So... this is happening!

I've been a bit absent recently from this blog and I'm finally ready to fess up why... we're expecting a baby. It's was a bit of a rough first trimester, so I'm happy to be in my second trimester. We are beyond thrilled, but are also a bit nervous. 

Although 2013 was a great year, we're looking forward to 2014. It's going to be a big year... my best friend's wedding in February, M's graduation in May, Baby in June/July and our 10 year anniversary in July. The hubs promised me a trip to Fiji for our 10 year anniversary/before we had kids... guess that's not going to happen!

Here's to a wonderful, blessed 2014. 

love,
lw

To acupuncture or not to acupuncture

So... I'm not certain why I decided to go now, but last weekend, I decided to try some acupuncture. As I think I mentioned, I am gluten intolerant. I don't think I actually have Celiac disease, but I know I definitely have an issue with gluten. It all started a few years ago when I was training for a century bike ride; of course, everyone knows you have to carbo load, but I'd always feel terrible after eating, bloat up the size of a balloon and be somewhat restless. Well, after going to a general practitioner and then a more naturopathic doctor, I found out gluten was the cause of all that yuck! Over the past few years, I've managed to do pretty good by just cutting gluten out of my diet. However, it's in EVERYTHING. At first I thought that if I couldn't find certain key words in the ingredients list, I was okay. Now though, I look to make sure it says gluten free. Even dark sodas have gluten in them, vanilla, soy sauce, salsa... the list goes on and on.

Recently, I've also been a bit suspicious of dairy, and so I've tried to limit it as well. I'm feeling slightly better, but sometimes, I really miss cheese.

So I've heard a lot of good things about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, so I decided to go check it out. I am afraid PETRIFIED of needles, which has keep me from giving blood and getting flu shots. In fact, last year during a routine check-up, they wanted some blood. Well, I cried and had to go back the next day. PATHETIC! Anyhow, the whole thing was rather painless. When I arrived I had to fill out a form and the worst part was listing what I ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I know breakfast is an important meal, but I usually skip it. I was nervous about being reprimanded for not being better about eating breakfast. I had a little chat with the acupuncturist about how I was feeling. He checked my tongue and my eyes. Then, I got some herbs and had my treatment.

The little needles don't hurt at all. I had a few needles in my legs, my stomach and then, one or two in my arms. After they were all put in place, I just hung out for about 15 minutes with a warm lamp/light on my stomach. Pretty painless, really. 

I can't say that I feel like a million bucks now, but although it would be awesome to feel like a new person after one session, I don't think it works that way. The acupuncturist said I'd feel 25% better. Not quite sure of that either, but I'm headed back later this week and we'll see if I start feeling like a million bucks. I also got some herbs to take and some other vitamins, as well as some digestive enzymes.

Has anyone else done acupuncture? For any particular reason? Is it effective or just a waste of money?

xoxoxo,
lw

PS Don't you wish it was acupuncturer instead of acupuncturist? Way funnier....

It's that time of year again!

I think August might possibly be my favorite month. Maybe not, but it's definitely up there. I realized the other day when M and I were out running errands how much I really love this time of year. I know I already wrote a post about all the other things I love, mainly fireflies and the twinkling Eiffel Tower. But I think I also love school supplies... I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's true. I tried several times to convince M he needed some new pens or pencils for school, but he said no. He had to hold me back from going and looking at them. I could spend hours in stores like Office Depot and Staples. There's nothing like new pens and pencils! Ha!

The students are also trickling back onto campus. Don't get me wrong, I had a great summer, but I always love when students go back to school. They always bring with them such a wonderful, infectious energy.

Back home it's also fair week. I remember when my summer revolved around the fair and how completely exhausted I was by the end. My mom entered some of the pictures I took when I was in Montana in the fair, which has been kind of fun to hear how it turned out. Of course I didn't win grand champion, but it's fun nonetheless. I was talking with my mom today about how my most memorable finish at the fair was my third place in showmanship (with my horse). Third place isn't FIRST, but I think there were about 30 entries in the class and I had worked so hard for it. Ahh.... the good old days! Here's a select few of the pictures.

Here's a more recent picture of my little colt... the one that broke his knee. However, you'd never know. So thankful! He looks exactly like his mom.

I'm hoping that the weather gets over being so warm. I can't wait to feel that chill in the air. I'm just thrilled that it's about time to be thinking about about pumpkins, fall leaves, and I'm actually looking forward to football season. I told M I think I'm going to adopt a team, so I can be even more excited!

