A Bump in the Road

Things are always exciting when you're a traveling therapist.

We were supposed to be in SoCal through the beginning of April, but will be leaving this week instead. I got a call on Thursday from my recruiter explaining that due to an an unexpected and unforeseen  complication (that I had absolutely no control over) my last day at my current contract would be the next day (Friday). To say that I was shocked is an understatement! In travel you're semi-ready to move quickly, but I was really unprepared for a days notice. Emotionally, I wasn't prepared to say my goodbyes yet. It was a stressful afternoon on Thursday as Amy and I discussed job options. Our first choice for a new assignment would have been San Francisco or Alaska, with our intention to do Washington state after that (I am waiting for my Washington license to become active). However, there were no options in our preferred areas, and only a few where we are currently in LA. We were hoping that I would be able to get a short term option here so that we could get everything ready to go slowly and then in that time hopefully something would have opened up in our preferred locations. However, all the jobs in the LA area were filled overnight, and I was interviewed for a position in Huntsville, TX at a nursing home Friday morning. By Late Friday morning they had extended a very generous offer, and we decided to accept. While going back to Texas wasn't our first choice or in our own plans, it seems like it is in God's plan for us. When we signed up for traveling we knew we would get an adventure and not everything would always go according to our own plans. We are thankful that our God knows the end of the story, and we are trusting in the fact that He is going before us and preparing the way, just as he has shown us before time and time again during our travels. I didn't sleep much Thursday night and Friday was one of the most emotionally draining days I've had in a long time. It was incredibly difficult to tell all my wonderful coworkers that it would be my last day with them. When I pulled the administrator into her office to let her know first, we both started crying which set the tone for my entire day. The wonderful teachers, aides, and techs at ABC have taught me so much about working with autistic kiddos and really helped me grow so much as a speech pathologist and develop a whole new appreciation for the autistic population. I loved being a part of their team! When I went to each class to say my final goodbyes, one teacher had all her kids tell me bye, and hearing the chorus of their little voices saying "bye Miss Melissa" (sounding more like "Miss Mewissa") just about did my heart in. Then one little boy came up and gave me a hug and said "I hope you have a fabulous day" which he never does on his own and made us all cry. It was hardest to say goodbye to my friend Jen. She and I were always bantering back and forth, teasing each other, and if I was ever having trouble with a kid she would always save me. Basically we kept each other in line. She had made me a poster from her class that had a tree on it with all the kids finger prints on it in green (for leaves) and the staff's finger prints in red (for apples) with all the kids pictures on it. It was so sweet and definitely something I will treasure for a long time. Needless to say both of us were crying as we said our final goodbyes! 

Jen and me. This was taken right after both of us were crying our eyes out

I felt so loved and appreciated on my last day. Again, I feel so lucky to see some of the harvest from all the seeds I had been working so hard to plant. 

I am very thankful for the time here in California and all the experience I have recieved. I am thankful to work for an amazing company that is committed to taking care of me and looking out for my best interests. I am thankful for all the people we have met and friends we have made. I am thankful for all the new places we have seen. 

As we say our final goodbyes this weekend to our California friends and head back to Texas to start my new job on Thursday, we are overwhelmed. But in our hearts we know, and trust, and believe, that there are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. 

Life Lately

Well, I feel like we are officially honorary Californians. Within a span of a week we experienced an earthquake (it woke me up in the middle of the night but Braden slept right through it. Strangely enough I woke up to everything shaking and thought "oh it's an earthquake" and fell right back asleep) and a wildfire. The wildfire started about 15 miles from where we live. When I went out to my car, I saw this huge cloud of smoke and found out when I got to work that there was a huge fire. I actually had to drive out to the city where the fire had started later that day for work and was watching all the helicopters fly over. It's weird that when it rains everyone in California freaks out and acts like the sky is falling but when there's a fire or an earthquake everyone is really calm and going about their business like nothing is happening. A few weeks ago, I posted about hiking a trail with some friends and that trail actually was in the fire. Here is what the place looked like after everything burned:

The past few weeks have been busy, and then again not. After the break we were recovering from all the traveling and also me getting over a really bad cold. I have also been really busy at work due to one of the other employees leaving which resulted in me inheriting her caseload. It's been busy but really fun- not to mention being fully booked makes the time go by faster! Two weeks ago we were able to drive down to the San Diego area to visit La Jolla (pronounces "Hoya") beach. A coworker recommended it because of it being pretty and having sea lions. It certainly was gorgeous and we enjoyed going with our good friends Jenn and Phil. A relaxing trip to the beach was just what I needed!  Although we didn't get in the water (it's too cold!) and just hung out and watched the sunset while listening to the waves. 

