Whew....Exhausting!

Well just as I thought Christmas was here and gone before I even realized it.  It was nice Sarah and Josh were home and we had the whole family back together again. They also brought their 3 dogs which made things very interesting!! We were with both families on Christmas Eve because I was supposed to work on Christmas day.  However I received a phone call that morning around 5:30am saying do not come in.  We only had six little kiddos in the hospital for Christmas Day.  So I pretty much lounged around with Timmy all day it was very nice and relaxing. 

The day after Christmas was quite a weird day. I woke up went to work and then started to feel ill.  I ended up passing out in front of everyone (doctors, nurses, families.....). They were unable to arouse me for 30 seconds, my pupils were dilated and non-reactive. So I then found myself in the ER at Barnes getting blood work, EKG, IV fluids, d-sticks...... My heart rate was 42 and my blood pressure was 92/48. They didn't find anything wrong with me after I recovered and they sent me home. So I am hoping that will never happen again. I was actually pretty afraid when I heard my heart rate, I guess knowing too much of what could be going wrong.  I have felt fine since then just really sore from falling. Let's just say that I am hoping that 2009 is a better year for me when it comes to health issues!!! I'm done with 2008.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

So yesterday was my 29th Birthday and It was a great day filled with things that make me tick.  For those of you that know me it is things like, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOOD & RELAXATION.....I'm a pretty simple girl.. Who loves getting pampered. Well the day began with my mom bringing me breakfast in bed, then I had a massage at Stone water Spa at Frontenac, then lunch with Timmy, home to take a nap, then dinner at my mom's house with a fire and a good chick flick. Now tonight Timmy and I are having dinner at Sydney Street Cafe and then to look at the lights at our proposal spot. AHHHH life is good...

However since I am 29 I can not help but think about next year the big 30! Ahh There are a few things I hope to have attained by then but they are completely out of my control so I guess that is what is so frustrating for me! Oh well... I can run but I can't hide. I do not feel old until someone asks me how old I am then I find myself dancing around the number. Now I know why my grandma says 29 every time some one asks her how old she is.  So I am hoping that 29 is my year!!

One thing I have to say is that I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who unconditionally love  me and bless me by their very presence.

Way too busy of a time of the year to have a birthday.  Sarah and Josh are on their way here with their 3 dogs...Yes 3 she just got a new one a few weeks ago.  She is hilarious between wanting dogs, horses and kids she will be a busy girl.  Hannah is home from her study abroad program for a few weeks which is amazing.....

I work on Christmas Day which is a downer but I think of my patients that are stuck in the hospital sick on Christmas Day so maybe I can bring cheer to them and make them smile.  Isn't that really what Christmas is about. I am blessed so that I can be a blessing!

Afterthoughts!!

Wow, Thanksgiving has been here and gone!! It was super busy. we spent the day with Timmy's family and then I flew to Texas to see Sarah and her new house. It was really a great time but it as just way too short and actually kind of cold for Texas. Figures it would be since I was there. Anyway she will be back for Christmas which is like right around the corner. It was weird being away from Timmy though....I kind of hated that.......

Other than that finals next week, working and sitting by the fireplace trying to keep warm...that pretty much sums up my November!

Doritos commercial for Super Bowl

My brother Matt graduated from Webster University and is amazing at video production and editing.  He entered a commercial contest for the super bowl and he needs people to go and view his commercial to make it to the top 5. I think his is one of the best ones! I might be biased! So do me a favor go to the link and watch it for him and who knows you might even see it when you are watching the Superbowl!!!!!

http://crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/video/1558/

Happy Anniversary

2 years down...whew...2 years of learning and growing!! Happy Anniversary Timmy thanks for all of your patience and support.  !!! Tonight we are doing dinner and a movie it should be great to get some time quality time together since things have been so crazy around here.

I have been so super busy lately with the new job getting acquainted and learning the role. Can we just say that change is extremely uncomfortable! I also finished one 22 page paper and have one to go which I am thinking I will start today!

Well it is official I am going to Texas to visit Sarah over Thanksgiving so I will post pictures.  Ruthie is coming too!!

