I haven't yet filtered through all of our pictures from the latest Tobler-family Vegas Vacation but, I promise to post some in the next couple of days. Until then, here's a quick story to wet your appetite.
So, Jeff and I were scheduled to leave Orlando last Thursday night at 8:20 pm. I had some grant details to wrap up before I left town and Jeff was taking a midterm that afternoon. We planned to leave Gainesville around 3:30-4 pm. So, I'm sitting in my office, watching time continue to pass...and pass...until 5 pm when Jeff finally called to tell me he'd finished his final. This was an hour or so later than what we had planned but, I thought it wouldn't be such a big deal, we'd make up some time on the road and did we really need to be at the airport two hours early anyway?? We were making good time, in the rain, nonetheless, until we were stopped dead in our tracks on the Florida Turnpike. There was an accident and we sat in essentially the same spot for an hour and a half!! Things eventually got moving for us around 7 pm but we were still about 30 minutes away from the airport. We had a white-knuckled, rain-soaked ride the remainder of the way and managed to make it to the terminal about 7:45 pm, parked in the $17 per day parking lot at the terminal, and ran with our luggage into the check-in area. Of course, the US Airways counter was at the farthest possible point from where we were...so we ran some more, pulling our luggage behind us. We made it to the counter, sweating and out of breath, at 7:55 pm thinking maybe we had just made it but, alas, it was not to be. They said our flight was "restricted" and that we'd have to go in the morning. (We think they may have given our seats away since we were cutting it so close!)
So, feeling hungry and completely disappointed, we next had to figure out where we were going to stay that night. I tried to get in touch with my sister, Ashley, who lives about 30 minutes from the airport but, no luck there!! It's been weeks since I've been able to get her on the phone! So, we drove from airport hotel to airport hotel looking for a room. At the 6th, nastiest one, we booked their last room and spent a miserable night in a stuffy, "pig in a prom dress"-type hotel room and flew out to Vegas at 8 am the next morning.
We were happy to finally make it, even though we were to spend the next 6 hours in the car on the way to Phoenix! It was nasty couple of days for which we have no pictures. I think that's a blessing...we'd rather forget those two days anyway! And you can just picture us with our disappointed faces and tired eyes!
More stories and pictures to come!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Busy Week!
After a fairly relaxing weekend, Jeff and I have a busy week ahead of us! Jeff has a midterm this week, I am giving my formal dissertation proposal presentation on Wednesday, and we both have plenty of work-work to get done before we head to Vegas for a week on Thursday night! I had decided that I wasn't going to take any vacations until I completed my dissertation but, since I had to go out west for Clark's wedding anyway, I figured I might as well take a few days. I'm thankful I did. We're still in grant-writing mode at work and a little break from work (and school) is very welcome!
Jeff's big adventure this weekend was playing tackle football on Saturday morning. He usually plays flag football each week but, Saturday was a full-tackle game. He came home really dirty, sore and bruised but, he said he had a lot of fun. He even went for a run with me after he got home...it's been the only time so far where he's set the slower pace!
A few other weekend highlights: (1) dinner at Napolitano's with Cassie & Craig...big menu, tasty food, and good company. For those of you in Gainesville, I definitely recommend this place. (2) dinner at the chinese place in the Haile Plantation village center with Brent & Erin, again very tasty with good company! This is our favorite chinese place so far...somehow, it's a lot less greasy than the others. (3) new glasses for Jeff and new Nike shocks for me...I don't think Jeff's had new glasses in 6-7 years and it's taken me 5 years to find a pair of tennis shoes that I like--they all usually look like astronaut shoes! (4) And last, but not least, our sacrament meeting yesterday was really uplifting. I was reminded that we need to just do the best we can, keep moving forward, and things will all work out. (It was also fun to watch the two little ones in front of us jump and run figure-8's sporadically throughout the meeting!)
I hope you all have a good week!
Jeff's big adventure this weekend was playing tackle football on Saturday morning. He usually plays flag football each week but, Saturday was a full-tackle game. He came home really dirty, sore and bruised but, he said he had a lot of fun. He even went for a run with me after he got home...it's been the only time so far where he's set the slower pace!
A few other weekend highlights: (1) dinner at Napolitano's with Cassie & Craig...big menu, tasty food, and good company. For those of you in Gainesville, I definitely recommend this place. (2) dinner at the chinese place in the Haile Plantation village center with Brent & Erin, again very tasty with good company! This is our favorite chinese place so far...somehow, it's a lot less greasy than the others. (3) new glasses for Jeff and new Nike shocks for me...I don't think Jeff's had new glasses in 6-7 years and it's taken me 5 years to find a pair of tennis shoes that I like--they all usually look like astronaut shoes! (4) And last, but not least, our sacrament meeting yesterday was really uplifting. I was reminded that we need to just do the best we can, keep moving forward, and things will all work out. (It was also fun to watch the two little ones in front of us jump and run figure-8's sporadically throughout the meeting!)
I hope you all have a good week!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Grandma's Lingerie...
I received the following from my brother-in-law today and thought it was too cute not to post.
