New Month and Vacation

All of a sudden, it's October! I feel like it came out of no where, and now it's already almost two weeks in.  It's amazing how fast this year is going. At least this month has been good so far.

Last week we were in New Mexico. We went for this:

We had an awesome week and did a lot in the Southwest that we'd never done before, even though we lived there for four years. It was really fun to be a tourist.

We went to Four Corners...

We went to Santa Fe on the train, and even had the most amazing frozen yogurt place in Nob Hill. The most exciting part of the trip for me was hiking up these bad boys:

The top is 10,378 feet up. We started the hike around 6,000 feet and made our way up. It was an intense hike, but it was amazing. The views along were worth it, let alone the amazing feeling of having made it to the top. Just last year I probably wouldn't have made it more than two miles in, and two years ago I would have never even tired. But I did it. It took a while, and I wanted to go back down more than once. But it was so worth it, and I'm so happy we made the decision to do it.

Now we're home, with a some what less spectacular view, and back to the grind. I'm happy to be home and feeling the crisp fall air here in the city. I love being on vacation, and I absolutely love New Mexico, but there's nothing like home and my own bed.

Working for the Weekend

I know it's only Monday, but I really want Saturday to be here. On Saturday, we'll be going to New Mexico! For a whole week! I'm so excited. I can't wait to be there and see the in-laws and the bff, and to have the hubs enjoying spicy food (he loves it and cannot find good enough spice in Boston). 

Next Sunday we'll be out before the sun is even thinking about coming up to be at the Balloon Fiesta. We'll be strolling around freezing out butts off, drinking coffee and having breakfast burritos (no chilies on mine!) I absolutely LOVE the balloons and cannot get enough, which is why we try our best to be there in October every year. It's so worth getting up that early.


This year is an exciting trip because not only are we married this time, but the cousins-in-law are coming too! We went to FL with these cousins and camping this summer, among many other visits, so we know we're good travel buddies. They've never been to New Mexico, so it will be a whole new adventure for them. And we'll get to see the city all over again too. After living there for so long, and having our own favorite places, you forget that there are other things to see and do, and it will be nice to do them again (or for the first time). 


So now I just have to hope I can make it through the week. I'm headed out of work early today for an appointment, and then I plan on tackling the pile of laundry we've got. Not the most exciting afternoon, but once the clothes are clean I get to start packing them (no use putting them in the drawer instead of the suitcase)! And I love packing!

Issues with the State

On Saturday my new license arrived. I was so excited. It's fancy and new, and my picture is awesome. I was showing if off when my sister said, "did you notice they spelled Massachusetts wrong?"

I most definitely thought she was just joking around. The state of Massachusetts would not spell the state name wrong on their licenses! But oh...they did. I live on Massachusetts Ave...but according to my new license, I live on Massachusettes Ave. Really? Yup. Someone who works for the state, and probably sees the word spelled out a million times a day misspelled my address.

So I went online to seach the Mass RMV website for what to do when the information on your ID is incorrect. It says call the number. I called the number, waited on hold for a while, and spoke to a very pleasant woman who thought it was pretty hilarious (as do I) and told me I had to actually go to the RMV to have the change made and get a new license...all she could do for me was a change of address sticker for the back. I'm sorry, but I just got a BRAND NEW license. I don't want that dumb sticker on the back again.

So this morning I went. But I didn't fix the address. I am flying to New Mexico next Saturday and I could not risk not having another new ID come before then. So once I'm back I'll go to the RMV...again...for the third time in as many weeks. And next time I go their summer hours will be over, so they won't open until 9 and I'll have to be late for work. Awesome.

All because Massachusettes just isn't right.

Fall is in the Air

The crispness is here, and I could not be happier. The days are sunny and brisk and the night are perfect for sleeping. I absolutely LOVE the fall, and I'm so very happy that it's here.

Fall means some fun things. It means not going to work with wet hair anymore because it's COLD in the morning. It means pumpkin spice lattes. It means apple crisps and apple cider! It means wearing all the pretty scarves I have, and it's almost time for Ugg boots again! It means warm meals and curling up with books and tea. It means going to New Mexico to see the in-laws for balloon fiesta (in just 10 days! yayy!)

AND it means the start of the new seasons of TV! I'm most excited for America's Next Top Model, House, and Biggest Loser. I love the models and the medical drama, and BL always helps me stay motivated with my workouts (although I love the cold, I am the FIRST to admit that it can keep me curled up on the couch rather than at the gym).

Soon the leaves will be changing, pumpkins will be carved, and before we know it we'll be making hand turkeys!

All you Need is Love

The added bonus is when the person you love is an awesome cook. My friends and I have been eating so well recently because the hubs has been flexing his chef muscles and making us some amazing meals. We have a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" that is his new bible, and I cannot complain. Not to mention, we have a slew of new cookware that makes the whole process a lot easier and more enjoyable than before. Our tiny kitchen is no long an obstacle, but a place where magic happens.

Last night we have the classic Julia Child meal of beef bourguignon. It took the hubs hours to prep it Wednesday night and it was absolutely delicious. Lucky for us, we have awesome friends willing to come share it with us, and watch Jeopardy, and reminisce about TV shows of our childhood. Do friends get better than that?

I've never been a very good cook, I do it because I have to. I am not horrible though, and I have definitely mastered the simple things, like meatball subs, fried eggs, and pasta dishes. But having someone at home who actually LOVES cooking, and just understands what herbs and spices would make a dish without reading in a recipe may be the best thing ever. I am so lucky, however, now even more lazy in the kitchen than I was before.

It's Official...

Today I survived the Social Security office and changed my name. Other than having to wait in line for longer than I would have cared to, it was a pretty painless process.

The painful process has already started though. There is SO much I have to change. My health insurance, my car insurance, my bank account, my student loans, my library card! I have a running list of all the things I'll have to change, and people keep reminding me of more. I almost considered not changing my name at all once I realized just how much there was to do. But I sucked it up :)

Wednesday, how do I Love Thee...

Let me count the ways...or just three ways...

1. America's Next Top Model started it's 15th cycle tonight. And ANTM means Wednesday nights with the girls just got that much more interesting. This cycle is much more high fashion and seems like it won't disappoint.

2. The hubs cooked dinner. I usually cook for the girls on Wednesday, but last night when discussing menu with the hubs, he had lots of good ideas and I had none, so he became the guest chef. And delivered a most fantastic meal.

3. I decided on my name. We did NOT, however, get our marriage license in the mail yet, so I still can't officially change it, but I have decided on what to change it to. After a lot of thought, and writing out all the options multiple times, I'm going the more tradition route. I love the name I was given by my parents. They chose my first and middle name to go together, and last names just happen (no one really picks that for us). So now I have a new last name that I also didn't pick, but the important stuff is all still intact. Mrs. First Middle new-last.

...like I said before, I just really like Wednesday. It once proved itself wonderful. Not to mention, September is definitely here and the cool air is coming. I couldn't be happier!