Fall is Almost Here

Eli and I have been enjoying settling into life here in Seattle. He has be so busy at work! Back and forth from different suburbs of Seattle and a few trips to Portland OR. I keep asking when he's going to have a trip to Hawaii :) Our things FINALLY arrived a few weeks ago, and it's magnificent having furniture in our apartment. We've been able to find a place for everything so far, but have to be careful to budget our space. I've been busy going through the job application and interview process--having a chair to sit on though makes it a lot easier! The two of us have been up to a few things this month--
1. We went to the market for goodies to celebrate my birthday. Macaroons, flowers, and the best mac and cheese ever! Then we made fish tacos at home.
2. Weekend hiking. I think the hardest hike we've done, but the views were worth it.
3. Lunching with a few new friends off Queen Anne Hill.
4. Me learning how to drive in a city--it's kind of intimidating, but I'm getting the hang of it.
5. Excitedly awaiting our first visitors who are arriving in October! (Hiking)

New In Town

What a crazy end to the summer! Eli and I officially moved to Seattle last Saturday and have been LOVING it here. It makes a huge difference to enjoy where you're living, and while we've been on many adventures and seen many things this past year, it's nice to be settled somewhere we truly enjoy. Eli's job is going great--he gets to see a lot of the city and last week he had his first business trip to Portland. It's fun because he takes pictures from the top of the buildings--next week he gets to walk around the top of Safeco Field! I'm job hunting. A challenging process, but I'm confident the right thing will happen. Sometimes it's definitely frustrating and it makes me thankful for a very patient husband.

Our apartment. Oh.my.gosh. We are so so happy with it. We're living in a fabulous neighborhood too. There's tons of young families and kids (strollers are everywhere!) It's really the community feeling I've been missing. We don't have any furniture right now except an air mattress we bought. So we've been watching Hulu/Netflix on the computer and sitting on blankets on the floor. The adventure continues! The moving van should be here this week--It will be so fun to share pictures of our furnished apartment!! (Top of the Financial Center looking at the Olympic Mountains and Space Needle, Top of the Cobb Building facing Elliott Bay, Top of IBM Building looking at the Seattle Public Library, Kerry Park at Sunset--right down the hill from our apartment)

Our Busy Summer

Holy smokes, can't believe July is almost over. I only have 9 more shifts left!!!! Here's what we've been up to:
1. Eli got a job! He's working downtown and so far is enjoying it.
2. We found an apartment!!! It was kind of a process to find. Housing in Seattle is competitive and good units get snatched up quickly. 10th(ish) time was the charm! Took it right away!
3. I've been interviewing as well. I'm looking forward to getting a new and permanent job.

All in in all it's been pretty fun out here. I've been going into Seattle by myself and sometimes I think to myself I can't believe we're moving to SEATTLE! Eli and I are so excited to move into our new apartment and start setting up a home. (Looking at the skyline, Favorite beach, A park down the hill from our apartment)

Afternoon In Seattle

Eli and I had so much fun Wednesday hanging out with Uncle Bart and Auntie Susan! They came into town to go to a Mariners game at Safeco Field. We took the ferry over (my new favorite mode of transportation) and caught a bus out to their hotel. It was a cloudy day, but not rainy so the four of us went to the top of the Space Needle. It was SO fun!! Even though it wasn't clear out the views of the city were spectacular. It would be gorgeous to go up on a clear day. Then we headed to the stadium. When we arrived the stadium was covered and right before the game started they opened it up! Of course Eli and I indulged in some hot dogs and nachos :) It was so great getting to spend time with family--it makes being out here that much more fun. I work tomorrow then we have another three day break and the weather is supposed to be fantastic!
(Us on top of the Space Needle, Safeco Field, The Game)

First Month

We've been married a month! Very exciting and fun. Since being out in Washington Eli and I have been busy job searching and enjoying the great weather. I had a long break so the two of us decided to take a 'mini-moon'. We went whale watching, attempted to find a park, and celebrated with a delish meal. I think the highlight was the puff pastry wrapped chocolate with ice cream for desert. That weekend we headed into Seattle to have a cookout with friends--it's really nice being somewhere where there are familiar faces. The ferry ride across the Sound was SO fun! The weather was sunny and clear so we got a great view of the Seattle skyline. The market was a blast too, since we'd been there already. We picked up some mac and cheese, then snacked on it while waiting in line for pirshokys (fancy Runzas). I think we're getting a system!!! (Whale watching, tasty desert, on the ferry to Seattle)

First Week

I got through my first week at work. I am cautiously optimistic, but so far I like it. It's really nice to go into a hospital and have people want you there. Everyone has been very thankful and welcoming when they find out I'm a traveler. The weather has been fabulous!!! 80s and sunny--can't ask for better than that! The drive to work every morning is so beautiful--the more I'm out here the more I really enjoy the area. Eli and I are taking a few days to ourselves and spending some down time together--today we're going to Point No Point National Historic Site and this weekend we're heading into Seattle to see friends. So far it's been great!!!

