Cha-Cha-Changes

Even though it's Monday and the storm has passed, I'm still pretty exhausted from moving. Last week, Monday and Tuesday, I moved boxes of stuff from my old apartment in Cullowhee to the new place in Asheville :) I then had to work Thursday and Friday. But along with trying to get my stuff moved, I had to help Jeff as well. His lease ended the same time as mine did.

Yesterday, Jeff and his friend Glennie stayed the day at our new place. We didn't have internet yet so we did this odd thing that many people don't do anymore, we talked! But then we went to dinner.

I wish I could have taken some pictures :( of our dinner date. But when we moved into the new place Ashley and I were given a brochure of all the best places to eat in Asheville. Our goal is to try a new restaurant a week! I hope this can be possible!

Last night we ate at Fiores Ristorante Toscana. The menu is Tuscan inspired and ohhh the food is delicious. For appetizers, Ashley and I got  stuffed figs with herbed goat cheese, wrapped in prosciutto with balsamic reduction. We only had two a plate but ohhh it was served on a bed of arugula and it's probably the best thing I have ever tried :) Glennie had the calamari and Jeff had the mussels. We were in heaven.

For our entrees, Ashley and I got the same thing again. Great minds must really do think alike! We got the grilled Tuna Carpaccio. Picture this, a bed of lettuce, capers, basil, marinated artichoke heart, with thinly sliced ahi tuna and drizzled with chianti reduction. Yeah, you best be jealous. 

I think I have now realized it isn't fun to review food without photos :( 

This morning, Jeff and Glennie left to head for Raliegh. Glennie is moving to Vermont and Jeff is dropping him off at the airport. Jeff will then be settling into this new home in Durham. To be truthful, right now I'm fine. I think that last night as we were getting ready to head to bed it all started to hit me. Tears were shed, promises were made and words of encouragement came out heartfelt. I will miss Jeff but I think we will be make it through this. I have so much faith in Jeff. I don't know if he knows that but I really do. This separation will make the both of us stronger in the end.

Alright, enough with the sappy stuff, onto other thoughts.

I have recently decided that I can't do the half marathons I thought about for the fall. But no need to the sad music, last night I joined Asheville's Track Club! So instead of driving all the way to Virginia Beach, come Labor day weekend, we might do a race closer to home. I think I should do some more 5Ks and perhaps 8Ks before I do a big ole half marathon.

I've been making a list of all the stuff I either need for my room. So far it looks like this:
-Coat hangers
-Storage shelves
-Desk
-Bookshelf (if it will fit)

I also just got a call today from my Internship Director. To make a long story short, I might be able to complete my research during the spring semester! If I get my IRB approval accepted, I could get my MHS this May!!

This all does sound like good news but lets not forget, I will be interning at 40 hours a week for no pay. But then again all my rotation sites are in Asheville. This means I don't have to worry about my commute. Which trust me in the area we live in many students and even professors have to travel at least 45 minutes to get to the University. A few of my friends who have completed the internship, will reminisce about having homes in Cullowhee and have to drive to Hendersonville or Asheville for some of their rotation sites. Ugh, it sounds soul draining.

I wish I could also get a move-on with wedding planning. We haven't set a date yet but I'm itching to sink my teeth into all the niddy griddy. By that I mean, find a dress, book a venue, make decorations, book entertainment, get food and drinks sorted out, and just go creative!!! My plan for tomorrow is to print off ideas and get a look book set up.

I also need to get crackin on registering for the ADA Conference in San Diego. I haven't got a flight yet but I want to see if I can find a website with student rates. The list for the conference looks like this:
-Plane ticket
-ADA registration
-ADA student membership

Ah and this too shall pass.

I'm Engaged!!

Last Monday night, July 18th 2011, around midnight. The greatest thing happened!

It was a typical day, I had just finished a double shift at work and was looking forward to my day off. Jeff and I had gotten tickets to see a Perfect Circle, so for Tuesday we were going not only to Charlotte (where the concert was to be held) but also to Durham so Jeff could look into a room for rent for next year. 

