I really liked Natalie's quote on change, because I have had a LOT of big changes in my life this summer.
Honeymoon:
Kevin and I moved to NC the morning after we arrived back in the states from our lovely honeymoon in Antigua. If anyone is ever venturing into that part of the world, check out Coco's. We loved it. It is a resort, but it is very small and rather than a massive hotel, everyone has their own little love bungalo with a hammock and outdoor showers facing the beach. It is lush and beautiful and very private. Perfect for a honeymoon where you don't want to do much else than, well... relax. We definitely didn't want to come home!
Our New Homes:
We settled into Kevin's little one bedroom apartment in Raleigh for two months. It didn't take us long to decide that one closet was NOT enough for two grown people. Plus the commute to and from work (30 min in the morning, 1 hour in the evening) in terrible traffic was killing me. We moved to Durham (about the size of Birmingham, 30 minutes outside of Raleigh) at the beginning of the month where we got a fabulous deal on a town home. It is very similar in size and layout to Donahue Crossing town homes in Auburn, but two bedrooms instead of three. Kevin and I have had a lot of fun decorating and playing house.
Being married is lovely ;)
My New Job:
Most of you probably know this already, but I have been working at Duke University as the Program Coordinator for the Department of Anesthesiology. My new job is both challenging and very rewarding. I pretty much work alone with one other woman, Elizabeth. We report directly to the Chairman of the Department. It's kind of hard to explain exactly what I do, but basically we deal with all alumni affairs, both internal and external communications for the department, and are responsible for the department's non-profit organization, the Duke DREAM Campaign, which raises funds for anesthesia research.
It's easier to just tell you about a couple of the things we are working on. Our biggest project at the moment is creating the Blueprint, our annual departmental publication. This year is really the first time that it is an actual 50 page magazine with interesting articles rather than just an annual report. I have been in charge of writing all the articles for the publication, which means that I have been interviewing Doctors and former patients all summer. In addition to the articles, Elizabeth and I are also responsible for all the photography and design. It's a BIG project for two people- especially with such a limited amount of time. It's due to the printers in two weeks and we didn't get started until I started in early June.
Our other big project at the moment is planning the Alumni Reception which will be at this year's ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) conference in San Diego. We are having it on a yacht at the San Deigo Marriott Marina in October. Elizabeth and I are responsible for this entire event as well. We are currently designing invitations, educational material, and a banner to hang on the side of the yacht.
Speaking of which, has anyone ever been to San Diego? I will be there 48 hours and want to make the most of it!
Work has been very very busy lately - and to add injury to insult, my building flooded last week and we all have to relocate for the next 90 days. This is why I am at home on a Friday night at the computer. Trying to catch up..... not doing such a good job! Just writing a novel of a blog instead!
A Final Note:
For those of you who have not heard, Janna King has stage 3 ovarian cancer and recently had to have both of her ovaries removed. Hannah, I am not sure that you have met Janna, but she is a sorority sister of ours, and she is a wonderful person and close friend to many of us. She has 6 chemotherapy treatments to go, but she is currently cancer free. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. AND - don't forget to make regular visits to your lady doctor. Janna is only 22. Sorry, mom moment.
For those of you who are coming to the first game, is anyone interested getting together and getting a bunch of people to sign something for her?
Ok, I gotta run, but I love you girls! Thanks again for making this Hannah!
1. LaurMar: Katie Hodges lived in San Diego for about 6 months so contact her and I'm sure she could give you some ideas of how to make the most of your time.
ReplyDelete2. I visited Janna in Andalusia last weekend. She looked great and is making a strong recovery. She had a follow up appointment this past week but I haven't heard the update. Janna's bubbly, positive attitude is so inspiring, and she is so thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers.