Cancer and Obesity

As you know, I work for the National Cancer Institute, supposedly helping to prevent cancer.  Some days I actually feel like I'm making a difference in that direction.  Other days I think I'm just putting words on a screen/page that no one will ever read or care about.  But that is neither here nor there for this specific entry.  What I am interested in discussing is the connection between obesity and cancer.  My particular background and the majority of my work has been in smoking prevention and cessation.  Consequently, my limited knowledge about cancer is in relation to lung and oropharyngeal cancers.  And I do mean limited.  I am on the prevention side of cancer, meaning I am not concerned with the actual biological mechanisms of cancer.  I want to change behaviors that contribute to the expression of these mechanisms.  This means I do not have to know much about them.

But I do find I am constantly interested and intrigued in the link between obesity and cancer.  I think our general tendency in the US is to believe that obesity leads to cardiovascular problems, and this is why people die when overweight/obese.  Unfortunately, we overlook the strong link between obesity and cancer.  A recent NCI Cancer Bulletin discusses why obesity is linked to cancer, and I include the link below.  I think you might find it fascinating.

Love,
Amber

http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/111511/page3

P.S. I'm not including the punchline (the why of the connection) because the Bulletin does it much better than I ever could.

Pecan pie brownies

So if you've read my posts the last couple of days, thank you and know that I'm doing much better.  Why, you ask?  Because I decided to be better I guess.  I lead a pretty fantastic life, so once I shared my feelings, processed a bit, and decided my next steps, I've felt better.  And thank you to those of you who have validated my feelings in one way or another over the last few days.  I feel heard and loved, and there is little else I can ask for in the world.

Also, if you read yesterday's post, you saw that I receive multiple emails a day reminding me to be strong, courageous, happy, loving, et cetera, and that I value those emails immensely, even when they push me outside of my comfort zone.

What you may not know is that I receive a second set of emails that also have the tendency to push me outside my comfort zone, my food comfort zone.  They are usually emails with ridiculously decadent recipes that I want to make or desire to have, but am not sure how to fit into my lifestyle.  

Today I share one of these recipes with you.  The recipe is from an email that was sent to me by the people at www.myrecipes.com but was originally published in Southern Living.  It does not have nutritional information, I assume because once you see the recipe you really won't want to know.  But I like the idea and I think I'll beg my brother to help me put these together for Thanksgiving.  I enjoy pecan pie and I enjoy brownies...put the two together and we just might have a new hit.  I hope you enjoy them, or enjoy drooling over the idea of them.

Love,

Amber

Ingredients

• 1 (2-pound) frozen pecan pie, thawed
• 1/2 cup butter 
• 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) semisweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup sugar 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup milk 
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• Vegetable cooking spray 

Preparation

• Cut pie into cubes. Set aside.
• Microwave 1/2 cup butter and chocolate chunks in a glass bowl at HIGH 1 minute. Stir and microwave 1 more minute. Stir until mixture is smooth.
• Beat chocolate mixture, sugar, eggs, milk, and half of pie cubes at low speed with a heavy-duty stand mixer until blended.
• Add flour and baking powder, stirring with a wooden spoon until blended. Stir remaining half of pie cubes into batter. (Batter will be thick.) Spoon batter into a 13- x 9-inch pan coated with cooking spray.
• Bake at 350º for 50 minutes. Cool brownies completely on a wire rack. Cut into triangles or squares.
• Note: For testing purposes only, we used Mrs. Edward's Frozen Pecan Pie.

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pecan-pie-brownies-50400000110033/?iid=news-di-110811&PromKey=XET

Guac-ico de mole

My easiest and most delicious recipe of late involves purchasing guacamole and pico de gallo from Whole Foods, mixing them together in equal portions, and eating in any way desired.

Surprise...guac-ico de mole!

Love,
Amber

P.S. I have eaten this with a spoon as cold soup.  Don't judge.

The 5 to 1 zone

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/20/are-you-nice-to-your-spouse/?sf2461789=1


Another new book to read titled "The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples."  It basically says that if you can be nice to your partner in a five to one ratio, especially during fights, then you will probably have a successful relationship.  I have to read the book to determine whether he has qualitative data to support it and direct interviews of couples that pull this off, but if not....another addition to my book :-)


On a different note, it's been way way too long since I blogged.  I'm done with not making this a priority.  I love to write.  Moral of the story: I'll be back (daily).


