I want to thank everyone who commented, reached out via text, email, and phone, and shared words of encouragement regarding my last post. Opening up really allowed me to feel normal and “not alone” about the emotions I have been experiencing. Although I haven’t had a chance to respond to each of your comments, I am still planning to do so now that life has settled. I have learned that honesty and openness can be the best medicine, and it has allowed me to work through a lot these past weeks. Right now I am in a much better place. SO thank you.
Work definitely took precedence over blogging these past two weeks and my days were jam packed with grading papers and exams, and submitting final grades. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but I pushed through and got all of my work done. I am now on a three-week break and winter term does not start back up until January 4.
Although my social life is nothing like it once was, I’ve been able to get out of the house a couple times this past month and hit the social scene, which isn’t much in Bend to begin with. These days, staying out past 9pm seems like a big deal. Haha. Oh, life with a baby.
A few weeks ago I met up with my friends Melanie and Christy at our local running store, Footzone, for a sip and paint event. I’m no artist, but the wine sure makes me think I am. We had the task of painting a runner (from the calves down) making his/her way down a trail. This definitely felt like an advanced piece compared to some of the scenic paintings I have seen at these kinds of events.
I thought yellow and purple were a good choice at the time, but no. My shoes ended up looking more like blobs than shoes. Darn wine! It took me 2 ½ hours to paint my masterpiece, which is now on display in my husband’s office out of pride or sympathy…but I’m not sure which one.
Speaking of my husband, Justin and I got all glammed up for the first time this year(?) and attended his company Christmas party. It was fun to get out of the house for an evening and be around adults. Twice in two weeks past 9pm is a big win in my book!
I even walked away with an Oregon “you are here” Starbucks mug from the white elephant gift exchange. It was the perfect addition to my collection that is now seven mugs strong.
It’s been snowing a lot here in Central Oregon and it looks like we will definitely be having a white Christmas this year. There is something about snow during the holidays that makes them extra special. Last weekend, in the midst of a snowstorm, Justin and I took Axel to Sunriver for a little adventure. We put Axel in his North Face snowsuit (which is still too big) and walked around the village. He wasn’t as entertained and amused as we were, and decided to take a nap as soon as we put him in the Bob.
We also stopped by Central Oregon Visitors Association and picked up the new 2016 area map that features a photo of yours truly on the cover, taken during one of our many hikes last summer. I joked with Justin that this summer I am going to wear the same outfit, walk around with my hands in the air, and see if anyone recognizes me. To think I was six months pregnant in that picture!
On the fitness front things are going really well. I’ll save my update for another post that is in the works, but lets just say I am back on a schedule and things are cruising along. There has been a lot of running in the snow (I actually love it) and time on the trainer. PT is still going well and I’m now down to one hour a week with Ellie. I have a feeling I will be graduating before the new year!
And of course, Axel has been a little bundle of joy (95% of the time). He is sleeping through the night, sometimes waking once to feed, and is on a fairly predictable schedule. His growth spurts still throw us off from time to time, but we get through them. Justin and I have actually made the decision to hire a nanny/babysitter a couple days a week to relieve me for a few hours so I can train, work, clean house, or run errands. It will be nice to have an extra set of hands around to help – I think it will make all the difference in the world.
I am really looking forward to this next week and all the holiday festivities we have planned. We are celebrating Christmas with my family and then Justin’s family will be coming into town the following week for New Years. I can’t wait for Axel to meet his cousins and uncle! I am trying to soak it all in, because I have a feeling it’s going to fly by in the blink of an eye!
Have you ever done a paint and wine event? If you could paint anything, what would it be?
Do you collect anything? Maybe we could swap a mug (from where you are) for _____? 🙂
Any big plans for Christmas? New Years?
