Catch Up

I'm going to write a separate Hawaii post but so far, 2013 has been pretty stellar.  NYE was a great success and the Hawaii trip was way too short!

My non-reading book club met on 1/9 at Extraordinary Desserts which has the most amazing cheese bar on Wednesday evenings.  There were two delicious Blues, two sheep milk cheeses, a coconut milk gouda and several others.  My piggalicious plate is shown above.  There may have been two, ha ha!  The women were great to talk to as usual and it was really a lot of fun!

That weekend, I went to a climber's party.  I've been rock-climbing a fair bit and am progressing reasonably well.  I'm pretty competitive and don't like being less skilled than others but that's ridiculous since I just started up again after a 13 year hiatus.

The weekend after was Matt and Michelle's housewarming party where we missed all the food trucks at 57 Degrees because we showed up too late.  I met a really nice MD/PhD student who just finished up her data collection and will be starting her MS3 year next Fall.  Prior to the housewarming party, I went out to dinner with our incoming intern, his girlfriend and SMS.

Edna had brunch at her place that Saturday and her awesome sister Janie was there.  I will really miss all the terrific people I've met since I've been here.

Orders

On Thursday, I received confirmation that I'll be one of the ENT doctors in Yokosuka, Japan for two years starting in July.  While this is not what I wanted, I'm becoming more excited about it.  The main reason I wasn't excited was personal life reasons but it looks like things may work out so now I'm getting excited about all the positives that exist.  I loved Japan the first time I was there.  The travel opportunities and the cultural experience will be amazing.  I want to climb Mt. Fuji.  I'd like to go to Fuji Rocks.  Professionally, the job is great.  I'm out on my own (finally) and I feel really competent.  In addition, the graduating chief from Bethesda will be there and I already know (and like!) her from our overlapping time at MD Anderson.  So, it's definitely an exciting time!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was awesome!  After a year hiatus, my friends and I decided to go back to Hotel Solamar!  We had gone for two years and then took last year off which was a sort of "meh" time at Starlite (I thought- early seating, no real DJ/dance floor).  We reserved the last big cabana.  It was a great deal- an $1100 minimum including tax/tip.  We pre-planned what drinks/bottles we were going to order so there were no end-of-the-night surprises made even more difficult by not being sober.  Win!

Before the night even started though, SMS wanted to take some pictures during the after sunset blue hour from my rooftop.  It was a pretty awesome setup and idea.  Unfortunately, I was a little nervous being the center of the camera's attention but SMS got some great shots.  It was an awesome way to document the end of 2012 and the early beginnings of something special.

SMS and I on the rooftop

Sparklers!

Champagne!  It was an awesome NYE!!!

Also, the dress was quite a find from a few weeks prior.  The hair stylist I go to "currates" vintage clothing and this was on her rack.  It was the right size and $20.  Awesome!

Then, the dinner party started.  Friends brought assorted snacks and drinks.  I provided a "street taco" spread with oven-fried carnitas, chicken tinga, fresh chorizo and potato and a beef mixture.  They were all really good although the chicken tinga was my favorite.  The chips and tortillas were from El Indio and were excellent!  We missed the bus b/c I can't tell time and I couldn't find my wallet but ultimately, we made it to Hotel Solamar by 9ish.

Jenny, SMS and the awesome "street taco" spread!

Another new couple alert!

At the party!

Hotel Solamar was awesome.  I hung out and danced with my friends and in general, just had an awesome time celebrating the New Year.  While I'm sure I'll have quiet NYE in the future that I'll enjoy at home, hanging out with my San Diego friends is so much fun, especially on big nights/festive occasions!  And we didn't overshoot the bill too badly.  We definitely didn't drink a lot since we started early so a nearly full bottle of Belvedere went home with me in my bag.  Scandalous!

Hotel Solomar

Hotel Solomar

2012 Wrap-Up!

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

Went to Vegas!  Went to JazzFest.  Went on a humanitarian medicine mission (USNS Mercy). Won a chili cook-off!  Joined a “book club.”  Ran a hash.  Had my O-4 wetting down.  Was a bridesmaid in a brother’s wedding!  Did a Whole30.