Love,
Amber

New book coming out

The Secret Lives of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes To Stay Married

"The happiest wives have a sense of purpose and passion in work and causes outside of the home. Wives who counted on a spouse for fulfillment and sustenance were often angry and lonely. And the happiest wives don't spend a whole lot of time with their husbands. My chapter called Separate Summers is filled with women who take their own vacations, take their own summers, take charge of their own lives. Couples who allow each other to grow separately are the ones with the best chance of growing together and staying together.

Finally, the wives with the highest marital satisfaction have a tight circle of wild women friends with whom to drink, travel and vent about their husbands."


I cannot say whether I am excited about this book or whether I am only intrigued by it, but I plan on reading it.  The cynicism and slight negativity that seems pervasive in the author's, Iris Krasnow, discussion of the book (see the link below for the full details) turns me off.  But her technique in researching an interesting topic by interviewing multiple people is a large component of my plans for my future writing.  Reading people who do such things already seems to be an important step in my development.  


I'm also compelled to learn more about this whole marriage thing.  Although I'm around married people often, I definitely feel like a novice on the subject.  Maybe learning what "normal" secretive thoughts go through married women's heads is a great way to prepare for my future...or scare me away from the endeavor entirely.  Either way, I will be perusing the digital pages of this one soon.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/iris-krasnow/the-fine-line-between-mar_b_959372.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl2|sec1_lnk2|99266

Much love friends.

Amber

Hummus with Green Goo

This green stuff tastes great on EVERYTHING!  But as I've been eating vegan for almost 3 weeks now, I find I eat a ton of hummus.  And it's extremely easy to make.


This hummus keeps nicely, refrigerated, for a few days, but is best served at room temperature. The hummus might thicken in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can simply thin it with a splash of water. Adjust with salt and lemon juice if needed as well. 

Hummus:
1 pound / 453 g dried chickpeas, soaked in water for at least 4 hours, drained

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
scant 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt
1/3 cup / 80ml tahini

Green Goo
1/4 cup Italian parsley
1 jalapeño, destemmed
1 large clove garlic
scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
2/3 cup / 160 ml extra virgin olive oil

In a large pot cover the chickpeas with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the baking soda, and reduce the heat. Simmer, skimming any foam from the surface, until the chickpeas are soft but still structured, roughly an hour. Drain.

Place 4 cups / 1.5 pounds / 650 g of the cooked chickpeas in a food processor. You can set aside any remaining chickpeas and have them as a snack or use them in a stew or soup. To the food processor add the water, lemon juice, and salt. Process for three minutes or until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice along the way. If you like your hummus thinner add more water a small splash at a time. Add the tahini, process one more time. Taste and adjust the seasoning, add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.

To make the "green goo" rinse out the food processor bowl, and use it again, and if you don't have a food processor, you can certainly do a hand-chopped version. Pulse the parsley, jalapeño, garlic, and salt in the food processor. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while the processor is running, until an green emulsion is created. Transfer to a jar, taste, and adjust the seasoning.

Drizzle the hummus generously with the green goo. I realize now, I didn't use nearly enough in the photo up above.

Serve with pita chips, crackers, flatbread, or toasted lavash.

Makes 4 cups of hummus.

Adapted from Insalata's Mediterranean Table written by Heidi Insalata Krahling ofInsalata's Restaurant in San Anselmo, California.

Prep time: 240 min - Cook time: 60 min

Life Update

Hello Friends,

With hurriquakes and summer on the horizon behind me now, I feel like giving a little life update.  I spent Labor Day weekend in St. Louis with several of my favorite family members and didn't take a darn picture to share.  All I can tell you is that I spent three wonderful days eating healthy, hugging my favorite people, and partaking in zumba and yoga.  It was delightful.

Then I flew back to DC and started a stretch of a full month in which I'm not traveling on a plane.  It has been a while since that has occurred.  I'm not sure I like it.  In fact, if I could find cheap flights I'd be back in KC this weekend in a second.  I haven't seen my nephews since August 21st...that's almost a month!  I send videos so that Allie doesn't forget me, but it's just not the same.  I find I want to squeeze his little cheeks and hear his precious laugh more than almost anything.  And Avery is just now becoming a fun little dude, and I want to get to be a part of that also.  Thank goodness for airplanes.

On September 24th, I am going to Roanoke, VA to visit Desiree.  She is running her very first 5k race, and I get the privilege to run with her.  I'm really excited!  I think we get t-shirts, which is the only real reason for running.  I also haven't seen Desiree in over a month, and that is much too long.  I want to squeeze her little cheeks too!

