kansas and new zealand update

oh where to start...last weekend aaron and i went back kansas. our mission was two fold.

1. 10 year high school reunion

2. see my family one last time before we head off for new zealand

going back to kansas brings up a weird combination of emotions in me (happy/sad/reminiscent/longing).  but, all in all, it was a great trip. seeing faces from high school (14 out of 36) was wonderful. i don't have much in common with many of my classmates anymore, but it was great to catch up and see where they are in life. everyone seems to be happy, which is terrific. my family is also doing well. nothing too new on the family front. my nephew is already 1 1/2 years already...so big. so cute. i have to say saying goodbye for me this time was a bit harder. bonus, we got to experience an awesome thunderstorm (i miss them so).

new zealand folks are pretty picky about who they let into their great country , i applaud them on having such high standards. in order to obtain a work visa, yesterday we had to be fingerprinted at the police station. we have to send our prints to the fbi to obtain our police record. no one wants to let in common criminals. also, there is a 20 page medical report we need to fill out...we will need to obtain blood and urine tests, chest x-rays, and a full physical. nz does not want people in poor health either. on a cheery note...i have a phone interview next week for an office administration job. i am so very excited at the possibility. it sounds like a perfect match for my interests and skill set, so i am keeping my fingers crossed. wish me luck!

yesterday was also my first visit to a dermatologist. i have always had bad skin (since i was a teen, anyway). it has been so frustrating to buy all of the over-the-counter products to no avail. i have never been to a dermatologist, because it always seemed kinda vain...but it became apparent that i am now 28 and i am clearly not outgrowing this. i decided i was worth it. she prescribed me retin-a and a benzoyl peroxide wash. i'm looking forward to possibly having clearer skin soon, even though i know the retin-a will make my skin a nightmare for the first few weeks.