So its been a while since Haley or I have taken the time post an update. And to be honest a ton of things have happened since then. I honestly don't even know where to start. Lets make a list...
1 New Job (Haley)
2 Promotions (Me & Haley)
1 New BBQ
2 Trips to AZ (1 in August, 1 coming in November)
1 Major Change in Life's Plans
3 Callings (1 Haley 2 John)
1 Sewing Machine
1 Taffy Puller
2 New Tricks (Blue)
So this list is not cronilogical or in any order... so here we go...
Haley started working at Conservice with me at the end of August. She started as a "Utility Processor" which is just a fancy name for data entry in the SyNERGY department. She didn't love the job or having to work Saturdays but we did enjoy the added income. She was quickly promoted to the Exceptions Team where she gets to use her math and stats background to help analyze variance in utility expenses for apartment communities. (Just smile and nod like you know what I am talking about). She has really enjoyed the change in routine and best of all not having to work Saturdays. Oh and she got a raise, we both love that!
Sometime around the same time Blue came to live with us I got promoted as well in the Billing Department to Team Lead. I originally had 4 direct reports but that number has grown to 6 which for this job is quite a few. I also was transitioned to a special team dealing almost exclusively with one of our biggest clients. This has meant a lot of overtime and late nights at the office but has been a great experience for me. One I have really enjoyed being part of some changes that have made the team work more efficiently but also it helped open my eyes about not loving overtime.
So why is it a reward that I figured out how much I do not enjoy overtime? Well I have spent the last 10 or so years planning to be a Doctor. While I didn't always make the best choices to make this an easy road I was on the road none the less. And 3 years ago I didn't think I would mind working 60-80-100 hours a week as long as I got to be in the OR. Well those of you that can do the math 3 years ago is when I met Haley and started thinking that maybe there is something better than being at work all day everyday. This job as a TL really opened my eyes to my not wanting to be away from her all the time. SO I made a choice, I am no longer planing on being an MD. I now am planing on being a DPT. That's a Physical Therapist for those of you that aren't up on your medical abbreviations. Its a three year doctorate program that I hope to start in 2012. More updates on this will be coming soon. (And by soon I mean someday in the next 6 mths ;-) sorry Aunt Gayle)
Where are we on the list? Oh somewhere in there I got a new grill. I opted for a charcoal grill this time. Mostly because it was cheaper to start out with that than a gas grill but its been a ton of fun this summer. I am in the process of perfecting BBQ Ribs. I think they are getting pretty good.
We went to AZ in August to pick my sister up and bring her back to USU where she started her Grad program in Audiology. I also visited AT Still and Midwestern University to check out their PT programs. We will be making the drive back down in November for Thanksgiving, which I am excited about given the recent spell of cold weather around here.
Haley and I were called to be Primary Workers back in May and have been teaching the 8 and 9 year olds. I recently was called to the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd councilor. Both callings have been a great blessing and we have learned a lot in both positions.
Haley just got a new sewing machine this weekend. A Brother Innov-i's 80. I will let her post about it on her own. Needless to say she is playing with it right now.
Tonight I built a Taffy Puller. More to come about that I have no doubt. Christmas Candy is coming soon!
Blue also has learned a few new tricks. Bang and Knuckles. Videos will get posted eventually as well.
Well I think that covers the list and its dinner time so I'm going to cut this short. Hope this fills the urge to blog stalk us. Leave us your comments we love to know people are reading. It will probably nudge us to post more often.
