Pour l'Amour De...

Beauty: Sister

2011-11-02T09:08:00.000-04:00

She is the closest I have to a sister. She hates to have her picture taken, but she let me snap away. She is awesome. She is beautiful.

Squawking Like Mad

2011-05-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the movie "The Birds" by Hitchcock?

Well its happening. Birds are invading... our house anyways.

Last year we had a couple of barn swallows that built a nest above our front door and laid eggs in a matter of just a couple of days. Needless to say we would have knocked it down had we spotted it sooner. It was a huge mess and drove the puppies crazy! After the babies finally flew away to cleaned it up.

But they came back.

They started building another nest this spring and not wanting to deal with that again husband would knock their accomplishment down every day. This pissed them off terribly. Finally they gave up. Everything was nice and quiet.

Until Monday this week. I came home to Husband plotting and squawking coming from the fan in the bathroom. Those damn birds had opened the vent cover with their beaks and flown across a room and a half of tubing to the bathroom fan and started building a new nest. Husband turned the fan on in the bathroom and all hell broke loose. And they got trapped.

Poor Husband spent the entire evening in the attic to clear them out and removed hand fulls of nesting material. He put up some mesh and we thought we were done.

The next day we came home to a dead bird hanging from the outside of the vent. Its still there. Its gross. We don't have a ladder tall enough to reach it.

Then, I was walking to Firefly's room and happened to look at the bathroom ceiling. The fan looked like it was going to fall. Sure enough, there was still a bird up there, stuck, with a broken wing and leg. So Husband got to fish that one out too. He put it by the pond, but it will most likely die too. I hope they all learned there lesson and the rest of the birds be warned!

The end score this week is Husband-2: Birds-0.

Husband - Bird Killer

Motherhood and Working

2011-05-11T10:27:00.001-04:00

Everyone asks how the baby is and how I'm adjusting to motherhood. Well here's the truth.

We came home from the hospital with our Firefly and the household fell into a routine of sorts. The puppies loved him (or at least tolerated him as long as they went outside often), the kitty was terrified of him and mommy and daddy were getting by pretty well with the little sleep we received.

The house work was actually getting accomplished better than before baby and I was back in the gym. Everything was going really well

Firefly - 1 Month

And then I had to go back to work...

Please some one tell me how you do it all?

We're lucky that Husband is able to stay home with him until July, but I already feel overloaded. And I know it will just get worse when Husband starts his residency. As an intern we're expecting his first two months to work 60+ hours a week (hopefully it will get better then). So I will essentially be doing it all on my own for a couple of months.

Right now I don't feel like I have time to go to the grocery or run errands, do the laundry and lets not even think about working out because I wouldn't get play with or see him. That's just not fair to him. I get home, feed Firefly, play with him for hopefully an hour or two and he goes to bed. Then I have to take care of the milk and pump equipment from the day. I might get a chance to do the dishes or make dinner. (Thank God for protein shakes because I would surely starve!) I go to bed only to wake up at 4:30 to do it all again.

I don't really feel like a mother. I'm just marking things off of my to do list every night. I love what I do, but its just killing me right now.

So I ask you, how do you/have you done it?

The Last Year Has Been Good to Me

2011-04-26T10:53:00.002-04:00

Its my birthday!!

via

I am now 28 years old and I'm not sure how I feel about that.

However, I am excited about where I am in life this year. The last year has definitely been good to me. Last year we were talking about having a baby (less than two weeks later we found out I was pregnant), Husband was in his surgery rotation (which was terrible) and had various other things on our to do list. This year we have our Firefly, Husband is staying at home this month and next, and we have checked of a lot of our to do list with plans to accomplish more soon.

Everyone was asking me what I wanted for my birthday this year and I could only come up with one thing. I want to celebrate with my little family.

Its been a good year. Here's to another one this year!

Our little Firefly

2011-04-19T09:59:00.005-04:00

Little Firefly

Born 30 December 2010

2:48 am

7 lbs 6 oz

A few little facts:

He has/had huge feet! He was wearing 6-18 month socks when we came home from the hospital.
He never did have that newborn look. He's just always looked like a little toddler.
He was alert and able to hold his head up a few hours after he was born.
He gave us quite a fright with a decelerating heart beat, but he was just trying to escape the heart rate monitor.
Everyone had to ask for pronunciation as to how to say his name. My dad still can't get it right.
Epidurals are fan-freakin'-tastic! Seriously. No joking. We went to the hospital only after I reached my pain threshold (all back labor. OUCH) and then after switching to a different hospital! It was my first demand and it was GLORIOUS!
We left the hospital after less then 36 hours and were home in time to celebrate the new year.

These pictures were taken when he was 4 days old. He is my favorite picture subject ever and he seems to not mind having his picture taken (so far).

Annnnnnd I'm Back! (hopefully for real this time)

2011-04-19T09:53:00.002-04:00

No apologies or excuses. just forgiveness?

Its been a long time and a LOT has happened.

Here's to a concerted effort to post regularly!

We'll start off with some updates...

Belly Talk: Hiccups

2010-10-11T08:05:00.003-04:00

Our little Firefly has been having hiccups, which makes husband laugh and me annoyed. Yesterday during one such round of hiccups:

Me: {getting annoyed}

Husband: {reaches over to shake and poke the belly while he tries to 'scare them out of him' while laughing}

Me: What? Its not funny. Its annoying!

Husband: His bodily functions are just funny.

Me: Yeah only when he's in-utero and they can't make him cry at the top of his lungs.

Husband : {still laughing, apparently set on enjoying it while he can} True...

Hiccups are NOT fun!

4 Miles to Beat Daddy

2010-09-24T11:42:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow the entire family will be running in a 4 mile road race. (I wanted to run the half marathon, but that's been put on hold until next year.) It will be Firefly's first race. I will be 26 weeks pregnant. I don't have a chance to finish anywhere close to my energizer bunny Big BIL. But I am determined!

Firefly and I WILL beat Husband.

Husband has been plotting strategies to beat me. He's even gone so far as to actually do some cardio training!

Tomorrow morning its on like donkey kong!

Congratulations! and A Facebook Announcement?

2010-09-22T07:53:00.004-04:00

I'm not really sure what to say. No, I mean.... ummmm. Let me start over...

Congratulations to my Little Brother!

He married the nicest girl this last weekend!

I'm really happy for them!

I would share pictures, but i'm not sure there are any. I didn't find out until 9:30 last night.

via FACEBOOK!

Thanks to the Husband for seeing it posted (cause I don't check the site, ever) and tipping me off to give him a call. I'm just at a loss of what to say. I mean my LB pulls attention grabbing stunts all the time (like when he showed up at our wedding rehearsal in his brand new sports car), but I always figured he would want a big production of a wedding.

Oh well! Congratulations LB and my new Little SIL!

No Touchy!

2010-09-13T10:36:00.002-04:00

I am not a touchy-feely type person. I never have been. I hug few people regularly or willingly, including family. The few people I do hug, I hug a lot, but I don't necessarily want to hug them very time I see them.

Being pregnant has made this a large issue. Everyone wants to hug me! and touch me!

I had my first confrontation at a wedding recently. Apparently at 23 weeks pregnant, its obvious that my body is incubating this wonderful little creature.

A not so close 'friend' of my Big Brother decided that she needed to touch my belly AND proceeded to make her husband touch me too. I just stood there frozen, internally screaming "what the hell are you doing???"

I wanted to yell, in the words of my favorite Disney Emperor's words, "NO TOUCHY." But I thought maybe an outburst like that a wedding/reception wouldn't be very appropriate.

The question is, how do you deal with these people and their need to invade your personal space?

A Boy and A Girl - 12 Years Ago

2010-08-27T08:10:00.002-04:00

12 years ago, a girl spotted a boy and a boy spotted a girl. She saw him when they we warming up with a jog around the track and asked who he was. He first spoke to her during circuits in the weight room. They 'played' Ike Ball together. They bonded while she puked from her earlier cross-country practice.

12 years ago, a boy gathered his courage and asked if a girl he barely knew if she would meeting him at the football game between their schools.

He was brave and asked her to be his girlfriend that night.

She made him wait.

She said yes.

They grew up together throughout high school. They matured together through college. They are suffering, surviving and thriving through med school.

They are incredibly happy.

12 years ago today, all this started and it has all been worth it.

I love you Husband

So very very much

Our Little Firefly

2010-08-06T07:57:00.003-04:00

There is something magical about seeing the first firefly every year. The twinkling lights, like stars hanging close to the ground, mark the season. They can make you smile like a child and take you back to those days when holding one in your hands was a thrill.

(Source)

I remember catching them in my bug box that Grandma's neighbor made for me and putting them on my nightstand, my own little stars floating in my room.

(Source)

I have always loved fireflies and they still bring the same smile to my face.

There is a special firefly that has a smile on my face lately...

Husband and I have captured our own little Firefly.

He's due to arrive January 2nd.

We just found out yesterday that we're expecting a sweet little boy and we couldn't be more excited! I can't wait to put paint on the walls of his room and get everything ready!

(sorry no pictures cause, well, I've just always thought that was a little strange)

Sprinklers

2010-05-28T07:29:00.002-04:00

Walking around downtown yesterday was hot and in the sun. Husband and I walked past a sprinkler.

Me: Oh look a sprinkler! Lets go run through it!

Husband: {laughing at me}

Me: {in all seriousness} What? I refuse to grow up.... And I will lead our kids by example and show them to run through sprinklers too.

Husband: At least then you won't look as crazy because you'll have kids with you. {still laughing}

What can I say? I'm a free spirit. I'm in touch with my inner child. I can make my Serious Doctor Husband smile and laugh. We balance each other.

I will be the 80 year old woman who likes to play with bubbles and her food and will always want to cross the street to run through a sprinkler.

Fly Fly Away

2010-05-21T09:48:00.001-04:00

I've been gone for a while.

There is a reason.

I hope to be back soon.

I miss you all!

The 'Lady' in Red

2010-04-21T10:26:00.001-04:00

This last weekend was full of hard work and I'm still trying to recover! Best-Friend and Best-Friend-in-Law are in the process of making their newly purchased house their home. Being the wonderful friends that we are, we made the drive to offer our help. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into...

Now, I love BFIL and I know that she is a little *holds thumb and index finger barely apart and squints threw them* OCD. I spent my time doing paint touch ups and painting all of the base boards - something I will never do in my own house! I would rather just replace the damn things and start over!

The boys got to paint the closets with close OCD oversight. the boys really saw no point in painting closets, but they did it anyway!

They did get in a round of golf while us girls went shopping! It was nice, but after a seriously long debate, several stores and endless discussion as to which welcome mat BFIL needed for the front door I decided that we were done. She did find one that she liked. She placed in in front of the door and promptly stated that she thought it was to small and would have to go shopping again. (I think I'll sit that one out)

I love them both but the weekend stressed me out.

To lighten the mood and serve up some laughs I give you this video that I saw on AOTS last week. (I love that show) For all of you Lady Gaga fans...

Source

{⋮February 2010⋮} The B Family

2010-04-13T08:35:00.004-04:00

Wow. I've been absent a bit. From posting to reading and everything in between.

In an attempt to distract and pacify you lovely readers, here is the adorableness of a friends daughter. She had just turned 1 and I got the pleasure of taking her pictures in an attempt to document the momentous occasion! Enjoy...

Images by: Jennifer Photography

Eclipse This

2010-03-11T10:00:00.005-05:00

Yes I love it. Yes I'm excited. Don't judge.

Stephenie Meyer's - "Eclipse", while not my favorite of the series is the better written of all four books (grammatically, the story line itself is somewhat lacking). Oh and let us not forget, there is finally some action and fighting.

Personally I'm looking forward to this movie out of all four (or maybe five?) films. I see some real potential to actually witness descent acting from the cast and some more mature directing. I know that most of the actors are better than the performances that have been show to date!

With New Moon set for DVD release in just over one week and the movie Eclipse coming in June the first trailer Eclipse is here!

I see some real promise! Well from Robert Pattinson anyway. I can't say much for what I see of the only other two shown in this trailer.

So what do you think? Are you into the Twilight Saga at all? Are sparkly vampires just not your thing? Love the books, but hate the movies? Love or hate all young adult literature?

Let's discuss it!

Drawing a Blank

2010-03-10T13:18:00.002-05:00

Last night Husband and I were watching Enemy at the Gates. Which just happens to have 4 fabulous actors in it, all of which happen to be easy on the eyes. (Jude Law = nicccce!)

I was enthralled in the story, invested in the characters, nearly bitting my nails. Our conversation:

Me - "I can't believe that we own this and I've never seen it!"

Husband - "Yes you have. We saw it in the theater when it first came out."

Me - " I have no recollection of ever having seen this movie before."

Husband - " We even had a lengthy conversation about the awkward sex scene."

Me - "Really? Are you sure?"

I still don't have any memory of having ever seen the movie before last night. He does this to me occasionally. I think I must periodically blank out or repress certain random events for our relationship.

Unless... He went and saw it with his 'other girlfriend'.

Which would mean I'm still sane. Now if only I could explain the supposed conversations, that he claims we had, about plans for the weekend, that I have no memory of, on this 'imaginary other girlfriend'...

