Sandy and I both have said how we don't like to comment when we are going through transitional phases in our lives. That is where we both are right now. Whether we like it or not.

1) It has been some time since my last post. I have been busy as of late. I started a new rotation in my program. I'm still out here in WI, which isn't too bad.

2) Last weekend I went home to see Sandy graduate from grad school. I was so proud of her. She got two awards, a community leadership award. And an academic award for getting a 4.0.

This was the first time we had seen each other in three months. This distance has been absolutely awful. Sometimes I get pretty frustrated, and I know she does too.

3) Last week was also the 10th anniversary of my dad passing away. I was thinking back and got sad. But then I made a list of things that I've done since he passed away. And I think he would be happy and proud of my accomplishments.

4) I also moved into a new place a few weeks ago. Not too far from where I was. I am living in a basement bedroom, which I like more than I thought I would.

diamonds on the soles of her shoes...

1) What a shitty week. I know my mom hates it when I curse, but I can't help it in this instance. It just sums up how my life is feeling these days. And it could be worse, but this is why I have been feeling less than stellar. To sum it up: hurt my foot pretty bad on a run last Saturday with my marathon quickly approaching, hard being away from Sandy, not going home for Easter, etc. Cry me a river, right?

2) I took a class a few weeks ago where we were classified by our personalities and work habits. I came up as a director, and the characteristics fit me well. I am direct, more guarded, a bad listener, low tolerance for details, good administrative skills, and enjoys having control. Makes sense why I am always making lists, and all my posts are numbered.

3) This past week my Road ID came. With all the running/biking I hope to do, it only makes sense that I have some identification on me if something happens. I got a blue one, and told Sandy that she couldn't get blue because we couldn't match. I was only joking, knowing full well she would want a blue one because blue is her favorite color just like me. When she told me she got a purple one, I was surprised. According to her, her workout clothes are blue, and didn't want to clash, but rather accentuate. I didn't realize girls cared that much about work out clothes.

4) At Trader Joe's today I bought some Pear Champagne salad dressing. So far the reviews are positive.

Director it is

1) About two months ago, we got a notice sent out to everyone in our condo building that there had been a person or animal urinating in elevator. I thought it was hilarious, seeing as how since we can't have dogs, it was most likely a person. We live in a building with many retired and older folks, for what it's worth. I don't use the elevator on a regular basis. But I did last week, and it seemed normal.

Then on Friday, we got a letter that the urinator had been back in action. We don't live in a huge building. This person should be able to hold it.

2) Sandy and I have thought about starting a blog together. Stay posted.

3) I helped host a dinner party last night at my friend Kathryn's. We had it at her parent's house, and invited a bunch of people from our program at work. We had twenty people come, and it was a real fun time.

I thought about it before, but my favorite type of social gatherings are house parties. There is a relaxed vibe, and it's just more comfortable. Last night solidified this decision in my mind.

4)

You can give a man a fish, and feed him a meal

1) Time keeps moving swiftly in the Mid-West. I have been busy at work, and just this week, I am working with an entirely new team of people. It has been great to learn and see another aspect of my business, but in the same breath, has gotten me out of my routine, making me more tired at the end of the day.

2) I've also been running more seriously than ever before. I decided a long time ago that I wanted to run a marathon. Being out here for a while, without Sandy, I knew I would have more time on my hands. Last fall, I looked up marathons in Wisconsin, and what do you know. The Madison Marathon is Memorial Day weekend. About 2 weeks ago I signed up. It has been good to have a goal to work towards.

The hardest part of my training hasn't been the running, well yet that is. But it's been the cold weather. Typically by mid-March, I feel like the temperatures begin to feel better. Not the best, but at least warmer. This winter has not let up here. Saturday, when I have to run 12 miles, right now the high is showing 37.

3) I'm getting sick and tired of people texting stupid stuff to me. Prime example, last night, a friend of mine sent "What do you think about the situation in Libya?" Too much to answer in a text.

4) This past weekend I went to a Milwaukee Admiral game. This is the semi-professional hockey team in the area. It was a fun night overall. There were a few Green Bay Packers at the game, and they had interviews, and everyone was excited, etc.

One of the contests was a karaoke contest to the chorus of "Livin' on a Prayer"-Bon Jovi. A few of the Packers were the judges. The first girl goes, and is barely singing, and just starts grinding all over the players. It was absolutely hysterical. They were there laughing, and the entire area was going nuts. Needless to say, she didn't win.

Walking a straight line

1) This weekend I used up two of my Groupons. How fun.

2) Also this past weekend, I venture back to the Capital District to visit Sandy. Here is a list of things that we did:

a) Got in Friday night late. Was tired. Ate a Chipotle Burrito that Sandy got for free.

b) Saturday morning, went to Barnes and Noble to use Groupon #1 on "Bubby's Homemade Pies". A great pie book that I can't wait to start using.

I realized why book stores are going out of business...it is because their books are too damn much! Prices on Amazon are much cheaper. It's not about convenience of the internet, it's about saving money. I'd much rather hold the object in my hand, but if I can always get 30% off on Amazon.com, I'm going to order books and music from there.

c) Went to Fleet Feet and bought some new socks and running shorts.

d) Went to Sandy's apt and went for a run.

e) Had dinner and beer at Wolff's Biergarten. I won the puppy prize on Friday Puppy this past week.

f) Saw Trey at the Palace. A great show. Acoustic set was basically a Phish sing-along. Electric set was solid as well.

g) Sunday morning, made pancakes.

h) Sunday afternoon we were supposed to go to my parents, but my mom was under the weather. We did our taxes and then left.

i) Ordered pizza, using Groupon #2. And watch the Amazing Race.

j) Monday morning we just relaxed, etc. I drank 2 beers before going to the airport at one. Another great week end. And another good-bye to my best friend.

Two Standard Questions

1) I've bought 4 Groupons, and am yet to use any of them. Not saying they aren't a good deal, just saying the opportunity hasn't presented itself.

2) I went to get my haircut today. This was significant because I haven't gotten my haircut at a different place for about 6 years. But they did a good job with it, and like everything else in the Mid-West, it was cheaper than I expected. When I used to get my haircut the middle of February, it was when I was shaving it.

3) I also have been doing my food shopping the last few weeks at Trader Joes. Aldi still holds a special place in my heart, but sometimes the produce at Aldi is just pretty awful. Also, some of the products at TJ's are just so unique, I can't help but enjoy going there.

4) SUNYACs is this weekend. For the second year in a row, I haven't made the trek. It's not that the BW doesn't hold a place in my heart, but sometimes you just can't go. I'm sure they are doing a great job, and will bring it again.

5) Last night, I went to the Milwaukee Art Museum for a night "after dark". A lot of museums have these type of events on a Friday or Saturday night once a month. It was pretty fun. Besides being an awesome museum, it was cool to have a DJ spinning in there, and activities, drinks, etc.