life in the 'burgh

We are excited to finally get involved in the blogging scene! I (Libby) thought an appropriate first post would be a patchy overview of our life here in Pittsburgh, since most of our wonderful friends and family haven't experienced it. So, here goes nothing!

DJ is loving dental school at University of Pittsburgh. So far he has enjoyed the way the school's curriculum is structured. He's in the lab working on lots of teeth (both fake and real--however none are on real people), and it seems he is getting a good start on a lot of actual procedures. That's not to say I don't think some things are unnecessary (like the name and location of every nerve in the foot), but he enjoys it. He probably wouldn't tell you that it's hard, but I will! He is always studying for the next big exam, but don't worry, we're able to squeeze in time for our little family.

(that is the only picture I could find that represented dental school. The ceil blue scrubs are a required article every day.) There are some great guys in his class (many of whom also happen to have wonderful wives), and we're having a good time getting to know them.


I am a working woman these days. I work at a wonderful company called DynaVox Technologies. The company provides augmentative communication devices for those who are non-verbal. Our main base is people with autism, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. Who would have thought my Music Dance Theater degree would have landed me there? Regardless, I really like it. Right now I am working in the Key Accounts department doing some analysis of marketing strategies. Come July my position will most likely change (for the better, I think). As for theater, I check all the websites for auditions far too often, and far too often I find not much posted. Most of the companies here only audition once a year. I've gone to a few auditions, but nothing has panned out yet. It turned out to be a blessing because I found this wonderful job, but I am still looking for shows to do on the side.

I am putting my talents to use though! I was just called to the best calling in the whole world: primary chorister! I have loved it so far. I get worried sometimes, because it is a big responsibility, but it seems to be going well so far. DJ is in the primary as well as a CTR 8 teacher. He also enjoys being with the kiddos, and we enjoy being called to the same organization.

As for Pittsburgh itself, it is wonderful! The opening picture is of us at a Pirates game. They have an incredible stadium (view from Three Rivers Stadium shown below), with incredible fireworks shows, and a not-so-incredible team.
There are TONS of places to eat here. As our real estate agent put it: "people here...not so in to fitness. We eat!" We're slowly but surely trying them out. If you ever come to visit, we can take you out for some yummy food (unless, of course, you want Mexican. No Mexican in Pittsburgh). We're trying to stay fit, regardless of the yummy food. Because gyms are so few and far between and the passes are almost three times as much as they are in Utah, we purchased a treadmill (I had to beg for months). And now that it is getting warmer, we go out and play tennis at least two or three times a week. DJ is very good, and he is trying to teach me to hit the ball over the net. I'm working on it. Anyway, there's much more to share, but this is getting ridiculously long, so I'll save it for another post another time.

We miss our wonderful friends and family so much! We hope this will make it easier for you to keep up with us, and us with you. Thanks for stopping by.