On the work side of things, I've found a home.  My mentor is the Associate Director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, which means he has a lot of responsibility throughout the NCI, and I get a lot of freedom to work with many people.  He is a great researcher, leader, and person, and I will benefit from all of those roles. Hopefully I will be an asset to him as well.  I move into my new, larger cubicle/office on Monday.  I think my mentor is a great choice.

So now I find myself wondering what to do with my weekend.  I am considering making a rather long drive to the ocean, even though it is going to be in the upper 60s this weekend.  I think the ocean is rather tremendous even if I cannot get into it.  I may also spend a day doing some touristy things in the city.  Does anybody have any suggestions for my weekend?  I'd love to have some help.

Now that you're up to date on my life, I will wish you adieu.  I am going to do a little pre-bed yoga and settle down for a long fall's nap.

Love,
Amber

Another recipe: Grilled salt and vinegar potatoes

I found this recipe online earlier today and I think it sounds too amazing to not share.  I love salt and vinegar potato chips, and this is a more fun and much healthier version.

Grilled Salt & Vinegar Potatoes

The original recipe calls for white vinegar. I used a white wine vinegar instead - but you can use either. I suspect you could actually experiment over time w/ different types of vinegar. I used fingerling potatoes that were on the large size, but any waxy potatoes will do.

2 cups / 475 ml white wine vinegar

1 pound / 16 oz / 450 g waxy potatoes (see head notes), cut into 1/4-inch slices

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

fennel salt* to taste (optional)

Pour the vinegar into a medium saucepan, then stack (or arrange) the potatoes so the vinegar covers them completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork tender. You want them to hold their shape, so they don't fall apart on the grill later. Let the potatoes cool in the vinegar for 30 minutes. Drain well, then very gently toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Heat the grill to medium high. Grill potatoes, covered if possible, until golden on one side, then flip and grill the other side - roughly 3 - 5 minutes per side. Serve sprinkled with salt or fennel salt to taste.

Serves 4.

*To make fennel salt: toast 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds in a skillet, pound to a powder with a mortar and pestle, then combining it with about two tablespoons of flaky sea salt.

Adapted from a recipe in Martha Stewart Magazine, June 2009

Prep time: 35 min - Cook time: 10 min

Caramel-filled Snicker Doodles

Well it turns out my blog has morphed into some weird conglomeration of stories, pictures, new recipes, and stolen recipes.  My latest find is caramel-filled snicker doodles.  They look amazing!

http://www.the-baker-chick.com/2011/06/caramel-filled-snickerdoodles.html

Yum!

Happy Saturday night.
Love,
Amber

Hurriquake Weekend 2011: Part II

Between the quake and the hurri, I had the opportunity (well it was actually required) to spend two days in a training lab on the main NIH campus to learn about the bench side of basic science.  I took a picture of our agenda, as I knew I wouldn't be able to actually talk about the things we did with any level of confidence or accuracy.

There was some DNA, RNA, and cell culture action.  It was mostly enjoyable because I have about zero experience working in a basic science lab.  My research deals with the person as a whole, so we don't do a lot of invasive procedures :-)  Overall, it was a great time with my colleagues and friends, and although my sarcasm probably highly annoyed the man leading our conquest of the human genome, we actually had some successful "experiments."

Instead of boring you with more details, I'm going to publish a few photos.  As always, if you'd like more extravagant and amazing detail, check my Picasa account.

Jenn actually is a bench scientist.

That is my DNA.

Leticia, Paige, and Hisani...doing science.

My group: Ashley and Khair

More science.

Our gel for our DNA assay (I think that's what it is).

That is our DNA!!!

That is our DNA illuminated.

New Recipe

So I've been totally bad about blogging lately, and I owe at least a couple posts, but for now I have a new recipe to share.  This one is not healthy and not mine.  But it looks amazing.

May I please present...
Oreo Peanut Butter Mini Pies

Go here http://blog.modcloth.com/2011/09/06/oreomg-oreo-and-peanut-butter-mini-pies/ for the recipe!

I will make these someday...for something...not for myself in a ridiculous binge at home in my bed.  I would never do that.

Love ya friends!
Amber

Hurriquake 2011

Hi Friends,

I haven't blogged since last week, and as a budding writer that is unacceptable.  I did finish up an introduction to a paper that has been weighing on me for much too long.  Now to only finish up the results, write the discussion, and get it published.  That will be resolved in no time.

Someday I'll have a book to add to this pile!

