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| Thursday, March 16th, 2006 | | 6:37 pm |
Plan: update on Hawaii trip update on Thanksgiving update on Christmas update on trip to Monterey/Wayne's sons wedding update of V.Day/5 year Anniversary We hope all is well, and that you are enjoying the first warmth of spring. It’s colder here in San Diego than it was all winter; we get weird weather here! The first of our tulips & daffodils are coming up, so apparently Amanda’s fall planting worked after all. Jeremy has been super busy with work. UCSD hosted a big conference 2 weeks ago, so as part of the host school Jeremy had lots of functions to attend. He picked up 2 new projects a few months ago, and is being forced to multi-task between each of those projects. He’s not a big fan of being stretched thin, so this workload has been stressful. Also, because of these projects, he has to work a standard Mon-Fri week to collaborate with teammates. That means that we haven’t had similar days off in awhile. Amanda’s workplace has become increasingly stressful, and at times unstable. The patients and staff are still wonderful, but her associate/mentor Dr. Gonzalez has announced he’s leaving the hospital for another facility. The increased workload won’t be a problem, but the issues with scheduling will potentially be an issue. Amanda has discussed changing her schedule to fit Jeremy’s but if that is impossible, there is a chance she may be leaving the hospital to find somewhere more suitable. We will give it a few more weeks and see, so please keep your fingers crossed for us. No one enjoys job hunting! We’ve had lots of fun stuff going on in the last few weeks—we enjoyed an Oscar party with friends Mar. 5th. We got a surround sound system for Jeremy’s birthday to build up our home theatre system, which will make us even bigger homebodies. For our anniversary we will be getting some furniture for the house, when we find something we love!!! Can you believe we are at 5 years…it seems just yesterday we were throwing our biggest party ever! We postponed our trip to Las Vegas because of Jeremy’s workload, but we will be going later this spring, and we plan to renew our vows while we’re there. Good thing we still like each other! Jeremy is still trying to finish up his instrument rating for flying. Our plane had some engine problems so test taking has been delayed, but he intends to finish by the end of the month. We started walking daily again (after laziness took over during the winter months) and have made a vow to continue working towards a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, it’s Girl Scout Cookie time… We miss you all, and hope to see you all soon. In the meantime however, have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and a Happy Spring! Love, Amanda & Jeremy Current Mood:  pleased | | Monday, May 23rd, 2005 | | 8:36 am |
I can never think of good titles...
Hmmm, what's been happening? Went to a gastrointestinal conference this weekend, and basically feel more educated and also more intimidated than I ever have by GI disease. And I'm tired. There should be a rule against making me go to continuing education earlier in the day than I would go to work. House buying--things are coming along, though I go through waves of excitement and panic. $600,000. That's a lot of money. Ugh. I'm ready for the waiting to be over and to move in already. I'm also looking forward to Amelia. I miss my family, esp. my smelly brother who won't come visit me. He'll fly to Boston, but not to Sunny San Diego. Stupid-head. And I'm sure my nieces and nephews have grown like weeds; I can't wait to see them! The triplets turn 2 in a few weeks, and Tori turns 2 in a month. Jeremy's mom is having gum surgery this week. She's brushed her teeth too hard for years and has messed up her gums. That really sucks. Yucky cases at work last week. Had a bunch of bad ones, that died, including 2 kittens and 1 puppy. Very sad. Makes it hard for me to sleep; probably another reason why I'm so tired. Family book club is going well. Cliff's pick for the month is getting a lot of us thinking. It's called Ella Minnow Pea; very interesting. Current Mood:  lethargic | | Friday, May 6th, 2005 | | 7:42 pm |
Stuff
Mom came to visit for the last few weeks. It was great to have her here but I'm afraid she was bored the whole time. We didn't go out and do a lot of stuff like we did on her last trip. We did get up to see Auntie Bea in Encinitas. But we spent a lot of time visiting houses, all overpriced, searching for a new home. Then after we found one, we found out there would be a freeway built nearby, and that freaked us out, which freaked her out, and so on. At least she got a nice relaxing 2 weeks to read and relax with the dogs, who I know she's been missing!:) And she got to see my hospital, on a dirty busy day, when it looked very unimpressive. Oh well. Jeremy flew the C-152 "home" today. Huh, I guess San Diego really is home now. We found an airport near the new house, called Brown field like 3 miles or less from the border. You can watch planes land at Tijuana's airport while you fly, pretty cool. Jeremy wants to work on his instrument rating some more. Work is going ok. More staff issues, including a high stress, frustrated tech who doesn't seem to be settling in very well. Current Mood: hopeful | | 7:33 pm |