Us with the cove and seals in the background

Photo credit to the lovely Jenn :)

Sunset and waves-the surf was crazy!

This past weekend we had a small group party with our small group from church. It was fun hanging out with everyone and just relaxing and getting caught up. On Saturday we were so excited to get to go snowboarding! Braden's parents had gotten us gift cards to a resort that's about 45 minutes away. We had been waiting for some snow to fall of the mountains and early on in the week some did, however, by the time we were there it was mainly man made snow! It was definitely strange to leave our hotel and have it be 65 degrees and then getting out on the mountain and having it be 25 degrees. Going at night was definitely fun and nice because they had the snow machines going. It was still pretty icy though and still hurt to fall. Seeing as this was only the 4th time I had been snowboarding, carving was a little intimidating knowing if I wiped out it would be painful! Braden was brave and tried some jumps. It was so much fun and my new snowboard was awesome!

No, our helmets aren't white...thats just the ice!

We were very cold and definitely ready for the nice heat in the car. We were head to toe covered in ice. Even my hair had chunks of ice in it! We were both a little sore the next day. On Sunday we were able to watch the Super Bowl at a friend's apartment with people from our small group. I was disappointed in the Broncos but I am happy for my other hometown.

In other news, Braden is officially a licensed physical trainer! I am so proud of all his hard work. Next step is hopefully finding a job in our next location! We also found out that my brother and sister in law are expecting baby number two. We can't wait our little niece or nephew in August! 

This weekend we are heading to Las Vegas! We are going with our friends Jenn and Phil and Matt and Kalani. I have my change ready for the penny slots! We have an all inclusive package so we will be doing several things while we are there. I can't wait for a mini vacation! Viva Las Vegas!

It's hard to believe that we have less than 2 months left in LA! We should be finding out within the next month or so where we will be going next! Time to start eliminating out LA bucket list!

Hopeful Wanderers

As a traveling therapist, so many things are transient- where you live, the people you know, the place you work. Very little is constant or stays the same. This type of lifestyle definitely isn't for everyone. As humans our hearts desire consistency, they desire a place to call home. When you are a traveler, you don't have a home, everything you have fits in your vehicle. It was explained to me once as living the 'turtle' lifestyle- living with your home on your back. There's something beautiful about the simplicity of it, really. When Braden and I started traveling we had no idea where we were going or where we might end up. We know our Promised Land is somewhere, but we don't know where. In my pensive moments, I think about the children of Israel and how they felt. They knew God was leading them on this journey to a land of milk and honey-the Promised Land. They didn't know where it would be, or how many stops there would be along the way, not lingering anyplace too long. Wherever they were, they knew it wasn't permanent, they knew it wasn't home. I think about how much they longed for that land promised to them-the place to call their own so they could stop wandering. There is a restlessness that goes with traveling- we are happy to be in a place, but all the time ready to keep moving forward. We love the people we have met and places we have visited during our travels, but long to continue forward towards home. We don't know where home will be, or when we will reach it, but someday we will. We hope for that day, but until then, we are a couple of hopeful wanderers on this adventure, trusting God that He is leading us on to much greater things.

Christmas 2013

I know that technically Christmas was a few weeks ago, but I am just getting caught up from being gone for 10 days and getting back to work this week so I am just getting around to blogging about our Christmas vacation. Considering that one of my resolutions was to be more consistent about my blogging again and today is the 10th of January, I am not doing so hot. BUT it is better late than never right?

Before we left to go to Arkansas we had a long weekend off to catch up on sleep on rest a little bit. Incidentally, being the week before a long break and a full moon, the kids were a little wild so I was exhausted and definitely ready for some R&R and time spent with family. On Christmas Eve we were up bright and early to head to the airport- thankfully this trip we were able to fly out of Ontario instead of LAX because it is much closer and much less chaotic. It was good that we got to the airport so early because we got the next to last spot in the parking lot! Even Macie got to make the trip with us. She has become quite the seasoned traveler!

