Goodbye 2011

This picture was taken at a wedding in November by the same photographer that shot
our wedding over 7 years ago. It is my favorite photo of Chris and I all year.

Hello all.  It's the last day of 2011 - this year has just spun past so quickly.  Last year I resolved that I would really like to focus on my health and become more active.  I struggled with motivation at first, but in February Chris convinced me to join him on a lifestyle change after reading Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes.  I was very skeptical at first but after reading the book, I was convinced too.  We decided then and there to not put it off any longer and took to the kitchen and pantry to purge the carbs.  Since then Chris has lost 60 Lbs and I have lost over 40 Lbs.  It has made a huge change in our confidence, energy, and love for life.  I am so glad we did it and am looking forward to continuing it in 2012 and beyond.

Chris and I also started running together and we completed several races this year including the Bay to Breakers 12 K in SF, the San Jose Firefly nighttime 5k, and a 5k 'Mud Run' in SLO.  Chris also completed his first and second triathlons, one in SLO and one in San Rafael.  I also completed my first solo 10k in SF.  I think my new years resolutions for 2011 (getting healthier and more active) have definitely been well established this year.  There were a lot of other wonderful changes and events for us in 2011 - you can check out Chris's summary of this year with pictures on my last post.

Our own attempt prior to our photo above to get some pictures - Chris is so handsome.

So what about 2012?  What are the goals for this coming year? I want to work harder on connecting with our friends and family.  I have been horrible about keeping in touch with a lot of important people in my life, especially the long distance ones.  I'm looking forward to more phone calls, visits, and mailing of notes and birthday cards this year.  I want to work on keeping friendships and family ties strong and watch them flourish.  

Chris's turn behind the lens

My other goal for this year - I want to document time and people more.  I want to work on my photography and really learn how to use the great digital camera Chris' dad loaned me.  I also want to document Chris and I better - to get other people to take pictures of us.  There were very few pictures of Chris and I when I went looking back at our pictures for 2011.  And almost no pictures of our family members (!).  I've spent a few hours looking at Cameron Ingalls' website this morning and would love to learn to see light and love like he seems to.  He does a lot of weddings - but also does engagement and family shoots - and I am amazed by his family photos especially.  So be warned family and friends - I may be asking you to participate in some practice photo shoots this year - just bear with me.

Christmas Letter 2011

Chris and I actually pulled it together to send out a Christmas letter this year.  We had a great time looking back on the year (using the blog was a great reminder) and putting a few of the highlights into our letter.  Chris was the writer and I was the formatter for the layout and pictures - I have no talent in putting up the format in PDF here though. Following is our letter with a few of my favorite pictures from 2011.

Here we are at our friends wedding in January 2011

2011: A year of firsts.  The year started off right: our close friends -- L&M -- were married, under the stars, in Carmel on the 1st of January. 

Chris and I on a Tucson desert run in February
(three weeks in to our low carb diet lifestyle change)

February found us in Tucson with Deb and Bob. Chris caused his usually-irreparable damage, upsetting the Harrison-Blackett Hacienda with yet another gadget.  This time, he helped Bob install a new TV antenna on the roof.  Summer and Debbie -- oblivious to the disruption -- spent a ‘mother-daughter week,’ together. 

Chris at SCU exploring the campus with me one day before the start
of his classes for his Master's degree.

March saw Chris taking his first classes in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering at Santa Clara University (being a full-time student, he expects to be graduating by the end of 2013).

Chris at Maker Fair 2011 - teaching the joys of HAM Radio

May brought the Maker Faire, in which Chris was deeply involved with the Amateur Radio Booth. That same weekend, Chris officiated his first wedding, joining S&S, under the sun in Mountain View.  Summer gave up her Birthday Weekend to all of this, so Chris organized a surprise birthday party breakfast with friends the weekend before.

At Balboa Park with Dad

In June Summer spent a long Father's Day weekend with her Dad Bruce and Grandmother in San Diego enjoying the weather and several museums in Balboa Park.

Chris' SF Birthday Weekend, enjoying some Chai tea and reading
before going to the movies at the I-max

July and August were, comparatively, slow.  Chris got good a swimming, biking, and running.  Summer got better than Chris in the running department.  In July there was a vague remembrance of a Birthday Party with TONS of FRIENDS and BEER joined at a real Beer Garden.... but no one seems to want to admit that anything actually happened.  Summer abducted Chris, whisking him away for a Birthday Weekend in San Francisco (which he does remember).

