FIrst off, Happy Valentine's Day! I know we didn't send you all cards and chocolates from Scotland but we really do love you. Really. Its been a while, since my last post hasn't it? Once again I am behind on my weekly postings because a) I keep getting distracted by comic books, and b) I have been trotting the globe lately. As many of you know, my grandmother passed away last month, and so due to the generousity of the Marshall Commission, which bought me a ticket home, I went home to Oregon for a week. Though the reason for my trip was a sad one, it was very good to see my family, especially my sister Tea who I hadn't seen since the wedding. After the memorial service we had a very nice family dinner and I was able to catch up with relatives I hadn't seen in like 10 years. While I was home, I also had the opportunity to get a haircut, spend some quality time hunting for bike parts with my dad, and visiting with my other grandmother, who is sharp as a pin and a whole lot of fun to boot. Unfortunately I did not have time to meet up with any friends while home. Sadly, one week is way to short to try and catch up with everyone. Oh well, that's why you all need to come see ME! Another upside of the trip was that I could haul back with me loads of stuff we had left behind, including bike parts, camping gear, clothing and even some of Ryan's framed photographs for the walls of our flat. I know that material things don't make a home, but it sure is starting to feel more like one now that we have more of our stuff here. I think it is because each item carries with it memories of people and places far away, making them feel a little closer each time I see or use it.
School is plugging along just fine. I have started work on my term papers, of which I need to write three, 4,000 words each, this semester. Since I am going to be gone for two weeks next month, to Wales and Brussels, I figure I need to get an early start to avoid getting pressed come April. For the time being I have not begun to work yet, so I figure I need to take advantage of all my free time. Still, after being home for a week it is really hard to get back in the mood to study. Ryan and I both definately miss Portland.
The marathon training is going ok, though a bit behind schedule. This week we are up to 10 miles, which is five behind our goal but oh well. We are going to intensify things a lot during March and April to make up distance. On May 7th we will be running 10 mile relays at the Belfast Marathon, and then on the 27th we will be running the Edinburgh Marathon here at home. Wish us luck as we continue to train. So far no serious injuries or problems and we hope to keep it that way!
Finally, here are some pictures of our latest exploits..
Here is a wee haggis from Robbie Burns night:
Our friends Hamza and Darek posing with the haggis:
And here's a little close up for ya:
Ok here are some pictures from up at Arhur's Seat (extinct volcano in midde of Edinburgh) where Ryan and I like to go running:
And some crazy brambles on the path up to the top:
And finally, some goofy monuments up at Calton Hill. The first here is a monument to Lord Nelson (for some reason I can't seem to make the picture post vertically, but you get the idea):
And here is a tribute to Edinburgh's 19th century obsession with itself as the 'athens of the north':
