An Excellent Weekend...

After some much needed time with my sweetheart, I am, indeed, feeling happy and human again. We didn't do much this past weekend--ate at a couple of our favorite restaurants, watched several episodes of "Dexter" and "Arrested Development" on netflix, ran, swam and slept. It was glorious. Oh yeah, we also played with our new iPhones! They have definitely exceeded our (high) expectations!

Sucked Into Another Vampire Series

I've been sucked into another teenage vampire series! Jeff thinks this is hysterical and I'm only slightly embarrassed. His latest hook for my attention to TV shows or movies (regardless of content) is "I think it has vampires in it so, you'll like it."

Honestly, I think I like these books better than Twilight (I know..gasp!). Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart kind of damped my enthusiasm. Taylor Lautner? That's another (jailbait) story! But, I digress. There are 5 books in the Vampire Academy series that have been released so far, with the 6th, and final, book coming out in December. (I may, or may not, have read all 5 within the last week.) They are a fun read and I definitely like the leading lady in these books much better than the whiney Bella Swan!

P.S. I apologize to those I may have offended with my comments about Twilight. I hope you will see past my flaws and keep reading my blog anyway.

Burnt Out

I have had an extended hiatus from my normal life. Usually, I rejoice in my cushy, university job and the life it affords. However, the past 6 weeks have found me traveling and working way too much. I've had 6 trips in the last 6 weeks (thankfully, some were in state) and let me tell you, traveling for work is not as sexy as it may seem--at least not so much in such a short amount of time and especially when normal life doesn't stop while you're away!

Anyway, I find myself burnt out--from work, from my church calling (even though I haven't been present for that in about a month), physically, mentally, and from life in general. I'm in desperate need of a vacation but, a long weekend will have to do. Thankfully, I get to celebrate our Independence with my sweetheart--time with him is just what I need to feel happy and human again.

My Dirty Old Man...

Happy Birthday, My Love! I'm sorry that we have to grow old but, at least we get to do it together! Besides, you make 30 look good (or at least better)!

A Design Flaw...

Why is it that there are places on our bodies we cannot reach? My new set of stitches (courtesy of my days in the Florida sun) is in one of these places. Normally, this would not be a problem but, my better-half is currently on the West coast and cannot help me with this predicament. It sure would be nice if I could bandage myself without severe cramping in other areas and/or use of tweezers, chopsticks, etc. to overcome this flawed design.

7 Years and Counting...

Seven years ago today, Jeff and I were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. It is, and always will be, one of the best days of my life. It was the beginning of a lifetime (and beyond) with my very best friend.

Our wedding ceremony was profoundly spiritual--we knew without doubt that getting married was right, that we were doing it in the right way, in the right place, and at the right time. The love we felt for each other and from our families, friends and our Heavenly Father was overwhelming and almost palpable. When I think about joy, true celestial joy, I think of that day.

The best part is that Jeff and I are happier and more in love than we were then! The past 7 years have been truly wonderful and we look forward to all that's ahead of us.

What do you think? Do we look older?

Seriously Folks...

Wear the sunscreen. I had the first of two pre-cancerous ("severely displastic") growths on my back removed on Wednesday. Ouch! I swear they inserted the anesthetic directly into my muscles--I've been really sore! The spot was about the size of a pencil eraser. And now I have this lovely two-inch scar as a souvenir of my days of being young, tan, and invincible. Souvenir #2 will arrive in two weeks.

Oh yeah, I also happen to be allergic to bandage adhesive of all kinds. It's been real fun trying to find something to keep this sucker covered that doesn't make me want to itch a hole in my skin! Jeff told me on our way to lunch today, "Lover, you get more special (as in special needs) every day."

Stay tuned for a 7-year anniversary celebration of our love on Sunday!

A Quick Public Service Announcement

Wear sunscreen when you're outside and get suspicious skin spots examined by your favorite dermatologist.

That is all.

An Excellent Weekend

It's always a treat to be able to spend extended periods of time with Jeff and this weekend was no exception! Jeff and I were able to spend all weekend together--uninterrupted by studying, errands, and all of the usual things that keep us busy. We ate at a few of our favorite restaurants, went to a couple of parties, saw Robin Hood, took a couple of naps, ran together, and that was just Friday night and Saturday!

Today we were able to attend church and listen to Elder Nelson, an apostle of Jesus Christ, speak. I underestimated how neat that would be. It really was cool to see him in a more relaxed setting than General Conference. He was pretty funny! I think my favorite moment of the whole thing was when he asked all of the primary children to stand, give him a wave, and sing him the first verse of "I am a child of God." A little boy behind us stood right up and started singing as loud as he could, not bothering to wait for the organist and the rest of the children to start singing. An apostle asked him to sing, and he was going to do it right then (good lesson there, I think)!

This afternoon I tackled boule. I have been wanting to take an artisan bread baking class but, alas, there are none to be found in Gainesville. So, I'm left to learn on my own. Thankfully, today's efforts were pretty successful (read: tasty)! Yum!

I hope your weekend was as good as ours! I'm off to watch the series finale of Lost. I'm not confident I won't be lost when it's all over...

Our New Toy

Jeff has been eying these adjustable weight dumbbells for several months. He's excited to have them and I am too! My goal...to have Madonna-like arms by the end of the summer (well, maybe not that extreme--she is a bit sinewy)!