Home at last

It has been glorious to be home. In October, I was literally traveling more than I was home. I traveled 3 of the 4 weeks of October. The "cool" fall air (open windows and no more AC!) is settling in, Halloween decorations have come and gone, Thanksgiving decor is up, and the birds are singing. I’m also enjoying the finer pleasures in life such as using a real shampoo bottle instead of a tiny travel size one, eating home cooked wheat/gluten-free meals, and snuggling kitties.

However, the last week of October I had the house to myself as Wade was in Miami for some training for work. It was a little weird being the one at home while Wade traveled. And not entirely pleasant. When there’s dog barf first thing in the morning, I clean it up (while gagging). When the Carolina Wren sneaks in our window to explore the kitchen and dining room for nesting space, I have to herd him out (after Marley pounces and pulls out some feathers). After cooking dinner, I have to do all the dishes. And for some reason, I always seem to get sick when Wade’s gone, which made cooking for myself kind of sucky. Oh the harsh realities of living alone - yes honey, I really do appreciate all the things you do around the house!

We've taken the last two weekends to do some spring cleaning around the house. With the windows open and the breeze blowing, the time felt right to do all the pesky chores and deep cleaning items we've been putting off. It's nice to feel like things are in order and we're ready to enjoy sitting on the deck (once the mosquitos are gone for winter) around the fire pit.

And just in time, I'll be in DC again next week for more meetings, so I know Wade will be happy to have a clean house while I'm gone!

No thank you New Jersey

The day after the Miami peeps left I packed a bag and headed to the Jersey Shore for an all-staff retreat for work. It was really incredible to be able to meet the 300+ people in our organization. Since I work in a remote office (read: alone) with only one co-worker (Michelle) who travels more than I do, my favorite part of retreats is getting to hang out with people.

I roomed with my co-worker Michelle, and once we checked into the hotel we checked out our first view of the Jersey Shore. We were underwhelmed. “Shore” is the closest term I could use because a “beach” it wasn’t. We have discovered that we are what someone might call a “beach snob”. This is compounded by the fact that we have absolutely no problem telling everyone how much we love Sarasota and how no one has seen a real beach until they’ve been here. Ahem, we are occasionally capable of modesty, but we don’t particularly enjoy it. (haha)

We were there for 4 days and I only made it outside once, but that was enough. See, I even took a picture, and I tried my hardest to make it look nice:

However, flying out of Newark airport was all it was cracked up to be, and more. I have always been told that if you have the option of flying through Newark or going to hell, that hell is the better option. And now I see why. After encountering a myriad of “helpful” and “charming” people at the airport we could not get home fast enough. I quite literally almost lost it when the security folks dropped my new laptop on the ground and didn’t even notice. Thankfully, I had it in a protective sleeve (NEVER put your laptop through the machine without at least a protective sleeve) so it seems to be ok for now...

Miami comes to us

The third weekend in October was our last weekend with the beach house. To make it an official party though, some of our Miami peeps came to join us to revel in the last days of summer. Unfortunately, it seemed that summer decided to head out early before Marilyn, Jason, and Rachel actually arrived. The weekend was cooler than we expected, but we toughed it out at the beach anyway to play some bocce on Saturday.

When we couldn’t take it anymore we headed to the house to play some games (Pass the Pigs and Uno), enjoy my special rum punch, and push the Uno loser into the pool (Jason) - which Rachel seemed to particularly enjoy.

It was all downhill from there as the rum did it’s job (one of the perils of starting drinking at 11am I guess...). As per Jason and Wade: “ You guys got all girly and sappy and talked about weddings... there was hugging and stuff, so we went outside to have beers.” We grilled out, had a nice dinner, then began dropping like flies. I am embarrassed to say I was the first to go and the indicator was when I laid on the floor using the dogs as pillows.

The next morning the gang headed to Busch Gardens, minus me. I was in no shape to ride roller coasters, let alone ride in a car. I spent the entire day sleeping, then eventually reading and snuggling Marley (it seemed I did not have a choice in that matter).

Once they all got back we went out for a last dinner (at which everyone looked wiped and a little green around the gills) before the Miami folk headed home. It was a lot of fun and wonderful to see them. I did however require a prolonged detox period afterwards...