But enough of that work-related stuff.  I went back to KC this past weekend and spent lots of time with two very gorgeous young men (2 months and 21 months) and have pictures and videos to share.  Perhaps it shall be a weekend project.  It will be a great weekend project because....

HURRIQUAKE 2011

This weekend is my first hurricane!  I am so excited.  I just recently experienced my first earthquake and multiple aftershocks *more on that in a second* and now I get the chance to experience a hurricane.  This weekend is the weekend of the hurriquake (2011 edition) and I get to be a part of it.  I'm honored.

The preparations involve buying some water, getting some non-perishable food, and most importantly, stocking up on red wine that does not need to be chilled to be enjoyed.  And maybe some chocolate.  Perhaps I'll bake something.  These are the important issues to consider when preparing for a hurricane (it was in the official preparation media).

The shelves look like this

This is wine...you knew that.

I'm a cookie monster.

Now, back to the earthquake.  I have a confession.  I haven't felt a damn one of them.  Tuesday was the day of the *big* one.  By California standards, we are apparently wusses who can hardly survive a sneeze.  But it was big for the non-prepared, non-earthquake-ready lives we lead here on the east coast.

Some of the damage!

It happened up there.

But now the story.  I had just finished aforementioned introduction and decided to waltz up the street to purchase a little Starbucks yummy as reward.  It was 75 degrees and glorious outside, so I felt it was a great way to kill 30 minutes.  As I was walking back, iced soy vanilla latte in hand, the earthquake apparently hit.  I say apparently because the first inkling I had that something was awry was from the people sprinting out of my building yelling and staring upward.  I'm pretty sure they were looking for a plane in the post-9/11 hysteria that is understandable in this area of the world.  There wasn't a plane.

But there was an earthquake.  And I didn't feel it.  We have now had multiple aftershocks that wake people from deep sleeps and get mentioned on the morning news.  Yet nothing, nothing, have I felt.  I'm an earthquake ignoramus.  And to be fair, I actually do not wish to have an earthquake that is strong enough for me to feel it.  Obviously, if its strong enough for me to feel it, it might be bad.

That is all for now my friends.  Look for a post about the conclusion of hurriquake weekend and my trip home to KC soon.

Love,
Amber

Desiree in DC

Dear Friends,

This past weekend was rather great.  I was honored with the presence of soon-Dr. Desiree in my area of the world.  She swooped into town Friday night after only three hours in transit (it will never be that short for me, as I am always going the wrong way with traffic).  She brought along cuddly and sweet Kya, the yellow lab, for our weekend mis-adventure.

Although cuddly, Desiree is not Kya. Kya's in yellow.

We went to downtown Bethesda for a late dinner and drink, talked for a while, and then headed to bed.

Saturday morning, at the lovely hour of 6am, Desiree bounded into my bed to welcome the day...I groaned and drug my tired bootie to get ready.  After returning ourselves to our normal beautiful state, we ventured to Starbucks and hit the metro (subway) down to Alexandria, VA.  Our mutual friend, Kristi, picked us up, delivered us to Starbucks numero dos of our day, and showed us around Old Town Alexandria.

Kristi.

From there we visited Arlington National Cemetery.  It is an amazingly beautiful, austere, and humbling place. We were lucky enough to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I haven't witnessed so many people standing quietly and respectfully in a long time.

Next, we visited Ray's Hell Burger, a favorite of President Obama, for burgers, sweet potato fries, and vanilla milkshakes.  My hands were too greasy and happy to take pictures.  From there we moved to the mall and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

After braving the crowds in the museum, we made our way back to Bethesda, my apartment, and dinner out on the big town.  We dined on seafood, multiple bottles of wine, and drinks out afterwards.  Without divulging very secretive discussions of our future bestselling books, I will say we had a fabulous evening.

Deep discussion!

Beeee-utiful!

After dinner, we retired to my abode for some shenanigans and wine aplenty.  Then we slept soundly.  Both Desiree and Kristi had to sleep on the recliners in the living room as I severely lack guest-roomage.  Then Sunday involved a lot of nothing.  Kristi left for a brunch.  Desiree and I watched a marathon of Jerseylicious. Then she headed home.  Overall, it was a brilliant weekend, one I badly needed.  This weekend: KC!

Much love friends,
Amber

Truth

“It's no good pretending that any relationship has a future if your record collections disagree violently or if your favorite films wouldn't even speak to each other if they met at a party.”

Nick Hornby

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Working on some projects...the most crafty you'll ever see me!

