Catching UP

I must apologize to my frequent fan and blog readers...I know you've missed me. ;) My absence has been due to business, life, work, etc, etc. I was told by one of my faithful subscribers that I need to "post a blog STAT." So this is for you!

No really, I have been meaning to put updates up, but I must admit that I've given into the ease of just uploading photos to Facebook and not taking the time to formulate thoughts and sentences...laziness, I KNOW! Maybe, it'll be a New Year's resolution to keep this blog going!

So where did I leave you off in our story, on this road of life. November 19th was my last entry.

Just a few short days later the Rummel Clan came to visit! It was a blessing to have fun with Darrol, Marty, Shannon, and Josh (in-laws, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law). We had quite an amazing few days. We went from kayaking and swimming in warm beaches on Thanksgiving day (La Jolla):

Friday we stayed home and celebrated with cooking Turkey in our convectional oven (for which I had my trepidations that it might not turn out...many a day I've undercooked or overcooked stuff in that oven), but the Turkey was great! So was all the company and family time.

Our thanksgiving spread. It was amazing and even more amazing and fun to put it together with everyone's help.

Friday Night...didn't you know Christmas already happened? Well it did for the Rummels. After having Turkey Dinner we sat around and opened gifts. It became more like a Christmas exchange when something for Josh didn't fit and something for Darrol didn't either. It was quite hilarious. We all got some good laughs.

Then since Christmas had already happened, we left early Saturday morning, on New Years Day, for Joshua Tree. And appropriately, while we were rock climbing it started snowing! Yes snowing!!!

Josh showing his amazing climbing skills!

I think you can answer the question...Self explanatory!

The snow added to our exciting trip! We camped out in Joshua Tree. Strangely the two who slept out under a tarp (and not in a tent-Tobin and I) were the warmest of the bunch. We all had fun though.

Sunday morning, instead of enjoying warm instant oatmeal at the campsite, we quickly loaded up all our stuff in the rain, and drove to a nice warm restaurant to have yummy breakfast!

Then we headed up to San Jacinto Mountain, for a tram ride up the mountain. It was great! It didn't feel like we were in So Cal! It was beautiful!

In the tram on the way up the mountain. What a view!

Looking back down on the valley.

Then at the top we hiked in the snow and evergreens!

Here Tobin is smelling the tree...apparently it smelled like vanilla.

He wanted to eat it!

Our next Christmas card.

So basically our trip went sun, beach, sand, rock, wind, rain, snow, mountains, snow, and so cal freeways. Quite the mix!

So after Thanksgiving...Tobin has flown to Maine for an interview. I ran in the Muddy Buddy...crazy fun! I did it with my friend Boom, what better partner? We were about the same size...fit in with our PJ's...didn't quite win the costume contest (I have to say the Hog and Pig duo out did us!).

The Mud Crawl at the end

Then this past weekend we went on a short mountain biking ride.

It was right after a "big" rainstorm in So Cal so it was muddy fun again!

In between the photos you can picture me writing notes, dictating History and Physicals, running between floors to see patients, answering the phone, driving, eating, and sleeping...yup that's about it. For Tobin he's gotten the past two weeks off (in between traveling and interviewing for residency programs): he's been working at home, cleaning, doing laundry!, having fun, and relaxing. Quite an end to 2009! In the next two weeks, I will be likely absent again as I'm working, working, working. I'm even charge nurse on Christmas Day (yup, me in charge...scary!).

For those of you who might be awaiting our Christmas letter or card...don't wait any longer. I'm not planning on sending any out...since we already celebrated Christmas and New Years. ;) But really, I haven't been able to send something out...so I'm planning on awaiting till "Match Day"(which is February) when we learn where our lives will be headed for the next 3-4 years. If you want an update...look back in our blog history. =) Love you all (my faithful readers) and hope for many blessings, fun, and excitement for the 10s...that is 2010!!

Thrifty!

(thanks Marty for showing that I'm really overly zealous on my Thriftiness...I originally posted the title without an R!)

I have connected back to my roots of trying to purchase grocery, household, and just any item at the cheapest price possible. Early on in our marriage I hardly had any time to think, let alone look at adds and make a list. But I've decided it's worthy of doing and have realized I find inspiration and energy by saving more. I LOVE it when the check says, "Ms. Rummel you've saved $45.00 on todays purchase." Which transpires to approximately 40-50% savings. I've made it my new goal to save at least 50%, any less would be failing in my opinion!

