Welcome to the world of the Ringers.
I think Eric first had the idea that we should start a blog about our travels around Kentucky. We’re trying to hit up all of the tourist hot spots while we’re conveniently located in the center of the Bluegrass state. Unfortunately, the current frigid temperatures have kept us from doing much in the way of adventuring, so I’ve decided that we should simply tell you about the daily workings of the Ringer family.
I am ashamed to admit that it did not even occur to me to create some sort of Christmas letter this year, updating our friends and families on the goings-on here in Lexington. It wasn’t until I received so many wonderful Christmas letters in the mail that I realized this slip-up. I apologize. So consider this first post a bit of a Christmas letter update, just a month late (but therefore, very up to date)!
So I’ll hit the highlights of 2010 and then fill you in on what we’re up to these days!
Eric graduated from UK in May with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. We spent the summer traveling to the weddings of wonderful friends all across the South. We soon had our very own (most wonderful) wedding on August 7, and then spent a week vacationing on the shores of Rosemary Beach, Florida. (It’s in the panhandle, in case you’re wondering.)
We moved into a teeny-tiny studio apartment in Lexington where all activities occur within one room. It sounds terrible, but it’s actually a wonderful living arrangement that keeps us from acquiring too much stuff. It’s all the space we need for now, and it’s conveniently located just seconds from UK’s campus.
Eric soon accepted a job as a design engineer for Belcan, where he goes to an office every day and does mysterious engineering things that he then tries to explain to me, his non-engineering wife.
I started my senior year at UK (Hallelujah!) in August, where I shared classes with soon-to-be NFL stars.
We spent the fall visiting various tourist attractions (which we will tell you all about in later posts, hopefully) and eating delightful fall baked goods. I was a bit overzealous about autumn this year and ended up baking everything I could think of involving apples and pumpkins. It was wonderful.
Oh, and we also acquired the greatest bit of technology known to man. Netflix. I tell you what, I don’t know why we didn’t think of this before. If you are interested, which I know you are, our Netflix instant favorite was Pushing Daisies. Watch it. It will make you crave pie all day.
I completed my second to last semester of college in December and spent the next several weeks trying my hand as a housewife. It was pure glory. And our apartment has never been cleaner. I baked, I cooked, I cleaned, I laundered. I watched 5 seasons of Gilmore Girls, worked 2 puzzles, read for pleasure, and wrapped a million Christmas gifts.
We spent several days in the wonderful Oldham County for the holidays, where we were spoiled rotten and treated to too much good food and conversation. The Ringer clan has recently taken up a game called Dutch Blitz (thanks to the soon-to-be-Ringer, Becky Ward), which must count as a cardiovascular activity for the level of competition in that house. You can’t get through a round without breaking a sweat.
The Smith family had the traditional (non-traditional) themed Christmas Eve. This year was a Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowboy and Indian Christmas. That’s right folks. We dressed the part (including Grandma), ate themed foods, and played themed games for prizes. It truly was a rootin’ tootin’ party that reminded me how much I love my crazy family.
We spent New Years’ Eve Eve (that’s right, the 30th) at our traditional party at the cabin in the woods. Each year, some of our oldest friends gather together at the cutest cabin the woods and play games, share stories, and catch up on the past year. We are always asked to come prepared to answer 3 questions: favorite memory from the past year, funniest memory, and what you’re looking forward to in the coming year. It’s really a blessing to reunite with these friends (old and new) each year and see what amazing lives they lead!
Presently, in 2011, Eric is still working hard at his mysterious job, while I have started my final semester at UK. I’m also working part-time as a nanny for two adorable children who will surely wear me out very quickly.
We are both training for a half-marathon that we will run at the beginning of June. This is good because we love to eat, and with the addition of the newest member of our household, the Kitchen-Aid stand mixer, I’m encouraged to bake even more! I’m sure we’ll be sharing lots of food with you in the future, as eating is about the most exciting thing we do in the winter.
For now, I think that’s enough. Thanks for reading!
-Ally
Tripp Hampton says
I am so glad when friends have blogs and you all are two great friends leading a great life. So excited to keep up with you! Looking forward to reading…
Tripp