Summer's Done

Sadly summer is coming to a close (with less than two weeks left) and I'm about to embark on a long haul... I will get winter and spring breaks this year, but then my next break is in May and June during which time I will have to study for and take my first set of boards (not exactly a vacation!). Now I get to reflect on the 8 weeks of freedom I've had and hope that it has had enough fun and relaxation to get me through...

Pub Crawl

July 4th and Newport Beach



I went to the beach, Sunriver (twice), and had a great deal of fun with friends and family. Plenty of pics are included from the 2nd First Annual Nob Hill Pub Crawl, pool parties at my new friend Ken's house, Brew Fest with Pi Phis, Devon's wedding, the Bridge Pedal, and much, much more... (sorry, no pictures of the Nordstrom sale, but I promise that I still did some damage).

Sunriver with my family


Decemberists Concert and Pool Parties


Brew Fest


Sunriver with Ryan's family

Unfortunately I flaked out on doing the triathlon, but I'm still training for Hood to Coast and the Portland Marathon. I started the summer out strong, but have flaked out the past few weeks. I just found out that I'm running the three leg set of H2C that is ranked as the most difficult... thus tomorrow morning I will be out and running! I'm still thinking that I a triathlon will be in my future.

Some other big events of the summer.... One is that Ryan moved to a new apartment on the waterfront. After a great deal of discussion, the difficult decision was made in hopes that it would make our relationship stronger; so far so good. We have been doing really well and I'm beginning to understand that sometimes the BEST thing is not the easiest, but often worth the trouble. Plus, his new place is very close to school so I'll be able to easily drop in and out to and from school. The hardest part now is just convincing everyone close to us that this really is what is best and that it is making us happier in our relationship than we have ever been... so, for all of you, trust me, Ryan and I are happy and are planning on remaining so for a long time.

Devon & Tyler's wedding



White Trash Bash
Bridge Pedal


Second big piece of news... I got a kitty!!! Colbie (named after the singer Colbie Caillat) came into my life on Tuesday, August 7th (estimated to be 6 weeks old) after being found in a construction dumpster on Ryan's mom's property. She is adorable and slowly warming up to me and my place. She is still quite skiddish, but has been very well behaved. She has had no accidents (knock on wood) and finally started playing with some of the toys I got her. Mostly, though, she just sleeps. Today was her first time meeting her new Vet, Dr. Gowing, for a check-up and a vaccination. She is only 1.25 lbs (underweight for her age) so I have started her on a new high calorie food. She has met four dogs (Lucy, Dolce, Jake, and Gen) and has come out of her shell just enough to let out a hiss and a swat at their faces.

Colbie Kitty



As for work, I haven't been nearly as productive as planned this summer. I have made headway on one research project that will hopefully be completed and submitted for publication by winter break. If it is published, I will travel sometime next year to present it at a conference. Cross your fingers that it all works out because this will really help me get into residency.

Now I'm just going to prepare to work hard this year. I plan to continue with my research through the fall, start a new season helping coach the Cavalettes, volunteering as an Alumni Advisor for the Willamette University Pi Phi chapter, train for my races, and start the school year out strong! A few fun things that are coming up include: Hood 2 Coast, Gabe and Mia coming to town for a family party and a wine tasting adventure with Ryan and I, school starting, Vegas trip for Kara's bachelorette party, Colbie Caillat concert, Gabe and Mia's engagement party (did I mention my brother got engaged?!?!), and the Marathon. Should be an eventful few months.