Love them

Clearly, we're way more into it than the pups. 

Do two half Ironmans equal a whole?

Unfortunately, I don't think so... I always joked that I was going to get half of that Ironman guy (the red M-Dot below) tattooed on my calf. Even if I could do the whole thing, I don't think I could do the tattoo.

This image is from pennysironjourney.wordpress.com. Ironically, Penny is training for the 2013 CDA Ironman.

Mr. P turned 31 earlier this week, and guess what he wished for... yeah an entry into the 2013 Coeur d'Alene Ironman. And not only was it a wish when he blew out the candles on his cake (okay, there was no cake and no candles), he actually signed up for it. So it looks like we're spending next summer's vacation in ID. I'm so excited for him and to spend some time in CDA. I think it might be one of my most favorite places. Plus, it's close enough to "home" that our parents will all come.

While I am so excited for him, part of me wishes I could pull it together and do it too. Despite the fact that it's going to be fairly expensive ($600 entry fee), I just don't think I could do it, and I don't think I have the discipline to train properly for it. We did the LA marathon in 2008, and while it was awesome training with Team in Training, it was so hard on my body. I just don't know how I could swim 2 miles and bike over a hundred and then run a damn marathon. But still... oh well, maybe I can train for some other shorter races in the meantime. And maybe being the best training partner EVER will suffice.

One of those days

My normal morning routine... and by normal I mean this week and last. Get up at about 7:15 am, except for Wednesdays and Fridays when I go to the gym at 5:45, take Char outside and then fix myself a cup of coffee. We have a Keurig and since I am usually the only one up, I make myself a single cup.

A few weeks ago, I came downstairs put a new K cup in the Keurig and went outside with Char to water the lawn. When I came back inside, I was excited to drink my coffee and head upstairs for my shower. However, there was no coffee there. I was pretty sure I put a new K cup in and pushed brew, but.... nothing. I hunted around the house; maybe I put it somewhere? Then, when I couldn't find it anywhere, I went in and asked the MIL if she had seen it or taken it. She wasn't even up, but nonetheless, I was convinced that's where it was. She pointed out that it smelled like coffee. Hmmm... well, I finally found my coffee. I had forgot to put a cup underneath and all the coffee was in the base. Damn. And to think I was thinking someone had stolen it. Terrible!

Well... I almost had a repeat this morning. In goes the new K cup, I pushed brew and then realized the coffee was again going into the base. I saved the day though; however, I think that's the beginning of a day that needs to be spent in bed.

Here's to hoping tomorrow starts off a little less disastrous!

The last days of summer

While I LOVE summer and sunshine, I am so excited that school is back in session and the air in the morning is starting to get a little brisk. Summer was good to us; we got to do a little bit of traveling, had some house guests, and got some work done. 

The hubby was gone for half the summer doing his clinical for school. He was only an hour and a half away, but it was still lonely without him. Hopefully, the rest of his clinicals will be in town. 

My mother-in-law and sister came to live with us, which was a little crazy at first but actually turned into a blessing a lot of fun. N got a job at a local chain restaurant. She made some great friends and a good impression on her bosses. However, she ended up going back to MT after only about 6 weeks of being here. :( I miss her dearly, but am so proud of her!

We continued to work on our backyard. Actually pretty much every day I came home from work, Mr. P and his mom did something new to the yard. It looks great; maybe I'm biased, but such an improvement over last year. We just replanted grass and it's growing really well. Hopefully, next year we'll be able to walk on it. ;)

 I went back to MT for my cousin's wedding and was able to reconnect with family that I hadn't seen in ages. Although it was a disaster getting there (damn Delta), it was a beautiful wedding and a wonderful weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again soon.

My crazy brother and I

We also went to our good friends' wedding in SC. It was our first time there, and we had a wonderful time. I just wish I could have gotten a few more pictures of our wonderful week.

Things I'm looking forward to: seeing my college roommates, running a couple 5K/10Ks, some BBQs with friends, and Thanksgiving in CA. Maybe I'm even a little excited for football season?!?

Grass is always greener

Oops! Three months later... where has the time gone? I can't believe it is already almost June. I wish I had some good stuff to tell you, but not so much. The semester's over; I survived my first year!