Clark, the brother right under Jeff, is getting married in a couple of weeks. His wife-to-be, Rachel, recently received some "honeymoon night wear" purchased by her grandmother (see pic below).
Jeff and I had a giggle about it but, thought it was a really sweet gesture from her grandma!
Clark, the brother right under Jeff, is getting married in a couple of weeks. His wife-to-be, Rachel, recently received some "honeymoon night wear" purchased by her grandmother (see pic below).
Jeff and I had a giggle about it but, thought it was a really sweet gesture from her grandma!
Did it again!
No, I didn't fall off my stilettos again....I ran 3-miles again! Yeah! Sadly, it wasn't any easier but, I'm just going to have to suffer through it a few more times before it does (atleast that's what Jeff tells me!)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Step-sister's Wild Ride...
Hello! I hope you all had a good weekend! We've had a quiet week/weekend with not much going on. I was really surprised this morning, however, by an email I received from my Dad over the weekend. My step-sister was abducted/kidnapped in Salt Lake City on Thursday!! I'm going to leave out many of the details and just give you the "big picture." And to re-assure you, she is OK and is doing her best to get back to "normal."
She was approached by a man with a broken bottle and a gun and told to get in her car and drive to the nearest ATM, where she was to withdraw money so he could get his heroin fix. The perp sat behind her with a gun to her head, while she was driving where she was told. She was tyring to text for help with one hand until the perp got suspicious and told her to put both hands on the wheel. At some point, the guy began throwing up so he opened the back seat door. She recognized this opportunity and turned real fast so that the guy was flew out the door. She called 911 and gave them the man's description and the police were able to apprehend them within the hour at the Trax (train) station. Thankfully, all ended without injury. However, much can be said for her ability to remain level headed and play out the situation the way she did. And certainly, her angels must have been working over time!
We're grateful that she's safe and were reminded what a blessing personal safety is. Unfortunately, I don't think there was anything she could have done to prevent the situation but, there is something to learn from her actions. I'm not sure if I would have been able to hold things together as she did and recognize the opportunity to save herself!
Anyway, that was the crazy story that started my week! Yikes!
She was approached by a man with a broken bottle and a gun and told to get in her car and drive to the nearest ATM, where she was to withdraw money so he could get his heroin fix. The perp sat behind her with a gun to her head, while she was driving where she was told. She was tyring to text for help with one hand until the perp got suspicious and told her to put both hands on the wheel. At some point, the guy began throwing up so he opened the back seat door. She recognized this opportunity and turned real fast so that the guy was flew out the door. She called 911 and gave them the man's description and the police were able to apprehend them within the hour at the Trax (train) station. Thankfully, all ended without injury. However, much can be said for her ability to remain level headed and play out the situation the way she did. And certainly, her angels must have been working over time!
We're grateful that she's safe and were reminded what a blessing personal safety is. Unfortunately, I don't think there was anything she could have done to prevent the situation but, there is something to learn from her actions. I'm not sure if I would have been able to hold things together as she did and recognize the opportunity to save herself!
Anyway, that was the crazy story that started my week! Yikes!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Runner in the making??
I ran three miles yesterday evening!! This may not seem like much to you marathoners but, I really think its the farthest I've ever run! Of course, I slowed Jeff down quite a bit but, I think we were just both happy that I could make all the way around our 3-mile "loop." My legs are pretty sore and heavy today but, I'm hoping a lighter run this evening will loosen them up a bit.
We also had a nice Valentines Day on Thursday. We gave up trying to go out for Valentines a few years ago and instead treat ourselves to some delicious, completely unhealthy take-out. This year it was Valentine's chinese and a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and frosting (a new recipe I tried). Both were very tasty and we enjoyed a low-key evening at home.
We don't have much going on this weekend and I think we are both thankful for that! I'm taking the weekend off...no dissertation work, no homework, just a few hours at the salon for my cut and highlights and some shopping and relaxing! Jeff has promised to put in a new kitchen sink for me today and is off playing football and lifting weights with his buddies this morning.
For all of you Floridians....isn't this weather great!!! This is my favorite time of the year weather-wise!
We also had a nice Valentines Day on Thursday. We gave up trying to go out for Valentines a few years ago and instead treat ourselves to some delicious, completely unhealthy take-out. This year it was Valentine's chinese and a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and frosting (a new recipe I tried). Both were very tasty and we enjoyed a low-key evening at home.
We don't have much going on this weekend and I think we are both thankful for that! I'm taking the weekend off...no dissertation work, no homework, just a few hours at the salon for my cut and highlights and some shopping and relaxing! Jeff has promised to put in a new kitchen sink for me today and is off playing football and lifting weights with his buddies this morning.
For all of you Floridians....isn't this weather great!!! This is my favorite time of the year weather-wise!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Holding Babies 101...
We stopped by Brent & Erin's on Friday evening to say 'hello' and see their new bundle of joy, Tanner, again. Cute little guy... Anyway, Jeff decided he was going to try and hold him this time (he chickened out at the hospital last weekend). So, I hand him off to Jeff, and besides the look of terror on his face, Brent and I got a big kick out of how he was holding him....something like what you'd expect if you were getting ready to throw a watermelon. Jeff's never held a newborn before so, I had to cut him a little slack but, it was still pretty funny. I gave him a quick lesson after we got home and he'll have to try again the next time we're over there.
