Has it really been 5 months?!

Wow! I can't believe it's been 5+ months since I've updated the blog.  While I'm a bit disappointed in myself and more than a little embarrassed that I can't seem to keep this up for more than a few months at a time, I'm going to cut myself some slack.  The past 5+ months have been crazy!!  In an attempt to keep this recap reasonably short, I'll just hit the highlights!

First, I GOT A JOB!!! I spent much of last summer and fall sending out job applications to schools all over the country.  I was lucky to get a handful of phone interviews early in the fall, and then in November to be invited for an on-campus interview at Regis University in Denver, CO.  During my three day visit, I couldn't help falling in love with the place.  By the time they put me in the taxi to the airport, I was convinced that Regis is where I was meant to end up.  I just had to hope that they liked me as much as I liked them : )  Fortunately for me, I received a call just three days later offering me the position.  I happily accepted and will begin my new role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience this August.

 

Hitting "send" on my acceptance letter

Jeremy and I sporting our new Regis Rangers t-shirts

(our Christmas gift from my new Deptartment Chair)

Obviously, this means that we're moving to Denver!  It's more than a little overwhelming to think about leaving our good friends in SLC, finding a place to live in Denver, transitioning from Postdoc to Assistant Professor, etc.  That being said, it's an exciting new chapter and I'm lucky to have a husband who's on board for the ride.  Jeremy is already looking for work in Denver and ideally, he'll be able to find something before our scheduled move date of mid-July.... fingers crossed!! He's had some great leads, so we're hopeful that something will pan out.

In other news, we had a lovely trip home at Christmas and enjoyed getting to catch up with our family and friends there.  We were able to sneak away for over a week, which was glorious!

Ruby's Christmas photo shoot

(she stubbornly refused to look at the camera)

 The Gleason's trying out my "patented" wacky face

 Good ol' Bell View trail with Madre and Padre!!

Since the new year, we've gotten a TON of snow.  As such, the neighborhood has turned into a ghost town and we rarely see anyone :)  We've been trying to get out and enjoy the sunshine when the inversion relents for a few days, and we did manage to get everyone together for a Super Bowl party a couple weeks ago. 

Heading up City Creek Canyon on Groundhog Day

 Ruby and I enjoying the sunshine and snow

Just perfect!

Best running buddy a girl could ask for

 Just a little snow pack in the valley

 Mmm, Super Bowl snacks

Men + Football + Food = Happy

(somehow all of the girls disappeared right before this photo)

In the past couple weeks, I've decided to recommit myself to "The Return of Neurosquid".  Things got a little out of control with the job search, the holidays, etc., and I'm not pleased with the effects that level of constant stress had on my body and mind.  For Valentine's Day, Jeremy and I gave each other the gift of commitment to kicking each other back into shape.  We've had a fabulous week, eating really well, working out on a regular basis, and trying to focus on the positives in life rather than the stresses.  So far, so good!  I plan to use this blog as a place to keep myself accountable, so please hold me to it. 

 Our daily reminder of our commitment

Ruby "getting a drink" on our run last Saturday

(only our dog wades into the creek to drink in the middle of winter)

 "Mom!!! Look what I found!!!!"

I'm a sucker for her smile

 Last Sunday's run

(yes, those are snow clouds behind me)

Ruby sunbathing post-run

(a tired dog is a good dog)

More soon... in the meantime - enjoy the little things, get outside, and soak up the sunshine!

 

Weekend fun in the sun

We managed to cram a fair amount of fun into this past weekend, despite spending most of Sunday working around the house. On Friday afternoon, Jeremy suggested that we plan an evening hike up to Desolation Lake to watch the Wasatch 100 runners come through.  It was completely last minute, but we did a pretty good job of throwing together a plan via text messages at work.  After a quick pit stop at home to change clothes, feed Ruby, etc., we ran through Chipotle, grabbed a couple burritos for our packs, and headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The hike up MillD to Desolation lake isn't particularly technical, but we were racing daylight hoping to get to the top before dark.

The trail

Self-portrait on the way up

It's about a 4 mile hike with 2000 ft. of elevation gain (not too bad for the Wasatch), and despite the fact that we're both pretty out of shape right now, we managed to make it to the lake with just enough light left to actually see it. We plopped down near the aid station and plowed into our burritos (note: Chipotle burritos taste even better when eaten in the middle of nowhere after a hike).

Jeremy "running" up part of the trail

(Look, I learned to make a gif animation!)

