18 Miles!

Enough said.

P.S. The Top of Utah Marathon better watch it's back.

Six months and Six years

Yesterday Graham turned six months old. He asked if he could celebrate by getting some semi-regular food, so I obliged with squash. He liked. He is getting so big--rolling everywhere nowadays and blabbering endlessly. "Mamama" is his favorite phrase lately. He is experiencing a little trouble sleeping, which is new for us, and we are trying to adjust his schedule accordingly. I just had to get out the "Babywise" book for some good advice. Here are some of my favorite recent Graham moments including his first squash experience.

Today is also our six year anniversary. The past six years of marriage have been wonderful. I feel very lucky to have met Jesse. He makes me a better person and I am often amazed by how we are able to fill in each other's gaps. We make a pretty good team. I am always saying "You think you're so funny," as I try to choke back a laugh, but the truth is that I am the one who thinks he is funny. I hope he never stops making me laugh.

Cheated

I am really ticked that I have lived in Utah for 10 years and I just barely went to Gardner Village--how come no one told me how cool it is? We had lunch at Archibald's, went to the petting zoo (note to self--do not wear flip flops when going to a petting zoo), and got in some shopping. If there is anyone who would like to apologize for the aforementioned violation, I am all ears.

Recent Realizations

1. A week and a half ago, August 6th to be exact, Graham's first tooth popped out of his once harmless lower gum. I had been checking it constantly for a couple of weeks anticipating the moment with excitement. However, as soon as I realized he got first tooth I was quickly overcome with sadness at the realization that Graham will not be a baby forever. I know this sounds weird, but I honestly hadn't thought about it before. Although I know I will love every stage of life he goes through, these past six months have been surreal and wonderful and I am trying to soak up every minute of it before it is too late.

2. Jesse and I went to the Metropolitan for an early anniversary celebration. I have heard Jesse talk about it before and when I saw half-price gift certificates on Utah Real Deals, the bargain lover in me just couldn't resist. Jesse and I love to eat out, but that night we realized we aren't the type of folks that can really appreciate "a gift from the chef" (especially when it is a grape covered in goat cheese), being called madam and good sir, or wagyu beef that is supposedly so delicious you should eat it raw. I am going to stick with my faves--Pizza Factory and the Cowboy Grub.

3. Last week I ran the first long run that actually gave me some pause beforehand. The 16 miles were tough, but I realized that I can do it. I also realized that even though I might be very hungry afterwards, corndogs are not the answer.

4. Today I posted a desk and some other office furniture on KSL.com. They were sold within three hours. I realized that there are few things that can make you feel as good as getting money for something you almost took to D.I.

Jesse Time

Last week Jesse took the bar--a grueling 2 day test that kept him preoccupied for a good portion of the summer. Although it was hard to have him gone so much, the pain was tempered by the excitement I felt every time I realized I didn't have to teach again in the fall. After the test was over on Wednesday we officially began the Summer of Jesse. The time flew by with fun family activities like biking, bocce ball and bargain hunting. Jesse went back to work on Monday, but it somehow feels different knowing that the studying, which has felt like a third wheel in our life, is finally over. You know that feeling you have when you climb to the top of a mountain and you can see the terrain you just traversed as well as everything that lies in front of you--that is how I feel today and it feels pretty great.