The New Schedule

Well, getting back to work is great and all, but I am exhausted!! Training is just a lot to take in and to use my brain in this capacity after it has been sitting idle for the past 8 months is overwhelming! The thing I am struggling most with is the schedule. I am not a morning person whatsoever! I LOVE to sleep and I would say I do it quite well :) Getting up at 5:15 5 days out of the week is just difficult. Hopefully I will get used to it soon enough. :/

My 1st week went rather well. The general info taught was easy to grasp and retain, as I have had to deal with loans, financial aid, the steps, etc, when I was a student. The reports and programs are pretty basic, just a lot to remember and steps to follow. But I'm not too worried about it. Once I get on the floor I am hoping to pick it up rather quickly. We took our Mid-Assessment test yesterday to see where we are in terms of comprehension and application and I received a 98%! I was very relieved to see that grade! So now we are finishing up the remaining reports tomorrow and will take our Final Assessment next Tuesday. I am shooting for 100% this time! Fingers crossed! :)

I am very blessed to have this opportunity come my way and I am confident that I will like it a lot. I enjoy positions where I am making a difference as well as being held responsible for my development and growth. I am lucky that this position fits me and I hope to be running the place very soon ;)

New Hobby

Recently, Evan and I joined a Wii Bowling League!! Yes, it is on the Wii and No, I am not kidding! It is just like a regular bowling league (rules and all) but we play on the Wii. Thank goodness, because I wouldn't be doing as well as I am if it was for real! My friend Jenn and her family decided to do this for fun and asked me and Evan if we would like to join her team, Dolls and Balls (that was my kickball team's name, so we used it this time too!). Jenn, Rachel and I are the Dolls and Evan is the Balls! Perfect!

#1 Team in the League!

What Dolls :)

There are 6 teams, each made up of 4 members. We play 3 games total every Sat night and then receive our averages based on those games. Our 1st game was this past Saturday and we did very well! My average was 179 and Evan's was 211. As a team, we are going to kick some booty! We all have fairly similar averages so I know as long as we can be consistent, we will win!

There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for winning teams as well as other prizes along the way. It is very organized and planned out nicely. Thanks to Jenn's mom, Bonnie, we have rules, handicaps, and time restrictions so we can be official. She is even providing us with an "End of the Season" dinner! What a gal! Good thing she has played on leagues before and knows the ins and outs of the game. So far, it is tons of fun and I can't wait to continue with the "season"!

Happy Birthday!

Today would have been Grandpa Hamilton's 76th Bday. Sadly, he passed away in February of this year in Michigan. I know this was a very hard thing for my mom to go through and I admire her strength and her love for her father. We haven't seen him in a very long time, but he will always be remembered. I remember his gigantic height and his long, lanky legs. I remember when I was smaller looking at them when he would cross them and think, "Wow, those have to be 100 feet long! How is he able to cross them so easily?" Interestingly enough, I look at Josh and Jake and see that in my brothers.

But birthdays are a celebration of life and all that has been accomplished up to the point. So today, we remember John Stacy Hamilton: thank you for providing my mom with wonderful memories of a man and father whom she admired and loved more than anything. Thank you for raising such a beautiful daughter, inside and out, and for somehow giving her the necessary tools to be an outstanding mother, friend and human being. She makes an impact on all the lives she is in and makes a difference in our world. The fact that you were apart of molding this person to be who she is makes your life all that more incredible. I know you are aware of this, but we just want to thank you. Happy Birthday Grandpa. You are loved, remembered, and missed.

Back to the Grind!

I start my new job tomorrow! I am very excited to be part of the workforce again. I am definitely going to miss being home and keeping busy with things to do around my house, but I am looking forward to having a schedule and responsibilities other than the casa. I know my dogs are going to miss me. They will be all alone during the day now :( So I will need to make sure they get lots of attention and love when I am home in the evening.

I have 6 weeks of training, M-F from 7:30-4:30, so not too bad. The drive is about 45 mins to an hour, depending on traffic. It is going to be hard getting up early. I better go to bed at 8 tonight! But I am looking forward to what this new chapter will bring and how I will grow from it. Updates to come...

A Great Week

Jake had his last set of tournament games Monday and Miah was able to go to the 1st one for a little bit before we headed back to San Diego. Right before we arrived, we received a text letting us know that Jake's team had won the whole tournament! That was awesome news to hear! The team all got individual rings and the team received a trophy. Way to go Jake & The Wildfire!

