The end is near....

Well the end is near for me...no I'm not dying, and I know it not technically the end of a calendar year...but a few things are coming to a close in my life and I'd like to reflect on them.

1. My first year living in Las Vegas. The beginning was quite hectic but is now ending very nicely (somewhat). I can finally get around town with out getting COMPLETELY lost. This is due in part to my GPS that Mom got me for Christmas, but I'm actually using it less and less now. I've come to enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer and finding more and more things every day. My favorite of course the "open 24/7". ALOT of things are open 24/7 here. Almost all the grocery stores and most of the fast food restaurants. If I ever needed or wanted something, I could go at 3:45 in the morning and get it (not to say that I ever stay up that late anymore...but just in case). Also is the availability of "adult beverages"; Unlike Dallas, it's available 24/7. (no, I'm not an alcoholic!!!!) Although, I'm still not used to being away from my Dallas family and friends, I have acquired multiple "pseudo" parents and many, many friends. My In-laws drive me crazy but I don't know what I would do with out them, as well as my "mama Zaida"...she is my Assistant Principle at Mojave and scolds me often...and for no reason!!! (haha...yea right). Which brings me to my next topic...

2. My first year at Mojave: Things in Nevada Education are a little different than Texas, but not by much. I had to adjust to some things that went a little differently here...1. being a PE Coach. As many of you know I taught Health for 3 years at my last school, and I got quite complacent and comfortable in that subject, so to be thrown into a new subject without any preparation (remember, I had 1 day of prep before the kids started back) was very difficult for me. 2. Chain of command. Here, I answer to an Assistant principle that is charge of PE/Health and athletics. But this principle does not do Discipline. We have Dean's for that. So, if I had a "personnel" issue, I had to speak to one person...if I had a student problem I had to speak to another...If I need info about SpEd...another....attendance...another...But I finally found my footing and understanding of the system and made it through...but not without completly loosing my mind and getting pissed off multiple times... I'm still not use to a lot of things but it's getting better and easier everyday. And of course, I butted heads with only a few people....haha. But all in all, they tell me that they like me and are very "entertained" not only by my accent but by my outspokenness (is that a word??..and thanks mom) oh..and I have officially acquire the nickname of "Texas Rose"....they picked it for me in the office...not me.

3. My first year of being a Head Coach: It was a blast...but major work. I think I actually prefer to be the Assistant...get to have the fun...but not all the hassle. But I'm pretty sure it's just because it was my first year. I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm looking forward to the years to come so I can actually "reap what I sow". My program has some MAJOR potential...but I have yet to get it (and them) all together. (just a little side story...and this is totally not a result of my coaching, but just to let you know the talent that I have at my fingertips here...One of my boys, who is only a sophomore, made it as a top 4 finalist at an open tryout for the LA Galaxy. He has a 3.8 gpa...and reminds me a lot of Mattchew b/c of his build and sarcasm and wit...but he is not sure if he wants to give up his teenage years just yet, so he told them he would come back next year and try out again...but I'm glad to have him back...he's a big part of my defensive line.) I'm already starting boys soccer and I'm really excited about next season. We should finish higher than 6th place...

4. My LAST year as an un-married person: I'm opting not to use "single"...b/c technically I'm not single..but you know what I mean. I have exactly 68 days until the wedding!!! I (really WE) have pretty much completed all the planning...but now it's time to get to the details of things. I hired all the required people...venue, caterer, photographer, DJ, Cake Lady, and can't forget my COORDINATOR. I really don't think I will or would still be getting married without her. I "hired"...didn't really hire her...b/c she somewhat volunteered her services...but whatever. One of my oldest and dearest friends, Brandy, took on the task of dealing with ME on the day of my/our wedding. We became friends in 6th grade...I was there when she met her husband...and was in their wedding back in 2004...SO LONG AGO...lol. But anyway, she is helping me put all the little details together that I'm not really able to do out here in Vegas. (not to neglect my other 2 great friends...Chrissy and Rylie who are helping more than they probably want to...) But I head to Dallas for almost an entire month to finalize all the details...have my bachelorette party (at the river...if you wanna join...come on)...take my bridal pictures...and have my wedding shower (plus attend a wedding). I can't believe I'm actually getting married!!! I'm not sure what I'm more excited about...the actual wedding or marrying Zach....hahahahaha...kidding people...kidding. I look forward to the day I will be Mrs. Huntsinger and eventually starting our family and the rest of our lives.

It may be the end of somethings, but the beginning of something beautiful to come.