I had gotten off at work at a decent hour and Jeff met me at work. We hung out for a little while and then as we were getting ready to leave Jeff said to meet him at the old courthouse (which is now the town's library) in Sylva. I got there before he did, but when he showed up he started lighting tea candles on the steps of the courthouse.

When we got to the top of the steps, he mentioned that he had tried to do this three times already but was waiting for the right moment. He then said how much I meant to him and how he wanted us to spend the rest of our lives together. He then got down on one knee and said "marry me." With tears in my eyes I said, "yes, yes, I will marry you!" I noticed that Jeff had a tear in his eye too.

We hugged each other after the proposal and then Jeff said, "oh wait here's the best part" and he pulled out of his pocket his Mother's ring!  It was so beautiful and it fit perfectly!!

Here's a quick recap of the night:

I wouldn't have changed that moment for the world.

Oh and here's the ring:

Since it was so late we waited until the next day to call family and friends. But after we left the Courthouse, we stopped by Ingles to grab some...

 Champagne and pizza

and also..

A wedding magazine for some inspiration :)

I want to start documenting the planning process if I can. The next  year is going to be crazy and I have now just learned, when you get engaged the next question you are asked is, "when is the date?" This I don't know yet but we will figure something out :) 

"Stellar"-Incubus

IMAG0066

IMAG0066, a photo by Lizzy487 on Flickr.

Taste the Rainbow

At Ingles I noticed the most wonderful, spectacular, cost effective thing, ever.

Everybody wins!!!

So not only is this a create your own 6-pack but look at the price ($8.88). I can afford that!!!! 

Here is what I got.

I love the holder for it!!

Here's a better look at the goods.

 
For those of you who know me, not only do I love the fine craft of beer but I love brewing as well!!!

To give a closer insight into my selection, we have....

Lucy from Star Hill. This is the brewery's summer ale. According to the people at Star Hill, it possesses a hint of ginger, lime and coriander. I tried it last night and it would have been perfect for beach surroundings.

Next we have Sapporo.

Sapporo has a soft spot in my heart because we used to sell it at Spring Street. Anyway getting to the good stuff, Sapporo is the oldest beer brand of beer in Japan, like 1876 old. It has a light yet crisp taste. The bitterness is very minimal. I'm drinking it right now actually :))))

We also have, Blowing Rock's High Country Ale.

From the land of Boone we have beer. The High Country Ale is " fermented with a proprietary ale yeast strain that provides a distinct fruity-ester aroma and flavor;" (Boone Brewing Company, 2011). One day Jeff and I will own a brewery and in doing so we will beat App somehow. 

And we have the 1554 from the New Belgium Brewing Co.

 It has such a dark, toasty flavor. Chocolate lovers will love this. The enlightened black ale which is 1554, is created using a "lager yeast strain and dark chocolaty malts to redefine what dark beers should be" (New Belgium Brewing Co).

For our 5th beer this evening, we have the Pyramid Apricot Ale.  

Ahh a savory apricot ale. Perfect for the summer.Haven't tried it yet but comment soon to follow.

Last but not least we have the Stella Artois.

The Stella Artois is in my opinion, the kind of beer a classy lady orders at the bar when she's sick of wine. I'm highly sure of this.

Well, I'm going to meet up with my man tonight and taste a few more of these. Yeahhhh :)))))

"In Heaven There is NO Beer"-Dr. Demonto

Ode to my Apartment

Starting Friday, I will have a two week opportunity to move into my new place in Asheville!! Plenty of time to pack up my stuff and get it to the new spot. My lease at Rabbit Ridge Apartments ends on July 31st. Plenty of time, I hope :-/

Today I just wanted to pay homage to my studio. I have loved having my own place this year!

Plenty of space, yes it does look cluttered but ehhh it could be worse.

Chest of drawers, books and desk.

 Kitchen, I think I will miss you the most. I do look forward to living with Ashley but we both like to cook so that means I have to share a kitchen. Must control only-child senses :-P

Yes I do have a problem with cookbooks. I have many and guess what, I will probably obtain more as the years progress. I mean I get them if they're on sale at the book store, as gifts from friends, work, etc.