Arizona Wildfire
2009 National Labor Day Tournament
4-2
Tournament Champions

As soon as we got there, we headed straight to Mission Beach. It was great! We went to Fred's for some Mexican food; we were starving! Miah enjoyed the waitress just as much as the food! It was a good time, indeed.

Mission Beach

Miah laying out

My new friend

Tuesday, while Miah was in school and at practice, I went to the mall and exchanged some clothes I had in my closet that are too big for me. I always buy clothes and never take the tags off until I wear them. This tactic came in handy because I was able to return all my Charlotte Russe clothes that I bought when I was a heffer and get a whole new wardrobe for work! I am very excited about this! So now I am set for a while or so. After I was done shopping, Miah, I and his roommate, Chance, went to see The Final Destination in 3-D. I had already seen it but it was definitely worth seeing again. Can you believe it was $29.00 for me and Miah???? What is that about? I know 3-D is more, but the reg movies are $11.50 with no student discounts. Man, California is expensive!

I was planning on leaving Wednesday before Miah had practice at 1:30, but his morning class got cancelled and there was no practice that day, so he begged me to stay! I couldn't resist! So we drove to Coronado Island and laid out on the beach for a few hours. It was beautiful there! Miah had to be at school for some rally his team was participating in, so we had to head back. I got ready and waited for him to finish. We went back to the mall and Miah patiently went shopping with me. He thinks I don't wear enough color and that I need to venture out instead of always sticking to black and white. Note taken. Thanks for the tip, Miah!

Miah

Beautiful spot

Waves that carried nothing but seaweed

More beach

We went back to the beach that evening in hopes of swimming, but it was too darn cold outside. I just couldn't get in. We bundled up in the beach towels and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings before heading back.

Freezing at Pacific Beach

Thursday morning, we got up early so Miah could go to school and I could leave. It was sad to leave after spending so much time w/him--I HATE GOODBYES!! I had so much fun just hanging out and talking with him. He is such a sweetheart. Hopefully we can see each other soon. I can't wait to watch his games. I love you Miah!

I drove home alone and made it safe and sound in a little oever 5 hours. I love living right off the 10! Perfect for Cali trips. On a totally random note, I hate these things! I feel as though they are going to come up out of the ground, start walking, and shoot everything in sight! They freak me out big time! I hate driving by them. Creepy!

They are monsters just waiting for the right time to attack!

Busy Weekend

Thursday, I cleaned out my closet and did a few things around the house. Normally, my dogs nap while I am cleaning and such, so today was no different. I know no one cares about my dogs, but I have to post this picture of Bailey. She is just too cute! She sleeps so weird and always with her tongue out. Dog lover or not, this is too funny!

That everning, Miah flew home for the weekend and I got to pick him up! It was so great to see him-I felt like it had been years! He is here until tomorrow and I get to take him back to spend some more time w/him. Hopefully he won't get sick of me by then!

Friday night, everyone came over to my house for some Mexican food. We had queso, homemade salsa, ceviche, tacos, chicken enchiladas, and rice and beans. Tia made brownies and some tres leche cake! Mighty good! She is so cute and thoughtful. We had a good time and I loved having everyone over. It is nice when we can all be together and enjoy each others company. Jake had just finished practice and had an 8 o'clock game the next day so he was ready for bed pretty early. Mom stayed and helped me clean up. She rocks!

Yesterday, Jake had 2 games scheduled, but due to the rain, the team only played one. We weren't able to make it due to Jaydan's party, but the team did well and won their game. Woo Hoo! Miah and Jake went to see The Hangover and Miah was disappointed; he didn't think it was as funny as everyone had said. I can't believe he took Jake to see that! Aye! Evan and Josh hung out at Westgate and I stayed home like an old lady! I love that!

Today, we headed to see Jake's tournament game at Peoria Sports Complex. It felt like it was 200 degrees! Jake played outfield and did really well. His team is quite impressive! I am glad he is apart of such a promising team! #34 rocks! After the game, Josh and Evan went to see "The Goods" and Miah and I ran to return a few things before heading to Dad's place for some grub. He BBQ'd steaks, chicken, and salmon. For some reason, I was craving a hot dog so Dad cooked a few. I think being at the ballpark caused it. Jake got mad at me because I kept squirting him with water. Miah managed to catch one episode on his phone, but I don't have it! It was quite entertaining for me and Miah, but Jake had enough! Being around Jake and Miah bring out the kid in me. I act like I am 10 again! I am glad tho because we always have so much fun.