Our view of the Deep Sea Exhibit and it's glorious Sun Fish

August was also a 7th Anniversary Celebration for us, entirely spent in front of the newly-refurbished Deep Sea Exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Chris' first triathlon - he loves this photo cause he looks bad-a** in it!

Chris finished his first Sprint Triathlon at his old Stomping Grounds in October, (Scott Tinley's Adventures, Lopez Lake, CA).  As soon as he was on his bicycle, he was like a salmon swimming up-stream... he used to ride with friends up Lopez Canyon all the time, soon after he left the Army and moved home.

Me after finishing my 1st 10k in SF

Summer finished her first 10k run in November, completing the San Francisco Mermaid Run in 70 minutes.

Us at a wedding in November 2011
(we've lost over 100 Lbs together since the first picture in this post taken in January)

And, no, we have NO idea what kind of 'firsts' will be able to top all of this year's, come next.

Happy 65th Birthday Bob!

Bob perched in a tree during a rest break on one of our arroyo walks earlier this year

 Bob - a little birdie told me it's your 65th birthday today!  Have a very wonderful birthday.  I've so enjoyed having you a part of our family for the past 7+ years.  Here's a list of some of the many things I love about you:

• You revel in introducing others to your annoying music collection.
• You get excited like a 3 year old about stuff Chris gets excited like a 3 year old about - like satellite fly overs.
• The way you love my mom and support her dreams.
• Your love of cactus and your enthusiasm about sharing about them.

Bob and Chris sort through pots at the Desert Museum Greenhouses

• That you cringe and roll your eyes whenever we mention CSI.
• Your undying commitment to your family.
• That your favorite car is your decade + old beater pick-up truck.
• Your glee in working your land - especially if there is an axe or chainsaw involved.
• That you think 'Airplane' is one of the funniest movies of all time.
• That you treat Chris and I like we are your kids too.

I hope that this year brings you a lot of joy, fun, new annoying music discoveries, cactus planting, and satellite gazing.

Highlights of the Week

The view on my Saturday run

Wow - what a busy few days!  Some highlights:

• Thanksgiving Dinner - stuffing - pie - need I say more?
• Chris's uncle M (a retired high school track coach) met us at the track and gave us a running evaluation and some recommendations.  It was fantastic and so helpful - thanks M!
• We had a great 6+ mile run on the Bob Jones Trail in SLO; what a great run along the creek and out to the pier in Avila Beach.
• We're packing up the office like mad at work for our big move to our new building in Menlo Park next week.  I'll have a new office all my own, Hmmm... now if I could just figure out the commute route.
• Chris is winding up his second semester of Grad School - go Chris go!
• My friend L invited me to try her 'Dailey Method' class today - it was so hard!  My arms and legs still feel like jello.  I signed up for unlimited classes for the rest of the month - we'll see if I can sculpt some great arms by Christmas!

Thankful

The view on my morning run today, I just had to stop and take a picture

I am a lover of Thanksgiving - what a wonderful idea - a day to stop, spend time with your family, and think about what you have in your life to be thankful for.  Here are just a few things I'm thankful for this year:


- My wonderful husband - I am so proud of you.  I am amazed watching you working so hard both at work and at school, training for and completing your first and second triathlons, and seeing the wheels turn in that big old brain of yours.  I am awed that we passed our seven year mark of marriage - that passed so quickly!  I love that we find so much joy with each other and I could not have asked for a better partner in my life, thank you.


- Family - near and far.  Some are often seen - some rarely.  I love being a part of your lives and having you a part of mine.  You ground me and make me feel loved and cared about no matter what is going on in my life, thank you.


- Friends - some of you have become a second family to me, one that I have been privileged to know and be a part of.  This year brought wonderful events from weddings and births, to simple everyday joys like walks for coffee, sitting in the grass, talking about our goals and dreams, thank you.


- My work - how many people can say that they truly love what they do and that they feel 100% that they are doing what they were meant to do?  I look forward to going to work and learning everyday, thank you.


- My health - I am so thankful that I am here, living life, striving to be better all the time.  I don't always succeed - but I have learned not to give up this year.  I learned a new way to eat & shed 45 pounds (!) and forced myself to commit to exercise by teaching myself to run again.  I've impressed myself by completing a few 5 Ks and my first 10 K.  For the first time in eight years I feel confident in my skin, thank you.

New Co-worker

New Guide Dog Puppy in training 'Cactus'

Meet 'Cactus' the new Guide Dog puppy in training that my office mate L just got.  She is sharing my office space and totally distracting me with her cuteness. 

