Catching Up

Hey EVERYONE!!!

Well, that was an unexpected several month hiatus...  Oops.  Anyway, before I resume regular posting, here's what has been going on in my life since January:

1.  I have a new niece!!!!!  Grace Michelle was born on April 18th.  She's getting cuter by the day!

As is this little guy.  And my obsession with my nephew is still going strong.  He's totally got an attitude and I love it.  "No, T.  No see me. Go 'way."  It's precious.  

2.  I adopted a dog in January.  Meet Walter:

He's sweet and chubby and adorable.  He has one white paw.  It is my kryptonite.  He is also a little naughty and we have an appointment at doggie obedience school tomorrow.  Nellie is still skeptical...  But they're growing on each other.

3.  I studied for 2 and a half months, spent 8 hours a day for 4 days in a little office at school taking my written comprehensive exams (with no notes at all), then orally defended my answers 3 weeks later.  These exams are required by my PhD program in order to move past my coursework and move onto my dissertation.  I also did all of this while teaching my first college class ever, playing on 2 volleyball teams, and training for a half marathon.  I am crazy.  It was a stressful and intense process, but I PASSED!!!!  Then, I celebrated.  Hard core.

4.  Last weekend, I ran my 6th half marathon.  Never before have I been so mentally or physically unprepared for a race.  But, it was the best race experience of my life.  The miles flew by and I loved (almost) every minute of it.  I have some theories as to how this happened.  Maybe I'll share them one of these days.  :)

Turning into the home stretch, smiling the whole way.

Cheering on friends running the full marathon.

So, things have been a little busier than usual.  But, they're starting to calm down a bit, so I'm planning to spend a little more time on here.  I miss writing to you all.  I don't know how many of you actually enjoy reading the crap I write, but I enjoy doing it.  Sooo...  I'm going to do it more.  haha

Take care and enjoy the late spring/early summer weather.  

Until next time...