What's Glowing in the Sky?

2010-03-09T10:08:00.003-05:00

...Oh right that would be the sun! It has been so beautiful out and we've been celebrating at home.

Well celebrating as much as Husband studying for his OB/GYN test and OSCE and me trying to finish processing pictures of the sweetest little newborn girl! (slideshow to come!)

We opened the blinds and the doors and let the sunlight pour in through our many windows. The heat was off and there was a fire in the fireplace all weekend to keep the chill out of the house. It was wonderful. Even the antisocial neighbor was outside!

I got in a couple of runs that were great considering I'm STILL trying to shake the last of this retched cold. I've almost made it to the 130 mile mark for the year. I think I will need to celebrate the 150 mark with a race!

On another note Marissa over at Married to a Medical Student gave me this:

Thanks Marissa! And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you in the Match!

Along the same lines, I've notice a few new readers recently. I'd like to say welcome to my little corner of the blog world!

These Pants Need Sutures - STAT

2010-02-26T08:01:00.005-05:00

First and foremost, driving to work this morning I could just barely see a faint glow on the horizon as I drove to work. It makes me happy knowing that the days are growing longer again and I will soon be driving to AND from work in the day light!

Now on to the Pants!

Husband is getting ready to go to a conference this morning on childhood PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I come into the kitchen to find him with his pant's pocket inside out and pulling a string through the black material. Then I see the wrapper on the counter...

Me: Are you suturing your pocket back together?

Husband: Yeah it had a hole and you haven't had a chance to fix it yet.

Me: (Starting to laugh. Loudly) And it needed stitches?

Husband: What? Don't laugh. It works! (Holding it out for me to inspect)

Me: At least you're getting practice...

Source

Its going to be an interesting surgery block.

So now he and his mended pants are sitting in a rather interesting conference. I am particularly interested in hearing what he thinks of the segment covering bullying and cyber-bullying.

Have a good Friday everyone!

Conversation in Which I Kept My Mouth Shut...

2010-02-24T11:07:00.005-05:00

...in order to keep it work appropriate and allow two fathers to remain clueless.

This honestly happened to me the other day, and please don't ask how they got on this topic; I started listening after the damage was already done.

---------- the gist of it ----------

My Cube Neighbor and a co-worker were discussing their teenage boys (maybe 14-15 year olds) and how they go through so much body wash. Tons of it!

They are constantly buying it. They have to be the cleanest boys ever!

source

The national body wash of teenage boys everywhere.

Just go sniff a high school...

Co-worker said, "yeah it doesn't help that he has to take multiple showers a day. I woke him up to go shovel the driveway and he jumped in the shower." He said he asked him, "what'd you do that for when you going out to work and he just blew me off!"

---------- end topic ----------

In an attempt to NOT GO THERE with these clueless fathers I turned back around to my computer, but I really wanted to ask them, are you serious?

Are they so detached from what it was like to be a horm*nal teenage boy that they have no idea?

I was just screaming in silence, wanting to tell them exactly what their boys could be doing with copious amounts of sudsy soap. Alone. In their shower. First thing in the morning. Multiple times a day.

Alas, I let it slide so as to avoid all of that awkwardness and allow those fathers to remain blissfully unaware that their boys are growing up.

I'll have the Double McTwist

2010-02-18T11:39:00.003-05:00

This man is one amazing snowboarder:

Did you see Shaun White do his new trick the 'Double McTwist 1260'? Seriously, it was like art in the air! It always a pleasure to watch him compete. And the rest of the American team too. Scotty Lago ran well and definitely deserved to bring home the bronze. I'm excited to see Greg Bretz in the future, he has real promise! But I personally think that Louie Vito was gypped in the scoring.

And what about this woman?

Images Source

Lindsey Vonn was just wonderful, even favoring her injured shin and essentially crossing the finish line on one ski! Well done Vonn and Julia Mancuso with the silver!

It was an exciting night of the Olympics!

Its is really getting to me, staying up all night every night to watch, but its worth it.

I love the Olympics.

Now if we could just get better coverage by NBC, on 24 hours a day, I would be blissfully happy!

Can we Not be Neighbors Anymore?

2010-02-17T10:51:00.004-05:00

Husband and I live in a moderately nice middle class neighborhood. It looks nice, the properties are well cared for and its safe. It was the perfect place for our starter home. If we are lucky we will get to live here through residency. But this isn't the neighborhood that I had expected when we moved in...

Maybe I was given these grand ideas of friendly neighbors and welcoming waves and smiles from TV. There are a few that will wave to you when you drive by or give you a nod when you're walking the dog. We only have one couple that I would consider 'friends' that we may have dinner with once a quarter.

Its not for lack of trying. I have offered on a number of occasions to have couples over for dinner. They're excuse - we couldn't find a sitter. Then when I offer to welcome the kids too or be available at ANY time they can find a sitter, I never get a response.

There is one woman in particular. She doesn't acknowledge anyone. When you knock on her door her husband {who is super sweet} will answer while she peaks at you from the upstairs window when you leave. {yes she has done this} The only time that she'll even talk to us is when she wants to invite me to a jewelry/decor/pampered chef party in hopes that I'll buy something and give her an extra discount.

When we moved in across the street and there were only three houses on the street I made cookies and went over to introduce ourselves. Apparently it was the wrong thing to do after reading her post on Face*book this morning:

Status: got an invite today in my mailbox...a "we're your new neighbor" gathering. come over for light hors d'oeuvres and meet us! hmmm...that's different, but ok...i guess welcome to the neighborhood! lol

Comments: from a friend-check them out from a distance first...make sure they're safe.

neighbor-no kidding! can't i just say hi when its warmer and i am out working in the yard and THEN maybe we can discuss coming over for hors d'oeuvres?

-personally i think its a bit odd and they put on the invite...bring your family.

{in response to alcohol being provided} -you know that's what i will be taking for their housewarming gift! if they don't like it, i will bring it back home! hee hee that will tell me alot about these people

What do you think? Am I out of line to think that this neighbor is being ridiculous and snooty? Would you be upset in your new neighbor invited you to THEIR house just to meet you? Would you hold a party for yourself?

Tear Streaked Cheeks

2010-01-26T09:49:00.005-05:00

Our household is not feeling l'amour this week.

My grandpa passed away Sunday night. While it wasn't entirely unexpected at his age and in his health, it was quite sudden.

But that was just like him. When he had made his mind up to leave for a trip he was packing the car and on his way. Once he got on the road there were no side trips, no detours, no lingering longer than planned.

He didn't linger. I don't believe he felt any pain or fear. He even got to ride in a helicopter to make his final journey.

He was in a place he loved and he and Gran-ma were surrounded by people they care about.

The only problem is that that place is in Texas. The southern most part of Texas. A paradise. A Spring Break destination. But very far away from Home-Town Mid-West. My Mother and Brother flew down to be with Gran-ma. They are making the arrangements to put the trailer in storage, bring the truck home and get both Gran-ma and Grandpa home.

I am having a hard time not being there with my Gran-ma. I want her with me so that I can take care of her and hug her and tell her everything will be alright, that Grandpa wouldn't have left her if he didn't think she could make it through this.

I have settled with talking to her on the phone and all I can keep saying is that Mom will bring her home to me soon and I'll be waiting for her when she gets there.

To my ~~only~~ favorite Grandpa

From your ~~only~~ favorite Granddaughter

I Love You

Get Out and Help Out!

2010-01-18T15:02:00.002-05:00

5 years ago my cousin was diagnosed with a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos. Today she is live with the disorder, holding a job in between hospital stays, and paying for her hospital bills, but has an amazing outlook to her own life.

Chase Bank is holding a vote to determine the charity to which they will donate to.

Go vote for Ehlers-Danlos!

Twilight - Modern Warfare 2 - Trailer

2010-01-12T15:15:00.003-05:00

Those of you who have read twilight - I hope you get a laugh out of this

Those of you who know what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is - this is all that has been on our TV since Christmas

Put them together and I was crying (in my cubical) I was laughing so hard!

PS3 Games - E3 2010 - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

From G4TV.com

An Image for Today - Friday

2010-01-08T12:52:00.003-05:00

Keep it close...

Image by: Ian Mitchinson Photography

Wow its been a long time! Oh well, moving on.

I love the coloring and the lighting of this image. Oh and the use of cropping! Doesn't it make you want to go home a snuggle close to the one you love?

I have big plans of doing a bunch of nothing this weekend besides snuggling. Have a great weekend everyone!

What are You Eating?

2010-01-07T09:53:00.004-05:00

If you follow my tweets you may have raised an eyebrow in confusion yesterday! Here's the story...

Husband is on his pediatrics rotation and some one thought during lecture it would be a good idea to give him a crayon.

It was a cute project and perfect for peds: without words express why you want to be a doctor. Of course he asks who has the green crayon and starts poking fun at them because they're just going to draw $ right? No so much, she's a sweet heart.

But seriously the big problem here is that Husband has a crayon. Husband = zero arts and/or craft skills. His art class in college {sculpture} was all done by me after hours ~~and then thrown against the wall to make it look like he did it~~. Husband 'drew' the people he would help.

So I give you this. His beautiful artwork.

{It kind of makes me feel like a proud mom and want to put it on the fridge with a huge magnet}

Apparently one of his classmates thought the big floating head looks like and ogre. And proceeded to think that it was a good representation of Husband. To which Husband responds with the only logical answer, 'Yes I want to be a doctor because I just want to eat babies.'

Lesson of the day: don't give Husband crayons. He'll give you back a picture like when he was 5 and verbal answers like he was 10 with same goofy grin.

{I love him}

Just a Pleasant Dream

2010-01-06T10:49:00.003-05:00

Conversation between Husband and me on Monday:

Scene - Me getting ready for work sitting in a chair in front of the bathroom mirror leaning on the counter (looking all miserable)

Husband - Did you throw up last night?

Me - Umm, yea.

Husband - Ok, I wasn't sure if that was real or a dream.

Me - You even got up and gave me a glass of water.

Husband - Ha. I don't remember that. Are you feeling better?

Me - (So confused, with a dumb founded look) No.

I wonder if he's truly awake on call or treating patients in very realistic dreams...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T16:12:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your holiday is wonderful'

Parties of the Season - 1

2009-12-15T11:20:00.003-05:00

Sunday evening Husband and I attended what I would consider our first 'adult' Holiday party. It was with a group of doctors whose wives I meet with once a month. We mingled and networked. We discussed medical school and career choices. There was joking about professors and how the men couldn't believe they were still teaching.

The conversation was witty and the topics intelligent. We laughed and shared and had a wonderful time. I feel very fortunate to have met sure a wonderful and generous group of women. And a definite plus, our spouses seemed to enjoy themselves too!

I wish I would have thought about it and taken pictures of my outfit because it was super cute, but it completely slipped my mind.

Not to worry, there are several more Holiday events to come!

Really? Come On!

2009-11-30T14:42:00.005-05:00

I have pictures and updates from my New Moon fun with the girls and Thanksgiving. However, Photobucket is being a piece...

Please forgive the silence. Posts with pictures will hopefully be up soon.

Top It All off with This...

2009-11-20T08:49:00.003-05:00

Its Friday. And a very exciting week is coming to a close. This weekend will be a great way to close it with too!

Tomorrow morning I'm meeting with a wonderful group of women for a little fellowship and some 'there's hope at the end of the med school tunnel' support! Its nice to be able to talk with others who have been there, who understand, who have made it to the end.

For lunch I'm planning to meet up with the ma mère on her way headed home.

Follow all of that up with an evening surrounded by sorority sisters and Edward, Jacob and Bella. We're getting together to see New Moon!

Don't judge. I'm not ashamed. It is a little early after the release, though so wish me luck!

I hope you have a great weekend planned too!

One Exciting Week!

2009-11-17T11:57:00.005-05:00

This is just one week full of excitement!

First you have this...

{via}

Best rivalry this decade!

That ended like this...

{via}

Go Colts!

And then you have this...

New Moon Premiere!

Just a few. I'm not going to comment on the fashion choices, but some of them... Really? I do like the guys in their formal wear and skinny ties though!

{I can't wait to see the movie! Can you?}

{P.S. Husband thinks its all ridiculous, but he's a trooper and putting up with the like. Don't let that fool you though. He read the books AND liked them before I did.}

{via}

Is your week shaping up to being this exciting too? We'll see how the rest of the week turns out! Considering the plans coming up for this weekend, though, I'm sure its going to be just as exciting!

For you

2009-11-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

Thank You

Don't forget to thank all the soldiers and veterans today. They have stood up and defended our freedom, given us opportunities, and protected countless people around the world.

I'll just say thank you and will keep praying for you every day.

Black Beauty

2009-11-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

I'm so thankful its finally Friday. This weekend though, not so relaxing. It promises to be drama filled with the Big Sister and the rest of the family involved. Should be interesting, I just hope I don't explode and lose the filter that leave the 'inside voices' unspoken.

Here's a little beauty for your Friday...

I can not tell you all how much I am in love with this dress. I only wish I would have a reason or the funds to own it.

