Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Good News
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Politically Incorrect Video
Owen's preschool had their first performance last week. I've attached a video if you're a grandparent, and therefore want to gobble up three minutes of little kids singing off key (I loved it). My favorite parts: Owen being the only one who refused to wear his headband, the way they all confirm the number of fingers they are supposed to be holding up by looking at each other, the moment when the boy to Owen's left tickles Owen in the face with his feather, and the very end when Owen thinks he's supposed to mimic the music teacher's motions.
The title of this blog, however, is not related to Owen's cuteness in the video. It's the fact that Owen's preschool is not on the same page with the PC crowd. Virginia schools now teach children about the First Americans--not the Native Americans (because they were not in fact native) or the Indians (because that's some confused European's label for the people he met). Funny that they even chose to sing two songs that repeatedly use the word Indian. This didn't particularly offend me, but I'd be curious to know if First Americans(?) would be bothered. And what do they think about Thanksgiving anyways? I love the whole yummy food, give thanks part of the holiday, and generally think the story we learned in elementary school must be a load of crap, but what about their take on it? Anybody have any insight to share?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
You need to get a jobby job
For our first 4 years in Norfolk, I was a medical student. These rarely show up on TV, but one did play a significant role on ER as one of Abby's suitors. I don't know his name, but he was on for a few shows, wound up asking her out, and caused a little inner-turmoil as she had to decide between him or Luca. At the end of my time as a med student, I had to decide what kind of doctor I wanted to be. I chose emergency medicine. At graduation, I officially became a doctor (this simply refers to a degree).
The next year, I was an intern(aka 1st year resident). This equals Meredith, Izzy, et al on the first year of Grey's Anatomy. That year is spent doing a lot of scut work, taking orders from more senior residents, and all the while trying to learn as much as fast as possible so as not to kill anybody (which is a distinct possibility).
For the next two years until residency is over, I'm a resident. This equals Meredith, Izzy, et al now. More responsibility and more leeway to kill patients (still very possible).
Here is where it gets really complicated. I am approaching the end of my residency. Up till now, I have been riding the coat tails of my attendings, working under what is dubbed a provisional license. This pretty much means my attendings are responsible for all my bad decisions. They can chew me out at their liberty, of course. However, at the end of this year (June), I will have my own license to practice medicine. I call my own shots. I'm responsible for my own mistakes. After residency, most residents go on to get a job in a community hospital, without residents, just patients. They are attending physicians.
I, on the other hand, have elected to become a fellow. I still have completed residency, I still am responsible for my own mistakes, but I've also decided to spend more time learning. The only fellow I can think of on TV was Elliot on scrubs. She took an endocrinology fellowship after residency, but then got fired and came back to Sacred Heart. My fellowship is in emergency ultrasound. I won't go into that too much. I've already written more in this blog than I ever have before. I hope that clears things up.
Note: I do not know who I am compared to the characters on House, MD. The best I can tell, those guys are internal medicine physicians, but they do a strange amount of surgery too. And I can't figure out where they are in their training. I assume the ones not named House are residents, but their job is way too cushy for that.
Poop!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Big spoon
www.urbandictionary.com
1. big spoon votes: 141 up, 8 down
in spooning, the big spoon is the person in the back
Men are usually the big spoon.
Oops.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Our baby girl
We appreciate your prayers during this time, though I insist that this is not a time for worry. God has shown me over and over again that He is my comfortor, provider, and lover of my soul. I have always clung to Philippians 4:6-7 in times of struggle and therefore feel a peace that transcends understanding. Our pastor shared in church today that the most repeated command in the Bible is to not fear. God knows our tendencies and knows that they lead to nothing but further anxiety. So please pray for continued peace and trust in Him.
Monday, November 10, 2008
"I CAN do it!"
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Obligatory Halloween Photos
This is Owen's best friend, Evie--as you can tell by the delighted smile on his face. We stopped by our church's Harvest Festival just so he could say hi. By the way, can I just say that part of me is a little dubious over the label "harvest festival?" It's on Halloween. We're not fooling anyone.
And last, but not least, Owen enjoying the fruits of his labor. Nevermind that these "fruits" were made by Mike & Ike (thought you might appreciate that Uncle Daniel) and probably don't contain an ounce of fruit.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Unexpected Giddiness
Monday, November 3, 2008
Owen's Birthday
Friday, October 31, 2008
Boston
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Eating Our Way Through New York
We arrived at JFK on Saturday night. Getting to our hotel in Manhattan involved a tram, a bus, a subway ride, and a walk of several blocks. This took two hours. Will carried both giant bags. He was not excited. I love my husband.
