Emuzines

…is a big one!  We’re moving on Thursday.  I have been slowly getting ready (physically and emotionally, I guess) for awhile, so I’m pretty prepared.  Although…I have to admit I’m still half in denial, and half excited.  I think I listed random things that I’m excited about in another post…it’s the little things that get me happy.  I am also pretty hopeful about fall being a pretty season up there, and Nik said that he’d instruct JoJo to bring Mommy some pretty fall leaves home from her walks.  I want to do lots of fall-y things, not only because the fall scrapbook supplies are so cute (…), but because I loooove all things fall.  I already picked my pumpkin soup recipe.  So…I’m excited about a lot of things.  I’m actively ignoring the things I am scared about…and focusing on happy things and on planning things to look forward to.  We’ve arranged the move so that I get to come and see my Aunt Sharon next week, before out second trip up to Davis.  She’s always a ton of fun (i.e. human pyramids, rolling on pool tables, Scooby Snacks, and Twister) and will be in LA for just a little while for her friend’s wedding.  Hopefully, I’ll also be able to fit in some more birthday celebrations for Mandi (Disneyland!) and as much more fun as possible.

So here’s our adorable new front door.  I don’t know what it is that I like so much about it.  Maybe the turquoise frame (which sounds terribly tacky until you see it).  The apartment complex is beautiful and in a great area, and…it has a washer and dryer in unit–my greatest selling point which Nik was pretty neutral about.  I like to wash one shirt at a time…they’re delicate…  We’re within walking distance of downtown Davis and lots of restaurants, but far enough away that it’s very quiet and secluded.  We’re also a short jump on the freeway away from downtown Sacramento, where I’ll be working and which I fell in love with on my first trip up there.  It’s a really cool downtown.

Speaking of which, with all of the preoccupation regarding the move, I’ve barely thought about or prepared for what this is all about…getting my Ph.D.  When I think about that I am extremely excited, especially about where I’ll be researching, at the MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders–http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/MINDInstitute/).  This place is the reason that I chose UC Davis.  It is the top-notch research institute for autism in the world, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to work there from day one!  My Memere says that they’re lucky to have ME…but seriously, this place is incredible.  I can’t wait to start there and to find a cure for autism.  That is what this is all about…