Just before reaching the lake

Our timing was perfect, as we were eating, Jeremy's friend Craig came through the aid station (~mile 67) looking strong.  He was pretty surprised to see us up there!  We hung out at the aid station for a few hours, lending a hand, saying hi to friends as they ran through, warming folks up and basically hanging out.  It started getting pretty chilly around 10:30pm, and we had only packed limited gear, so we decided it was time for us to hike down for the night.  Armed with our headlamps, we made pretty quick work of the descent.  I passed out in the car on the drive home (I think my week caught up with me) and we allowed ourselves to sleep in a bit on Saturday.

Saturday morning, we joined our friend Melissa and her dog Leia for Doggie Swim Day at our local public pool.  It's a pretty cool event!  As with many public pools, this one closes after Labor Day.  Each year, they open it up for a few hours the Saturday after Labor Day for doggie swim time.  It was a RIOT!  Picture 60 or so dogs of all sizes/breeds, about 100 tennis balls, and water... awesome!

Just getting started!

Loving Life : )

Ruby could not even comprehend what was happening.  She ran around like a maniac, in the shallow end, out of the shallow end, running laps around the pool, chasing literally every ball that was thrown.  At one point she was swimming along with a ball in her mouth trying to stuff two or three more in there.  She was in heaven!  We never really got her to do the running jump into the deep end like some of the other dogs, but she would "jump" in after a ball and she swam like a champ.  We had to pull her out of the deep end by her armpits because she couldn't figure out how to climb over the lip, but she kept diving right back in.

It's a race!

Bobbing for tennis balls

Ruby's buddy Leia saying hello

I'm fairly certain Ruby's drowning that brown dog for trying to take her ball... no manners!

All in all, it was a great morning.  We had to drag her out of there against her will.  She would have kept going past the point of exhaustion if we had let her.  Even though we only stayed for about an hour and a half, she pretty much slept the entire rest of the weekend!  I wish they held an event like that more than once a year, it was the perfect way to wear her out and she couldn't have had more fun!

Saturday afternoon, we wandered over to the Avenue's Street Fair with our neighbors and spent a few hours checking out the booths and sampling the food.  It was a nice, sunny afternoon and we both ended up with some pretty spectacular tan lines on our feet from our flip flops.  It's always a good weekend when you get odd tan lines :)  While at the fair, we picked up a Utes-themed bandana for Ruby so she can show her Utah pride this week for homecoming.  Beat BYU!!

Ruby-girl, the Ute fan!

(black dog on a black comforter = poor contrast, I know)

Mazel Tov!

This post is a little late, but better late than never! 

Last weekend Jeremy and I drove up to Spokane, WA for my best friend's wedding... no, not the cheesy movie, the real deal!  My college roommate (and roomie for life) Rachel Kutteruf married a super great guy, Jon Cogen. Rachel and Jon have friends strewn all over the country and everyone gathered in downtown Spokane to celebrate with them.  Thursday night, those of us who were in town already, met up for dinner and drinks.  It was great to meet the groomsmen and get to know everyone before the festivities kicked off.  Jeremy hit it off with the guys and they adopted him for the weekend, which was really sweet! 

Jon (right) and his best man... and two ginormous beers!

On Friday, we rounded up the crew for rehearsal at Beacon Hill a beautiful venue just outside downtown Spokane.  We're all pros and rehearsal went smoothly. Jack, the ring bearer, stole the show and proved he was up to the task.  Jeremy dutifully served as photographer for the day (the whole weekend, really) and captured some great shots.

Beacon Hill

Yeah, that'll do

The motley crew

Jack, racing down the "aisle"

That night, Rachel's long-time friend Abbey hosted a pre-wedding BBQ at her parent's house.  It was the perfect house party, parents hiding in their bedroom while the boys and girls got to know each other  better :)  None of us realized that Rachel and Jon had planned a flip-cup tournament for that evening and tensions were high as the bridesmaids (and extra ladies) took on the groomsmen (and extra guys).  Long story short, the boys came out pretty cocky and we proceeded to crush them! Rachel has assembled quite the group of friends over the years - we're competitive, we're coordinated, and we can put away a beer when required.  The guys would argue that it was close, but in reality we whooped them.  It was a great night and really set the tone for the rest of the weekend :)

Matching up...

Intense battle...

VICTORY!!!

On Saturday,  the girls headed out to Coeur d'Alene to get our nails done and have lunch on the lake.  It was great girl time.  The guys (with Jeremy in tow) set off on what I heard was an epic mini-golf/arcade adventure to keep themselves busy while we were off getting pampered.  I feel I should add here that it was strange being back in Coeur d'Alene, as I hadn't been back since the ironman last year.  It was surreal to have lunch overlooking the swim start and drive my car right down the finisher's chute.  Lunch was lovely and was highlighted by huckleberry cocktails... yum!  