House
Cripes. What a crazy month. Ok, found a house, we actually like, and even though we can't afford, we're closer to being able to afford than most of the other places in San Diego County. For $597,500 we get all this: SF Detached Status: Pending LP: $589,900 - $599,900 REF #: 1 MLS #: 058024612 OLP: $599,900 Media: 8 Address: 2145 STONECREEK PLACE Close of Escrow: Subdivision: EASTLAKE City: CHULA VISTA Zip : 91913- Cross Street: LAKESHORE Community: CHULA VISTA Map Code: 1311E3 MT: 18 AMT: 16 LD: 4/11/2005 Directions To Property: General Information Bedrooms: 3 View: Mountains/Hills Optional BR: Exterior: Stucco Baths: 2.5 Floors: Slab, Wood Est SqFt: 1,532 Heat: Forced Air Year Built: 1988 Cooling: N/K Stories: 2 Story Pool: Community Lot SqFt: 9158 Lot Size: Up to & Inc .25 Acres Source of SqFt: Assessor Record Sewer: N/K Ownership: Fee Simple School District: Roof: Tile Age Restriction: N/K Acres: Water: Meter on Property Zoning: R Topography: Level APN: 595-203-43-00 Pets: Yes Fireplace: FP in Living Room Remarks BEAUTIFUL EASTLAKE HOME WITH HUGE BACKYARD,FULL FENCED WITH BIG YARD FOR DOG. PROPERTY LOOKS LIKE NEW, NICE AND CLEAN. QUIET AREA NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND, CLOSE TO LAKE 4 RECREATION. 1 OF BEST IN NEIGHBORHOOD ON A CUL DE SAC. CALL BEFORE SHOW. Rooms Information Living Room: 16X12 Dining Room: 10X8 Family Room: 15X11 Kitchen: 12X11 Extra Room: N/A Master Bed: 13X12 Bedroom 2: 10X9 Bedroom 3: 10X9 Bedroom 4: N/A Bedroom 5: Additional Features Add Land Use: N/K Parking: 2 Car Garage Boat Facilities: N/K Security: N/K Guest House: N/K Patio: Slab Frontage: N/K Spa: N/K Laundry: Garage Telecom: Cable Irrigation: Sprinklers Complex Features: N/K Equipment: N/K For $600,000 I ought to get a butler!!! Current Mood: content | | Thursday, March 17th, 2005 | | 9:55 pm |
Life...ah...
So I'm working my ass off, with 1 day off per week for a few weeks, so I'm tired and low grade cranky. But one of my best friends may be in love which is great. But my brother's relationship has dissolved, so I'm sad. But I got a letter from another best friend, and former roomie, who I haven't heard from in WAY too long, so I'm totally stoked dude. And I have a Cooking Light dinner club thing on Sunday so I'm anxious and intrigued. And I'm sitting next to my hubby typing so I'm content. But they will drill in the Artic so I'm pissed. And I lost a patient last night so I'm upset and depressed. But I saw a funny play with our friend Ryan in it on Sunday so I feel connected. So much inner turmoil...chocolate will help. Lost some weight; YEAH! Back to my original, pre-off-diet-for-the-holidays binge, weight. Still got a ways to go, but progress is good. Planning on seeing Landis fam in summer, Hanna fam in fall. Thinking about Fiji for our big vacation. Current Mood: see above | | Sunday, February 27th, 2005 | | 3:44 pm |
still full of mucous
so I'm still full of snot, and yesterday my voice went totally away. But I still went to work, though I couldn't talk to clients and had difficulty talking to anyone. My voice is still trying to recover, but it's slow going and no phone calls... Dad came to visit 2 days ago! It was so good to see him, and he's lost a lot of weight and looks really good. B/c of crazy CA weather we weren't sure if he would come, but he did. His GPS got broken on his way out though. So we had dinner Friday and breakfast Sat. before I went to work. I just really hope I didn't get them sick! Jeremy's parents are coming to visit on Wed., with his grandparents. It should be a crazy week, since I don't get off work until 7-8 on Wed, then have Thurs and Sunday off, and work my regular schedule on Fri, Sat, and Mon. I just hope they don't mind the mess and the giant dogs! Current Mood:  sick | | Thursday, February 24th, 2005 | | 10:33 pm |
sick
I'm sick. I've felt like someone is choking me all day long. I have a cough. And I generally feel crummy. Had to work the first 3 days of the week, even with a fever, b/c Dr. Deo was out of town on a CE trip. So my big romantic anniversary I've been coughing up stuff all day. Jeremy still loves me though, I think. Nothing like phlegm to say sexy. Current Mood: phlegmy | | Sunday, February 20th, 2005 | | 8:46 pm |
my usually usual life
