PT license!

Lauren Anita Crigler is now a SC licensed physical therapist.

Obama becomes Prez

Historical Note: Barack Obama became the 44th President of the U.S. today. This is a historic event not only because he is the first black president but also because he replaces a president who "reigned" for 8 years and depleted the country of hope. That sounds really negative... but it's actually an understatement.

At any rate, it's time for a change. Change is good. And with this new Prez, our nation has high hopes.

(Warning: the statements in this blog represent the opinion of the blog creator.*)

* and 72% of Americans according to today's Gallup Poll.

Snow in Columbia

We woke up this morning to find flurries coming down and a light dusting of snow on the ground and roofs. Schools and government offices are delayed in opening (and were closed yesterday for MLK) so I'm delayed in getting my license. :-( Oh well. Britton and I are looking through information on Ecuador and planning for our trip.

(View from our front door.)

Unicoi State Park - Helen, GA

Even with a passing boards score, I'm required to wait for my official PT license before practicing. With Britton having time off and me being temporarily not included in the work force, we decided that a 3 day weekend in the mountains was in order.

Then we heard the weather forecast: the coldest 2-3 days of the year in the southeast would be this weekend. The weather in the Appalacian foothills would stay in the 20s and 30s. Fearless (ha!) and wanting a vacation that did not include board review books, we headed for the Unicoi State Park, just north of Helen, Ga. Situated in the mountains of north Georgia, the park was the perfect place for us to do the various nature trekking that we enjoy without giving up certain luxuries like heat and hot water at the lodge.

On Friday we hiked about six miles and then headed into Helen for dinner and a quick walk around the frozen city. Thank goodness the fudge shop was still open, it made the cold walk more bearable.

On Saturday, we hiked 5 miles including over 1000 vertical feet to enjoy a view of the Anna Ruby Falls. Two rivers descend into falls side by side making the Anna Ruby falls very unique. Then we turned around to hike 5 miles back, making sure to return before sun down. That evening, it started to snow and the ground was quickly covered in a light layer of snow, we welcomed the added romance.

Sunday morning we got up and decided that we really should go mountain biking since we did take the trouble to bring the bikes. We tried out a moderate hiking trail covered in leaves and wet snow from the morning's rain. It was challenging and fun; the initial cold was quickly replaced by intense heat as we worked our way up the mountains.

I'm still a warm-weather-loving Florida girl at heart, but this was a really wonderful winter weekend!

I officially passed the boards!

And I'm celebrating with my BFF/husband! :-)

Sunday in Paxville

Sunday morning we headed to Paxville, SC (Britton's Grandmother's hometown) to attend a church service honoring Grandmama's many years of service to the Paxville church. Afterward, we spent time with extended Rodwell family at Grandmama's Paxville home and celebrated her becoming one year wiser.

Later in the day, we went to Lexington to give a belated Christmas gift to Britton's dad and Pat and even later in the day we had dinner and played games with our friends Tabitha and Nima, with the girls beating the boys as usual.

This week I am anxiously awaiting my boards scores. I can not work until I pass the boards, allowing me to obtain a PT license. With a job already lined up, I can't wait to get my license! Britton is off this month so we are hanging out, relaxing, and preparing for our Ecuador trip in February. Necesitamos aprender Español!

Boards are done...?

And now I'm just...












for my scores.

Holidays 2008/2009 in Florida

On Saturday, we drove down to Jupiter to see my parents and get in a little Florida vacation.

Sunday, we exchanged Christmas presents and had lunch at a French cafe and strolled along the Jupiter River Walk picking out which yachts were our favorites.

Monday, we went on a boat tour (the Manatee Queen) of Jupiter's intercoastal waterway, highlighting Jupiter's history and it's glamorous homes of the rich and famous (Tiger Woods, Celine Dion, Randy Travis, Perry Como etc.)

Tuesday, we went to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, an animal rescue center/hospital/rehab zoo, and learned about the animals that are native to this area (alligators, crocodiles, cougars, eagles, hawks, owls, deer, etc.).




Wednesday, we climbed to the top of the Jupiter light house (105 steep steps) for an amazing view!









Later in the afternoon we made necklaces with my mom (Britton made me a REALLY pretty necklace!).
For New Years Eve, we went bowling (one of Britton's favorite activities) and then headed down to Clematis Street (West Palm Beach night life hot spot) to watch a huge firework display over the water.

On Thursday, we went on a guided walking nature tour at the John D. MacArthur State Park on Singer Island.

In between these activities, I've been studying for the boards and my scores on the practice exams improved though it seems like I will never know enough. Britton has been reading all the financial books that my dad gave us for Christmas so we'll be all ready to know what to do with my salary. :-)

Our cat, Samantha, continues to be shy in her new surroundings but she is just as cute and sweet to us as ever and we are very much enjoying her company.