Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Dr. Steve

I'm going to break from our roadtrip report with a couple of big announcements...

1. I would like to introduce you to Steve Perry, D.C.. (And soon-to-be C.C.W.P. - Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner) Steve was done in September (and got his diploma), but graduation ceremonies weren't until December. (They only hold them twice a year.)

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The next photos are the reason why I need to take a photography class. Once I'm out of natural light and in strangely lit areas, I'm helpless. I practiced on 5 or 6 people before Steve went across the stage, trying different settings and this is what I ended up with.

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Lovely. Sigh.

Graduation attire kind of fascinates me.

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I've always wondered where the robes and funny hats came from. The robe Steve wore reminded me of something from Harry Potter.

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Sophie liked the tassel.

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Here we are on the day we've been waiting the last seven years for: graduation. We're officially real people! (We're 30 and 31, so it's about time, right?) Yikes. All of the hard work and long hours at school and clinic have paid off. And he even finished with honors.

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The Perry clan came out for the big day. (His brother Michael, Amanda, and little Layla on the left, Dad & Mom Perry, our family, and Aunt Kimi on the end. Ivy just woke up, in case you're wondering. I guess the ceremony wasn't entertaining enough.

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Everyone had to have their own pictures. Steve's Uncle Ron and Aunt Kathy also came with Steve's cousin Scott. (bottom right)

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A few of Steve's favorites at the school: Dr. Donaldson (Dean of the Health Center, also LDS) on the top, Dr. Hawkins on the left, and Dr. Hiliker (Steve's clinic faculty advisor) on the right.

I'm really proud of Steve. I love that he found something to pursue that he's passionate about. How many people can say that they truly love their career? Of course, he has lot of work to do ahead as he starts working and eventually opens up his own clinic.

And that brings us to our next announcement. . .

2. We're moving to Reno, Nevada.

Steve got a job with a doc (Dr. Cliff Fisher) who has an upper-cervical (Blair)/full-spine office. We actually stayed at his house one weekend in October so Steve could check out his office. We didn't expect him to offer Steve a job because he wasn't sure if he was ready to take on another associate yet (he already has 4 other docs working for him). But he called us on our way to Vegas last month. And within a few weeks we got the OK.

(Side Note: Steve had to talk to the doctor's business coach after his phone interview with Dr. Fisher, and toward the end of their conversation he told Steve, abruptly, "I don't need to talk to you anymore. I like you." Then the business coach called Dr. Fisher back and told him he'd be an idiot not to hire Steve. I agree. But then again, I'm sort of biased.)

Steve starts mid-January. We're moving out there the weekend of the 8th into yet, another, little apartment (AHHHHH!), but that's only because we're planning on buying a house sometime this spring. We think our move will be longer than the typical year-long associateship, so we're taking the plunge.

I've never felt a burning desire to live in Reno. Ever. But it feels right. I'm excited to move on, but I start crying when I think of all of the dear friends we've made since we've been here. (And some who've left already.) So I don't think about that. Otherwise I'd be crying all the time.

So please don't make me cry until January 8th.

12 comments:

Kathryn said...

I'm sooo excited for you guys! Even though Reno is still a ways, it feels like you will still be close by for some reason! I'm so glad we got to see you again before your big move!

Marsh Mayhem said...

Congratulations! Just think, if you end up there for a really long haul, you may end up with beachfront property someday!!

James and Monica said...

Congrats to the Doctor! How awesome!! And I'm glad it's official. Although, I'll be very sad when you do move. You guys will be missed so much. The girls too!

Sarah Junsay said...

No gurantees about the crying thing. I seem to be crying a lot lately so I'll add you to the list. Seriously, I'm tearing up right now. You've become such a dear friend Nat. I hate you for that! :)

Jessie Jo said...

I am so excited for you guys! Congrats, it is a great feeling to finally be done with school and feel "grown up". Good luck with the move and all the tears.

Heather said...

So excited for you guys! So many exciting things are coming your way! Good luck with it all!

Cassia said...

Congratulations! What a relief to have a job and know where you're going! :)

The Hill Clan said...

How exciting!!!! I'm so happy for you Natalie!! It will be so great for you to move on. We're almost done. Josh has two semesters left and we are eagerly looking forward to the end.

Chelsea said...

Reno will be a great adventure for you and your littles! And just think, if you're taking the plunge and buying a house, you get to decide what kind of kitchen you have! One of my favorite past-times is looking at real estate and currently available homes. It's addicting! Congrats to Steve on such a huge accomplishment! And to you, too, for being patient!

Unknown said...

Oh wow, what an adventure!!

We moved from Austin, where my entire family and a LOT of our friends live, to be here in West Texas, a move for my hub's job... and I was panicked and cried because this town is nothing like home and I didn't know anyone. But seriously, this has been the best adventure EVER. We still get to visit with family, who live 4 hours away, but it's been wonderful in our house and we are SO thankful that we just took the plunge!

Good luck to all of you!! And congratulations to your hubs!!

Yvonne Hansen said...

Congrats to you and Steve! Its amazing what a wife has to go through to support a husband through school :) I'm sure you will like Reno. And its closer to your family, right? And dont worry, we are still stuck in an apartment in L.A saving to buy a house whenever jared gets transfered :) we know the feeling!
Miss you guys!

Unknown said...

congratulations steve! that is so exciting to be a real doctor! i am so glad that you have been offered a job and that you all can plan on making a life in reno. you all are so great is the reason why it makes it so hard to leave CA! but for that same reason you will be appreciated in reno! thank goodness for blogs that keep us in contact! i am so glad to be back in contact with the perry family! i miss you all when i don't get to hear about your adventures!