SOS

Match Day Results...

2010-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

We're Going Home!!!!

.....That's the news in a nutshell. Stay tuned for the backstory. For now, my eyes are burning from the incessant scanning of Craigslist.

Blender Set To Puree

2010-03-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

I just painted my toenails this funky gold orange color. They look cute and bright staring at me like I'm window shopping and they are the desired goods. I'll take them all. And as long as we're pretending, I'll go ahead and pay full price.

Yup. This is what I'm doing... painting my toes, driving my car to the gym, to the grocery store, to the gas station to clean the festival of bird dookie off my car, waiting for my soup to finish heating up, waiting out tornado warnings (right now as a matter of fact), waiting for the wedding to get here, and waiting, waiting, waiting, for Match Day.

*Cue Hitchcock soundtrack*

Dear SOSers, if you're like me and are waiting on your Match as well, I want to grab your hand so hard you'd think you're my Labor and Delivery Nurse. The last few months I've tried my best to stay preoccupied as we wait until this coming week, and let's just say IT'S BEEN REAL. And forgive me for keeping away from my writings. It's been tough to write recently. When I'm talking to you dear readers the anxiety looms ominously over me like the gray skies above me now. It's impossible for the topic not to pop up incessantly in my head like those freaky little chipmunks in that arcade game I find so pointless. Except in keeping with the metaphor, I'd forgo that measly rubber mallet and go all Caddyshack on their creepy plastic tails.

In the meantime, wedding plans are in full swing (78 days!) and Gannon is keeping busy in his Medicine Sub-I. I don't know what's worse: having your Medicine Sub-I at the end of you're 4th year or the limbo of Match itself. Here's what I do know: Enduring both at the same time leeches the life out of you like a dehydrator turns once luscious, Skittle-colored fruits and vegetables to driftwood-colored cardboard remnants. It sucks.

But - like a champ - he endures. And then he assures me that having a dehydrator on our registry list is a REALLY good idea. So it's possible we'll be that couple showing up at your potluck party with astronaut food.

MOVING ON.

We've had good stuff to keep us occupied these last couple months also... lots of it having to do with some high calorie intake courtesy of good cheese, outstanding crepes, fruity risotto, and Lebanese food. (All just GREAT for the bride-to-be body, I swear.) It's the latter food selection I'd like to expound upon at this time... and I'll save the other items for their own well-deserved posts.

So SOSer Rachael and her hubby, Nick (a great future Opthamologist), are reputed as some downright stellar chefs, and they've indulged us on many an occasion. (Stay tuned for the crepe post. It's oh so much more than crepes.) Knowing Gannon and I are both half-Lebanese, they've lately inquired about our Lebanese food repertoire and we decided it was high time to give them a spread that would make our Sittos proud.

It was the day of our Lebanese dinner and knowing Gannon wouldn't have time to help me make everything I started by making hummus that morning. Now my homemade hummus is (amazingly awesome) super thick, therefore making it a force to be reckoned with facing even the industrial-strength VitaMix my parents have at home. But since I'm not at my parents, I my options are one really crappy blender, and one really REALLY crappy blender. Tahini, garlic, and garbanzos in hand, I tentatively approached the singularly crappy blender like a lioness circling her prey. I will conquer you, Crappy Blender! You and your sticky buttons and motor fit for a desk fan!

Ingredients in, I blend tentatively and genially in hopes the motor won't burn out and leave me with chunky garbanzo vomit. Adding lemon juice, dashes of olive oil, stirring with the prowess of someone who has mastered the hummus and the machine. No dying motor, not even a hint of burning rubber. Finally, the time has come for that last step to smooth consistency and perfect hummus. Puree.

I slap on the button and it kicks into gear like the Little Engine That Could. Well it could. And it did. It pureed it's little heart out. It pureed so much that the thickness of the hummus plus the momentum of the blade actually BEGAN UNSCREWING THE PITCHER FROM ITSELF. Before I knew it, the glass pitcher with all my hummus in it began spinning on it's axis at warp speed Linda Blair-style. POSSESSED! POSSESSED! SAVE THE HUMMUS!

My killer instincts told me to grab the handle and take the pitcher off the blender... but unfortunately forgot to mention that the pitcher was completely unscrewed and and my perfect appetizer was now oozing out the bottom of the glass onto the counter making sure to get between all the already-sticky buttons on the way down. I didn't have garbanzo vomit. I had garbanzo diarrhea.

*Sigh*

After a moment to regain composure. I lifted my head high, salvaged the hummus clinging to the walls of the pitcher, and began again. Though the process was somewhat tumultuous, I now have a decent story to tell of overcoming the blender battle. Plus, the final product turned out fantastic.

Making hummus. That's another thing I'm doing to try and keep my mind off Match. And you can too. Just follow the recipe below. Still, if you're like me, for the next few days my stomach will feel a whole lot like that blender set to puree. But when it's all over, my wish for you is that you're served a plate that you truly enjoy.

HUMMUS

1 Tbsp Coarse Salt
8 Clove Garlic
3 Cans Garbanzo beans
1/3 C Tahini
2 Lemons
1/4 C Olive Oil
1 Tsp Cumin

Peel and chop garlic into bits. Blend garlic with half of your olive oil (1/8 C), salt (1/2 Tbsp), and lemon juice (1 lemon).
Add 1 can of garbanzo beans with its liquid. (Do not drain beans.) Blend well.
Gradually add up to half of your tahini. Blend more.
Drain the keep the liquid from the other two cans of garbanzo beans. As you blend, add more of the drained beans and the rest of your lemon juice and olive oil.
Add the rest of your tahini. (The rest of the liquid from the canned beans should be used only if your blender is having a rough time of it.)
Add last bit of salt and all of your cumin.
Taste...
Taste again...
Maybe add some more lemon? More garlic? Cumin? Knock yourself out!
When you serve, garnish with olive oil drizzle and a flourish of paprika.
ENJOY!

Serves 6 people at a dinner party with plenty for leftovers.

Note: Ideally, I recommend you use a food processor for this hummus motherlode. But if it must be a blender, avoid PBS (Possessed Blender Syndrome) by making sure your blender is screwed in TIGHT!

SOS Quote of the Day

2010-01-12T20:02:00.001-08:00

"Happiness is best when shared."

~ SOS Superstar, Meredith B. via Facebook status

Best comment of the day following her update: "so is wine!"

*Cheers #1 to both statements. Apparently, Trader Joe's picked up on the perfect pairing and chose to sell this smiley Project Happniess Wine. So brilliant are our California winemakers. Has anyone gulped happiness in the form of this California Syrah or Chardonnay?

*Cheers #2 to that label! Happy is right on the bottle! Rumor has it, that label is repurposable. Now you can stick happy all over your house. :)

*Cheers #3 to what makes me even happier.... pricetag of $5.99. Boom. Just one reason why I mandate living within a 5-mile radius of TJ's when we move to our residency program.

.....I believe this calls for a THREE CHEERS!

If you can't share wine and happiness (or both, courtesy of Project Happiness Wine) with your one and only tonight, remember you're never too far from an SO who's looking for a buddy just like your sensational self. Share it with someone tonight... They, and we, are better together!

::flikr

Nigella for a Day

2010-01-10T12:47:00.002-08:00

Tasting: Part 1

One of the last hurrahs of 2009 was Gannon and my wedding food+cake tasting. When it comes to planning the wedding, Gannon's not too picky. He's confident I won't make our marital flower the cactus or register for Laura Ashley bedding. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) But if he was not in attendance for our food tasting - in the words of his TV crush, Tina Fay - Dealbreaker.

So praise the MS 4 gods that 1) Gannon had a couple weeks off from his Geriatrics rotation for the holidays and 2) that our Catering Manager allowed the tasting to occur on Dec 30th, really the only day during the end of the year vortex that could be set aside exclusively for choosing the food that we will delicately feed each other from golden flatware come our wedding day. Ha, yeah, and Ray Charles will hiatus from his current gig in the afterlife to serenade us with a melodious rendition of "I Got A Woman."

To my understanding, we'll be lucky if we get to eat any of our carefully selected hors d'oeurves, salads, and entrees during the reception, much less have them hit our tongues during the scarfing process. Apparently, there's actual socializing to be done and this takes precedence over sharing dainty spoonfulls. It's probably for the best, since this reduces the probability that I'll end up with remnants of basil sauce or wilted organic spinach on my dress and in my teeth. Good thing champagne travels well.

Still, this most remarkable of days was high on the list of once-in-a-lifetime experiences as we had the opportunity to perform such elitist acts as turning up our noses at an Orange Blossom Vinaigrette or shunning a artfully mastered carrot and morel risotto if we were so inclined. As we commenced the food festivities, I was thiiiiis close to busting out an English accent because obviously any criticisms are significantly more credible if it sounds like they're rolling from the tongue of Dame Judy Dench.

Yet, as we both expected, Gannon and I could criticize neither in Shakespearean meter or plain ol' Engligh colloquial as not a speck of this food was nothing short of OH MY GOODNESS HAVE I EXPERIENCED THE SECOND COMING OF GOD BECAUSE THIS IS AMAZING. It pretty much was all that and a bag of Terra Chips.

The salad above it not the one of the selections we chose, but it did have the Orange Blossom Vinaigrette - and it was simply delightful. For the record, I recommend always having Orange Blossom water in your fridge for a graceful hint of citrus without getting orange peel under your nails. Also for the record... if you "accidentally" took home your 3D glasses after seeing Avatar, leave them out of arms reach while looking at this photo. That breadstick could do some real retinal damage.

Just a Blur

2010-01-06T16:54:00.000-08:00

This photo pretty much sums up what 2009 felt like for me. Thanks to my brother for taking it, and I thank him also for being born on January 1st, 1989 so his 21st birthday party coincides beautifully with my last New Year's as a single lady. (Read: My last New Year's before marrying a doctor and never knowing if my New Year's will be at our new home somewhere out there or in the on-call room waiting for my husband's return from surgerizing a still-drunk 42-year-old who almost blew his arm off trying to show his kid how to use a firework.)

My, what a New Year's Eve to remember. My whole family - Mom, Dad, Dr. Big Sis, Bro-In-Law, Brother, and *YES* even Gannon - was there. Oh, and Cali, our inexplicably adorable, sometimes spastic, pooch. It was the first time ever that has happened on New Year's Eve, and one of the rare occasions it's happened, EVER.

Regardless of the 3-day-long celebration held to commemorate my brother's turning of legal drinking age (you may recall, the Barracks take every opportunity to throw a party), the fact that the wave of 2010 is already crashing ashore still boggles my mind.

It's been a year of ups, downs, and more ups. Many of those ups are those once-in-a-lifetime occurrences that have now passed to make way for the even more uppity ups of 2010. My closest girlfriends from Santa Clara (Go Broncos!) and I email each other highlights once every month or so... and now, if I could invite into our inner sanctum, here's a few of my highlights from 2009.

I quit my high paying job that I despised,
was blessed with the most wonderful fiancee (and most beautiful ring!),
immediately began planning our wedding,
began flexing my writing muscles again and loved it,
actually started getting paid to flex those muscles,
began SOS!!!
was my big sister's Maid-of-Honor,
gained an awesome brother-in-law,
narrowed our residency options (ensuring we won't be in East St. Dakota),
booked our Honeymoon,
got a most marvelous penpal in SE Asia,
was gifted a red KitchenAid Mixer (ahem, below),
and smooched my fiancee on NYE at midnight!

All in all... a good year. How did your year stack up?

:*D

2009-12-29T11:06:00.001-08:00

Need I say more?

Wishes that your Christmas was just as magical!

How were your SOS holidays?? Tell me! Tell me!

Season's Joy

2009-12-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

...or, as they say at my house ~ Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of your SOSers and your dearest ones a joyful holiday season full of

peace, love, and gingerbread to last all year.

My thoughts are with those loved ones who are tending to our hospitals on Christmas,

and with those who are missing them. Our hearts are with you.

We, and your patients, are so thankful.

I can't express how grateful I am for all of your support this year,

and for the support you give each other every day!

(*Secular holiday greeting taken from Costco wrapping paper.)

Contact Sugar High

2009-12-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Before Rachael, a veritable Martha Stewart with ringlets, took off with her optho-researcher hubby, Nick, to snowy Pennsylvania (through a BLIZZARD, I might add... seriously they are hardcore to the max and you can't get much more hard core than that), she hosted a marvelous Holiday Cookie Party that not only left me with a pleasant sugar high but also hooked me into the Christmas season faster than you can say "Charge it." And nothing says Christmas more than maxxing our your AMEX.

Caitlin's Seven Layer Bars

These treats were simply to die for. Trying one of these bad boys was probably not the best idea, though. Caitlin mentioned that they're called Seven Layer Bars because they use seven main ingredients... but really I think that they're so sinfully good you may just dip into the seventh layer of hell after you eat one. (It's worth it. Trust me.)

Rachael's Cream Cheese Christmas Trees

Leave it to Rachael to:

1) hold such our seasonal sugary shindig the day of her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!),

2) actually make cookies herself in addition to supplying a lovely backdrop to our holiday soiree, and

3) making the simply charming egg-free delights above with the help of a batter squirting apparatus that formed the cookies into little trees.

THAT, my friends, is Christmas magic.