Fall at last

The second week of October we headed to Waynesville, NC to visit my mom and step-dad and take in the mountain views. It was a much needed break for both Wade and I since we haven’t been able to take a vacation since our honeymoon almost 3.5 years ago. We have squeaked in little trips here and there around other events, but none that have been planned solely for the purpose of just sitting and relaxing. We’re hoping to remedy that in the spring. We were lucky enough to be able to make this trip happen after a project at work forced some rearranging and we had to unexpectedly go to PA for Wade's grandfather's funeral.

We flew into Asheville where Mom and Larry picked us up and we headed into town for a little shopping at REI (we don’t have any stores in Florida) and a fantastic good southern vegetarian meal at Tupelo Honey Cafe. It was delicious and the perfect beginning to the trip. The nights were cool while we were there and the days just the right temperature. We went hiking in Smoky Mountains National Park to see Clingman’s Dome one day (see below), we drove to Cataloochee in the Park another day to see elk and turkeys, we strolled main street Waynesville for some shopping and an art fair, and we enjoyed the mountain vistas as the leaves were changing. The last day we were there was Larry’s birthday so we opened presents then went to see a movie in Asheville. Afterwards we did some shopping at REI again (sale!) and met up with my old coworker Kellyn. We said our goodbyes to Mom and Larry and took Kellyn to a nice dinner at a cool vegetarian place in downtown Asheville called Laughing Seed. Our return flight was absurdly early the next day, so Kellyn offered to let us sleep over and take us to the airport since she lived so close.

We really enjoyed being able to photograph all the beauty of the mountains while we were there. We were a little early for the peak of fall, but we did see some nice color. You can check out our Picasa site here to see more pictures.

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!

Oh, that's where August went...

Yes, my how time flies... I wanted to send out a bit of an update before we head to Miami this week for Wade's defense. Yes, D-Day is this Friday Sept. 4th!!

First, we were able to get some fun when friends from DC (Glynnis & Nathan) came to visit the second weekend in August. We had a much needed weekend of relaxation that involved lounging in the pool, bocce on the beach at sunset (see below), sushi, rum punch, and enough cheeseypoofs to bring down a horse. Ah, what more does one need in life?! :) We also learned how to play Pass the Pigs (something that only British barflies could have invented) which was made even funnier when watching someone make a gigantic comeback then lose when only one point away from winning (sorry Nathan!) - the worst tragedy Glynnis has seen in her years of Pig playing.

Just another day in paradise. :)

Besides having company, it's been a quiet month. Wade has been making his final preparations, I've been working (no travel this month!), and my body has been reminding me that I am indeed getting older (even if my mind isn't!). I threw out my neck earlier this month and have been going through physical therapy this month which has largely consisted of teaching my shoulders and neck what good posture looks like (whee).

Second, for the past two months I have been testing my theory that I have issues with wheat. Yes, my old friend bread is no longer my best friend (this is extremely difficult for me to say, when asked what three things I would take to a deserted island, #1 was always bread). I've gone through some tests which have been inconclusive, but the one thing that has proved conclusive is how I feel when I don't eat things made with wheat - 10 pounds lighter and my intestines are happier. For the past two months I've eliminated wheat from my diet (Wade has gone along too and also noticed some pretty marked improvements) to test out my theory and because I was so miserable in June that I just didn't know what else to do. But, over the last week or two I've tested it a bit and realize that we can eat something every now and then (once a week splurge), but even one meal with a little wheat everyday adds up fast. For a while it was really difficult to have to look at all the things we suddenly couldn't eat, but we've been trying new recipes, Wade is baking his own bread (from alternative flours), and we've found a lot of things made without wheat to replace our favorites (pasta, crackers, cookies, corn taco shells, etc). So, thankfully we're feeling better and can still splurge every now and then, but even better is that we aren't allergic which means life would become a lot more difficult when eating out. (Yes, the irony is not lost on me - the vegetarians already don't eat a lot of things, what else is there to give up?!)

So, that's been our quiet August. It's been nice to have a slow month before things pick up again in September. We hope everyone else has been able to get some down time this summer too! I'll be sure to post next week after Wade's defense!