New Puppy Video

Rawhide Ranch

goats, originally uploaded by Lostfiniel.

I used to attend a summer camp called Rawhide Ranch. It is a wonderful camp out in Bonsall with horses, goats, sheep, llamas, chickens, pigs, etc etc etc. There are classes about animals, riding lessons, group activities, archery, riflerey, and driver's ed! (For horse-drawn carriages.)

Lauren and I went at least once a summer for years. It was a major part of my childhood. I learned a lot there and I still keep very fond memories of everything I experienced.

The transition to the new job was bothering me. The Ayres hotel doesn't feel right to me. I kept looking for other job opportunities and the idea to work at Rawhide came to me! I had tried many times in the past. But now it would work out for me. Thomas supported the idea from the beginning and now I actually have beneficial reasons for working there as a counselor.

There is only a slim chance that I will get in. They are not sure they even have a position open and I am not sure that I could get it. But, in case they do and in case I have a chance at it, I have been working hard to prepare. I just got my CPR certification and I will get my certification for water safety next week. I've also found some great resources for activities.

I have daily checked forums on camp counseling, even going back into much older posts looking for any tips or help I can get should I face any problems as a counselor.

I have been trying to brush-up on my child development and psychology. That coupled with what I have learned of operant conditioning should help out.

I will hopefully find out tomorrow if I have a chance for a position. There are many reasons I would like this job. I would love the chance to make a difference in the lives of my campers, just as my counselor's made a difference in mine. This would also help me in future supervisory roles. After all, if you can handle a group of 9 year-olds every week for two months, you should be able to handle adults. Not to mention the job requires heavy responsibility and accountability. You can't call in sick. You are there 24 hours a day most days and you have lives (and young feelings) in your hand.

So, please, anyone out there who reads this, cross your fingers for me!

My New Family

sleeping, originally uploaded by Lostfiniel.

I got a new job. Well, sort of, I should be getting a new job.

I applied to many places around Orange County. I heard back from a couple. One was my first choice amongst the places I applied. It is a hotel in Orange. It is pretty similar to the hotel I am at now. Should work out alright.

I got the news on Friday. I will be giving my two week notice soon. That won't be fun. I really do like my job the majority of the time. The bad times are minimal. It's the drive and the gas prices that are making the decision for me. It is an extra several hours I am away from home. And, with the rising gas prices, it is just not reasonable to commute so far for what is basically an entry-level position.

We will see how the new place works out. I don't know why, but I am not as excited about this job. I'm going to give it a shot, but if it is not a comfortable fit after a good amount of time, I will keep looking.

New Ring

Copy of color, originally uploaded by Lostfiniel.

Just wanted to post a picture of the lovely ring Thomas got me. :)