Anyways, I thought I'd best share my findings and ways I go about this! Especially since the holidays are coming, times are tough, and every penny counts (they really do add up).

First of all, I've found there are a lot of online resources (if any of you reading this know of more, please share!). Just a few months ago, I didn't get the newspaper, but looked into a subscription on the weekend (so I could get the Sunday coupons of course).

Anyways, #1: I looked into our local paper here in CA, and it was only $20 for an entire year subscription. Plus I signed up for an automatic debit (to credit next year, which I will cancel early since we will be moving), and got a $10 Target gift card. SWEET! So all I'm saying is look into getting a newspaper subscription for the weekends, even if you don't read the paper. The first week of coupons alone, I think I'm going to save at least $40...so I've already paid for my subscription.

#2: www.couponmom.com This site it great. Sign up for the site, login, and you can click "deals by state." I realize not all the states are listed (I have since sent an email about Oregon because it NEEDS to get on there). But anyways, you can look at this list and some genius person has done all the tough work and corresponds Sunday paper coupons with the weekly deals. For me currently, it's mainly for Vons, Albertsons, and Walgreens. I don't know, but have a suspicion that even if you lived in Oregon you could look at the Washington Safeway deals and the deals would be similar. It takes a little getting used to because there is a code that they explain on the site. Their best suggestion is when you get the Sunday coupons DON'T cut out the coupons individually, stash then all in your purse, and then by the time you use them they are expired (I don't know how many times that has happened to me). NO, they suggest when you get the Sunday paper, take out all the coupons, put them in a stack, and label them with a tab from the date that Sunday paper came out. Then if you look on the lists from the website, they'll list a deal, say on "Chex Cereal." Then right before it, under "coupon out" they'll list 11-15 RP. That means go to your stack, find 11-15 (which you've neatly organized in date order), open up the "Red Plum" insert and the coupon will be right in there. You clip it out and now you KNOW you'll use it because it's on your list and on sale.

There are also some other great suggestions on that site you can read, and I won't re-invent the wheel, here. But definitely one thing, buying ahead and storing is SO much cheaper.

#3: There are lots of ONLINE coupons too. Couponmom.com generally will link to them as well. But sometimes I happen upon a good deal that they haven't listed. Sites such as:

www.coupon.com www.smartsource.com

#4: When you start making a list each week, you start realizing how much items go for, approximately. And when it is a good deal and when it's not. So just because it's "On Sale" doesn't mean it's a "Good Deal." And/or what's a good deal on produce and fresh items.

#5: Always compare sizes and costs per ounce. I remember my mom doing this in a grocery store with her little calculator. I'm not as diligent about it as she is, but it does make a difference. You realize the deal for the small size might not really be a deal, even with a coupon.

All of this to say, I come home from the grocery store and feel SO proud that I can tell Tobin that I save saved $55.00 on the grocery bill and only paid $40. I love the feeling leaving the grocery store, feeling like I outsmarted the store! I also feel like I would make the Miller family family roots proud. I remember when I was growing up our grocery budget (and overall budget) was SUPER tight, Mom and Dad would find the REALLY good deals (and usually those the store limits you to 1 item per transaction). Well, that meant the three of us kids turned into little shoppers too. We'd get all the items, then on some empty isle, Mom and Dad would have each of us kids take The Subject Item, the Coupon, and enough cash to purchase it ourselves. Then like a military operation we'd split! And into separate isle at different times we would go. Usually, worked like clock work. I remember feeling a little awkward when I'd leave the store (this 10 year old), walk out to the car, and have to wait by the locked car because mom had the key. Kind of looked weird. But I didn't suffer the embarrassment that my sister will never let my parents live down. She apparently was in the checkout, with the item, coupon, and the cash in hand, when the item cost with the coupon was more expensive than the cash my parents gave her. I think she must have turned beet red, said to the checker, "excuse me for a second," then quickly walked over to another isle where my mom or dad was and got more money so she could finish the transaction. Moral of the story, if you have a re-con militia system, give everyone enough money!!! But hey, we did what we had to, and overall were just outsmarting the grocery companies. And I haven't seen any of them shut down because of out thriftiness.

With all this said, I took this morning, about 1 1/2 hrs to make my list, cut my coupons, and I'm off to the trenches to get my deals, save my pennies, so I can enjoy other fun things or be able to give to others, knowing I have the money to do it!

