Thanksgiving 2010

We decided to spice things up this Thanksgiving and head to Asheville, NC. We had a beautiful drive on Wednesday morning. When we got into town, we dropped off our items at the hotel and went to explore the downtown area. It reminded me of Berkeley; it's a college town and had a ton of art and craft shops.

On Thanksgiving morning, we got ready to head to the Asheville Estate (America's largest home). It was built in the late 1800's by George Washington Vanderbilt, and boy is it beautiful. We walked around the house, explored the gardens, drove around the land, Later that day we headed back to the hotel to relax in the hotel before we headed to dinner.

Although it was a wonderful trip, it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving. We decided to pack up early Friday morning and head back to Durham to make a real Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first time I cooked a turkey with out my mom's help.

As the turkey was cooking, we decorated the house and then relaxed. It was LOVELY!

The turkey turned out delicious! We were pretty proud of ourselves.

But it still didn't feel like Thanksgiving since we weren't with our families!

Arizonza

This week I was given a wonderful opportunity to go to Arizona for work! I was part of a team that went to a summit on Professional Learning Communities. I learned a lot and had a great time listening to the gurus of the fields.


Not only did I get to enjoy the summit, I was also able to get out and explore Phoenix as well.


We got in Tuesday afternoon and checked out the area around our hotel.


Wednesday night we had a blast a the Sun's game.

Thursday I met up with Cheryl and the three Willis' boys and we went to a park to play.Jaden, Me, Colton, and Brady Colton (6 months) That night, Cheryl and Ryan met up with some of my coworkers and me for dinner and drinks.
Now I'm in CA visiting my mom!

Love Day!

For Valentine's Day, we went to Minneapolis, Minnesota to visit some of my favorites:Chad had an interview for a summer internship there so we decided to make a weekend of it!
We had great time catching up and spending time with Jocelyn and John as they showed us around town; one of our potential homes for the summer. I was quite hesitant of Minnesota, but they did a nice job of selling us on the place.
While we were there, we all went to a hilarious comedy club where we watched:

I would suggest this show to anyone who plans on going to Minnesota soon...

This year, my pink gift for Valentine's Day was...Fantastic pink shampoo and conditioner from Pureology, and I have become a huge fan. I would definitely recommend it to others!

On a side note, I am going to try to be better about blogging! We will see how long this lasts!

A New Addition to the Fam!!!

Meet Gail:

So, we decided to sell both of our cars before we moved. I mean, what a great idea... Drive around town for a few days in a rental and then find the car of you dreams for dirt cheap. Sure.

Well, although she might not be the car of my dreams, I do love her with all of my heart!

Pros:

Smells like crayons

she purrs (guess she likes me)

I smile every time I see her!!! :)

Fits 5 adults comfortably, and I could easily fit 2 more in the trunk (although it may not be legal)

Has a sun roof

6 disc CD player (not sure if I even own Cd's)

leather seats

peeled out in her this morning on the way to the dry cleaners, and I'm still alive

made it to the beach and back

Did I mention SEAT WARMERS?!?!

Cons:

Smells like crayons

she purrs

stereo speakers are blown

Rear light failure started on day 3

Key less remote stopped working after the first week

The check engine light comes and goes as she pleases...

Overall, I'm quite happy with Gail. Lets just home she can make it until June 2011!!!

P.S. I accidentally failed the NC written drivers test. I guess that's what happens when you get cocky and decide you do not need to read the book because you've been driving for 14 years... I downloaded the book last night, so I'm sure I'll pass this time!

Wish me luck with the test and Gail!

Durham Bulls

Chad started school today! He seems to really being enjoying it and has met some really cool people. Tonight, Fuqua's Health Sector Management had an event at the Durham Bulls' Stadium. It was fun to meet some of his classmates and their girlfriends/wives and watch some minor league baseball. As always, it was a super hot night (everyone was sweating), but we had a great time. The ladies: Lia (she is 7 months pregnant), me, and Marie. The gentlemen: Aris, Trey, Chad, and Steve

The NC Pad

We are pretty much settled into our apartment in Durham. It is is an adorable complex with so many nice people. We are so glad we found it!
Here are some pictures (sorry about the lighting):

Walking into the apartment.The kitchen.
The living room from the kitchen.

The family room.

The guest room and den.

Our bedroom.

My Wonderful Family

We stayed at my parents house for 2 and a half weeks before we moved to NC. Although it flew by faster than I hoped it would, I feel so lucky to have been so close to them. They are such kind, loving, generous, thoughtful parents, and I LOVE them so much! It is going to be very hard to be away from them, but at least I'll have our daily phone calls. It was so wonderful to be able to spend that time with them! Plus, we were truly treated like royalty!!! My mom cooked, cleaned, did laundry. My parents are so amazing!

My dad and I both have July birthdays, so we always have a birthday party together. This year we went to dinner at Benihana's...delicious! My dad and me before we blew out the candles.

Us at dinner.

My gorgeous niece! I can't believe that she is turning 12 next month!

Thanks for letting us stay! We love you and we miss you!