Fourth of July Celebrations!

Well outwardly, we didn't do much to celebrate the 4th of July this year. No fireworks or barbecue party -- we just sat around, lazily watching the Wimbledon semifinals (hooray for Federer and Nadal), and the Red Sox (who beat the Yankees again, sweet!). But we do have a couple reasons to be super-happy this Independence Day:

• We're officially in contract for our first home! Last week, after a mere three weeks "in the market", we made an offer for a lovely condo in Palo Alto. The sellers formally accepted yesterday, and on Monday, we get to write down a large number on a check and send in our downpayment! More fun details about the search and what the place is like later (still keeping fingers crossed until everything is actually finalized and we get the keys, haha).

• Today I also made my triumphant (okay, actually pretty lame) return to the tennis courts! Last week, I asked my physical therapist when I could play again (not serving or hitting big shots, just easy volleying) and she said I could actually play any time I wanted, but warned me that it would hurt a lot and I would be really weak if I insisted on starting so soon. In retrospect, this was probaby code for "no." But anyways, she was right. Several shots were really jarring and I could barely return one-handed backands. But WOW it was satisfying to be running around and playing a real sport again; I hate the treadmill and stationary bike so much at this point! In the end, I only managed to hit for about 20 minutes, but what a morale boost to work harder on my physical therapy.

Off to do more exercises and start packing!