 

Family MATTERS

DD came home finally to spend some quality time with her family.  It was so incredible to have her here.  5 days flew by of course... We had a slumber party, did a lot of shopping and eating.  Sarah has always been the fashionable one so while she was here I utilized her sense of style to the max... from clothing to lip gloss...we got it covered. We also got blue and purple nail polish because she said that this is in and did our nails and toe nails. We even painted moms toe nails purple.  We could believe she went for it but then again she pretty much wants to do anything we do. 

We had some fun sibling time. We even got to see Ben!! Who is probably the cutest, smartest kid I have ever seen in my life. He is really talking and he is hilarious.

We also got to spend some time with our new sisters (Carol's sisters).  I love having more sisters!!

Work is going I started off sooooo awkward but I think slowly but surely I am starting to get the hang of it again.  

I started another new class this week so now I have 2, 15 page papers due, which I obviously should be doing now...Oh well.

Oh yeah and the Silpada jewelry party was a huge hit! So many people came and the jewelry is so amazing.  if I had more time I would love to be a Silpada rep but I think I am spread too thin as it is! Well everyone enjoy the beautiful Fall colors!

RELENTLESS

Relentless was the name of the women's conference that Carol, myself and my mother went to.  It was so amazing Hillsong from Australia led worship  and Yolanda Admas performed.  The the speakers were Lisa Bevere, Joyce Meyers, and Creflo Dollar. I was so impacted and built up on how awesome God really is.  It was a great time for the girls to bond we even got matching t-shirts....pretty funny.

NEXT TOPIC

Can we say fish out of water....I know new jobs are supposed to be crazy and awkward but I think I  have had one very interesting first week.  Hmm let's see where should I begin....?

OK funny things that have happened to me this week.  2 solid weeks in classroom orientation you know me I have to make it interesting.

Well Let's start with Monday morning.. I was physically running to the Children's parking garage (because we shuttle to work and I waited for like 10 minutes for a shuttle and there were none to be had) so that I would not be late for grad school out in west county and I tripped and fell yep ....had a white shirt on spilt my ice tea on the front of me and skinned both my knees to prove it.  I wanted to lay there and cry but I heard a voice in my head "get up Christie".  Ok so as much as you can recover from that I did.....

Tuesday went into bathrooms that I thought were the women's bathroom, I mean I guess the urinals should have tipped me off   and definitely passed a man as I was walking out(could have been worse he could have been in there with me).

Since BJC is making it mandatory for all of there employees to get a flu shot I went to the employee health fair to get my BMI, cholesterol levels and flu shot for our insurance plan.  It was a zoo I mean people were just every where and long lines.  So I went and had my finger pricked and then stood in the line for the flu shot for like 30 minutes.  I hear them call out the name "Christina" so I raised my hand yeah that's me....She motioned for me to come out of the line I had been standing in for the past 30 minutes and I said no it's ok you can give me my results here.  She said  "no we need to talk". Ok I am thinking, "embarrassing something is wrong with me and now all my new friends know it" She starts to give me results something about my BMI showing that I am OBESE and my cholesterol is through the roof as well as my blood sugar.....I stopped listening I just wanted my results and wanted out of there.  so I run back in line devastated of course.  Thinking I will never eat again..... and I hear them call the name Christina again, I look down at my paper and it is not my last name.  I was so relieved  at that point I threw my hands up and said thank god this is not me.  I am sure the lady whose it was, was standing right besides me.... Well we all got a good laugh out of it but I will tell you it was traumatic.  Somewhere in their I lost my purse but it was recovered and I actually survived the rest of the week.

I am hoping for a better week. Hopefully it can't get worse..... I'll keep you posted.

I think a CHANGE will do me good!

Well I am on the count down until I start my new job. 7 days! Not that I am not nervous or freaked out about it but when it is time it's time.  And that is where I am at.  I already told everyone that I was leaving work like 6 weeks ago and now it is just time.  I started training someone how to be me and the odds and ends for working for two very different doctors with very different expectations and needs.  So that is tiresome in itself.  Everything this week will be my "last times"....

