I was lost . . . now I am found

So I have rediscovered the joys of blogs. I have been lost in the world without it. I know that it has been a really long time since I last post, but I did have some password/technical difficulties. I am back and have gone for a new look on my blog and in real life. I chopped my hair back in September, but I have also dyed it darker as well. Don't worry scroll down a little and you can see for yourself the new look. Keep in mind the pictures don't do the hair justice.

So there are few things that have changed in my life since I last blogged other than my hair. I also have a new position at the non-profit organization I have been working at. I am now a caseworker for victims of domestic violence. I help victims get out of their abusive situations as safely as possible and I also educate them about the dynamics of abuse. I have many other caseworker responsibilities. I am also the coordinator of all our volunteers that are on-call for when a crisis arises and a victim needs to meet with an advocate. I know my job sounds depressing, but it is actually really rewarding to help those that need it the most. I have learned so much and it has already been a great growing experience. My plan is to get my social work license in December, because you have to work for a year, under supervision and then I can take a test to get licensed as a social worker. I am still working at the hospital in the Mother/Baby unit, but I only work every other weekend. I work Saturday and Sunday, twice a month. It has been so amazing to have a fairly normal schedule. I only have to work until 3 in the morning two times a month, on Saturdays. I love working 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. It is so nice to be able to sleep at normal times of the day (except for every other Saturday) and to have my evenings off. So work is good at both jobs.

So I am still single as they come, but am trying to be more social and get out more now that I am not working 60-80 hours a week anymore. I have gone country dancing a few times, but I am not very good at dancing anymore. I did have a birthday this month, on the 11th so I am feeling old. I turned 24 years old. Even though it really isn't that old, it feels so old and plus my body is already starting to fall apart. I went to the doctors the other day and they tested my cholesterol, lets just say it was high, not in extreme danger high but too high especially for my age. Also, my HDL's, which is the good cholesterol, was too low. So I have set a new goal to eat more veggies and fruits and to exercise more. I also was told I am supposed to eat oatmeal and take those fish oil pills. If anyone else has some ideas for me, that would be great.

So I am attaching some pictures. They are of my birthday. I had a pretty good celebration. I went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays with my roommates Laura and Jamie and my some of my family-Scott (brother), Shirlene (sister-in-law), Talan (nephew), Taylie (niece). We had a good time. I got steak and loved it!!! Just a warning, some of the pictures are kind of random, because Taylie wanted to help take pictures. It's kind of hard to get amazing pictures with a 20 month old helping you.

This is my HOT birthday crown, eating a bite of oreo pudding pie, it was delicious. I think I should have worn this to the resturant. I know you are all jealous that you can't have my crown, but you are just going to have to learn how to get over it or find one at a $1 store!!!

Taylie Helped me open the present she picked out. It was a soft bunny, and she called it "baby"

My roommies Laura and Jamie patiently waiting for our meal to come

Talan and (Daddy) Scott. Talan had really watery eyes, so he looks kind of sad

Talan posing with Mommy (Shirlene)

Taylie holding my present and not quite looking the right direction. Still she is so cute!!