A year ago at this time, I was getting ready to go to Germany on July 1st. Crazy how fast a year goes by.

I was switched to an adaptive skills program for my para job, as opposed to working with kids with severe autism. I'll be at the secondary level as well, so I didn't mind the change.

I'm mostly moved into my house. I've yet to spend a lot of time there, but that will probably change soon.

Andres and I have been keeping each other in check in terms of working out, and that's a good feeling too. He makes me so happy in so many ways.

I'd like to do another century at some point before May 2008, it's just a matter of finding time and an extra $50-100 dollars lying around.

Hmm, this is a very short post.

My dad and I did a 100 mile bike ride this past weekend in Buena Vista (http://www.bvbf.org). We did a 65 miler two years ago, and what did me in then was being sunburned all over; this time, that wasn't a problem, so I was able to finish the whole thing.

The scenery was amazing. The route went around Turquoise Lake and through the San Isabel National Forest. I like bike centuries; it gives me incentive to stay in shape, and they're fun.

A pic of me and my pa:

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?shopperid=PVEBE8861A729L8SDMG9VG03QFH3D1S0&userid=naggan&tcount=156&scount=81&gallery_id=692524&image_id=80

I had a para orientation yesterday, and I'm going to be working with the kids with severe autism, grades 1-8. Apparently they are all low functioning and don't communicate by speaking, although one of the boys has a device he uses. Occasionally some of them bite, hit, and kick, but that comes with the territory. The two women I'll be working with are certified in restraints, so I'll find out how those are used.

One thing I'm learning [that I already knew] is that I'm not going to get rich in this [or my other] job. It's something I don't have the easiest time accepting, but I chose my path.

I graduated yesterday, after three years which went oh so fast.

There were two ceremonies: one in the early afternoon for just the social work department, and another in the evening for the entire College of Applied Human Sciences. My dear friend Ray from Colorado Springs was able to drive up, and Andres, my parents, uncle and sister were all there. It was fabulous to have them . . . I am truly lucky.

It made it feel official, and oddly I didn't mind sitting through the longer ceremony. I saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in a while, and found out what they're doing in the immediate future, so that was good.

I went to a BBQ at the house I'll be living at for two months with my friend Liesl. It's an older house near Old Town, and it's got plenty of charm. I'm moving in about a week, and that prospect is exciting.

Andres' mom bought me an espresso/ coffee maker, and you had better believe that it will get plenty of use. Ray also brought me up a travel book, with a page for almost every country in the world. Travel + coffee = goodness.

I have a para orientation on Monday, and I'm going to keep an eye out for fellowships and what not around the country. A year goes pretty fast . . .

I've been able to line up two jobs.

For four weeks I'll be a para for kids with moderate needs in the district's extended school year program, and for the other one I'll be supporting adults with developmental disabilities. I never had a firm plan to work with people in this population, but I feel confident when I walk through the facility and see some of the clients. I think I can do a good job and enjoy my work at the same time; needless to say, that makes me happy.

Graduation on Friday, woot!