I have got to come up with a better day off schedule. On my days off I wind up doing lots of laundry and grocery shopping. So I haven't had so much of a chance to veg on my days off. I guess we are all always looking for balance, all the time. Our 4th wedding anniversary is Thursday. We both have the day off and plan on vegging all day with the dogs, maybe take them to Dog Beach. They love playing with the other dogs, and we love the beach; everyone is happy! It's been in the 60s and raining every day; a severe rarity in the area. There was even a tornado in North SD County yesterday! The insecurities at my new hospital continue. I had to talk to my boss about his "butting in" on cases; I'm kinda worried he didn't take it in the nature it was intended (eg constructive criticism) but he hasn't fired me yet so I guess maybe I"m overreacting!! Several times this last week he wandered in while I was talking to clients, which to me looks like he doesn't trust me/I'm incompetent, or at least that's how I think it looks. I"m sure he just needs to get used to things, and find faith and trust in me. The 2 doctors are more old school, but much less so than my practice in Valdosta, so maybe as well all mesh we'll all be more flexible...I hope! Book club is continuing on. I'm at least reading the book finally! Current Mood: happy | | Friday, February 11th, 2005 | | 9:03 pm |
Stuff. God my titles suck.
Goddamit. I hate this stupid computer. And Jeremy still hasn’t ordered the new one. Acutally, I usually like this one, but it just deleted 30 minutes worth of good LJ updates. So now I have to retype, b/c like an asshole, I forgot to save and I typed right into LJ instead of onto a word processor. So here I go again. I really wanted to hot tub right now, instead I’m typing b/c I’m anal and I’m smarter than this stupid machine (I hope). Started work Monday. Having some “new kid on the block” issues. Trying to figure out the best flow for my clients, sorting out the authority stuff. Trying to learn how to delegate w/o sounding “bossy” and yet have the techs respect me and my authority when I’m not that much older than most and younger than some. And it doesn’t help that Jeremy and I like to party as much as they do. But the clinic is ok, better than where I was. I’m doing as many surgeries in a week as I did in a month at my old place, and I don’t seem to get the nerves the way I used to. My diagnostics are ok, I’m just a bit rusty w/ stuff (drug dosages, etc.) I’m sure I’ll warm into it. It just strikes me as weird, and awkward at times. Got called for jury duty. Going to try to get out of it—financial hardship b/c I just started my job and one of my associates will be gone then. Las Vegas. Our big Valentine’s Day gift to each other. We both won money. Me on slots at Excalibur (max $120, final $40—got greedy and kept gambling), Jeremy on Texas hold ‘em. He’s such a junky. He finished up like $40, so not enough to even cover show tickets but hey, it was fun. We went to Zumanity, this beautiful artistic almost porn on stage. S&M, an orgy, lots of groping, but all very artful. Something for couples, not something to see with your parents. Cliff & Zach would love it. We also went and saw Drew Carey & the improve all stars, they were FREAKING hysterical. Apparently, they abducted Joe Walsh too, he was there playing music during the breaks. Very “who’s line” in style, though they added this bit where they’re blindfolded and there’s loaded mousetraps everywhere. Drew and this other random guy did it; lots of swearing and trying to ride each other’s backs! And you know how funny Jeremy’s laugh is; that alone got me tickled. We went to a fun club called the Tangerine where Jeremy got a free drink from a guy b/c he had a hot wife!!!:) The guy was married and after he danced all up on me figured out that we were together and was really apologizing; Jeremy & I were having so much fun we didn’t care. And the cast of one of the other Cirque d’Soleil shows came in, all tall and lanky and dark haired. We stayed at the Tropicana, with mirrors on the ceiling, headboard, and walls, but otherwise it was kinda old. And everything reaked of smoke. The Excalibur was ok—Krispy Kreme! The Luxor, MGM Grand, and NYNY were all pretty, and we spent plenty of time there. We went to a Time share talk, and bought a travel package—you pay for some travel up front. We’ll see how it works out. We’re very hopeful. Book club. Haven’t started the book yet. Jeremy still hasn’t finished so I haven’t started. Gus has had a nasty ear infection. Maybe Pseudomonas, having a terrible time clearing it up. Hope he’s feeling better, though he still isn’t acting quite right. Ok, going to hot tub. I need to relax a bit. Current Mood:  irate | | Wednesday, February 2nd, 2005 | | 10:14 pm |
update