2.  Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I had a pretty good year.  I didn’t do super well on resolutions that I made (studying, studying Spanish, weight loss) but I’m in a pretty happy place right now so it wasn’t a wash.  As for this upcoming year, I have a lot of goals but most of them are due to fixed external circumstances- graduating from residency, moving, boards.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but my good friend from college is pregnant!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

Philippines and Indonesia thanks to the USNS Mercy.  Otherwise, it was a very domestic travel kind of year- New Orleans for JazzFest, Nashville on a road trip, Pensacola for Joe’s wedding, Pittsburgh to see Karen, DC for the AAO-HNS meeting.  

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

Hmmm, I don’t feel that 2011 lacked anything.  There were certainly a few turns of events that I wasn’t anticipating (see #7) but overall, I’m just excited for the growth and happiness I expect 2013 to bring.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

September 4th when I found out that Mechen was not the person I thought he was.  A less nice way to put this is that it was the date I found out he was a cheating bastard.

8 December: Saturday December Nights in Balboa Park.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

This is hard.  I think the best was the USNS Mercy, specifically the thyroglossal duct cyst case I arranged in the Philippines.  And to be honest, not to focus too much on failed relationships, standing up for myself and kicking Mechen to the curb was a pretty big deal. 

9. What was your biggest failure?

Eh, why dwell.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I really dig my new Frye boots.  And plane tickets to my brother’s wedding!

12. Where did most of your money go?

Rent, travel, superfluous silliness.

13. What did you get really excited about?

USNS Mercy, starting my chief year!!!

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Goyte, “Somebody that I Used to Know;” Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together;” The Avett Brothers, “Live and Die;” 

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier

– thinner or fatter? Same/thinner

– richer or poorer? Richer (continuing to save)

16. What's one thing you wish you had done more of?

Study

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Read silly websites- so far this year, no people.com or jezebel.com!

18. How did you spend Christmas?

On call but had Christmas lunch at the Boswells and Christmas dinner with Matt & Bryon and Julian & Chase.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

Modern Family

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

The End of Your Life Bookclub, Cutting for Stone...I also love brainpickings.org.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?

Monsters & Men, The Killers, GROUPLOVE, Avett Brothers

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Hunger Games (I know!), Step Up Revolution (the dance scenes were incredible).  Clearly, I don’t prioritize movie watching in my life.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

32.  I went out to Davanti Enoteca the day of and did fun things the weekend before- bike riding, hanging out with friends.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

There were definitely some unexpected ups and downs this year but nothing I can imagine not going through since I’m in a really good spot right now.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Classic (read: expensive) pieces mixed with some mixed (but mostly good) finds on the Anthro sales rack.  

26. What kept you sane?

Friends

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Life refuses to conform to plans.  A positive outlook and dealing with challenges gracefully can make all the difference.  Finding love can be a wonderful, serendipitous thing.  I am really, REALLY lucky to have all that I have and to have been born to a wonderful American family.

Awesome week!

Mark and I resting

Whoa, rock climbing was pretty awesome!  A group of us went to Mission Gorge and hiked two routes.  I got up both of them although the part pictured below took me two tries before I got it.  I actually sort of muscled through it because my pride would not let me NOT do it.  Everyone had gotten it easily and even though it had been 13 years since I climbed, there was no way I wasn't going to make it. So... I did it!  It was an awesome, beautiful day and I had the best time.

Some rock...

Later that night, I went to SMS' sister's Christmas party.  It was a lot of fun, my dress looked great (yay!) and I met his parents who are the most delightful people.  I love holiday parties and even though I was on my dumb diet, it was still fun.

Oh yeah!  I finished Whole30!  I felt/feel awesome and I'm so glad that I stuck to my guns and saw it through!  I've definitely gone off-plan at this point and had a mini-holiday.  I'm paying attention to portion sizes and not eating too much bread but other than that, I'm just going to eat what seems good (which also means not necessarily healthy although most of what I eat is).  I can't wait for Hawaii and a shave ice, but I'm definitely not craving sweets as much as I used to .  I DO want a glass of wine, but that has to wait until tomorrow when I'm off call.  Yay!

