Last Day

So, today was my last day of work at the Florida Center for Community Design and Research. I have worked there in one way, shape, or form for the last 3 1/2 years, so it was a big day. It was the kind of place all offices should strive to be like. Everyone was hard working, smart, and extremely flexible. I guess it was because we were all so similar that we worked well together, but it was a hard place to leave. Even though the pay isn't phenomenal, it's hard to beat a place where you look forward to working every day, gives you a flex-time schedule, and encourages your academic interests.

Luckily I have stumbled upon another job that appears to be just as cool, and more in line with my degree. If all goes as planned, then in January I will be starting a new job as an actual archaeologist! The new office is also a flex-time office, totally cool with Baby Sykes, and they have been looking for someone like me to fill their needs in their Orlando office. I guess sometimes things really do 'just work out'.

Unfortunately my good job fortune meant Nate choosing against a new opportunity for himself. He got offered a phenomenal job up in Atlanta, but we just couldn't make the stars align. Too many contributing factors made the move to Atlanta far more of a burden than a blessing. Of course we could have made it work, but we felt like we were forcing it too much. Besides, we just moved into this FABULOUS new house and we really should enjoy it for a few months before we move on again. I have a very strong feeling that something else big (and not just my stomach) is around the bend for both of us in the coming years.

I do have to say I am so grateful we took the chance on coming to Orlando, it was also a burden at times, but a year and half later I can say that we are really happy. Not just with jobs, but with ourselves, each other, and with life in general. That kind of peace is rare and special, so I have been trying to mix my enjoyment of it with trying to figure out how to bottle it up for a rainy day! Cuz I know it doesn't last forever.

My stomach is continuing to grow, I really do look preggo now, and that's a lot of fun. I know the next step is feeling the baby for the first time, so I am looking forward to that new experience as well.

Tomorrow starts my mini-vacation between jobs, so I'm looking forward to absolute rest before I delve into last minute Christmas shopping.... that is unless nobody I wants presents this year..

Oh, and other cool news.... Cristy graduated from USF on saturday!!! We all were there to scream her name as she walked across the stage! We had a blast celebrating this weekend with everyone and I am so proud of my little sister! She's not a nerd like me, but she got the full college experience, learned a lot of new things about herself and life, and is going to be an amazing person!! Love you little sister!!

Happy Holidays!!


















Our Graduate


















My little bitty Christmas tree (that I had to fight to get..)

My family is just too cute!! All three sleeping together on our very unmade bed!