Andrea's Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones

I, on the other hand, made some Peppermint Scones from a box. Well, a bag actually. Recently, my Mom and Dad took a day trip to the delightfully charming town of Julian where they picked up some legendary Julian Apple Pies and a bag of Sticky Fingers Peppermint Chocolate Chip Scones. She passed them onto me to take back to Miami and help get into the Christmas spirit using my favorite festive activity: baking.

Is adding water to a scrumptious powdery mix before tossing them in the oven really baking? Maybe not. Can you feel the love in the gently sifted powdered sugar on top? Perhaps. But did cooking seasonal scones to share at Rachael's Holiday Cookie Party make me feel all warm and fuzzy with Christmas cheer? You bet your Santa boots!

*If anyone would like the recipes for the cookies above, or the recipe for a duo of delicacies provided by the amazing SO, Neha - Ginger Carrot Cookies and Peppermint Brownies - let me know! As part of the cookie exchange, the brilliant Rachael suggested we all bring our holiday cookie recipes to share with the other SOs**. Good thing, cause I'm thinking those Seven Layer Bars may have to be a monthly occurrence! To the seventh layer of hell I go! Wheeeee.....!

**And to answer your question, No, I did not bring a recipe that said "Add water to Sticky Fingers Peppermint Chocolate Chip Mix, roll into balls, and bake at 375." I distributed this fantastic peppermint scone recipe courtesy of The Good Neighbor. Enjoy!

For a Chilly SOS Night In

2009-12-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

Tell me, tell me you have played this highly entertaining game of Apples to Apples. Gannon and I break out this laugh factory at practically every gathering with 3 or more people. (For the record, I think 4-5 folks are an ideal group number.) Picking up this box o' word wonder is as easy as hitting your local Target (which, of course, at this time of year is only "easy" if you don't have to hijack a sled to get there).

Apples to Apples is far from your typical board game, as there's really no other board game or card game to which I can compare it. So to learn the game, you'll just have to play. It's one of those games where instead of trying to explain the rules people say, "We'll just play and you'll understand as we go." (Which, by the way, totally annoys me because I usually end up holding about half the deck when I should only have 7 cards, or breaking under the four and a half thousand cubic pounds of pressure when it comes time for my turn and, thus, needing to excuse myself because no, of course I'm not crying because I feel more stupid than a parakeet trying to work a Rubix Cube, I just have to remove a speck of nothingness from my EYE!)

It is, however, similar to many other board games in that it's exponentially more fun when a splash of citrus infused vodka is involved. Luckily, our dear friend, Mer, is wise to this fact and supplied a carafe of said martini-ready bevvie as a birthday gift for Gannon (sharing vodka, of course) for any random glamorous game night of Apples to Apples joy.

Hark! The Peanuts...

2009-12-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

When I'm away from my family around Christmastime - and living where I need SPF 50 to walk to the grocery store IN DECEMBER, while other normal parts of the world are getting snow days and frolicking in powder softness while making snow angels and snow men and getting into snowball fights and then sipping on hot cocoa while chestnuts roast on an open fire - it's easy to forgo the whole "getting into the spirit" of the holidays. And no, "Jingle Bells" at Walgreen's does not do it for me. Especially because they started playing that music before Halloween and it was just wretched. Nothing screams Happy Holidays like a screaming bowl of Milky Way minis.

So you cannot even begin to understand my joy when - while at home by my lonesome, with my SO busy with research and my roomie in the Northeast on interviews - "A Charlie Brown Christmas" came on last night. My festive holiday potential energy came unleashed. I started feeling a smidge homesick as it's not unusual for my pre-med bro and Dr. Big Sis - in our infinite silliness - to randomly break out into the Peanut's Christmas pageant dance and break out in hysterical laughter as we, in fact, end up looking like defective cheerleaders with a habit.

When Linus (my favorite Peanut, I'll have you know) made his annual Christmas shpiel, I simply took pause and listened to his "tidings of good news and great joy". But I couldn't help but drift off into the land of wonder... does his mother regularly wash that blue blanket? Cause it must get pretty nasty draggin' on the ground all day. And in "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The College Years" will a spectacled 20-year-old nerdy adorable Linus traipse home from Middlebury College with that tattered blue blanket dragging on (or near, as I assume Peanuts grow post-puberty) the ground? And will his voice sound increasingly more trumpet-like?

In any case, it wasn't until the tender scene above that I could help but shed a tear or two. I won't go into the details as I may short out my keyboard from emotional overflow, but I will admit that the Peanut Christmas Love melted my heart faster than a popsicle on my front porch. (In DECEMBER.)

If you've never seen this precious Christmas TV Special, I beg you to do so... especially if you're far from home and searching for those little joys that make the holidays a little more magical.

Be Big Today

2009-12-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Whatever that means to you.

Pumpkin Pie Pride

2009-12-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Happy December SOSers! I hope you all had fabulous Thanksgivings... anything to report? Any super fantastic menu items you'd like to share with your fellow SOS members? I, for one, had a glorious time making some pumpkin pies from scratch - including homemade crust! (additional crust got cookie-cut into festive edible leaves covered in cinnamon and sugar!) - and, might I say, they got quite a delightful reception. I think I earned my KitchenAid Mixer!

Here's a couple hints to make your own pumpkin pie. (For the record, I know Thanksgiving is over, but seriously, when is pumpkin pie not the answer to any of life's problems?!??)

Crust:

Take practically any recipe for pumpkin pie crust online; where they say to use butter, use Crisco, and where they say to use ice water, use cold 2% milk. Other thank that you should be good. Oh, and once you make the transfer to the pie plate (which, by the way, does NOT need to be coated in Pam), punch the base of the crust with a fork in five different spots. This li'l trick helps each pie slice release more easily from the pan. Fun Fact!

Filling:

Take the recipe from your good ol' can of Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie. Follow that recipe... BUT! With the spices, also add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg. Oh, it makes all the difference. And then you're beating your eggs, just beat the heck outta them - like on the highest setting your fancy KitchenAid Mixer will beat - until their really bubbly and fluffy. Yes, just like that... makes all the difference. Lastly, add an extra half can of evaporated milk. Oh. It makes all the difference.

I'd like to add that, no, this insight did not come to me in a dream from the Angel of Nom or any Sugar Plum Fairies. I do, however, have my Mama to thank for passing onto me all her years of experience in pumpkin pie and crust baking!

It's

easy

pumpkin

pie

Thanks Givers

2009-11-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

Today I wish you all the peace and joy of Thanksgiving. I hope you can spend it with your loved ones - whomever and wherever they may be.

What are you SOSers doing for Turkey Day?!?? I hope a food coma is involved.

Let's remember all those people - especially our amazing SOSers - who cannot be with their families today. Many cannot even be with their husbands, wives, or significant other - the people they are most thankful for. Take my dear friend, Meredith, for example. Here's her recent facebook status...

Meredith Is thankful that her husband is saving lives right now. He is truely a remarkable person.

Yesterday at 6:25pm via Facebook for iPhone · Comment ·

You like this.

Yes, that I like. The tough part, though, is that this is yet another Thanksgiving away from home for her and, Dr. B., her surgeon husband... but Mer always has the best attitude at these times. What I also gathered from Facebook is that this gorgeous southern belle has conjured up some homemade cookies and cranberry sauce for festivities tonight with local friends and her hubby (whenever he gets home). Three Cheers for this SOS lovely! Have a beautiful Miami Thanksgiving, Mer!

More Three Cheers for my wonderful friend, Rachael, and an amazing Sigma Omega SOSer, Caitlin (who's been without her externing and interviewing hubby for many of the past months!), who have orchestrated their own Thanksgiving with their husbands in Miami since they also cannot be with their families this year. Maybe we can get a rundown of their imminently delectable evening goodies :)

As for me, I'm back in San Diego for a sunny turkey day, and Gannon was able to rearrange his ER schedule (his current rotation) to make it home to his parents also.

I did make some pumpkin pies this year. From scratch. By myself. EVEN THE CRUST. Before I know if they're worthy of a photo here, I want to make sure they're actually taste ok. We will find out tonight at - *gulp* - Grandma's house. I'm a little nervous. Pies at Grandmas = BIG DEAL. Like, a bigger deal than the white-gloved Up with People performance during the parade. Maybe... maybe... a bigger deal than the SpongeBob balloon. Maybe. It was risky, I know. Stay tuned to see if I've earned that KitchenAid Mixer I'm jonesing for.

I Am So, Very Thankful for my family for their undying love and support, Gannon for loving me so much he actually asked me to marry him (!!!!), my friends all over the world, and all the blessings of this past year... especially my spectacular SOS family!

Gold Star

2009-11-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Gannon has been especially deserving of a gold star lately.

This one is for him.

What he should keep doing:

Demonstrating his near perfect manual dexterity with his new video game.

Making unbelievably scrumptious and savory steak marinades.

Working unbelievably hard to be an extraordinary surgeon.

Being awesome.*

What he should start doing:

Put his gold star where he can see it all the time.

***

If your SO deserves a gold star, tell them!

Everyone loves a gold star!

*Courtesy of Jenn

:::pic

Vroom Vroom

2009-11-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Gannon's birfday, and though he spent the majority of it improving his already stellar manual dexterity (aka. playing video games), I did make him his favorite breakfast and he opened a couple gifts. In the gifty above (from me) was a racecar alarm clock to help him wake up on those very early mornings with one of his favorite sounds - a revving engine.

Yeah... just chew on that for a second.

It wasn't until after Hammacher and Schlemmer sent me the product that I though maybe I should have chosen an alarm clock a little better considering, you know, soon enough it could also be my alarm. This means, of course, that I'll likely wake up thinking I've sleepwalked onto a racetrack or perhaps NASCAR is happening in our East Saint Dakota (or wherever we match) living room. Upon further inspection I realize the new race car alarm clock does NOT have a setting for "cruise control in the dewey rainforest", so we'll see how long it lasts before a mysterious disappearance.

I also made Gannon a li'l (alright, quite hefty, actually) ice cream cake that our friends helped us scarf down after a monster of a BBQ. See cake below: layer of mint choc chip, layer of double chocolate, and then many more layers of mint choc chip covered in Cool Hwip and Mike 'n' Ikes.

Those colorful yummies just happen to be Gannon's favorite sweet (other than me, naturally).

Why I Miss San Diego

2009-11-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I am back in Miami now - until the week of Thanksgiving at least - and thus finished possibly the last extended stay until I move home before the wedding. With the big day just under 7 months away (and match just over 5), my parents and I are starting to settle in to the idea that the hourglass trickling towards empty before I become a resident's wifey.

Our time was glorious, and I captured one of my particularly favorite evenings with this snapshot from our patio dining table at George's Ocean Terrace overlooking La Jolla Cove. This outstanding eatery is always a spectacular dining experience, and the fresh, innovative menu never fails to tantalize my taste buds to their fullest. Not only was the food as delectable as usual, but sharing the beautiful Southern California evening with my Mom and Dad made this evening a memory for the ages.

Cheers to Mom for ordering her al fresco fave, the Lemon Drop. And no, I doubt they have views like this in East Saint Dakota (or wherever we match).

Sugar Rush

2009-11-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

The cake slices that once were on that plate were purely delectable. There was a chocolate mousse, pumpkin chocolate, mint chocolate, lemon chiffon, berries and cream, and about 10 other scrumptious morsels. That plate there is the aftermath of the cake tasting my Mom and I had while trying to choose Gannon and my wedding cake baker. The before and after of the cake eating experience was in short, bizarre. The kind of bizarre where you ask yourself "Did that just happen?" about a dozen times a day for the next week.

Actually, I don't think I've told anyone outside my family and Gannon about the encounter at the cake shop. It was the kind of bizarre, it turned out, that happens when you realize the person to whom you are speaking and from whom you are considering purchasing your wedding cake used to be a gun-wielding, trench coat wearing, cap-popping, undercover drug buster.

Yes sir, before his days of pastel fondant and cake flavors named “Bridal Chiffon”, our cake baker earned a reputation as one of the most, let’s say, “effective”, undercover narcotics officers in his day. And we heard all about his days working coke recon over the Americas among twenty pastel-clad, foo foo wedding cakes with sugary seashells and roses. I don't know if it was the sugar rush from the 16 cakes we tasted or his tales of talking his way of narrowly escaping death when his wire went dead, but I was so gripped I was physically shaking.

All the while, I'm thinking, I'm here to taste my potential wedding cake and you're telling be about all the "evil" in which you partook during three of the druggies decades in history? WHO DOES THAT?!??

Still, Kinda hard to segway to the question of fondant vs. buttercream.

That's Doctor to You

2009-11-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Don't mind the dog food and bed on the ground in this photo. The important part is my 100% authentic surgeon's Halloween costume. (And my brother's flip flop tan.)

Ok, so I didn't go big on Halloween this year, but I did see some Miami med school friends in San Diego while they were visiting on a nephrology (in normal people terms, "kidney") conference, and it was fun to prance around in a surgeon's outfit for a day. While I was parading as a surgeon, a couple of my med school friends (and lovebirds, by the way) went as Bacon & Eggs. Bacon & Eggs! Like the meal, their costumes were just yummy.

The irony here being that out of all my friends, and my brother, and my fiancee, I'm the only one who doesn't deserve to ever wear scrubs... and look at me wearing them! Woo Hoo! In Yo Face! I suddenly want to significantly decrease the readability of my handwriting.

One item I do need to pass along to you dear readers. Before I met up with the med students, I opened the door for one, just one, group of trick or treaters. All costumed in my SURGEON'S garb, I greeted some - let's say, older than normal - kids. Maybe 11 or 12 years old. The problem here is not that the kids were on the oldish end of the candy soliciting spectrum, but when I opened the door, this kid yell, "OH LOOK! SHE'S A NURSE!"

