Merry Christmas!

Chelsea Petaja, friend and artist behind Oh, My Deer Handmades, designed this for us.

It makes me happy every time I look at it.

Merry Christmas friends!

Heading to Jacksonville, and a few extra thoughts...

I'm in the airport right now waiting for my flight home to Jacksonville. Where is Bryan you may ask? He and Berkeley are on the road heading the same way. Only difference is, I'll arrive at noon today and he won't arrive until tomorrow night. Am I a horrible person? No. Bryan is truly excited to be a man on the open road with his dog. He can drive for ten hours straight (I can't make it more the a few hours without needing to go to the bathroom), eat smelly fast food, cruise to whatever music he wants, and enjoy some solitude away from the hubub of city life. It's a win, win for both of us! I'm a little sad that we had 24 hours of quality car time together at our finger tips, but I think we'll both survive and make up for it during our month long hiatus from life in Boston. We have plenty more car rides to enjoy. Destinations: Jacksonville, Destin, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, then back to the great state of Massachusetts at the end of January. My job teaching Spanish is officially over (I was taking over for someone on maternity leave) and Bryan doesn't start back school until January 24th. We're ready for time with friends, family, and warmer weather.

Even though I've deeply missed the South, I've truly enjoyed our experience in Boston so far. And since we've lived here, I've come to value a few new things that I thought I would share with you. Just some nuggets from life in Beantown.

*Full Service Gas Stations. Before moving to Boston I've avoided full service gas stations at all costs. Why would I need someone to provide a service for me that I'm completely capable of taking care of myself? And then you have to tip, right? Wrong. Not in Boston. There's a completely full service gas station about 100 feet from my door that I pass on the way to work everyday. One day when running on fumes and late for work I pulled in for a quick $10 fill up. I rolled down my window and told the man what I needed. I paid with a credit card and then went to tip in cash and the man looked at me strangely and said, "No, that's not necessary." I insisted, he completely rejected me, and then said "You must not be from around here." Now it's 20 degrees outside whenever it's time to fill up either on my way to or from work and I thoroughly enjoy pulling into my neighborhood gas station and sitting in the warmth and comfort of my car while my new friend happily pumps my gas and sends me on my way. Full Service Gas Stations, bless you.

*My Oversized Plush Robe. A couple years ago I asked Bryan to get me a robe for Christmas. Instead of a cotton robe that's most commonly worn year round in the South, Bryan splurged and got me this super soft, thick, white, plush robe from Brookstone. It was a sweet thought, but whenever I wore it I would start sweating five minutes after putting it on...so needless to say, I never really got a lot of use out of it. Now I wear it every morning, I put it on when I get home from work, and I pretty much live in it on the weekends. Don't you love it when originally disappointing gifts end up being one of your most prized possessions? B, that's meant to be a compliment.

*Bryan Starting Class After Noon. This term Bryan's classes started at either 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. Oh, and Friday he didn't have class. This is something that I've had a love-hate relationship with. I hated it because when I left for work everyday Bryan was still in bed, snoozing away. I also hated that I uncontrollably feel asleep at 8:00 every night because I had to get up so early and therefore missed all the good T.V. shows, while he never missed a one and I was always playing catch-up on Hulu. I hated that our schedules were the exact opposite and we didn't get to spend much quality time together during the work week.

One reason that I loved this new schedule was because Bryan slowly took on the responsibility of morning Berkeley duty. Normally our deal has been that he takes care of her in the summer and I take her during the school year since I normally get up first and she joins me on my run. Since Bryan has had ample time before class to take her to the park to run sprints or take her on a long run, the tables have slowly turned. She hops up for breakfast when my alarm goes off, but goes happily back to sleep and then expects Bryan to take her out and to get some exercise when he wakes up...which means for the first time in two school years I've been able to enjoy me-time before school. On my runs I can now think, pray, or just take in the quiet of the morning as I run down empty streets instead of worrying about Berkeley pulling me into people's yards or off the sidewalk to chase squirrels and go to the bathroom. For this, I am thankful that Bryan started class everyday after noon.

Christmas Traditions

So, after my last post, I thought it might be fun for you to hear what some of the Kattman Family Christmas Traditions actually are. Last year was my first year away from my family for the Christmas holiday so I missed out on many of these for the first time...which makes me look forward to them this year even more!