Huckleberry cheers!

(Photo Credit: Alyssa Henley)

That night, we all met up in downtown Spokane for the rehearsal dinner.  We had a blast wining, dining, toasting, etc.  It was clear how much everyone there loves Rachel and Jon! 

Me and Jeremy

(Photo Credit: Abbey Blume)

The girls!

(Photo Credit: Whoever was holding Abbey's camera)

Sunday was all about the wedding! We spent the morning at the salon getting our hair and makeup done before taking over Rachel's hotel room to get dressed.  The wedding was beautiful! It was my first Jewish wedding and I loved all of the traditions.  Everything went off without a hitch.  Rachel made a stunning bride, and Jon was a dashing groom. Together, they were adorable!  

The wedding

(Photo Credit: Shamelessly stolen from Rachel's Facebook Page)

I love the look he's giving her

Looking sharp!

Roomies for life - with our signature cocktail :)

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and a nice get-away.  As we left, we vowed to not go as long without getting together.  There's talk of a winter reunion... here's hoping we pull it off!

Celebrating 5 years of wedded bliss

I can hardly believe it, but Saturday was our 5 year wedding anniversary!  Jeremy's brought home flowers on Friday night and started the weekend off on a nice note.

Daisies - the official 5th anniversary flower

Since we had the whole day to celebrate, we started off by heading to the farmer's market.  Aside from our usual veggie shopping, we indulged in far too many anniversary treats.  Possibly the tastiest farmer's market trip ever!

Vanilla Raspberry Cookie... delish!

Plus, Ruby got a new bone. A good day for everyone : )

Jeremy had planned a whole day of surprises which were centered around the theme "things we always say we should do in Salt Lake, but never get around to actually doing".  We started by going to lunch at Stella Grill a cute little place we've driven past multiple times, but had yet to try.  It was a super yummy lunch and a nice start to the surprises.  After lunch, he drove us over to an industrial park near downtown, which I will admit stumped me at first.  Turns out, this is the location of the new urban winery we've heard so much about.  Kiler Grove winery grows their grapes in Paso Robles, CA, but blends and bottles their wine right here in good 'ol SLC.  They had a number of wines to taste and we had a blast pretending we were back in Napa/Sonoma on our honeymoon.  We bought a couple "everyday drinkers" and a nice zin blend to save for a future anniversary. 

Our lunch spot

Cheesy couple shot at the winery : )

We then hopped on FrontRunner (our local commuter train) and rode up to Ogden where we wandered around the old train museum and the antique/trinket shops on their historic main street.  Although much shorter, the train ride reminded me of one of our adventures back when we were just dating and we took the train from LA to Seattle.  Fun times!

Self-portrait on the train

Welcome to Ogden!

Me and an old steam engine... Grandpa would be proud!

Always the artist, Jeremy found a piano to play on 25th street.

After riding back down to SLC, we headed home for a quick wardrobe change before dinner (yet another surprise).  On our honeymoon, we bought four nice bottles of wine to save for our 5, 10, 15 and 20 year anniversaries.  We've had to modify the schedule a little bit to make sure we didn't let any of them get too far past their drinking time (i.e. we drank the bottle designated for year 5 last year).  Fortunately, the bottle we were planning on drinking on our 10th was maturing faster than anticipated, so we got to enjoy it this year!  This particular wine was the most sentimental of all since it was from a winery that had to shut its doors due to financial problems.  Thus, we will never have another bottle from this same place.  It was a random little winery way up in the hills called Graser.  We were the only customers there and the winemaker himself (along with a couple fabulous wine dogs) led us through the tasting.  He was an eccentric old guy who we both just loved.  When we purchased a bottle at the end of our tasting and told him we planned to save it for our 10th wedding anniversary, he whipped out a gold sharpie and insisted on signing the bottle! An all-around great guy.  Anyhow, I digress.  We packed up our Graser wine and walked up the street to Em's, a super cute restaurant in our neighborhood that we have been meaning to try (but were waiting for a special occasion).  Dinner was amazing and the wine was oh-so-good.  It aged better than either of us thought it would. Perfection!  Somewhere I hope Mr. Graser was smiling, watching us enjoy his wine as the perfect cap to a great 5th anniversary. 

Stuffed and happy post-dessert : )

Mr. Graser, pictured on the label of his most-delicious wine!

It's been a wild ride these last 5 years and I can't imagine anyone better to have shared it with. Here's to many more. Happy anniversary, mister!