2004-08-30 - 7:18 p.m.

I haven't worked 40 hours a week in a LONG time! I forgot how hard it is.

After graduation, my family and I went to Las Vegas. It was my first time there. I got a Urinary tract infection the day of our flight, so I had to rush to the doctor to get antibiotics. The plane ride was pretty uncomfortable because of the UTI. I was pretty miserable the first day, but after a day of rest, I was feeling better. I shared a room with lisa, and my parents and rose shared an adjoining room next door. It was a lot of giggly fun. During the trip we did a lot of sightseeing, shopping, gambling, and EATING! I've never seen such huge buffets. I lost about $50 total gambling. I can't see how people spend hundreds and thousands of dollars. Every time I put $5 in the machine, I felt guilty! We stayed there for 5 days total. The highlights of the trip were 1. riding on a carousel 2. Seeing the water show at the Belagio 3. Winning 400 pennies in a penny slot machine and 4. The Lance Burton magic show.

I started work the wednesday after I got back. I got temporarily placed at Kaala elem., the school I did my extern at. I really wanted to go someplace new, but I had no choice. I start at 730am everyday, and end at 4. I thought I was just going to shadow the SLP there for a few days, but it seems like its going to be longer. I found out that there was an opening at another elementary school, closer to my house. I was hoping I'd get it, but someone with more experience got it (never mind that she was interviewed AFTER me). Oh well, I can understand the placement, but I would have loved to be at that school. For now, I'm just helping out. I guess I'm lucky in a way cause its soooo easy, but on the other hand, I'd like to start my career - with my own kids, and responsibilities. I guess I should just enjoy it while I can. At least I'm getting paid.

I feel like such an adult - i get up early, put on grownup clothes, and go to work. The other day a teacher asked me, "are you a substitute?" and i told him, "oh no, I'm a speech-language pathologist". I shocked myself. I'm an slp ;)