I just came back from the best weekend. I got to meet all of Mechen's brothers along with their families. Everyone was really welcoming. It's a really sweet family that, like mine, is able to pick up where they left off even though it had been FOREVER since Mechen had seen them (6 years! Way too long!).
Best of all, even though everyone was really nice, it was also very real. It wasn't like we were insta-family right away (just add water!), but they were happy that Mechen was happy and we all got along really well. I remember one ex's family was so overbearing- "Call me Mom!"- and it was really off-putting. I HAVE a family and even though over time we'll all be closer, it's something that happens over time. I guess I'm just a little sensitive to people insinuating that my family couldn't possibly be close since we don't live near each other, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I love my family!
We hung out in Hagerstown for the weekend. Mechen and I hung out on our own a little bit, but it was mostly family time. He has the cutest nephews!
Also, vegan month is dead like the cow in the burger I ate on Sunday. Although I'm not going on a crazy meat-eating rebound since I didn't eat much to begin with, the strict veganism thing is not for me. It's WAY too much thinking about food and tracking it which I don't think is healthy, at least for me. Becoming compulsive about food is not enjoyable and since I really do love a good meal (balance is key!), I really didn't want to sap away the social interaction and pleasure that food can bring.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wiped!
OMG. I went to Bar Method class tonight- toodle-dee-doo- thinking it would just be an ordinary class. I was happy since I went home and had some oatmeal since I was close to being "hangry" but instead, I was set for my workout.
Oh.my. The Bar Method San Diego just started to break out level 2's from 1's on Tuesday and Thursday nights so I braved a Level 2 class. It kicked my butt. I have never had such uncontrollable shaking in my legs before. While I love the Bar Method (I almost typed "BM" but changed my mind), I've always thought their emphasis on shaking was kind of stupid. It's always encouraged as it's a "sign" of reshaping the muscle and calorie burn. Maybe. I guess I can buy it in relation to forming longer, leaner slow twitch muscles fibers (Type 1 to 2, or vice versa?) but it still sounds slightly ridiculous to me. Tonight, however, I don't care what shaking means, all I know is that Jessica led a crazy-tough class and I loved it! It was definitely quite a challenge!
I'm also trying to do a vegan diet for 3 weeks. I've heard so many benefits from veganism that I want to try it for myself. It's fairly easy for me since I'm not the biggest meat eater although I'm going to have to REALLY benefit from veganism in order to give up cheese and fish long-term. I'm also meeting Mechen's brothers in a week and I don't want to be his crazy California girlfriend. I'm going to try and stick at least with vegetarian options, but I'm not going to make a scene about it. I've also been trying to avoid gluten which I think will also be tough to do that weekend. But I will plan, bring some snacks and try!
I also consider myself a "born-again" vegan since I started on 1 Oct, but ate a huge rack of ribs on the 3rd during the Chargers game tailgate. It was delicious! I bought the tickets before I decided to do this so I didn't really care about my new-found diet fad. But now, I'm back on the wagon!
The Chargers/Cardinals game was so much fun. Five of us went on the Pizza Port party bus which meant we got a ride to the game, beer on the bus (yay!)(and gluten-avoidance what?), a great tailgate, awesome seats (not really but the stadium is pretty small), and a ride back. I also went with some awesome girls so it was a really great time. One of my friends posted 190(!) pictures on Facebook which is crazy! I'll try and get one on here at some point. That's about all I can handle trying to coordinate.
Ok, off to prepare for pre-op tomorrow and sign some dictations. Snooze!
Oh.my. The Bar Method San Diego just started to break out level 2's from 1's on Tuesday and Thursday nights so I braved a Level 2 class. It kicked my butt. I have never had such uncontrollable shaking in my legs before. While I love the Bar Method (I almost typed "BM" but changed my mind), I've always thought their emphasis on shaking was kind of stupid. It's always encouraged as it's a "sign" of reshaping the muscle and calorie burn. Maybe. I guess I can buy it in relation to forming longer, leaner slow twitch muscles fibers (Type 1 to 2, or vice versa?) but it still sounds slightly ridiculous to me. Tonight, however, I don't care what shaking means, all I know is that Jessica led a crazy-tough class and I loved it! It was definitely quite a challenge!