Holy gender stereotypes Batman!! What the WHAT?!?? If you think it's at all ok to look at a woman in surgeon scrubs and call her a nurse, well then just be prepared to have your pillowcase of Resse's Peanut Butter Cups all over my front lawn.

Plumpykins

2009-10-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

I carved him all by myself.

Happy Halloween!

May I Present

2009-10-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Apple Pancake Masterpiece from The Original Pancake House.

I nom nom nommed on this glorious concoction of granny smiths,

Sinkiang cinnamon, sugar, and butter on Halloween morning.

Just another way I'm embracing fall.

The Inner Sanctum

2009-10-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Gannon was on call on the last day of his USC externship, but was superhuman enough to leave straight from his 30-hour shift to head to San Diego (via train) in time for our marriage preparation meeting at 1:00pm. To be honest, I felt forewarned that he could either slip into one of those coma dazes from lack of sleep or perhaps take advantage of the possibly that he could be declared legally insane. People, I swear to you, he hardly even blinked during the entire hour! *Tear* So proud...

To reward his awesomeness (and cause we do this every time he comes over), we put together a slam bang bbq turkey dinner with all the fixin's. After his nap, we settled into our dining room - the backdrop for our finest dinners and some of my best memories from every happy family occasion for the past 23 years - to a meal for the ages. This isn't the best photo, but it shows how I set the table with the plates I shopped home from my trip to Italy, the wine glasses my parents got on their wedding, our tall-backed chairs, and splash of our backyard. Consider yourself in the inner sanctum.

Oh Snap! (Dragon)

2009-10-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

One of the yippee skippee wedding decisions made in San Diego was the choosing of the bridesmaid dresses. My problem solving mama found what I thought was unfindable (Word? Yes.) She found The Color.

I wasn't too picky about the dress style - just something simple and elegant - but picking the right color was the seeming impossibility. I have been looking for a bright palate, and hoping for a orangish-reddish-coral... and after internet search after internet search followed by trying on waaaay to many ugly orange bridesmaid dresses in itty bitty dressing rooms while listening to Christian Rock and Andrea Bocelli, my mom nailed it.

The Color is: Snapdragon.

In honor of the big decision, my Mom had about two dozen snapdragons planted in our front yard. The color is so dazzling I can't really explain it in words, so until we have wedding photos to show I'll leave you with this snapdragon snapshot to get an idea of their orange, fuschia, and gold glory.

To Market, To Market

2009-10-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

A week before Halloween, I tripped over to Hillcrest for what is likely the best Farmer's Market in San Diego. I got the idea from happy lady who suggested some hard-to-find thai cakes; plus, Giselle, my sister almost for real-real, is currently in Thailand, so I sought out the edibles to get a taste of her street snacks.

Sadly, the thai treats were just sold out, but I did score some squash and these beauties. I have no idea what these sunflower hybrids are called, but aren't they stunning?

PS. I couldn't help but snap a photo of this li'l elmo at the market. It was still a week before Halloween, and so freakishly hot that day, but I'm sure his parents couldn't have ripped that fur off him for all the lollipops in the world. Don't we all remember that feeling of having a costume you wish was a second skin?

Post-Summer Harvest Festival

2009-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

If you've ever shared a meal with me, a glass of wine, or even a taxi on the way to a meal orglass of wine, you probably discovered that I'm a summer girl. No stranger to tan-induced peeling or sand in the Blackberry, I'm a solar powered beach lover. Thus, the autumn, curtailing my beloved summer, has always been my least favorite of the seasons. This autumn, though, I've been trying to embrace it - to fall in love with the fall.

Since Gannon is afar, still running the halls at his externship at USC and completely unavailable for a lovely date of apple picking or warm spiced cider drinking, I needed to take matters into my own hands. To aid in my autumnal hug, San Diego offered the Del Mar Harvest Festival, an even at the legendary Del Mar Racetrack that showcased over 200 vendors and their wares. I spent an entire Friday checking out the local harvest - including everything from fudge, to unique jewelry, clothing, breads with meaty chunks of garlic, custom candles and soaps, garden parafernalia (yes, I mean gnomes), flavored olive oils, vinegars, rubs, dips, soups, and sauces.

One word: SAMPLES. I went a little nuts. Oh! They also had nuts! I think I had to brush for three straight days to get the toffee almonds out of my molars. Mmmmm, it was worth it.

Impressed by most all the items displayed (does anyone really buy puff painted pullovers?), my favorite booth was that of Mr. Richard Curtner, the artist who produced the pictured piece. His textual collage pieces are remarkable efforts of time, precision, and raw artistic skill. A crafty collage-maker myself (ask any person who received a homemade gift from me since the age of 11), I especially appreciated the hours of minute details infused in each piece. Thankfully, I was able to meet him and discuss some of his works; thank you for your patience with all my 30 minutes of questions, Richard, but you know, maybe I wouldn't be so annoying if your stuff wasn't so awesome!

He did remark that I noticed elements of the collages that no one else had - like he name dropped in one particular piece that I was oogling. And for that I believe I deserve a gold star. Or perhaps a freebie?!?? Yeah he didn't fall for that one, but I couldn't leave that little 10x10 square booth empty handed. I did cheat a little (harvest fest was supposed to be Christmas shopping ONLY) and picked up one piece, even more stunning than the one above - though if I could have bought two, that summer scene would have also left with me - to go in Gannon and my home. If you want to see it you'll have to come visit us in East Saint Dakota. Or wherever we match. In ten years, I'm hoping we have one on every room.

Siblings (one pending)

2009-10-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

One particularly spectacular weekend in LA with the family (including Cali, our vehicle-friendly family dog), Gannon miraculously was able to join us for, not one, but TWO complete meals! Sidenote: If you've ever met my family, you'll know they are the kind of people who are fun to share a meal with... and that basically, our family time consists of mealtime, what to do between mealtime, and is it time to start dinner yet? In any case, we had so much fun with my parents, my bro (who gets credit for getting us all together because the main reason we found ourselves in LA was for his Parent's Weekend at UCLA), my Dr. Big Sis and new broham-in-law, and of course, the 4th year medical extern who probably sent in a body double or bribed someone in order to get some time off to see my family.

Meal #1 consisted of a steak dinner at the incomparable, Lawry's in Beverly Hills (You know that seasoning salt with the logo that looks like a snail? Yeah, they have meat.) and Meal #2 the following morning was brunch at the Brentwood Cheesecake Factory. Of course, we were still full from the slabs of beef the night before, so we just ordered three appetizers before our meals as opposed to seven. Once that performance of calorie consumption concluded, we rolled ourselves out the door a la violet Violet, Willy Wonka's naughty blueberry girl. (Clearly, we completely missed the point of that tale of anti-indulgence.)

After the magnificent munch fest, my parents road tripped back home with the car and Cali, and I decided to stick around for some beach vball at the Santa Monica Pier with Gannon and the siblings. Because we are just so fun and totally not competitive like that. Between volleys, our best man, Jon, was kind enough to snap a photo. Gannon was kind enough to wet willie my 20-year-old brother.

Gannon's parents lent me their guest room for the evening so I could take advantage of some continued fiancee QT, and, uh, shamelessly corner Gannon for some registry work. The next day, since Gannon was off to USC at 4:30am, his pops was kind enough to take me to the good ol' Fullerton train station for an hour and a half I always love - the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. At least half of this train trek is abandoned school bus yards and industrial landfills waiting to happen, once you reach San Clemente, all you get is this.

Thank you to Sunset magazine for their outstanding article on gardening, farming, and urban homesteading. Gannon probably doesn't know this, but I'm hoping to be the crazy garden lady of East Saint Dakota, or wherever we end up after match. Tendrils and chile peppers and everything. Have I told you about my wall of herbs?!?? I will be that wife of the doctor who is the wacky herb lady!

The Burning

2009-10-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Remember how Gannon just took the USMLE Step 2 CS exam last week?

...That test where he had to work with those desperate actors and guess their fake diseases?

No one illustrates the desperate actor/fake patient better than the incomparable Kramer.

Third Wheel

2009-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

The last few days I've been lucky enough to get lots of happy wedding errands done with my Mom and even the newlywed, my Dr. Big Sis, who was able to sneak away from LA and join the wedding fun. My Mom has helped me be so productive in this regard, I swear, by the time I get back to Miami I'll be itching to get my hands on anything satin, snapdragon, or printed in thermography.

Meanwhile, back in reality, Gannon has been working his tail off at his USC externship, and wringing every ounce he can from the experience. This weekend, he expected shorter days than usual (i.e. the equivalent of a normal person's work day) and only had to go in for morning rounds on Columbus Day. Thinking the weekend would be a nice opportunity to spend some time with my honey and his parents at their home in LA, I decided to carpool back up north with my sis and hang out for a couple days.

Of course, as is the case if he's on externships, rotations, post call, or on vacation in Bora Bora, there's always work to be done. In this case, he's studying for his Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) exam that's coming up this week.

Recognize this guy??

This is the study guide for Step 2 CS, and what Gannon is studying at this very moment. For those of you SOSers who have not been exposed to Step 2 CS, it's the section of USMLE where about a dozen professional patients (read: desperate commercial actors) test the med student - aka. your sweetie - on interpersonal doctoring skills during fake medical exams.

They can fake cry because they can't pay their fake bills, fake get angry because they had to fake wait in the fake waiting room, fake want to consult their fake swami because Advil is not part of their fake detox program. And the med students need to be able to handle it all. Seems easy, but after flipping through the book, there's a lot to remember - from remembering to introduce yourself to warning the patient that you're going to stick a cold metal thing in their ear.

SO... there's a story here, I assure you... Sunday night, Gannon invited me out for our first fancy date in months, and even kept the location as a surprise (I love a surprise!!) - - - and guess who came along? Good ol' USMLE Step 2 CS Study Guide. Now, it's not like Gannon wanted to sit with USMLE at the table and chat about the Dodgers sweeping St. Louis, but still, the book was to be our third wheel during the ride to this mysterious dining experience. And my job was to help Gannon review the appropriate questions to ask patients the possible upcoming patient encounters.

So here I am, wearing my big girl makeup, a cute black halter top, jeans worthy of LA after happy hour, with my skinny gold bracelets chiming together like the wings of a dozen golden hummingbirds... and our pre-dinner conversation in the car goes something like, "Did you vomit? Did you throw up? What color was the vomit? Did you see and blood in it?" (Later: "Have you noticed any change in the color of your urine?" and "What does your stool look like?")

I figured you all would appreciate that.

In any case, Gannon soon took pity on me around HWY 10, and I was rewarded with an epic dinner at Hollywood's uber swanky Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Blvd.

"Baby! What are you doing?!??" I asked as we pulled up to the $15 valet (with validation).

"Living beyond my means," was his response.

That's good to do sometimes.

(I love him.)

Reliving the Magic

2009-10-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Goodness me, it's been a crazy week. One full of new music, tests of will by Mother Nature, and writing so much I should set aside a savings account purely for medical bills to heal my imminent carpal tunnel.

For starters, you can find all of my articles covering Austin City Limits posted online at Rumbum. In the department of set reviews, I covered Andrew Bird (my editor's favorite), Dead Weather (Jack White's new supergroup), Arctic Monkeys, Dave Matthews Band, and Dan Auerbach. Plus, you can read my features on my new favorite bands, ACL's festival food, Austin's green efforts, and my journal from Day #3, "Sunday Muddy Sunday", the exhausting/glorious finale to the weekend.

Speaking of Day #3, here's me in the tech bungalow around 11pm Sunday night, starting my journal right after the shows ended so I can meet my 10am deadline...

Here's the photo I'll whip out when anyone ever insinuates that my freelance writing career puts me on a glam level of Carrie Bradshaw. Please note the baggy eyes, borrowed non-Mac laptop, mouse-hole sized bungalow (covered in mud and thousands of wires running the floor, which you cannot see) and that lovely tape coming off the wall.

The morning after this photo was taken (thanks, boss), I find I'm wildly immuno-compromised. A week later, I'm still *hack* recovering from a *hack* nasty bronchial situation wherein *hack* I practically *hack* cough up a lung *hack* every two and a half breaths. *hack*

So thank heavens that flem fest is on its way out... it's all part of the recovery process from the Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend. At the end of the day, it was an adventure with great bands, lots of fun, lots of rain, and lots and lots and lots of mud.

Let me introduce these feet. Well, actually, the ones on the bottom of the photo belong to yours truly. The dainty tootsies coming from right field belong to my new friend Laura.

About a sixteenth of a second after I met this lovely lady from West Virginia (we were ankle deep in the muck at the time, and she helped me weave through the cranky, damp crowd to get a good view of Dave Matthews before he took the stage) I knew she was my kinda people. Our kinda people. She's got a sassy twang (Mer! I told her all about you!), humor to knock your socks off, and a heart that is as sweet as it is warm.

Did I mention she's also a significant other?! Please and Thank You!

Once we met, it didn't take us 15 minutes to discover that not only are we both are engaged to guys in the medical field (her future-hubby is a family med resident), but WE ARE GETTING MARRIED ON THE SAME DAY!

It was truly height of serendipity that out of the 65,000 people at Austin City Limits on Friday, I ended up standing next to, not only such a fabulous SO, but one walking down the aisle on May 29th! (Yeah, we got along.)