CLIMB!

We were blessed this past week to enjoy two of the same days off together, and in the middle of the week! So we decided to take advantage of that and go outdoors! Two other girls that work with Tobin as fellows at school were able to join, so we went off together to Joshua Tree. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. We arrived mid morning on Wednesday, set up camp where there also happened to be a great area to set up a climb. I don't think I've ever had it so good climbing. Drive in, set up camp, climb, stop, tear down, eat dinner, sleep, then repeat (if you want) ;) Here's the photos of our adventure:

A Small Joshua Tree, crazy things they are! A cross between a cactus and a palm tree

Our Fearless first climber...Nici (this was her first climb ever).

She did great...with a bit of coaching and cheering!

Then Sara, who did an excellent job as well!

Tobin...if you look close he's wearing his new "fivefingers" on his right foot.

He loves them! Nearly went to church in them today!

Here I am at the top of a great climb!

Dinner was a bit of an adventure. Our camping stove decided to go on the fritz. But since my husband has amazing Macgyver Skills, dinner was hot, hot, hot! So we enjoyed good Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup with Garlic Bread! YUMMMMM!!

Here we are cleaning up the mess, over our well crafted sump hole,

utilizing our water preservation skills. With our trusty head lamps!

Now you can see the action!

Then...not to be missed a good game of cards! Hand and Foot!

Sara and I gave Tobin and Nici a run for their money, but in the end, I had to

let Tobin's team win so I'd be allowed to sleep in our tent.

The next day we enjoyed some more climbing! In a new spot.

This time Tobin led trad (using all the cool cams, tri-cams, nuts, etc), rather than being top-roped. And we did a two pitch climb to get to the top of the rock you see behind us in the following photo. It was a great climb, beautiful at the top, but the down climb on the back side was a bit interesting. But thanks to my amazing husband he found a safe way for both of us to get down!

The Geared-up Rummels!

10-24....10miles and 28 years old

I guess Huntington Beach knew that Christy Rummel's 28th Birthday was coming up because they planned a large race in honor of October 24th! So I was honored to have people run 10 miles for my birthday!

Actually, it really was coincidence, but I'd highly recommend doing races on your birthday. I made a sign and wore it, and honestly it provided quite the motivation when people would yell out, "Hey, Happy Birthday," or "So how old are you?" and "Congrats on doing this on your birthday!" It was just fun to have a reason people chatted with you as they passed by, which I told one lady, "That's why I'm letting everyone pass me, so I can give you the chance to wish me Happy Birthday!"

Anyways, it was really Boom (one of our good friends) that motivated me to sign up for this race. 3 years ago Tobin, Boom, and I had run the 5 mile portion of the race, so this year Boom and I decided that 5 miles just didn't seem worth it to drive all the way down to Huntington Beach. So we decided to do the 10 mile race, which I wasn't able to really commit to running until I figured out my schedule for October (which didn't happen till about Sept 30). Thus meaning I didn't have much time to train. To say the least, I was a bit nervous on what the results would show.

Here are the 4 of us girls who ran the 10 mile race. All doctors in residency and me the NP.
This was about 6:20am before the race began.
The Huntington Pier is behind us all lit up.
(L-R: Tina, Boom, Me, and Kristin)

This is the 4 of us after. All sweaty, red, with tired quad muscles, but stronger for it!
It really was the perfect day for running: foggy, around 65 degrees, and along the ocean!

This is me right at 5 miles

And this is just before the finish. You can see I had dedication of passing that finish line.
I think it was right after this that a guy who was on the sidewalk was trying to take a photo of a runner ahead of me, but he failed to realize that I was coming up behind him. Well, he must have gotten his shot because he decided to stroll over to the sand, just as I was coming up on him. Had he been any later, I think I would have ran into him, then fallen over myself because of sheer exhaustion I was in at that moment. I did muster out, "Hey, hey, Hey!" and he managed to see me and move out of the way just in time. I wanted to say, "Hey buddy, did you just run 10miles? Maybe you could have some consideration." Anyways, I finished none-the-less, and ran the race in 1:31:11, just over a 9 minute mile pace. I think that's pretty good for not really training much!

This is the sign I wore..."TODAY is my BIRTHDAY....and I'm doing this?!"

My wonderful support team!

