On the road again...

The past few weeks have been a blur. Work, school, travel, studying, work, etc have been consuming our days to the point where sometimes I will wake up at 5:50 am and not see Adam until 10:00 pm. This may sound dramatic, but I am not okay with this chaotic pace and will be incredibly relieved when we can find reprieve.  

Now that I have vented my exhaustion, I will admit that amidst the business of April and May, I have had quite a bit to look forward to. Adam and I decided that in celebration of two fabulous years of matrimony as well as in preparation for 4 tough years ahead, we shall embark on a 4.5 week road trip of the great west. We thought that in conclusion of 2 great years in Missoula, we would take advantage of our current geography and hit the road to soak up the beauty the western states. Our current plans (or lack thereof) are to hit the road in mid-June and drive down through Utah, visiting Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Arches, Cedar Breaks, etc. Once we hav

e made it to the bottom and back of the Grand Canyon, we will cut across to the coast and head up highway 1 until we reach Portland. 

If anyone knows of cool places to eat, drink, surf, hike, sleep, etc., we would LOVE your suggestions. 

                        

Extravagances

"The extravagant gesture is the very stuff of creation. After one extravagant gesture of creation in the first place, the universe has continued to deal exclusively in extravagances, flinging intricacies and colossi down aeons of emptiness, heaping profusions on profligacies with fresh vigor. The whole show has been on fire since the word go!"

Annie Dillard

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Curious about the Green Thumb

So, I have had several people ask about the progress of our indoor garden plot and I thought it best to just give you a brief picture overview. I get periodic updates on the actual size of our garden and the latest number of species in our 800 square foot apartment is approximately 140. It continues to amaze me how Adam can take a small, shriveled leaf or clipping and within weeks there is brand new life sprouting out of the soil. 

I will give myself a brief plug because I have not reached the level of full time greenhouse caretaker and find joy in any success. I am usually much more content to watch the planting, watering, and waiting process, rather than participate and, heaven forbid, risk plant injury or death. However, despite my insecurities when it comes to our gardens, Adam was gone for a week to Portland, and he returned with not a single tragedy to grieve. Granted, my only job was to water specific plants that were in the germination stage  (about four out of the whopping 140) , but I am proud nonetheless. 

If you are not a plant lover or struggle to find joy in new green growth, take it from a novice who has the most rudimentary of skills when I say that it is all worth it. From one puny aloe plant 3 years ago, we (mostly he) have learned to treasure the greenery that blankets our windowsills and dresser tops. And, we like to think that in some small way we are contributing to the beauty of the earth. 

Now, enjoy a little picture tour of our progress to date. 

String of Pearls...One of my favorites.

Some of our babies

Is it possible?

Well, if you can believe it, we have come to the end of this long saga of decisions and deadlines. After many hard but fruitful conversations over the course of the past 6 months, we have made a final decision on where we will spend the next half-decade of our lives together. Out of a pool of 16 different schools, representing approximately 12 different states, we can say with much excitement that we are headed to the nation's vibrant capital, Washington D.C.!! Adam will be attending the University of Maryland for his PhD in Communication Studies and I will be enrolled at George Washington University for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

We would like to thank all of you who have prayed with us and for us throughout this process. We have been so blessed by your support and encouragement. Most of all we have realized "Great is His faithfulness!"

Happy Day

Spelling D.C. Backwards. 

Just got back from a delightful weekend in San Antonio where I got to stay with Kim and John. Crazy that it has been over a year since we have seen each other. The purpose of the trip was to interview at Texas State University's DPT program but I got to chill with one of my best friends, survive an intense yoga session, bond with Griffin (Kim and John's adorable Boston Terrier), and make a sweet application video for the Amazing Race (Season 15 Baby!!!).

embracing domesticity

It is slightly embarrassing to admit my great excitement when we received our new vacuum in the mail, but alas, I am grown and quickly growing accustomed to the joys of adulthood.

Here she is...our gently purring, surprisingly powerful Electrolux.

have yourself a merry little christmas

Well, I am a little embarrassed by my lack of commitment. It has been almost two months since I have posted anything, which seems so ridiculous considering the amount of activity that comes with Nov and Dec - Thanksgiving, the first Missoula snow, family, Christmas, School, etc. 

So now the question is where do I start. How do i begin to give an update on our lives of late?

Christmas 2008 = 7 days in Chattanooga + New Years in Atlanta + 4 days in Dallas

Whether it was battling it out in countless ping pong tournaments, baking endless batches of delicious cookies (gingerbread, double chocolate, pecan chocolate blondies, toffee, etc.), boxing vigorously on the wii, completing the annual Christmas puzzle, reading in front of the fire, or just spending down time with our dear families, I think we can both agree that this Christmas was absolutely delightful. Though we love our home in Missoula, it is bittersweet having to say goodbye to people that we love so dearly. The following are some of the pics from our time in Chattanooga. 

Susie Q and I reading by the fire.

Don't let her sweet and gentle spirit fool you. Mom is a beast win it comes to ping pong. 

Slightly awkward in my stance, but I came out alright. 

The Bracket.

Joseph and Adam battling it out in the first round. 

I have never seen two people so in shock over a Christmas. We have officially crossed over to the dark side. 

Mom and Susie Q on Christmas morning. 

Dad and Adam sharing a brew while Dad whips up some delicious pecan toffee. 

Surveying their masterpiece. 

Baking session #3, Chewy Gingersnaps. 

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.