What you missed, Part 2: Alias.

As much as I like writing... sometimes pictures just work better.

So what else did you miss the last 18 months? I already mentioned my thesis defense. Two days later, I got a new name. 

Credits (local vendors in bold and italics)
Photos - Valerie Usui Photography (or, local at time of booking/wedding planning)
Dress/Alterations - Columbia Bridal Boutique / Silver Threads Alterations
Tuxes - Men's Warehouse
Rings - Helzberg and Silver Sparrow Designs
Flowers - Wedideas
Flask - Marotte Leather
Cake - Debi's Cake Studio
Cake Topper - Mudcards
Venue/Food - Baldwin's Station
First Look Photo Venue - A Likely Story Bookstore

What you missed, Part 1: Titled.

There are some statements that could be considered exaggerations.

That was the best cheesecake EVER.

Maybe the whole thing with the fire ants was a bad idea.

I have been in school FOREVER.

In my case, I think that last one was technically true. 

I went from undergraduate right into a Ph.D. program, something I think I would never have done had I known better. At times it was fun, and now that it is over I am finding it easier to remember that. Frequently it was horrible. 

I stuck it out for a few reasons. First of all, I am stubborn. Second, the idea of quitting was scary. But I like to think the most important reason I stayed is because, every so often, it was AWESOME. I loved the moments - few and far between as they were - when I got something to work (repeatedly) and realized I was looking at something new. Something where I could go to the world "I know something you don't know" and actually be kind of almost sure it was true.

Mostly, it was probably the second thing though. I used to think that it is hard to be something that you're not.

In any case this happened last spring. May 17th, to be precise.

"So listen carefully.... SCIENCE!"

"This is what I can do with powerpoint."

"Look, some more things I can do with powerpoint."

It took me about eight weeks to recover normal sleeping habits after the defense... which was actually fine, because I did a lot of great TV show watching and reading in the unmentionable hours of the day.

The defense, like my research career, wasn't all that pretty. It wasn't really enjoyable. Fortunately I had the support of a loving and wonderful family, especially on the sprint through the end. 

And, two days after my thesis defense, I got to go to a really fantastic party.

More on that soon...

Lost voice.

About a year and a half ago, I lost my voice.

I don't mean my actual voice, more my writing voice. I went from needing a change to, for about a solid year, doing very little writing. At least, very little writing of the sort anyone would actually want to read.

And, to be honest, I did very little swimming and running, either.

A lot has happened since then.

I'll get to that in some posts later.

I've missed my voice. I know I missed it because a number of times I tried to go back and find it. I had several false starts at new blogs, because I felt like I wasn't quite the right person to keep writing this one. Food blog. Craft blog. Wedding blog. Collaborative blog. 

Each time I'd get a few posts (or less) in and lose interest. That's a lot of blogging projects to flop.

I've missed my readers (Hi Mom!) and the blogging community. 

The last few weeks have been different. I keep thinking about things I want to write about. I snap photos that need to be shared before I throw my phone out the window. I'm back to reading blogs, even if I'm quiet about it.

As for the swimming and the running? Well... one step at a time. Wouldn't want to pull a muscle. :)

"Whaaa...? We're back!"

Thinking ahead.

I bought a pine scented candle a few weeks ago, just before all the Christmas things came out.

Normally, I'm not one to rush the Turkey. I like the holidays. I like the time taken to slow down and celebrate with family - particularly when I have such an awesome one on both sides. But this year, I'm craving a fresh pine wreath for the door, sparkling lights, pumpkin pie, ugly sweaters, and the peek out the window that happens when snow is in the forecast.

I think it has something to do with change - wanting to close the door on the things I'm finishing up, move on.

I'm thinking about the blog, too - not closing its doors, but some changes that I'm considering for 2012. Right now, SWR is a mashup of things I feel like typing about, books, local things, and sometimes food. In short, I'm considering narrowing the scope.

If there's something you've really enjoyed about the blog in the last year or so, or something you would like to see more of in 2012/SWRv2.0, please let me know in the comments, or send an email along to swimwriterun at gmail dot com.