{Image from Bazaar Magazine here}

The arm candy isn't to bad either.

The Come Back Award

2009-11-04T11:04:00.005-05:00

I'm Back!

It has been quite a while my dears, but I'm making my come back.

A lot has happened during my little hiatus. I'll try to update you as much as I can a little later.

First I thought I'd share a little celebration with you all!

As some of you know, around the time my hiatus started I started a new job. Its still a contract position with the same company, but its long term and the best place for me to be in this economy. Well that was (I can't believe I haven't blogged in this long) almost 3 months ago.

I had my 3 month review last week. With an ata ~~boy~~ girl and an few everyone is thrilled with you comments I went on my way.

I thought I was all in the clear until yesterday when I got a calendar invite for a 'brief discussion' with the boss lady bright and early this morning. I started panicking. I walked upstairs right on time and the boss man from company headquarters is there. *really starting to panic now. The conference call starts with on of the vice Presidents... * hyperventilating And the voice on the phone is congratulating me?

The boss lady nominated me for the Superlative Service Award! Complete with a pin and a $50 check!

The lesson I learned today... Don't sell yourself short. Good things can happen to you when you least expect them.

Its nice to get out of my funk and get back to all of you! Thanks for sticking around!

This Long Length of Time...

2009-08-10T09:56:00.002-04:00

I have missed my blog and all of you out there! I hope you missed me too. My week of vacation and another one of training has kept me away to long. But I'm back and can't wait to get through my reader and catch up with every one!

I'll post more later, but for now I have to get started on my training for this new position I just started! Wish me luck!

A Monochromatic Last Day

2009-07-23T10:22:00.002-04:00

Today is my last day in this job that I have loved for the last year and a half. My contract is expiring and the group has not been given the financial higher-up approval to renew it, though I know they wish they could.

I am happy and very lucky that I already have a new position lined up with the same company, on the same campus, in the same building, leaving my desk in the same location. So I will be leaving...but not really.

I am sad, though, to be leaving a position that I have really fallen in love with. Even my outfit today portrays my mood. It is very monochromatic.

{Apologies for the bad quality from my phone}
Sweater - H&M
Ruffled Tank Top - Wal-mart!
Skirt - Old Navy

The only 'color' I am wearing today are my beautiful coral shoes!

Shoes - Nine West

Starting this afternoon I will be on 'vacation' until August 3rd. I am really looking forward to this time off to recuperate and prepare for my new group.

My first week back I have to travel for some ~~worthless waste of time~~ training.

So I'm wondering if any of you out there are in/around the Harrisburg and Lancaster Pennsylvania area? Let me know and we can meet up for dinner!

Morning Musings from the Sleep Deprived

2009-07-18T06:31:00.003-04:00

Well, Husband had his first evening of call last night. Yes he got to leave the hospital around 10:30, but he came home and was not.tired.at.all! its like he feeds on little sleep, being pulled in fifty directions at once and the hospital environment.

Needless to say, we did not get to bed until after mid-night. {Sounds pathetic for a Friday night} But here I am awake on this extremely cold Saturday morning at 6 am. {By the way what is up with this chilly weather? The high isn't even supposed to reach 70 today!}

Husband has rounds this morning at 7 and I need to go for a run and make cupcakes for my family reunion tomorrow and to celebrate Dad-in-laws birthday. I'm just hoping that the sun will warm me up quickly on my run...oh wait, never mind, the clouds are rolling in.

Have a great weekend everyone!

{⋮24 May 2009⋮} Nephew Calendula

2009-07-17T10:51:00.003-04:00

I have had these and keep forgetting to post them. Enjoy...

He love his uncle!

With Daddy! Also know on this little blog as Big Brother!

"Bubbles! My bubbles."

{One of my favorite movie quote of all time. Quick what movie is that quote from?}

The Puppies kept getting in the pictures!

All my pictures can be seen HERE.

The Best of Family

2009-07-10T07:51:00.002-04:00

I'll apologize in advance...its going to be a long, personal post.

My family is really close. Mostly they are obnoxious, loud and crass, but that makes me love them all the more. When we get together for family functions, usually at my Aunt's house, the men congregate around the TV in the basement to argue about football or anything else that may come up. That's what they do, argue (in that funny family way) at the top of their lungs about.any.thing!

The women have their own little ritual...gather in the kitchen around the food and the TV to argue about the men...and football of course! We are all very much alike Grandma, Aunt, Cousin and I.

Cousin is my only fellow women in my generation in my entire extended family. She means a lot to me.

If you follow me on twitter you know she has had a rough couple of days and here's the story...

A few years ago she started bruising easily. None of the doctors could figure out why. She went for tests. They turned up nothing unusual. She went for more tests, to new doctors and nothing. Finally, after leaving one doctor's visit the doctor came running out of the office to catch them. She had an idea to go on.

Cousin got a genetic profile done and after waiting what seemed like forever, the results were back. She had tested positive. She has a rare genetic disorder (sorry its rare enough that I don't think I should name it) that makes her veins, arteries, and connective tissue weak. Weak to the point of just breaking and rupturing without a source of trauma. She will get a bruise by just looking at her arm the wrong way and there's nothing that can be done to fix them.

(Looking back on it Husband says that all they needed was a 2nd year medical student and they would have had a diagnosis sooner. He has learned about her disorder in almost every class because they only teach the things that can go wrong with the body and the more rare it is the more they learn about it...go figure. Needless to say, he has never missed a question over the topic!)

Even more shocking news to the family was that it is an autosomal dominate trait, meaning eanyone in her family blood line should have it too. No one else shows the severe symptoms she has. No one else has been tested. I don't know that I'm ready find out the truth myself yet...

Well, Monday morning Aunt called me. Cousin is in the hospital. She thought she and ruptured a vein in her leg. It kept getting worse and the pain became unbearable. Turns out she had ruptured not one, but 2 ARTERIES!

The doctors in Home-Town refused the case because the surgery to repair them was to difficult and risky. They transported her to the Big-City Hospital. (Which I was glad for, because I could visit her now)

Her lower leg was completely black and blue, the pulse in her foot was weak, and she hadn't eaten anything for a long time because they knew she would have surgery. All of this made for a ~~typical~~ cranky cousin. (the women in my family like to eat and complain. I recommend not coming between us and our food fancies!) The surgeon agreed to take her case though and she was in surgery the next day. It took him 3 hours to feed a infant sized catheter up a vein in her foot and to her shin. The artery was to compromised to fix it the way they had hoped, but they stopped the bleeding.

She will hopefully go home tomorrow, but I worry about her. She is coming out of the hospital more bruised than when she went in. She had 3 IV blow outs because her veins were to weak to take the needles (bruising up and down both arms), the EKG monitor pads on her chest bruised her, and the tape from any adhesive bruised her too.

One of the saddest things is that she cannot get health insurance. No one will cover her pre-existing condition, not even the state plan because she doesn't have any children, she doesn't qualify. (Seriously people! If she DID get pregnant it would kill her!) At least they can still choose what doctor to visit and give her the best care possible. The surgeon was really good.

Wow that was a long drawn out story. Congratulations to those of you who made it this far! And thanks for listening. Finally I'll leave you with a couple pictures...

Us out at the bars with my Dad, Anut, Uncle, and 2 cousins!

(Yeah it was a 'family function')

Me and the cousins!

I am asking all of you to please pray for her as she travels home, that no complications arise and that her arteries will be strong.

Anniversary Surprises

2009-07-07T07:36:00.003-04:00

Thank you all for the anniversary wishes. We did have a very nice anniversary after Husband returned home from Crappy-Town Mid-west.

He felt incredibly guilty for not being with me on our actually anniversary {entirely not his fault} and still wanted to make it special. He sent me a beautiful bouquet of roses - a dozen white and 4 red for our 4 years - and it was a complete surprise!

Right after I got home from work and was in the backyard talking to the neighbor a florist pulled up. He had to tell them to make the delivery as late as possible so that I would be home. Husband said that he wanted to send them to me at work, but wasn't sure that I would get them. Which is true I probably wouldn't have because of inter office mail to the different campuses. I was just thrilled with my surprise!

In other news, life has gotten in the way of itself once again. I don't want to post about the events until I find out more, but in the mean time please send up prayers for my cousin. She could definitely use them and I promise to do a little post once I find out more about the game plan.

Four Years Ago Today

2009-07-02T07:25:00.003-04:00

It was 4 years ago today that I married my high school sweet heart and my best friend.

After seven years we walked towards each other never to turn away.

I love him.

{This was during The Lord's Prayer. There was much contention over wether or not we would say trespasses or sins...I won. We said Trespasses. And yes, he was that much taller than me even with my 4 inch heals...}

{It only took us 7 years to get there, but we finally made it!}

{Now if only the darn school would let him come home to me! I mean come on! We planned his rotations so that he wouldn't be away for this month and they changed the rules of the game on us!}

So while Husband is stuck in Crappy-Town Mid-West for the rest of the week I'm going to go home, cuddle with the puppies, look through our wedding pictures, and wait for him to call me when he gets out of the clinic.

Happy Anniversary Husband!

Best-Friend-in-Law

2009-07-01T10:59:00.004-04:00

Husband was give a new title this weekend: Best-Friend-in-Law.

The Boy and The Girl got married this weekend!!!

It was beautiful and I got to ~~distract myself from bawling!~~ take lots of pictures. Her photographer wasn't going to be there while the girls got ready {what's up with that?} and I told her that I would fill in, I only wish I could have taken pictures for the guys too.

They all got ready, I remembered the rings, they made it to the ceremony site, the guys walked down the aisle, she stepped out for all to see, but I was watching The Boy's face and as soon as he saw her his face lit up...I started crying. I love The Boy and am thankfully for his relationship with Husband. {If you have ever seen 'Scrubs' their relationship is similar to that of Turk and JD. Seriously. The Boy has been referred to as my 2nd boyfriend and my stand-in husband because they are inseparable. He went on most dates with us and even lived with us for a while.} But more on their friendship {and the battle between Husband-best man and Dad of the Groom involving microphones...} later.

For now I will give you a little preview of their wedding pictures. For all of you wondering, yes she did make husband wear ~~pink~~ choral, no he was not thrilled about it, and yes she will never hear the end of it!

The most beautifully vibrant color!

She is absolutely gorgeous! And so was their hotel room.

I have know these guys for alsmot 11 years {wow Husband and I have been together a long time!} and they crack me up.

The new Mr. and Mrs.! Another tear jerker for me. I am so happy that he found a beautiful bride that brings out the best in him!

I'll be posting all of the pictures HERE

A Quick Chicago Trip - Introduction

2009-06-16T11:56:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful trip to Chicago!

We went to museums.

We ate great food.

We people watched.

It was a great little get away.

I'm working on getting some pictures ready to share with the details. I'll be back with the particulars a little later!

What To Do, What To do...

2009-06-10T10:19:00.003-04:00

Husband and I are headed to Chicago for a long weekend. We're hoping to enjoy each other's company before the school sends him off to his psych rotation in Far-Away-City Mid-West.

So here's the question...

What should we do while we're there?

I know I want to see some art and eat some really good food and stay centralized around the navy pier/aquarium area, but I have no direction other than that. So for you ladies from Chicago...

What are some really amazing restaurants (reasonably priced? We love to try new food!

What museums, parks, stores might you suggest that are out of the ordinary (like the Sears Tower, I've seen it and I'm over it)?

Where the Weekend Went

2009-06-09T13:09:00.002-04:00

Well the boys survived the bachelor party and I kept myself quite busy. It was a productive weekend and full of hard work. Here's what I accomplished...

I have a rather large garden that was completely over taken by weeds. Mother and I spent the day Sunday weeding, rototilling, and planting. Hopefully in a few weeks I will get lots of fresh veggies!

But why, you may ask, did we do all of this on Sunday? What happened to Saturday? Because of little brothers, that's why.

My little brother has a problem with his role in this world. He acts like the world revolves around him. When the world doesn't bend to his desires immediately things go down hill quickly.

For starters, he invited himself to visit (which would be ok), then he didn't do any work with us after they got here. The last straw? He has no respect for my house and thinks that he can smoke where ever he wants. (Don't even get me started on him smoking. It is not allowed in my house!) So mother had to drive him home (3 hours there and back).

I worry about my brother, but if this is how he wants to live his life I am done trying to get involved. If he wants to live in my mother's basement, for the rest of his life, without a job, so be it!

Shortly after all of this, some serious family drama that no one would ever expect developed with another part of the family.

Please keep my little brother in your prayers.

And please keep this other part of my family in your prayers too. I think things can be reconciled, but every one needs all the help they can get.

I Don't Envy Him

2009-06-05T09:08:00.004-04:00

Husband is taking his licensing boards test today.

He has been studying for this day since the beginning of May.

He left an hour early to get there.

It probably started it at about 6 this morning.

Its supposed to last until about 3 this afternoon.

He's not allowed anything with him but his ID.

I do not envy him! Please keep him and his test taking abilities in your thoughts today! It is a very important day for his career!

