Sweet Home, Colorado

Hi All!!

Dave and I had a wonderful time in Colorado Springs with my folks. The highlights included: my grandparents decided to come up and visit from Arkansas, my mom had me dress up as Marie Antoinette and speak to her French class, and lots of shopping. The lowlights: I think my parents might be trying to kill us with their old cruddy cars. First there was the BMW car fire in 2002...in 2006 it was a blowout tire and broken brake lines.

Despite the car troubles, we had a great time! Dave and I never quite adjusted enough to Colorado altitude to brave Pikes Peak, but we did make it out to Rockledge Ranch, my old summer job where I leared to cook on a coal stove in full 1900 garb. Dave also tolerated tons of shopping, and we both enjoyed overeating at our favorite resaurants.

We've moved on to Rockville, MD to visit with Dave's parents. Foremost on my mind - my bidlist which was due out on Monday but is not out yet: instead the Department sent around new bidding rules. I'm intimidated, frustrated, and not sure I'll have an assignment before early next year. I also can't find anyone willing to remove my wisdom teeth before we leave for Poland again, and they're really starting to make my mouth ache. Harrumph.

-Melissa