This is very disturbing. Jeremy is watching South Park, something about the Special Olympics. Those guys are going to hell, and very quickly at that. Very bizarre. So what's been going on? I've passed my board, and gotten my license, so I'll start back to work on Monday. It's an interesting combination of nerves, anxiety, and some concern. It's been awhile since I was practicing full time. And I haven't done surgery in ages, so I always get the jitters trying to impress the new boss, plus I am sure I'll be pretty slow when I'm getting started again. Rhonda and her fiance Eric came out for a visit last week while Eric had a conference. We went out to eat A LOT, kinda expensive for 1 week, but lots of fun and very worthwhile. We went to Edgewater Grille, Yardhouse, & Azul. Jeremy & I had lunch at Edgewater Grille once before, and we had dinner at Azul to celebrate my license. Then Restaurant week began! It had a $30 price fix menu (3 courses, 3 options each), so we went to 2 places, on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday we went to Sheerwater at The Hotel del Coronado; it was really yummy. And Monday we went to Blue Pointe with Bev and Johnathan. We've gone out with them once before, to the beer dinner ($25/person, 4 course meal + 4 course beer). Johnathan and Jeremy work together. And tomorrow we go to Vegas. We're going to have a big blowout weekend before I start back to work. To try and drink out my nerves! Maybe see some shows, and of course Jeremy's wanting to gamble. Finally went to the library and got my library card. Somehow that's fulfilling. Yeah, I know I'm anal, but my brother IS a librarian. Current Mood:  pensive | | Sunday, January 23rd, 2005 | | 2:48 pm |
I am a literary guru!
I am so excited about the family/friend bookclub I've initiated. I feel very smart and proud, which means I'll probably trip in front of a large group of people tomorrow--bad karma from pride. Great, now I'm worried about tripping. Anyway, I think it'll be fun, and since this is my month I HAVE to read the book...I have given myself an ultamatatum! Again, with the pride! Oh well. I hope everyone else likes it, and thinks it is fun. Eagles just got another touchdown, they look like they're going to the superbowl...Jeremy's hoping for an all PA Superbowl. Current Mood: nerdy | | Saturday, January 22nd, 2005 | | 5:00 pm |
New Year
I've been bad about my live journal again. But our office computer has died and Jeremy has had no success in bringing it back to life. He's been trying for weeks, and he has potentially made it worse, but it certainly isn't working now. We'll begin at the beginning, on New Year's Eve-- We hung out with Jeremy's family and had a poker night. That way we could help watch Hannah (Nicole and Lee's baby; Jeremy's Niece)--she's so much fun! We hung out at watched football all day on the 1st, it was so great to just lay around. I did a lot of that in PA. I usually do, because I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get sick when we go up there. Always. Head cold, though the first 2 years I got the flu. Maybe I'm slowly building tolerance. Actually, Jeremy got it first then gave it to me this year, though it took me weeks to get rid of it. It didn't help that right after I got back from PA I went to Snow Filled Nebraska, to visit Kori, and re-caught the bug. Had a great visit with her though! Her dog was mean to me at the beginning. Then he got over it. Oh, and Omaha lost my luggage for 24 hours. No luck for the weary. Our trip out to PA was hellish. We had a connection in Cincinatti which was snowed in. We sat on the plane on the tarmac for over 3 hours (they even showed an extra movie!) Then we couldn't get out, our connection was cancelled, and they weren't sure when they could get us there. So then Jeremy's dad drove down in the ice & snow to get us. The roundtrip took 10 hours (usually 5) and we missed Regina's Christmas Eve party. They lost our luggage for a week. No cameras. So we've told all family that if they want to see us for holidays in 2005 they must come to us and we'll take them to the beach. I think the beach at Christmas sounds pretty ok... Avoid Cincinatti at all costs. So I passed my boards; I just found out a few days ago! Of course we've been celebrating! I'll be starting work Feb 7, after Jeremy & I escape to Las Vegas for a 4 day weekend! Vegas is only 5 hours away... My staff seems to be pretty excited about my return, as are my bosses. I don't have the best schedule in the world, but I'm going to give it a shot, but hopefully it will work out. At least I don't have any overnights or emergency on calls. My schedule for now will be Mon-Wed (11-8pm), Fri-Sat but in April we go to a 7 day work week so I get Sat-Wed, with Thurs & Friday off. At least Sat & Sunday we close a bit earlier, so I'll be able to go to evening church. Even though the schedule is kinda crappy, Jeremy is going to talk to his boss to get his schedule to mirror mine. I don't think I'll mind wierd hours if he's in the same boat and we see each other and can do stuff with the dogs at the same time. He even said he'd tape NASCAR and football so