Happy Halloween!

Credit: Jeff Mackay / Copyright: sxc.hu/jnmontario

Happy Halloween! This evening should be beautiful in Albuquerque -- enjoy, and stay safe, everyone!

Also, I wanted to share with you some photos of pumpkins carved by my coworker Amanda Malherbe's hubby, Kimball. He's incredibly talented!

Oh, and for those of you who think Christians are (or should be) anti-Halloween, check out how a pastor approaches the holiday (http://www.jonathanbow.com/carry_the_light/2007/10/the-big-questio.html)-- I think it's a pretty cool idea and wish I would have read about it sooner so that I could steal a page out of his book. What a great way to get to know the neighbors. Maybe next year!

The leaves are changing...

... and I am so happy! I love the fall. Here in New Mexico, the trees are becoming bright with reds, oranges, and yellows, and the mornings are crisp. Recent evening sunsets have taken my breath away. Soon, trick-or-treaters decked out in adorable costumes will be ringing the doorbell, and before we know it, we'll be sharing the holidays with family and friends.

As graduate students, Aaron and I often talk about the future. We dream about what life will be like when we have both completed school and are not trying to juggle so many responsibilities. It seems so far away sometimes, and yet, as the leaves change, I'm realizing that this season of our lives will be over before we know it. I'm thankful to God for His creative design and for being our constant through times of change.

"Eternal God, unchanging

Mysterious and unknown

Your boundless love, unfailing

In grace and mercy shown...

Hallelujah -- Glory be to our great God!"

(Todd Agnew, "Our Great God")

^The tree beside our

driveway -- the leaves

look even more red in

person!

How stupid do they think we are??

Photo courtesy of Aaron

Wal-Mart Gets Involved in the Presidential Election

Today, I came across a news release announcing Wal-Mart's launch of a video-based "voter guide" through which Obama and McCain will be able to present their platforms to Wal-Mart shoppers and associates. Available on the company's Web site and advertised on its in-store television network, the video program was reportedly designed to "educate... customers and assocates about the upcoming election." Am I the only one who finds this-- I mean, private enterprise getting involved in politics in such a supposedly balanced fashion-- kind of weird? I have to wonder about Wal-Mart's motivation...

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Disclaimer: The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent my company's positions, strategies or opinions.

The Humorous Side of Obama (Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner)

Doggie Dash & Dawdle

Lately, Max and I have been gearing up for the Doggie Dash & Dawdle that will happen on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Balloon Fiesta Park. The event raises funds for the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, which operates the shelter from which Max was adopted. We're really excited and hope you'll consider supporting us by making a donation to the cause. I've set up a Web site for your contributions that's quick, easy to use, and secure. Please check it out, and thank you in advance for your anticipated generosity!

Top 5 Reasons to Vote

1. Because you can.
2. You'll get to sport a cheesy "I Voted" sticker the entire day.
3. You might get to escape the office for a few minutes to hit the polls.
4. You'll actually have a right to whine when you're bugged by what's happening in Washington.
5. You get to cancel out someone else's vote.

As of yesterday, my husband and I are official-- we have the cards and everything. If you live in New Mexico, just recently registered, and are wondering where your card is, don't despair. It took us about a month to receive ours. Remember, this is the land of mañana.

Doghouse Construction Update

Last week, I shared photos of Aaron's latest project, building an awesome doghouse for our spoiled puppy Max. He's made a great deal of progress since then; I think it's really starting to look like a Lincoln Log cabin. Just wait until we get the green roof on! Check out the photos from the build:

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Even the bottom is insulated!

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The Great Quilt Giveaway

Lizzy Anne is giving away a beautiful, one-of-a-kind quilt that is perfect for Fall. Enter to win by clicking the icon below. The contest ends this Friday, Oct. 17. Good luck!

Aaron's Latest Project

A couple of weeks ago:

Framing

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Last night:

The roof is on!

(Looks like Max will have plenty of

room to share with a brother/sister.)

Attention all dog lovers-- check this out!

Because Max is such a lovable puppy, or maybe because we don't have any kiddos yet, Aaron and I spoil him to no end. First, there were those spontaneous trips to PetSmart after work to bring home new toys, which seem destined for destruction within minutes of crossing our threshold; then, the purchase of an elevated Coolaroo dog bed to keep Max cool outside; and finally, construction of a doggie cabana complete with Max-sized stairs. We've put Max up at the local Canine Country Club and enrolled him in doggie daycare, which even included a report card telling us how social he was and that he was the teacher's pet. We took him on vacation with us to Colorado Springs. I wish I could say our indulgence ended there, but it hasn't. Aaron spent hours searching the Web for the perfect dog bed for Max, at a price we could afford-- he finally settled on this one, which arrived yesterday. (Max slept so soundly that we didn't even hear him stir all night.) And currently, Aaron is building an awesome doghouse for the little guy, which should resemble a Lincoln Log cabin when complete (pictures to come). He has even insulated it!

So, I was thrilled when my friend Amanda decided to pour all her energy into her growing business, which focuses on pampering dogs. Amanda is so inspiring; she was brave enough to leave her day (err, night... she did work the night shift, after all, haha) job to go out on a limb and pursue a passion. And guess what?! Her business is seriously taking off. Amanda's company, Mimi Green, sells stylish handmade dog collars and leashes, plus other great dog accessories like yummy-looking treats and doggie wash. I can't wait to surprise Max with some fabulous goodies this Christmas-- that is, if I can wait that long! If you love your dog as much as I do, stop by Mimi Green and see how you can reward him/her next.

Current State of Our Economy

This image, forwarded to me by my mom, says it all:

Pericos Acapulco Chillys: A Diamond in the Rough

If you live in Albuquerque and enjoy Mexican food (I mean real Mexican food, not the Americanized versions we're fed at most chain restaurants), you absolutely have to visit a tiny Mexican joint called Pericos Acapulco Chillys. We heard about it from one of Aaron's colleagues at Presbyterian Hospital; otherwise, we never would have known it existed. Located in an unpretentious building in the heart of Nob Hill, across from UNM, this small gem offers fresh-tasting salsa and authentic shredded beef and chicken tacos. Aaron & I ordered the taco six-pack-- a great value. The menu has a variety of other options, too, including burritos and chimichangas, all at reasonable prices.

How to get there: Take Central to Yale and turn south. Pericos will be on your immediate right (the west side of the street).

It's Balloon Fiesta already?

I can't believe the Balloon Fiesta is here again already. How time flies! This time last year, we were standing out on the back patio of our new house drinking coffee with our helpful movers-- the White clan-- and watching the colorful balloons fly right over our heads. While it feels like yesterday, much has happened over the last year. My company moved to a new building, I was promoted, Aaron and I adopted the best puppy in the whole world from a local shelter, and Aaron finished the didactic portion of his PA program. Plus, we survived his two (out-of-town) rural rotations. We even squeezed in some time to create some great memories with family and friends, like hunting for a Christmas tree, ringing in the New Year with local Gruet champagne, experiencing our first traditional Passover dinner, celebrating birthdays, hosting a barbecue, roasting marshmallows, and even chasing hot air balloons to Corrales because the wind didn't send them our way this year (that's how we got these great photos!). In the midst of a gloomy economy and the stress of overpacked schedules, it feels good to remember just how blessed we really are and how much we have for which to be thankful -- most of all, the wonderful people in our lives. I'm looking forward to sharing the holidays with all of you!