Bucket List Check

Crossing the finish line!

Debbie is such a sweetheart. She drove all the way to Pittsburgh this weekend and even brought me flowers. I have the most amazing best friends!

A really fun half-marathon

We finished!!!

So it's been over a year since I posted a bucket list on my blog. Last summer, I wrote down a list of things that I wanted to do before I die and one of those things was to run a half marathon. I mentioned this to one of my best friends, Debbie, who immediately said she would like to run the Ikea Half Marathon in Pittsburgh too. We thought it would be a great weekend to get together since we don't see each other very often. Debbie drove to Pittsburgh late Friday night and we were off to the race on Saturday. I was so excited to see her because I have not seen her since she recently got engaged. Her ring is beautiful, and I am ecstatic for Matt and her.

The half-marathon was alot more challenging than I thought. However, I must say, it gave me the itch to do more. I would love to run another one or even a marathon. I have been contemplating running a full marathon next year! Debbie did such a great job. We both had such a great time getting to talk and catch up. Running this was the best time to catch up, it took over two hours to complete! After we finished the race, we went to downtown Pittsburgh to a restaurant called Pamela's P&G diner, very much a staple in the city. President Obama and many other world leaders even ate there when the G20 summit was held here last year. They have the best food, and Debbie and I chowed down the omelets, toast, hash browns, and pancakes. After a wonderful brunch, we drove home and decided to rest. A hot shower sure did make me feel better. Even after all of the running I've done over the years, after this race I felt bones and muscles move that I never knew I had! To say the least, we were both hurting (doesn't help that marathon day was literally training day 1...oops). We spent the rest of the night eating a wonderful pasta meal, looking at bridal magazines to get ideas for her wedding, and watching the movie Gone with the Wind (Debbie's choice!)

I loved being able to spend the weekend with Debbie. I truly count her as a huge blessing in my life. We had so much fun looking at bridal magazines and coming up with ideas for her wedding. She is going to be a beautiful bride, and I cannot wait to be with her on that special day. I love you Debbie and thank you for spending time with me!

Ps. I also checked a few other things off of my bucket list...cake decorating class and bought a nikon digital slr camera. 3 things down, more to go!

Sante Fe Adventures

Parker photo shoot! Not only is he absolutely adorable, but such a sweet spirited baby as well. I can't wait to get to know this little guy!

It's been about 5 months since I have seen Parker. He has gotten so big!

He loves to tell stories!

The face of an angel.

He won best in show! Well deserved!

Another Indian tribe.

An Indian wedding dress.

The Indian Market hosted a fashion show. There were various tribes represented with their garments. It was incredible to see!

Santa Fe downtown church where RENT was filmed. Sante Fe was celebrating its 400th year of being a city. The oldest capital in the US!

Oh photo booth, you provide fun entertainment for us.

Love this boy! (I look a little aggressive in this pic...)

Such cool statues!

Brother and sister!

Joe Joe and Megan Gril's turn

Mommy and Parker on Borough Street!

There were markets like this everywhere downtown. Joe and I bought a sun (on the right side) to match our kitchen plates!

There were statues everywhere!

What sweet boys.

Parker was so glad to see Uncle Joe Joe!

Last Wednesday, I had another opportunity to fly out to Sante Fe to spend time with Joe and his family. I feel so blessed that I have been able to visit as much as twice this summer. It is such a neat place to be-with beautiful scenery, historic places, great food, and a very interesting culture. Sante Fe is so different than the east coast and what I am used to. I think that is why I have enjoyed visiting it so much. Well, that and getting to see Joe perform in world-class operas on an amazing venue. :)

When I arrived on Wednesday, I was able to get in a little before noon. We had a great time shopping around Albuquerque and even got a few things for ourselves. We had lunch at a favorite-Buffalo Wild Wings. It's been so long since we have been there! When we got back to Sante Fe, I was a little tired and was in need of a rest. We rested up before getting ready for the evening. Joe was such a sweetheart and took my to our favorite restaurant, Tomisita's, for dinner. They have the best guacamole! After a wonderful dinner, we went to the movie theater to see the Expendables. Needless to say, Joe loved it, and I was a little squeamish. Lots of action scenes! It was a great movie, Sylvester Stallone style.