Here we go...
*Every year I am Santa. That's right. My dad gives me my mom's list, my mom gives me my brother's list, and my mom gives me my dad's list and somehow I end up buy everyone's gifts (sometimes I've even bought my own). This works out great for a couple reasons: 1. I love to shop 2. My parents work and I'm on vacation so it's a perfect thing for me to do

*Corralling for the Christmas Eve Service. We always end up going but it's sort of the elephant in the room until someone gets nostalgic and we decide that we can't NOT go. And, of course, we're always happy once we're in the car and on our way listening to Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas.

*Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas. One of the best Christmas CD's of all time. It plays on repeat over surround sound throughout the house starting on December 1st and I never get sick of it.

*Christmas morning run. My friend Kelly and I have lived in the same neighborhood since the day I came home from the hospital (she was born five days before). Needless to say, we've spent many Christmas mornings together. Our first Christmas home from college we started a tradition of running together on Christmas morning. It's always the perfect way to start one of my favorite days of the year and it's such a sweet time with my friend.

*1:00 p.m. present opening. Obviously we don't have little kids in our house. We try to prolong the Christmas morning build up as long as we can. My brother sleeps in, I run with Kelly, mom makes brunch, and my dad just walks around the house drinking coffee and putting everything in in its place. Bryan will just sit and read the paper and wonder how it's possible to leave unopened gifts under the tree for six hours before even mentioning the fact that we have gifts to open over brunch.

*Maple Pecan Rolls. Thanks to our friend Jenifer Skinner, Maple Pecan Rolls entered our lives back in 2000. Accompanying Quiche Lorraine, fruit, OJ, and some type of yummy bread, Maple Pecan Rolls are the highlight of our Christmas morning brunch. Bryan asks me to make them periodically throughout the year and I always comply.

*Aspen cologne, golf balls, and a bottle of wine. Dads are always the hardest to shop for and thankfully I feel like I've gotten much better about shopping for my dad over the years, but with Aspen cologne, golf balls, and a bottle of wine, you can never go wrong. It's inevitable that he'll get at least one of these, if not all three, from one of us...and love it.

*Reused wrapping paper. My mom has the uncanny ability to save and reuse tissue and wrapping paper that has been circulating our house since 1995. She not only wraps every gift, but she makes a little note for each of them out of folded wrapping paper that says to: __________ and from: __________ and a little "Merry Christmas!" or "We love you!" Even if she's up until 2 a.m. by golly all those presents will be wrapped and will have an individualized note. It's pretty amazing.

*A visit to the Weavers. Ron Weaver is my dad's best friend and we rarely go a Christmas without popping over to visit on Christmas Day. The Weavers have six grandchildren and I think more than anything my dad loves going over to play with them and all their new toys. They call him "Big John"

*My dad's obsession with the choo-choo train. Speaking of kids...a while back my dad bought this crazy choo-choo train with a remote and he loves to annoy us by turning it on, pressing all the buttons, making the little men on the train sing, blowing the whistle, etc. We always sigh and groan when we see him pick up the remote, but I think deep down we all love his child-likeness.

I'll just add that the great thing about being a part of two families is that Bryan and I have been able to learn to love what's special to each other. One day I'm sure we'll develop traditions of our own, but we'll definitely hold on to and continue with many of the Kattman and Stanton Christmas Traditions.

I can't wait! What are some of your family favorites?

Thanksgiving in Atlanta

This Thanksgiving lived up to the hype. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to John Denver on the ride home from the airport, sleeping in, eating good food, playing football in the yard, taking a family trip to buy Bill an iPad, watching TV, reading, playing Words with Friends, talking, laughing, and of course, playing Rummikub. It was a well needed week of relaxation and sweet time with family.

Sorry Steph, there is no documentation of the half marathon we did on Thanksgiving morning, but I have included some pictures from the Stanton Christmas Card Photo-op that you will not be receiving in the mail this year. Somehow in each of four of the pictures taken on my camera at least one person has their eyes shut or isn't ready, but I still love them all. The Stanton family has grown exponentially in the last four years and it's so fun...first Amy, then Bay, then me, then Collier, and now we get to claim Amanda!

Time with the Stantons was amazing as always, but the most exciting thing that happened over Thanksgiving was my brother getting engaged! I'd like to go ahead and give a little shout out to the soon-to-be newest member of the Kattman family, Jessica. Bryan and I were sad that we couldn't be with you guys on Thanksgiving to celebrate, so we just want to tell you, again, that we are beyond excited that you are going to be a part of our family!