Plus, as far as I can tell, Laura is the only SO representing out of Michigan! They could use some of her southern charm ;)

Welcome, Laura!!

Guess Where I Am....??!???

2009-10-01T21:16:00.001-07:00

I love calling my parents and playing the "Guess Where I Am...?!??" Game. I pause as they take a deep breath to pray I'm not in Istambul or on some dilapidated psychedelic school bus headed to Burning Man. I actually have been sporting around the great state of California for the last couple weeks, and am now in a location I've actually frequented before (Hint: But only via their BBQ sauce and electric guitar adorned airport.)

First. An Update.

Fabulous SOSers... it has been an eternity. Things have been happening, I promise you. Good things. Things I will divulge in due time. I know I have you madly salivating to know these good things. To satiate some of your drooling, here's a briefing...

My honey finished his externship at UC Davis and just started month #2: Bring it USC!
Visited with my honey and our dear friends in Sacramento! See facebook for their adorableness... really, I welcome you to return to this post later just to make sure you actually see their cuteness. The dogs. The sushi. The river. The Cosmos!
WEDDING STUFF (won't bore you with the details... SILK! SATIN! ECRU! THERMOGRAPHY! ORCHIDS!)
Medieval Shenanagins... yeah, we'll get to that.
Writing! Rumbum! Lots of it!

Now for the answer to my little riddle...

Current Location: AUSTIN!

Haha, I know, right? What the hooey am I doing in Austin? Well, Rumbum is covering the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year, and they decided to add some adventure to their weekend by throwing me into the mix! Over the last few years, it's quickly risen to be one of the Top 5 music festivals in the county. Considering this is the first music festival I've ever covered... well I'm thrilled they took a chance on this little writer.

(Note: Skip this part if you really like Dave Matthews, Flogging Molly, The Dead Weather, Andrew Bird, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon, Thievery Corp, Toadies, Grizzly Bear, or anyone else on ACL's lineup... cause I get to see them. Actually, I'm getting paid to see them. I'm feeling pretty good about this, so I'm guessing there's a catch. I'll probably be lured to a trap door and get enlisted to jury duty for life.)

Click here if you have any desire to follow our weekend in Austin. I'm even tweeting! Which is something I've never done before! Well, I'm kind of tweeting... I'm actually sending frequent update text messages to our programmer and he adds them to the right hand panel on that link that I just gave you. But they're calling it tweeting so I am too!

THOUGHTS?!??

2009-09-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

Was anyone else thinking, "What's with all the laughing?"

Sigma Omegas! I know you had a premiere event in Miami courtesy of the marvelous Caitlin and *tear* I could not attend...

Let's hear about your viewing event! I'm hoping wine was involved, and perhaps even one or two of your SO docs?

(But only as long as they don't try to narrate or solve the case - a la House. Just watch the show already!!)

{for this and other photos from the premiere, click here}

WARNING!

2009-09-15T19:51:00.001-07:00

I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THE TEMPTATION I AM ABOUT TO SUBJECT UPON YOUR RAVENOUS SOULS.

Remember the Grey's Anatomy season finale? That gut wrenching finale where we all hovered around the TV with eyes glued to the screen and watched with hearts racing and gasped collectively and didn't try hard enough to fight back tears and then called each other post-tears to say "OMG did you watch Grey's I just cried so hard!!!!!"

I think I can speak for us all when I say that we have been lusting after our Grey's season premiere more than Miranda from Sex and the City goes for those saucy boxy olive colored business suits. And thanks to the one and only Perez Hilton - with whom I have a love/hate-but-must-read-his-blog relationship - I learned that ABC has offered us the proverbial Apple of Temptation: THE FIRST MINUTES OF THE GREY'S ANATOMY SEASON PREMIERE.

...

I'll just give you a sec to let that sink in.

...

OK. This is one of those "Do I do it?!?? Do I not do it?!?? But I really want to! But I shouldn't! But I REALLY REALLY want to. UGH. But then what happens when I wish I hadn't? I can't take it back!! I CAN'T UNSEE IT!!" things.

So did I watch it? Let me just say that with my lack of self control comes some traits that I don't necessarily appreciate. (Did you hear that, SELF? That I don't necessarily appreciate these traits? SELF, you should do something about that. Like, stat, maybe.) For example, I can't resist a dessert that's within eye sight and/or arm's reach. I am guilty of surreptitiously digging for clues to figure out birthday gifts (and NO babe, I'm not talking about that awesome and totally unexpected Dave Matthews concert you took me to for my 23rd birthday that I was totally 100% surprised about). And I do things like watch sneak previews before they air.

Yes. I watched it. SELF is weak. SELF is satiated. Well, slightly satiated. Well, actually, I just want more! Need the rest of the 2hr premiere NOW! Thursday Thursday Thursday!!!

If you dare to give in to your insatiable Grey's desires.... click HERE!!!

A Mindful Friday

2009-09-11T12:38:00.001-07:00

With greeting of a Happy Friday, friends, I also send an image of remembrance...

The light of remembrance for the Twin Towers

twinkles with raindrops in NYC

Any residents at NY's Mount Sinai School of Medicine? Or any med students looking to match in that direction? One Dr. Jacqueline Moline directs a program there called the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment program. You can read an interview here to learn more about how the responders (including medical personnel, firefighters, rescue workers, etc) suffer these several years later with cancers, gastro and respiratory problems from the explosive residue. Of course, PTSD occurs in even greater numbers. All those who suffered - and still do - are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Let's be thankful today for our safety and hope for peace in our world!!

A Song Well-Suited

2009-09-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

It took seven-and-a-half years of searching, but Gannon and I finally found our song.

We have a few classics... "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, "Storybook Love" from the timeless piece, The Princess Bride, and a couple others that don't immediately come to mind as falling in those ranks, but probably do and Gannon will remind me of my memory slack later. And YES, I did call The Princess Bride, a "timeless piece", not "movie" or "flick" because to me, that's just as crucial to the history of the universe as Edison, the wheel, and that Italian guy who created pizza (then again, that Italian guy could have even gotten that pizza shape idea from the wheel, so I guess we can count him out, and replace him with the guy - or actually, probably girl - who created hummus). Oh, and probably Da Vinci.

When we first got engaged, I was hoping to have our first dance to "Storybook Love", but I knew Gannon wasn't really on board. See, the song's words are beautiful, but it's sung by a member of the band, Dire Straits (yeah, I hadn't heard of them either), and his voice is pretty deep so Gannon used to sing it in this really low, funny, mostly mocking voice - like Grover from Sesame Street if maybe he was on acid.

So we have good, laughable memories of that song, but Gannon still wasn't feeling it. And I mean, just because it was the theme song for the timeless piece that included such gems as "No more rhyming and I mean it! ....Anybody want a peanut?", "As you wish", "mawwage" (see Labels at the bottom of the post), ROUSs, Magic Max, and of course, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You kill my father. Prepare to DIE," doesn't mean we necessarily have to dance to it. (By the way, be grateful I curtailed the Princess Bride references there... you know I could type write off the screen if you get me started on that... oh wait one more! can't stop! "You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha---" OK Done.)

In any case, I kept trying to ease him into the idea of dancing to a slightly less Grover-on-acid version of "Storybook Love" for our first song until about a week ago. We were both about to go our separate ways for a month - he to NorCal for externships and I to SoCal for wedding planning - and we decided to take some QT in front of the TV between his weekend work schedule. Since Gannon loves chillaxing to 30 Rock and Scrubs - and we'd already exhausted all the 30 Rock episodes on Hulu - we settled for the couple remaining Scrubs episodes on Hulu, which, much to my surprise, happened to be the last couple episodes that feature Zach Braff. Did anyone else know he was at the end of his Scrubs rope?!?? In my opinion, the last Scrubs episode with Zach Braff should ABSOLUTELY be the last episode of Scrubs. PERIOD. But that's neither here nor there for this post. Zach (or JD, Dr. Dorian, Bambi, or my favorite, Vanilla Bear - to Turk's Chocolate Bear) did treat the last episode like a series finale of sorts... as he exited the hospital for the last time, he walked down this "hall of memories" of sorts and passed all the memorable characters of the show.

Obviously, it was about that time, I had to lean into Gannon and try to control my quivering chin. I'm really a sucker for those disgustingly heartwarming montages, and they were even playing an acoustic "I'm No Superman" in the background (and no, that's not our song).

BUT THEN. He gets to the end of the hall....

And this happened.

It was like, Game Over.

First of all, I was bawling. Gannon's got a mighty emotional arm around me. The song ends. He's wiping my tears.

I try to get a hold of myself and then hit the computer. We've hardly said a word to each other at this point, but I think we already know. We find the song online... play it again... and again... and again... Gannon looks up the history of the song. Sings it while it plays. I would, but I can't, cause I'm still crying. Not the emotional wreck crying, but happy "Isn't this wonderful!" crying. It touches my heart that Gannon is so into this, too. And how suitable that we found the song on a Scrubs* episode?? I do think it suits us to a tee.

After a some quick words, and lots more hugs, we decide it's the one.

*To prove to any you doubters of The Princess Bride's prestige, apparently (and I'm out of my mind that I haven't seen this yet, I just read

about it) Scrubs episode 711 is an Andre the Giant-sized homage to aforementioned timeless piece. I'm on a quest to find it starting... NOW.

How Tired WAS He?

2009-09-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

What happens after a 16hr day on Ortho Peds...

While trying to work on your ERAS application...

at 10PM.

Mid-chat ZZZ's captured via Skype.

A Boatload of Fun

2009-09-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm under the impression that the difficulty of posting comments on my blog

rivals that of finding a clutch at a Coach clearance for under $100... for this I am extremely bummed. However! I am thrilled that those who are frustrated to the point of hand writhing and teeth grinding (don't do it friends, it's not healthy) actually make like a driver on every other street in downtown Miami and -> DETOUR. Except instead of one-ways and black holes, they mostly find themselves at my Facebook page.

To Kelly and Jill, whom I recently introduced to you SOSers, and to my future sister-in-law, Giselle, and her best (and my dear) friend, Melissa - 9.9 million points and many thanks for diverting your funny, thoughtful, and sweet-as-cupcake-frosting thoughts to me through Fb :) I'll have to give an even 10 million points to Rachael, Lexi, Caitlin, Laura, my Dr. Big Sis, and my bro montana (his name is actually Frank, not Montana, for those of you who made the same mistake as Gerry, aka. Gunner) who have actually entered the maze of commenting and came out the other side victorious! Maybe you can share your magic touch with the others?? Hmmm... that didn't come out quite like I had intended, but you get the general idea.

Moving on....

If you recall, in this post I wasn't sure if I got Jill's profession correct and asked her to rectify any mistakes. Sure enough, Jill (and, by the way, this girl is so cute as a button it takes every ounce of self control to NOT call to her JillyBean - a title I think she feels is more suitable for a chubby three-and-a-half-year-old or a pekingese) did bravely navigate the net to my fb page to let me know her correct job title. Her post was just so honest and hilarious I cannot keep it to myself...

"Andrea - how do I post to your blog? I'm a tad techno-communication challenged. I still get palpitations at the thought of a blackberry, Facebook was brand new to me in 2009, after much reluctance but knowing that pictures of my absolutely cutest and most adorable niece and Goddaughter in the whole wide world were going to be most readily available (born 1/9/09), I conceded to the darkside....anyway - here's my blog post: - I'm a research genetic counselor.... study genetic causes of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. here: www.fdc.to - its a boatload of fun."

...Still lolling about the "boatload of fun" part! Now I don't know about you, but her job title itself - Research Genetic Counselor - sends my brain wheels a-whirling. The genetic researcher part I basically get, but a counselor for genes? Do they need a good talking to?

To assist in the sweat inducing comprehension of Jill's nine-to-fiver (and because this Journalism Major can't even begin to explain the depth of Jill's field) I think you should just check out the link she sent that can better explain the Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy Project. Fear not. It's not just a big science word mosh pit. Even I can (mostly) understand the great work of Jill and the FDC Project. Check out her impressive bio, too!

You know, sometimes during those "off-work/on-wine" hours we're able to spend decompressing and relaxing with our SOS comrades, we can easily get so caught up discussing topics surrounding our SOS commonalities - our guys' Boards schedule, post-call napping, the splendid meal we conjured up for their sleep-deprived selves, and other interminglings of their physician lives - that we may lose sight of viewing these women as independent and incredible people on their own. The spectrum of their complex fabulosity spans lightyears beyond what the term Significant Other can indicate. This small journey was a great reminder of that. So if it's OK with all of you, I think it might be nice to highlight some of the accomplishments of our SOs. Since they are all truly amazing, that makes my job at the keyboard very easy.

Thanks for kicking us off, Jill... YOU'RE a boatload of fun!

:::photo by danthedoc

Do You Know What Time It Is?!

2009-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

(together now...) "It's Externship Time!"

Today is Gannon's first day at his orthopaedic externship at UC Davis in California. Thus, here I am in California as well - though I'm hanging my hat at the house where I grew up in San Diego. And that means lots of parental and canine TLC to help me through the fiancee-missing process.

Our pooped out pup, Cali, in our backyard

Gannon's staying with some very dear friends of ours who went to undergrad with Gannon at UC Davis, John & Leslie Garcia - some of the most awesome, fun and generous people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. We send them a world of thanks for their hospitality... They have offered him their guestroom, a sweet set of wheels, food, fun, friendship, and the cuddly companionship of their two awesome dogs.

