Jumping In...Head First?

Wow!  I haven't updated this in quite some time...

I'm in California!  Moved here a couple of weeks ago to live with an old mission companion (Crystle) who had an extra space in her apartment.  People asked me before coming out here, "Why are you moving to California?"  Why not?  or Because I can.  "Do you have a job out there?"  No.  Haha.  But so far I have been quite happy with the move.  I feel like this move was much needed.

My life here?  It's great.  The first week or so was rough, mainly because I hate being at the mercy of others to facilitate my social life but that just encouraged me to be faster at making friends.  My friends are so awesome!  Funny, I don't actually see Crystle much...she's always working or talking on the phone with her boyfriend in Idaho but it's all good, we still get our time.  I spend most of my time hanging out with my other roommate Rachel, Crystle's little sister Amber, and a friend from my branch Andrea.  Seriously, some of the best people around!  We have laughed together so hard it makes me almost pass out...multiple times!  Haha.  Love it.

My branch is pretty small (especially on Super Bowl Sunday) but I like it!  It makes it much easier to get to know people, which is nice.  My first Sunday here I was asked to give the opening prayer in Sacrament Meeting, then by the time church was over, I had a calling!  I'm a Relief Society teacher.  I'm actually really excited about it because it will be a challenge for me and it will help me in my scripture study to have more focus.

I found a job within a week of getting here, which was a huge blessing.  I work at an after-school program at a middle school in town.  The thing I like the most about it is that I'm learning so much about the current issues facing this age group and how to handle them.  It's going to be so helpful when I get my own classroom of middle school kids this fall in Vegas.  I have the perfect job!

While I'm loving the one job I have, it is only part-time and I am therefore still trying to find another source of income to help me survive this next couple of months.  Hence, now introducing: MJ's Tailoring and Alterations!  I've got quite a few customers already so it's working out pretty well for me.

I think I've hit all the main points of my life out here so far.  Oh!  One more thing...there's this little diner outside of town that has about 150 milkshake flavors on their menu...it has become our goal to try all of them (or at least, all the ones we want to try...we'll be avoiding black licorice...)  The four of us like to go at the same time and each get different flavors so that knocks off 4 at a time.  Last time our friend Richard was brave enough to get the bacon flavored milkshake so we all got to try it.  Maple bacon next?  Haha.  I've had carmel apple, peanut butter apple, peanut butter marshmallow, white chocolate raspberry, cloud 9 (made with white chocolate, marshmallow, and golden oreos), and others (don't worry, exercise ensues :)  I think we'll make a movie of our experience...