For some reason today, I'm feeling extra stressed. I'm not sure why, but every once in a while, I start second guessing myself and then I do that dreaded thing where, instead of accomplishing anything, I just sit there paralyzed and stress out about everything that needs to be done. I wouldn't recommend this approach to anyone.

Let's take stock... I made it past the dreaded 3-0, which, to be honest, wasn't too bad. Maybe I feel that way because last week I got a haircut and then someone told me I looked like a teenager. I think with the 5 inches of hair that I cut off, I chopped off about 10-12 years of my life... awesome... I guess that's why, oddly enough, I'm never too worried about being old. In general, I actually look forward to it; as soon as Mr. P turns a year older, I also turn a year older. Although turning 30 wasn't too traumatizing, as my birthday got closer and closer, I got a little more nervous, which was likely because I'm not too certain I feel 100%  happy comfortable with what I've accomplished at this point of my life. husband - check, happy marriage (coming up on 8 years!!!) - check, cute little doggie - double check, house (with mortgage to go with it) - check, PhD - check, job - check, good friends - check, loving family - check -- you're probably wondering what's not to be happy about..... looking at it now, I am too.

I made it through my first year as a tenure-track professor. I certainly don't feel like I did it with any grace or beauty; at times, I felt like I just barely had my nose above the water, but I MADE it. Of course, I still haven't gotten my evaluations back, which last time brought a few tears, but at this point, I just feel thankful to have survived. I am now transitioning back into full time research, which has brought on a whole new set of challenges. I think it is the most terrifying thing in my life and possibly the biggest contributor to the ostrich syndrome I described above. I am headed to Texas for a teaching workshop in a few weekends, which is also a bit terrifying. It will be a good experience, but we will be recorded teaching, and then we have to watch it. Who likes that? To add to my stress fun, I have agreed to work with my former advisor as an editor of a book. Awesome opportunity, yes, but it also comes packed with an obscene amount of work and added stress. I am triple crossing my fingers it pays off in the end.

The final, somewhat stressful, part of my life is in approximately five hours my mother-in-law and sister will be leaving Montana in a U Haul. My mother-in-law sold her house and is moving here to be closer to us. My sister is coming for the summer, maybe longer. They both will be staying with us. Overall, I think it's actually pretty exciting, and I feel thankful that we're in a place where coming here is an option, but I also am a little bit stressed (see work paragraph above); I just hope it doesn't turn into an animal house. And poor Char doesn't know what he's got coming. Jasper just might drive him crazy.

Long story, short... I am very grateful for my life and especially those in it. I pray for safe travels for my family as they venture out here and for the courage to pull my head out of the sand and face the challenges ahead. 


xoxo
 

Update

It was ABSOLUTELY beautiful here this weekend (almost 70F). I think I need to paint it vividly in my mind, so that when it's 100+ this summer with 80-90% humidity, I'll be able to remember this lovely spring days. So the hubs and I did a little yard work. I think we spent about 6 hours or so out in the jungle called our backyard, and although you may not be able to tell, I think it looks so much better!! I took some pictures that I will post soon (my bed is calling my name!), but I wanted to post a little something tonight. I also did a little project that I'm excited to share with y'all.

I am REALLY excited for spring. This semester has been so busy; I haven't had much time to enjoy it. However, my lab is done, and I'm hoping to get things all ordered before Spring Break.

For those of you wondering, the squirrels aren't really bothering us too badly right now. (I should probably be careful with what I say.) Charlie does a good job keeping them away.

Unfortunately, our next door neighbors lost their house in a foreclosure just after the New Year. So sad. Over the past few weeks, they (the Realtor, I assume) has been working hard to fix it up to sell it. They painted the inside, redid the kitchen, and painted the exterior a lovely bright yellow. I'm not really certain what they were thinking. Likely, they weren't. Don't get me wrong I love yellow, but on your house? I'll show you a picture, and you can decide for yourself.

My birthday continues to sneak up. I'll be an old lady before we all know it.

Oh, and for those of you wondering about Wine Friday....  I've really been struggling to stay up past 7:30 on Friday nights, let alone have a glass of wine. However, you can definitely count on something good the next few weeks. I promise. None of this falling asleep on the couch BS.