On Thursday, I woke up a little early (still on east coast time) and got Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. It sure does take a few days to get adjusted to the time change! Joe had a little rehearsal for his scene in the morning. I went with him, and after the rehearsal, we spent time together and getting ready for his show that night. I was able to go to a world premiere opera called "Life is a Dream" that was being performed this summer at the Sante Fe opera. It was awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed myself-Joe did a great job!

Friday morning was an earlier morning. Joe got up and had a morning rehearsal while I was getting ready for the day. When he finished, he picked me up and we were off for the day. A few nights before, we had been discussing what would be a treat for such a great summer. I looked up some information and decided to book a massage at a favorite spa in town! Neither of us had ever had a massage, and it will definitely not be the last. It was amazing!!! I can't believe what I have been missing all these years. The spa was in a state park nestled on the side of a mountain. The views were breathtaking and very relaxing. For dinner, Joe had been wanting to eat at another local favorite, Gabriel's. The best part about this restaurant was again, the guacamole. This time, when you ordered an appetizer of guacamole, a waiter came to the table and made it fresh right in front of you! It was so neat to see how all of the ingredients came together. I am definitely excited to give it a try once I'm home. I stayed at Joe's house that evening and watch a few episodes of the Office I've been wanting to catch up on while he performed at the opera. :)

Saturday was filled with lots of fun things to do. After Joe's rehearsal that morning, he picked me up and took me to lunch. We stayed around town and even bought some salt water taffy at the local grocery store. We had both been craving it-such a great summertime treat! Joe's family flew in on Saturday-Paul, Missy, Jessie, and Parker. It was so great to see them! We met them at the hotel were they were staying and quickly hopped in the car to travel downtown. This weekend was the Indian Market festival where hundreds of booths are setup in the Plaza of Sante Fe with crafts, jewelry, pottery and other goods for sale. There were so many awesome booths-I think my favorite part was hearing the stories of ancestors, relatives, and traditions in each station. We were able to walk around and shop a bit, but decided to come back on Sunday to look around a bit more. That night, we introduced the his family to Tomasita's. I think I could eat there every week! We had a great time catching up.

On Sunday, we all met up for the Indian market in the morning. The Shadday's were able to find some amazing deals and the cutest outfits for Jessie's boys. I can't wait to see pictures in their cowboy and indian costumes! We all got a little something-jewelry, books, costumes, jackets, drums, and etc. For lunch, we went to a local favorite called the Blue Corn Cafe. Again, it was fabulous. Every restaurant that I have been to in Sante Fe has been fabulous. After a full day of shopping, we rested up before going to the opera house that evening. Sunday was the night Joe has been preparing for all summer-the apprentice scene performance. All apprentices-technicians, costume designers, singers, and stage crews were in charge of the show. There were 8 scenes in all performed by the cast. Joe's scene was a selection from Moby Dick, one of the newest operas to debut. It was AWESOME. By far the best! I was so proud of him. He has worked so hard this summer, and it sure did pay off. He is becoming quite an amazing performer. I am so blessed to be able to share in his accomplishments. I can't wait to see what doors continue to open!

All in all, another great trip. I was so happy to be able to spend time with Joe and his family. I am sad that I live far away, but I always thoroughly enjoy the time I do get to spend with them. They are all precious! Congrats on a great summer Joe!

Big Butler Farm Show

Biggest rabbit ever. (look at the normal sized rabbit behind it)

I just loved what prize this bunny won. The pink ribbon says "Best Opposite Sex"

Seriously, what do they feed these guys?!

Bad hair day.

They loved that I fed them!

Sara and Ken giving it a shot!

Someone was very sneaky eating out of the cup...

My favorite thing about summer!

One of my favorite things to do in the summertime is go to the fair. There are so many great things to look at and so many great things to eat! I have never been to Butler's version of the summer fair, the Butler Farm show, even though I have lived here off and on since my junior year in high school! Since some of the people that I work with at Verizon live in Butler, we all decided to go and have a good night. I really enjoyed looking at all of the huge farm animals, prize winning produce, and arts and crafts. My favorite part is walking around with a lemon shake up in one hand, a corn dog in the next, and topping off the night with my all-time favorite, a funnel cake. I opted out of going on any rides after all of the food. Needless to say, we all had a great summer night!