Southwestern Eggroll Recipe

Happy Thursday Friends,

Two days ago, I attempted to create a healthier/yummier/easier/cheaper version of Chili's Southwestern Eggrolls.  I'm not sure I succeeded completely (maybe they turned out equally delicious rather than more so, and it took more effort than ordering take-out).  Nevertheless, I think the process and the outcome were both rewarding.  I did not add any meat, but chicken could easily be added at whatever step you wish.  I found them to be amazing without it.

Southwestern Fakerolls

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large red pepper, chopped
2 jalapenos, diced
15oz can of corn, drained and rinsed (I actually used 2 cobs of freshly cut corn from the farmers market and it was amazing)
15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
15oz can of green chile enchilada sauce
1 bunch of cilantro, torn or cut into small pieces
1 cup pre-cooked brown rice
Cumin and Cayenne pepper to taste (or your own favorite taco seasoning)
1 tbsp olive oil
Eggroll wrappers (a bit bigger than wonton wrappers and can be found in the refrigerated section of most stores)
Pepper jack cheese (I used rice cheese to avoid dairy)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
Add onion, red pepper, and jalapenos to pan and saute/soften for a few minutes.
Add black beans, corn, green chile, rice, seasoning, and cilantro (to taste) and cook until thickened.

In the meantime, spray a large baking sheet with Pam (or Pam alternative).
Open the eggroll wrappers, grab your cheese, and prepare a little place for the wrapping activity to occur.

When the eggroll stuffing is thickened, lay an eggroll wrapper out, place your cheese along the diagonal, and spoon 2 to 3 heaping spoonfuls across the top of the cheese (the eggroll wrapper should be laid out like this <> and you put the filling in the middle).

Now roll it up (the package should have instructions for this).  I folded in the sides and then wrapped the top and bottom across the sides, using water to stick the edges together.
Place the roll on the greased baking sheet.
Continue to roll until all your filling is done (I ended up with 14 rolls).
Spray the tops of the rolls with Pam to aid with crisping (I actually didn't have any and they turned out fine, but I think they would be even better this way).
Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

I found the rolls were amazing without any sauce, but you could easily dip into salsa or ranch dressing for an added oomph.

If you try them, I hope you find them as delicious as I did.  I completely made up the recipe, so I imagine you will come up with something even better than I have!  Let me know what you do to make this better.

Much love,
Amber

Chicago!

Happy Monday!

I am sitting in the final week of my summer cancer course, trying to stay awake/engaged.  This week focuses on molecular cancer prevention.  Words such as apoptosis, stromal remodeling, and neovasculature have been flung  toward my brain but have yet to find a hospitable (and intellectually able) landing strip.  In fact, as I nodded off while pretending to listen earlier, I decided it was time to focus on the important things in life...my blog!

This past weekend I was blessed to be able to join my friends Sara, Elizabeth, Lydia (Elizabeth's almost 3 year old daughter), and Cody in Chicago.  Sara recently began her big girl job at St. Xavier University, and so we crashed her new apartment and toured her new professional digs.

It was a tremendous weekend full of touring, eating, drinking, and enjoying some of my favorite people on earth.  Our two most organized outings were to the Museum of Science and Industry (largest science museum in the western hemisphere) and south to see St. Xavier.  We ate and played at various locations in-between.

I will briefly outline the trip (read if you choose), and post pictures below.  You can also check the full album at my Picasa site: https://picasaweb.google.com/amber.koblitz/AugustInChicago.

Friday
Arrived in Chicago.
Toured Sara's 600 square foot studio apartment.
Walked with Cody, Sara, Elizabeth, and Lydia to dinner down the street.

Dinner!

Stayed up late-ish talking with Sara and Elizabeth.

Saturday

Walked right next door to the Oak Park farmer's market for fruit, flowers, and donuts.

Lydia picked this flower herself.

Amazing donut!

Road the L downtown to meet up with Cody and head to the Museum of Science and Industry

First ride on the L!

Chicago is beautiful, even through a window!

Spent hours in the museum (check out the photos, there are too many to post here)

The museum.

Shhhh!

The ladies!

Went to The Burger Bar for eats and drinks and merriment.

Good beer!

Good cider!

Rode the train home and stayed up late watching movies, talking, and drinking with Sara and Elizabeth.  

Sunday

Went to breakfast at a cute corner diner right down the street from Sara's apartment.

My breakfast!

Drove south to St. Xavier's to see Sara's office and her new campus.

Sara's building.

