Austin and Beyond

I reminded Marshall today as we went for a walk that we've been in Austin now for 1.5 years. We're fairly confident we'll be moving from here in another 8-9 years. Some of the places we're considering and are going to look into are:
*Spokane, Washington
*Colorado
*South Minnesota
*Southern Missouri
*Iowa
*Nebraska
*Coure d'Alene, Idaho

Of course these are just places that we want to look more into over the next few years. We obviously don't need to make a decision any time soon. We just want a town with good schools, that has a low crime rate, beautiful surroundings, potential to grow and jobs for both of us.

Vacation Ideas

We have some vacation ideas that we'd like to see through before we start expanding our family in 2013. Marshall's school schedule gives us limited windows so he doesn't have to miss classes. Here is what's on the table:
2011
*Trip in mid-August to Salem, Oregon to see my parents, youngest sister, Sherri and our nephew Kyan. My brother Matt will make it if he can.
*Trip to the Int'l Balloon Festival in New Mexico during the first weekend in October. We'd travel mostly by train.
2012
*Trip to Washington, DC for at least 4 days.
*Trip to Marshall's family cabin in NW Wyoming.
2013
*Trip for youngest sister Rachael's graduation party.
*Trip for youngest brother Eric's graduation party.
*Trip to northern Europe in June/July to celebrate Marshall's college graduation.
20??
*Trip to North Dakota.
*Alaskan Cruise out of Seattle.

We know a Europe trip would be fairly expensive, and as much as we'd like to go while it would be just the two of us, I'm wondering if it is a good idea to spend all that money as we TTC. I really want to see Denmark; Marshall wants Germany; and we'd like to see Stockholm too.

2013 sounds so far away to be planning trips, but considering that we have two graduations to fly/drive to within a few weeks of each other that year, we really do need to start thinking of some options. We'd like to take a "hurray, Marshall's finally out of school" trip before he would start a full time job (if that's the path he takes). If his business takes off and is earning enough income, well, maybe we wouldn't have to take it right then. *shrug This is what happens when you're a planner by nature.

Package O'Fun

My brother Matt, who is currently deployed overseas right now, should be receiving the package we put together for him. It has a lot of silly gag stuff in it like plastic gun that shoots ping-pong ball sized amo and fake tattoos. We put in their a package of fortune cookies, a window paint marker, some rabbit ears for Easter, a mesh laundry bag and some cracker jacks. His package is going to have some coffee in it that is made in Austin. I look forward to hearing about what he does with all the stuff made for pranks. It should bring a smile to his face, plus make Matt the most popular guy in camp because he has fake tattoos.

Health Update

I had another successful week with WW. I'm down 6.8 pounds in 4 weeks. I only have another 4 pounds to go until I hit my 5% body weight loss goal. I'm also going to participate in Austin 5K Bun Run on May 1st. I'll walk and jog it, and am looking forward to being a part of this event. Marshall is going to go with me. :)

I'm seeing great results in Marshall from his efforts put in at the gym multiple times a week. His upper arms feel rock hard to me! He's feeling better about himself, and is so glad that I suggested we start going back to the gym.

Cats still chase each other while playing, so they're getting their exercise too. :) Everyone is happy in the Reeske household.

#60 Expanding My Vocabulary

Number 60 on my 101/1001 list is to expand my vocabulary by 100 words. I have recruited the help of Savethewords.org, which is a website dedicated to bringing English words that are on the brink of extinction back into everyday vernacular. You "adopt" a word and promise to use it as often as possible, essentially sharing it with others.

My first word is "prandicle," which I had never heard in my life. It means "small meal." For example: My morning prandicle consisted of a banana and half a bagel.

How would you use prandicle in a sentence? ;)

*update*
I've adopted two new words! I'm adding to my brood. "Icasm" means 'figurative expression,' sort of like a metaphor. Here's a good one for Scrabble--quaeritate--which means 'to ask.'

Marshall, Inc

Marshall is officially self-employed !He started his company Delphi Innovations this week, and he's super pumped. His first venture is going well. He had prototype metal plates cut out this week and sent them to his mom, so she could fit them on her bike. If everything lines up, then he's going to do order one sheet, which can hold 86 individual pieces, cut out. These will include the spider web design. He's also in the process of getting a quote from the company that will be plating the pieces. Right now his current obstacle is how to set up a means of processing credit cards when the parts are sold at Spyderfest in April. He's doing lots of research, and I'm confident in him that he's find a solution.

Getting Closer

I've lost 5 pounds in since my doctor's appointment on December 17th! I'm so excited. Also this week, I did a 7:36 mile on the eliptical machine; my goal is 7:30--I'm almost there! I couldn't contain myself and had to post. :D