Now she knows when I get her carry on bag out that she gets to come with us. This look says it all: "Don't forget to pack me, Mom!"

Thankfully we arrived in Little Rock without any hiccups, delays, or lost bags. In California it was 80 degrees when we left, and when we got to Arkansas it was around 32 degrees- talk about a major change! Braden's sister Melissa and his brother and sister-in-law JJ and Traci had no idea we were coming for Christmas, so it was really fun getting to surprise them! On Christmas Eve we were able to go to the Christmas Eve service at Braden's parents' church and were there for their annual tamale dinner. Yummy! Christmas morning I woke up super congested- of course I would get sick when I am on vacation! But we still had a good morning opening gifts with family. 

Macie had a great Christmas! She got some news squeaky toys (and drove us all crazy) and some chewy bones. She also had a wonderful time chasing squirrels in the backyard!

Braden surprised me with a new snowboard! I can't wait to try it out on the slopes!

We also went to see Anchorman 2 in the afternoon which was really funny. The rest of the time in LR was spent relaxing (I was trying to recover from my cold!), hanging out with family, and I also spent a lot of time reading which was great. I read the Divergent series which was pretty good, but also a little disappointing (anyone else feel this way?). We also got to hike up Pinnacle mountain which was really fun.

The view from the top

Us at the top

After a fun week in Little Rock, we were able to make a trip to Houston. My parents stopped by Little Rock as a round a bout way  go home from Wichita. It only cost us $25 to change our departure to Houston from Little Rock! It was fun to spend a few more days with family. I was able to go out to my long time trainer's barn and ride her fabulous mare, Charisma, who had been in retirement for the last several years due to lameness problems. I was the first person on her back in seven years and she did great! It was so much fun riding her again, the last time I was able to was when I was a senior in high school! 

Charisma, me, and my trainer, Mrs. Adair. She has known me since the fifth grade!

On Wednesday night, we rang in the new year playing card games and hanging out. It was low key, and really relaxing. On Wednesday, we were able meet my entire family for lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant, which was awesome because they have the best queso-something that California is seriously lacking. That night we went to a sports bar to watch Baylor play in the Fiesta Bowl- inadvertently showing up at the same bar that the Baylor watch party was at. Unfortunately, Baylor didn't show up to play, but we still had a good time! 

Sic em!

Unfortunately, the time of went too fast, and all too soon it was time to head back to California. We ended up getting delayed in Phoenix for four hours, but we eventually made it all the way back. It's strange to feel that going "home" to our own bed is in a hotel, but it's one of those strange paradoxes of traveling.

Beautiful sunset leaving Houston

I found this gem in SkyMall..The Biffy Buttler! It makes me laugh so hard. No this isn't a joke!

After we got back, we hiked up Garcia trail, which I had actually climbed several times with my best friend when I would come visit her in college. It has a great view from the top! We went with our friends Jenn and Phil, their friends Matt and Jenny, and the dogs Marley and Brody!

We made it!

This only took a few tries haha!

It was so hard going back to work this week! I don't know who had a harder time, me or the kids! Not sure what we will be up to this weekend, but we have some exciting plans coming up! Here's to a great weekend!

Christmas Time is Here!

Well, I feel like an apology is in order. I haven't posted in a few weeks, and I must say I have missed it. In my defense, we have been pretty busy with the Christmas season, and I was working on two posts that I just didn't get done. So I guess those will be posted later. Christmas season at the Joneses has been a little different this year. This is the first year that we both will be away from our families, and especially so far away. So this year we have kept ourselves busy with lots of shopping and fun and seeing lots of movies. Thor, Frozen, The Hobbit, Catching Fire, there are lots of good ones out right now.

Our mini tree with all our presents! We have obviously been good this year, including Macie!

