The Adventures of Neurosquid: Has it really been 5 months?!

Wow! I can't believe it's been 5+ months since I've updated the blog. While I'm a bit disappointed in myself and more than a little embarrassed that I can't seem to keep this up for more than a few months at a time, I'm going to cut myself some slack. The past 5+ months have been crazy!! In an attempt to keep this recap reasonably short, I'll just hit the highlights!

First, I GOT A JOB!!! I spent much of last summer and fall sending out job applications to schools all over the country. I was lucky to get a handful of phone interviews early in the fall, and then in November to be invited for an on-campus interview at Regis University in Denver, CO. During my three day visit, I couldn't help falling in love with the place. By the time they put me in the taxi to the airport, I was convinced that Regis is where I was meant to end up. I just had to hope that they liked me as much as I liked them : ) Fortunately for me, I received a call just three days later offering me the position. I happily accepted and will begin my new role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience this August.

Hitting "send" on my acceptance letter

Jeremy and I sporting our new Regis Rangers t-shirts

(our Christmas gift from my new Deptartment Chair)

Obviously, this means that we're moving to Denver! It's more than a little overwhelming to think about leaving our good friends in SLC, finding a place to live in Denver, transitioning from Postdoc to Assistant Professor, etc. That being said, it's an exciting new chapter and I'm lucky to have a husband who's on board for the ride. Jeremy is already looking for work in Denver and ideally, he'll be able to find something before our scheduled move date of mid-July.... fingers crossed!! He's had some great leads, so we're hopeful that something will pan out.

In other news, we had a lovely trip home at Christmas and enjoyed getting to catch up with our family and friends there. We were able to sneak away for over a week, which was glorious!

Ruby's Christmas photo shoot

(she stubbornly refused to look at the camera)

The Gleason's trying out my "patented" wacky face

Good ol' Bell View trail with Madre and Padre!!

Since the new year, we've gotten a TON of snow. As such, the neighborhood has turned into a ghost town and we rarely see anyone :) We've been trying to get out and enjoy the sunshine when the inversion relents for a few days, and we did manage to get everyone together for a Super Bowl party a couple weeks ago.

Heading up City Creek Canyon on Groundhog Day

Ruby and I enjoying the sunshine and snow

Just perfect!

Best running buddy a girl could ask for

Just a little snow pack in the valley

Mmm, Super Bowl snacks

Men + Football + Food = Happy

(somehow all of the girls disappeared right before this photo)

In the past couple weeks, I've decided to recommit myself to "The Return of Neurosquid". Things got a little out of control with the job search, the holidays, etc., and I'm not pleased with the effects that level of constant stress had on my body and mind. For Valentine's Day, Jeremy and I gave each other the gift of commitment to kicking each other back into shape. We've had a fabulous week, eating really well, working out on a regular basis, and trying to focus on the positives in life rather than the stresses. So far, so good! I plan to use this blog as a place to keep myself accountable, so please hold me to it.