California Dreamin'

This week a new season of the Real Housewives of Orange County premiered. Yay! Of all the Real Housewives, the ones from Orange County are my favorite. I'm not really sure why; there's so much drama it often makes me feel uncomfortable, but I just can't get enough.

Well, the season premier did not disappoint. However, it did make me a little homesick for Southern California. For the first time in almost 3 years, I started missing LA and our life there. It's weird that a stupid program about a few women could make me feel that way. I think some of the places they go to remind me of places we used to go. I miss being able to go visit my dear friend in Orange County. I miss being able to get dressed up and go out for dinner and drinks or to a fun club. I miss going to breakfast at the beach on the weekends. I miss the year-round nice weather and being able to go for a jog whenever I want. I also miss being able to buy wine and get my hair or nails done on Sunday.

View from our apartment. How can you not be in LOVE?

When I read what I just wrote, it makes me think, well at least it's appropriate (sadly). Normally, those things are not that important to me, nor are they very appealing, but for whatever reason, I was just missing them. I know I can still do all those things here (aside from the whole beach part), and I just need to make sure we do. Maybe I was so nostalgic because work has been SO busy lately, and I haven't had much time to do other things, like hang out with friends and Mr. P or get my hair cut.

So, in honor of Valentine's Day this week and my ever looming 3-0 birthday, I am promising myself that I'll make more time for me and the hubs and that I'll cherish the time we do have even more. First thing on the schedule... get my damn hair cut. 

Wine Friday: Tannat

I know, I know. This is a few days late, but I did want to share what bottle we opened on Friday. I only have class Monday-Thursday this semester, and so, on Thursday night, I had a glass of another Cameron Hughes bottle. It was a Cab (Lot 282) and was pretty good, but they're not my favorite. So, on Friday evening, we decided to try something new.

We're members of a wine club here in town, and we got this one in January. The wine is Don David Tannat Reserve 2009 and is produced by Michel Torino. It's an Argentinian wine and is made from grapes of the tannat varietal. These grapes are commonly grown in southwestern France, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil and Australia.

• Vintage:  2009 Reserve
• Appellation: CafayateValley, Argentina 
• Grape:  Tannat
• Alcohol by volume:  13.9%
• Average price: $14 

The wine is described by Suburban Wine & Spirits as "rich in spice and fruit with flavors of dark berry fruit, exotic spice, vanilla and chocolate." It looks a though it could be a little bit difficult to find in the US, but if you do happen to see it, it's definitely worth a try.

Looking back..

I'm not really certain what I did last week. It was my last few days of my break, and I certainly took full advantage, on Monday and Tuesday at least, of having nothing to do. LAZY!!! Last week was tough. I don't think I was 100% ready for the semester, especially since I feel like I spent a majority of the break sick. Then, on Tuesday, I got last semester's student narrative evaluations. I'd like to think that I can take criticism fairly well, but some of the things they were writing were plain ridiculous. For example, one student was frustrated that I had assigned some book problems and the answers were in a separate solution manual... that was supposed to be purchased at the bookstore. Well, apparently the student went to the bookstore to purchase it and the bookstore wasn't open. The complaint was that answers should be more accessible. WTF? Give me a break. Another student wanted to know exactly what was on the exam. He or she tried to say that I thought telling them what was on the exam was the same as giving them the answers. Ugh... hello, I'm not telling you what is on the exam, and I certainly know the difference between the two. I think there were about 4 useful comments. The rest were complete junk. I wish that the bad ones didn't sting as bad as they do and that I could just be happy about the good ones. Unfortunately, I don't think it will ever get easier.

Then, on Thursday afternoon, I got the actual evaluations back. One student didn't learn anything in the class, which I was a little surprised about because no one failed. Maybe I need to re-evaluate my exam process. How could he/she really not learn anything? Wow. The evaluations weren't awesome, but they weren't awful either. Still, it just didn't make for a fun day or a fun activity.

Being that I am now 49 days and counting away from turning 30, it's finally starting to hit me. I was reading this blog the other day (part of being lazy last week), and the author was talking about doing a 30 before 30 list. I had thought about doing something similar, but now that I have 48 or 49 days left, I don't think that will happen. Part of me feels depressed because I'm not sure where the time has gone, and I'm not really sure if I think that what I've spent my time doing has been totally worth it. I did a little bit of math, that's right, they don't give PhDs to just anyone, and the girl is 22. She's married, is in law school, and just bought a house. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe that you have to accomplish x, y and z before age 30, but I do wish I could look back and say that I feel giving up n, o and p was worth gaining x, y and z.