I'm also trying to do a vegan diet for 3 weeks. I've heard so many benefits from veganism that I want to try it for myself. It's fairly easy for me since I'm not the biggest meat eater although I'm going to have to REALLY benefit from veganism in order to give up cheese and fish long-term. I'm also meeting Mechen's brothers in a week and I don't want to be his crazy California girlfriend. I'm going to try and stick at least with vegetarian options, but I'm not going to make a scene about it. I've also been trying to avoid gluten which I think will also be tough to do that weekend. But I will plan, bring some snacks and try!
I also consider myself a "born-again" vegan since I started on 1 Oct, but ate a huge rack of ribs on the 3rd during the Chargers game tailgate. It was delicious! I bought the tickets before I decided to do this so I didn't really care about my new-found diet fad. But now, I'm back on the wagon!
The Chargers/Cardinals game was so much fun. Five of us went on the Pizza Port party bus which meant we got a ride to the game, beer on the bus (yay!)(and gluten-avoidance what?), a great tailgate, awesome seats (not really but the stadium is pretty small), and a ride back. I also went with some awesome girls so it was a really great time. One of my friends posted 190(!) pictures on Facebook which is crazy! I'll try and get one on here at some point. That's about all I can handle trying to coordinate.
Ok, off to prepare for pre-op tomorrow and sign some dictations. Snooze!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Best call Sunday!
Today was a terrific day! I did so much, spent too much money (wait for it!) and had so much fun hanging out with my sister.
First, I went to Farmhouse Cafe with Jenny. It was delicious! We split a small plate of ricotta pancakes followed by onion tart w/poached eggs for her and biscuits and gravy w/sausage and duck egg for me. While my dish was delicious, I couldn't finish it b/c it was a little too rich and I also am not the biggest fan of biscuits and gravy. Is that totally weird for ordering it then? I think so, but I knew it would be good and it's something that I would never make myself that I had to see how it was done. So, while tasty, I'm getting something else next time. There will definitely be a next time because I love that place, just notsomuch what I ordered today.
Then, I went back to the house, picked up Brady and we were off! We went to the Farmer's Market where we got TOTALLY suckered into to buying a ridiculous amount of fruit. One stand had "Fill a bag for $10" and we fell for it! But, we will figure out how to use it because 1. I don't like wasting time, food or a good deal and 2. a normal amount would have cost the same amount at full-price so why not pony up to the challenge of buying way too much?!
I also bought some gorgeous mini-bouquets, which are my frequent treat to myself. Then, we went to Velo Cult where I bought a new bike! It's a Miyata touring bike and I love it. I definitely need to get used to the non-cruiser bike seated position but I can't wait to ride it to work and all about town! I am going to pick it up tomorrow or Tuesday depending on what time I get out of the OR. But just in case, I will run to work tomorrow so I can make it up the hill if I manage to get out of here before 1830.
Next, we went to Pizza Port and split a small Port OB Pizza- mozzarella, gorgonzola crumbles, portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, butternut squash, asparagus and bacon. Amazing! Even splitting half a small was too much but in a great way. Then we stopped for small fro-yos.
After the feasting, we finally set out for what we meant to do all day- hike the Torrey Pines trails. It was beautiful and close to sunset so it worked out well going later in the afternoon. I dropped her off at the house earlier and then I came here to work on my Powerpoint for the academy meeting. That's been going nowhere but I will get off the Internet and get cracking!
Later!
First, I went to Farmhouse Cafe with Jenny. It was delicious! We split a small plate of ricotta pancakes followed by onion tart w/poached eggs for her and biscuits and gravy w/sausage and duck egg for me. While my dish was delicious, I couldn't finish it b/c it was a little too rich and I also am not the biggest fan of biscuits and gravy. Is that totally weird for ordering it then? I think so, but I knew it would be good and it's something that I would never make myself that I had to see how it was done. So, while tasty, I'm getting something else next time. There will definitely be a next time because I love that place, just notsomuch what I ordered today.
Then, I went back to the house, picked up Brady and we were off! We went to the Farmer's Market where we got TOTALLY suckered into to buying a ridiculous amount of fruit. One stand had "Fill a bag for $10" and we fell for it! But, we will figure out how to use it because 1. I don't like wasting time, food or a good deal and 2. a normal amount would have cost the same amount at full-price so why not pony up to the challenge of buying way too much?!