I am super pumped because I was able to talk to Hannah today for the first time through Skype, which means we were able to see each other and it was so much fun!!!!  She is having such a great time and only has 3 weeks left in Vienna.  She gave me a tour of her apartment and I see a little bit of the city.  Technology. what did we do without it.

Speaking of so I bought a brand new cell phone (PALM CENTRO) in May and it big time broke on me last week to where I couldn't get it to do anything.  So I called AT&T because I thought it would be under warranty and they said if it had scratches on it that I would have to pay $255 to get my phone back. hmm let me think about this.....my phone is in my purse most of the time and yes it has scratches on it not a lot but not enough to gamble $255 dollars.  So like a sucker I used my insurance which is $50 mind you on a phone I just paid $300 dollars for and I got a eighties looking blue refurbished phone.  Oh I was not happy.  

Let me just tell you how hard it is to get by without a cell phone these days.  I started to think how did we used to do it? I guess we didn't know the difference.  I felt such a disconnect from the world I am happy to have my life line back.

I also had a run in with the dentist this week and let me just say I think good teeth or bad teeth runs in your genes....because I take great care of my teeth and it seems like every time I go they are recommending things to me like fluoride treatments, sealants....... I know it is worth it but I mean come on why doesn't insurance pay for any of this stuff.  I am learning about insurance companies and I do not like it.  It seems like everything I have done lately falls into some sort of medical exclusion and that stuff is not cheap.  It is starting to become overwhelming.

So I just started my research paper today.  I have been collecting research articles for over  a month now and I have way more than I can read. Oh boy do I have my work cut out for me. I still have to write a 15 page literature review.  Oh boy grad school is so fun. I pick up yet another writing intensive class in October. I better be smart when this is all said and done!

Well I will keep you posted on the new job and hopefully I will be just fine and I will love it.  We will see.

I will attach pictures of Timmy's nephew Bobby he lost his two front teeth I love it!!!!! He is getting so big! Other pictures of more exciting times by the fire. Timmy's favorite thing to do this time of year!

Feraro's Jersey Style Pizza in Soulard

IS My FAVORITE pizza place in the STL.  Timmy took me there last night and we sat outside and it was the perfect night.  If you haven't been, put it on your MUST DO list.  It is a hole in the wall but totally worth it.  Believe me you will thank me later.  

Something else I realized today there are some things in life that I am a total snob about. One being the brand of my Q-tips.  If you have ever used the cheaper generic kind you will know what I mean.  I just can't get myself to use them.  So I forked out $5.00 for a box of Q-tips.  Then I started to think of other things in life that I simply cannot deny myself the luxury of ......using the air condition when it is HOT outside (like right in the beginning of summer), buying a drink/coffee when I am on my errands, extremely hot showers, getting my hair highlighted, breakfast, lunch and dinner, using the a/c in the car, shampoo and conditioner.....

I couldn't think of a whole heck of a lot...so I came to the conclusion that I am low maintenance.....I know my husband would laugh at that. 

So when it comes to wifely duties I am still trying to master things such as ironing and cooking. Cleaning I pretty much gave up on being I live with a type A.  I got the iron out for the 2nd time in our marriage tonight and Timmy was actually like what is that? My motivating factor is that I saw Timmy leaving for work one morning and his pants were soooo wrinkly I felt like it was a poor reflection of his wife.  So I am trying to be better about ironing.  It does take away countless hours of your life though.  However, since I have been avoiding writing my research paper this serves for a good distraction.

When it comes to cooking GOD knows I do try.  I really enjoying cooking it just seems like I have more flub ups than successes. Let's just say Timmy is a major meat and potato type of guy and I could pretty much live without either of those. So I try and compromise! Which on those nights he usually ends up eating chips and cheese or sunflower seeds for dinner.    So tonight I had a success so I am going to share my cheese scalloped potato recipe.  I kind of invented it myself, well it was a spin off from something I found on the Internet.  Here goes.

4-6 medium potatoes peeled and cut into thin scallops

2 Tablespoons flour

1 tsp. salt

dash of pepper

dash of garlic salt

3 Tablespoons butter

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of half and half

fresh parsley

Panko bread crumbs

Butter a 2 qt baking dish and layer 1/3 of potatoes

IN a small bowl combine 1 tbls of flour, 1/2tsp salt, dash of garlic salt and pepper. Sprinkle mixture over potatoes Dot with butter. and sprinkle cheese with each layer.