Take me out to the ballgame...

Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Pierogie races! They do it every game!

One of the Pirates' newest pitchers was doing quite well tonight!

Ah, summertime.

Everyone focusing hard...

Is it a homerun?

One of my favorite snacks-Dippin' Dots!

Heather with her HUGE ice cream cone!

Ever since I was a child, I can remember having summers filled with ballgames. My brother began playing t-ball when I was about 3, and all three of us played baseball and softball well into high school. We all grew up with a love for the game, and most of our summers included multiple trips to see St. Louis Cardinals games when visiting my mom's side of the family. I just love going. I don't know if it's the way the sun sets over the ball field giving way to gorgeous summer evenings, the people all around you shouting obscenities and starting the wave, or the amazing variety of food that you can only eat while watching homeruns and line drives fly. However, I think my favorite part is walking into the stadium and always being brought back to my childhood. It always reminds me of sitting next to my dad, sharing a tray of nachos, learning how to play the game all along the way.

Tonight, we all decided to head down to Pittsburgh to see the Pirates game. The Pirates are not the best team in the league, however, the ball park is so fun to visit. It is such a family friendly atmosphere with lots to see and do. They were even handing out Pirates t-shirts tonight! We all enjoyed relaxing in the cool breeze of the summer night, eating our favorite snacks, and watching the Pirates win!

Madame Butterfly

We had a great time at dinner together! The food was delicious!

Just another drive to the opera house!

All of my Santa Fe opera goods. I love the shirt, it has the 2010 season on the back of it!

For my last day in Santa Fe, yet again, I was happy as a lark sitting by the pool while Joe was in rehearsal. I decided that at some point in my life, we need to live in a place that is sunny and where I can have a pool. It literally warms my soul and lifts my spirits to just soak up rays and relax. Joe had a particularly long day today, with rehearsal all morning and afternoon with a show later at night. After eating lunch together, I decided to go back and get ready for the evening. When Joe finished his rehearsal, I was there to pick him up. While we were riding back to his house, there was a great big thunderstorm coming over the mountains. It was so neat to see! When we got back to his house, we relaxed, played some Mario Kart, and got ready for the evening.

Since Joe and I don't get a lot of alone time together, we decided to have a very nice dinner and get dressed up for the evening. I needed to dress up in order to go to the opera anyways, and he was so sweet to dawn a suit and make it a special night. Even though we had a multitude of choices on where to go for dinner, we ended up going back to Tomisita's because it was that delicious. We ordered practically the same thing but didn't care. I wish I could take everyone to this restaurant, because it is awesome! Once we got to the opera, there were people everywhere. The theater was a buzz with opera lovers and first time attendee's alike. I was so excited as I pulled out my ticket and walked through the threshold into the theater.

I always love the feeling of going to a show. The special attire, the anticipation, the air of creativity: it all culminates to the first wave of the baton of the conductor and the first note to be sung by the cast. This feeling was particularly great because I was watching the man I love most be apart of something he loves to do. I felt such a sense of pride in watching Madame Butterfly. Knowing that Joe is pursuing his God-given talent and doing it so well made me the proudest person in the theater that night. Every single person in the cast was incredible. The actress portraying the title role, Madame Butterfly, was exquisite. I was so impressed with her musicianship and her grace on stage. I couldn't help but think the entire time that sometime in the near future, I will be watching my husband on stage playing title roles around the world. I can't wait to be there for it! Before leaving for the night, I grabbed a couple of things from the bookstore to support Joe's company and to remind me of what great accomplishment this was for him.

I had such a great week with Joe. I am more thankful for him everyday and can't imagine loving him more than I do (I know I will). I miss him terribly while he is gone, but couldn't be happier for him and this awesome opportunity. I love you all the world Joe Joe and thank you for spending the week with me! I can't wait to see you soon!

High Rollin'

Look at all the cash we won!!!!

Twins???