we can watch together when we're home (commercial free it should go quicker!!!). He's still LOVING his job, and it seems like at least once a week we say to ourselves that we hope to stay here quite awhile. In fact, today we went on a whale watching cruise with people from UCSD. We saw 2 different whales, and got to watch them blowing and fluke-ing as they dove. Oh, and Jeremy dropped a camera off the boat. We also got to see several dolphins and sea lions, playing in the wake of the boat. It was pretty cool, and pretty chilly outdoors! Anyway, I'm so glad boards are over, and I don't have to worry about it anymore. Now we can get on with our lives, and avoid Sacramento!!! That test really did freak me out. I had bad dreams for weeks and would cry if I thought about it for too long. I have such wierd, high anxiety...So glad it's over. So 2005 has lots of new stuff in store for us. We're going to start shopping for a house hopefully soon, or at least a realtor. I'm looking for a new church, and Jeremy's looking fo ra new boat. Part of that is because he broke the nose on his boat paddling the Santa Margarita (landed the nose of the boat on a rock and sheared it). He's patched it back together, but now he has a "reason" for a new boat. And of course we'll both be working at the same time, for the first time ever. That may be the wierdest thing of all. WAR EAGLE! Undefeated year for the Auburn tigers. They should have at least had a chance to play USC for the National title. Resolutions: 1. Read a book every 2 weeks (so far not going well) 2. Join a book club--to meet people and help with 1 3. Find a good fit for me, regarding a church, possibly UCC or unitarian universalist 4. Cut down on TV (after finish catching up on Charmed, and watch last season of Buffy--already on Blockbuster.com list) 5. Find ways to lower anxiety 6. Be happier--try not to get so worked up about small stuff and let it upset me 7. Go to the beach at least once every 2 weeks, and try a new restaurant at least once a month (going VERY well!) 8. Try to make more of the recipes I compulsively collect Current Mood: optimistic | | Monday, December 13th, 2004 | | 3:01 pm |
study break
I am currently taking a study break (ie avoiding my books). My board test is a week from today and the panic is still just below the surface, and I haven't maxed out just yet. But I'm close. And I'm so tired of reading my notes. There's a good chance that I won't read another vet journal article for 1 month minimium once this is all done. Ugh. We aren't even getting a tree, or decorating or anything b/c of this test. It's really ticking me off! I don't get to do any fun holiday stuff, and all the shopping was online b/c we travel so much. At least we'll have a tree in PA. So stuff that's been happening: Last night we went to Frosty the Show, Man concert. I won the tickets online and got them in exchange for 2 teddy bears for toys for tots. The scary marine guy that's on the TV and was in Full Metal Jacket announced the bands. Snow Patrol and Jimmy Eat World were awesome, and there was even some crowd surfing and a guy who ran on stage and got tackled (literally) by the roadie. Louis the XIV was ok, but they had base issues through the first 3 songs, and I only knew one song (the last) so I wasn't terribly impressed. Ooh, and the best part? I fit into my skinny jeans!!!! Yeah! Not like suck-it-in-fit-in them either--I even had extra room! So aside from being ghostly white (haven't left my house in 2 weeks from studying) I was feelin' sexy! Saturday night was my office party. We went to an Indian restaurant in Mira Mesa, b/c when I think Christmas I think Indian. Anyway, the food was great, and it was nice to see some friendly faces, again, haven't left the house in forever. The Sunday before that was my office open house (it was FREEZING) so that was the last time I'd seen anyone other than Jeremy and the boys. The boys by the way, are freaking b/c I'm home all the time. They'll be pissed when I head back to work. Julie's friend, Lisa and her husband Ryan, came over for dinner the other night. I'm afraid my cooking was WAY below par, but with this test looming I hope they can forgive me. It's great to know similarly busy people, b/c they get it, but at the same time it can be a pain organizing stuff. Luckily that evening came together well, except for my food!:( My physical came back all clear and beautiful. Aaah. Thanksgiving trip: massive headache. Our flight was delayed 2 hours in San Diego, so we got stuck in the airport. On the flight out, we got stuck in the row with the TV screen, so there was a TV screen 12 inches from my nose, and it connected to our overhead bin, so I couldn't get to my food. Dammit! Then we get to Atlanta, it's rainy and cold, and they drive us all over the tarmac to get us to our terminal, so by the time we got there, we had run and I was all out of