Cactus wearing her Guide Dog puppy coat

Cactus will be raised by L for the next 18 months and will be acclimated to our work space, the community, and different situations.  After 18 months she will be evaluated by Guide Dogs for the Blind and will hopefully move on to training and assignment as an active Guide Dog.  


Click here to learn more about the Guide Dog Puppy Raising Program

First 10K Completed

Here I am (wearing the blue shirt) on the course at between miles 3 & 4

I completed my first 10K race this morning in lovely San Francisco as part of the Mermaid Series, a group dedicated to women's health and fitness.  I have run some 5K races but this was my first 10K. I had my doubts yesterday but felt good today and ended up running the entire race in 1 hour 10 min and 53 seconds - slower than some but a great time and length accomplishment for me.

Race complete - A well earned view by the sea wall + a little sea water

Chris was my cheerleader, getting me up for breakfast, driving, coffee provisioning, gear toting, and photographing in support of me today.  A big, big thank you to you honey - you were a giant boost for me today!


I'm home now with a good shower had and yummy lunch eaten.  My feet are up and knees are aching slightly.  I've already started researching the next 10K and am feeling proud and joyful right now at my progress and motivation.  

Day Off

It's raining today.  I have the day off - a Friday - due to Veterans Day.  Being married to a veteran and working with veterans everyday - they have a special place in my heart.  This group of men and women, of all ages, who were willing to put their lives on the line to serve our country.  Thank you.


I've started the day with a sleep in and then cozying up on the couch with my hubby and some blankets.  Two big mugs of coffee in our hands and 'How it's Made' on the tube.  I really didn't want to know how bacon is made, really.  


Next I'm off to a quick breakfast out with my husband and then to meet up with two of my girlfriends for a little shopping and lunch.  Hopefully I can maintain control of my wallet and not go crazy.  I've got a 10K race coming up tomorrow... I need to remember to drink lots of water, rest, and to eat well - though I may sneak in a few extra carbs tonight with dinner.  


Better go get ready to go.

How cool are these?

'Along the Way'

Just stumbled amongst these browsing through Etsy.com for a baby shower gift.  These prints are by paper artist Elly MacKay - a featured seller today on Etsy.com.

'Tranquil Morning'

I am stunned by how detailed these all are.  She makes the images by painting on paper and cutting out layers that she then sets up in a mini theater. She then plays with lighting and filters and takes a photograph of the scene.

'Take Me Where I Want to Go'

Could you imagine a children's book illustrated with these images?  How imaginative they are.  I think buying art for a baby shower may not fly, but I will bookmark her shop for the future.  Check out more of MacKay's work at her Etsy shop: Theater Clouds.

10-hour Roast Chicken 2

Chicken - Post 10 hours in the oven.

The 10-hour roasted chicken was deemed a success by my husband and myself.  It will surely occur again and again in this house.  The chicken turned out very, very tender and the skin crisped up nicely.  There were a lot of juices in the pan and the chicken was impossible to flip over at the 9 1/2 hour mark as directed without falling apart.  Next time I'll be adding more garlic heads to the pan as it resulted in very lovely roasted garlic for our plates.

Dinner - Chicken paired with roasted garlic & green beans

Normally I would link to the recipe - but I have had no luck finding a sanctioned copy of the recipe online.  You'll have to check out the book 'My Father's Daughter' for this and other recipes.  I have also made the books cheese & broccoli soup and it has become a regular in our house as well.  


What to try next?  

10-hour Roast Chicken

Ingredients lemon, home grown thyme, and garlic - plus my first ball of kitchen twine

There is a chicken in my oven.  It's already been in there for 3 hours and has 7 hours to go.  It's a recipe from 'My Father's Daughter' that I was afraid to make as suggested - on a work day.  I just could not imagine being able to relax at work with the oven on at home unsupervised.  Although I don't think anything cooking at 200 degrees is really at risk of bursting into flames...


I'll tell you how it turns out.

Tri - Take 2

Sunrise over the swim entry

Chris completed his second triathlon this weekend at the Marin County Triathlon.  We drove up Friday night to San Rafael and stayed in a hotel with many of the other triathletes.  We ended up in a suite with our own sitting room separated from the bedroom, with plenty of room for the bike and all the other gear.  Let's just say it was a wild night of reading and going to bed early.

Chris (in between the red/black flag and the blue flag)
enters the water for warm up.

We got up at 4 am (ugh) and headed out to breakfast.  Then back to the hotel for a quick change and headed out to the course.  It was so cold!  Even in several layers, coat, hat, scarf, and gloves - I was numb after the race.  I can only imagine how Chris felt wading into the bay at 8 am.

