The plan was: Mallory, graduate from college, work full time as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, make and save money. Sarah, attend Utah college, work part time, make a little money and save the left overs. Two years out, Sarah would graduate from college, and our family of four would move to the northwest to engage the next adventure.
One day, Portland, my love
Obviously, that did not come to fruition. I write this as I sit on the floor of our overpriced apartment, listening to This American Life, drinking tea, and trying not to fall asleep awaiting family to arrive from Salt Lake.
In relocating north I wanted to hate the fact I was moving into a small town, attending a college half the size of my previous, and don't get me started on the winters... However, now that we have been here for a few months, I cannot bring myself to hate my surroundings.
Sarah stand up paddle boarding (SUP) at Hyalite Res.
Up Hyalite Canyon
Lewis Hall- my main squeeze on campus.
Downtown crowds for Music on Main.
Bozeman is wonderful. In fact, Sarah and I LOVE living here. The people are friendly. The surroundings are beautiful. Harvey can gallop to his hearts content chasing countless gophers, squirrels, soccer balls, and birds on the many trails and parks sprinkled over our dear city. And Conan can perch on our balcony and mew at passersby for as long as he can stay awake in the warm sunlight.
Sarah is working hard, spending her time at one job or another (currently she works mornings at Bagels Etc. and evenings at Costco). I am generally found in one of three places, Las Vegas, my home office, or on campus. Unfortunately, a lot of my time this summer has been spent in Las Vegas. I say unfortunately not because I am not enjoying the work, I say unfortunately because, I mean, it is Las Vegas. It is hot, everywhere smells like an old man wearing velour while smoking cigars, and the roaches. Oh my oh my the roaches.
This little guy emerged from the pants of my advisor...
What I have learned in Vegas - I can work hard with a surprisingly small amount of sleep, and palmettos make me dance and scream. Oh, and I have learned lots about Toxicology, Immunology, metals, laboratory tests, and patience.
I should rewind a smidgen and explain exactly why Sarah and I got up and decided to move 6.5 hours North of our loved ones. One afternoon in October 2012, I received a phone call from Dr. Deborah Keil, a past professor from the University of Utah. Out of the blue she offered me full funding, and a stipend, to move to Bozeman and complete a Master's degree as her GRA/GTA (Graduate Research Assistant/ Graduate Teaching Assistant). I hurried and took the GRE, applied to Montana State University, and before I knew it I was flying back and forth from UNLV, taking part in an absolutely amazing research project. Tomorrow morning I begin classes at the university. I thought it would be a long while before I attended school again, however my abrupt return to the college campus is a welcome addition to my ten year plan. I honestly feel as if I am the luckiest human.
Sarah and I are missing our family and friends. However, moving away has given us an opportunity to grow in such a way that would have been difficult had we stayed in SLC. We are taking the blows that life throws at us, and making sure to make the best out of our opportunity.
