Summer Fun

Last weekend was the most relaxing weekend I've had in a LONG time. Friday evening my friend Jenny and I went to see "My Sister's Keeper" which we had just read for our book club. What a tear jerker! I liked the movie ending better than the book but I wont go into detail as I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet. Wiggy was on call Friday night and slept until late on Saturday afternoon as he got NO sleep and delivered 6 babies on his shift. I took the opportunity to lunch, run errands and take Jasper to the Dog Park and then we finally pulled our bikes out of the garage and put them to use.

Wiggy and I purchased bikes in mid June (his was a graduation present from his parents) and frankly have not ridden them one time due to being so busy on the weekends and so tired in the evenings! We went on a lovely ride along the Greenway at Muddy Creek. It's so close to our house yet seems so rural, I love it! I must say that I was a little skeptical of my bike as I haven't ridden in many years, but once I put on all the "gear" I was ready to roll. I teach cycle classes about 5 times per week, but it's just not the same! In comparison to running, I loved that Wiggy and I could carry on a full conversation while exercising and I loved the breeze even though it was quite sticky out. I'm sold on this biking thing and I'm just getting started. I am, however, still terrified of riding with cars nearby!

Saturday evening we FINALLY celebrated our anniversary (2.5 weeks late) in style. We went to a very nice patio dinner at Ryan's where we shared a salmon dish and a pork dish and a bottle of wine and then we headed to the live music in downtown Winston put on by the Arts Council. The band was the Vagabond Saints Society and they played some great "oldies but goodies". The best part was watching the people dancing... quite a riot. Finally we headed over to NOMA to check out their new Saturday night DJ. The music was great, but us old folks got a little sleepy before it really got going.... next time.

Sunday we went on a nice hike at Pilot Mountain with Jasper. I love hiking with him as he's always on his best behavior while hiking and will even heel for us without any trouble. We often let him off his leash when its not crowded just to allow him to entertain us with his explorations. Sunday evening we grilled out and ate on the porch. What a wonderful weekend... I'm glad this one isn't far off!

To Cali and Back... hurry!

I feel like I haven't "lived" at home for almost a month now simply because I've been gone so much! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining as I've gotten to really enjoy a lot of old friends and visit family. The issue is the globetrotting has me exhausted... I mean beat tired and I'm very excited to be home for 2 full weeks.

One of the most difficult things about intern year is that there is very little time off in that they get one weekend off per month (and that means you're on call on Thursday and again on Monday). Wiggy had the honor of serving as a groomsman in his good friend Kurt's wedding in San Francisco last weekend. We were really excited to be able to attend as my college roomate Kristin, and good friend from Wake Lara played key roles in them coming together when Kurt moved to San Francisco (after transfering from WFU to UCLA) a few years ago and Lara invited him to a party to introduce him to people. It was there that he met Joanne, a high school mate of Kristins. So it's a sweet story that involves many people that I am close with made happen.

Fortunately we arrived to SFO early on Friday and were able to make the rehearsal dinner of German food in honor of Kurt's heritage. We were at the bride's aunt's beautiful home in the hills of Orinda, and I knew I wasn't in the South East anymore! That night we crashed as the wedding party had to be up early. We had the pleasure of staying at Kristin's parents house and receiving some Kuhn hospitality.

The wedding took place at Stanford Chapel which is absolutely beautiful. It was nice to visit an area of SFO that was new to me. We then headed to one of Kristin's high school friend's parents' houses for drinks and fellowship before heading to the reception which was in the VERY nice Catholic School that Kristin and Joanne attended. The food and party were incredible and it was hard to believe it was time to leave already.

Someday, after residency, we will return for a long West Coast trip to LA, SFO, and to visit Coach and Mrs. Kurt Schmid to cheer on the Sounders!

Weddings Galore!

Over the fourth of July I was in Philly for my dear friend Julia's wedding. We all arrived on Wednesday evening (delayed of course) and headed out for a quick drink and catch up session. The wonderful thing about my Wake girls is that we always pick right up where we left off.

Thursday morning was mani/pedis and then we had a nice lunch and wandered that afternoon before the rehearsal and a lovely Italian dinner and Vino.

Friday morning was hair and makeup before a long photo shoot complete with the bride and groom's emotional moment of seeing eachother for the first time, adorable! The wedding was on the roof top of the Franklin Institute and was just gorgeous. The reception took place in the white marble room with Ben's statue. The entire event was just magnificent and the bride absolutely sparkled.

Saturday allowed time for us to check out the Liberty Bell and more exploring around the city. I also got a chance to shop with my Mom for the first time in a very long time, always a blast! We had Philly Cheese Steaks for lunch, yummy, and tart fro-yo for a snack. Saturday evening the entire wedding party got together to listen to the Roots and Sheryl Crow and watch the wonderful fireworks. It was really a lovely reunion for all of us Wake girls and a nice mini-vacation as we had a good bit of time to relax and tour a city that I wasn't expecting much from, but really impressed me. I also must mention the wonderful greenways full of statues and landmarks that allow one a history lesson while running, you can't beat that!