cold feet

NO - not that! This is my first sock, which I finished in May. I plan to finish its better half before we return to CA.

one for the fans

We are crazy busy with wedding preparations, so please be content with a super cute picture of Emmet that I stole off of the Malisch's blog.

Awe that's too cute

Uncle Matthew got to spend some quality time with little Niece Evelyn who is such a big girl now that she sits up by herself and "talks" up a storm. In fact, as this picture was being taken I think she was trying to say "Uncle Matthew, your hair looks sort of goofy."

Santa Fe Pics

Looks pretty good doesn't it?
We're here! We're Catholic! Get used to it!

Jonathan and Elena by the campfire.

Our future residence . Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

Getin' wood!

Knitting at the campsite.

home sweet santa fe

Matthew and I are in the midst of a cross country drive on our way back to Wisconsin to get married. We are currently in Santa Fe, where we will be living by the end of August. We spent the last three days seeing 10 different possible future homes. Since we are no longer foolish kids who don't mind where we live, we had a lengthy list of amenities we wanted: we wanted to be close to the plaza (under a mile) so that M could walk to work, a washer and dryer were a must (a luxury we have become dependent on), we really wanted a dishwasher (it makes our life together much happier), we needed a two bedroom for all the guests that will be coming to visit us, and we needed a dog friendly house, which made things difficult, AND we had to be able to afford it. I am happy to say that after much searching and a little freaking out we found THE place for us. It is a half mile to the plaza and right next door to the farmer's market and a shopping center with a grocery store, movie theater, community center, and of course, starbucks. The house has been newly remodeled and has a HUGE new kitchen with tons of counter and cabinet space and two lovely new bathrooms all with gorgeous marble counters (from a local marble quarry). The master bath even has double sinks! I am afraid we may have to add another luxury item to our must haves in the future. The best part is that our landlords seem really great. The man who we will be renting from was even a clerk for the supreme court just like Matthew is going to be! We are really excited to live there and even more excited to have all of our friends and family (that's you folks) come and visit us.

In other news, we have been camping at a KOA just outside of Santa Fe and met some really great new friends named Elena and Jonathan who are embarking on a massive cross country adventure. We hung out and made smores around the campfire and enjoyed an authentic New Mexican dinner compete with Margaritas and Sopapillas (a local specialty that is basically fried dough, mmm fried dough) at a restaurant called Maria's. Other than that we have been eating sandwiches and hard boiled eggs out of our car and roughing it pretty good. Tomorrow we will leave and head to Oklahoma to see M's family before heading to my mom's house on Friday.

I'll post pictures soon.

California Shower Pics

My dad sent me pictures from my shower that was on May 27th (my mom's wedding anniversary). My sisters (with the help of my lovely step-mother Debbie) hosted the shower with my dear friend Jessica Malisch. The event took place in the Malisch's gorgeous backyard here in Rivercity USA and a good time was had by all.

Matthew came for support (and present opening). We have already filled the pitcher with yummy pomegranate margaritas, thanks Tia Maria!

All the lovely friends, from left Caroline, Jessica, Me, Jasmine

All the lovely family, from left: Courtney, Maria, Peggy, Me, Grandma, Debbie, Heather
Sisters and Brideswomen:

ABD! ABD! ABD!

So, the moment has arrived! I am officially a Candidate for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. I advanced to Candidacy this morning after passing my prospectus (dissertation proposal) defense. I think the defense went really well and I received tons of helpful feedback.

This means that I am now ABD (All But Dissertation), which is actually a term used regularly to describe a graduate student who has completed all of their requirements but is still writing their dissertation. In fact job postings will often say things like "PhD preferred, ABD considered." That's right people - I am considered! Oh yeah.