Our weekend was quite productive. I spent a lot of time cleaning our house. It needed a good "spring clean" and I was surprised how dusty/dirty everything was! I was so determined to get everything clean that I even washed the curtains in my room. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, I washed them on cold and then laid them out flat to air-dry (just like the tag says), and then when I went to put them back up again, they were a good three inches shorter!! I was so mad! So, now my curtains will look like they're ready for a flood. I'll have to replace them soon. :-(
Our weekend was quite productive. I spent a lot of time cleaning our house. It needed a good "spring clean" and I was surprised how dusty/dirty everything was! I was so determined to get everything clean that I even washed the curtains in my room. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, I washed them on cold and then laid them out flat to air-dry (just like the tag says), and then when I went to put them back up again, they were a good three inches shorter!! I was so mad! So, now my curtains will look like they're ready for a flood. I'll have to replace them soon. :-(
Monday, February 4, 2008
Great Weekend!
It was hard to go back to work today after such a lovely weekend! For all of you who are suffering through winter still...you have my sympathies. However, when it's February 1st, sunny, and 75 degrees, there isn't any other place I'd rather be!
Jeff and I were able to be a part of a couple of special moments for some of our friends this weekend. Our friends, Justin and Kira, were sealed to their little boy on Saturday and I'm so thankful they let us be a part of it. It was so sweet..I think Jeff's were the only dry eyes in the room! On Sunday, after over 20 hours of labor, our BFFs, Brent and Erin, welcomed their first little boy, Tanner, into their family. He is a such a sweet little guy with *tons* of hair!! The picture below doesn't do it justice. They made such a cute kid I told them we'd happily accept any they wanted to pop out for us!
I have nearly recovered from my stiletto spill on Friday. My knee is considerably less sore, as is my ankle, and save for two giant blisters on the bottom of my feet, I'm almost back to normal. I made a valiant effort yesterday to show that while I may have been down, I was not out, by wearing those same shoes yesterday to church. It wasn't entirely pain-free but, I didn't fall and they looked great with my outfit!
I hope you all have a great week!
Amy and 16-hour old Tanner
Jeff and I were able to be a part of a couple of special moments for some of our friends this weekend. Our friends, Justin and Kira, were sealed to their little boy on Saturday and I'm so thankful they let us be a part of it. It was so sweet..I think Jeff's were the only dry eyes in the room! On Sunday, after over 20 hours of labor, our BFFs, Brent and Erin, welcomed their first little boy, Tanner, into their family. He is a such a sweet little guy with *tons* of hair!! The picture below doesn't do it justice. They made such a cute kid I told them we'd happily accept any they wanted to pop out for us!
I have nearly recovered from my stiletto spill on Friday. My knee is considerably less sore, as is my ankle, and save for two giant blisters on the bottom of my feet, I'm almost back to normal. I made a valiant effort yesterday to show that while I may have been down, I was not out, by wearing those same shoes yesterday to church. It wasn't entirely pain-free but, I didn't fall and they looked great with my outfit!
I hope you all have a great week!
Amy and 16-hour old Tanner
Friday, February 1, 2008
Scholarship Convocation & A Tragedy...
Today was my scholarship convocation luncheon, where the College of Health and Human Performance recognized all of its scholarship recipients. It was a nice little affair...Jeff and I got to meet some representatives for the donors for one of my scholarships. They were a lovely little couple and it was nice to give them my thanks in person. The food wasn't that great but, the company was nice!
Unfortunately, they didn't hand out the certificates for both of my scholarships at once...I had to make the long trek up to the stage, up the stairs, across the stage, and down the stairs, twice. Normally, this would be such a big deal but... (see below).
I actually fell off my stilettos on the way there!! Yep, I actually hit the pavement! I think (as it all happened so quickly) that as I was stepping off a curb my ankle rolled and I just collapsed. Luckily, I didn't tear my pants! I only tweaked my ankle, skinned my knee, scuffed my favorite pair of shoes, and wounded my pride...
It was bound to happen eventually. I had come too close too many times. Now you can see why I was nervous about going up to the stage twice! I was in pain and had lost all confidence in my ability to walk in heels! It'll be flats for me for the next few days!
Unfortunately, they didn't hand out the certificates for both of my scholarships at once...I had to make the long trek up to the stage, up the stairs, across the stage, and down the stairs, twice. Normally, this would be such a big deal but... (see below).
I actually fell off my stilettos on the way there!! Yep, I actually hit the pavement! I think (as it all happened so quickly) that as I was stepping off a curb my ankle rolled and I just collapsed. Luckily, I didn't tear my pants! I only tweaked my ankle, skinned my knee, scuffed my favorite pair of shoes, and wounded my pride...
It was bound to happen eventually. I had come too close too many times. Now you can see why I was nervous about going up to the stage twice! I was in pain and had lost all confidence in my ability to walk in heels! It'll be flats for me for the next few days!
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