Repeat with layers and another Tbsp flour mixture and parsley

heat up half and half in pot and pour over top of potatoes

Cover, Bake 375 for 45 min.

uncover sprinkle cheese and then panko bread crumb(I sauteed mine in a little butter and olive oil for extra crunch) Then place uncovered back in the oven for 15 more minutes.  

It was really delicious.  let me know if you try and like this recipe. 

When I start my new job, which is 2 weeks i am going to do more experimenting with cooking and maybe even take some classes.  Scoot over Emeril here I come...BAM...

I've died and gone to heaven!!!!

And in heaven,..... at least my personal heaven, there is a Whole Foods Market just like the new one out on 141 and Clayton.  The first 20 minutes I just stood there with my jaw on the floor trying to take everything in.  Now keep in mind it was around 10:30am that I was there and they were just putting out the most amazing food I have probably ever seen in my life.  I had 4 employees walk up to me at different times asking if I needed help.  I said no but really I felt like I needed lessons on how to shop at such an amazing place.  I really didn't know what I wanted or needed for that matter. I was besides myself.

  It was funny because what I ended up doing was following people around and when I saw them putting things in their cart then I put them in my cart. I dunno maybe if they like it I will too.  Otherwise I would be guessing anyway.  I wish I could afford to buy everything there but the prices are drastically higher than Schnucks. 

 I can't even do it justice you have to go and check it out for yourself.  I spent a huge chunk of my day wandering around the store and everyone is so friendly.  It also seemed like everyone who was shopping there took care of themselves, healthwise (meaning there were not overweight people).  Kind of a large generalization to make but it is just what I thought.  Wow I will go back there every chance I get!!!

Then I went to Cedar's house which he was as cute as ever talking up a storm.  he has to be the most well behaved 2 year old I have ever seen.  He was sitting at the table feeding himself lunch not making a mess at all.  If anything dropped he would pick it up immediately and say "excuse knee" (excuse me).  He is really getting to be a big boy.

Then I went to go see one of my bestest friends, Meghan, from Middle school and her new beautiful baby boy, Parker.  It was so fun to catch up.  This is her 2nd and her last.  She has the "American Dream" 1 boy and 1 girl.

Tonight mom and I are going to see "The Women" just came out in theatres today!!! Timmy is in Indiana with soccer tournament.  So I am taking advantage of an opportunity for someone to see a chick flick with me!

How to make smores without the marshmellows!

This we learned was not an easy task.  We went to Kevin and Colleen's for a BBQ to enjoy this beautiful weather and we decided to have a fire.  The wood was quite wet from all the rain we had here lately but the boys had this great idea to set the logs across the flame to help them dry out.  Well we ended up with what you could call a bi-level fire! Pretty funny...

  Of course when you have a fire your mind immediately wants smores.  Well all we had the chocolate bars and Ritz crackers so it was time to get creative.  I have never laughed so hard in my life.  Colleen used a pancake flipper and right at the end they all slide off into the fire.  Then Kevin decided to go get her soup spoon, some milk and an oven mitt.  Let's just say it was hilarious.  They were actually quite good at the end we sprinkled powdered sugar all over them.  It was so good seeing them and getting a chance to catch up.  

Friday night Timmy was honored at the football game with his baseball team for the winning state championship 10 years ago. It was nice there was a banquet and everything.  I have never seen grown men get into something so much.  His buddy had his mom bring his high school ring and yes your right he was wearing it. There parents were there and their friends from other schools.  Could  have just been the free beer that they were there for but anywho it was pretty cute.   They all had alumni hats on.  Too bad I forgot my camera.  Oh well boys will be boys.

4 more weeks of work until I start my 3 day a week job.  I am nervous because I really do not know much about the area that I am going into but I am hoping this will make me more well rounded.  Hopefully it will be some of the stuff I will see outpatient at an office when I become the real deal!!  IN the mean time ON WARD and UP WARD.

The weather is so beautiful it is nice just to open the house up.