**Edited to Add**

Husbnad finished the test early and is headed to a The Boy's for his bachelor party (And Mother's coming to visit me)! We won't find out how he did on the test for 6 WEEKS! I'm sure he did amazing though. As for this weekend Cross you fingers with me that Husband forgets his wallet at home...they're headed to the casinos...

Where Have I Gone Off To?

2009-06-03T10:41:00.005-04:00

So I haven't posted in a while.

I don't know if you all have been missing me, but I have missed this little blog. And sadly I may miss it for a little bit longer...But don't worry I'll be back just as soon as I can!

There is just a lot going to in my life right now! (Good things are happening!)

Here's what I've been up to -

Traveling to see friends and family

Taking pictures for people (of which I'm hopping to post soon)

Working on getting a job before my contract expires in August

-I had an interview this morning and I think if went great! Hopefully I can post about it later!

Husband takes his national licencing boards test on Friday!

-I'm trying to stay out of the house (with no internet!!! a serious problem) so he can study

Get Husband ready for his fist rotation

-This ones a problem
-We just found out that he will have to live in crappy town-o-mid-west the entire month
-This means he will not be at home for a whole month! And after talking to class mates possibly most of the year! That would be more bearable if we had known this sooner than 2 weeks before the year started!

And because I feel bad for abandoning you and you all deserve a pretty picture here's a sneak peak of my recent pictures!

To Remember, Honor and Thank

2009-05-26T09:18:00.001-04:00

I value my freedom...my freedom to live, to worship the God I choose, to say what is on my mind, to get an education, to choose my own profession, to have the size family that I want, to wear what I want, to leave to house without an escort, to protect myself, to tell my government when I think they have have screwed up without fear, to vote

I value the freedom living in America gives me

Thank you to any one who has served to protect these freedoms

Thank you to every one serving to protect these freedoms

Thank you to every one who has lost a loved one for these freedoms

Thank you to every one who is separated from a loved one while they are fighting for our freedom here. I pray they return to you safely

From Pour l'Amour De...

Thank You

I do not have a family member of my own in service over seas, but having gone to a school that had a large military preparation focus and with so many of them going on to the service and academies every year I worry and pray for each of them every day.

Terron, Eric, Brandon, and Bumbee (and jlc) thank you for what you are doing every day

Neil - Thank you for your sacrifice. You will always be a hero every one who knew you and some who didn't...

Niko the Nikon Goes to the Zoo

2009-05-18T07:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend was very exciting!! I mentioned for my birthday a few weeks ago that all I put on my wish list was this camera. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get it, but I asked everyone to skip the gifts this year in lieu of cash. I felt bad asking for money for my birthday, but I knew the only way that I was going to be able to get my camera was to pool all of my gifts from Christmas last year and my birthday until I had enough saved up!

Well let me introduce you to...

Niko the Nikon!

{Please forgive the backwards picture. I took this one with photobooth on my Mac}

Friday Night - Husband and I went to the bank after work and headed downtown to the camera store to take a look. The store was closed. I was bummed. Husband suggested that we stop by Best Buy on the way home just to ~~hold~~ look at it until Saturday when the store was open. Well we learned a pretty good lesson.

When you know your stuff and have done your research you can haggle prices with Best Buy!

Do you all know that and I'm just behind the times? Because I was shocked when they said how much they would knock off the top! And then we talked them into throwing in a few additional things too! So I was only expecting to get the camera body and use my old lenses, but I walked away with a brand new lens and a large memory card! I was all smiles, like a 5 year old with ice cream, Mickey Mouse, and a balloon!

Saturday - We had plans to meet a couple at the zoo and the gardens. What perfect timing to buy a new shiny camera! Here's a few pictures courtesy of Niko...

For a better look check out the site...http://photobucket.com/j-photography_16-May-2009

After the zoo we had a wonderful lunch {best.pizza.ever} and some great conversation. It was great to be able to spend the day with both of them. He will no doubt be busy busy when he starts residency next month! Congratulations Doctor!

I spent the rest of the weekend taking pictures, processing pictures, and trying to remember what all of the 5 million buttons on Niko can do! There are so many things to learn!

Pom-Pom Flowers

2009-05-14T13:07:00.005-04:00

I simple love this...

Images by: Our Labor of Love

I usually don't like up post wedding pictures, but seriously! I love this overly simple picture of a beautifully simple flower. Come to think of it, I just loved the details of this wedding {and adore the black, white, yellow and green colors!}. I'll even post a few pictures from Our Labor of Love of the place settings...

I will find a special occasion to use these ideas. I swear! I don't know what part I like the best, but check out the 'chandelier'!!

A Mother of a Day for Mothers

2009-05-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

I don't know why, but I've never really thought that Mother's Day was that important.

Maybe that feeling comes because of my views towards days like Valentine's Day - if you need one day out of the year to remind you to do something special for some one, then your not doing your job every day the rest of the year.

Maybe its because I'm not a mother...

I prefer to celebrate birthdays! And they are always a big deal to me. Birthdays are the day that God gave the gift of your life to the rest of the world and I think that that is a big deal.

That being said I still feel bad about having to split the day between both families. Because our familes are in the same city there is no good reason why we shouldn't be able to visit with both sides for occasions. I just feel like we're always running out on one to get to the other and then we have to run out at the end of the day too in order to get home in time to get to bed.

The whirl wind trips to Home Town always leave me feeling fluster! How do you make it to visit the families? Do you try to split your time or alternate between them for the different holidays?

Image by: [b]ecker

One of my favorite photographers.

Its Quick, Its Easy, Its...Home-made? From Scratch?

2009-05-07T12:06:00.003-04:00

I just had to share this amazing recipe with every one!

Quick and easy pre-made meals. There is nothing better when you get home after a long day knowing that dinner will be ready in 15 minutes and you can get on with the night!

I love the quick pre-made meals from the freezer section, don't you?

You can just pull them out of the freeze rip it open and heat it in the pan. {Then, if you're lucky, pass it off as home made?} But they just cost so dang much! If you ever had to feed Husband you would understand just how much a quick prepared meal is going to cost you! It really would be cheaper to just pick up some fast food on the way home!

Husband is studying so hard and working out every day so he needs his brain food as well as his muscle food. Due to his unbelievable appetite he could eat one of those pre-made meals for two all by himself and still be hungry! {I do not envy Mom-in-law for having to feed him through his teen years. She could tell you some stories about hungry boys!}

To solve my dilemma I came up with this wonderful recipe. We have it at least once a week and I spend about one Sunday every other month doing the prep work!

Home-made Chicken in Garlic Butter Sauce Skillets!

Here's how to make your own!

Ingredients

CHICKEN
-Chicken breasts
-Olive oil
-Herbs {We like marjoram and/or tarragon}
-Paprika and/or chili powder
-Salt and Pepper to taste

SAUCE
-Olive oil
-2 shallots
-5 Cloves of Garlic minced
-1/2 cup {one stick} butter
-16 cups {4 boxes} of chicken stock
-Herbs about 2 teaspoons {We like marjoram and/or tarragon}
-Salt and Pepper to taste

PASTA
-A box of any kind of pasta you like!

Veggies
-Store bought frozen stir fry veggies! I like the asparagus mix from Walmart for some thing like 89 cents each!

On Prep Day-Chicken
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place chicken on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, herbs, and paprika/chili powder to taste. Bake until cooked thoroughly and allow to cool. Cut the chicken into chunks and freeze in single portions in zip baggies.

On Prep Day-Sauce
Saute shallots and garlic in olive oil until softened. Melt butter and add chicken stock. Add herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Let cook for 1 hour and allow to cool. Fill sandwich size baggies with sauce and lay flat in the freezer. {This makes it reaaly easy to stack and organize in the freeze}

On Prep Day-Pasta
Boil pasta according to box directions and allow to cool. Place pasta in single use portions in plastic containers and freeze. {I can usually get 2 meals from one box}

For Dinner
In a pan combine the number of each in order to feed everyone of the CHICKEN, PASTA, SAUCE, and VEGGIES. Before turning on the heat, mix well 1/4 cup chicken stock with 1 teaspoon flour and add to the pan. Turn on the heat and stir until heated through! {Usually takes mine about 15 minutes, but I am making A LOT}

I hope you like this recipe as much as we do! Let me know what you think about it!

A Klassy Weekend?

2009-05-05T08:56:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a whirl wind of driving, cramming in way to many errands and special events, and more driving. {Especially since Husband's finals are this week!}

We went to Home-Town Mid-West Friday for Nephew Sweet Pea's 2nd birthday party! He is just to darn cute! Unfortunately, I left the camera at home and didn't get any pictures of him opening his clicking, noise-making Tonka Truck or just being his cute self.

Saturday was a wedding of one of Husband's friends that he grew up with. It was a pretty wedding and I think it was exactly what the bride wanted! She looked so beautiful! And the cake was gorgeous! {Again no camera = no pictures} The only concerns I had about the entire thing were a few of the guests...

Here are a few "observations" that I made during the wedding festivities...

The Church - While most everyone was dresses beautifully fitting for the setting of the traditional church where the ceremony was held, there were a few that just weren't.

1. I'm sorry, but I don't think it is appropriate to wear such short dresses in the Lord's house! We're talking just a slight turn to quickly in one direction and the minister would get an eye full!
2. It is never appropriate to wear white to a wedding unless it is your own! {And no, even if it is an extremely short dress it does not make it ok}
3. You may be proud of your baby bump, but it doesn't mean that you should wear a full length, bright red, spandex dress with two slits up to mid-thigh. And if you choose to, please for the love of everyone around you wear a thong or some seamless undergarments...

The Reception - I may be labeled a fuddy duddy for what I'm about to say but...I wasn't really looking forward to the reception. I knew what it was going to be like and I'm over that kind of behaviour. It was just a large party. I mean a college house party, a how much beer can you consume party. I know that its exactly what the bride and groom wanted though and I'm glad that they had the party that they wanted. Its just not fun to me any more.

Here are a couple of images that illustrate my point. {These are pictures that I've pulled off of Facebook and blurred the faces} I wish I had a picture of the ladies taking a knee and chugging their drinks in honor to the happy couple...

My question is when is it no longer age appropriate {if it ever was} to drain the kegs right there in front of your parents and grandparents?

Now, I'm all for throwing a great party to celebrate such a wonderful day, but maybe sticking to a classy party and not a Klassy party...

What do you think? When is it time to grow up? Would you ever wear a short dress in church? Is ok to keep partying like you did in college?

Shopping Did Not Equal Happiness

2009-05-01T08:09:00.003-04:00

I'm having the same little issue as the Mojito Maven. I just don't seem to have any inspiration lately. I've just been enjoying catching up on my reader and commenting away, but my own posting has been seriously lacking! This experience last night didn't help either...

If you follow me on twitter you know I was excited! Shopping to actually buy something for a change and not just looking at the pretty things in the windows!

I LOVE shopping. Its one of my favorite things. It always cheers me up.

Not last night. It was depressing.

Nothing fit. Everything seems to be blousey which I think is pretty on some people, but when you have a little waist and a larger top...they just make you look like you're 'hiding something'. And pieces that are supposed to be fitted don't come in my size...

{The one dress that I absolutely lurved and it fit well was a maxi dress from Express. I just couldn't justify paying $79.50 for a dress made out of t-shirt material!}

Its a frustrating dilemma. {Any hints on where to find some cute clothes on a student's budget?} And yes, I tried Forever21 and the like. I am shocked at some of the scraps of fabric that they are trying to sell as dresses!

In the end I think I'm taking back almost everything that I bought last night.

Hopefully some inspiration and better shopping will be headed my way now that it is May {I can't believe it is already.}

Thanks for listening to my rant...

Birthday Recap

2009-04-27T09:21:00.003-04:00

The birthday was a good one this year!

The celebration started by going to bed early because I had a bad sore throat. We got up early to help a friend move and I was already starting to lose my voice.

On the way home Husband took me to the garden store to pick out my presents! I got four clematises that I planted around the pergola. Eventually they will climb all over it and give as a nice shaded retreat in our backyard!

Mother came to visit and took us out to dinner. It was a quiet dinner because I couldn't really talk, but they're good at reading hand motions! Dinner was at Cheesecake factory, nothing to special, but the lemon raspberry cheesecake was absolutely wonderful!

{image via}

When we got home we found out that Husband had snuck out behind our backs and got me another little present...an expansion to one of my favorite boar games Ticket to Ride. {I love Husband!}

Sunday {Birthday} morning I spent some much need rest in the hammock under out pergola. It was heavenly, but I had to go in and clean the house for company later in the day.

Yes I cleaned the house for my birthday. And you would too if Grandma-in-Law was coming to visit. We're talking the old school of thought, passive aggressive, immaculate cleaner, I can hold a grudge with the best of them Grandma. Yes she still has a carpet rack and will use it! The thing is that she's legally blind, but can see more than she lets anyone else know. So I cleaned and scrubbed and Lord knows vacuumed out all of the footsteps, then locked the dogs out in the yard to keep it that way until they arrived!

The In-Laws took me to dinner at Buca di Beppos. I thought it was a safe choice because I know Grandma-in-Law likes Italian, but hates new places. {I was not choosing Applebees, her favorite, for my birthday dinner just to make her happy!} Well it turns out she didn't much like Buca's either...Oh well.