We're Back!!!!

1800ish miles, 4 days on the road, 1 odd-ball spring snow, and a few Subway sandwiches later Eli and I are finally back in Washington! Our apartment is on a hill--a steep hill! The first time we parked I almost put on my emergency break. It's very cute and we've got a great view out of the window. Kind of fun--it's a two bedroom two bathroom unit so we have plenty of extra space. When we arrived Eli and I immediately rearranged the furniture to our liking so it feels very homey.

I had my orientation day yesterday, and it was a good albeit exhausting one. The hospital is changing computer systems this summer so they've hired a bunch of travelers to help support them through the transition. There was around 35 of us yesterday and 5 or 6 other travelers live in our complex! It's fun to meet other people and hear their stories. There were quite a few nurses that this was their first assignment, so it's fun to share my experiences too. I got to meet my manager and go to the floor as well--I'm feeling pretty positive (although a little nervous). It's been a crazy few weeks--we've reflected a few times on the differences between coming out to Washington for my first assignment and now. Obviously the biggest one is that we're married now (yay!), but I've also got 4 other assignments under my belt, and we know we like the area. It's also different because we know we'd like to stay out here for awhile. The weather is supposed to be great later this week so I'm hopeful for some Point Defiance beach time or maybe going to the zoo again!!! (Driving scenery, View from Balcony, Living Room)

Life is GOOD

The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind! Getting everything ready for the wedding, the actual wedding, and then finding out we're heading back out to Washington!! We leave this weekend so the whirlwind is not letting up.

Albuquerque to Denver

I'm done! I made it! This assignment was very challenging and I'm proud of myself that I completed it. Eli and I woke up early this morning and finished packing up the apartment and loading up the car. We got up so early we took a break to walk over to Starbucks while the sun was rising and saw several hot air balloons--great start to the day. Kicked off the drive with our usual breakfast of champions (McDonalds!) and headed to Denver. It was a fairly easy drive--much more scenic than the drive down to Albuquerque. Once we checked into our hotel we went up to the fitness center and worked out--it's nice to do something after sitting in the car all day. Then we went to Larkburger for dinner--oh my delish!!! I had an Amy burger (portabella burger with fixings) and Eli had a chicken burger (adobe sauce and cilantro) both of us had parmesan truffle fries. It was so good!!! Two weeks from today we will be at our reception celebrating!!

Tent Rock National Monument

It's finally my last week at work! I'm so excited--ready to move onto the next thing. Which is getting married :) Eli and I drove to Tent Rock National Monument yesterday and it was so cool. Next time I go to the Desert Dome, it'll be fun because I've seen the desert! We did two trails--the first one was the Canyon Trail, which went through the canyon and then onto a vista about 630 feet elevation. It was so so fun. Eli and I kept saying that the rocks just didn't look real--they looked like they were poured out of concrete. Climbing up to the vista was rocky, steep, and you had to be very aware of where you were stepping. Of course there were people trying to get their little kids up it, which is also terrifying. But we made it and the view was spectacular! 10% chance of rain that day and when I looked behind us you could see the rain clouds (and actual rain) coming. We hightailed it back down and it started sprinkling while we were in the canyon part of the trail.

We wound up the night at Sadie's which is authentic New Mexican food. It was SO good. I also had a margarita, which was quite tasty too. Our new favorite thing down here is sopapillas. Warm fried bread with honey, cinnamon, and sugar? Yes please!! (Start of the trail, In the Canyon, Rainstorm on the Vista)

Santa Fe

Eli and I drove up to Santa Fe today. It was really fun! The two of us really wanted to see the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous staircase--so that was our first stop. On the way there we popped into a pottery gallery. The pieces were so beautiful and intricate. Going into the chapel there was a cherry tree (or some other flowering tree) with a picture of The Virgin Mary in front of it. It was really cool because people had hung several rosaries on it. The staircase was impressive and story behind it is interesting (I pasted the link to it below). Afterwards, we headed off  to a coffee shop and I got drinking chocolate. It was so rich and delicious. Eli wanted to visit the Art Museum, so we went through that. We bought a few prints from the gift shop that will be fun to take home. Then we headed to lunch!! I got chalupas and Eli had green chili stew--both came with sopapillas. One of my favorite things about New Mexico is the food--it is SO good. It was a fun short trip!! (Loretto Chapel, Prints, Art Museum)

http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html

2 Weeks Notice

I'm finally down to the last two weeks in Albuquerque--I'm ready to be home. Eli and I are going to Santa Fe on Wednesday, and we're really looking forward to that! The weather down here has been sunny, but very windy. It would be really warm if not for the wind!