I also bought some gorgeous mini-bouquets, which are my frequent treat to myself. Then, we went to Velo Cult where I bought a new bike! It's a Miyata touring bike and I love it. I definitely need to get used to the non-cruiser bike seated position but I can't wait to ride it to work and all about town! I am going to pick it up tomorrow or Tuesday depending on what time I get out of the OR. But just in case, I will run to work tomorrow so I can make it up the hill if I manage to get out of here before 1830.
Next, we went to Pizza Port and split a small Port OB Pizza- mozzarella, gorgonzola crumbles, portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, butternut squash, asparagus and bacon. Amazing! Even splitting half a small was too much but in a great way. Then we stopped for small fro-yos.
After the feasting, we finally set out for what we meant to do all day- hike the Torrey Pines trails. It was beautiful and close to sunset so it worked out well going later in the afternoon. I dropped her off at the house earlier and then I came here to work on my Powerpoint for the academy meeting. That's been going nowhere but I will get off the Internet and get cracking!
Later!
No hitter...for now!
I know the weekend isn't over yet but I've had an excellent call weekend so far. Even if the shit hits the fan later today and tonight, the two no-hitter nights have been awesome and much appreciated. This past week, I was up until 1:30 for 4/5 nights working on my academy paper, which was finally submitted Friday night at 11. It looks pretty good and even though the reviewers will catch a few flaws that will need revisions, it's definitely in more than acceptable shape.
After a week like that though, I was TIRED! I went to bed Friday at midnight and slept in until 10, with a brief interruption at 7 where I thought I was up and would be unable to fall aslee-zzzzzzzzzzzzz! Brady and I went to the beach yesterday for 4 hours- it was awesome! I didn't get burned(!), the temperature was perfect and it was so much fun to be lazy and take a nap. After that, I was definitely caught up on sleep!
That night, we went out to Jolt'n Joe's downtown for a fellow resident's birthday party which was so much fun. Melissa, Brooke, Zheng, my sister were awesome to hang out with and catch up. I have been so MIA lately on the weekends with the Hawaii trip, unexpected trip to Norfolk and college friends in town that I hadn't "hanged" for a month! I had my standard cranberry and seltzer to drink (awesome go-to non-alkie drink) since I was on call AND driving.
Today, I'm at work. I have to write two notes and work on a presentation. I think I'm going to go soon though and go check out a few bike shops. Maybe Brady and I can go to Torrey Pines too. I'll check out the ER status board right before I go. If it's empty, I should be safe for at least a few hours.
Later!
After a week like that though, I was TIRED! I went to bed Friday at midnight and slept in until 10, with a brief interruption at 7 where I thought I was up and would be unable to fall aslee-zzzzzzzzzzzzz! Brady and I went to the beach yesterday for 4 hours- it was awesome! I didn't get burned(!), the temperature was perfect and it was so much fun to be lazy and take a nap. After that, I was definitely caught up on sleep!
That night, we went out to Jolt'n Joe's downtown for a fellow resident's birthday party which was so much fun. Melissa, Brooke, Zheng, my sister were awesome to hang out with and catch up. I have been so MIA lately on the weekends with the Hawaii trip, unexpected trip to Norfolk and college friends in town that I hadn't "hanged" for a month! I had my standard cranberry and seltzer to drink (awesome go-to non-alkie drink) since I was on call AND driving.
Today, I'm at work. I have to write two notes and work on a presentation. I think I'm going to go soon though and go check out a few bike shops. Maybe Brady and I can go to Torrey Pines too. I'll check out the ER status board right before I go. If it's empty, I should be safe for at least a few hours.
Later!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sister, Sister!
I know I still owe you a East Coast recap but I had to write a brief recap of my weekend with my awesome sister featuring a special guest appearance by Hillary and Jason.
Brady and I walked down to Little Italy from our place. We ate at a little pizza place because there was the best outdoor back deck. We shared a slice of cheese pizza, spinach calzone and a pitcher of Oktoberfest beer. Delicious! Then we went to El Camino for margaritas which was fun, but not the most amazing place ever. I think I'm feeling the need to move on to other places although you can't beat walking distance!
