Time for the new year!

Hey girls,

Maria I am soo sooo happy for you! That's incredible! And luckily all the nasty side effects should be gone in about a month :) I can't even begin to imagine how beautiful your baby is going to be!

LP, it is soo tough moving to another city, especially one you aren't really working or going to school in. I tried it for about 5 months. Finally, in late December I started to feel attached to Memphis. I did go to the dog parks, like maria said, and met a few people there. None that I really did anything with, it was just nice for the 20 minute social interaction. The best thing I came up with was volunteering at the YMCA. You can work with children or do office work. It is great though because everyone is so excited to see you (because you are working for free and youre awesome) and it's a nice way to get out of the house for an hour or so. Plus, you get a free YMCA membership! So, you can meet people at the gym and at classes (yoga, pilates, etc.). Whatever you do, don't always do your work in the apt. go to starbucks or some place. Those little 20 minutes of socializing go a long way. It is very difficult moving to another city and relying on one person for all the different types of human interactions necessary. Eric and I are dealing with that right now. But you an alex are strong, hang in there. It does get better. I hated memphis the first few months. I think your situation will be better because Lexington isn't such a poor city. Also, another way to meet people is to offer to babysit if you know of a young couple with a tiny child. It adds fun to your day and you never know if you may be the people they start to go out with!

Right now, I am trying desperately to find a pediatrician/np in ohio to be my preceptor starting Jan 5th. I know that I am not going to be able to start clinicals on time, I only hope that I can start soon enough to where I can finish on time... How stressful!!! I don't even know if they will let me find another site in Cincy, or if they will make me do my clinicals in memphis. That would really suck. I would either try to live with Carmen, my friend from school, or live in an extended stay hotel. I really want eric and I to have our own space so we can find out if we want a future together and if moving has just worn on us, or if we need to take our own paths in life. I know you guys probably think I am crazy for even considering a future with him possible, and I probably will think I'm crazy when I look back in about 5 months. But that is just where I am right now. I am just praying this quarter goes well, I can finish on time, and I don't let my personal life interfere with 50000$+ of learning.

I can't wait to see everyone, especially now that I am closer in proximity to all my friends! :)

LOVE YOU ALL!

MJ