Chris spots me near the end of his swim and shoots me
a mid stroke wave.

Done with the bike, Chris is on his way to the transition
area for a quick change for running.

Headed out the shoot for his 5 K run.

Almost done - headed for the finish line.

It was inspiring watching Chris and all of the other athletes completing the course.  I loved watching both the athletes and the friends and family members who were out to support them.  It was great to watch the hugs and high fives - especially between parents and their kids.  I look forward to being there to support Chris as he continues to participate (he is hooked) in these races.  Even with the 4 AM wake-ups, the cold mornings, and the waiting and watching the finish line - I'm hooked on it too, and very proud of my husband.

Chris's first Triathlon

A couple of weeks ago Chris competed in and completed his first ever Triathlon.  I went along to watch and cheer him on.  It was the Scott Tinley Triathlon down in San Luis Obispo - a triathlon Chris grew up hearing about and daydreamed about completing for many, many years.  He completed in the sprint distance (.25 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3 mile run) and completed it in 1 hour 48 min.

Chris gets his number - 212 - and preps for the race

Chris takes a dip to warm up before the .25 mile swim starts

Swim done, Chris is heading out for the 12.4 mile bike

About to cross the finish

All packed up and headed home, proud and hungry

Chris is officially hooked and is already plotting his next Tri in November - great job honey - I am super proud of you.

Freedom

Long awaited - The last credit card statement.

When I arrive home tonight after going to a double feature at the old Stanford movie theater (Breakfast at Tiffany's?... perfection) - I came home and checked the mail on the way in the door.  There was a single, solitary, envelope in the box.  The statement to the last credit card we have a balance on.  I opened the envelope and actually smiled, how often does that happen to you when you open a bill?  I smiled because it is the last credit card statement in a long line of statements of us paying off our credit card debt.  We've been buckling down for over a year, paying extra to the credit cards, paying of each of them one at a time - and we are finally going to be done!  Heaven.  I think this may call for a good old fashioned hand written check, a trip for the two of us to the mailbox, and a celebratory drink with my husband.

Yin Yoga

This is not us, but gives a good idea of what
yin yoga looks like.

I have been in and out of different types of yoga classes on and off for years.  I always have wanted to have Chris give it a try, but he refused again and again despite my efforts.  A few weeks ago Chris hurt his back, and after hearing about a yin yoga class I wanted to try, he finally agreed to come with me to yoga.  Yin yoga is a very calm and soothing type of yoga.  The purpose is to have long deep supported stretching and to have a restful and relaxing practice.  The class uses props such as blankets, bolsters, straps, and blocks to use to support your body as needed in each pose.  Most of the poses are on the floor and are held for 3-5 minutes.

Chris loved the class, as it provided him some relief from his hurt back.  I loved the stretches not only for my back, but also for my hips and legs which have been tight since beginning running again.  Plus it doesn't hurt that the class is so relaxing that all I really want to do once I'm done is crawl right into bed.  Chris actually signed up for a whole month of classes under a promotion for new students and has gone again with me - and we are planning another trip this afternoon.  It has actually been wonderful to be able to share a class with him and to go through the experience of doing something good for ourselves together.  Thanks honey for being willing to give it a try - I've loved being a new Yogi with you!

Tradition

Handwritten Postcard Invites

Chris and I have been plotting our 3rd Annual 'Last Weekend of Summer' at the Lake for months now.  As the last weekend of Summer is fast approaching it was time to finally finalize the list and invite people.  Last year we did a simple e-mail invite, but I discovered some cheesy vintage looking postcards up at the lake last year and snapped them up for the invites for 2011.  They have been waiting for me in a brown paper bag tucked away in 'a safe place' all year.  Meaning that I had to spend about 30 minutes searching for them as I didn't see them in the 'safe place' at first, then checked there again and of course they really were there all that time!  

I've had a fun hour figuring out just what to write down on these postcards - with the dishwasher whooshing away in the background - typing out the words on the computer so I knew I wouldn't spell anything wrong, then putting ink to postcard slowly and carefully.  I hope that these postcards - tucked into mailboxes and under office doors will bring a smile in the coming days to our friends, at the receipt of a good old fashioned handwritten invitation - and the prospect of a relaxing weekend away at the old log cabin and the dock at the lake.

