September 2011

I don't think I can express my intense love of autumn.  It's our favorite season, and Iowa City has not failed to please us, especially after that summer!  The leaves have started changing and the air is cooler and it is just so wonderfully glorious.  I just can't get enough.  We've heard that once all the leaves change that they fall off really fast, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

On September 10th, I ran my second half marathon ever with my running buddy Tawnya, and her brother. Unfortunately, I was sick for this one too.  What luck, huh?  I still managed to run the thing and had a pretty darn good pace for most of it, until the last three miles where I practically died.  I was sick to my stomach the rest of the day, but I finished without walking!  I was bummed with being sick, but I'm still running; it hasn't ruined me for life.  Jas was a great support and took good care of me.  Unfortunately, I got him sick too and we were both pretty miserable for about a week.  But we're much better now!

Also, to celebrate Jason passing his test, we bought him a guitar!  Let's just say that he is in love, second to me, of course.  I have to remind myself of that sometimes, but it so fun to watch him play and sing.  He's learned some fun songs that we'll be singing together soon.

Last, but not least, my spice rack finally has a home on the wall!  I've had this thing, and been using it for a year or two now, but never had it hung.  With Jason's help, it is hung in our kitchen and I love it.

August 2011

August was awesome.  We were able to see both of our families and a bunch of other people.  I was able to attend the Coming Family Reunion in Casper, WY just like old times and Jason and I joined up at his parent's home to spend some time with them.  We were able to visit lots of friends while in Utah and also attend some of the Bell family reunion as well.  All in all we had a great trip, and it was also great to get back home to our own beds!

Other exciting news of the month...Jason passed his Qualifier's!  'Twas a truly joyous day of celebration to say the least.  There's been a boost in Jason's confidence that I really, really like to see.  Oh, happy day.

July 2011

This month was the most humid month I have ever experienced in my life.  Marseilles was pretty humid when I was there a few summers ago, but it was not like Iowa.  I'm sure the heat wave had something to do with it, but my goodness, I'm an Arizona girl that's for sure.  Bring on the dry heat!

Aside from that, Jason and I had a good month.  We survived youth conference, my job, Jason's studying and the weather.  We also finally made it to the Bike Library in downtown Iowa City and both of us were able to rent bikes!  We got there at about 7:45 am one Saturday morning (the only day they rent and it is first come first serve) and we were the 2nd and 3rd people in line.  We met and talked to Linda (a student from China) while we waited for 10:00 to roll around.  Luckily, there was an awning in front of the store as well to shield us from the rain.  It was a great experience, and now we can bike ride all we want!  We paid down payments on each bike and if we return the bikes in 6 months, we get the money back.  If not, the bikes are ours to keep and the money is their's to keep.  Road bikes are great fun.  Now I know why all those people were passing me in that triathlon when I was on a mountain bike!