If I had made a list, I don't even know what would be on it. Maybe I'll come up with a 40 before 40 list. I think the first thing on it needs to be to enjoy life more. It's too short to take it for granted.

And repeat...

I'm pretty sure that it's because of people like me that employers don't like to give their employees time off. I had all of last week off, and to be honest, I have no idea what I did. I did a great job rambling off all the things I had to do to friend a week ago, but when I think about that list, I think all the same things are on it. What is my problem? Well, to give myself a little bit of credit, I think I was fighting some sort of a cold. M has a sinus infection, and I think I was on verge of getting something. I was feeling really crummy this morning when I woke up, but I'm hoping I'm past the worst of it.

School starts again on Wednesday, and I think it's going to be one heck of a semester. The Hubs also has one helluva semester too, especially the first few months of it. I think it's going to be important for both of us to get enough sleep, try to eat well, pick up some sort of exercise program, stay organized and on top of things.

For starters, the little sis and I are going to try to work out 3 times a week and start eating breakfast. When we were in California, I was so much better at eating breakfast, but since we've moved, I've been awful. I also feel like having some sort of regular exercise program would be so good for me and would help with stress management. Hopefully, we can both make it a routine.

I'm really looking forward to the new semester. My lab should be ready tomorrow! so I can finally get started on my research. I am teaching three courses, one of the which is the same as last semester, so it shouldn't be too much new preparation. Now that I've been through everything already last semester, I feel like things will be somewhat easier. However, I'm thankful that I don't have to deal with final grades again for a few more months. I don't know why it caused me so much stress, but I'm not certain it will ever get any easier. Unfortunately...

I'm hoping 2012 ends up being better than it has started off.

Wine Fridays

I think I mentioned that I got fairly sick while I was in Montana for Christmas. I've been fairly healthy since last February, but I think that the end of the semester finally caught up with me, putting me in bed for a few days. The only reason I mention this is that my dear friend T called the afternoon I was in bed sleeping and then brought me over loads of gluten-free medicine (which, I should point out, the new Nature Fusion from Vicks works fairly well). Bless her heart! While we were sitting there chatting and I was waiting for the medicine to kick in, she said she had also brought some water and that I needed to drink a lot of fluids. She's a nurse, so I should probably listen to her. Most people know that I try to force myself to drink water, but usually I'm not very successful, and I'm usually quite dehydrated... case in point, my IV last February. Well, after I mention that I hate water, T says "I don't know. Every time I see you, you're either drinking water or wine." Hmmm....

So, to start the New Year off right, I decided to start Wine Friday, a cute idea I took from Kendall at Keeping up with the Joneses. If I drink so much wine, I might as well share the ones I like and the ones I don't with y'all (see I'm learning how to be Southern).

While M and I lived in California, we became obsessed with Cameron Hughes wine. It is really reasonably priced and very good quality wine. For Thanksgiving, we ordered a few bottles and are still enjoying them. Today I had a glass of Cameron Hughes Meritage. It was Lot 278 2009 Spring Mountain Meritage.

Here's more information about it direction from the website.

• Vintage:  2009
• Appellation:  Spring Mountain, Napa Valley
• Grape:  Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot
• Alcohol by volume:  14.2%
• Production:  3,200 cases
• Release date:  September 17, 2011
• Drink/Hold:  Now and through 2017 
• Price: $18

I thought it was a really nice bottle. It was a nice change from our standard Zin, Merlot, or Cab. The bottle says "sweet black cherry and current fruit are contrasted with silken tannins and a lovely savory finish." This wine did not disappoint.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Awesome. I have quite a few things on my to do list and I've spent the ENTIRE day browsing blogs. Oh well... that's what time off is for, right? I decided that before I start on 2012, I need to finish up 2011. Because of the craziness of the year and the fact that I started blogging in March/April, I decided to provide a quick summary. I'm not quite convinced that 2011 was good or bad. Maybe this will help me decide.

JANUARY

• We rang in the New Year in Napa with some dear friends. Had way too much fun!
• Hubs flew to the city to check it out before accepting the college's offer. He liked it well enough, and I accepted the offer. We're moving in the summer.
• Hmmm... January was boring, I guess. 