I don't have any pics of Friday night or our Sunday BBQ dinner, but I do have baseball pics of Jake. He is such a stud! :) Love you, Baby Jake!

Look at this cutie pie!

Up to bat

Swing Batta Batta Swing!

Jake in the Outfield

Runnin in

Good Game!

Team Meeting

Miah and Jake--Mom snapped it just right!

Another Birthday!

Today, we celebrated Jaydan's 7th birthday. We all went over to Tasha and Jerry's house in Maricopa and just hung out with Evan's family. Jaydan had a lot of fun with all of her friends. Although we all left with headaches, eating the birthday cake was worth the pain! I don't know why, but something about it was just so darn yummy! Luckily, there are no more birthdays for another month. This gets to be a little bit too expensive with so many!! Anyhow, here are a few pics of the party. :)

Miss Jaydan

Me and Alex

The Santoro Familia #2: Nicole, Alex & Gene

Jerry teaching Alex how to play ping-pong

Alex's 1st Birthday

Saturday, we celebrated our niece, Alex's, 1st birthday! Although Evan and I are not married yet, I still consider his nieces and nephews to be mine :) Anyhow, she is extra special to me because I babysat her during my "no job" period and we got to be BFFs! She is my little girlfriend and I just love her to pieces! I am sad she is already 1! Where does the time go? I always loved having her around and enjoyed the time we spent together. I feel like she is my own! I am still in shock how fast she has grown and how incredibly gorgeous and amazing this little lady is. I put some pics of her as she has grown...I know, totally lame! But humor me!

The day she was born

6 months

One year :(

We went to Marley Park in Surprise to celebrate by the pool. Evan's family was all there, including his dad, Fred, and his girlfriend Virginia. That was an a bonus to the party for sure. They both live in Van Nuys, California, so they aren't able to come out for everyone's bdays and family celebrations, so when they are able, we certainly enjoy them! They are definitely enjoyable to have around. Everyone just hung out around the pool and all the kids got in and swam around. Sure are entertaining! Alex loves the pool and was the cutest little thing in her swimmer! Ethan and Madison hung out together--Ethan got the biggest kick out of the water that shot out. He is so darn cute!

Unlce Evan w/Alex

Madison playing

Ethan having a blast!

Cute cousins

Eric and Ethan

Eric and Jaxen

Jaxen loved it!

Jake and Ethan

Fred, Virginia, Evan and Gene

The ladies hanging out

Evan has 3 older siblings: Eric, Tasha and Gene. Between all of them, there are 9 nieces and nephews. I have had the pleasure of being around for 5 of their births, so it is amazing to see how fast they grow! The 2 newest additions are Jaxen (Eric & Hill) and Bryson (Tasha & Jerry), born 2 months apart to the day. They are very cute! Bryson was awake so we were able to do a little photo shoot with them. Jaxen was smiling up a storm! They are going to be the best of friends! :)

Jerry and Bryson

Jaxen!

Jaxen is so chunky & Bryson is so long!

After everyone went swimming, we sang "Happy Birthday" and Alex got to eat her very own cake! She looked at everyone with confusion, so Tasha went and fed her. She loved it! Nicole opened her presents and showed her what she got. She was quite fond of her new doll and wouldn't put it down. She found a new friend! She got a lot of books, toys and adorable outfits. She is set until Christmas :)

She didn't know what was going on!

Her own cake

She looked so confused

Playing w/her cake

Finally she can eat!

She liked the book we got her

But she loved her doll!

She was done!

We ended up at Eric and Hillary's house to relax after spending the day in the 115 degree heat. The kids got baths and started to get sleepy. Around 8, everyone decided to play poker. I knew this would take a while, so I headed home and left Evan to concentrate. I am glad I did because he won the pot! Woo Hoo! It was worth the late night for him.

Sunday, we went bowling with everyone before taking Fred and Virginia to the airport. We had a great time! I am a heck of a lot better bowling on my Wii than in life, but I tried my best! It is all in fun anyways. The Santoro's always went bowling growing up, so all of them are quite good. It is cute to see them all interact and have fun, as if they are kids again! It was a fun way to end the weekend. My battery died in my camera so I don't have any pics of bowling. :(