The work week was pretty easy and I got some good cases.  Two ears, a neck dissection and parotidectomy- it was awesome!  On Christmas Eve, I went over to Mark's parents' for lunch followed by dinner with Zen that night at Banker's Hill.  On Christmas, I went to the Boswell's for lunch and had a pot roast dinner here at the apartment with Matt, Bryon, Julian and Chase.  It was a lot of fun and great company all day.  

Last night, I went to a climber party/Angela's birthday at Bay Ho and met the nicest people.  Chad and Jennifer were a super cool couple that I spoke with for awhile.  I also met Michelle, a former L&D nurse and current acupuncturist.  

Today, I meant to write my paper but instead, got caught up on errands and sleep.  Two more days 'till NYE and three more days until Hawaii!!!

Upcoming travel excitement!

I can't wait!  After taking WAY too little leave (not since JazzFest really), I have several exciting trips coming up!  I initially refrained from asking for one of my allowed weeks off and then I thought, "What am I thinking?!"  So, I asked for it and when I talked to Brady later that week, I found out that it's her Spring Break!  Sister trip!  I think we'll head over to Switzerland together!  That way, we can hang out during the day and then I'll find stuff to do at night when Uli is off.  We'll all go out to dinner at least once but I want to make sure they have their time too.  I've travelled independently before so it's NBD.

BRADY!  Let me hang out with yooouuuuuu!

I also have two awesome February trips.  On President's Weekend, I'll be heading out to Breckenridge to Jenny's brother's house with Jenny and Brooke.  SUPER exciting!  I've never skied on a Big West resort and I cannot wait.  I may rent skis since it'll save on bringing them AND my skis are so old that the rentals will be much nicer.  Hmmm, what to do?

The weekend after that, I'm heading to Pittsburgh to see all of my close college friends.  HOORAY!  I am really hoping Hilary will be able to make it since she'll be close to 7 months pregnant at that point but my fingers are crossed for her!  Well, they're crossed anyway but I do hope she'll be able to make it!

Finally, I'll head out to Nova Scotia in June where Mom and Dad have rented a house for two weeks.  Seems a little random but the place is gorgeous and I always love seeing them and hanging out with family so I'm really looking forward to it.

This week was pretty mellow.  I had a super tough case in the OR- it was the hardest tympanoplasty I've ever done.  The guy had recently been in an IED blast (<3 months ago) and there was just a lot of inflammation, bony irregularities and shredded drum.  Ultimately, I got the graft in and positioned appropriately but it was really difficult and not tons of fun.  Clinic was pretty easy this week- not too mentally taxing.

Socially, a little quiet since people are gearing up for the holidays and leaving town.  I watched Elf and cooked salmon on Thursday.  I love the movie and it makes me feel so Christmas-y.  I may even watch it again that's how much I love it!

Ok, off to go round.  I'm going rock-climbing today and then to a Christmas party tonight.  I think I have my outfit set to go.  I'm wearing a dress which looks good and not too fancy but it's easy to overshoot the dress code in Southern CA so hopefully, it won't be too much.  The dress is flattering but pretty simple.  My shoes are totally awesome and really give a pop of color.  I'll write the verdict later!

December Weekend

I had a great weekend!  On Friday, I went out to the Tractor Room with Jenny, Jim, Carlin and Jeremy.  We were celebrating Jenny’s and Jim’s birthdays and the food was delicious.  I had the wild boar stew.  The carb-y things smelled heavenly but I’m still going strong.  Day 23/30, yay!  I can’t wait to be done although I can’t really figure out what I’m going to eat afterwards either.  Do I go back to oats and yogurt in the morning?  I think not, but I need to figure something out!

On Saturday, I went up to North County and biked from Solana Beach to Leucadia and back after a delicious brunch at Claire’s on Cedros.  That night, I went to a Christmas party where people were so nice and had REALLY amazing Christmas sweaters.

On Sunday, I got my ass handed to me by a hot yoga class.  I thought I was going to hurl and pass out at the same time.  I managed to push through the last 8 minutes, but holy hell.  I went back to bed and it sort of wiped out my whole afternoon.  Then I went to game night, was tempted by cookies but succeeded and played poker with my friends, which was a lot of fun.

Today has been two ear cases.  Now, I’m off to work on the discussion section of my paper before moving on to typing up an IRB for my planned Mercy paper.  Ooops, held up by the fact that there's scant literature but I'll get it done!