He looked so handsome for a night out at the casino!

What a massive buffalo.

I was trying to make the same face as the buffalo. I think I got pretty close (ha.)

Today was another gorgeous day in Santa Fe. I'm convinced that this area of the country doesn't have days that are particularly nasty or ugly. Even on a rainy day, it is absolutely beautiful how the clouds form and the lightening and thunder roll over the mountains. However, today was a day full of sunshine. The temperature is generally in the 80's, but the sun's ray are so much more intense here. I have made it a habit to lay by the pool in the morning when Joe is at rehearsal, and when he is done for lunch we meet up to eat together. I probably applied sunscreen 4 times today and still got burnt. I'm not going to complain, I love the sunshine.

Joe had about 6 hours of rehearsal today starting around 10am. We drove to the opera house together, and I laid by the pool working on wedding stuff while listening to the sounds of opera music all around me. We met up for lunch at the canteen and had a yummy meal together. After lunch, I decided to get dressed and ready before coming back to the opera complex to watch a little bit of his rehearsal. I always love watching his rehearsals, every company does it so differently. After a long day of work, we drove back to Joe's house to get ready for the evening.

For the past couple of days, we had been talking about a fun evening event to do. Since Las Vegas is fairly close, there are quite a few casinos and resorts around. I've never been to a casino, and Joe hasn't been to one since he went to Vegas in high school. We planned on going to Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino for dinner and a night full of fun. We both brought $50 to spend and had no expectations on winning anything. For the entire night, we parked ourselves at the craps table. I had never played craps before, but apparently, I'm really good at it. I put $20 on the table, and before I knew it, I was up to $85! I should have stopped right then and there, but it was early in the night, and I just wanted to have fun with Joe and the other people around us. By the end of the night, Joe and I had put $60 on the table and walked away with close to $200! I must say, it was a really fun time, and it didn't hurt that we won a little bit of cash.

Sun and Santa Fe Fun

As long as I can sit in the sun and lay by a pool, I am a happy girl.

It was delicious.

Joe loved his tacos.

By far, one of my favorite restaurants I have ever been to.

Joe's landlord has quite an array of animals at her home. These are just a few!

Her precious labs, Diego and Frieda. They are so sweet!

I truly felt like I was on vacation today for the first time in a long time. Whenever I have taken vacation time earlier this year, it's always to get something done...wedding planning, cleaning, and running errands that I don't have time to do otherwise. My idea of a vacation is relaxing in the sun all day, and then going out to dinner and other activities at night. Today was that such day. At the opera house, the grounds have a very nice pool by the cantina for the use of apprentice artists and their families to swim. It makes it very nice because while Joe is rehearsing, I can be only 100 feet away soaking up sun, listening to music, or reading my favorite book all day. I doused sunscreen on in the morning and stayed at the pool all morning, listening to the sounds of beautiful opera music all around me. How awesome is that!?

For lunch, Joe and I went to grab a quick bite at Panda Express (one of his new favorites) and go to a couple of stores around the area. Before we knew it, he was back to rehearsal, and I was back to the pool for the rest of the afternoon. We decided to keep it low key tonight since I was still adjusting to the difference in time zones. Joe picked where we would go for dinner and my job was to pick the movie. Joe picked an excellent restaurant, Tomisita's to go to for dinner. It was an authentic Mexico restaurant located downtown and easily one of the local's favorites. I must say, I have never eaten better mexican food in my life. We ordered homemade guacamole and salsa with blue corn tortilla chips for an appetizer, and it was phenomenal. For the main course, Joe ordered tacos, and I had an open faced quesadilla with guacamole, salsa, and green chile peppers (a staple of NM cooking). I took about half of the meal home with me not because I was full, but because I wanted to savor the meal a little bit longer and enjoy it later that evening. It was that good! We are definitely going back before I leave. After dinner, we went to the movie theater to see Grown Ups. As good as dinner was, I don't think the movie could have been worse. Joe and I almost both fell asleep because of what a terrible flick it was. We did laugh, mainly because we couldn't believe how silly and ridiculous the movie was. Even though the movie was terrible, we still enjoyed spending quality time together.