Kattman Family Christmas Traditions here we come.

First Bill...

A few aren't ready here...

Then Collier...

And Nancy.

I created a blog?

How ambitious is it to start a blog? In my mind...very! I know it can appear silly to create a blog and be super enthusiastic about writing on it for a week or two and then totally abandon ship. Well, if you thought that blogger was going to be me...think again! Life happens. The last week before the end of the grading period happens. Friends come and visit you and distract you and you get nothing done and it doesn't matter because you're spending time with amazing friends...and a week of playing catch-up happens. I'm just going to go ahead and apologize in advance to those of you who like to read a fresh blog post every other day. Hopefully we haven't already been deleted from your Google Reader.

As for life recently, it's been full! Full of family and friends. In the last six weeks we've had four weekends of visitors. First was our dear friend, Gennie. Gennie came on a whim and I couldn't have been more happy that she chose to spend her birthday weekend with us here in Boston. We had a blast indulging in good conversation and made-from-scratch cupcakes. We also had our first exceptional culinary experience in Boston with her at Toro.

Best friends...

Next came the Stantons, Sprinkles, and McDougalds. We were merely a stop on their trip throughout New England. They made it to Nantucket, the Vineyard, and Kennebunkport, Maine. For more about their time in Boston with us you can click here.

The Charles

Rest stop in Harvard Square

My parents came the following weekend. We got them from a Thursday night to a Monday afternoon and it was such a treat. We went to the Vineyard, walked along the Charles, and of course my mom and I did a little, maybe more than a little, shopping.

Ferry to Vine Haven

Martha's Vineyard

We then had a couple weekends to regroup, relax, and explore a bit. We made it to the White Mountains in New Hampshire to see the leaves and the following weekend went to Portsmouth, followed by a drive down the coast.

Last weekend Jenny and Tanner Fritz and Will Henderson lived with us in our little world for a while. We enjoyed our first tour of the Sam Adams Brewery (Bryan's second...he went alone on his birthday in October), toured the city, walked part of the Freedom Trail, and had a delicious meal together at Coppa in the Southend. With all five us us plus Berkeley staying in our teeny apartment, coupled with some bitter* cold temperatures, I think they might have gotten the most all-naturale Boston experience.

Sam Adams, Boston Lager

Such a trooper...

Harvard Square

Coppa, Southend

Sadly we don't have anyone on the books for the next several months. I wouldn't want to visit Boston in the winter if I were my friends either!

*and by bitter I mean upper 30's low 40's...I'm a little unsure of how I'm going to survive come January.

Ray and David Gray

Our first big outing in Boston back in August was to the Ray Lamontagne and David Gray concert. We thought (hoped) Ray was the main act. Not so. Apparently David Gray is big time. Nonetheless, we enjoyed an amazing evening of great music. Ray joined with the Pariah Dogs to produce his most recent CD and take his one man act to quite a concert production, but has managed to keep his humble presence and intimate feel. With four CD's out, Ray has a slew of numbers to choose from. I really wanted him to play one song...and he ended up playing it...the song that Bryan and I danced to at our wedding (I could hold you in my arms) and it made my night. Mush mush. I still loved it.

Ray Lamontagne and the Pariah Dogs

I think the thing I love most about the set is that Ray is off to the side (yellow)...no need to be in the middle.

David Gray was great too.

Happy Monday!

We ventured out of Boston for the day yesterday and had the most amazing time and saw the most incredible leaves. I wish it were fall all year round!

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The Hudsons

Our first friends to visit were Jill and Ryan Hudson. I'm pretty sure they bought their plane tickets to come see us as soon as we signed a lease in May. I think they were in denial about the fact that they had just moved to Charlotte, to be with us of course, and then we decided to leave. They came two weeks after we got here and with them, they brought Red Sox tickets! Thanks to Mr. Ridley, we got to go to not one, but two Red Sox games while Jill and Ryan were here. And the seats were amazing.

I'll tell you a little something about the Hudsons...they love the Red Sox. So, they've actually been to Boston a number of times. They ended up showing us around our new city. They took us to the Northend (unofficially Little Italy) to an amazing authentic Italian pastry shop called Modern Pastry. The line was out the door, but of course we waited, and then took our little boxes of pastries to the ball game and enjoyed a blissful evening of desserts and baseball.