Gannon is in heaven.

Oh and then there's the externship part - the month-long audition showcasing clinical and surgical skills in hope he can secure a spot there for residency. Break a leg, baby!

It's not just Gannon who's performing abroad. A bunch of our friends from Miami have scattered the country: Jenn, my fabulous friend and roomie, was in NYC last month and Baltimore this month for Emergency Medicine; my buddy, Gerry, is right here at UC San Diego, lounging at his beachside abode just itching to hit Stone Brewery during his off hours; our friend Braden will be in San Diego next month; Alexis has flown the coop to NY; etc, etc, etc...

I wish all of you on externships the absolute best of luck. And for those SOs with traveling externs out there - hang in there! And that sentiment goes out to no one more than the wonderful Sigma Omega, Caitlin.

Check out her recent facebook status to see what Caitlin's up against right now:

Caitlin 64 days of singleness. Day 1: hasn't sunk in yet. Pool party later as a diversion :)

Sat at 9:33am Comment Like

So first I'm thinking, "Unlike! Unliiiiiiiiiiiiike!!"

Later, though, I find out that her hubby is in Dallas at UTSW for a month and then beelines to UW in Seattle for another month. "I give myself a pat on the back for being a supportive wife :) ," she says. "I'm gonna need my Significant Others!" Three Cheers to Caitlin for having the right idea... not to mention a Super Outstanding SO attitude!

I do declare - that calls for an SO squared!! Wait... and since she is also a Sigma Omega... yet another SO to the third power!

YAY Caitlin!

Wishing safe travels and thoroughly fantastic experiences to all the externs out there!!

Is it Weird....

2009-08-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

...that I know to expect these oddities at Austin International?

I'm way too familiar with this layover stop for my liking.

A Crafty G'bye

2009-08-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I met a new blog, the glorious and crafty Joyful Weddings & Events. If you like entertaining, parties, DIY projects, or downright adorableness (which SOSer doesn't?!?) - just do yourself a favor and take a look at this site. I should also mention, you'll need about four and a half hours to spare and a cozy spot in that sweet little soul of yours for a new, mostly healthy, addiction.

In any case, one look at this blog and you'll understand why I've had the entertaining bug ever since. For my fix, I decided to throw a little soiree... a peace offering of sorts for the girls I'm leaving in Miami when I'm in San Diego for the next two months. Which, in Miami time, could feel like the break in seasons between 30 Rock. In other words: FOR-EV-ER.

In preparing for this party - aka. a festive preemptive apology of sorts for the devastation caused by the lack of my presence* (which, might I mention coincidentally coincides with a possibly brutal hurricane season... I know, it's like I planned it that way!) - I did the following:

Checked out Courtney's Joyful blog
Channeled some Martha (Stewart, not Graham... though I wish I could do both... AT THE SAME TIME. "And take a look at this human being. This gorgeous dancer doubles as a marvelous high backed chair perfect for any living space. It's a GOOD THING.")
Ran to the grocery store for construction paper, Bloody Mary mix, and party food (cut fruit, frozen pizza, pita chips, those pastry wrapped party weenies... you know, the works)
Decided to substitute a cheap Elmer's glue stick for the crafts as opposed to the industrial strength glue gun... seriously, the Chinese could use that as an economical welding method for all those Beijing skyscrapers.
Vetoed the purchase of a Cricut even though the voices in my head tell me it's the best idea I've had since I didn't drink Tequila that one Friday.

So. After a quick workout Wednesday AM (oh, did I mention I decided to throw the party on a Wednesday night? Like mid work-week? Not the best decision for anyone who's fully employed or expects a turnout the size of which rivals Miami's White Party) I got to work. Look out here's another list:

Cutting, pasting, and stringing a banner flag reading "Lovely Ladies"
Creating the paper poppy you see in the photo (Martha Stewart template you can find here)
Wrapping plastic utensils in floral napkins and construction paper ring napkin holders
Adorning holding vessels vases for utensil packets (old peanut can covered in floral napkin, and the cut out letters "eat"), toothpicks (green stripe with raffia bow), and vases (simple frosted white card stock)
Snipping some large leaves and palm fronds in a totally legal way from non-private property so I could pair them with glass vases and candles on the coffee table... simple, low-cost centerpiece people!! And TOTALLY legal.
Making hummus - always heavy on the garlic (Oh I'm sorry, can you smell my breath from here? Is it offending you because I'm not sorry, my hummus ROCKS.)
Heating up frozen pizza and cutting it into cute bite sized squares
And of course, mixing a heaping portion of Bloody Marys

Did I mention I was only expecting five people?

Did I also mention that a couple hours before the party two of them had to drop out?? And yes, the girls that couldn't make it just happened to be the only med students who originally RSVP'd yes. And just like that it was down to three.

This sort of change of plans should not surprise me anymore. It has nothing to do with the girls - they don't have flaky personalities - but it does have everything to do with the fact that they decided to be responsible med students... a decision, I admit, I thought completely bogus at the time. ("Booooooo responsibility! Booooo!!!")

Though I was clearly bummed - I wanted to share a revelrous evening with them before I headed west and, granted, show off some crafty cuteness in the process - I should know by now that a change in plans such as this comes with the territory for med students especially. So the key, as we have learned, is to adapt. And here's where the SOs shine again.

When you're an SO, I find that most of your friends are med students, residents, doctors, or other SOs; of course, it was the SOs that came through Wednesday night. These girls are amazing. It was a true SOS affair. We had an intimate party of me + three SOSers: Meredith (surgical assistant at Soluna MedSpa; married to general surgery resident), Kelly (a PhD in Cellular Microbiology; married to radiology resident), and Jill (Cardiology clinical lab researcher - Jill let me know if that's correct!; long time dating radiology resident), and I cheersed our Bloody Marys high in the air. And we made sure to drink one extra for the fallen soldiers back with their books. They would have wanted it that way.

You may wonder, "Andrea, Why go to all the trouble of going to such an effort for a party that would have been just as fun as eating delivery pizza and/or wine out of the box?" You know, the crafty preparation was just as much for myself as it was for my guests. It felt great to get creative, and now I even have decorations for my "I'm Back Miami!" party in November :)

Things may not always go as you envision, but your attitude - and your friends - are truly what will bring you out on top.

A huge THANK YOU to Mer for the delicious cupcakes; to Kelly (Dr. Kelly!) for the magnificent deviled eggs, introducing me to the concept of pickles in Bloody Marys, and the ride to the airport; and to Jill for her out-of-this-world spring rolls with, like, 7 kinds of dipping sauce! Jill - we may have to post that recipe before too long!!

*This is a joke. I'm not a megalomaniac, and I'm certain no devastation to any degree will occur. But at the offchance it does, Zinfandel helps.

The Other

2009-08-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Incubus

After reading my post a few days ago where I casually beg someone to hang out with my on the morning of my birthday (Thank You again to Rachael for accompanying me to News Cafe for a delightful morning of chowing, shopping, and chatting!), I figured it would be a good idea to reveal what I've been working on in addition to laundry, wedding stuff, and eating. You know, the other thing.

I write for money. Shocking, I know. I'm pretty good as some have told me. And yes. People actually pay me to do it. I write for a company called Rumbum and I enjoy doing so.

Don't be jealous. There's plenty of words for everyone.

My favorite articles to research and write are profiles and restaurant reviews (obviously necessitating LOTS of research... can you tell eating is a consistent theme here?), but I also dabble in music reviews and pro stock motorcycle drag racing.

See for yourself.

Wish You Were Here :: review of Incubus Concert (b*day gift from Gannon!)
You're Not Worthy :: dive into Stone Brewery
Of Music and Motors :: profile of a drag racer
Award Winning Grub and Grog :: perusal of Pizza Port
Work Hard Play Hard :: profile of world champion wakeboarder
No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem :: a look at Micky's Hermosa Beach
Marshmallow Mayhem Comes to San Diego :: July 4th recap
Rumbum Racers bring the Thunder to NorCal :: race report

Those are just a few of the dozens of posts I've written for Rumbum... if you beg me to see more, I'll consider keeping you in the loop ;)

Birthday Face!

2009-08-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....

::fffffound

Happiness Is

2009-08-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

...riding my bike on freshly inflated tires

...a long stretch after a hard workout

...few bites of ice cream

...hummus wraps

...and Rachael saying she'll be my birthday buddy on Friday morning!

Bueller.... Bueller.....

2009-08-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

August is my favorite month. It's the peak of summer, the weather is always perfect and sunny, on a calender it gets the best picture (in my opinion, as least - my calender right now captures Venetian gondolas parked of Piazza San Marco on a drizzly dusk... which just happens to be one of my fondest memories of Italy), and my most favorite reason: it's full of birthdays in my family. My Mom's, my Dad's, and Mine. Even though his birthday is in November, Gannon also calls August his favorite month because that's when my birthday lands, which I think is sweet - but pushing it a little as far as believability.

My birthday happens to be this Friday, August 14 and I will be 26 years old. A lowbrow year in comparison to my 25th birthday, which may I just say kicked butt as far as birthdays go. My brother and sister came out to South Beach from Cali for an epic weekend extravaganza and lots of great friends joined me at the Shore Club for my 25th Birthday Silver Party. Epic, actually is an understatement. I mean, I wore this silver dress covered in sequins, went to a hot club with fabulous friends, and holy monkey you should have seen the size of my cake. (Wow, I apologize for just sounding like I belong on that horrific program "My Sweet - and completely inappropriate for such a spoiled brat who will never be satisfied with anything in life unless it's delivered to her in a 2011 Bentley laden with pure platinum - 16". But seriously, it was SWEET.)

Anyways, with my sis just getting married and my bro having way more of a life that I do - they're staying on their side of America this year. And can I please reinforce that fact that though I will miss them, I completely understand and do not love them any less because they're staying in California for trivial reasons like, oh I don't know - a new husband or an exceptional job. That's a joke. But if you don't send a gift, well lets just say you should expect a swarm of locusts heading in your general direction.

Aaaaaaaaaanyways, of course Gannon is on call Thursday, and thus, will be post-call on Friday. Meaning that he'll get off earlier than usual (which was a sweet reason for him to keep his call on Thursday) I have no idea when he'll get off of work and when he does I won't blame him for wanting to sleep until dinnertime. Let's be clear though, that just cause I won't blame him for wanting to doesn't mean I'll let him. It's my birthday and we'll start our registry if I want to.

So. As I am semi-funemployed,* I have a free morning on Friday to spend with me, myself, and I. That is, of course, unless someone else equally free Friday AM would like to join me for perhaps some breakfast at News Cafe** and some beach time.

Anyone......... Anyone........... ?

*Wait, what's that you say? "Semi- funemployed"? Like, you're not totally jobless and simply think about your wedding and what to write on this blog all day? You actually have a job that pays you? Well, YES, as a matter of fact I do. And I'll tell you more about it after I switch out my laundry, make some muffins, clean my room, watch Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channel, and go to the gym... It's a busy day, OK!?!

**Why does the News Cafe website play the Wedding March?

Take A Moment

2009-08-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

TO FOLLOW:

Here's a post for all you S.O.S. readers who have not yet decided to follow or don't know how to follow my blog. By becoming a Follower of my blog, dear reader, you don't incur any spam emails or annoying flyers under your windshield asking for money. (I make no money from this thing. I promise you. Though I will occasionally insist you buy me wine.) However, I do gain the satisfaction of knowing that people actually read these S.O.S. ruminations of mine and I feel encouraged to keep doing what I'm doing. And everyone out there who isn't following and just reading... Well, you're what we call a lurker. But I guess you can keep reading if you want to.

So just click "Follow". Everyone's doing it. You know you want to. It's that button right above all the cute pictures of my extremely intelligent current followers. For the solid 12 of you (well, 11 - minus me), you just earned yourself five million superpoints.

TO COMMENT:

Next order of business: the (even more appreciated) Comment. This feat, folks, is very easy and makes a big difference to the site and everyone who reads it. And writes it.

When you comment on a post 1) I get feedback on my content and know how better to serve you, dear reader, and 2) it opens the forum to the rest of you SOSers to discuss amongst yourselves. I am here talk to you, yes... but to also learn from you about your life as a significant other of a medical student, doctor, or whatever (you know I don't discriminate). But I do ask you to speak up! A couple of you have and I am entirely grateful. The point of this site is to learn from one another.

Lord knows, I shouldn't be doing all the talking.

Sincerely Yours,

The Chick at the Keyboard

...Now see where it says "O Comments" right below this post??? Click there and go for it!

I believe in you.

An S.O.S. DON'T

2009-08-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

DON'T report to your 4th year fiancee who just got off a 30hr, no-sleep call rotation on Ortho Trauma that maybe you're feeling unmotivated because you've been SLEEPING TOO MUCH.

Studies show this stupidity could lead to excessive amounts of eye rolling, laughter, and sarcasm.

When My Family Makes Me Feel Less Crazy...

2009-08-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm back SOSers!! ...Yes I have missed you, too!

I returned earlier this week to the sticky, arduous tropical Miami Beach heat that leaves my clothes on perma-damp due to the approximate 182% humidity and my incessant horse-like sweating. YUM. Plus, pedaling on my beach cruiser isn't so whimsical when the "they-grow-em-big-in-Miami"-sized insects stick to my skin like flypaper as I whiz by. More YUM for those of foreign to you Miami suck-your-will-to-live summers. You're welcome.