Check out the 'Last Weekend of Summer' 2010 Post Here

Seven Years

Holding hands at the beach

Husband,

Seven years ago today I promised to love you and cherish you for the rest of my life.  Little did I know that I could love you even more than I did that day.  Little did I know that I would cherish you more deeply than anything else in my life.  You are my everything.  I love you more and more everyday.  Thank you for making my life full and happy.  Thank you for understanding me more than I do myself and loving me the way I am, now and in every moment of my life.  Thank you for supporting my hopes and dreams, for pushing me, for helping me not to be afraid.  These seven years have been better than I could have ever imagined, here's to 70 more.  

I love you,

Your Wife

Day Tripping

Pondering over the menu at Scrambl'z

Chris and I went of on an adventure today.  We hopped in the car and headed south.  We stopped for breakfast at a new-to-us place in San Jose, Scrambl'z.  We sat outdoors and had a lovely meal - anywhere where you can pick from a list of sides for breakfast that includes items like grilled artichokes, cranberry trifle, and roasted jalapenos is alright in my book.  Happily fed we hit the road to Monterey.

The glory of the Sun Fish at Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Open Sea exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium may be one of my favorite places in the world.  The aquarium is an amazing place and is probably one of the top ten aquariums on the globe.  But 'Deep Blue' as Chris and I call it is the gem of the building to us.  We spent hours there today, on the upper level balcony, sitting at a spot on the floor and gazing into the tank in awe.  The room is dark, lit only from the light coming through the water, and is as stunning as any European cathedral could be.  It's special to us, as the place we went on our second date, and seemed a fitting place to go with our seven year wedding anniversary rolling around tomorrow.  Arriving at 11:30 and leaving at 6:30 - with only a break for lunch, we headed back to the car feeling peaceful and overly relaxed.  What a special day - thanks honey, and happy anniversary!

Simple Life

Playing darts in a friend's garage

Every once in a while it's good to be reminded to just enjoy the simple things in life.  A game of darts played in the garage with the door opened to the evening air.  Playing tug of war with a dog.  Watching an old movie at home with a couple friends.  Sitting on the stoop.  Thanks to M & R for a lovely, blissful, and simple Friday night.

San Diego

Posing with the Dragon outside of the folk art museum.

Catching up; Father's day weekend this June I hoped on a plan down to visit my Grandmother and Father in San Diego.  We had a wonderful time with each other, filled with quiet time at Grandma's house, a father daughter technology project to get the blue ray player hooked up to the Internet, coaching Grandma through streaming Netflix and setting up a Pandora account, and being booted out of the house for father daughter alone time (Thanks grandma).

Gardens at Balboa Park.

The feisty 3rd generation of the family had pre-planned a few outings for Dad and I (to get us out of her way I'm sure).  One of the days she shipped us of to explore Balboa Park, making recommendations for lunch and museums gracefully.  We ended up having a lovely day with a lot of conversation about Dad's life that I didn't know about before.

Exploring the tropical greenhouse with Dad.

Growing up without a lot of time with my Dad and living long distances away from each other has unfortunately hampered our relationship with one another in the past.  We had a lovely day, building new memories, learning about each other, and strengthening our relationship.  Love you Dad.  Love you Grandma.  Thanks for the wonderful visit!

Scavenger Dash

Finding the Grinning Sculpture & matching the pose.

Catching up; In early June Chris and I completed a 'Scavenger Dash' in San Francisco.  We were given 12 clues to solve and 4 hours to get to each clue and take a photo to document completing the clue and/or challenge.  We were allowed to walk, run, and take public transportation.

Chris finds the rocket ship and 'takes off'.

Thank goodness for smart phones!  Chris and I managed to solve most of the clues and map out a route to run around the city as quickly as possible.  We found a fortune cookie factory hidden in an alley in Chinatown, hoofed it up Nob Hill, ran down Market Street, found Forest Gump's running shoes at Pier 39, rushed through Little Italy in search of a buried time capsule, and hopped on and of buses and light rail all around the city.

Finding two perfect strangers to blow bubbles with

Challenges included getting perfect strangers to blow bubble gum bubbles with us, transferring cotton balls using the Vaseline tip of one of our noses, and shuffling skittles around from place to place using only straws.

A well deserved beer after completion of all 12 clues.

We had a blast learning about our big SF city, discovering how friendly and helpful SF citizens are again, passing our competitors on the street, plotting our routes and cheering each other on.  If you are a walker or runner and Scavenger Dash comes to your city - don't hesitate, it is a must do.  Scavenger Dash is country wide in cities like Tucson, Chicago, and NY.  Check it out at: http://scavengerdash.com/