This past week we were able to go with our small group from church to a street near where we live which has amazing Christmas light displays. It's apparently in their contract when they move in that they have to have Christmas lights. There were some pretty spectacular houses- one house was snoopy themed, and they paint their house specifically for Christmas every year with a special paint. They said their electric bill is over $2,000 in December! That's dedication. We enjoyed catching up with everyone  before Christmas, and of course seeing pretty lights. It was a little strange to be seeing lights in December with the temperature being over 70 degrees!

 

The husbands

The wives

The Group

This past week at work was CRAZY. Not only was it a full moon, it was the week before break, and the kids could tell. After a crazy week, it was nice getting to unwind at my work Christmas party. It was at Pomona Mining Company, a really cool restaurant on top of a hill that overlooks the city. The atmosphere was fun, and it was great getting to have fun with coworkers. We did a Secret Santa exchange, as well as a "dirty santa" fun exchange

Me and Braden

Me and Braden in front of the Christmas tree

I was obviously really excited about my Secret Santa gift- Game of Thrones Season 2!

Blessed by a great staff to work with!

On Sunday we got to go to our church's Christmas service, which was amazing. It was the best Chrismtas service I think that I had been to. And thankfully, no candles! I get really jumpy around fire, especially candlelight services, due to catching my hair on fire when I was little. We also got to hang out with our friends the Mellinger's and they introduced us to Bruxie, which is a gourmet waffle sandwich place. Sounds pretty weird and I was a little nervous. Turns out waffle sandwiches are AMAZING.

Joneses and Mellingers

My DELICIOUS waffle sandwich

What's on the agenda for the rest of my glorious two weeks off? Well we plan on spending a lot of time relaxing, reading, and catching up on some TV shows. I am so excited to have some time off!
Everyone has there favorite Christmas traditions, and since it's Christmas Eve Eve, I thought I would share a few of my favorite Christmas traditions over the years:

1. Christmas Tablecloth- This has been a tradition in my family since the 50's. Every year, every person (and pet) who is at Christmas dinner signs their name and year on the tablecloth, which my mom then embroiders. It's fun going back and finding all my signatures and trying to find the oldest ones. It'd also fun going back and asking about all the family pets. There's even a pet rock!

2. The ABC's of Christmas-We did this when we were little kids. Every day leading up to Christmas you would do a little craft that had to do with something about Christmas. Like for "A" we would make a little angel. This was something I always looked forward to growing up!

3. Reading the Christmas Story- Every Christmas Eve, the family would gather in the living room and read the Christmas story. During the story we would start singing different Christmas songs that went along with the different parts in the story. It was so much fun!

4. Christmas cookies- My mom makes the BEST sugar cookies and she only makes them at Christmas. My brother and I would plant ourselves in front of the cookies box and stuff ourselves.

5. Being with family- Growing up, we spent Christmas with my dad's entire extended family- his parents, his three sisters, and all their kids. It was loud, it was crazy, it was fun. I have countless great memories of Christmas time shananigans

6. Christmas ornaments- Every year growing up we would get an ornament that represented what we did that year. While we have all our ornaments in storage this year, we continue this tradition by getting an ornament everywhere we go.

7. Christmas movies- Home Alone? White Christmas? It's A Wonderful Life? It's the best time of year on ABC family (other than when they have Harry Potter marathons!)

As we spend our first Christmas together as travelers, we look forward to starting some new Chrismtas traditions. What are some of your Christmas traditions?

Thanksgiving!

Last week flew by! I can't believe Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is here! It's my favorite time of year. Since we got back late Sunday night and I have been working all week, I haven't had time to give a proper review of our vacation, which was amazing and went by way to fast! We woke up early on Tuesday morning and headed to the airport. Macie had her sedative and was happy and quiet. Since we had a pet, we didn't have to wait in the long line to check our bags, we got to go to a special line. Macie got really worried when I had to put her down on the scale...the whole carrier started shaking (poor thing!) Luckily we had priority access, so we didn't have to wait in a long line to go through security, and Macie was a big hit, although she wasn't really happy when she had to go back in her carrier! She also wasn't happy about riding under the seat (see the picture!) but she did great! She didn't bark, or make any noise at all, such a good girl.

Not too happy about the seating arrangement

The beautiful sunrise after we took off

When we left California, it was sunny and in the 70's, and when we got to Houston it was raining and in the 30's. Talk about a big difference. Macie was very glad to get out of her carrier, play with my parent's dog Jaxon, and get to run around in a backyard! She was also greeted with a new toy from Nana and PJ!