So anyways, back in Miami it's been a little bit of a letdown for this MoH after the completion all the wedding festivities. I'm very happy to be back though, and especially happy to be near Gannon again. But, it's like I'm still reeling from all these joyous, once-in-lifetime family memories that began over six weeks ago with the bridal showers, culminated in my sister's wedding, and (because we know how to keep the party going) we even had a "Welcome Home From Your Hawaiian Honeymoon" party for the newlywed SOS couple and then oh wait what's this oh hi you've just hit the wall of OVER.

So the other night, Gannon was out of work early enough for dinner. Of course, this means we were saying grace around 9:30pm, but regardless I was excited to try out a new recipe for a turkey spinach burger. (Sidenote: It was really good, I swear. He ate the whole thing and didn't even mention how it looked like a blob of recycled paper pulp mixed with seaweed.)

In any case, my dear Gannon, who had just finished an 18 hour shift on Ortho Trauma noticed and caringly mentioned that I was not acting myself. I didn't even realize it, but he was right - I wasn't my usual Tigger-ific self and I'd felt sluggish. So sluggish, in fact, I didn't feel like GOING TO THE BEACH (from which I live about four blocks away and routinely frequent in order to recharge my superpowers). I didn't even feel like writing. I couldn't imagine anything that was wrong, though, so I told him I was fine, was really happy, and had a great day. And though I couldn't put my finger on it, something was bringing me down. It wasn't until Gannon - the person who I swear knows me better than I know myself - said that maybe I was a little depressed or homesick after the end of the celebrations. Maybe he's right, I thought. How could he be, though? I'm SO HAPPY about everything and can't stop talking about all the incredible memories and how gorgeous the wedding was and how simply adorable the newlyweds are. But. It wasn't until around the middle of that turkey spinach enigma of taste that the floodgates started to bend and sure enough my lower lip started quivering so much it must have resembled The Little Match Girl.

BAM. I am bawling like a total crazy person.

Thank goodness for three things. First of all, thank goodness that Gannon talked with me through my case of the weepies and understood me and continues to make sure that I'm alright. Which I am. And it sure helped that during dinner that night he even turned on some music with some spectacularly evocative violin to help me cry. Oh my love, you are wonderful.

Secondly, thank goodness for my Dr. Big Sis. The day after my teary episode she called me on her way to the Crate and Barrel near my old and her new LA stomping grounds (her new stomping grounds being near the Whole Foods where the Afflecks shop - I KNOW! They are SO normal!). During our splendid sister chat she happened to mention that the last couple days these curious waterworks have been appearing, like, more than a few times as well. EUREKA! ME TOO! I thought... and even though I didn't just get married and move out of the house I grew up in, I am feeling a little less crazy by now.

Lastly, thank goodness for my Mama. My Dr. Big Sis let me know in our phone convo that my Mom and Dad had planned to have a lovely breakfast and walk at a favorite spot in La Jolla in expectation of this, eh... so-called post-festivity letdown. (A million points you two for that stroke of insightful brilliance!) So I called my Mom, well, just cause I missed her and was thinking about her. And sure enough. On the day after my sister officially moved out - the same day that my sister and I found ourselves crying into our loins - there, overlooking La Jolla Cove, my Mom, too, had a moment of tears. Proof that even at these joyful life milestones - full of bittersweet changes and pivotal endings of eras - a few tears must fall.

And another welcome sign that I am not so crazy after all.

Thanks Mom and Sis for our great conversations and memories, and yes, for making me feel not so crazy.

I love you.

A Tremendous Effort

2009-08-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

It should be mentioned that my handsome SO made a tremendous effort to be at my sister's wedding in San Diego a couple weeks ago. His cross country travel time actually lasted longer than the his time in San Diego AND he had left Miami immediately after completing his first 36hr call!

Like the stellar gentleman he is, Gannon was still chipper as a chipmunk for the entire glorious occasion, danced the night away with the happiest MoH ever, visited with my giddy friends and family, and even wanted to visit with my parents and brother for the post-game report after all the guests had retreated to their homes.

My Dad made special mention of him during a speech where he thanked all the guests who came from near and far to celebrate the nuptials of my Dr. Big Sis. Gannon - who my Dad (while employing the save-the-best-for-last method) naturally saved to thank last - greatly appreciated it and expressed to all who inquired about his insane travel schedule that he wouldn't have missed my sister's wedding for anything... post-call or not.

Yes. I WILL marry him.

In Case You Were Wondering...

2009-07-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

Magical. Simply Magical.

S.O. Nuptials on the Horizon!

2009-07-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

..............................................

Darlings, I have been absent a bit... but it's for a good cause I promise you!

Dr. Big Sis is getting married in 2 days and excitement is running rampant... and as MoH, things are a bit Wi-Wild and Crazy Kids over here!

May I remind you, these two lovebirds happen to both be PhDs? And kept love alive while pursuing their professional careers over the past 6ish years? And for the last 4 yrs+ have been living hours away from each other, if not on opposite ends of California? It can be done, people! It can be done!!!!

Any wisdom or well-wishes for the betrothed? <3

..............................................

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Addendum

2009-07-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

So last night I hit up Blue Martini in downtown Miami with a bunch of my favorite med student lovelies for some giggles and dirty, dirty martinis. Later, we headed down the block to Transit Lounge where another med student, Steven - a 4th year who just happens to be dating Tracy, the fabulous Sigma Omega at Creighton Dental - met us during a round of shots called "Washington Apples." (And for the record, these puppies tasted really really really ridiculously like apple cider.)

Since Transit Lounge is superbly awesome and keeps board games on hand, we opened up a game of Jenga. Between tumbles, Steven (sans Tracy) turns to me with a hint of a grin and says he's got a bone to pick with me. I hardly know this guy and am instantly curious. He kindly informs me of an incomplete truth in a former post... I know you're all gasping in disbelief as did I! You see - in the Sigma Omega post I did in May, I mentioned Tracy had come to visit to watch the UM Med School Graduation... when in fact, Tracy obviously came to visit to 1) See him, 2) See him brother graduate from UM undergrad, and lastly 3) See her fellow Sigma Omegas and cheer on the UM Med School Grads in their super adorable custom shirts (which are worth a repeat photo).

And since I do wish for my blogging words to be of accuracy, please accept this humble addendum. Many thanks to Steven... now click that "Follow" button, won't ya? :)

A Seriously Praiseworthy Occasion

2009-07-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here's something seriously praiseworthy... as I'm sure all you Signifiant Others will agree.

On July 1st, my Dad celebrated his 25th anniversary with his medical group, Anesthesia Service Medical Group. Though it's his quarter century anniversary with ASMG, he's been an Anesthesiologist for almost 30 years now. As an SO whose soon-to-be hubby is just beginning his 4th year in medical school, that day for my fiancee seems a lifetime away... but I guess that makes sense considering 25 years is my lifetime...

There's a lot of to be said about my Dad, but no amount of words could do justice to the medical service he has provided over the years with class and integrity. That said... here's a couple of extremely noteworthy points. (I can't help but brag just a little.) First of all, he's one of the most peer-respected doctors I've ever encountered and was recently named one of San Diego's Top Doctors by San Diego Magazine. He was his hospital's Medical Director for several years, been on call thousands of times, helped well over 20,000 patients, and I've never once herd him complain. Lastly, and most impressive, he's been the best Dad, Husband, Brother, Son, and Friend, to anyone who has ever known him.

We congratulated my Dad through the day. Something I noticed was that he never let one thank you go by without sharing the praise with my Mom, without whom he said he success would be impossible. In my world, this is as close to Prince Charming as you can get!

Thinking as an SO, I felt empowered knowing that I will play an integral part in our happiness and success as our future unfolds - and so will you! I also felt grateful for a wonderful example from my Mom of how to support a spouse who is also a physician. When he was at the hospital, she ran the household and kept on top of us three kids without so much as batting an eye - cooking dinners singlehandedly, driving carpool for almost two decades, and always welcoming my Dad home from work like a sailor back from sea. One of my earliest memories is when my Mom would wake us up as my Dad was heading out the door in the wee hours of the morning so we could wave him out of the garage in his red Honda.

My Dad's a very humble guy, and didn't want any hoop-la over the occasion, so we celebrated the way he liked best: a family dinner in the backyard with all the fix'ns, including my Mom's decadent pot roast. Another highlight of the celebratory feast? My SO - newly freed from the tight grip of Step 2s - was able to join us. A joyous occasion indeed. :)

Three Cheers for my Dad, and my Hero... and I wish the same blessed future on each and every one of you current or future physicians out there.

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza! Pt. 2

2009-07-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Part 2: The Bachelorette Party

Following the The Bridal Shower as described in the post below (the length of which rivals a Steinbeck novel), the Bride, MoH, sister and cousin of the groom, and two bridesmaids met up at the larger than life Manchester Grand Hyatt in Downtown San Diego for en epic girl's night celebrating our dear PhD and Significant Other Bachelorette (aka. my Dr. Big Sis). And because it's our duty as Bachelorette Party accompaniment, we vowed to do our best to put our lovely lighweight on a course to the Land of Drunk Monkey via Perma-Drink-in-Hand Lane. However, in her responsible ways, she enjoyed her self to the fullest without so much as a slur.

BUT.

She did dance on a stump.

Stay tuned for more on the stump....

We began the evening hustling to make our dinner reservations at Mr. Tiki's Mai Tai Lounge. Little did the Bride know, the MoH (with the financial assistance of Mother and Father of the Bride - MoB & FoB, respectively) scheduled a limo to pick us up post-pupu platter. After sharing a vat of their signature Tiki Mai Tai, then sharing another tropical tasting martini from a glass big enough for a munchkin Dita von Teese, and finally chowing down on a delectable meal of sushi and appetizer canoes, the adorable Andrew from Presidential Limo surprised the thrilled Bride and her crew with a few hours of celebutant treatment.

And where did the bride want to go in her first class wheels? Clubbing? The Gaslamp's hottest hot spots? Nay, I say to you. In thoughtful and sweet Michelle-style, her first destination of choice was the Hilton Torrey Pines, where she and her fiancee are having their wedding reception. Now that's DOWNRIGHT ADORABLE.

So we took lots of pictures of her on the grounds with her Bride-To-Be Miss America sash, big plastic flashing ring, and puffy veil, then drove back up the coast - stopping for some group pics overlooking the water, of course - and, fianlly, back to the Downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter to do some dancing. We hit On Broadway (I think we heard "Billie Jean" remixed about 17 different ways), and then headed over to The W's rooftop bar called BEACH - an outdoor lounge covered in sand and middle aged, salon-tanned drinkers who were dancing like they were back in their 30s. Now, THAT'S entertainment. But not nearly as entertaining than when my sister said that she was actually feeling so tipsy, she might just dance on a stump. As MoH, I extended my hand, and helped her up.

The said stump was actually a mobile tree stump utilized for seating. She hopped up on my stump, heels and all - and shimmied her li'l heart out with a hint of teensy tipsy. She turned several heads, naturally, until of course the security guard blew his whistle and made her get down. She says she was relieved to be off the stump, but since it was her idea in the first place (yeah, seriously), I'm not so sure.

Back at the hotel, an evening of laughable memories floating around our heads, the revelers happened upon some gift bags my Mom had secretly placed in the hotel room for us full of goods from The Body Shop. That's my Mom... and really, it doesn't get much cuter than her. The girls just bubbled with each remaining ounce of glee. And what energy was left we spent spooning a brownie sundae into our mouths. (That explains the room service charge at 1:30am with the generous tip.)

Inquiring Minds...

2009-07-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

For our intermission between Parts 1 and 2 of Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza, I offer you this round of Inquiring Minds...

When considering a Medical School or Residency, would you encourage landing a location with an active SO support group? As much, or more, than say... an active wine drinkers club?

Thoughts...

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza! Pt. 1

2009-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Bridal Shower

When it comes to a wedding, the parties begin well before the "I dos". Even my sister, a science-y SO with a new PhD in Nutritional Biology who recently has had little room for fun between thesis writing, had three - THREE - Bridal Showers. Why the plethora of parties? Well, we are very lucky to have lots of treasured family and friends, and if we tried to fit them all into one Bridal Shower - it's not unlikely all that estrogen in one room with the sole purpose of sharing each woman's elated anticipation over the quickly approaching wedding would induce cosmic implosion. Or the high-pitched squealing could shatter a few windows. Either way, more parties = more fun. OH YES, and more presents. In other words... I'm gonna milk it and you would too.

As Michelle - aka. Dr. Big Sis - is my only sister, we are each other's Maid of Honor (MoH for you cool kids) and it was a blast to plan this day-long shindig - along with my mother and father, of course, who *Praise Be* made sure I didn't have to pay for it (as I am, you know, a freelance writer now, which is just a half notch above your basic funemployment.)

It was an enchanting day for my sister's pink-and-green-hued Bridal Shower... We began in La Jolla at a magnificent Tuscan Villa-style home perched upon Mt. Soledad overlooking the Pacific. Our gracious host, Kath, one of my mother's BFFs who is as hilarious as she is generous, opened her heart and hearth to us for the lovely ladies luncheon (and her gourmet kitchen, and her expanse, pristine lawn, and her case of MUMM pink champagne...). She, with her daughter, Megan's, help, angelically accepted the deliveries from Raphael's Party Rentals and Adelaide's Florist, primped her already remarkably clean estate to the nines, footed me the tip for Jacques when he delivered the d'lish catered feast from The French Gourmet, refilled mimosas (complete with fresh raspberries dished with a precious silver mini-spoon), and washed dishes behind the scenes. And can I please add that this woman is a HOOT AND A HALF. (Plus - she's the proud mother of a UC Davis Aggie PreMed Student! Well, a Vet PreMed to be exact, and a darn good one.)

