Goings on

Some big things lately.  And a lot of extra free time in my near future.  And some fun travels/races/adventures planned.  Thus, a blog!  Never thought I'd be the blogging type, but I think it would be nice to have a record of what I believe will be a fantastic summer, and also to keep those who might be interested up-to-date on what I'm doing. 

Hi. 

First off, in case anybody didn't know… a few big things:

- I've started training for, and participating in, many different kinds of races.  Triathlons, cycling races, runs, etc.  I even joined a local all-female triathlon club here in Tucson.  Expect to hear about this, as well as my normal hiking/camping/climbing shenanigans.

- I am officially taking  a leave of absence from graduate school.  I've got my master's, and I'm trying to decide whether I want to stick around for my Ph.D. or not.  I have a full year to decide if I want to come back.  If I come back after this year off, it's as if I never left.  If I don't come back… well, I'll find a job and start living like a normal adult with a normal schedule and reliable income.  In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my new-found free time, work here in Tucson, and consider my options.  I am very excited about this decision.

- Josh and I are now cohabitating.  I still have minor panic attacks about this on a semi-regular basis, but I am actually quite happy about it.  This means that I now have a 55-inch TV in my living room and Sienna now has a 24/7 play buddy, whether she wants it or not (although so far, she and Callie get along quite well 95% of the time).

The map for my summer and fall is quickly filling up already.  I (we) have trips planned to Alabama, New Mexico, Alaska, Flagstaff, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, rafting the San Juan River, possibly a cross-country road trip to Seattle, and hopefully a trip back to Virginia.  And that doesn't even count normal weekend getaways for camping and climbing and exploring!  I'm also racing at least one (but probably 2) more triathlons, a half-marathon which goes straight up Mt. Lemmon, and a 109-mile bike race.  

I'm currently composing a list of all the little things I'd like to do but have been ignoring because of school.  Read (for fun)!  Cook!  So, yes, I think there will be plenty of updates to be written.