A weenie dog squeaky toy!

After we arrived, my mom and I went and got our nails done, which was so great and relaxing. Wednesday my brother, his wife, and their adorable little boy came. We love our little nephew! Wednesday night we had a family Tex- Mex dinner with lots and lots of queso (2 gallons!). I was in heaven! I had been craving queso ever since we had moved to California. Thursday was obviously Thanksgiving so we spent most of the day over at my Aunt's house. Of course the TV was turned on to football. It was great getting to catch up with all my family and seeing so many! Our nephew, JT, has gotten so big since the last time we saw him, and is now singing the Mexican Hat Dance (la la la la la la la...la la!) and can get into your iPhone or change the channel on your TV faster than you can blink. I ate way too many potatoes and sugar cookies, but oh well. Calories don't count on Thanksgiving!

Uncle Braden and JT

Aunt Melissa and JT

I love this little guy so much!

Love these turkeys!

My Thanksgiving plate. I love potatoes.

Hillary, my mom, and I went shopping on Thursday night. We went to Kohl's and Target and then went home because we were tired! Most of our time was spent in line, but we did get some great deals! On Friday, we went to a Texan's sports bar in Houston for my Uncle's birthday party, then the guys (and a few girls) went shooting. Even Braden went! On Saturday morning we woke up early and surprised my parents with a family photoshoot with a professional photographer! My mom was very surprised, but panicked when she saw all her kids up so early in the morning. It was lots of fun and I can't wait to see the pictures! Saturday evening we were able to help decorate my grandparents tree, which was fun since we don't have our big tree to decorate this year. We were also able to have one last family dinner before we left! Of course we went to our traditional spot, Molina's, for some more Tex-Mex. I love my queso and spending time with family!

Three generations!

He's a real Texan now!

Houston from my grandparents' house

On Sunday night we headed back to Cali. We were really thankful for our friends who took us to the airport, and picked us up! The airport was absolutely crazy.

LA from the air

Even though we don't have any of our Christmas decorations and we are living in a hotel, I had to do something because I love Christmas. I bought a small 2 ft tree, some basic ornaments (but a special ornament for each of us- a soccer player for Braden and a state of Texas for me) and mini stockings to hang on our mirror with care. Our room looks so festive! 

I have enjoyed listening to the XM Christmas radio station in my car. Tis the season!

Turkey Bowl

This past week has been tiring and wonderful at the same time. On Tuesday night we had a wonderful "Friendsgiving" dinner with our small group from our church. It was great getting to relax, visit with friends, and share what we are thankful for, not to mention eating yummy food!

So blessed by these people! We love our small group!

I worked on Saturday morning, so on Saturday afternoon we went to go see Catching Fire, the new Hunger Games movie, in IMAX. It was so good and definitely better than the first one. I highly recommend it. On Sunday, we went to a flag football tournament with another couple from our small group. Braden and Phil played in the tournament, and Jenn and I watched. It was an absolutely beautiful day! Sunny and 67!

The boys won all 3 of their games, and then qualified for the playoffs. They completely dominated the whole tournament and ended up winning. No big deal.

The champions!

Me, Braden, Phil, and Jenn. We are thankful for our California friends!

After the game, we went to dinner at Pieology. It is like a Chipotle but for pizza. Pretty much the best idea ever. You get to custom build your pizza with as many toppings as you want. Why aren't these nationwide? It is pretty much my favorite thing right now. SO so good. 

My pizza: mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions

Braden's pizza: pretty much every topping imaginable

I had a half a day of work today which was nice because it gave me time to pack and get reacy to leave. I was supposed to see kids at 1, 2, 4, and 5, but only my 1 pm kid showed up and then my 5 pm kid was 30 minutes late. It ended up being a pretty relaxing day! We are really excited to be in Texas this week, and that Macie is getting to come with us. This will be her first airplane ride! She has her own little carrier and will be riding in the cabin with us under the seat.

Macie is not ready for the colder Texas weather

Happy Thanksgiving week, everyone! I hope you take some time to remember everything there is to be thankful for!