Happy 4th of July!

Fourth of July is my absolute favorite holiday of the entire year. I love fireworks, the heat, being on the water, all of it. This year, however, I chose to ignore the holiday. First, who let the 4th fall on a Wednesday? I, like many other people, had to work the day before. Second, my defense is tomorrow (the 6th) so I needed to practice. Third, I found out that I didn't get the post-doc funding I applied for (to work at Johns Hopkins University) so I was a bit bummed about that and really interested in getting working on my revision application. Finally, my family was set to come into town today so I had a lot to do around the house. I was still able to spend a few hours by the pool with Tamar, followed by some delicious watermelon and an early evening run with Shirn (Brendan's sister-in-law). Tomorrow is a big day so today I'm going to practice one more time, get in a nice run, and maybe take some nyquil to ensure I get good rest.....

Dentist visit and Walky Dog

This week Charlie had his first dental cleaning. It's something that many dogs never have done, mostly because it can be expensive but also because owners don't generally realize their dog needs it. Poor dental health can lead to poor all over health in dogs just like in humans, such as bacteria to the heart, liver problems, etc. At his last check up his vet noticed a good amount of build up on his teeth and recommended a cleaning. For the procedure I took him in around 7:30 in the morning, they started the procedure around 9 and ended around 11:45a. He was sedated for the entire thing so they keep him in the office until around 4pm for observation. When I picked him up he was very excited to see me (who wouldn't be?) and the vet said he was the favorite pet of the day. I have a feeling they say that to many (if not all) owners but I just know they meant it with me.

So excited to be home. 

Look at those pearly whites.

That same day I received a package I ordered a week or so ago. I've been wanting this toy for a long time and I finally did it. It's called a WalkyDog, a special device for walking your dog while riding your bike. I love taking the boys out on bike rides but have in past had to hold the leash in one hand. Riding that way has never been a problem, we've had no major accidents, but I just really really wanted the Walkydog. I bought it from a mom and pop company TheDogOutdoors and in the box with the device was a dog treat - how special! Because I got it on Charlie's dental day Tank tried it out with me. We love it!

ps. Brendan put the video together. I was just going to get a simple shot and call it a day but of course the film maker needed to jazz it up.

Tank, the guinea pig

Today was a special day for Tank. A friend of mine asked me to bring him in as a practice patient for a bunch of high school students learning veterinary medicine. The students were part of a summer program, Duke TIP, where high achieving middle and high school students go to various universities for about 3 weeks of intensive learning in a particular topic. I was a bit skeptical at first because Tank hates the vet and I wasn't sure if we would be in a real vet examine room. It turns out we were in a large lecture hall and there were only 3 other dogs so things worked out great. Tank had a team of 4 high school students and one real vet. Each student took a turn taking a history from me while the vet guided them through each question. I tried to keep it interesting so for each student I made up some complaint or illness that Tank has had in the past (he broke his toe once, he had an allergic reaction and a swollen paw once, he has chronic ear infections, and sometimes he regurgitates his food if he eats too quickly). Then, they took turns checking his pulse (apparently hard to find because he was so calm) and listening to his breathing. One girl started her exam with his face and shined a bright light in his eyes. Luckily Tank was on his very best behavior and just laid there while they all poked and prodded. It was great to get him out of the house and I couldn't have been more proud of how he behaved!

Tank, just laying around in a viking hat. Such a sweet baby :)

Last class ever!

Yeah, right. I'll most likely be taking classes as a post-doc and somehow probably for the rest of my life. Yesterday I started my last class of graduate school at least- Seminar in Multilevel Methods. It's just a fancy statistics class. I'll be sure to update everyone if I learn something practical that we can all apply to our lives (probably not going to happen :). Last Friday also started the last class I will teach in graduate school. I teach Social and Personality Development to Junior and Senior undergraduate students. Most people choose not to teach in the summer because they usually teach in the Fall/Spring. Because of my fellowship I don't have to teach Fall/Spring and am happy to do it in Summer. The class is a lot of fun and I generally enjoy all of my students. We talk about topics such as attachment, development of emotions, gender identity, aggression, altruism, and the family. Wish I had a picture to attach...coming soon I guess.

Running in the rain and soapbox cars

For the past week or so Brendan's sister-in-law, Shirin, has been my running partner. We've been running a trail that is near campus. It's behind a dog park so its pretty heavily trafficked, well maintained, and shaded which is great. We started running one lap then walk/running the next but we just about ran all the way through today. I expect in no time we'll be running straight through multiple laps. I took my bike out there and calculate the distance (I want every step to count!) - it's about 1.33 miles for one loop. Today was a fun run, 2.8 miles total (in about 1/2 hour, didn't bring my watch) but the best part was the rain. When we got there we both said "gee, I wish it'd rain" and sure enough, our first step of the run it came pouring down. It felt amazing, wish it would rain for more runs. With my new shoes the trail runs have been fantastic, feeling not only tolerable but actually good. I've never had runs feel good, hope it keeps up!

