It has been awhile..

But that is Not. My. Fault. I haven't had internet or cable since July 9th.

That's right, almost t-h-r-e-e weeks. So I have a lot to update.

I'm moved into my new place, trying to get everything unpacked and in order (yes I know, it's been 3 weeks. Still unpacking and arranging things).

I flew back in on Friday (July 9th), and Sunday morning I did the "Rooster Run." Why ROOSTER? Well, check out the starting time of this run:

Did I mention it was about an hour away from where I live (near the desert museum)?

Did I also mention this was my first run in several months?

Did I mention it was EXTREMELY hilly ?

It was the perfect way to get re-acclimated to Tucson. I love, love, love, love, love the mountains. The cacti. The sunrises, sunsets. It is just *so* beautiful here.

After the run, we played in the slip 'n slide. It was probably 90 degrees when we finished (around 6am mind you).

FUN times! :)

Next up, a few pictures of my casa. Stay tuned :)

The Great Outdoors (and some even greater friends!)

It is pretty safe to say that I've spent the majority of my time at home outside.

Whether that's hiking, playing tennis, biking (more about this later in the post) or laying out at the beach or by a pool, I've certainly been enjoying the great outdoors. Today was no different.

Have I introduced you to my families dog Mopsy yet? Here she is:
Going to miss her when I leave! She has been accompanying Jen and I on many of our outdoor adventures, and yesterday was no different.





Jen and I woke up and took a long walk to the "Eternal Flame" yesterday, a natural gas flame that is underneath a waterfall at a local park, Chestnut Ridge.

We ended that afternoon at a local hot dog stand, such a good time!

******

And today? Another outdoor adventure.

Anyone remember this song?:

Daisy, Daisy,

Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage,
I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a ...................




That's right, Jen and I rode a bicycle built for two today. Go ahead. Picture it.


Yes, we really did look that ridiculous.


After about an hour, we were exhausted (it was HARD!).

After we finished riding, we couldn't get ourselves to leave. It was SUCH a nice day! So we spent the rest of the afternoon walking the path that we had just biked.

What a GORGEOUS view, the path we rode on goes all along the Niagara River (which eventually goes down the falls). Awesome day!

*******

Final adventure for this post :)

Every Thursday, there is a free concert in downtown Buffalo. This week, for example, it was the lead singer from the band "Live." I have gone almost every Thursday this summer with a group of friends. We always have a great time dancing and hanging out!


One night, we actually ended up right by the water again, where we took these gorgeous pictures and watched the sunset.



Downtown Buffalo


I leave for Tucson on Friday. Talk about bittersweet! I've had such an awesome summer, but am also feeling ready to get back to work (I can't WAIT for year #2!) and unpack my new house.

Synchro Star!

Last week, I had the opportunity to go and see one of my former students (from Tucson) compete in the countries national synchronized swimming competition! Guess where it took place this year?

You guessed it! Buffalo, NY!

When I found out in May that it was going to be about 20 minutes from my house, I was so excited! I had already planned a trip home, and knew I was going to be there for the competition.

I was beyond excited to not only see my first synchro competition, but be able to watch it in my turf :)

Ayla (my student) competed in two competitions - a duet and solo. Here is Ayla and Andrea, her duet partner:


Ayla placed FIRST last year in nationals when performing a solo. This year, she has moved up to the next age group (13-15), and is still in the game! :)

Here she is getting ready to head out for her solo:


Here is a video of her solo:

And here she is showing off "The Flamingo" (at least that's what I think it is called!)



She wound up 15th out of 42 on her solo, not too bad for being a rookie in her age group! I learned that a "10" is a perfect score, but in this age group, the highest you will ever REALLY see is around a 7.

It NEVER fails to amaze me what kids can accomplish. Ayla, for example, is a top notch student AS WELL AS accomplished synchro swimmer. What a girl!