On Saturday, we picked up Hillary and Jason and went to C level, Cabrillo National Monument for the views and tidepools, a epic trip to the zoo (must make the most of $37 for admission!) and finally, South Beach for the best fish tacos anywhere. Anyone who says Rubio's is smoking crack! Oh yeah! We also went to Extraordinary Desserts for delicious cake- 3 slices for 4 people and we couldn't even finish them!
On Sunday, Hillary and I went out to brunch and then I worked on my paper for the Academy until 1:30 that morning!
Today, Brady and I were crazy efficient with errands AND went for a 5 mile run up at Cabrillo and went sailing in San Diego harbor for 1.5 hours. It was awesome and so much fun- once I got my sailing skillz back. The first 15 minutes weren't so terrific.
Ok, this is a brief dashed off note but more details on certain places (South Beach!) to come!
Brady and I walked down to Little Italy from our place. We ate at a little pizza place because there was the best outdoor back deck. We shared a slice of cheese pizza, spinach calzone and a pitcher of Oktoberfest beer. Delicious! Then we went to El Camino for margaritas which was fun, but not the most amazing place ever. I think I'm feeling the need to move on to other places although you can't beat walking distance!
On Saturday, we picked up Hillary and Jason and went to C level, Cabrillo National Monument for the views and tidepools, a epic trip to the zoo (must make the most of $37 for admission!) and finally, South Beach for the best fish tacos anywhere. Anyone who says Rubio's is smoking crack! Oh yeah! We also went to Extraordinary Desserts for delicious cake- 3 slices for 4 people and we couldn't even finish them!
On Sunday, Hillary and I went out to brunch and then I worked on my paper for the Academy until 1:30 that morning!
Today, Brady and I were crazy efficient with errands AND went for a 5 mile run up at Cabrillo and went sailing in San Diego harbor for 1.5 hours. It was awesome and so much fun- once I got my sailing skillz back. The first 15 minutes weren't so terrific.
Ok, this is a brief dashed off note but more details on certain places (South Beach!) to come!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Island time!
Mechen and I went to Kauai for a week-long, "Hooray, we get to spend extended amounts of time with each other!" vacation. We planned for the last-week in August as joint vacation time, but the location didn't get finalized until fairly late. We were thinking of road-tripping it to a variety of fun places within doable distances for a week vacation- Vail, Napa/Sonoma, SF, Northern California. But then I had a "Screw it!" moment. We'll have plenty of time in the future to take the cheapy option of road-tripping. Not to knock road trips- we had a great one in January- but I wanted to VACATION in a way that will be harder to do in the future if our family plans go the way we hope (i.e. please, please not during residency!).
So, Mechen told me a budget for our surprise destination and Kauai it was! The airfare was definitely a hit on the pocketbook, but we went pretty low-budget on the lodging through rented rooms and condos (VRBO.com, I love you!). We also rented a subcompact car per our usual routine, much to the chagrin of the rental car lady who was really hard-selling every option. Her final blow was, "Don't you want to rent a FUN car?" Um, no. I want to rent 4 wheels that work. You're talking to a woman who owns the cheapest Hyundai model- cars are not that important to me. Although I'll admit, I'm definitely an appreciator of nice cars when I'm getting a lift from a high-rolling friend, it's just not important enough to me for me to own one.
So, we went on Sunday after the Hail and Farewell kept us in town through Saturday night. We landed in Lihue several hours later and it was amazing. Have you ever experienced the perfect temperature air? I'm not sure of the exact number, but I know I felt it. Combined with a light breeze, it was perfection. We hopped in our most ono car and headed for the West Coast, to Kakeha. We stayed there for three nights and went to Kekeha beach, Barking Sands beach, Polihale State Park, Waimea Canyona and Koke'e State Park where we went on two hikes. We saw beautiful fog while hiking along Hanapu ridge and more fog and neat ecosystems while hiking the Alakai swamp. The hikes were a lot of fun, plus it allowed us to explore while staying out of the sun all day, every day. Although try as I might with the sunscreen, I got burned a few times. The sun was no joke. Also, Kauai was talked about as being such a beautiful place that people would take helicopter rides to see it. Helicopters were advertised as the best way to see the island up close- well, what about hiking? It was a lot of fun and Mechen and I had a great time. Of course, if we found a $500 bill on the sidewalk that said, "You must spend this on helicopter rides," of course we would have. But we felt it wasn't completely necessary for an amazing time and I feel pretty confident that we were right.