FEBRUARY

• We went to Lake Tahoe for a ski weekend. Of the five couples there, we were the only ones that didn't have a child in 2011. I think there was something in the water.
• Hubs and I both flew to our new city so he could interview for PT school and we could look at houses. 
• We both ended up sick toward the end of the month, with the flu, I think. I took M to urgent care and ended up with an IV myself. Swore I was going to start taking better care of myself. 

MARCH

• Turned a big 2-9. We thought about going camping, but instead just walked to the wine bar. It was supposed to rain, and it WAS March, for goodness sake.
• Mr. P got into PT school in the same town I had accepted the offer!!! 
• We put an offer in on the house.
• Our offer was accepted house. 

APRIL

• Started and finished training for the century. 
• Went to the doctor for a physical - the beginning of the end of gluten.

MAY

• M and I attempted the Grizzly Peaks century. I ended up only completing the metric century. 
• I went to SoCal for a bachelorette party/bridal shower/birthday weekend
• Hubs and I went to Vegas for a fun-filled weekend with our friends, J and C.
• M and I went camping for Memorial Day weekend with our friends, B and L. J and C tried to come, but the park reached capacity. Boo!

JUNE

• M and I went back to Montana for sister's graduation. So proud of her! Met brother's fiancee's daughter. 
• My mare foaled! After two years of trying, we finally got her pregnant, and we ended up with a chestnut (but will turn grey) colt!
• Found out I have the antibodies for gluten = I have to avoid gluten. 
• Hubs and I traveled to Iowa for our godson's baptism.
• C moved in with us. Talk about bad timing. He got a job in our area, and we're moving.
• We packed our belongings and left California after 7 years. VERY bittersweet. 

 JULY

• We picked up my dad and step-mom in Vegas and finished our road trip to our new home. 
• Pulled into our driveway on July 4. 
• Mom and sister came to visit. 
• Colt broke his leg!!!!! 
• We went back to Montana to enjoy a little hiatus before starting school and for a wedding. 
• I was a bridesmaid in a beautiful wedding. 

AUGUST

• Hubs, M's mom and her sisters went back to our new home. 
• We survived the August heat.. barely.
• M's dad came to visit. 
• We both started school and my favorite doggie fell down the stairs. 

SEPTEMBER

• Labor Day... hmmm... I've got nothing. 
• M turned 30! We enjoyed a lovely day with sightseeing around town and a nice dinner at Ruth's Chris.
• I rode 75 miles for St. Jude's. 
• We both met some lovely new friends. 

OCTOBER

• Pumpkinpalooza 2011 - We went to the pumpkin patch and picked out pumpkins, and then, A and I carved our pumpkins. 
• We made a few improvements to the house, particularly we painted the front door. 
• A and I gave out candy to our trick-or-treaters. (BTW this has a red squiggly line under it. It wants it to be trick-or-theaters. What?) 

NOVEMBER

• I gave my first invited talk at a nearby university.
• I attempted a month of thankfulness, but didn't finish it. Not because I don't have enough to be thankful for, but because I lack discipline and time. 
• Hub's wonderful mother came for Thanksgiving. 
• J, C, C, and M came for Thanksgiving. So grateful for our friends. 

DECEMBER

• I gave my final exam and assigned final grades. Worst thing ever!
• Hubs and I drove to KC to meet his dad. It was a long drive, but we had a wonderful time. 
• M, Char and I went to Montana for Christmas. Things were different because of some family health problems, but nonetheless, it was good to be back for Christmas. We got to FINALLY meet my brother's fiancee. 
• M and I ended up sick. 
• M and I went to Nashville for a bowl game and to celebrate New Years. It was fun, but super low key. 

Looking back at 2011, I feel very fortunate. I'm glad to have found a job, that M gets to go to school in the same town, and that we were able to purchase our first house. I'm thankful for the changes my job has brought to my lifestyle and the memories I've made. However, having Celiac disease or needing to be gluten free or whatever I am has required major changes in my life, and while I am so excited and happy about the colt, when he broke his leg, my mom and my hearts were broken. I'm thinking 2012 will exude all the goodness of 2011 and more.

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.