What are you looking forward to this fall?

xoxo,
lw

au revoir Paris

I had a fabulous time in Paris this year. It was my first time to France.... I've been to Germany a few times, but I haven't spent much time in other European countries.

I went to France for work and to take a student to introduce her to a friend/colleague and for her to start an 8-week study abroad in his research lab.

I absolutely fell in love with Paris... although I feel like we just rushed around trying to see things, it's still quite beautiful.

We saw the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Champs Elysees. I think my favorite thing to see was the lock bridge (Pont de l'Archevêché), but I also LOVED the Eiffel Tower. Here's just a few pictures. 

Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower in the distance

The Louvre

Champs Elysees

Not quite sure what this is, but I took it from the Eiffel Tower.

Lock Bridge with Notre Dame in the background... Of course, I had to put a lock on the bridge for M and I!

The Eiffel Tower. It sparkles once a night. Just breathtaking!

Montmartre... Very busy that day, but beautiful views of the city!

Lunch dessert?!? What? I'm not certain how French people stay so slim, when they're eating desserts like this on a regular basis.

The most disappointing part of the trip is that I had a very hard time eating since I'm gluten intolerant and I think I REALLY missed out on some very delicious things. Of course, I couldn't have a baguette or those wonderful-looking cakes in the above picture. I also somewhat gave up on communicating that I couldn't have any gluten, mainly because I can't speak a lick of French. Fortunately, we found a farmer's market and some delicious gluten-free treats!

We only spent a little over 24 hours in Paris and then we took the train down to Montpellier. I don't have many pictures from there, but Montpellier is a great city. The people were much kinder here and tried to communicate with us as best they could, whereas in Paris, I think they were just annoyed with us 'Americans'. There were two instances, however, that were rather awkward, to say the least. We were mocked for not smoking? and because of our accents. I assume those experiences are why Americans think French people are rude. Obviously, a few bad seeds can always ruin the bunch and for the most part, everyone was wonderful. Next time, I think I might be Canadian and see if I'm treated any differently. 

Overall, it was a quick, but fabulous trip to France. I'd love to go back and share the splendor with M. 

Have you been to France? What did you love most about the beautiful country? 

xoxoxo, 

lw

Lonely Friday

M has been gone for three weeks now. I don't know what to do with myself. Pathetic, I know. Tomorrow, he'll start his 27 hour drive back here.... it's just not soon enough. I CAN'T WAIT!

Next weekend we're heading to our good friends' wedding in Delaware, and it's out NINE year anniversary! Now I really have some catching up to do. France, Montana and Delaware/Philly! I'm hoping to see a good friend from Nor Cal and meet her little boy!

xoxo,
LW

Ironmen and Fireflies

M left yesterday for his Ironman! I can't believe it's already that time. I'm so proud of him. His race isn't until next week, but he's driving there with his dad and golfing along the way. Also fun!

Last night when I went to work to pick up my computer and let Char run around, I saw my first fireflies of the year. I really just love them so much. I think I might love them as much as I love acorns or the twinkling Eiffel tower. The night we moved here two years ago, I saw my first fireflies, but I haven't really seen them much since. I'm afraid all the work we did in the backyard killed them. :( Anyhow, those fireflies made my night, especially considering M left today and won't be back for three weeks.

SO much to write about including my recent trip to FRANCE, but I'll play catch up and have the race and Montana to write about too.

xoxo,
lw

And then there were two....

Sad day today.

After 8 months, the mother-in-law left today and headed for California to work as a traveling nurse. While most people may think we were crazy having her live with us, it's really sad that she's gone and we're really going to miss her. I guess, though, it's for the best. She'll only be there for a little while and then she's moving to Iowa to help M during her knee replacement. So, now it's just Mr. P, the doggies and me. Sad.

The semester's off to a good start, and I have seventy-some students. They seem a little feistier than previous semesters, but I'm sure I'll survive. It's colder than crap here; I'm completely over it.

There's been some pretty sunsets recently.... the picture doesn't really do it justice. 

Other than that there's not much new with us. M's starting his training soon for the Ironman. He ended up with a stress fracture while training for a marathon in November. I'm looking forward to.... yeah, I got nothing.

They're still not BBFs, but aren't they cute? I love them so much!

Coming soon.... some DIY projects we've finished recently. Maybe I even need to bring back wine Friday? (Okay let's be honest... it never went anywhere, I just didn't post about it!)

Happy Friday!