After everyone left I fell asleep. My voice was pretty much gone, I was worn out, and I really wanted to sleep.

It was a pretty good day considering I was sick, but I would have liked it if my Dad would have called. He always forgets things like birthdays. Oh well, he'll remember in the next couple of days and give me a call then.

And amazingly I didn't take one picture the entire weekend! Highly unusual...

How was everyone else's weekend?

Its The Golden Bithday!

2009-04-26T08:28:00.002-04:00

Today is my birthday!!!

But its not just any birthday. Its the golden birthday! I'm now 26 years old on the 26th day! It only happens once.

And how am I celebrating?

Well right now I'm sitting in the hamock in our back yard, watching the puppies play, listening to the bird song, waiting for everyone else to wake up, and saying a little hello ot all of you!

{This morning's perfect setting almost makes up for the fact that I think I have laringitous, with a sore throat and lack of a voice}

I wish you all a happy Sunday and you'd excuse this birthday girl, I'm going to enjoy a little of this...

The Anti-social Slacker

2009-04-22T15:53:00.003-04:00

Yep, that's what I've been the last week. I just haven't felt like writing anything, but I think that the mood has pasted!

I wanted to give you all a little recap of my weekend and what I have neglected to share...

I had the most amazing Saturday this past weekend! A friend and I went to a coffee held by Side-by-Side for the wives of doctors and dentists. All of the women were so nice and helpful! The topic for discussion was Supporting our Husbands through the Hard Times. The topic is so important because there will be hard times. There's no point in denying it, its not easy being married to a med-student or a physician. There are lost of long night and special occasions spent apart and its hard to be the wife and never be upset or feel neglected. My friend is going to have a rough year next year living apart from her husband. All of the ladies were great about offering her support!

After the coffee we went for a little shopping and gelato! I had so much fun!

Sunday I started to feel really overwhelmed with all of the things that I have going on. The feeling has just started to go away, but Sunday I was so tired and worn out. Don't you just hate it when things seem like they have buried you? Well I'm beginning to see the light. {literally...the sun its out today and it is gorgeous!}

Image by: Millie Holloman

This is what I wish I was doing right now!

Today I had to attend a radiation safety meeting. Doesn't it sound like fun? Yeah, it wasn't. This training is for the new lab that I have been in now for like a month. I should be done in that lab soon and I am just now getting this training to allow me to use the x-ray diffraction instrument. I can't believe that I had to postpone running samples because of this training. But the best part was the location to I had to go to for the 1 hour training/you-don't-need-to-be-scared-of-it course. It was at the corporate building...I had to take the shuttle to get there. And the 'building' didn't even exist on the first map that I had!

The 'building' was really just a space in between 2 other that was enclosed. {does that really count as a new building?} It was so difficult to find with all of the meandering hallways, not so level floors, stairs to no where, and lack of directional signs. Even Boss Man said he would probably get lost trying to find it! But I'm proud to say that I did find my way there {and back!} and only had to ask for a direction once! HA take that impossible to navigate corporate building complex! Hahahah

After that victory I'm feeling pretty good about myself! We'll see how the night turns out!

I'm headed to Wives's Book Club tonight and we're talking about female rivalry in relationships. Should be interesting! Do you have any rivalry stories that involve relationships between your girlfriends and/or spouses?

I'm really liking this book. Last week we had some great discussion. I hope tonight does not disappoint!

Are you Drinking TEA or the Kool-Aid

2009-04-16T21:16:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, April 15th, tax day...Did you wait till the last minute or get yours done early?

I was really excited to attend the local TEA Party! I brought my camera, held up my sign, and joined in the fun. I met some really nice people and, when I asked them nicely, everyone let me take their picture {I should have them developed and post some soon!}.

It was really nice to see all of the different types of people there together. There were middle class families, college students, veterans, people in suits that just walked down from work. There were tattoos, dreadlocks, piercings, dogs, kids, cameras and lots of hilarious signs! There were not any 'extremists' shouting, it was wonderful gathering. In all it was estimated that there were about 3,000 people that showed up!

With all of those people in the middle of downtown I was surprised at the little news coverage. I couldn't even find a story covering it on the local newspaper website. And when I did finally find a story on it, the story turned into a critizism of the environmental impact of the tea that was thrown into the river. And it was not limited to the local media. Did any of you see the coverage by CNN? Journalism really is dead...

After talking with several people about the TEA Party I realized that most people don't really understand what the protest was and why it was needed. So here is my humble explanation for you...

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against taxation without representation. This Tea Party was not a protest against paying taxes. Most of the people there probably pay their takes in full and on time. I don't have a problem with paying taxes. Taxes are essential for the function of our country and provides for us a military, police force, fire protection, education, etc. The problem is that they people that we voted into office are not represtening their constituents and spending without restraint! The spending has been done by both parties, but it needs to stop!

So I'm really happy that people are starting to make their voices heard together in such a wonderful way and that I got to voice my own opinions, plus take some {hopefully} really good pictures too! I even had a little friendly 'run in' with the state police...More on that later when I get the picture that goes with the story!

I hope you all get involved with your local movements!

An Image for Today - Wednesday

2009-04-15T10:14:00.003-04:00

Twisted...

Image by: Jennifer

Taken 15 February 2009

Now that have have finished Nephew Calendula's pictures I can concentrate what little free time I have on my personal pictures. I'll post a few every now and then, but its probably going to take a long time to get through all of them! I hope you like them!

In the mean time...

So I've been writing a lot about how many hours I have been working and everything. Well I just had a very good meeting with Boss Man about my career goals. It went really well! We'll see where it all goes from here! I have the best bosses in the entire world!

{On that note, I may or may not be bribing the lab group with chocolate cake...mint chocolate to be exact! And I must say its really good!}

After all of this good news today I think I'm going to do something fun and completely out of my norm after work...I'm going to the local TEA PARTY! And I'm bringing my camera! I hope I get some good shots and add myself to the group of those speaking out!

This should be fun! Are any of you going too?

Without Further Ado...

2009-04-13T09:06:00.006-04:00

I have finally finished processing the pictures that I took of my Nephew Calendula's baptism! Its been really hard getting to them after coming home from working 10 plus hours EVERY day that last couple of weeks, but I think they turned out really good!

So without further ado...

Nephew Calendula's Baptism

So, what do you think? Itsn't he just the cutest?!

This weekend was a lot of fun! The Boy came to visit and the guys played video games alll weekend! I mean they would get up around 9 and stay up and play until about 4 am. The only breaks they took were to eat...And man did we eat!

I made some beef pitas and my amazing lasagna!

The pitas were really easy - cut the beef into strips and marinade in Kraft Greek dressing, the brown and put in a pita with humus, lettuce and feta cheese!

I wish I could give you all my lasagna recipe! But, alas, I don't make it from a recipe and it changes every time! I can tell you that I make a tomato soup bases meat sauce and a cheesy bechmeal sauce and layer it with lots of motzarella!

Easter was a laid back holiday this year. We didn't see any family and we made it a day together. And what was for dinner after all of the great food this weekend? Tacos! Yep, we have tacos for Easter! It was fun, not stressful and 100% focused in the right direction...perfect.

I hope you all had a great holiday!

What is This Tag?

2009-04-10T14:03:00.004-04:00

Megs over at Perfectly Imperfect tagged me with a fun one!

Unfortunately to play, you have to abide by some rules. I do despise rules! But I do love being tagged so duh, I'm playing.

Rules:
Take a picture of yourself right now.
No primping or preparing.
Just snap a picture.
Load the picture onto your blog.
Tag some people to play.

So here's my picture...

I don't think that its to terrible. This is me at work. You have to forgive the angle...I am sitting in some else cube while they are on leave and I'm in the new lab {she has A LOT of personal things and I didn't want to capture any of it} and I can't risk accidentally snapping a shot of company intellectual property. So you get a pretty picture of the ceiling!

This is me all bundled up for the coldness in this new lab...yeah its 66 degrees in here!

I'm going to pass this on to:

jlc of French Kiss

Sara of Unwrap Life

That Girl

Mrs. Priss

Miss Lemonade

Have fun!

Obsess Much?

2009-04-09T09:01:00.002-04:00

Just a little insight into me...

Have you seen the show Scrubs? There was one episode guest starring Michael J Fox {season 3, episode 59} who played a brilliant Surgeon with obsessive compulsive personality disorder. In the episode he would spend hours washing his hands because they were not clean enough and he had follow his mind's rule for how it was done. If he didn't do it right it would cause him significant stress.

Well that's me...sort of.

I know I have it {not clinically diagnosed...its obvious}, but I live with it and for the most part it doesn't interfere with my day to day life. The only thing that it really causes is Husband's annoyance.

I have a tendency to constantly click and rub things between my fingers. I am not aloud to hold the remote. I play with the buttons and it drives Husband mad with the constant tiny noise and movement.

While I'm typing at work, if my right fingers have hits more keys than my left I will type a few words with ONLY my left hand.

Its the little things really.

Why do I tell you this? Because last night I had a huge Manic OCD episode. I have never had such a problem before. Thank God for Husband because if it wasn't for him I would have been up cleaning {just the kitchen island} the entire night.

I had just scrubbed the island clean {because I had anxiety about it} before we went to been and I thought that it was over. It wasn't. What was just about the island that wasn't clean enough turned into sheets that weren't straight and perfectly flat on the bed.

I knew it didn't matter. I couldn't stop thinking about fixing it. I finally feel asleep out of sheer exhaustion.

Husband always jokes that I have OCD and yet our house is never clean {there are always papers and shoes all over the place}. This may seem odd, but its how I cope.

Yes I would love to have an organized house with straight clean modern lines. Its a style I adore, but I also know its not possible. I would obsess.

So if you would see my house, it always looks slightly unkempt. There are piles of papers on the tables. Probably a stack of dishes to be scrubbed {scrubbing tends to stress me out!}. Dog toys strung all over the floor.

It keeps me sane. If there is no order it is ok and is supposed to be like that. If everything has a home it better be there and will be straighten repeatedly.

I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into the craziness that is my mind. We're all a little crazy right? Its what makes us all unique right? At least I choose to believe so...

Image by: Justin Lyon for the Mammoth Men

How Many Times Does That Happen?

2009-04-08T08:27:00.002-04:00

How many times does it actually happen that the first half of the week goes really well?

In all honesty, Monday through Wednesday are usually dragging for me and I'm looking forward to the end and the weekend. Good news and events almost always happen in the later part of the week. Is it true for you too?

Well this week, dispite the FREEZING weather, has been awesome!

The good news - The robot at work did not cooperate well last week, but has been working perfectly and has finished my experiment. I'm crossing my fingers that it continues to be so wonderful while I work up and run my analysis! {Do you hear me robot? I'm loving you right now, will you return the favor?}

I have also been really productive! I have organized and finished all of the samples I had to run in my new lab {all 19 of them!}, completed nearly all of the notebook entries for samples in BOTH labs, and had time at home to process some more of the pictures I took of my nephew!

However, last night, not so productive. Neither of us got home until 5:30! Then we spent way to long at the gym. I didn't even start making dinner until 8:30. and then we went to bed...we lead such fun and exciting lives!

If the beginning of the week wasn't good enough, the end keeps sounding better and better!

The Boy {husband's best friend from elementary school} is coming to visit Thursday to Sunday! I love to have him visit! I just wish that his fiance {The Girl} could come too! I absolutely love her and couldn't be more thrilled that they are getting married in June!

This weekend promises to be filled with...

Good food - I can practice ANY recipe on the guys and they will love it. And if they don't I am getting The Boy his very own box of cereal, which will probably be gone before he leaves!

Lots of video games - Its what they do. And that means that I will get lots of naps because video game gun fire at 10,000 desibles = me falling asleep for some reason.

Plenty of time for me to get things done without having to make sure Husband is entertained. I have mentioned it before...he is sooo ADD.

And because I love their pictures, I'll leave you with one from their engagement session we had last year...

Image by: Jennifer

Don't You Want One? I Know You Do!

2009-04-07T08:11:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! Help a girl out!

Do you know anyone who would like to adopt a puppy {ok more like a fully trained dog}?

My bff is moving back to closer-to-home, which is great!, but they can't find any places to rent that will let them bring both of their dogs :(

They have 2 trained labs...Max and Molly

Please email me if you know of anyone who might want to adopt one of these adorable little ones! We really don't them to have to surrender them to a shelter...

pour.lamour.de {at} gmail {dot} com

Thanks for all of your help!

Its so Wonderful

2009-04-05T17:36:00.002-04:00

I'm honored! Thanks go out to Sara from Unwrap Life agging me in her Kreativ Blogger Award!

The rules...

List seven things that I love.

Pass the award on to seven bloggers that I love

Shouldn't be to hard right? After all this is Pour l'amour de...{For the love of...}.

1. Our Little Family

Husand is at school studying for his block of examines tomorrow and I am home with the puppies, The Fluffy One and The Little One. Its a small little family, but it is perfect! It will eventually expand, but not anytime in the near future. It is never a dull moment with the pups. As an example here's a little video clip of the mood that they are in this morning...

