February 2012 Update

Wow...February has been a whirlwind! I can't believe it's March already and soon we'll be opening our windows and welcoming in a new summer!

What have we been doing you ask? Oh just working, studying, and traveling our butts off!

I started my first job as an Occupational Therapist at Nationwide Children's Hospital on February 6th. What an answered prayer and blessing this position has already been in both of our lives. I'm working in the exact setting and population that I came into grad school hoping to do. The first week or so was a little rough, as any new job/transition can be. It was a "God, give me strength for this HOUR" kind of beginning but I can now say, in week 5, that I'm starting to settle in and become more comfortable in this position. I'm learning so much both professionally and personally. Also...the Hazens have a steady income again after 4 months! HEEYY YOOO!

Dana has been literally studying every moment that he's home. He has a very heavy course load this quarter and reads books the size of my face on a daily basis. No joke. But he absolutely loves what he is working on and is grateful to be in this season of life.

That book is bigger than his face!

February was also a month for traveling...who knew?
We took a trip up to Ellicotville, New York for our second annual Holiday Valley ski trip with our friends Ben and Dana Holt. It was FREAKIN freezing but we had a blast just hanging out with our buds and attempting to be sweet on our skis.

The Holzens! Liv and ManDana & Ben and GirlDana

We then took a road trip south to travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to celebrate the birthday of our friend Patty Lou. Several of our friends were able to join and we learned all about how they make bourbon and the history of that area. It was a rich weekend of friendship, laughter, and bourbon :)

Myself, the birthday girl PL, Renee, and Erika. College girlfriends spending the weekend together!

Lastly, we headed north (although only an hour north) to Apple Valley to retreat with our small group for a few days. Thank you Mom and Mike for letting us use your sanctuary for the weekend. We spent most of the weekend eating wonderful food and bonding with one another in Christ.

March should slow down a little bit...in the sense that we won't be gone 3/4 weekends. We're looking forward to St. Patty's Day and more consistent warmer weather!