A Week of Firsts

We've had another great week here in Staunton! While we've experienced a whole lot of "firsts" over the last several months, this week had some that particularly stand out...

1. My first, real world paycheck! 
Up until vet school, I have had a job since I was 14. Once vet school started, I knew I would be unable to maintain good grades, a long distance relationship, my sanity, and a job. Vet school was a job enough so until July I had been unemployed for four years. It was tough at times knowing my only income was coming from a source that I would have to repay. Needless to say, getting that first paycheck felt awesome! I even took Clark out to dinner that night :) Which led to our...

2. First Trip to Baja Bean Co.
Most people know that I. LOVE. MEXICAN. FOOD. I think that I could literally eat Mexican everyday. We had heard that Baja Bean was delicious, but man-oh-man was it good! Clark got the Enchilada Jardin with steak and I had the So Gouda Tacos. And they were so gouda! We definitely will be frequent flyers there. And conveniently enough, it's located right next to The Split Banana... this could be a problem...

3. Clark's First Day of Work
Technically Clark is a 10 year teaching veteran, but I would be remiss not to mention it. His ability to find a job so quickly, the reception he has gotten, and the progress being made to get him back into ag is a testament to God's hand in our move.

4. First Augusta County Fair
One of the things we love about this area is that livestock showing is a HUGE past time. This week was the Augusta County Fair. Clark and I thought that checking it out would both a fun activity and a way to meet folks in the community. The Augusta County fair is not very big- probably a touch bigger than the Alexander County fair. The big showing event in the area happens in May- The Augusta County Market Animal Show. We were told that there were 120 steers alone at this years event. We can't wait to go next year! My first interactions with a veterinarian were as a young 4-Her so the opportunity to pay it forward is really exciting. But I digress... We arrived to the fairgrounds just in time to see the Grand Champion Market Lamb Drive. As soon as I looked in the ring I saw a familiar face- the judge was a former extension agent from NC! Small world! And the world got even smaller when Clark returned to the fair on Friday and his fraternity brother was judging the goat show! Being part of the FFA/4-H/Show world is so great because you can't go anywhere without running it to someone you know.

5. First Saturday at Westwood
Everyone had been warning me that Saturdays are crazy...and they were right. There was a line at the door when we opened at 8 and we didn't stop until we walked out just before 2. It was really good though. Everyone said I passed since I was till smiling at the end of the day :)

6. First trip to Waynesboro
Waynesboro is a town about 12 miles southeast of Staunton. It's a little bigger with more amenities like a Target, Kohls, Michaels, and Ross :) (I may be just a little excited to have located all of those not too far away). After consulting Tripadvisor, we settled on the #1 ranked restaurant in Waynesboro, The Green Leaf Grill. Once again, we were NOT disappointed. Very good food, reasonable prices, and worth the drive! On the way in we noticed Kline's Dairy Bar....so you can probably guess where we stopped on the way home...

7. First Sunday together in Staunton
Every weekend since the move, Clark has been in or headed to NC on Sunday to take care of things at home. Fortunately he was able to spend the whole weekend here in Staunton and we could start our search for a church. God has worked out all the other details of our move perfectly, we know that He will provide us a place to serve and worship Him.

So obviously, it was another great week! I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that it was Erin's first week of work too. It is seriously awesome to have a friend and classmate as a colleague. I'm so happy to be able to share my life and work expreriences with a great friend! This week will probably bring more firsts and I can't wait!