Shower Weekend

Eli and I have been very busy here in Albuquerque. The wedding is 32 days away and we are in full swing getting things ready for it. However, this weekend I got to go home for my shower and bachelorette party!! I was very excited because Eli and I have a lot of things we've ordered for the wedding shipped to the house, but what I was most looking forward to seeing was my veil that my grandma made for me. I waited to see it until I could see it in person and ohmygoodness I can't wait to wear it down the aisle. It's the most beautiful thing. I spent Friday running errands and such and Saturday was shower day!!! The theme was a French Picnic and it was so cute and such fun! There was macaroons, mimosas, and party games! Anna did a wonderful job. I got to see friends from St. Elizabeth's, Chi Omega, and Camp Foster too. It's good to be around all your people.

That evening we dolled up and headed out to dinner to celebrate my bachelorette. We went to a mexican restaurant which I haven't tried yet and it was SO delish. Then we spent the resting of the evening playing games, hanging out, and just general silliness :) I had such a great weekend and it makes me SO excited to come home and see everyone again in just a short month! (Chi Omegas, St Elizabeth's Girls, The Princesses and the Queen, Camp Foster Friends)

The Grand Canyon and Sedona

Eli and I took a trip to the Grand Canyon and oh my gosh was it cool. My Grandma said it didn't matter what time of year you went, it was beautiful no matter what season. However, we were glad we went when it was still cool outside, plus it was off season so there wasn't tons of people there. The drive out took roughly 6 hours and had some great desert scenery on the way. After we checked into our hotel we picked up the pass for the car and drove into the park. Wow-I was in awe when I first saw it. The canyon almost doesn't look real--it's hard to fathom something that big and that old. Eli and I picked a spot to watch the sunset and while we were driving there we saw Elk right by the side of the street! We admired them safely from the car and took a few pictures. The sunset was awesome--it definitely gets cold quickly though.
The next morning we got up and drove to a different part of the canyon. We also hiked down a ways on one of the trails--that was pretty cool. The two of us decided that maybe one day we can hike down to the bottom and spend the night, then hike back the next morning. Obviously we will need to take a few baby camping trips first :) I wanted to head to Sedona for lunch. The drive there was also very neat--lots of huge red rocks. We ate at a great mexican restaurant, it was much milder than Albuquerque's mexican food. It was such a fun trip--easily one of my favorite things we've done this year. (Pictures around the Grand Canyon)

Rain?!

It has been a cloudy rainy weekend here in Albuquerque. Spring is definitely here--there's blossoms on the trees and greenery popping up in the ground. Hard to believe it's already March and we are a mere 55 (but whose counting??) days away from the wedding. Eli and I are driving to the Grand Canyon on Thursday, which we're really looking forward to! It was nice to have a relaxing day at the apartment!!

Charleston

Best.weekend.ever. I had my bachelorette sister weekend and I had such a blast. Thursday afternoon Eli dropped me off at the Albuquerque airport, which is definitely smaller than I was expecting, and I headed down to Atlanta to meet up with my sisters. Kathleen was stuck in Omaha because of the weather so she got in on Friday. Anna and I went to Gun show which is owned by Chef Kevin Gillepsie who was in the top three of Top Chef. And he was there. And I met him. And got a picture with him. Great start to the weekend!! Breaking it down:

Friday: Arrive Charleston!! We met up with Hannah and checked out our fabulous place complete with a koi pond and cat that wanted to be our friend. The four of us gussied up and did appetizers at Eli's Table for dinner!! SO SO good! We capped off the night with a drink on one of the rooftop bars!

Saturday: Carriage Tour morning--this was one of my favorite activities because Charleston is so full of history and charm and it was awesome to learn about it. I took pictures of everything because I think Eli would really enjoy the architecture. We took the afternoon to explore and shop and each of us found fabulous treasures. For dinner we made chicken and waffles!!! They were really good and we didn't set off the fire alarms! Then we did a photo booth--the pictures are hysterical.