To sum up our trip...it was all about the food. We love to eat good food. The only plans I had made for our trip were see one Broadway show and eat. The first food destination occurred on Sunday at lunch: Juniors. We had brisket with au jus, potato pancakes, and applesauce, finished off with Junior's famous devil food cheesecake. Mmmm. This filled our bellies for the one planned non-eating event, watching Avenue Q. By the way, despite the fact that this show has puppets, do NOT take your children to see it. You might be a little taken aback when you have to explain the birds and bees afterwards due to some puppet indiscretions. The second food destination...Mandoo Bar. Yummy Korean food. Unfortunately, the taxi we caught to get there was not in fact the Cash Cab. Boo. On Monday we did the Greenwich Village Food Tour. Of course we sampled NY style pizza, but also canoli, cheese, risotto, olive oil, salami, and gelato. Later that day, dinner took the prize for most memorable waiter. We couldn't finish all of our food and had no ability to take leftovers with us. The waiter came by and proceeded to have this conversation with Will:
Waiter: You need a box?
Will: No thank you.
Waiter (with puzzled expression): You not finished?
Will: Oh no, I'm done.
Waiter (with suspicious look): Something wrong with food? You not like?
I can't say that we've ever been grilled by a server before. I thought for a second that we were going to have to force the rest of that food down so as to avoid some serious social blunder. But he seemed to understand us not having a refrigerator and let us go. But the last and most memorable eating event occured on Tuesday. We rushed uptown around 11:30, desperate to squeeze in a trip to one of the best sushi restaurants in Manhattan before leaving for the airport at 1:30. We get there right after they open for lunch, feeling underdressed and a little sweaty. The menu is sparse, there are no helpful explanations or pictures of different types of sushi. Willl is afraid that at any moment the chef might come crashing out of the kitchen and accuse me of insulting his skills as a sushi master because I am dipping my eel roll in soy sauce. But it is by far the best sushi that Will has ever had, so the stress was worth it. AND, I got to use one of those crazy fancy toilets. If you have not experienced the $5000 toilet with multiple buttons, heated seat, sprayers and driers, I recommend you find one ASAP. Incredibly entertaining. But don't worry, we didn't just eat. We walked ourselves silly getting to all of these restaurants. And we spent time lounging in Central Park, walking by the river in Battery Park, and visiting the World Trade Center site. It was fantastic. I'd go every year if I could.
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Chick Problem
I Corinthians 4-7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Nowhere in there does it say anything about flowers, candles, gifts, grand romantic guestures, or waxing eloquent. My husband loves me in ways that I can't describe. And ways that the Lord already put on paper for me in the above verse. Yet I find myself yearning for what the world defines as love. Silly me.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Angry Baby
Monday, September 15, 2008
Television
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Work on the House
Thursday, September 4, 2008
She-she poo-poo
Thursday, August 21, 2008
My Awesome Husband
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cards
I must say the highlight for me though was the many rounds of cards. We taught my little sis Kellie to play Crap and Spades. Very fun, even though she consistently beat us at Crap. I can't tell you how many fond memories I have of sitting around a table playing cards with my family. A summer Sunday afternoon, after eating lunch together and swimming in the pool. Vacations at the beach in the dead of winter (you can only swim in the indoor pool for so long). Random, lazy evenings. One memory stands out the most in my mind. My parents took my best friend and I to the movies. I pitched a fit about something. I was far too old for such behavior, and I'm sure I was acting like a total brat. My dad yelled at me. For those of you who don't know, my dad is NOT a shouter. For all I know, I may have even warped this memory a little. He probably just used a really firm voice. Either way, I decided to sulk. As soon as we got home I stormed off to my room (best friend in tow) and shut my door. It wasn't long before my soft-hearted dad was knocking at the door. All he said was, "You wanna play some cards?" And that was all it took. I couldn't be mad at him. I'm sure I subconsciously knew I deserved whatever he said. And there was no way I was going to turn down the chance to play Spades. So take note. If we're ever together and I'm sulking, just get out a deck of cards.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Poop
Monday, July 21, 2008
I'm a pregnant cry-baby
You might laugh at me for crying during this, but remember, it's the fetus' fault.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Nothing Much
Monday, July 14, 2008
Diaper Debate
Monday, June 16, 2008
My Architect
Is that not the cutest little boy ever? He's participating in his latest favorite activity...building. Mostly he's content to build quietly, constructing castles, garages, and rockets, but occasionally, he wants a building companion. As you can see, this fine structure is a garage (since there is a pickup truck parked inside). It is I who insists on making them look like castles, with columns and triangles perched on top. I had done just that when Owen decided he didn't like my triangle or the fact that I put a ramp on the other side, so he removed them. It is usually when he starts removing my additions that I decide to quietly bow out of the building process, so I slunk away to the couch to read my book. He immediately stops building and says in the sweetest voice ever, "Mommy, build with me." As I pick up book to read, I calmly explain that it's not much fun to play if he always takes apart the parts that I build. Then I hear, "See, isn't that nice?" I look up to find my triangle back on top, the ramp in place, and my little boy smiling the most endearing smile. How can you resist after that? So back on the floor I went.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What about dining out, any way to get paid for that?
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Can You Get Paid to Watch Movies?
Monday, May 26, 2008
I Love My Neighborhood
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sobbing
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Gas
http://www.slate.com/id/2191491/?GT1=38001
I thought it was a pretty refreshing way to look at the situation.