I did it!

Then we went and ate brunch at the Sugar Shack in Huntington Beach. It was YUMMMMY! Tobin and I shared a huge breakfast burrito and cinnamon roll. By then the clouds had burned off to make it perfect weather to lay out on the beach and go boogie boarding. The waves that day were HUGE!!! Some of the surfers the waves were so big that the wave was beginning to curl over the surfers! Tobin caught a couple of those big ones, but I stuck to the white water (with my amazing and fearless husband's help).

After the beach, we went back to Boom's house with her housemates
(that had also run in the race)
...and we played Rock Band! We were an amazing Chick Band!

And they even made me a cake.

We definitely look a little sweaty, sun kissed Oregonians. =)

Here's to 28!

The Rest of the Miller Parents' Visit

So this actually happened the weekend before we went to La Jolla, but I'm a bit behind in my blogging.

We took Mom and Dad to Huntington Beach. When we got there we had to make a critical stop, or Mom would have been burnt to a crisp, you know what we got????......

Ta Dah!! Of Course, can't go without in So Cal!

Cute photo together

And here they are lathering on that "Anti-Aging" Suncreeen

On the Huntington Pier

It's was a little breezy...as you can see by my hair

Then we went to Medieval Times Dinner. It was so much fun.
The King and Queen enjoying the Feist!

Cream of Dragon Soup...Yummmm!!

And Chicken off the bone...eaten with your bare hands!!! Grrrr...

The horse being shown off to the King.

And the Knights! Our Knight was the Red/Yellow Knight.

Fun was had by all at Medieval Times! I'd recommend it if you want to go. We got to see Jousting, Sword Fighting, Horsemanship, and just overall edge of your seat entertainment. =)

A small taste of our last week...Miller Parents Visit

Here's what we were up to today with Mom and Dad. We went down to La Jolla! Lots of seals, water, sand, and sun...

First the seals...looks relaxing!!

The Happy Fam!

Enjoying the cliffs!

Then this! This was definitely the most entertaining!
Dad on a boogey board...going back to his So Cal roots!
Dad was a bit tired.

but they conquered those waves!

And Here's Proof!

Strandy's Visit!

Our very good friends the Strandys came to visit. It was a nearly impromtu visit, and it was God's timing that both Tobin and I were off and no other commitments! Zach took a continuing education class on Friday and Saturday. So Saturday Corrine, Abbie, Tobin, and I had a beach day. Then Sunday we had a relaxing morning then drove out to Santa Monica where we spent the day. It was SOOO great to see them!!

We walked around our old stomping grounds (Bellmont shore in Long Beach)
We HAD to stop at the local bakery and get a good cinnamon roll.
Abbie enjoyed it!

Then we took them to Huntington Beach!

Tobin and Abbie had a lot of fun playing in the little waves.
I think while Corrine was taking this photo, I was out in the waves getting beat up with the boogie board. I had one good wave, and then tried going out a bit farther. The waves were HUGE (to me at least) and I caught one, but then it overtook me, and I found myself under the water, upside down, for several seconds! Then by the time I got out, be-bedraggled by the wave, several more big ones were coming in. Let's just say I wanted to get back to shore, quickly! It's amazing how close you seem to the shore, but the strength on the undercurrent and wave, can make it seem far. Let's just say I had enough boogie boarding for one day!

Hollywood rock star! On the Beach!

In the morning we enjoyed a little relaxing time with Mickey's Adventure Clubhouse (I think that's what it's called), and then we had eggs and blueberry pancakes! Yumm!

Then we went to Santa Monica!

And Rode Bikes!!!

Tobin and I make a great Tandem Team!

This was my view. ;)

Strandy's on the tandem. I didn't get a photo with Corrine and I on the tandem, but that was interesting. I think all the runners, rollerbladers, and other bikers feared for their lives as we were riding down the path. Let's just say we ended the day by not killing anyone. A success in my book!

Rummels and Strandys

Then we went to the Promenade and enjoyed walking around the shops.
And of course enjoyed Gelato! It was yummy!

Taking Abbie Shopping...training her early. =)

This is Santa Montica Pier.

Then Zach and Corrine took Abbie on the Carousel Ride.

We caught Corrine in a "thrilled moment."

Actually it was Zach that was remembering back to childhood!
Great expression!

Anyways, very great weekend. We couldn't have another visit soon enough!