Two Week Update

Things have been a whirlwind since coming back from LA, hence the lack of postings!

When we got back from LA, both of us were working ten-hour days just to catch up. I came back and jumped right into multiple training sessions, and Keith had a huge stack of grading awaiting him. I also spent all day Saturday and Sunday of last week attending a fitness conference in Cary. It was fabulous ( I go every year and love it) but unfortunately, I injured my back during one of the classes, and a week later, it's still not happy with me.

This past week was another whirlwind between work stuff, cleaning house, etc... I also attended my first voter training meeting (am working the polls this year for the first time!) which was rough after a full day of work. (6-9 on a Wednesday night- hard to keep focused....) This past weekend, we've had lots of much-needed down time. We did meet up with our friends Rick and Alicia to go see the Rolling Stones concert film "Shine a Light" outside at the art museum. We made it a little over halfway through the movie when the rain and wind started. Really wanted to watch until the end, but we decided to pack things up and call it a day.

I was supposed to run in the Anna's Angels ten-miler this morning, but with this back injury, I decided against it, hence, here I am finally updating our blog!

Avon Walk LA

Getting started on Day One

Keith, Elaine, and me finishing up the 26.2 on day one

We had such a fabulous trip to LA this past weekend!

Thursday, we arrived at LAX early afternoon, picked up our rental car, and tackled the crazy California highways. We traveled along the PCH through Santa Monica and Malibu, then drove into the hills via Mulholland Drive, then into Hollywood and Beverly Hills via Sunset Boulevard. We then ventured back to Santa Monica for an overnight stay at the quaint Hotel California which was right by the Santa Monica Pier.

Friday, we walked along the beach and then picked our friend Elaine up from the airport. We then ventured back up the PCH, stopping in at Venice Beach for a quick visit along the boardwalk, before heading back to Long Beach to get ready for the walk.

Saturday and Sunday's walk took us through Long Beach and Seal Beach with many gorgeous views along the coast and the main thoroughfares of the city. On Sunday, we traveled back into the city to stay at the posh Chamberlain hotel off Sunset. We visited the La Brea Tar Pits, drove around Hollywood, and then ate a much-deserved delicious meal at a French restaurant near our hotel.

Thanks to our many friends, family members, and colleagues who donated and/or wished us well in our walk efforts. With your support and assistance, our team of three raised nearly $6000 for cancer research, early detection, and treatment programs for under-served populations in the LA area.

Sunday Parties

We spent Sunday afternoon between two fantastic parties in town. First, we hit a "Welcome Back and Happy Birthday Alicia" party at her boyfriend Rick's house. We had a chance to catch up with lots of folks we hadn't seen in a while, and Alicia's happy to be back in Raleigh again. From there, we went to a co-worker's house for a fun pool party and cookout. All in all, a fantastic way to end a weekend!

All Work and No Play- NEVER!

Mr. Lindsay dispensing infinite wisdom.

Hanging out at the Raleigh Times with Jessica and Alicia.

After working for many hours Saturday afternoon, we hit the gym and then made our way to downtown Raleigh for the big weekend festivities. (opening of the new convention center, downtown festival, International Festival, many stages with a variety of music.) First, we ventured to the Pour House Music Hall (fabulous place to see live music) and saw Ellery http://www.ellerymusic.com/ and Kyler England http://www.kylerengland.com/. Kyler is an NCSU grad - small world- and it's been really cool to see her live shows over the past few years. Check out both sites- fabulous singer/songwriters!

Then, Jessica and Alicia met us, and we made a quick breeze through the International Festival at the new Convention Center (long enough to eat some delicious Crab Ragoons and see an Indian dancing group,) caught a bit of Lou Gramm from Foreigner outside ("Cold as Ice" was the song...) and then ventured to the Raleigh Times for dinner and drinks.

The Weekend Warrior Returns!

Tropical Storm Hanna made her way through Raleigh last night and this morning without much fanfare. We are apparently having lots of flooding issues around town, but they aren't showing any images on the news. My parents in Conover saw and knew more than we did, and we live here!

We're leaving for the Avon Walk in LA on Thursday, and as a result, Keith AKA "The Weekend Warrior" has stationed himself at our dining room table to get ready for his three-day absence. I'm also pitching in a bit to help him get it all done before we go.

Update on the Upstairs- Just a Bit of Laboring...

The shower is officially in!

Check out this marble countertop that we found at the Habitat store for $21!

Today, Keith officially put the shower in and installed the final two windows upstairs. Estimated move-in date is the end of October....