My goodness, where does the time go?

So, I didn't realize it has been so long since my last post... The last month or so has been a blur, just working, working, working and traveling a bit too. I guess I shall start where I last left off...

I was granted my Texas nursing license at the end of June, so when we get a little more staff in the ED, I can venture out and get a per diem job at one of the other hospitals here in El Paso. Additionally, Texas is a compact state, so when I get off of active duty, I can work in a variety of states without getting a license from that state. I am sitting pretty right now, because both Kentucky and Tennessee are compact states, and I am retaining my California license, so wherever I end up, I will be able to get a job pretty quick.

July was pretty uneventful, just working really. I did, however, solidify all of my plans for the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll Half-Marathon in November, as well as the World's Fastest 10K here in El Paso in October. Also, coming up in October is my friend Sarah's wedding in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I have never been to Wisconsin, so I am excited to go somewhere new. I guess the most exciting thing that happened in July ws the fact that the maintenance guys from my apartment complex had to come in and dismantle my toilet to figure out why it has been flushing weird ever since I moved in... Well, they discovered a whole messy tangle of copper wiring and some remnants of PVC piping stuck down the drain. They said it was probably left over from the construction of the complex, since it is still fairly new. Of course I had to photographically document it for everyone's viewing pleasure! Ha-ha.

Last week my dad flew me out to California for a little much needed R&R from my life... We had a great time catching up over coffee at Peet's in Willow Glen, and at Ridge Winery with a little La Villa Italian food and Paso Robles Zin. Pictured at left is part of the vineyard at Ridge, which is so beautiful and peaceful. It overlooks all of San Jose, Cupertino and Los Altos, and on a clear day, you can see for miles and miles... I also got to spend some good, quality time with my mom, my Auntie B and my little boy Monte while I was home... He is the most camera shy kitty ever! I had to get on the floor with him to even get close enough to grab him to get pictures! I just had to include one because he is so cute and for the split second that he was actually cooperative, the picture didn't turn out too badly. I miss him so much and can't wait to live someplace that he will be able to roam outdoors like the little hunter he is!

However, the piece de resistance of my mini-vacation was travelling through McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada... There are slot machines throughout the terminal, with an average of 24 slot machines every 3-4 gates. Why wait to get to the strip to lose your money? Ha-ha... It left me wondering if those that don't have quite that much money to blow just head to the airport to gamble, rather than the higher-priced casinos? Just a thought... Pictured is a woman that couldn't wait until after 10 am to start gambling... Notice her daughter intently paying attention to her mothers technique. I guess you can never start teaching them too early! Ha-ha.

So, there you have it. You are all caught up on the past month, or so of my life!

66H (in transition) out...