Inspired by Mondo

Hello to all of my family and friends!

Today's post is adequately titled "Inspired by Mondo" .... as she totally called me out on my lack of posting over the past .... 6 months ... YIKES!

Okay, a lot has happened over the past several months. I think I'll break it up into areas of my life to write little (or longer) updates on. I thought about doing a month by month, but realized that my "work" area of life goes across all months .....

FAMILY
Mom and Dad are doing well. Dad switched jobs a few months back, and is now working for a company who specializes in specialized / advanced GPS systems for construction equipment and sites. Think Jetsons style technology. Mom and Dad just celebrated their 31st (I think ....) wedding anniversary in May! Kristen, Jory, and Jennifer continue to do well, too. Kristen took a seasonal job with the Alleghany Forest, and the three of them moved to Warren. They will be there until October .... after that, I don't know. Jory continues to carry a full time job on the weekends at a facility north of Pittsburgh. Jennifer is growing day by day and is gaining new skills and freedom!! She recently discovered how to walk without holding onto anyone or anything. She's echoing words / phrases. My Mom said she recently pointed to a picture of me and IDed me by name! YAY! I miss seeing her as much as I did for her first 9 months of life, but it makes the times I do get to see her that much more special and meaningful!

TRAVEL
I've had a few traveling opportunities over the past few months. In January I drove with two of my friends to Huntington Beach, Cali to see two wonderful friends get married!! Congratulations to Kimberly and Greg!! In February I spent the better part of a week in Las Vegas for the annual PT conference. I had a great time with friends. My life long friend Renee flew into Phoenix from Texas. We drove to Kingman, AZ, met up with Vince, and the three of us drove into Vegas together. In March I flew to Mexico (pre Swine-flu) for a company paid vacation at an all-inclusive resort. I spent a day visiting the Mayan ruins, snorkeling, repelling, and zip lining. Wonderful!!! I also spent the better part of a week in the 814 during the spring break of the school system that I was working in. April I didn't travel ... which actually means I spent the first "major" (major = Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) holiday away from my family. I did spend it with one of my close friends, her boys, and her whole family in AZ. May took me across the country - from AZ to NY.

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I have been battling a headache all day. I am giving into it, and heading to bed. I will write more tomorrow ..... on my love for all things AZ.