Trillions of thanks and a huge Three Cheers to Kath for welcoming my Invasion of the Bridal Shower, which included my arrival fully armed with a tray of wedding cookies, pink card stock-laden answer sheets for the games, a "card tree" (ask if you're curious), pink jellybeans, 8x30 tables, linens, 20 white folding chairs, florals, and of course, an 8"x10" glossy of the betrothed couple in matching white and denim.

The 20 lovely ladies - a delightful selection of our most treasured family and friends - toasted and cheered the bride-to-be, luncheoned a la French fare under a naked blue sky with the Pacific breeze wafting our way. I practically floated with happiness to and from the table as our guests enjoyed good food and wine, filled Michelle with their best wishes, admired each other's sweetness and cracked up at each other's stories. Oh! Did I mention? Place card frames from Beau Coup!

With the lure of delectable desserts, I coaxed the crowd inside and trapped them into playing (what could possibly be the Dreaded) Bridal Shower Games. A clever ploy, I know. Luckily, they all were great sports - and hey - my games were awesomely excellent and fun! (See below if you're super curious, because I know you are.) Our game prizes were the floral arrangements on the lunch table (good call there, Mom!), and consolation prizes were some wedding themed sugar cookies I ordered with pink and white frosting. So, yes, a winner or loser, everyone went home with a prize (as we try to promote the silver-lined side of the reality that life, in fact, is not fair). Then, in the grand finale, Michelle assumed the position of gift-opener and unwrapped her li'l heart out. Seriously, people - GOOD STUFF.

All in all, I must say the event was absolutely adorable. I wish we could repeat the joy every week. But it is the rarity of these gatherings that make them so priceless... and the happiness I saw on my big sister's face was the best part of all.

If you're interested, here's a brief description of the Lunch Menu and Non-Dreaded Bridal Shower Games... and if you or your best SO is on her way to the altar, we beg you fill us in on what made that Bridal Shower fete fabulous!

Hors d'Oeurves

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Canape
Prosciutto and Melon

Salads

French Green Bean
Primavera Pasta
Mixed Green with Champagne Dressing
*Accompanied with Chicken Breast Medallions

Desserts

Fresh Fruit Platter
Half-sized Pasteries of Lemon Cream, Eclair, Fruit Tart, Cheesecake, +Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Non-Dreaded Bridal Shower Games

This Is Michelle's Life - Write a page-long factual story of the bride's life, including her successes, a li'l about the groom, and some obscure facts. Leave about 20 or so blanks for the guests to fill in. To make it easier for the guests, I included a Word Bank for them to choose answers from. (But because I am also very sneaky, I included more words than they needed and told them they could use the words twice. Keeps 'em on their toes.) THE KEY TO NOT MAKING THIS A DREADED GAME is that you make it entertaining. For example, I couldn't help but include this line: "While a Sophomore at UCLA, Michelle frantically called her parents in the middle of the night because she actually thought she had swallowed her ____________." Answer: Retainer. ...That's right. See, how fun was that?
Name that Love Song - Play clips of well known love songs and have guests write down the answers. Have them guess about 10 songs... Unforgettable, The Way You Look Tonight, You are So Beautiful. You know, the classics. Note: People may not be as good at this game as you think they are, so make sure they are VERY well known so the crowd doesn't give up and get fussy. Note #2: Play this game far enough into a convivial party and you're sure to get at least a few who eventually mistake the game for a Sing-A-Long.
Wedding Vow Mad Lib - The only time you'll hear, "I, John McCain, take you, Liberace, to be my wedded wife." A huge hit for the whole family.
Guess How Many Jelly Beans - Easy Peasy. Jelly Beans. In Jar. Extra points if they are 1) the bride's colors or 2) the bride's favorite flavor. The only hard part... pawning the sugar pills off on someone else.
Put Pictures of the Bride and Groom in Chronological Order - Great excuse to set display any priceless picture necessary: from the groom in 2nd grade when he was Captain America on Halloween to the ones your sister has been trying to bury for the last decade. Be warned: This game could come back to haunt you... you and your 7th grade perm. (And if you're like me, that's the least of your worries.)

Coming up after these messages...

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza Part 2: The Bachelorette Party.

Bi-coastal Staycation

2009-07-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers... I have missed you. So much to tell!

I have been summering with my family in my sunny hometown of San Diego, am currently continuing my staycation at my place in the also sunny, yet insta-sweat-inducing South Beach, and will return to San Diego for my Dr. Big Sis' Wedding next week! For which, I already gained a ripe red burn while trying to tan... GORGEOUS.

And oh yes... I have been keeping up with my writing (because I'm sure you were wondering), plus hustling to play catch up with good friends, old and new! And YES, new friends means new SOs! Plural! SERIOUSLY YOU CANNOT BE AS EXCITED AS I AM.

Speaking of friends, my most fabulous group of lady friends from my alma mater of Santa Clara University and I keep somewhat consistent running tab of weekly (though, now more like monthly) highlights. I'm gonna let you in on the club for this round if I may... There's something for all the SOs, I promise you ;)

*Dr. Big Sis' Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza!

*Dr. Dad's 25th Anniversary with his Group Practice

*Mom & Dads' 30th Wedding Anniversary - Believe it Babies!

*Engagement Fiesta in LA

*July 4th Shennanigans

If you care to read more, stay tuned for my complete and utter divulgence, Darlings!

Photos too*

Medicine a la Gannon

2009-06-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Gannon takes his USMLE Step 2 exam tomorrow. Among the mish-mash of data digesting in his brain that's preparing for the data spew in the morning, he decided to share this riotous rumination with me earlier...

[sent via text]

"Did you know that infants with tyrosinemia may smell like cabbage!?

A cabbage patch kid!!!"

Seriously, folks... What are we without our sense of humor?

Let's wish him luck, friends!

"The Greatest Education in the World...

2009-06-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

...is watching the masters work." - Michael Jackson

Forget Bubbles, Feldman, and Neverland... Instead, I implore you to feast your eyes on this, the second (and vastly superior) half of Captain EO. I was forced to watch this 3-D spectacle at Disneyland from the ripe age of 4 until it closed in '97... and practically peed my pants every time. That Tin-Man's-Evil-Queen character petrified my little Autopia Car loving soul. Yet, I always left the show proud that I had suffered through the freaky deaky parts for the sake of watching Michael Jackson dance.

I clearly remember sitting in the Tomorrowland Theater seats, my little jelly-shoed feet still far from touching the ground, and getting wholly sucked into the seriously mind-blowing spectacle... the superawesome robot/backup dancers with 80s fros and the hero's glowing rainbow shirt and the jeri curls and the sounds and moves I didn't think could be human. No one - and certainly not this Disney cartoon abiding tyke - ever experienced dancing like that before. UGH... it was so cool.

And the MUSIC! When the show closed, I was crestfallen. Coincidentally, I didn't see it again until a couple weeks ago when for no reason whatsoever I decided to search it out on YouTube. I didn't realize it but that show left an indelible mark on me. Suddenly, I was wearing my 3-D glasses and jelly shoes all over again. I remembered all of my favorite moves, remembered all the songs, and remembered to wave at the end when the little flying Popple flew off the screen. For these memories I am grateful...

In any case, here is my earliest and arguably most favorite memory of the late legend. Except for maybe "Billie Jean"... OH and "I'll Be There"... OK, well this is definitely in the top 5...

What are your MJ faves?

PS. Be proud because I just mastered the art of embedding video!! No more video links, darlings...

Thank you, Frank.

New Doc in the Family

2009-06-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday my older sister, Michelle, added "Ph.D." to her already long list of professional accolades. She donned her black gown with velvet striped sleeves, navy and gold hood, and traditional black cap with yellow tassel, and processed with her fellow doctoral grads through the ARC Pavilion at UC Davis in a sea of profs clothed in fluffy medieval-looking frock things and velvet tams. Three Cheers to Michelle who is already twice published, has lectured at multiple ACSM Conferences around the country, and is now a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Biology.

(Still, it's fun to think of my sis as a Doctor of Philosophy in anything, considering I still have to remind her to keep her hair out of her food and, frankly, she had trouble working the zipper on her graduation gown. It's nice to know some things never change :D )

The would-be PhD and me circa 1984

And here is the actual moment she morphed into Dr. Michelle Barrack.

(I dunno... she looks the same to me...)

CONGRATULATIONS SIS!!

PS. Is it masochistic that I surround myself with people of infinitely higher academic achievement?

Inquiring Minds...

2009-06-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

"So where does everyone summah?"

(a la Phoebe around the 2min mark)

Where are you going?????

I'm off to San Diego for the month, darlings... but I will never leave you!!

Weekend Update

2009-06-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Random awesome guy kayaking through South Beach floods Friday afternoon...

*Gannon got this shot while venturing on a wading tour of our neighborhood in his flip flops,

while I quarantined myself from the flood lines and watched Dane Cook.

Friday's Ice Cream Party called on account of rain.

We reconvened Saturday night for a BBQ with good friends.

Roster

Med Students - 5

Surgery Residents - 1

SOs - 2

Three cheers for the end of third year!!!

*I got these shots between marinated skirt steak, shrimp skewers, bacon-wrapped corn, and ice cream.

*Yes, Rachael brought her homemade ice cream.

Yes, it was heaven in a bowl.

School's Out!

2009-06-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, kittens.

Be happy and relax... it's the weekend... it's the summer...

::ffffound

Ice Cream Party!

2009-06-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

You may have read about it on the blog, but recently I was lamenting the disappearance of the always adored ice cream social.

In her magnificent SO glory, the exemplar Rachael decided to be the first to bring the ice cream social back this Friday into our yearning tummies and quench our not-to-be-ignored sundae hankerings!! It's end-of-the-year time and we're kicking off summer with delectable frozen explosions of tasty goodness! Plus, on Friday both our guys (and the rest of the med students) are frantically studying for either the OSCE's, Boards, Step 2s, bla bla, bla.... but that doesn't mean we can't have fun!

Now, are you sitting down? Because I am about to tell you that Rachael has already begun making, yes MAKING, the ice cream from scratch! If you know Rachael, you understand it's not an unusual occurance for her to whip up some gourmet fare with her magical Kitchenaid mixer - but it is always very, very impressive.

And this time, her culinary endeavor is especially remarkable because (still sitting?) the flavor she prepared last night that is in her freezer right now hardening right now, or as I like to say, psyching itself up to be eaten this Friday is.... Honey Lavender!!

I know! And she even used her own lavender! That she grew herself! I promise you, it's sitting right outside her living room taking over her patio. I'm pretty sure she bought the honey, but really, she would have cared for the honeycomb herself if beekeeping was allowed in her townhouse complex. Haha, and now I'm picturing Rachael in full beekeeping regalia.

I will continue to fill you in on more flavors to come - and if there's a flavor you're particularly jonesing, bring it Friday! I'm sure I'll arrive with some Ben&Jerry's in hand :)

Ice cream for everyone!

*OH! And I'm also bringing toppings! Any favorites?!??

SEE YOU FRIDAY!

EUREKA

2009-06-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

I recently found this refreshing, relatable, and highly recommended article on two of SOS's big buddies - The League of Ordinary Gentlemen and the Strong House Staff Auxiliary.

Compared to these enlightened assemblies, I feel like I'm back in Kindergarten, my ever expanding eyes gazing upward in homage to the too-cool kids in 8th grade with the perfectly crimped hair, the perfectly huge wave of bangs, brand new braces, wearing stone washed jeans, and named Tiffany (or wearing parachute pants, and named Corey). Now, to my post-grammar school and current SO persona, the former folks - and their names - are in fact way cooler.

LoG's Football League Trophy Lamp

The League of Ordinary Gentlemen, or LoG according to the article (shouldn't it be LoOG? I think I like that better - and yes, perhaps it's because when you pronounce the acronym it sounds like the nickname for "loogey," and with all due respect that just seems like it makes sense for a guy society), commenced when husbands of OB/GYN residents banded together when they realized they were all periodically wife-less and, thus, feeling a wittol wonewy in Rochester during their lady loves' on-call nights. Plus, they get seventeen million points for finding a financier to support their poker, fantasy football, and bowling habits.

Please do make sure to read the legend of LoG - aka. their "official history" - an epic tale of such ordinary gentlemen as could only be caricatured by their lofty and ironically highbrow male discourse.

Equally stellar is the Strong House Staff Auxiliary. Made of predominantly wives of Tufts University School of Medicine, SHA (an acronym begging to be followed with "ka Boom") members organize nights out sans the tots, mall excursions, and other bonding-filled playdates.

We have plenty to learn from our big buddies, the LoOGs and SHA ka Boom. First, find a generous soul(s) to grant us some moolah for SOS fun having. Secondly, spread the word. (I am but one MacBook, gentle reader.) Third, your network of support is possible, and dare I say, crucial when you are an SO - especially in a new place, and living with a new tern (resident, attending, and as I say in the title, pretty much everything in between). The call it a "network" because you need a "net" that "works" to catch you when you're feeling lost in this large and lonely world.

Thanks to the Dean of University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry for the valuable and illuminating read.

Press on!