I'll write more about our East Coast Adventures in another post but for now, details...
8/15: Hawaiian Air from SD --> Honolulu --> Lihue
Lodging: Mindy's Rental (http://www.vrbo.com/94780)- 2 blocks from a beach with narrow strip of sand but nice sunsets!
Food highlights: Shave Ice (Jo-Jo's Clubhouse), Pina Colada by Mechen, master mixologist!
8/16: Hanapu Ridge Hike (4 mi)
Waimea Canyon
Halipole State Park
Shave Ice! (Jo-Jo's Clubhouse)
8/17: Alakai Hike (7 mi)
Barking Sands Beach
Shave Ice (Jo-Jo's Anueanue)
So, Mechen told me a budget for our surprise destination and Kauai it was! The airfare was definitely a hit on the pocketbook, but we went pretty low-budget on the lodging through rented rooms and condos (VRBO.com, I love you!). We also rented a subcompact car per our usual routine, much to the chagrin of the rental car lady who was really hard-selling every option. Her final blow was, "Don't you want to rent a FUN car?" Um, no. I want to rent 4 wheels that work. You're talking to a woman who owns the cheapest Hyundai model- cars are not that important to me. Although I'll admit, I'm definitely an appreciator of nice cars when I'm getting a lift from a high-rolling friend, it's just not important enough to me for me to own one.
8/15: Hawaiian Air from SD --> Honolulu --> Lihue
Lodging: Mindy's Rental (http://www.vrbo.com/94780)- 2 blocks from a beach with narrow strip of sand but nice sunsets!
Food highlights: Shave Ice (Jo-Jo's Clubhouse), Pina Colada by Mechen, master mixologist!
8/16: Hanapu Ridge Hike (4 mi)
Waimea Canyon
Halipole State Park
Shave Ice! (Jo-Jo's Clubhouse)
8/17: Alakai Hike (7 mi)
Barking Sands Beach
Shave Ice (Jo-Jo's Anueanue)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Time flies...
Ok, not really but I've had such a wonderful Summer and barely written about it at all. It's hard to motivate to write a blog post at work and since I rarely have internet access otherwise, well, blogging falls by the wayside.
July started off completely amazingly because I went to Norfolk to play the part of "good Navy girlfriend" when Mechen's ship returned from a six month deployment. I hadn't seen him since January and I had only talked to him on the phone four times during that whole time interval. The weekend was amazing. Too short, but to actually be with my boyfriend was such a treat. I know it's kind of weird to say- wow, I got to hang out with my boyfriend, fancy that. But after two years of loooong-distance, it's the little things that sustain me. Although my patience is getting thinner as December gets closer and closer. Hurry up December! (And why do I say that? Because Mechen has orders to CP and will be in San Diego. Hooray!)
I'll have to look at my calendar to update on other July goings on but August has also been a pretty good month because my sister Brady moved out to San Diego and is staying with me AND Rob and I went on a week long vacation to Kauai. It was totally awesome and beautiful. More details (and pictures!) to come!
July started off completely amazingly because I went to Norfolk to play the part of "good Navy girlfriend" when Mechen's ship returned from a six month deployment. I hadn't seen him since January and I had only talked to him on the phone four times during that whole time interval. The weekend was amazing. Too short, but to actually be with my boyfriend was such a treat. I know it's kind of weird to say- wow, I got to hang out with my boyfriend, fancy that. But after two years of loooong-distance, it's the little things that sustain me. Although my patience is getting thinner as December gets closer and closer. Hurry up December! (And why do I say that? Because Mechen has orders to CP and will be in San Diego. Hooray!)
I'll have to look at my calendar to update on other July goings on but August has also been a pretty good month because my sister Brady moved out to San Diego and is staying with me AND Rob and I went on a week long vacation to Kauai. It was totally awesome and beautiful. More details (and pictures!) to come!
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