Sara's office.

Headed to the airport and came back to DC.

Best airport food ever.

Great news about exercise (and how little you need for beneficial effects)

I just read a blog post, and will provide the link below, that discussed new studies (yay psychology!) that suggest that even very moderate activity such as walking and simple lifestyle activities can have beneficial effects on cognitive/mental ability in one's later years.  One of my favorite quotes came from a study in which sedentary women in their 70s were able to stave off mental decline simply by walking around the block.

"Walking and other light activity had bought them, essentially, five years of better brainpower."


I love that science is supporting the conjecture that any type of movement is better than nothing.  Walking five minutes is better than not.  Doing one's dishes by hand and hanging up laundry is better than allowing the dishwasher and dry cleaner to do the work.  


In my own life, I have long had an all or nothing approach to life.  My Mother accused me (often) of being too black and white.  I've always either been on a diet or eating whatever I wanted, been in the midst of a rabid workout routine or lazy, been really happy or really sad.  I'd like to think that I am starting to recognize and embrace the loveliness of the gray area in-between, and I love that science supports my move to moderation and away from extremism.  


Happy Thursday friends.  Tomorrow: Chicago (and probably a bit of happy, eating, lazy extremism!).
Love,
Amber


http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/how-exercise-can-keep-the-brain-fit/

For Chip

On my August 19th-21st trip to KC I will be enjoying the company of Chip Cohlmia, MPHer and friend extraordinaire.  It will be deliriously exciting, and will hopefully kick off his school year in a glorious way.

My upcoming plans...

Dear friends and family,

I like to pretend you're out there reading these.  I'm collecting quotes and advice from some of my favorite writers and websites to astound you, my pretend readers, in the future.  I might even get around to expounding upon insights of my own.  Until then, I write some updates, and post some pictures, and enjoy the feel of typing something other than research.

I'm particularly excited about several of my plans approaching forthwith.  Let's do a rundown of the next month, shall we?

In two days and five hours, I get to fly to Chicago to see Sara, Elizabeth, Cody, and Lydia (clap and cheer now!!!).  It's a short two day trip that will only serve to get me excited for future trips, but it will be amazing nonetheless.  You'll read about it next week.

Then, I actually have a weekend in the DC area.  So what shall I do?  Unless I become terribly lazy and want to enjoy a weekend in my own apartment, I plan on driving to a nearby beach or go down to see Desiree in Roanoke.  I'm  not sure which.  I find am rather motivated to drive to Roheboth Beach, DE that Saturday because I've found several fun things to do (national skimboarding championship, art festival) and I would enjoy lazing about the beach by myself.  We shall see.

Then, the next weekend I zip back to KC for a short two-day trip to play with my nephews and hopefully meet up with a few friends for drinks and relaxation.

AND THEN...the next weekend (August 27th) I'm going to the Jersey Shore!!!!!  My friend Paige has a family beach house, and several of my friends and I are planning on joining her there for a weekend of birthday celebrating, relaxation, and whatever else might happen :-)  I intend it to be epic.

AND THEN (I know, the excitement never stops)...the next weekend I fly to St. Louis for Labor Day weekend for fun and games in the hopefully cooler weather with my family.  It shall be an amazing way to say goodbye to the first summer of this adventure.

Okay, pretend readers, I'm out!  Have a happy Wednesday.
Much love,
Amber

Amazing wedding weekend!

This weekend I flew home to Kansas to attend the wedding of my best friend from college.  Without boring you too much about our past, I'll just say we haven't seen each other at all over the past seven years but we have this amazing friendship in which it seems to not matter at all.  She's brilliant, beautiful, creative, organized and amazingly fun.  I was honored to be a part of her gorgeous day (a day that she designed and created almost completely on her own).

I don't have many pictures of the event, as I was trying to not melt (it was 101 degrees at wedding go time) and trying to help as much as possible, but I'll share some of them below.  Needless to say, if you knew Rachel, you would know that the entire event was perfect.

The runner up to the arch.

Bella, beautiful daughter and flower girl!

The archway that Rachel created.

Me...love love love that dress.

My gorgeous Mom!

Rachel looked amazing!

The wedding occurred up on the brick area...guests could watch from the deck.

The deck, pre-decoration.

Table lights.

Flowers on the tables.

Hanging throughout the event.

Alpha Chi Omega was present!

Amazing groom's cake wedding topper.

Miller (Jonathon Miller) + Rachel...several of these placed throughout.

The handsome couple. Wedding brunch.