locations)- they went very well. Although every place of employment will have disadvantages, this place really seems to be potentially a great fit for me (and for Josh for that matter!)
I have been offered a job with the company I interviewed with yesterday and they have offered me a great salary (above the national average for my profession- very surprising for this part of the country and as a new grad). Today I was also able to further discuss options with this potential employer and they have now offered me a sign on bonus, an "agreement" that states I will be guaranteed a 40-hour work week (I would be paid hourly- this was initially a concern that sometimes therapists at the facility are sent home if there is a low census or not enough work to do), and an "agreement" that I would be paid for travel time and mileage if I needed to go to one of their 5 other facilities in order to get all of my 40 hours in (however, the director does not seem to think this will be an issue).
Aside from benefits and pay, there would also be potential for me to be mentored by another OT (Occupational Therapist) with 15 years of experience who works at this facility. Anyways, I could go on, but I am excited about this opportunity and hope to make a decision as soon as I hear from the first company I interviewed with (back in mid-December). I should hear some time this week.
Other than spending time on my Job search, Josh and I have been trying to settle into our area. We visited a different Church on Sunday (we liked it, however, there wasn't anyone our age there), we have plans to meet the neighbors, and we are very excited to go to our first Yoga class together on board Wednesday night. We've also enjoyed a visit to the bowling alley on base with a friend of Josh's and look forward to taking advantage of the $3 movie showings soon!
As far as living in a home vs. an apartment- it has certainly been an adventure! We are loving the challenges of "figuring it all out" (e.g. how do you weed your lawn when that is all your lawn is made of?!) Josh has also done a beautiful job sanding and painting one of our dressers to match the dresser we had painted before our wedding. It sure is fun to have a garage for projects and storage!
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do, it has been quite challenging to muster up the motivation to study, however, I am slowly getting there as a realize how soon my exam could be!
Josh is enjoying himself as well- today he had a physical exam to make sure he is healthy enough to be a Naval Flight Officer and he passed with flying colors! He is also enjoying himself on the golf course and the tennis courts (we played this Sunday). He has been so helpful around the house and I really appreciate having him around so much.
We are so grateful for the many blessings in our lives and we are thankful for great family and friends to keep in touch with.
Thanks for reading and thank you for keeping my sister, Heidi in your prayers. She has been so encouraged by the flood of people interested in praying for her! For more updates on her health feel free to visit her blog at www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A novice's post
Hey y'all!
So I'm new to this whole blogging thing, but I thought I'd let everyone know what's going on with Whitney's job search.
While we were home on Christmas vacation, Whitney got a phone call from a job recruiter about two potential jobs. The second she said she was interested, the potential workplaces called her and set up interviews!
Both interviews are tomorrow, at 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. (CST), and it'd be really great to have her surrounded with prayers.
Hope this finds you all well!
Josh
So I'm new to this whole blogging thing, but I thought I'd let everyone know what's going on with Whitney's job search.
While we were home on Christmas vacation, Whitney got a phone call from a job recruiter about two potential jobs. The second she said she was interested, the potential workplaces called her and set up interviews!
Both interviews are tomorrow, at 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. (CST), and it'd be really great to have her surrounded with prayers.
Hope this finds you all well!
Josh
Heidi's Hope
Dear Friends and Family,
I want to take the time to tell you about a blog that has been started for my sister, Heidi Gropp. Below is the text from the “welcome page” on the blog that may help you to better understand the purpose of this blog. Please feel free to forward this blog onto those who you think would be willing to uphold Heidi and our family and prayer during this difficult time.
Welcome to Heidi's Hope. Heidi's Hope is a place for Heidi and her family to journal updates on her health, prayer requests, and praises. Heidi's hope is also a place for her friends and family to post words of encouragement and prayers for her.
As many of you know, Heidi has experienced difficulties with her health since she was very young (see her Health History Post in the archives for more details). Lately, Heidi has experienced more trials with her health (see other posts in the archives on the right side of the blog to see what is going on currently).
As mentioned above, this blog will help Heidi and her family provide information in a central location to her friends, family, and prayer warriors.
How can you help? At the bottom of each post there is an opportunity to comment (by clicking on the link and following the instructions). Your words of encouragement and prayers for Heidi and her family will be greatly appreciated during these trying circumstances.
Heidi and her family can set their hope in the Lord because of these truths:
"What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong- body and soul, in life and in death- to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him." (Heidelberg Catechism, Question 1)
My prayer is that this blog will not only be an encouragement to Heidi and her family, but also to those who can be encouraged by how God is using Heidi and her family for his kingdom purposes.
Feel free to save this web address (www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com) and visit it from time to time or subscribe to this blog through an RSS feed (click here for more information about RSS). For privacy purposes, Heidi's Hope will not be searchable in standard search engines, therefore, one must know the web address to access this site.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, " Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
In Christ Alone,
Heidi's Sister (Whitney)
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Home Sweet Home
We are "home" at last. It seems no matter where we are, Josh and I manage to call where we are currently visiting "home".
I remember my Mom telling me a story about when I was younger and they had just moved into the Little Brook Road N house- I apparently thought we were visiting and told my Mom, "home now, Mommy, I want to go home" (or something along those lines). Needless to say, that home eventually became "home" to me and so it goes ;).
Josh dutifully drove 20 of the 22 hours and enjoyed listening to his audio book to stay awake. He even had enough energy to rinse off the awfully dirty car when we got home! Edgar kept his eyes on me most of the ride and was pretty tired upon our arrival as well. He seems to be adjusting to his nook nicely.
The ride provided many stories and fun memories to last for a lifetime.
Introducing Edgar to his new "home"
"I don't like this one bit! Mom, you are delirious!"
Shortly after arriving...not exactly in the mood for pictures
our trusty car top carrier
I remember my Mom telling me a story about when I was younger and they had just moved into the Little Brook Road N house- I apparently thought we were visiting and told my Mom, "home now, Mommy, I want to go home" (or something along those lines). Needless to say, that home eventually became "home" to me and so it goes ;).
Josh dutifully drove 20 of the 22 hours and enjoyed listening to his audio book to stay awake. He even had enough energy to rinse off the awfully dirty car when we got home! Edgar kept his eyes on me most of the ride and was pretty tired upon our arrival as well. He seems to be adjusting to his nook nicely.
The ride provided many stories and fun memories to last for a lifetime.
Introducing Edgar to his new "home"
"I don't like this one bit! Mom, you are delirious!"
Shortly after arriving...not exactly in the mood for pictures
our trusty car top carrier
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