Happy June, Darlings!

2009-06-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wave at Everyone!

Is This What They Teach In Derm?

2009-05-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

All smiles in her pointy and string-tastic mod getup...

I'd love to see the duds that gave her that fierce shorts tan line.

To bad she didn't have a dear friend like my girl Meredith tell her to wear her Aveeno 55!

:: PopKulture

Let The Countdown Begin!

2009-05-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year from today

I will marry the love of my life

Mr. Gannon Daniel Kennedy!

(and yes, by then he will be Dr. Gannon Daniel Kennedy!)

We're celebrating what Gannon's calling our Pre-Anniversary by using a gift certificate my parents gave us last Christmas to Joe's Stone Crab!

To quote Gannon while toasting glasses at the once-on-a-lifetime delectable dinner after he proposed to me at sunset in Key West...

"Here's to forever, baby."

Movie of the Week

2009-05-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

The year is ending for the med students and that means studying for comps, OSCEs, shelves, Boards, Step 2s... yada yada yada. If the med boys and girls were busy before, they are now creeping deeper into veritable study hibernation.

BUT! That doesn't mean you can't have fun this weekend :)

And if you have one thing on your weekend to-do list - first of all, please call me because we're pretty much in the same boring boat - and also I highly recommend you make that one thing to go see the new Disney Pixar film, UP!

It comes out tomorrow. I'm vowing to beat all the little rascals to the box office.

Watch the trailer... Thank me later.

Sigma Omega

2009-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

If I might draw your attention to these colorful lovelies... the ladies of Sigma Omega!

You may recall me introducing you to the Sigma Omegas when I named my friend Rachael as the first SO squared (and thereafter, to the third power). These resourceful ladies who met in Boca Raton, FL exemplify my personal favorite how-to, #13, (from the previous post) by becoming pals and confidants while their hubbies and boyfriends had affairs with their books... a la how-to #2. In lieu of referring to themselves as simply the "Significant Others," they took their title an inspired step further and christened themselves the Sigma Omegas.

Now still living near each other, if not in the same stunning Miami bayfront highrise (sadly, sans Tracy who left from Boca Raton to, well, another kind of "boca" by embarking on her program at Creighton Dental - way to go Tracy!), they meet semi-regularly for wine, cheese, chocolate, chatter, Grey's Anatomy, and other delightful what-have-yous.

UM's Miller School of Medicine's graduation a couple weeks back brought Tracy to town, which was when I had the pleasure of meeting the Sigmas in (almost) their entirety at a ceremonial viewing of the season finale of Grey's (now I'm not really a Grey's watcher, folks, but I that finale was .........!!!!).

Rachael & Michelle

The girls dolled up Sigma style to cheer on the 4th year grads as they embark on their intern years. I had to post photos of these SO beauties with their creatively fetching graduation garb. Can't get enough of their tees with the jersey-style monikers and the too-cute rhinestone insignia on the front. A million points to Team Sigma!

Lindsay, Caitlin, Tracy

Hopefully we can see a lot more of the Sigma Omegas...

And thanks to Tracy for the snaps!

How to Date a Med Student

2009-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Penned by a woman who knows, this uber amusing, yet painfully true, how-to hits all the high (or low, as it were) points. I'm still working on Rule #1, am getting better at #2 and #8, and pretty OK with #9 cause, really, these days I can hardly even afford Walgreens!

Naturally, my favorite is #13...

I've never met the author, but I utterly admire and respect her. Learn a little more about the talented Marissa at her website and on her blog!

Let There Be Peace

2009-05-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Between BBQ-ing at Peanut Island and south beach volleyball this long weekend, I remembered the women and men... like my grandfathers, my ROTC friends in Iraq and Afghanistan, my friend, Kelly's, husband, doctors overseas... and the millions of members of the US Military who serve our country heroically. And since I'm the praying kind, I prayed for the military and their leaders, for those who have lost their lives and loved ones to protect our country, and I prayed for PEACE in our world.

Whenever I'm frustrated that Gannon is MIA at the hospital... I need to remind myself at least he's not at war.

Unknown Soldier, Aug. '56

On A Boat

2009-05-24T20:56:00.001-07:00

If you're in the greater South Florida area and haven't yet made it to Peanut Island... for the love of over-advertised sporting goods, JUST DO IT.

Here's a good time to introduce Jenn: my dear friend and roommate, 3rd year med student, Chinese food connousieur, lasagna-maker extraordinaire, beer drinker, and UF Gator Girl who has been trying to get Gannon and me to Peanut Island for years. Thank the island gods Gannon did not have to work this weekend. We went Sunday.

We drove to Jenn's sister, Melissa's, home in West Palm and met up with her thoroughly entertaining and endearingly crass, husband, Carl, heart-meltingly adorable daughter, C.C., and their lovable canine bulldozer, Hank. Around noon, SuperMom Melissa and Captain Carl (who, by the way, win at life and are as generous as their daughter is precious, turning me into an 8-track of Thank You's) loaded us, the baby, and the food onto their snazzy new pontoon boat* and less than 20 mins later we anchored on Peanut Island. It was cloudy and gray with just a tease of drizzle, but I had heard magical things about Peanut Island from Jenn, so by the time we arrived I was ready for a world of relaxation and a bucketfull of crazypeople (one word) watching. That's pretty much what I got.

Peanut Island is a rectangular-shaped land mass covered with tropical foliage and surrounded with sand bars, around which people anchor their boats, BBQ and meander in the knee high tides all day, play loud, tacky music, and drink until everyone within eye shot is attractive and their best friend. Captain Carl estimated just under 400 boats anchored at the 79-acre island on Sunday, and some of his family docked next to us. Lucky for us, and my fiancee's incessant need for speed, they brought a pair of jetskis which they happily shared along with their hotdogs, burgers, beer, and Doritos. (Cue: thank you 8-track.) They win the award for naming their boat my new favorite boat name: "Shangri`la." Others had emblazed on them names like Dos Cojones and Ship Faced... and about half of them should have been called "Hot Mess." Needless to say, these people just oozed class.

Before the day ended, the clouds vanished. We basked in the naked sun, our tummies full. Our friend and proficient photog, Matthew - whose snapping skills led me to deem him "The Miracle Worker" - scored some expert shots, Jenn earned a bruise after launching off a jetski, Gannon velcro-ed himself to the baby between launching people off the jetskis, and I learned to look out for sea urchins (sneaky spiky stinkers!). It was nothing less than a blast.

Thanks again to the SuperMom Melissa and Captain Carl for the memorable and fully saturated Memorial Day Weekend Experience!

And of course, thank you to Jenn for getting us out there. :)

*For a masterfully told and completely unrelated pontoon boat story, check out Garrison Keillor's, "Pontoon."

No Open Containers. No Loud Music.

2009-05-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

...says the flashing street marquee this morning upon entering South Beach.

Well head to Fat Tuesday's and don't forget to crank up your boom box, kids, because I say...

**HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND**

If you're still lacking ingenious ideas for your revelrous weekend, take a quick trip here... Enjoy, darlings!

SOS's 1st SO Squared

2009-05-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

I was up and at 'em early this morning, because I had the pleasure of taking my delightful friend, Rachael, to the airport so she can watch her li'l sis graduate this weekend. She even treated me to a surprisingly scrumptious McD's cappuccino on the way... YES! Scrumptious!

Rachael is not only an exemplary middle-school science teacher, chef, and up and coming master in the art of autocross, she is also a Super Outstanding SO... thus, making her SOS's 1st Official SO Squared! Hooray for Rachael!

AND, not only is she an SO Squared, Rachael is also a member of the Sigma Omegas, a group of lovely SOs who banded together a couple years ago in Boca Raton, FL, cleverly created their own sorority name, and have since migrated to the Miami area with their husbands and new fiancee (Congrats to Lindsay & Ryan!)....

Rachael, then........... wait for it.......... is an SO to the THIRD power!!!

*Phew* I might need a nap...

CONGRATS RACHAEL!

Three Cheers for the Ladies!

2009-05-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight I met up with some of my favorite girlfriends, Neha and Kelsey, at the Miami Art Museum for cocktails, live music, and some light perusal of the art halls and inspired gift shop. (Note: If you are ever inclined to buy me anything, head straight to your nearest art museum gift shop!) The bustling event - spackled with a tropical Miami spring rain - took place for young professionals in the non-profit sector, of which my friend Neha is a member.

Neha (pictured far right), being in the same 1st year class as my fiancee, was one of the first people I met in Miami and continues to be one of our dearest and, yes, most magical friends. After her entrepreneurial and eco-friendly endeavors drew the attention of The Miami Herald and the South Florida TV news, she's now entirely too famous to be seen with me, but thankfully continues to do so to (I think) keep her street cred. Her "Raise the Bar" non-profit organization is truly the kind of activism Miami desperately needs to head in the green direction. THREE CHEERS!

The equally exceptional Kelsey, with her marvelous coral-inspired apparel (pictured, well, take a guess), is not only deep in training for the Seattle Rock 'N' Roll Marathon, (bless those superhuman legs of hers), she's a mere couple months away from leaving us for Duke's Med School. THREE CHEERS! (....Plus a heartfelt *sniff*) I promise to come visit her at Duke or "The Cape" (whichever one's closer?) for, if nothing else, her enticing hug+backrub combo.

After MAM, Kelsey, Neha, and I met up with another fabulous lady by the name of Laura at old-school-carwash-turned-retro-restaurant Andiamo Pizza** at Miami's 55th St. Station. Laura (pictured far left) and I have not spent tons of time together, but she, shall we say, had me at "Hello." This master of snorkeling, sailing, Public Health, and overall adventurer is also about to leave us for med school at Ponce in Puerto Rico. THREE CHEERS! (....Plus a heatfelt *sniff, part deux)

When we four get together, we rarely stop talking, laughing, or eating. And that's why I love them. I had a moment, after the table had been cleared and check paid for at least 30mins and still plentiful conversation being had, where I just looked around and was SO GRATEFUL for these remarkable women in my life. So I told them. :)

**Very Important Pizza Sidenote: Meaning "Let's go!", the word "Andiamo" just happens to be my favorite in the Italian language, and Andiamo Pizza ranks almost equally as high in my book (Frommer's agrees, as well as most diners). Though I still need to try Archie's - and though no pizza in the states has ever tasted as good at the ones around The Boot - this one's hard to beat. Except around 2AM, Pizza Rustica usually hits the spot pretty, pretty good.

Inquiring Minds...

2009-05-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Whatcha doing this Memorial Day Weekend?

If your answer is "laundry" because a certain someone is stuck in the hospital catering to the unlucky/unintelligent population that will wind up dehydrated, passed out, or needing stitches after jumping off their roof into the kiddie pool, then here's a list of swell and somewhat patriotic activities...

Bring back the victory garden!
Shake up the grill with this BBQ Shrimp Po' Boy recipe from the delightful Sam the Cooking Guy.
Pair the meal with this tasty kiwi & lime beverage.
Get married!
Raise a flag. Or lots of flags.
Watch this movie about a very important flag.
If you're heading to San Diego, board the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the TOPGUN Navy Fighter Weapons School. For the record, I am absolutely jonesing for that patch!
Perform interpretive dance to the TOPGUN theme song. (This is best alone done in your living room or with my friend, Katie.)
And if you're in the greater South Florida Area, head to Peanut Island!

What say you,

gentle readers?

Think Happy

2009-05-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

“Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes solutions; knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome; sees the negatives, but accentuates the positives; is exposed to the worst but expects the best; has reason to complain, but chooses to smile.”

- William Arthur Ward

Make it work for you :)

SOS

Match Day Results...

Blender Set To Puree

SOS Quote of the Day

Nigella for a Day

Just a Blur

:*D

*Season's Joy*

Contact Sugar High

For a Chilly SOS Night In

Hark! The Peanuts...

Be Big Today

Pumpkin Pie Pride

Thanks Givers

*Gold Star*

Vroom Vroom

Why I Miss San Diego

Sugar Rush

That's Doctor to You

Plumpykins

May I Present

The Inner Sanctum

Oh Snap! (Dragon)

To Market, To Market

Post-Summer Harvest Festival

Siblings (one pending)

The Burning

Third Wheel

Reliving the Magic

Guess Where I Am....??!???

THOUGHTS?!??

WARNING!

A Mindful Friday

A Song Well-Suited

How Tired WAS He?

A Boatload of Fun

Do You Know What Time It Is?!

Is it Weird....

A Crafty G'bye

The Other

Birthday Face!

Happiness Is

Bueller.... Bueller.....

Take A Moment

An S.O.S. DON'T

When My Family Makes Me Feel Less Crazy...

A Tremendous Effort

In Case You Were Wondering...

S.O. Nuptials on the Horizon!

Addendum

A Seriously Praiseworthy Occasion

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza! Pt. 2

Inquiring Minds...

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Extravaganza! Pt. 1

Bi-coastal Staycation

Medicine a la Gannon

"The Greatest Education in the World...

New Doc in the Family

Inquiring Minds...

Weekend Update

School's Out!

Ice Cream Party!

EUREKA

Happy June, Darlings!

Is This What They Teach In Derm?

Let The Countdown Begin!

Movie of the Week

Sigma Omega

How to Date a Med Student

Let There Be Peace

On A Boat

No Open Containers. No Loud Music.

SOS's 1st SO Squared

Three Cheers for the Ladies!

Inquiring Minds...

Think Happy

Season's Joy

Gold Star