Kayaking
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Risotto Rocks
Friday, May 16, 2008
A Little Bit of Knowledge
"In appearance crane flies seem long and gangly, with very long legs, and a long slender abdomen. The wings are often held out when at rest, making the large halteres (balancers) easily visible. Unlike mosquitos crane flies are weak and poor fliers with a tendency to "wobble" in unpredictable patterns during flight, and they can be caught without much effort. However, it is very easy to accidentally break off their delicate legs when catching them, even without direct contact. This may help them to evade the birds who pursue them as prey."
So be kind to our long-legged friends. They don't bite or suck your blood. If you see a mosquito however, be sure to kill it. Even if it's on your two year old son's head, and whacking it will make him cry.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Potty Training Addendum
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Can't we all just wear diapers?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Confession
Monday, May 5, 2008
Know Your Trains
Good Times
Saturday, April 26, 2008
ARMs rock
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Fridge
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Life as Usual
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Well, I'm not dead
New Hampshire, the magic kingdom
But New Hampshire isn't like that. In March, they say it's gonna snow, and it snows. They say it's gonna be sunny, and it snows a little, and then the sun comes out. It's like extended Christmas. Where else in the world can Owen build an imaginary girlfriend to make out with? (I'm sure that picture wasn't posed) Where else can people hurdle themselves down a mountain with one or two boards strapped to their feet for at least 5 months out of the year? Sure, there are a lot of places like that...and their awesome.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
God's Provision
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Life or Death
Don't Take The Girl
Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin', when he was eight years old. A little girl came through the front gate holdin' a fishing pole. His dad looked down and smiled, said we can't leave her behind. Son, I know you don't want her to go, but someday you'll change your mind. And Johnny said, take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo. Take anybody that you want as long as she don't go. Take any boy in the world. Daddy, please don't take the girl.
Same old boy, same sweet girl, ten years down the road. He held her tight and kissed her lips in front of the picture show. Stranger came and pulled a gun, grabbed her by the arm, said if you do what I tell you to, there won't be any harm. And Johnny said, take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards. Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me. Here's the key to my car. Mister, give it a whirl. But please don't take the girl.
Same old boy, same sweet girl, five years down the road. There's going to be a little one, and she says it's time to go. Doctor says the baby's fine, but you'll have to leave. 'Cause his momma's fading fast, and Johnny hit his knees, and there he prayed, Take the very breath you gave me. Take the heart from my chest. I'll gladly take her place if you'll let me make this my last request. Take me out of this world. God, please don't take the girl.
Johnny's daddy was taking him fishin', when he was eight years old.
I'm not going to tell you who's on which side, no bias allowed. Does the girl die? No pressure, just know that one of us is going to be mad at you.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Questionable Ethics
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pork Fat
Friday, February 15, 2008
Cookies with Sprinkles
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Valentine
1. His sense of humor
2. The way he plays with our son
3. His laugh--when he's really laughing
4. The fact that he knows the words to nearly every song
5. He's fun to hang out with
6. He really cares about his work
7. He's a thinker
8. He loves Jesus
9. He's my handyman
10. His honesty
11. He's a wonderful travel companion
12. The way he says hello and goodbye
13. He's not materialistic
14. He's a great lover
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tagging
"You have corn of your own growing; I have to buy every grain. Do what I will, I must spend three roubles every week for bread alone. I come home and find the bread all used up, and I have to fork out another rouble and a half."
This is from Walk in the Light and Twenty-three Tales by Leo Tolstoy. Not sure what these sentences are all about...I'm only on page 87. But probably some ridiculously poor Russian dude who is about to be jailed unjustly, cheated out of his rightful earnings, or left by his wife, only to find true meaning in it all through his relationship with God. I'm on tale #3 and that seems to be the pattern so far. If you are wondering why I'm reading heavy Russian fiction in my spare time, I blame the Tab book club. If you are as in love with reading as I am, I suggest you take on a book club yourself. Incredibly rewarding. If, however, you are more like my husband, I'd just recommend that you try picking up a book, say, every four years or so.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
We are the body of Christ
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Counting Blueberries
Friday, February 1, 2008
It's cold, you better dry your hair!
I really haven't spent a lot of time pondering all of this. On the other hand, I have noticed that I've been seeing a lot more sick people lately. Not just numbers wise, but more severe illness as well. That is great for my numbers. The higher-ups are counting. But I can't help but realize that winter is bad for the old or sickly. I'm happy to help grandma feel a little bit better when a cold is ailing her, but I hate telling a family that grandma is going to the ICU and at best will likely never be the same. The worst part of my job is the moment right after telling bad news.
So be sure to spend a little time with loved ones, even if it's inside, where all the germs are. And if your loved ones are outside and it's a little chilly, feel free to forego drying your hair.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Settlers of Catan
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Trucks
Owen has this book called My First Truck Book. He loves it. Wants to read it every stinking day. He can point out tankers, back hoes, car carriers, etc. Well you can imagine his excitement when we woke up to the sound of a major truck in our neighbor's yard two days ago. We open the curtains and there behold a crane! It's like Christmas all over again.