Summer Lovin

Summer 2007

Summer 2008 has been one of new and exciting changes for the Palmer family! We have moved across the country, visited some great places, and continue to make new friends and adjust to life outside our "Utah Bubble." So here are a few things that I am LOVING so far during the summer of 08...

1. Ryan! We have been able to spend so much quality time together. He has been my rock through this crazy and often emotional change in our lives. I appreciate all he does for me each day (stocking shelves at the Kroger) and will always cherish the time we have been able to spend together during the summer of 2008.

2. Tennis. Playing and watching! We have been playing almost everyday, and although I am still horrible I am having fun! Also, we have been watching the superstars at Wimbledon...wow they are powerful! I am so weak compared to them. I never really played before now, but I think it is a hobby I will keep around for a while. Someday when we can afford it I would love to take lessons and even have a court in our backyard. Too bad we aren't going to be millionaires, huh?

3. Running. Many of you are reading that one and asking yourself if you are still reading Taryn's blog. But I am actually enjoying it. Again, we have been going almost everyday. I am still not in too great of shape, but I was very proud of myself the other day for running just under 2.5 miles. There is a 5K here in Dublin at the end of July, and my sights are set on running that. I know it is really not hard, but it would be a huge accomplishment for me. We'll see if it happens.

4. Free Time. This really is more of a love/hate relationship. While it has been hard for me to feel like I am being lazy, I know deep down this will probably be one of the last times in my life I will get this chance. And it isn't going to last much longer since I am starting clinicals on Monday! Yeah for that. It looks like I will be doing 32 hrs/week for the next 4 weeks. By the end I will be able to start my job at the hospital for sure and I will finish off the summer just working. I really am excited to get back into dietetics related activities...I already feel like I have forgotten everything!

5. Homemade Meals. Since I have had so much free time on my hands I have been cooking a ton! I love to cook, especially when I have the time and a menu planned out, so I have really enjoyed being able to spend some time in the kitchen. I have even been making desserts/treats...not so good for our workout routine eh? Also, we just got a new BBQ to use outside (thanks Mom and Dad!) that Ryan in currently assembling downstairs. We are excited to use it and hope to have a little 4th of July BBQ tomorrow...that is if the weather cooperates. Rain, rain GO AWAY!

6. Ice Cream. Always and forever it will be on my list of favorite things. Ohio ice cream has not been a disappointment! So far we have tried 4 different ice cream shops. *Rita's- this place is really good. It is a mixture of frozen custard and icee/slushies...yum! *Graeter's- This is Ohio's hometown creation...think Aggie Ice Cream, but not as good in my opinion. Still an OK treat. *Dip-n-Dots- There is a stand alone store near our house with every flavor you could think of and every flavor you never would. We have been a couple of times. So weird, yet so good. *Jenny's- This is my favorite! This place has the weirdest flavors, but is sooo good. It's signature flavor is Salty Carmel. Some other flavors we tried while we were there included pistachio (always a personal favorite), chocolate cayenne (spicy!!), goat cheese and cherry (didn't try this one), and lavender wild berry...some crazy stuff but it was really tasty!

7. Sunshine. I love warm weather and always will! It has been raining a lot out here and it is really humid, but at least it is not snowing...there is still that possibility in Logan I am sure!

So that's what I am loving about the summer of 2008. What are the rest of you diggin this summer?