MOVING!!!!! YAY!!!

In an effort to avoid another cave we began the hunt for our next place. We had a few criterion - washer dryer in the apartment, dishwasher, NOT first floor and within our price range. Since we were looking months in advance, we got a great one!!! With the lease signed I feel like I can shout the news with joy!

It’s a nice second floor apartment that was an in-law suite.

It is bigger than our current place and 200 dollars cheaper!

The kitchen is really big.

There is storage space.

There are a ton of triple paned windows, and excellent insulation!

Plus we have an outside deck and screened in porch!!

We move in July 1^st and couldn’t be more excited!

I'll post pictures when I can!

New recipes

A new twist on marinara! It adds more fiber and protein in with veggie goodness.

Take one can of white beans, rinse and puree in blender/food processor.

Heat olive oil on medium, add lots of fresh garlic and lots of onions to sautee, then oregano or basil to taste.

Add one to two cans of diced tomatoes. Cook down and reduce a little.

Add salt and pepper to taste. (it does need salt!)

The result is a wonderfully creamy and flavorful tomato sauce. I, of course, think it's great. However, the true measure is that my husband likes it!

No I am not ignoring you

My phone is in repair. Hopefully it will be back up and running soon.

Interview One

Well this week was eventful.

My husband started his new job this week and so far it's really good.

I had two interviews this week, which is exciting. This is the story of the first one. It's one of those that wasn't funny then, but I can laugh about now.

I left Wednesday morning at 7:30 giving myself a half hour of flex time to be to the interview by nine. Parking and driving in the area is kind of a nightmare, so I opted for public transit. Boarding the shuttle to the train station I was confident and proud that I was early and going to make it on time.

The shuttle glided on the road to the station and I got to relax and take in the neighborhood. There was a man standing on his porch calling to a dog out in the yard, a father dropping of identically dressed twin boys off at a day care, and then some Tibetan prayer flags strung across someone's porch. As we were passing by this intriguing cookie shop there was a sudden lurch forward and the engine died. Then came the familiar sound of an engine attempting to start. The driver turned the key again and once again the alternator wouldn't turn over. This was followed by a baited silence among the passengers, all hoping the engine would start.

After a few tries the driver got out and passengers got out their cell phones. A few people called someone to let them know they were going to be late, others were typing on their blackberry's or just looking at their phone. Re-entering the bus the driver was asking someone on a radio to send for another shuttle, we all heard the response that it wouldn't be possible for at least an hour. Panic began to set in for me, umm ok I can figure this out right??

Another passenger looked up from his iphone and announced that there was a bus stop about a sixth of a mile away. Mass exodus began. We all filled out the passenger side door and began briskly walking to the bus stop. Since it was my only hope of making it on time I joined them. However, when I got to the bus stop I remembered, 'oh yeah I don't carry cash and don't have any money on my transit card.....' I asked if I could give someone a couple of bucks tomorrow in exchange for using their transit card. The group's reply was an awkward no. Then one girl said, 'I think it's only another half mile that way.' (Seriously you see someone with a forearm crutch and that's your response, but anyway.)

Determined to make it to my interview on time I started walking as fast as I could to get to the train station. Almost a mile and a half later I made it. (Trying to jog in ballet flats is a bad idea by the way.) My legs were weak and the muscles already angry with me, but I was glad to catch the next train. I hoped beyond hope that I could make it on time. I made it my the transfer station looking at the clock and thinking I might just make it. Then I waited for the D line, and waited and waited. When I knew there was no chance of me arriving on time I called to let them know I would be late. (I really don't like being late.)

Finally the D line arrived and after what seemed like forever I made it to the stop. I got out and headed in the right direction, by then my legs were so weak. I made it to the interview late, though I think it went well.

Making my way back home I had no problem catching my trains or buses, go figure huh.

5K Training and Shin Splints Cure

So far my 5K training is going really well! I like the interval training cause it pushes me more, and I think I'll be to complete the 5K.

I was looking at average 5K times and I don't think I'm going to make a 20 to 25 minute time!! I'm not worried though, I'm just wanting to complete it and do my best.

Also my husband taught me a great trick for relieving shin splints. Use a disposable plastic cup. Fill it partially with water and freeze it. Once it's frozen you can turn it upside down and ice your shins, rubbing the ice up and sown your shin. It works soo well!!! It's perfect and targeted. If you get shin splints give it a try! (Though I suspect it would work well on other sore areas.)

At that point again

My work search is at that point again. That point where I wonder why I keep applying for jobs if I'm not getting any interviews, I wonder what I am doing wrong, and wonder what I will be doing with my life...

It's a rough point. I'm pushing past it and just trying to do my best.

Weekend Update

Friday

In the morning, I went with the sister missionaries to teach a gentleman. It was really good. He is making some difficult changes and they aren't easy. (Though his wife is happy he's giving up smoking!) The sister we have in our ward right now are bright, strong and compassionate women. It is so fun to go out with them.

During the day I had a phone interview and applied for even more jobs! In preparing for the interview I was looking at the company's research methods, when I suddenly got a little worried. I read discrete choice modeling and thought, "I've never even heard of that!" After googling it, I learned it is logistic and probit modeling by another name, and my anxiety level went back down. The jobs that I applied for sounded interesting and I'll let you know if anything comes of them.

Friday night, I watched part of Funny Girl with Barbara Streisand, while my husband was at work. Now I have to tell you, I have never seen a Streisand movie. I know shocker!!! Don't really know why, I just haven't. I was curious and gave it a try. So far I am enjoying it! I love her spunk!

I signed up for a virtual 5K! It is through sparkpeople and I think it will be a good thing to work towards. They had some simple and basic training programs I can do. This gives me something to work towards.

Saturday

We slept in, worked in the temple and then relaxed with a funny movie. It was our ward's day to do service in the temple, and my hubby and I signed up for the 12 to 4 shift. We worked in the laundry room which was nice and peaceful. Spending time in the temple can be uplifting and I had a lot of time to meditate.

Sunday

Pretty typical Sunday. (Which is nice cause I get to spend loads of time with my husband.) I got a new calling. I am now the Relief Society Committee Meeting Leader, though I still get to teach next week. basically a member of the presidency and I will be working on the activities that used to be enrichment. It's a little daunting and I wasn't expecting a change.

As some of you know It's been a little tough making friends out here and I prayed for some help to find and make new friends, well I guess I got what I prayed for!

On the friend note I am super excited that one of my good friends will be here in June and another one could be out here soon too!! Yay!

That's all for now! Drop me a line!