The reason I've been away

Although it's not over yet, I suspect that I'll always look back on this summer and think, "Geesh, what the heck did I get myself into?" With hope, I'll also think, it was so worth it. I ran a 10 miler, a 10k and in a week and a half I'll have completed my second ever triathlon. I went to Paris with my mom and sister and presented at a conference. I went to the beach with friends. I've also painted three rooms, and with even more hope, I'll have completely refinished a kitchen. Oh, wait, let me back up a little bit.

We bought a house. (Photo from one year ago of house with overgrown front yard. Don't worry, we got rid of all those plants soon after we moved in before they completely overtook the house!.)

After a very stressful and dramatic house search, we finally bought a house and moved in April. We soon learned that HGTV makes things look way too easy. Even painting a room is not simple. But so far, the end result has been worth all of the sweat and tears. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some kitchen cabinets to finish sanding .