Home Sweet Alaska

Where have I been?

I apologize for neglecting the blog.  Isn't it funny how I found time to write daily when I was the busiest and most stressed I've ever been? Since I've been home, I feel like I needed to take the time to reestablish myself in my forever home!

Diego is adjusting to Alaska like a champ.

Even when it snowed.

Yes, it is almost June.  Yes, we did get over 4 inches of snow.  And yes... I did want to leave on the first flight back to Cali.  :)

I am also adjusting to being back in Alaska.  I'm not going to lie, it's been a challenge getting back into the groove, but I'm finally starting to feel a little bit more settled!

And Alaska finally decided to turn into Summer.  The trees have little buds on them, the sun is shining, and my thermometer hit 71! It's good to be home.

Time Flies...

I promise I didn't forget about you.  As it turns out... traveling, moving, and getting a new puppy keep one very busy!

The good news is that I am home in Alaska, Diego is doing GREAT, and it's supposed to snow today. Okay, that last part isn't good news, but I guess you can't have it all!  (P.S. Is it time to go back to Cali yet?) :)

I promise to do a full recap of my trip to Sonoma and the move later today!  Hope you're doing well!

Adventures in Santa Cruz

Note to self: Traveling with a puppy is a great way to make friends.
I mean, who can resist this face?

Jake and I got an awesome Living Social deal that put us right on the ocean front at the Casablanca Inn. Our relaxing vacation in Santa Cruz involved a lot of resting...

Staring at our twin in the mirror...

Playing with toys in our hotel room...

And walking the downtown streets of Santa Cruz. Human walking that is. Diego has not quite mastered the art of walking with a leash.

He likes to sit and stare at you like you're crazy when you take a few steps. So ridiculously cute.

After some intense training (and by intense, I mean 10 minutes. That's like 2 days in puppy time), he started to get the idea.

All that puppy training worked up our appetite, so we ate at a few delicious restaurants including Las Palmas.  Delicious Tacos and a Vegetarian quesadilla for under $10!

The living social deal came with a voucher for dinner at an adorable German restaurant, Tyrolean Inn, in a small town called Ben Lomond about 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. I've had some German food in my life, but nothing as delicious as this!  It was a real treat!  I highly recommend it if you are in the area!

Yes, I am one of those dog owners.  Don't judge.

True Story!

As much fun as we had in Santa Cruz, we know that all good times must come to an end.  Yesterday we left Santa Cruz and drove to Northern Cali where we will be enjoying wine country at its' finest for the next few days!  Have I mentioned that I love being done with grad school yet? :)

Welcome to the Family, Diego!

On Monday our family grew from two to three!

We made the 3 hour drive to pick up our little friend from his breeder.  I said this before, but I cannot say enough positive things about his breeder at Cee Cee's Puppy Palace.  The kennels are spotless, the breeder is extremely knowledgeable, and the dogs are loved.

We were originally going to pick up Diego next week when we leave for Alaska, but we couldn't wait a minute longer!

Jake was nervous about their first meeting, but that quickly faded away when Diego came running up to him!

The breeder even said, "Diego doesn't usually give a lot of kisses!"  That was before he met his Daddy.

It's love.

I like to think he remembered me from last week.

I can't imagine the emotional rollercoaster he must have been going through as we drove away from his mom & dad, friends, and first home in Reedley, California.

However, he tolerated the drive well and before we knew it, we were in Santa Cruz to start our first family vacation!

He got to see the ocean for the first time, hear the barking of sea lions, and look at all of the fun rides along the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Tuckered out pup.

He is the best puppy and only cried once during the night to go to the bathroom, then he sleep until 7am without a peep!  We are so blessed!

Graduation!

There is nothing as gratifying as walking across the stage to get your diploma. One piece of paper that signifies not all of the sweat, tears, lost sleep, time away from loved ones, and money spent.... But a new chapter in my life. I am no longer a student, but instead a PA-C!

Saturday was a perfect day for graduation, although it was a little too hot for this Alaskan girl! Blue skies, hot sun, and 80 degree weather!

The ceremony went very well. I savored every moment.  We had an a capella group entertain us at the beginning...

A wonderful key note speaker, and a slide show,

A guest singer who truly touched the entire audience,

And a speech by yours truly...

I was also honored to receive an award from my class.

Then was the most important part... receiving my Master's degree and my Stanford diploma!

And the best part of the entire ceremony was at the end when we were announced the Stanford PCAP graduates of 2013.  Actually, I take that back.  The best part was immediately after that, when this happened:



A surprise dance! (Yes, that's me in the front row in the second group... I do a pretty awesome Chicken dance, don't I?)

I am so grateful all of my family, Jake's family, and the Griffins were able to be there to celebrate my special day.

I will forever miss my classmates, but I will never forget the wonderful memories.  Good times and not so good times... I feel so blessed to have had the past 2 years as a Stanford student.  I can't wait to start the next chapter in my life! 

Stanford PCAP Class of 2013!

I'm a Stanford Graduate!

More to come later... but I'm officially a graduate!  Wahoo!

Together Again!

My first day back with Jake started as any day should: A run together.  However, it was not as fun as it sounds.  San Francisco has turned into a hot oven the past few days and it hit 91 today.  My poor husband did not love running in the 70 degree heat, especially after leaving a place that is ~30 degrees.  Sorry Jake.... I promise to never to that to you again!

After drinking gallons of water, we went to lunch with my parents, Jake's parents, and his sister who flew down for Graduation!  It was SO good to see all of their faces.

The perfect California lunch on a hot day?

In and Out Burger. 

This was my first time eating there and it lived up to all of the hype.  I am not a big hamburger fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed the veggie burger.  And the fries?  I have never tasted such real fries in my life.  Perfectly crisp and you aren't left with greasy fingers.  Yum.

Jake and I went on a walk in the ridiculous heat and made a stop at an adorable pet store where he found all sorts of interesting things...

Followed by a nice bench to rest and escape from the heat.

It was a perfect day!