2. Reading

I love to escape into the world of a book, if only for a few pages at a time. Right now I am reading 3 different books and have a list of about 30 that I want to get to soon! I didn't love to read until Husband came along. He reads A LOT. He will go through 3 books in one weekend and has a complex that he must own the books that he reads so that he can reread them again and again {he could seriously read the words of the page}. Its because of him that I have developed this love! If you're wondering the books that I've read or are on my list to read click on the like in the menu above {or here}. I'm working on populating the list now!

Just one of your many bookshelves

3. Science

I am admit it I am nerd! Science fasinates me! Its always changing and moving, trying to understand the world and how it works!

4. Photography

My artistic outlet. I have mentioned before how I need to have a balance between science and the arts in my life to be happy and this is how I do it...

Image by: Jennifer

5. Sewing

Another artistic outlet that I could spend way to much time a money working on. I love to design and make my own clothes. I just takes to much time to actualy make the outfits and time is something that I don't have a lot of. I learned from my Grandmother, who learned from her mother...This love has led me to do some pretty amazing things. My Grandmother taught me to sew {correctly} when I made my senior prom dress for a class project. She was there guiding my hands as I made my wedding dress.

{For source of images please contact me}

I love my Grandmother for all the love, help and guidance she has given me!

6. Calla Lilies

They are so beautiful! They have clean lines and an elegant flower.

Image by: Robert Mapplethorpe

7. My Ancestors

{Yes I'm a nerd I have already established this}

My Great Grandparents came here from Germany for a brighter future. They did not have a great education, but opened a tavern to support they're family. My Grandfather could not go to school and stayed home to run the family business and here I am. A third generation from imigrants with a Masters in Chemistry and working in pharmaceuical reseach! My ancestor's hard work have made all of it possible and proves that America is the land of opportunities!

So that you have it. Seven things that I love.

I am passing this wonderful award on to:

Ashley from According to Ashley

Megs from Perfectly Imperfect

Angela Darling from 20-Something Dreams

Jessica Lynn from Tying the Knot and Penned and Pretty

Julie from Disgruntled Julie

jlc from French Kiss

Newlywed Hostess from Newlywed Hostess

Its Time to Celebrate!

2009-04-02T08:53:00.006-04:00

It is officially April and no longer April Fool's Day!

And what does that mean?...

Its my birthday month!!!!

I have the next 25 days to celebrate, tell everyone the things that I absolutely 'need' without seeming greedy and be all smiles all of the time!

I have compiled my birthday list and am circulating it to everyone that will consider getting me a gift. Its very short this year...

Nikon D90 DSLR

It would definitely take my photography to the next level {aka digital!}

It is the only thing on my list and I have asked everyone to go in together. Its expensive, really expensive, but I've been saving for it for a long time and with the help of birthday money I think I can finally buy it!

I have also done a few things around here for the special occasion! Some have you might have notice, but if you haven't -

click over from your viewer and see it now!

I have a whole new layout! There are still a few chinks to work out and I would love suggestions on what would make it better so don't forget to leave me some comment love! I did it entirely myself so it will never be perfect and it will continue to evolve, but I'm proud of myself for learning enough HTML code to get it done!

I glad its April. So many good things happen this month besides by birthday - April showers, the trees start to leaf, the warmer air starts to stay. I couldn't ask for a better month to celebrate!

I Have No Sanity Left!

2009-04-01T16:32:00.002-04:00

I came into work today {to my regular lab} expecting to do 4 experiments - the 2 drug salts at 2 temperatures each. It should take little over 6 hours.

Boss Man informs me {a little late I might add} that he would really like me to run the drug free base too - another 2 drugs at 2 temperatures each. That means that my 6 hours of experiments just turned into 12 hours...{fyi I get locked out of the lab at 6 pm because I'm 'only a contractor' and I didn't get here until 7 this morning! = not enough time to run them all}

Did I mention before that these samples have a rush put on them? Yeah, the new star drug is important.

And I have to be back in the new lab tomorrow because they have samples for me that have a rush on them too!

So I set up the robot to run over night, which involved writing a new protocol that I really hope works! I'm crossing my fingers that when I get home from Wives's Book Club tonight my precious plates are still running {they won't be done until well over midnight} and the robot is not sitting in the dark alone beeping in agony that I forgot a protocol.

Now I have 2 hours to sit here and babysit the robot/read the chapter for book club tonight.

This is way to stress full to be paid hourly on a contractor's status! I mean seriously - I'm working from home until midnight tonight!

And because it makes me happy to look at their work...

Image by: bobbi + mike

I promise to get back to the normal sanity level soon! Tomorrow hopefully I'll find the time to do a much better post, including a tag from the wonderful Sara and a update on how the robot did!

They are Really Wonderful!

2009-03-30T14:38:00.004-04:00

No devil-in-law or horrific stories involving a visit from the in-laws here!

My Mom- and Dad-in-law are simply amazing!

They come to visit because Mom-in-law was flying out of our airport early in the morning. They walked in the door Saturday to the howling and jumping puppies who are always excited to see their 'grandparents'! Dad-in-law comes in with these...

Some just because flowers! They are beautiful on our 'coffee table' and they gave Husband a just because iTune gift card that I think he's already spent on workout/study music!

So what did we treat them to on their short visit after they gave us these amazingly thoughtful gifts? We took them to the gym for a 1.5 hour workout. {I know we're a ton of fun aren't we!} I did cook a great dinner when we got home and we watched The Incredibles because it was just starting.

By the time the movie was over everyone was tired and we headed off to bed so that we could get up early to stop for breakfast and get Mom-in-law off to catch her flight!

Then Husband and I went to the gym again and came home so that I could bake a birthday cake for one of his small group proctors {the whole group are a bunch of suck up! haha}.

In all, it was a great weekend! It was just one night to short!

How was your weekend? I hope you're all staying warm and not being frozen by this last winter blast that's moving across the country!

2009-03-27T09:06:00.004-04:00

I posted a sneak peak picture of Nephew Calendula here, but the family is so excited to see the rest of them {and a few live so far away 'Hi Aunt J!'} that I suppose one more teeny tiny peak wouldn't hurt...

Image by: Jennifer

Here is Nephew Calendula in Big Brother's arms! All 21 lbs of the little 6 month old cutie!

I promise I'll let you know when they are all posted on my photo site. Its taking me forever to get them finished! I guess that's what happens when your working 50 hrs/week and brushing up on electron and x-ray microscopy in your free time!

This new lab that I'm working in for the next month or two is doing some interesting science, but its a steep learning curve when you've never run these experiments before! I'm really enjoying it though and hopefully it will help me get hired on full time!

Even with all that exciting stuff going on at work, I am so happy its almost the weekend! The in-laws are coming down for dinner and staying the night to drop Mom-in-law off at the airport for her spring break trip to see Aunt J! {She's a luck duck!}

And we're discussing the new island cabinets we're having a relative build for our kitchen! I'm so excited for them to get started! {I promise I'll have before and after pictures!}

And of course there will be basketball {which means study breaks for Husband!} all weekend! My brackets are already screwed up {thank you very much Duke and Memphis} so I only have 2 of my final four left.

How are your brackets looking after the games last night? What are the big plans for the weekend?

An Image for Today - Thursday...On The Bus

2009-03-26T12:14:00.004-04:00

On the green bus Couture

Image by: Red Leaf Studios

I just found Red Leaf Studios and love their images! The use of bold color and lighting is spectacular. I really love the blend of fashion with vintage and distressed surroundings! They also have a few different perspectives.

Isn't the green color of this bus beautiful? The outfit that the model has on is wonderful too! I just have to click on the picture to go over and look at the rest of the images from this shoot!

Enjoy...

Lemons for Spring

2009-03-25T11:23:00.001-04:00

Its late in the week for a weekend recap, I know! This new lab is busy busy and I have been working a lot of hours so far this week! So here it goes anyways...

Last weekend Husband and I had plans with his new friends at school. These new friends are very out of character for Husband as is evident by our plans with them...

Friday night we met at one of the lady's houses and had a few snacks, watched a little March Madness, and played some Rock Band. Sounds ordinary, right? Until you take into account the amount of time these people spend studying together, making them very comfortable around each other, the amount of alcohol they had consumed {Husband and I don't drink, but we can still have fun}, and most importantly...the entire group was a bunch of nerdy medical students and spouses. Yes I will admit that Husband and I are nerds! We study, love science and medicine, and think jokes on those topics are hilarious!

Review of the night - It is amazing and humbling to see medical students slightly intoxicated. For starters they are hilarious and making jokes about their current lack of ALDH enzyme {biochemistry = alcohol digestion}. But then they get serious and start talking about why they want to be a doctor and help people, without their usual inhibitions. Doctors really do care about their patients.

For our little get together I brought lemon cupcakes because everyone likes cupcakes!

For lemon cupcake {from I Heart CuppyCakes with a few changes by me}
1/2 cup {1 stick} unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups AP flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 lemon zested
1 lemons worth of juice

Saturday night - We went to the med school's Night at the Arts {aka med school talent show}! This is very out of character for Husband. He usually hates going to things like this, but it was his idea! So why the change? His new friends were all in the show. There was a fashion show {kind of}, Indian dancers, rocking bands, and classical groups along with some pieces of art. Everything is done by the students and did a very good job! The violinist and cellist were amazing!

The rest of the weekend we were boring and loved it! I hope you all had a great weekend and are having a fantastic week! And just because I think you deserve it, here's a pretty picture...

{Image by: LeoPatrone Photography}

An Image for Today - Friday

2009-03-20T15:17:00.003-04:00

A gorgeous spring field

Image by: James Christianson

I don't have a lot to say today. So I will leave you for the weekend with this picture of a beautiful field on this first {chilly} day of spring...

Have a great weekend!

The Big Match

2009-03-19T08:32:00.005-04:00

While Husband was celebrating yesterday as what he has coined christmas-basketball eve {he is way to excited about the tournament this year} our 4th year med friends and and other 4th year medical students across the nation were anxiously waiting and some {frantically doing the dreadful scramble} completely freaking out. Today is MATCH DAY.

Good Luck! I'm praying that you all get good matches!

For those of you not in the medical world, Match Day is the culmination of medical school. The day that you find out if you really do get to be a surgeon, if you have to pack up and move across the country, if you even get to actually practice medicine or if its was all for naught.

This is a big deal!

For those of you in the Greek life its kind of like sorority recruitment. You're sitting there on bid day, after you have judged and ranked every possibility, and waiting to see who really wants you. They give you an envelope and you wait until noon when everyone {all med 4th years across the nation} will open their envelope together. And there are the few who got the call earlier that they.weren't.picked.by.anyone! {They have spent the last 3 days in the 'scramble' trying to find somewhere...anywhere}

We still have 2 years before our big match.

I am already stressed about it!

I already have contingency plans laid out, all based on what-ifs. I am a planner. I have to have a form of a plan at least in the works. I have to know now what I might do if in 2 years the gods of the match tell me that Husband must go here and we have 2 months to sell our house and find a new place to live in a place that I have most likely never been. Believe me there must be a plan.

But this is the life of a wife of a medical student and I will make my plans for every possibility so that we are ready for anything.

One of my really good friends is facing all of this today. Her husband will find out if they have to move, if he will be somewhere else for that one transitional year or more, if they will buy the house that they have an offer on, if she will have to leave her job. She was at the med student wives book club last night and I was impressed by how calm she was.

Its all in Gods hands now...I'm praying and crossing my fingers, along with all the other superstitious things, that the match goes well!

{Image by: Sabinch via flickr}

UPDATE: My friend's husband didn't get the perfect match, but what he did get was awesome! And it doesn't really change their plans. I think Match Day went well :)

An Image for Today - Wednesday

2009-03-18T15:13:00.004-04:00

Are you kidding me with that color?

Image by: Kelly Moore Photography

I have been in love with the color purple for the last few months! When I can across Kelly Moore's blog with this fabulous purple chair I was in love with the chair and the photography!

What is your current color crush?

In other news, I had a great workout last night! I haven't been having very good workouts and its been driving me crazy! I thought this beautiful weather that we are having would be great for me to venture out of the climate and air filtered gym.

The puppies and I got ready and headed out. Now the puppies are Siberian huskies - they're supposed to be runners and pullers right? Well Little One is definitely the lead dog and all about 'working' while on a run. However, Fluffy {being the prissy little prince that he is...} didn't feel like 'working'. I dragged him around the neighborhood for 30 minutes while Little One was dragging me {she doesn't really pull, but she does just keep going}. I marked this run down as a not so good workout!

Last night I stayed in the gym and was puppies free and it felt great! Maybe it was just a good workout or maybe it was the energy drink I downed before I left the house...You know it was a good one when you're already sore when you try to get out of the car after the drive home :)

I sad that I can't follow it up with another great one tonight, but I doubt after working 11 hours and going to book club tonight that I will be up for it!

I hope you all can get a good run in for me!

An Image for Today - Tuesday

2009-03-17T13:04:00.003-04:00

The touch of an Angel...

Image by: Jennifer

This is just one of the many pictures I got to take this weekend of Nephew Calendula and his baptism!

