It's been a long time!

It sure has been a long time. The summer was packed with research with the Center for Student Coastal Research and with the North and South River Watershed Association. At CSCR, I was in charge of two research groups, Jacobs Meadow and Musquashcut. Students volunteered their time to do wetland monitoring through a variety of data collection. I also picked up a position with NSRWA helping collect data along the South River in Marshfield. The data collected through CSCR and NSRWA helps Coastal Zone Management get information on the health of wetlands and water quality along the rivers. This data is used for restoration projects or to see if the restoration in certain areas is improving the health of these wetlands. I had a great group of students and interns that helped collect data come rain or shine. I'm looking forward to heading back to CSCR for another summer of research.

Starting a new job has been taxing. I can honestly say I have never felt this tired, both mentally and physically, as I have this year. Getting use to a new schedule, new policies/procedures, new students has been interesting to say the least. I'm amazed at the apathy I see in the faces of the students I encounter daily. It's hard to change how one thinks when the community as a whole isn't big on stressing the importance of education. The students definitely keep me on my toes and there have been some highlights to date. The upcoming months should be interesting.

We adopted another dog the beginning of Novemeber. Her name is Paisley and she is 22 months old. She is a Weimer just like Orion and is very lovable. She was free to a good home and had been a great addition to the family. Seeing both Orion and Pasiley run around the yard or play around always brings a smile to your face. She has her little quirks. She is still timid but is getting better at having strangers around. She is a food hound, I even think worse than Sam was. She is known to jump in your lap while you are watching TV, not a small feat since she is 62 pounds. Getting her was a good decision. Orion has a playmate and isn't so lonely anymore. He did have to learn to share. For the most part he is good at sharing, especially the attention, but he still isn't big on sharing the toys. He'll take what she is chewing on even if he has been chewing on something else for a long period of time. At times he plays the gentleman card and will offer her his toy. 

The holidays were split between MA for Thanksgiving and VA for Christmas. It is always good to see family members and to eat good food. It was nice to meet my new nephew and to see my cousin's little boy. It's funny when you think about it. Growing up, we cousins would bet who would get married first and who would have kids first. My cousin Scott won the getting married first but my sister won having kids first. It is really cool to see all the little kids hanging around interacting and of course they are so stinking cute. During these times, I wish I lived closer to my side of the family.

Bob and I will be celebrating our 10th year anniversary this year. We booked a dive trip to Fiji. Yep, Fiji; one of the places I have always wanted to go to. We were looking a several places in the Caribbean and threw in a few wish places as well. We were surprised that a trip to Fiji cost only a few more dollars than going to Bonaire or Curaco. With all the things Fiji has to offer, it was a no-brainer. We're heading out in August and I'm so looking forward to it. Just being able to see the marine life found in that region of the world will be a pleasure in itself. One highlight we get to do is a shark feeding dive. We'll be able to see Bull, Black Tip, Sliverside, Nurse, and White tip sharks. I'm so hoping to get some killer photos while we are there. Who knows maybe we can move there! Now that would be AMAZING.

Winter is hanging on here in New England. I'm heading to Texas in a week so hopefully Spring will decide to come back with me and the temperatures start to warm up. I can honestly say I am sick of seeing snow. It has been fun to snowshoe but I have decided that I still can't LOVE it. Guess I'm just a Southern girl through and through.

Guess that is about all of an update for now. Life is still a journey and the ride sure is interesting.