On the Road Again...

Well, we're officially all packed up and on the road! It only took us one day in the 111 degree weather to pack up the pod (better than two days and 113 degrees like last year, but still). We learned... Must. Stay. Hydrated.

I have to admit, I did shed a tear or two (but definitely not three) when we left our apartment for the last time. I get kind of sentimental like that. It has been a great year down here in Arizona and I'm really glad we got to experience living in another state for a short time. BUT, we all know how eager I am to return to the Pacific Northwest. Rain, gray, cold and all.

We had a great two days at Casa de Boehme in Goodyear after we packed up. We had some many margaritas, stopped by our favorite Mexican place one last time, saw X-Men First Class, I Am Number Four, and Tron (and I thought all were really good!), I got my pool/relaxing time in and we are fully rested and ready to drive!

So the pods are full, Carl is packed to the brim, no one passed out from heat stroke and we are ready for our road trip! We are heading up I-5 and stopping to see a lot of family along the way. It will be really great to see everyone after not seeing them for at least a year!

I might be sporadically posting the next few days, but hopefully I'll be back next week. Washington, here we come!

1. Kate Spade 2. Bug 3. Map 4. Road

Dear Arizona,

It's not you, it's me. We both know it's been a bumpy road this past year, but we made it through. You've actually really grown on me.

Your sunshine is undeniably my favorite thing about you, although sometimes you get too hot and it makes me uncomfortable. I like your hiking trails, the way you always make it seem like summer, and how you let me wear tank tops every night, even when it's 10pm. Thanks for not being Alaska, so I don't have to worry about driving in the snow. I really liked your thunder and lightening storms too. It was like watching our own private show. Thanks for letting me wake up to sunshine every morning - it was a great way to start my days and probably made me a little bit happier. Oh, and your sunsets. Those were amazing.

Unfortunately, Arizona, you have a lot of quirks that I didn't particularly enjoy. Let's just say that I'm glad I found that huge ass cockroach in our bedroom with only two weeks to go in our relationship. If not, I don't think I could have stayed with you. You already know how I feel about your heat, but just the overall dust, deadness, and brown that is everywhere is hard to handle after living 25 years in the beautiful, lush, green Pacific Northwest. The main thing, Arizona, is that you are so far away. I enjoy visiting you from time to time, but living with you - well, I just don't like how you keep us from seeing our family and friends.

Thanks mostly, for giving us new experiences, Arizona. We've loved getting to know some of your most charming features - the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Tombstone, Bisbee, Jerome... you are truly beautiful in some ways, and we thank you for that. It's been real, Arizona. We'll be back before you know it.

Love, Megan

Happy Anniversary, Mister

It's been 3 whole years since I married Zachary. Without getting too mushy gushy on you, time really does fly when you are having fun (and when you're with the one you love). I mentioned back here some of the things I love about my awesome Hubby, but most of all I'm just glad he is in my life. I feel so lucky every day to wake up next to him and his wild mane of hair (more on that later...). In the spirit of anniversaries, here's a look back at our wedding day... my most favorite day. Ever.

I Love You Mister. More and more every day.

Summer Break is Here!

Today the Husband and I are officially done for the summer! I didn't think I would have another summer break in my life, but here it is! Today is my last day of work and the Husband has his last final this morning. I can't wait to get started on our road trip back to the Northwest. It's been a long time coming and I'm ready for this period of waiting to be over. Plus, we are headed to Europe in less than a month! 

Tonight I have a little farewell work happy hour at Dos Gringos in Scottsdale and then we have an end of year shindig with the med school peeps. Saturday and Sunday is packing up the pod in 113(!) degree heat (but it's a dry heat) and then hopefully we will get a few days of lounging by the pool at Casa de Boehme in Goodyear. 

Have a great weekend everybody!

Knock Knock.

Last week was bikes, this week is doors. Exciting, right?! I love a colorful door. It's the first part of your home that people see. It's the part of your home that says, "Hi there, let's be friends." or "No, no. Stay away. I don't know you, but I don't like you." I prefer my door to be friendly. Either way, a front door can be an important feature of any home - especially in a bright, fresh hue like some of these. Someday I'll have my own colored door... maybe in yellow... or green... or red...

sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Sean T's Startin' to Sweat!

A few months ago the Husband heard about something similar called Insanity and decided to try it out. I wasn't on board at first because it was during busy season, but after April 15th, I was willing to give it a try.

Let me tell you, it is INSANE in the membrane. Probably one of the hardest workouts I've ever done. Really cardio intense. And I mean really. The people that are doing it along with Sean T (that's Sean T up there on the left) are like marathon runners and they are having a hard time with it, so that makes me feel a little bit better. Just a little.

The best part is Sean T himself. We like to laugh at him just a bit. He likes to say things like "Dig Deeper!" and "Push!" and we I like to shout profanities back to him (sorry, Sean T). But our favorite thing that he says has to be "Sean T's starting to SWEAT!" where he promptly takes of his shirt. It's really funny the way he says it. I guess you have to be there. Good story, Megan. Good story.

Husband's gotten really good results so far. He's probably too skinny now, but when he first started he was doing it six days a week. I on the other hand, only do it 2-3 times a week (on a good week) and it does make me feel better (we don't own a scale or anything so I go more by how I feel). I haven't seen drastic results, but that's probably because I haven't changed my eating habits at all to go with it.

I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high intensity cardio workout. It's painful to get through, but worth it in the end!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are the probably the last cookies I will be baking for a while, with the move coming up and all. I had to bring in one last batch to work, since they said they will miss my cookies more than they will miss me. Kidding. Although, I wouldn't be surprised. :)

I went for my favorite this time - Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. It's basically the same receipt I used for the Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies, except with chocolate chips. Easy enough, right? I have to say they are pretty tasty! Enjoy!

Arizona in Bloom

Most of the time, Arizona is dry, brown, and seems dead all over. It's definitely not green and lush like my beautiful Seattle. But, I was pleasantly surprised this Spring/Summer when things did actually start to bloom. There is a little bit of color out there (besides the standard green palm trees) and I have to say, it's kind of pretty. You surprised me, Arizona. Touche.

These ones are my favorite. I have no idea what they are, but they are the most beautiful color.