Nephew Calendula is just the most perfect little boy. He didn't cry once during the baptism and let me take all of the pictures that we had time for. I will share more pictures when I get them all processed, but I just couldn't wait to share this one!

We had a lot of fun visiting with my in-laws who I absolutely love. The only hiccup to a perfect weekend is when Big Sister thought she should share her opinion on when Husband and I should have a kid. {Has any one ever done this to you?}

Excuse me, but it is NEVER ok to start a conversation with 'I think you two should start having kids now...'. I understand asking politely when we may be thinking about it and having a conversation about the topic, but seriously. We are not waiting for children because 'life is to hectic'. When have our reasons and they are good ones {not that it matters or is any of your business}.

We have been discussing having children since before you were even a part of our family, so you can get off your high horse about how wonderful it is! And if you do read this Big Sister be warned...If you bring it up again the verbal filter will come off and the 'inside voices' will switch to outside and we all know what happens when Husband actually speaks what he's thinking!

Ok my little rant is over, but it has seriously been bothering me and its not the first time she's done it!

On a lighter note, I did get to wear my beautiful dress from Ann Taylor and was only a little chilly. Here it is...

Its not the best picture, but I had to share the dress with all of you!

Have a great Tuesday!

Oh I'll Just Pack Everything

2009-03-13T11:37:00.003-04:00

I am so happy that its Friday! We have an exciting weekend planned with family coming up. We are going to Big Brother's for Nephew Calendula's baptism! Almost all of Husband's family will be there and all of Big Sister's family too! {Which always makes for a 'interesting' time...}

We're going up early to spend some time with them because we never get to see them enough. Big Sister and I might go shopping tonight and I want to head over to the church to check things out. I'm going to be taking the pictures!

I just wish that Mother Nature would make up her mind so that I could plan what to pack. This is the dress I picked up while shopping with Mom-in-law that want to wear. I love it {minus the ugly flower pinned on it} and have the perfect yellow sweater to keep myself warmer!

But I might wear this one with some black boots if its cold on Sunday.

{Both from Ann Taylor Loft}

An I can't wait to see Mom-in-law it the outfit that I helped her pick out. She looks amazing in it! She going to be looking like one hot grandmamma!

Have a great weekend everyone! I hope its warm and sunny for you!

Was That Really a Game

2009-03-13T10:15:00.004-04:00

The game last night was so much fun! If you can really call it a game. IU got blown out by Penn St. The score didn't even reflect how badly Penn St. out played them. Oh well, it was still fun and we only paid $20 for the evening! And Husband got to see the Michigan game earlier in the day. {Husband loooves Michigan i.e. his office is painted in Michigan blue and maze and filled with all of the Michigan things people buy him...lamp, dart board, trash can.}

Oh yeah, we had great seats! haha

I am really good at taking pictures of the two of us {I have a ton of pictures like this with Husband barely in them} :)

An Image for Today - Thursday Hooray for Thursday!

2009-03-12T15:19:00.002-04:00

They are Mammoth Men...

Image by: The Mammoth Men Posted by Nate Kaiser

Have you seen these guys? They are hilarious! If you haven't stumbled upon their blog before head over there now and check out not only their great photography, but their hilarious personalities!

I have a fun night planned for tonight! Headed to a great basketball game! Husband really pulled through with his eBay shopping. :) I'll post some pictures from the game tomorrow! Have a great evening everyone!

An Image for Today - Wednesday

2009-03-11T15:17:00.002-04:00

A walk through the Park...

Image by: Tracy

Tracy is a new photographer that I stumbled upon recently. I hope you enjoy her straight forward images that she capture of life just as much as I do!

I have some great news! I twittered about my meeting with the boss people on Monday and it went really well! I am starting to work in another lab soon! They have a backlog of experiments that need done because of some international travel issues and medical leaves and asked if I could help out.

Heck yeah I'll help out! Its a great chance to meet other scientists, show off my skills and do some really interesting science! So wish me luck while I knock the socks off of these new people with my amazing lab skills! I'll let you all know how it goes after I start there in a few days!

Have a great night everyone!

You Asked - I Answered

2009-03-09T20:42:00.006-04:00

As promised...you have asked your questions {well at least a couple of you!} and here are the answers!

From Sara of Unwrap Life... If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? {Random fact about Sara - She can wiggle her ears!}

First of all, I thought that you all might know a little fact about Husband along these lines...Husband can wiggle his ears too! He can even wiggle each ear individually and then he throws in the wiggle of his hair line. Its hilarious and disturbing at the same time. Can you tell he was bored a lot when he was little? {Thank you ADHD!} - Now onto the question. If I could do anything int he world it would be a job that combines my love for science with my love for art! Whenever we would take those questionnaires at school to figure out what we were meant to be when we grew up {do you know the ones I'm talking about?} mine were always split completely down the middle! I think those tests were pretty accurate though...If I don't have a balance of the two in my life I start the feel unbalanced, either I feel overwhelmingly obsessive compulsive or sloppy and aloof. If you know of any jobs out there that evenly combine both I'm all ears!

From Whiteny of That Girl and Her Pug... How did you meet your hubby? {Random fact about Whiteny - she's a walking contradiction}

Great question Whitney and its a great story! Husband and I are high school sweethearts and did not go to the same school. It all started because I didn't want to take gym class during the school year. {It interfered with my art class schedule and I couldn't have that!} The school I went to didn't offer summer classes so I had o pick one of the other schools in the area, which brought me to he early morning summer gym class at Husband's school. Husband ~~was required~~ chose to take the class to condition for basketball season. I would come from my 5 mile cross country practices to this 'class'. {I was lookin' smokin' hot! haha} He made his move on the rowing machines and asked if I wanted to meet him at the first football game of the year between our two schools. We spent the rest of the class working out together and even shared a few beautiful moments puking together during Ike Ball. {Ike Ball = take your friend the free weight, hold it above your head and run down the football field and back} Yeah it was love at first site! haha

Thanks for the great questions you two! It was fun answering them and learning a little about you! I will leave you with a couple of pictures of me and Husband!

Engagement image via Albright Creative Imagery

Wedding image via Albright Creative Imagery

An Image for Today - Monday

2009-03-09T16:16:00.003-04:00

All wound up...

Image by: Aru Latheef via flickr

I must apologize, but I will put up the answers to the questions hopefully later tonight along with a few other things. I am super busy today and got some great news at work today!

2009-03-06T13:52:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to my 100th Post Week! Don't forget you ask your questions by midnight Friday!

The play of light...

Image by: bobbi + mike

Light can turn any subject into a eye dazzling work of art. Sunlight streaming in a window can warm the body and the heart. I love when that one beam of light comes through the leaves, the window, or the clouds! Check out a few of my previous posts about light.

Here are a few gems...

Image by: bobbi + mike

Image by: bobbi + mikes - This image shows the wonderful Bobbi in action!

Image by: Millie Hollman Photography

Image by: Mthree Studio

Image by: [b]ecker

Image by: Elaine Vallet

Only a couple of more hours and my weekend starts! This weekend is even better than normal...Husband is finally done with all of his tests this week {5 different tests!} and his spring break starts! We're not doing anything special, but it will be a nice 'break' from the usual routine and Husband can help put around the house {getting ready for spring!} when he's not studying for his boards test in June.

So the In-laws are coming to visit while Husband has a break so that they can see their son! I'm thinking this weekend calls for a shopping trip with the Mom-in-law! This also means a couple of nice meals out! Maybe i should make Dad-in-law some cookies!

I hope you all have a great weekend! I'm going to try and finish out my week of inspiration and finish it off with the answers to your questions. So far there aren't many but their good ones! So ask those questions!

100th Week!! - An image for Today - Thursday

2009-03-05T13:19:00.001-05:00

Welcome back to my 100th Post Week! Don't forget you ask your questions by midnight Friday!

Mother Nature...

Image by: Elaine Vallet

I love nature! I think that one of the best places in the world to be is in a forest, in the morning, just after it has rained. There is something magical about the way that the sun shines through the canopy in the early morning light and the mist of a recent rain. It can cleanse the soul.

Husband and I love the great outdoors! When we get to do something special for our anniversary we pack up the tent and the sleeping bags then head to a state park for a few days under the stars. After visiting historical land marks and museums, camping is one of our favorite vacations!

How do you enjoy nature?

Here are a few more...

Image by: James Christianson

Image by: Mthree

Image by: David Jay

What inspires you from the great outdoors?

100th Week!! - An image for Today - Wednesday

2009-03-04T16:19:00.003-05:00

Beauty...

Image by: Andrew Gibson

This image by Andrew Gibson in the Tarabuco, Bolivia village Market of a woman in traditional clothing is simply beautiful.

I thought, since I started off the week with my 100th post, (don't forget to ask your questions!) that I would give all of this week's posts a theme...

Inspiration

Every day for the rest of the week I will post something that inspires me. Most of the time that will be a photographers work. We'll see where this takes us!

Today I wanted to share with you portraits. I love portraits of people and absolutely adore portraits of the elderly. Their faces show the things that they have faced throughout their lives and I believe that it makes them beautiful.

The woman above may be aged and have many wrinkles by our standards, but she has lived. I can only hope to age as gracefully, that my face may inspire others and be a work of art.

What do you see in her face?

I Can't Believe it - 100th Post!

2009-03-03T08:47:00.003-05:00

I am so proud of myself for making it this far! It is a huge accomplishment and I know that I could have never done it without all of you, my lovely readers. Your comments and twitters mean a lot and keep me motivated to keep posting!

In honor of this momentous occasion I would like to have a little fun and borrow and idea from a few other bloggers out there...

I would like to open the comments for all of you to ask me some questions, with a twist.

Here's what to do...

Leave me a comment and include these two bits of information...

1. Ask me any question(s) and I will answer all of them {within reason} honestly.

2. I would like to get to know you better too...leave one interesting things about yourself

3. You have until Friday March 6th to leave your question!

Know I know that there aren't a ton of you out there, but this would be a great opportunity for you to come out of the shadows and say hi!

Hopefully I get a lot of questions! I can't wait to read them! And thank you for reading my ramblings!

And I will leave you for today with a pretty picture.

{Image by Dave Beckerman}

An Image for Today - Thursday

2009-02-26T06:37:00.002-05:00

Golden and Sun Kissed...

Image by: James Christainson

How incredibly gorgeous is this picture? It just makes me long for spring to get here and fast! I can't wait to take a pleasant walk at dusk without bundleing up!

Oh the same note...have you seen the engagement pictures Jessica Lynn posted yesterday? They are amazing and makes me impatient for spring!

This Time Last Year

2009-02-25T13:21:00.002-05:00

This is where our journey to being more healthy began...

{Husband will probably be irate at me for posting this but...}

Now for the few of you who have known Husband pre-college, you can attest, he is not looking like himself! He had gained 50 lbs since high school. While Husband looked unhealthy on the outside, I mirrored him on the inside. I was tired and sick too often. We needed a change!

Around this time last year that change started to take place. While I do not want to go into what that 'change' was, but suffice it to say, it was pretty big and pretty awesome.

We started eating healthy, not dieting, just healthy.

We felt better! Can you tell how much weight he's lost? We were really happy with how we felt after the first 3 months and decided to go out and find a gym to join.

I'll post some pictures of us from recently and complete our story in another post! {after I find a picture...}

What has motivated you to get healthy? Was it a life event? a general feeling of being unhealthy? or did you just get fed up and motivated yourself?

Almost everyone I know thinks that they are unhealthy and/or needs to get into shape...you're not alone! I just takes the desire and a little motivation. So,

Let's all get motivated!

I would like you to be motivated by my Fit of It post! Fill me in, my lovely readers...What movitates you? When do you have problems staying motivated? What helps you get back to the gym? What are your goals?

Why Thank You!

2009-02-24T07:13:00.000-05:00

Thank you very much!

This little gem was given to me by the wonderful Sara at Unwrap Life. I stumbled upon her delightful blog just a few days ago and quickly added her blog to my reader! So thank you Sara. I'm sure we will be great friends!

The "Love ya" award:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award!"

And who would I like to pass this on to? Definitely...

Sassy Engineer

Undomesticated Newlywed

Miss Lemonade

Megs from Perfectly Imperfect

Jessica Lynn at Tying the Knot and Penned and Pretty

Well its not eight, but these ladies are the best and their blogs are wonderful! Congratulations ladies!

An Image for Today - Friday

2009-02-20T11:56:00.003-05:00

Oh he's not so big...I can take him!

Image by: Dave Beckerman

Look at the little dogs! They're just boxing in the street! You know that they probably think that they're really mean and vicious, but the little ones are always adorable.

Yeah, so...I didn't do so well on the posting this week, but there's lots that happened that I will be posting about as soon as I can find the time and I'm not dead tired! {I've been sleeping a ton and I'm STILL tired!} And I'm not going to catch up on sleep any time soon!

Husband and I have a full weekend ahead of us...Games all weekend with a couple of really good friends and hopefully make a few new friends in the process!

What are your plans for this weekend? Are you going to get to rest?

I will be working hard on posting too! Here's what you can look forward to in the near future!