Sunday-- Brunch on the beach! The sun was shining and we walked down the beach for a bit. Then we headed back to the airport to drop off Hannah and the three of us headed back to Atlanta. Anna took us by where she works and showed us crazy huge homes as well as where they filmed capitol scenes of the Hunger Games! Then Monday it was back to Albuquerque. It was such a great weekend celebrating!!! (Gun Show, Carriage Tour, Beach, Decorations)

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

Eli and I spent Valentine's Day doing lots of fun/relaxing things since I had to work all weekend. We've been really utilizing the workout facility here at the apartment, and it's one of the best things about living here. The assignment is not my favorite, but our apartment is awe-some! We drove out to one of the tennis courts close to us and played for awhile--we're both pretty rusty. Then the two of us headed home to make dinner--the sunset was beautiful because it got cloudy during the day. I worked all weekend and Eli got some really creative things done for the wedding--I'm pretty impressed! It's pretty busy here because I work the next two days then I head to Charleston for my sister bachelorette weekend and I'm.so.excited.

Petroglyph National Monument

Eli and I went out exploring today. The weather was in the 50s and sunny so it was a great morning to go to Petroglyph National Monument. It's on the outskirts of Albuquerque so we got to see more of the city driving there. While we were starting our hike I mentioned to Eli that I will look at the Desert Dome at the zoo differently since now I've been there!! The scenery was very pretty--wide open spaces with lots of sunshine and sand. The petroglyphs were pretty cool, it was fun finding them along the trail. We saw a few that looked newer--one definitely looked like a music note! After our hike we headed into town to have some mexican food. I had chicken tacos and Eli had a green chile burger. They love green and red chili here--started off with guacamole and salsa--pretty tasty! The weather has been awesome, it's supposed to be in the 70s this weekend! Great first adventure in Albuquerque! (Us on the trail, a few petroglyphs, and wide open spaces!)

Snow Day

We woke up this morning to snow on the ground and cold temperatures! When I got off work Tuesday (which went very well!) it was spitting "snow" and we passed about 5 accidents on the interstate. I was like what?!?!?! The road signs said 'winter driving conditions may exist'. Being from the midwest it didn't even compete with real winter driving conditions. Today we decided not to leave the apartment because we didn't want to be on the roads. We got quite a bit of wedding things done and tonight we turned on our fireplace and made Runzas. I've noticed that a week or two into the assignment I get a little homesick and a Runza cures it!! We're watching the Olympics and bundled up inside!

First Weekend

I got through my first weekend! It was interesting to say the least--I described this experience to my Mom as a growth experience for me. Friday I was oriented to a computer system that the hospital doesn't use so that was slightly frustrating. Then my day to orient on the floor the staff was short so my nurse was overwhelmed on top of having to orient me. However, Sunday was positive and went pretty well. It's very different from what I'm used too--the jury is still out on how I feel about it! I work tomorrow and Wednesday and then we'll figure out something fun to do. I've gotten a few restaurant recommendations and ideas for day activities. Sunday quite a few patients had a Super Bowl party in the dining room--made me smile. Everyone here though is a Broncos fan and I'm not competitive enough/know enough about football to talk smack so I kept who I was rooting for to myself :) (One of our favorite engagement pictures)

Windy Day

Eli and I ventured out of the apartment complex today to find the hospital/where my orientation is tomorrow. Both look very nice. I'm feeling a little nervous, not sure why--I think it might be that I'm in a much bigger city than I ever have been before. Like I've said though, nursing is nursing no matter where you do it. We also discovered a park by us--a nice change of pace if we don't feel like running on the treadmill. The two of us have really been taking advantage of the fitness room--there's lots of cardio and lifting equipment. Today is very windy--usually you can see all the way to the horizon and right now it's very hazy and hard to see. And I can't stop sneezing. Bad part of being dry, lots of dust to blow around. It's even blowing down our chimney! I wonder if lots of dust in the air will make for a better sunset because we have a pretty good view of those! (Apartment pictures, sunset from our balcony)

Drive to New Mexico and Moving In

It has been a busy few days for us! Our drive down to New Mexico was somewhat eventful. The wind was pretty gusty the first day and we were driving straight into it. The tumbleweeds were crazy!! Sometimes 15 or more would blow across the interstate at once--Pearl did great though, no chipped paint or twigs stuck in the hood. The only time we hit flurries was driving through the only mountain pass we had to--it was funny, as we were driving up I saw one of those animal crossing signs. Upon closer inspection it was a bear crossing--Eli and I thought that was pretty funny, what would we do if a bear crossed?!?! When we arrived in Albuquerque the weather was sunny and in the 50s!

The first few days here have been great. We've been settling into our apartment (which is fabulous!) and getting a layout of the immediate area. A Target, large Trader Joe's, and a grocery store just across the road is a great change from the locations we've been to. We celebrated moving in last night with a bottle of wine from TJs. Tomorrow or Thursday we're going to check out where I'm working. My first impression is great--everyone we've met is very nice, and yesterday when we went to Panera we got free chocolate chip cookies--nice welcome to a new area! (Leaving Omaha, Bear Crossing, State Sign)