There's no place like home

Last Monday I found myself in DC again for the week for a slew of meetings. We pounded the pavement drumming up support (and hopefully dollars) for my program and I think we were fairly successful (on that first account at least). I've been making a more concerted effort to eat out with friends when I'm in town to keep myself from being a shut-in (think PJs, room service, and only 3 TV channels which only seem to show crime dramas - my least favorite genre). One night was catching up with my co-worker and partner in crime from the Dominica trip, Whitney. The next night was fabulous Mexican food with another co-worker, Preetha. After enough margaritas we ordered the "Cricket Tacos". See evidence below...

They were spicy, salty, and dare I say reminded me of crispy shredded chicken?? In all honesty, we ordered these while sober on a whim of being brave, then after margaritas and laughter decided taking pictures would be hilarious. Look closely and you can see the little legs that got caught in our teeth (I wish I could make this stuff up).

The next night was dinner with my friend Glynnis who visited us back in August and I took her out for her birthday. (see below) One of her fun friends joined us and we all had a good time laughing about the daily struggles of the working world.

Oh, and yes, that is me on the left side... you might have noticed that my hair is absurdly short. I had the misfortune of trusting a new hairstylist who's hair scared me (note to self: don't go to a stylist if her hair scares you, it foreshadows the hair cut to come). While I like how "summery" short it is, I am trying to figure out what to do with it. I miss my old stylist and have resolved to track her down.

By Friday I was ready to go home. I missed home cooking, my kitties, and Wade (not necessarily in that order!), and I was struggling to write a policy paper that a group of us are drafting. I got hood-winked into taking a stab at the first draft and found myself faced with writer's block from the horror of having everyone hate it. (special note to the reading audience: one of the group I'm working with has been quite a handful during the process and has been quite vocal in his disagreement - this has led to high blood pressure, copious amounts of swearing, and nightmares on my part) The first draft was due out to the group on Friday, but by the time my plane landed on Friday night I knew it wasn't going to happen (despite working through both my flights). So, Wade indulged the look of panic in my eyes and we packed up Saturday morning to spend the weekend at the beach house. I spent Saturday on the patio writing and tearing my hair out until I finally gave up and sent out a copy before dinner. I then promptly grabbed a beer from the fridge and hopped in the pool and proceeded to forget all about work for the weekend (see exhibit A below). We discovered an effective combination of things that when taken in copious amounts can cure whatever work crap ails you: fresh coconuts from the back yard, beer and rum, home cooking, walking the beach during a thunderstorm at sunset, vitamin D via sunshine, late night swims, and outdoor showers.

Yes, we do like our little slice of paradise.

The End of an Era

After 7 long years of toiling in the dungeons of science, Wade has finally joined the ranks in the ivory towers... he is now DR. Cooper!!! :) Below, the new Ph.D. celebrates in front of my homemade sign.

Last Thursday we drove to Miami to get settled for Wade's PhD defense. We had a nice dinner and were able to catch up with Marilyn before getting to bed early for Wade's big day. Friday was the actual hour-long public presentation followed by a private discussion with his Committee, and he passed with flying colors. Afterwards, we had a party for him complete with a champagne toast (sorry, I did the toasting, so no pictures of that!). His labmates had fun helping me decorate - they wrote science jokes on the balloons (see the pictures here)... one of those you had to be there moments to appreciate, but we all laughed at our own nerdiness. For a true appreciate of graduate student life, I highly recommend reading the comic strip PhD Comics - they are poignant, hilarious, and accurate.

After the party we headed home to Sarasota to pick up the furry kids and headed straight to Anna Maria to settle into the beach house for the weekend. Wade couldn't help himself and opened his presents as soon as we got to the house (did I mention it was 9:30pm?). To honor his grand accomplishment, he requested a video game console (he uttered some excuse about needing something to do while I travel for work... yeah, that's it). So, I granted his wish and got him a Wii and some games to go along with it. My mom and step-dad also sent some games to surprise him too. I surprised him with another bonus of some Ro-Bear's goodies my step-brother and sister-in-law make (smoked salsa - my new addiction, candied jalapenos, and jalapeno pickles) which he proceeded to devour as soon as he cracked open the box. He then played some Wii until he couldn't keep his eyes open and we finally went to bed. It was a long day for sure!

Saturday my co-worker, Michelle, and her mom came up for lunch and a swim at the beach. Michelle surprised Wade with cupcakes from our favorite bakery and a fun fish balloon (in addition to a new game for his Wii). We all promptly went into a sugar coma after diving into the fresh cupcakes. After they headed home, we spent the rest of the afternoon around the pool then grilled out.

Sunday morning we got up and walked to the beach to watch the birds and enjoy some peace and quiet. The beach is so beautiful in the morning - soft light, calm waves, hundreds of birds jabbering and flying about, and no people to disturb the peace. After lunch, one of Wade's co-workers, Dave, and his wife came down from St. Pete to lounge in the pool. It was the first time I got to meet them and they were a lot of fun. We had drinks in the pool, enjoyed cupcakes, then went for a walk on the beach. After they left Wade and I got back in the pool, made nacho's for dinner, then Wii'ed the night away.

On Monday, Megan, Jimmy, and Trey came down to hang out for the afternoon. We made snacks and Wade introduced Jimmy to the wonders of Ro-Bear's candied jalapenos with cream cheese and they polished off a whole jar. Then we played in the pool and Trey enjoyed using his mom as his personal raft. After having some cupcakes (notice a pattern?!), we showed them a few of the new Wii sports games (archery and American Gladiator-style swordplay) before Trey was ready to go down for a nap and they headed home. We took a sunset swim and Wii'ed the night away again before finally heading to bed.

It was a lovely, relaxing weekend that we were excited to share with friends. We wished we could have spent more time with friends in Miami, but being beach bums all weekend was just the thing we needed. Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes last week! Wade appreciated your support! Just before leaving for Miami we also received news that my other step-sister and brother-in-law (Janis & Miles) had their little boy - welcome Samuel Ian! So exciting!