My kitchen table has maintained a vast about of stuff over the summer. I don't know what it is but the laziness has kicked into over drive. I shall over come this hopefully soon.

My bed of course. Lazy has struck again!

The chair that is used for needs to be folded laundry. I think I only sat on this thing once.

I will miss you apartment. The End

Cat's Nip Cafe

In addition to the Mad Batter, Cat's Nip Cafe has always held a soft spot in my heart. I met the owner Lauren five years ago. She is quite an extraordinary lady, not only did she run this little coffee/sandwich shop on her own but she was also a full time student. In what study did she pursue, you might wonder? Nutrition of course! Lauren has finished her dietetic internship and is currently working for a school system in Florida. For the time being her mother, Robin, who is equally as amazing, is running the shop.

While I was working on my undergrad, this was the spot where all the nutrition students would come in to do homework and vent out any frustrations about classes. It's also the place where Jeff bought me my first cup of coffee, before we started dating. It's those kinds of moments that I cherish.

It has a welcoming feeling for both students and faculty. The purple and yellow colors that adorn the walls, show pride for the Western Catamounts. Many of the pastries and breads have been baked by local and loyal patrons. In the past Jeff made cornbread for their homemade soups.

Lauren did a research project awhile back regarding if food made with love really makes a difference in the taste. I think she might be onto something. Her lattes are the best. She gets my seal of approval when it comes to her food choices as well. The menu may be small but that really is a good thing. She uses lean meats, avocados, local breads, and fresh vegetables. I like to call these qualities, trustworthy.

For years I've gotten their Magda vegetable sandwich. It's contents include, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, cucumbers, avocados (yesss), and your choice of either hummus or Annie's Cowgirl Ranch Dressing. I always put hummus on mine with whole wheat bread. Ohh it is the best.

Oh yeah and I get a side of BBQ chips.

Bye Magda.

Robin working behind the line. She also is part of an organization called Cullowhee, Inc. I wanted to sit down and ask her a few questions about the organization's intentions for the town. But like any lunch rush, they were busy. I will try and get an interview with her sometime soon.

I wish you the best Cat's Nip. Don't worry I'll be back :)

"Here Comes the Sun"-The Beatles

Must find time for Running

I had mentioned when I started this blog that I fell in love with running this past semester. But with the combination of work and the weather being what it has been the past few weeks (rain, lots of rain), I have found very little time to run. I really miss it. I may not be very fast but practice does lead to improvement.

The other day one of my friends, who is working as a camp counselor for this whole summer, gave me a call. He will be living the next few months with no internet, no TV,  and no cell service. Letter writing will be our form of communication for the rest of the summer. I'm very excited about this! I love writing letters, I feel like it's a dying art form that many people, in the mist of keeping up with technology, take for granted.

Well anyway, we were able to talk via cell phone the other day and of all things we brought up running. Morgan has done half marathons, marathons, and even a tri. Lately I've been seeing in various runner and fitness blogs, a series of races called the Rock n' Roll (insert city here) Marathon Series. From what I have heard the one at Virginia Beach  is very popular.

According to a review I read in the July/August 2009 issue of Fitness magazine, the Virginia Beach half-marathon, includes "twenty bands which attract runners to this usually sold-out race. When you finish, you get a complementary beer." In addition, I met a girl at the gym wearing one of the t-shirts, who said that even the surface isn't very challenging. All flat! 

I bring this idea up to Morgan about potentially running this race with me and he's all for it! I'm getting excited! I should act fast on registration which is over the end of August but if it's a favorite it could end quicker. We just have to find a place to stay for those three days and we should be good. Again, need to find that quick too. 

I've also been debating on doing the St. Louis (RNR) half marathon as well. It would give me a chance to go see my Dad and the rest of the fam. One of my concerns is that this is in October on a Sunday. So when I'm done with the race in the morning, I'll either have to take an evening flight or early in the afternoon. I bet anything  my muscles would be really sore. Maybe I'm thinking too far into this. I probably am :-P

 But I think this way, perhaps registering for these races can give me something to train towards :)

So I think on Sunday I will register for the St. Louis Half and then maybe in a few more weeks register for VA Beach. 

"Garageland"-The Clash