Still can't believe it's almost August

We've been really busy at work recently, with the result that I've had at least a little bit of work to do on each of the last three weekends. What's funny is that I don't even mind; maybe it's something about working from home all the time, but it doesn't feel like as much of an invasion as it used to be, and I enjoy the sense of peaceful accomplishment once I've finished. Also, I've found that I'm good at weekend time management. I can usually calculate pretty accurately how long it will take me to finish my work, which still leaves me plenty of time to have fun.

And oh, speaking of having fun, this weekend I had brunch with the amazing heidikins! I cannot tell you how excited I was when she emailed me to tell me that she was coming to Denver and to ask if I would be around and interested in meeting up. I can't even remember how long I've been reading her blog, but it was definitely one of the first that I read. And also, it was a guest post on her blog that led me to find the perfect purple shoes for my wedding.

My point is, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for her and was therefore totally thrilled to finally get to meet her in person. And she is exactly like what I was expecting, except even more so: gorgeous, sweet, hilarious, smart. Just great. I love that we live so near each other now, but "near" is a relative term (7.5-hour drive), unfortunately. But hey, her home town does have the closest Ikea to Denver, so maybe there will be a multipurpose trip sometime in the future.

And speaking of trips, Torsten and I have pretty much decided (with your help, of course) that our fall vacation will be a southwestern road trip through New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. We haven't figured out the exact details of when and where, but there will be a stay with my aunt and uncle in Arizona, and some canyon and mountain visiting, and also possibly a rented convertible.

I am inordinately excited about this. I just love that we live within driving distance of so many cool places. I've never been to New Mexico, and (horrifyingly, considering that I have family there), I haven't been to Arizona since I was in high school, or to Utah since I was... seven? I think?

Anyway, my point is, it's high time for another visit to these places! And how cool is it that we can just hop in the car and GO THERE? In less than a day? We will definitely be taking our fancypants wedding gift camera, so there will be many photos when we get back. Assuming we haven't melted from the hot, hot heat, that is.

Oh, and lastly, the wedding magazine giveaway? A few of you said you were interested, so I picked someone at random, and the winner is Sarah! So, Sarah, send me your name and address (duwaxloolu at gmail) and I'll transfer the subscription over to you.

Happy Monday!