It felt too fast and I was sad for them to leave, but it was fun to have good friends see our new world and live in it with us for a few days.

Modern Pastry, Northend

Yawkey Way, Fenway Park

Walden Pond

"There is a calmness of the lake when there is not a breath of wind... so it is with us. Sometimes we are clarified and calmed healthily, as we never were before in our lives... and without an effort our depths are revealed to ourselves. All the world goes by us and is reflected in our deeps. Such clarity, obtained by such pure means, by simple living, by honesty of purpose."

From Thoreau's Walden, or Life in the Woods

Walden Pond...one of the greatest inspirations of literary prose, ever. I honestly don't remember reading Thoreau in high school, or college, or ever. So when Bryan asked if I wanted to go to Walden Pond...I thought...sure, I love water...not, are you kidding I've always wanted to see and feel the same things Thoreau did when he wrote some of the greatest literature of all time.

Although it's famous and gets thousands of visitors every year, the state has done an amazing job of preserving the area and surprisingly, both times we've been it hasn't been busy at all. It's small enough to be boat free (about a 1/2 mile or more across) and because it's on a good bike route, it's a hot spot for triathletes. Supposedly early in the morning you'll find tons of swimmers taking advantage of the open water. On our most recent trip I swam across the lake and back. On the way back I stopped in the middle and floated on my back and thought about how fun and different life has been recently. I don't always feel that way in the moment of my day when I'm tired and feel burdened with the task of molding young minds to be future social activists...but it was definite clarity. Thank you, Walden Pond, for living up to your reputation.

Berkeley

Most of you already know that I really love my dog. There should be no surprise that there's a post completely devoted to her. I hope you enjoy these pictures (a few of the many) I've taken of her over the last couple months. More to come as I continue to flashback over the highlights of life recently.

Back to the leash, poop bags and all.

I still don't understand how she sleeps like this.

Worn out after a day of exploring.

Possessive and selfish...like I actually want to eat one of your nasty bones, Berkeley.

The real beginning...

So the real beginning of our New England adventure began when we left the mountains in August. It was bittersweet to be leaving a summer of no work, lots of play, traveling, family, friends, leash-less runs with Berkeley, cool weather, and no commitments, to begin our 20 hour, 3 day drive to our new city. Our stop in Charlotte was uneventful compared to moving day back in May when we tried to fit everything we own into a storage unit that was too small (which we successfully did with the help of loving, patient friends)...during a torrential downpour. We stayed with the Hudsons for the night, then packed a small Uhaul trailer with 1/20 of our possessions from storage, and hit the road, only to stop 2 hours out in Chapel Hill to spend the night with the Bryans and have breakfast the morning after with the Brighams. Then...we were finally on the road. We detoured to Scranton, PA for the night, then drove the final leg to Boston. It was an easy trip (for me at least considering Bryan drove 18.5 of the 20 hours).

Our apartment is great and perfectly situated between Harvard's campus and some of my favorites...Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and CVS to name a few. We're right down the street from a dog park, the river, and running trails. A 15 minute walk to campus for Bryan, a 25 minute drive to work for me. We really lucked out...except for the fact that we're probably paying more for our 1 bed, 1 bath apartment than any one of our homeowning friends pays for their monthly mortgage...and supposedly we got a good deal.

This is how Berkeley rode pretty much the whole trip...

Our first meal in the new digs.

Still assessing...her old home was so much more exciting.

The beginning...

So, I'm starting this blog a little after the fact. But, we figured that doing a blog would be a fun way to document our year in Boston and share about our adventures in Beantown and beyond. And really, who doesn't have a blog? If you are reading and are bored with what's going on in our lives, please visit tylerstanton.com

Our 3rd round of guests are here this weekend, but they're going to be highlighted first since we love them the most (sorry Jill, Ryan, and Gennie), and because Bill asked.

Bill, Nancy, Vickie, and Jeff arrived Friday night. We braved gross weather, three connections on the "T" (Boston railway system), and Bill accidentally getting on a train by himself and getting separated from us, soon to be reunited, all to eat at Boston's famous Legal Seafood.

Saturday was the perfect day: sunny, 60's, and blue sky...just what Vickie ordered. We walked along the Charles, ate lunch at High Rise Bread, and gave our first tour of Harvard's campus. It was a great day, with great weather, and great company.

Bill and Jeff in one of Bryan's classrooms, such characters.

On the steps of the library with the Sprinkles.