Birthday Wish List

I was inspired by reading Kathryn's post over at Barefoot Daydreams.  My birthday is coming up on the 10th of next month (woo-hoo!) and I'm also in a conundrum trying to decide what I want for my birthday.  Here is my list...and opinions are welcomed!:

A Keurig.  I am addicted to love my morning cup of coffee.  I currently have the 'ole pot coffee maker, but living by yourself doesn't require too big of a pot of coffee each morning.  I typically only have 1 full cup...and my mornings are pretty crunched for time (I'm NOT an early morning person...).  So, this would seem like the perfect solution for a single gal.  But do I want what's practical??


 
A Kindle.  My parents both have one and love it.  I know a lot of other people that do too.  I haven't really had the chance to sit down and read this year and most of my free time is spent vegging on the couch watching tv.  I could probably make better use of my time by reading.  I used to read a lot, and I enjoy reading...but I just don't anymore.  I'll have more time with my new job, and this also seems like an excellently practical gift.



Then there's THIS watch.  To quote Kathryn, "I'm in lurv".  But it would be the main gift.  And it's DEFINITELY not practical.  Ok, it's semi-practical.  I don't have a nice watch to wear when I'm not at work (work watch consists of Target $12 stopwatch...it's nursing-home proof...and will now be kid-proof).  So I really DO need ("need" is used lightly) a nice watch...

Buuut, then there's a nice camera.  I've got a decent compact digital camera currently that is now 4 years old.  It takes pretty good pictures most of the time, but some shots are horrible.  I can't take pictures at night, no matter what.  They never turn out and are always grainy and/or completely dark if I do.  It doesn't have much zoom power either.  I'd like to tinker with a nice camera and see if I discover a new talent (maybe??).  But what is the best "nice" camera, but not too expensive (considering I'm just an amateur and don't need a professional grade camera).  The Nikon Coolpix L120 looks pretty good, my cousin (who takes pretty professional grade photos) uses the Nikon D3000 (but that's like, Christmas gift price-range).  But hers looks like it takes better quality photos...but do I need that high quality photos really?  So many decisions!  Any suggestions from you nice camera owner readers out there??  This may just be the direction I'm leaning for my gift...

Anyways, that about covers my 26th Birthday Wish List.  Advice is welcome!

Remember Me??!!

OOOkkk, I know it's been MONTHS since I've posted...and I'm sorry about that!  It's truly been a crazy whirlwind of nearly 3 months.  I'll try to summarize:

• I told my bosses, after having the info pried out of me, that I didn't want to stay at my current job for the next year
• I was told by the head-honcho boss that I would, as a result, be "let go" at the beginning of June...which gave me 2 months to find a new job
• I took a week off in April to job-search...relentlessly searching!  To no avail.
• I found out about a center/school in Greenville (from a friend from church) which is strictly a preschool for medically challenged special needs children, called Meyer Center for Special Children.  My heart jumped when I looked into them.
• My friend knew one of the Speech Therapist's at the center through church and I was able to tour the center with her, meet the Rehab Director, and drop off my resume...though their therapists had been there for YEARS and they weren't hiring.
• Work got even worse.  They kept running all over me, taking advantage of me, and we (my Dad and I) had to get lawyers involved.
• As a result, they offered me my job back...if I would commit to being in the schools again next year.  Not thrilled about it...but I didn't have another job lined up, so I agreed.
• Work was MISERABLE.
• God taught me how to be joyful in my misery and to be content with my situation.  For a month and a half I lived by the quote from Joel Osteen (which was on a Post-It on my bathroom mirror to remind me daily): "Be joyful today...whether or not I feel like it."  That attitude change did wonders.  God is good...even in the hard times.
• Flash forward to the end of June: I get an email from the Rehab Director at Meyer Center telling me that one of their Speech Therapist's was actually moving to Arizona and they were, as a result, now hiring a Speech Therapist, and she was wondering if I wanted to interview.  Ummm...YES!
• I was able to arrange to leave work early on a Friday (which was also a blessing from God), and go interview.  I knew I wasn't one of the strongest contenders, as I have so little experience, but I tried to convey to her that what I lack in experience I make up for in enthusiasm for what their center does.  I left the interview a little baffled...as most of the time was spent with them talking trying to, seemingly, "sell" the center to ME.  I barely got a chance to "make my case"!  
• I spent that weekend in Moultrie, GA visiting my brother and his family.  I get a call Monday morning from the Rehab Director.........offering me a position!  And I also discovered they were hiring TWO Speech Therapists.  For a place like the Meyer Center...that's pretty unheard of, as their therapists stick around for YEARS usually.
• I took the position!  Amazed at how God orchestrated it all.  God knew that's where my heart desired to work, and though I thought it wasn't even a possibility, HE knew it would be and I just needed to wait for HIM to show me that.  What an amazing gift from God!
• I found out they had another PT (physical therapist) position available and I told one of my PT friends at my current job about it...she interviewed too and got the job too!
• I went to China to work with medically fragile children at a foster home, providing Speech Therapy to them.
• I returned to my old job and put in my 2 week notice...only to be told by the head boss to not return (but she let my PT friend stay...such a double standard).
• I'm now on a lovely little 2 week R&R "vacation"...awaiting to start my new job NEXT WEEK!
• August 8 I start at the Meyer Center and I'm SO excited for the opportunity for growth and learning that lies ahead!

Soo, I will have MUCH better hours: 8-4 every day 5 days a week with school holidays off and 13 days of personal vacation time on top of it!  No more being tugged in 5 different directions, never having time to finish what needs to be done, working until 9 pm and not getting paid any overtime (or getting paid for a full day even most of the time), and no more working weekends!  As a result, I may actually keep my blog updated more regularly this year!  (I know, all 3 of my readers are thrilled...)  Anyways, that's where I am right now...and I'm glad I can finally share that info!

Stay tuned, I'm copying Kathryn's idea and will be posting my own Birthday wishlist soon!