Also, yesterday Tamar and I went to the Red Bull Soap Box car race in Atlanta. It was perfect weather but VERY crowded. We found an okay spot to watch the race but I spent more time watching the crowds (you know, waiting for someone in the sea of people to vomit, pass out, or break out in fight) than the race. The racers looked like they had so much fun, I really wish I had a car to race. Dad could help me build one, right dad?

The crowd at the box car race.

The track. Don't know how long it was, but some cars barely made it to the end.

One of the cars. Definitely not my favorite, but a cool one none the less.

This one was my favorite - it was themed as Goonies (my favorite movie of all time)!

     

Oh and we enjoyed some delicious food truck food. I had chicken and waffles - a little spicy at first but I was starving so I didn't care.

House rented!

Finally! I've been very stressed about not getting the house rented but I just found out yesterday that the prospective tenets turned in their lease agreement and deposit check. They are set to move in August 1st so that means I have to be out by August 1st. I'm set to be in Athens until August 5th so I guess that means me, Tank, Charlie and all of our worldly possessions will be living with Brendan for a few days. He too is moving on August 1st so that day will be a whirlwind for us. My house should be mostly empty by then with only a box or two left and my Australia bags packed. Sometime in the upcoming weeks my parents, brother, and the kids are coming up to replace a sliding glass door in the living room and take a good amount of my furniture down to my brother's house in Jax. Let's revisit that to-do list I created a few months back:


1. Finish my dissertation and PhD
....almost. defense is set for July 6th, graduation on August 4th

2. Sell my house and complete all related daunting tasks
....rented, check!

3. Finish/submit several papers and a post-doctoral fellowship application
...post-doc app submitted, several papers - still working

4. Find a place to live in Australia (that's right, I'm moving to Australia!)
....I have looked extensively, does that count?

5. Find a temporary home for my dog while I'm away
...had some interested candidates but none were perfect. I'm now trying to convince Tamar that she is the perfect foster mom.

6. Begin a blog to keep connected with friends and family after I move
...check!

7. Find a place to live in Baltimore (my post-Australia home)
...can't even think this far in advance

8. Spend time researching non-academic careers
...again, can't think about it yet.

now lets add:
1. replace sliding glass door
2. pack everything I own
3. teach a class this summer
4. take a class this summer
5. buy all the necessary goods to graduate (e.g., cap & gown; think I'm going to rent these things, its VERY expensive)
6. convince my friends to come to town for a graduation party

The beginning of the end of my mid-twenties

Actually, who are we kidding, when I turn 27 I will still call myself mid-twenties. This post is dedicated to my recent birthday celebration. I'm a bit out of order but I wanted this post to stand on its own. For my birthday (26th!) my friends and I rented a boat on Lake Lanier. Its about an hour away and is the closest big body of water we have around here. Oddly enough all of us are from FL and truly miss being near the water...guess that's why we are drawn to each other. When Brendan and I went to pick up our friends, Tamar and Jimmy, I was greeted with quite a surprise. In compliance with my request for a fish-themed birthday party, Tamar had a mimosa waiting for me upon arrival (less fish themed, I guess) and bought me a nautical romper to wear on our boat trip. She also made fish and star fish shaped cookies, shrimp, a pasta concoction, and chicken taquitos. What a great friend! The next day Brendan continued the gifts with a scooter ride around town. It may sound weird but for some reason we just love scooters and Athens is the perfect place to zip around. My parents also sent presents - four Salt Life shirts....and a car insurance bill (bleck). All-in-all it was a great birthday weekend and I couldn't have asked for it to be better. My goal next year is to be in Belgium for my birthday...anyone want to join?

Me in my new nautical romper. I will say it is one of the most comfortable outfits I now own.

Jimmy, our captain, and Brendan, the first mate, getting us out of the harbor. 

Me, the navigation skipper. 

A cool picture Tamar took of an island we passed. 

Catching some sun. I'm wearing a bathing suit, promise. It was just a bit cold and I needed the towel.

 Tamar and I giving our most appropriate boat pose.

Me pretending to be "King of the World!" (a throw back to Titanic). Oddly enough, this not the first picture I have on Brendan's shoulders. I guess I'm just always curious what it's like above 5' 2"