*I went on a little exploratory photo shoot last Sunday and took a couple of rolls of film {film? really? yeah I'm behind the times. I'm working on it!} and finally got around to getting them processed. I will be posting some of the images.
*Remember those hundreds {ok maybe not hundreds, but still a lot!} of cupcakes? I've got some pictures to post from that event!

*All about our exciting weekend of ~~nerdy~~ amazing game night. I'm not sure about what games that will be played, but the people will be amazing!

*A new post from The Fit of It to get you all motivated to head out to the gym!

*Also from The Fit of It...Where our stories began. A look at were Husband and I were this time last year in our journey to get healthy!

Have a great weekend!

What's in My Bag - Bag Tag

2009-02-18T09:29:00.007-05:00

A while ago Miss Lemonade from Making Lemonade from Lemons tagged me in the bag tag. So here it is...

My axcess Coco Satchel that I found from Kohl's for maybe $20? It nothing spectacular, but its purple {my seasonal favorite color!} and the right size {meaning my phone won't fall out of it}.

And what's inside you ask?...

The staples - my note book; a new yellow clutch/wallet; Vera Bradely wristlet/camera case; COACH medicine case

On current rotation - my current take with me book "Guilty" by Ann Coulter {hilarious!}; the book club book for tonight "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman {wonderful}; and my new favorite lotion "Optimisim - Bright Blossoms" from Bath & Body Works

The phone, a teal Samsung Juke, is safely tucked in the front pocket with my gym axcess card so that I can't lose them AGAIN!

They say you can tell a lot about a woman by looking at the contents of her purse...Does this give you any insight into who I am? I hope so!

What gorgeous bags are you lovely ladies carrying? And what so the contents say about you? I can't wait to see!

2009-02-17T13:30:00.003-05:00

Follow the yellow lined road?

Image by: Neil Creek

I am loving this golden, yellow field on this cloudy day and am dreaming of the warmer, sunnier days ahead.

Weekend Recap

Friday - We went to a vow renewal for one of the guys at work. It was the first time Husband has gotten to meet anyone from my work place and I was excited for him to be able to put faces with the names that I talk about. It went well! I was terrible and didn't get any pictures, but I will post more detail about it later!

Saturday - The Husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day on the grounds that if you need one day out of the year to show your spouse that you love them, you are not doing very good job the rest of the year. So, instead we went to the bookstore. (Which happens to be a weekly trip for us!) We ordered a few books and they should be here today!!

Sunday - I made A TON of cupcakes. I'm talking over 150 to the suckers! I will tell you more about why later this week!

It was a pretty good weekend and ended abruptly with the arrival of Monday which seemed to never end! And to top it all off I had to track down the escapees.

You might remember this post from when the Little One got loose. Well this time it was BOTH of them (and Fluffy is a runner!), on their brand new chains, and Husband was not at home! The neighbors called to let us know that our puppies were wagging their tails at their back door (thank you). Luckily they hadn't gotten far and I caught them, but I was definitely out of breath!

I think we will be getting, yet some more, new tie-out chains...

Sorry. I haven't been a very good poster the last few days (I have lots of things to post) and this was a really random post. It will get better, I promise!

Let the Healing Begin with Silk

2009-02-13T08:51:00.006-05:00

My wardrobe is in the healing process from what had been done to it during graduate school. Organic chemicals can be nasty things! Almost every article of clothing that was worn into the lab came out with chemical burns and stains. And for these practical reasons, my wardrobe consisted of jeans and tee shirts.

Then what do I do? I graduate. I find a job and I need new clothes for work. I have been slowly replenishing my closet with nicer work clothes. (Very, painfully, slowly...we're still on a student loan budget after all!) I'm just thankful that my wonderful job allows me to look nice and do the science that I love.

So a girl friend and I went shopping the other day and I feel in love with this silk chateau peasant top from White House Black Market...

Yes its was pricey, yes it fit me perfectly. Husband was so kind when I showed it to him and gave him the i'm-sorry-we-can't-go-out-to-eat-this-weekend-but-I-love-it look he said how wonderful it looked on me and didn't even ask how much I spent!

Yes I worn it to work today and only felt minorly guilty as I put on my goggles and slipped my lab coat over the new shirt.

I could get use to the shopping and not feeling guilty thing, but it might have to wait until wanna-be-doctor Husband becomes actual-real-doctor Husband in like 8 years...

So, if I'm going to keep this shopping thing up I'm going to need some input. We're are your favorite places to shop? Where do you go when you want to buy your self something special?

An Image for Today - Thursday

2009-02-12T15:02:00.002-05:00

In the eye of the beholder

Image by: Sophie Thouvenin

Shoes can be a Religious Experience

2009-02-11T11:55:00.003-05:00

Wasn't Husband's post yesterday a great rant? Maybe I'll convince him to pay the bloggy a visit every once in a while...Ok maybe I can't be that persuasive, but thanks Husband for the post!

Previously I shared with all of you how important shoes are when you are working out and running and I promised to share with you my recent trip to the shoe store. So let's get started!

While at Home-Town this weekend {to do our taxes...yuck} Dad-in-law commented that his ankle and hip were hurting, so we took a look at his shoes. We found the problem...his shoes had little to no cushion and the sole was more heavily worn on the outside on the shoes. The shoes were causing both of his pains. Dad-in-law said 'alright lets go to the shoe store'.

We took him to a specialty shop where they watch you run and analyze what kind of shoes will be best for you. They picked out some shoes for him to try and he immediatly noticed the difference. Then, and here's the good part...

Dad-in-law tunred to us and said 'ok now your turn! Pick out some shoes!

I heart Dad-in-law! Shoes are a great way to a woman's heart! I have been putting of buy a new pair of running shoes for a very long time and was going to have to break down and get some soon. not only that, but this shop only carries the high end running shoe, the good stuff!

The sales associate pulled some shoes for me that fit my requests - ones I can get the most miles out, were light weight, and has the highest arch in the store. I have extremely high arches and I have never found a part of shoes that I didn't have to stuff with more arch supports which makes them a lot heavier.

{Now bear this is the religious experience part}

When he handed me the first pair he said 'this is the highest arch in the store' so i was ready to be disappointed...I put them on...the arch support actually touched my foot! I almost cried! They said you should have seen my face when I slipped them on. I bet it was hilarious!

I am now a proud owner of the Mizuno Wave Creation shoes!

And how have they been? They are amazing! The difference staggering. Lesson learned.

So go to a good shoe store and bring your old shoes with you. The new shoes could change how you feel about running!

Have you had running pains? Were your shoes causing you to dread a work out? What is your favorite running shoe?

Stimulus Healthcare Add-on

2009-02-10T17:17:00.002-05:00

Hi everybody, this is the Husband, and this is my stress-relieving frustrated rant. I am basing this rant on information provided at the following link, plus the actual report that can be found from the article.

Regardless on how each of us may feel about the economic benefit of the current "stimulus" plan, there is a glaring health care addendum that could very well destroy health care in America. The first reform tacked on is actually one I have supported in past years, and continue to support today, the addition of electronic medical records such as the one the VA (veterans association) currently uses. As it is set up, this would allow any doctor currently giving a patient care to access their FULL medical records, no matter where they have gotten care in the past. Currently, a physician can only see records that were performed in the same system that they are using, limiting the information to only a few hospitals. This allows for significant errors to be made due to lack of information, such as drug interactions, previous medical history, and results from previous tests. For example, say my grandfather (who has had a few heart attacks in his current residence) was in another state on vacation and had another heart attack. Under the current system, the hospital serving him would be unable to see any of his old records, his current meds, and his baseline ecg to see if he is actually having a heart attack and how best to treat him. A national health care DATABASE would give them all of his pertinent medical history, allowing for better care.

Notice how I wrote database there. I am NOT an advocate for national health care, just a national database. If you want national health care, move to Canada, England, or France and ask them how it is. Each of these countries is currently moving away from these systems, something that we should take note of since we seem to be attempting to move towards it. We have three great models of failed systems, yet are arrogant enough to believe that we can do it better. I digress, back to the new addendum. So... good: national healthcare database. Bad...they couldn't stop there. Tom Daschle (you remember him, he was going to be in charge of Health and Human Services until it was discovered he "accidently" forgot to pay over $100,000 in back taxes?) got involved. Using $6 BILLION, they would set up the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, an oversight committee set up to look over nurses and doctors shoulders to ensure they are doing what the federal government thinks is cost effective and medically appropriate. Interestingly, only 1/2 of the committee members would be health care people, so the people determining if your doctor was giving you appropriate care wouldn't be doctors. Since they would be politicians, I assume they would be lawyers, one reason I feel like I'm having an aneurism while thinking about it. So on the surface, this committee would be trying to get doctors on the same updated treatments, to ensure that everybody knew the correct new drugs/treatment options available. But this is sadly not the case.

Daschle wrote a book in 2008 aout how to fix healthcare, including ideas to use an appointed body (I wonder what committee that could be...) to slow development of new treatments and medications, because they are driving up the cost of healthcare. Let me be clear: without these new technologies, we would be treating patients with blood-letting, penicillin, and amputations, not to mention the iron lung for polio that is now eradicated (thanks to the hated new technology. I hate being able to breath on my own, damn those stupid scientists.) He stated that we as Americans need to accept life, somethings can't be fixed. True, so if a patient with terminal cancer is in pain, do we not give them painkillers since they are going to die anyways? This would significantly impact elderly patients, who will bear the brunt of the brutality. Since the committtee (now referred to as the Nazi Americans for Health, or NAH as in "nah, you'll just have to live with it) would determine medical coverage from using a "cost-effective" treatment plan instead of what is safe and effective, the formula is cost divided by the number of years a patient gets the benefit. This means older patients get less treatment than younger, because an 85 year old woman with heart failure isn't going to get as much benefit as a 2 day old with a heart defect. Even if the treatment for heart failure is a few fairly cheap pills, we can't give it to you because it isn't worth it. That's premeditated murder, a felony last time I checked.

Ok Mr. Daschle, if that's how its going to be, its time to put Ted Kennedy out to pasture. Look at his risk factors: he's 77, has atherosclerosis enough to prompt a carotid scraping (which increases his risk of stroke, heart attack, and other stuff), he has had multiple strokes, multiple seizurres, and was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Yet he had the audacity to undergo an EXPERIMENTAL surgery (gasp!) to try and prolong his life a few months. At the Democratic National Convention he was hailed as a hero. Under the new guidelines, he would be a waste of money. Under the new plan, he wouldn't have even gotten the original carotid scraping because he's too old. Don't think that I'm callous, I'm a conservative and I support operating on Kennedy's brain...even if it does just extend his life a few months. Another example: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, supreme court justice was diagnosed last week with pancreatic cancer. Surviving % at 5 years: 5%. Yet 24 hours after diagnosis she was under the knife, selfishly trying to stay alive. It will be interesting to see if members of Congress are put into the same treatment paradigm as us regular folk.

As a future MD, I wonder if Daschle has the stones to talk to a patient and that patients family, to tell the patient that the life-saving surgery isn't cost-effective enough, so here's a coupon for a cheap funeral home. They haven't taught me that conversation yet, so I think I'll need him to show me how to tell someone they need to die.

Slipping these provisions into the bill is effectively making Americans swallow national health care, but without the FREE healthcare! Daschle has actually found a way to combine the worst of our current system (its expensive) and the national varient (horrible patient care). Whether you believe we need the stimulus package or not, watch out for the long term health implications. They may be more than America can handle.

An Image for Today - Tuesday {and a Surprise for Later!}

2009-02-10T10:55:00.004-05:00

I'm not touch you. I'm not touching you...

Image by: bobbi + mike

I just love how these two capture the emotions and actions of their subject! How many times do siblings play the game 'I'm not touching you'? Or play the game ' Let's poke big brother with a stick until he gets mad'? I know Brother and I did it all the time! Well it happens between grown-ups too, only with different rules.

Husband {being the future doctor that he is} has become feed up with the debates and threats about national health care. He feels very strongly that the patient care of socialist health systems is not adequate and says he wants to be able to treat patients with the speed and standards that have become expected of the American health system. {Did you know you could wait several months for an MRI of your injured knee under a national health system?}

And the surprise for you all later this evening?

Husband will be ranting about his views on the health care changes found in the Stimulus Bill from the Senate.

You may not care about the bill or Husband opinions on it or health care, but health care effects us all and I think that is important. So look for his post after he gets out of class tonight!

The Right Shoes to get Fit

2009-02-09T13:46:00.005-05:00

Shoe are a very important tool for runners. The right pair can keep you safe and prevent injury {it can also help your motivation...who doesn't want to break out that new pair of shoes!}.

It can be difficult to find the right pair of shoes for your activities, the shape of your feet, and the way that you run.

The article found here is a pretty good overview of the things that need to be considered when buying a good shoe. I have also found it helpful to have an idea of kind of shoes that you are going to be looking at before you go to the store. The high end brand websites like Mizuno are a good resource for explaining some of the different shoe types.

So make sure you get your self a good pair of shoes!

What is your favorite brand of athletic shoes? Where do you find them? Do you have any stories about how shoes changed your work out experience?

I'll share my own shoe ~~religious experience~~ story a little later!