Prince Ken

This weekend marked our last dodgeball game of the summer season. Our team did pretty well in the tournament, but the end-of-the-season party is always the most fun. Brian and Marsha were there to see Ken get crowned "Prince of Dodgeball" for the summer season. Incidentally, one of the girls on our team was also named MVP of the league (see Marne in the hat to Ken's left). Here's the immediately after and way, way after his coronation:

It's been a while

Ken & I have been playing sports like crazy. Happily, his men's softball season has ended -- making it one more day a week we have to ourselves. Dodgeball summer season ends tonight with one last tournament on Saturday. I still have kickball on Thursdays but our co-ed softball season is also finishing up -- with our team winning the division. It's been a tiring summer, compounded by Ken being gone twice a week during the days for work and me working on my grant/paper.

This all was not helped much by the heat wave this past weekend -- Portland was 104; our house a balmy 85 -- downstairs and at it's coolest. Friday was the first night that Ken and I didn't sleep together since we started living together. Apparently, I kept hugging him in the middle of the night and, after pushing me back to my side 4 times, he went downstairs to sleep on the couch under the ceiling fan. Last night it was too hot for both of us -- we pulled our bedroom mattress downstairs to the living room with 3 fans directed on us. It was still hot. We should have just slept outside. It was colder ouside than in when we woke up. Luckily, the heat wave is leaving now and it should be getting back to normal. High of 82 next weekend. sigh.

Just in time for Brian & Marsha's visit on Wednesday for the week. They're coming in for the Oregon Brewer's Festival, among other things. Looking forward to it. And for the time off sports. And the cooler weather.

Other upcoming events: grant is due August 5th; Ken & I leave for Alaska on the 6th to see Rob & Jana & Jackson. Fun. And we're going to Vegas in September... Ken's been asked to join a team playing in the Dodgeball National Championship. Just like in the movie. Seriously.

Dressing Slutty for Birthday Wishes

Nope, not Ken's... my kickball teammate's:

I realize it's the 11th hour, but Cassie has requested that we all wear
slutty dresses to kickball tonight, shorts underneath. Or nothing
underneath, whatev. I'm sure it will be a crowd pleaser regardless of which
path you choose.

Captain Sauce

I am a bit afraid seeing as my most revealing clothes are no longer a part of my closet. I'm sure I'll figure something out, but eeek. Nothing makes me more comfortable than rounding the bases with little on.

Update

Just wrote this to Rachel and realized it sums up pretty well why we haven't posted much lately:

Things are good, writing my first grant which is kind of fun, kind of stressful. due next friday. I'm not close to finishing yet, but it will get done. It's unlikely that it will be funded given NIH budget issues, but it's one of those things that I have to do anyway. Plus, it's good practice.

Ken and I are each playing three organized sports a week (me: softball, kickball and dodgeball; him: 2 softball leagues and dodgeball). so we're out practically every night. we are meeting lots of new people though, so that's cool.

Going to the coast this weekend for Ken's men's softball team's camping/tournament trip. should be fun. I'm doing the food. Kinley's coming too -- his first time in the ocean. A good friend of ours has a new girlfriend who he's head over heels for -- and the feeling is mutual, which is great to see. she's going to be joining us as well.

Ken & I are going to Alaska for 10 days on August 6th. Then he's playing in the Dodgeball National Tournament in Vegas in Sept. Seriously, he's on a team -- just like in the movie. ridiculous. I'm going to play on a rec team for fun. Then Neuroscience meeting in Atlanta in October. My first time back in 3 years. So that will be cool. It was good having a break, but I'm ready for it again.

In all, I'm overwhelmed but happy. I love Ken. More than ever. Kinley & Hughes are great as is the garden -- I just installed an irrigation system on a timer -- meaning less work and more enjoyment for me.

Miss you all! Love, L

Kinley!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some pictures of Kinley for those of you going through withdrawals.