breath, and really had to pee. There was a line at our gate to Montgomery, so I quickly ducked into the bathroom, then we got in line. When we get to the guy he says (RUDELY) that the flight to Montgomery was gone, that in fact this was the flight to Chatanooga or something. So then we had to wait in line to talk to the Delta people, who didn't want to give us a room or anything. Jeremy explained about the driving on the tarmac, and I explained that I was ticked (but not too rudely, then I smiled) and so we got a room and meal vouchers. Luckily Mom had not already left for Montgomery. So I got an hour of sleep before we started up again. By the time we got to Montgomery I was wiped, and we took naps we we got to Karma. So yuk. Then the fam was together for was felt like 10 minutes. The Johnsons were there from LATE Tues night to Sat morning, and Cliff, Zach, and the Hortons were there from Wed to Sun. Dad left Sunday too. So we basically got Wed, Thurs = Thanksgiving, Friday = Christmas, and Saturday people started leaving. We were there Monday to Monday but it really was NOT a week long visit. So I'm all about exploring alternatives. Especially since I don't know if I'll be able to take of for holidays, and if so for which ones...But that's a matter for after my test. But seeing the babies and the fam was great, and it was lovely to see how sweet the trips are and how spoiled Tori is!:) She totally runs the household, and what she says goes. It'll be interesting to see her at terrible twos, and at 16! But we all knew it was coming, so I think the only ones in denial are Char and Ralph! But all the babies are beautiful, and smart, and I think all the parents are doing a wonderful job. I just love what a monkey Savannah is; all she wants to do is be up in the air, if that means she has to shinny up your leg! And the boys are so sweet, and TV oriented, and they have the BEST hair--blonde and curly! All three of the trips love if you pick them up and bend them backwards; they think hanging upside down is the coolest thing ever--they'll all love planes and roller coasters I'm sure! Can you tell I'm a doting aunt? The worst part about living way out here is missing watching them grow up, but I'd miss that with Tori anyway probably, and I saw the trips at most every 2 weeks when I was living in Valdosta, so I need to keep perspective. My new year resolutions are growing steadily. Everything from more reading, to religion, to exercise, to exploring this cool new town we live in. At least most of them will be fun to keep! I'm really looking forward to going to PA, and meeting Hannah (the new niece), and being done with this test. Off to study. Current Mood: hopeful | | Friday, November 12th, 2004 | | 8:53 pm |
bad girl
So what all has happened since I last LJed? Hmmmm...what has happened? I started work, and have been swamped with new responsibilities, including staff meetings (vets have staff meetings?!?). And of course the election...waaaaaaahhhhhhh! Thank God for California, but dammit Ohio!!! And the Christmas shopping. And the Christmas wishlist. I love the wishlist--it's like shopping carefree; you don't have to worry about how much anything costs, or how many black shoes you "need" (what kind of a bonus question is that). I like my job, but I'm getting freaked out about boards, so I feel distracted. I'm thinking about a family book club (or family & friend) for when boards is over. I definitly want to read more, and need to cut back on TV, which I'm currently watching (this week's Lost). We went to se a play with Julie's friend Lisa, her husband Ryan is in it, and we went to have dessert and coffee afterwards--the play was hysterical! Big football tomorrow--AU v. UGA...I will be praying tonight! Oh, and Jeremy's big meeting w/ Nasa went well this Wed. And Jeremy leaves on Sunday for his conference in Savannah, and gets back on the 20th, the night of the San Diego County VMA's big Christmas party. Then we leave for Karma on Monday, for a week of very loud family time. Current Mood: recumbent | | Tuesday, October 12th, 2004 | | 2:21 pm |
Stuff
Reverse order: the last entry was actually the 2nd of the two. Let's see, Dad snuck off and has his knee replacement surgery done. He hates hospitals and said he didn't want to worry anyone, so he didn't tell anyone other than his protege. This of course, upset some of his family to varying extent. Apparently one child (not me) freaked out about it, whereas another (not me) was so far backlogged they didn't find out for almost a week. Recovery is good, and he's making slow progress. He feels like he made the right decision, and if you're in pain and feel that way you're lucky. We went and saw Norah Jones in concert Sunday. She was pretty good, very Norah, very very mellow. You definitely don't go see her for a pick me up. But she has a beautiful voice and plays well. She didn't play for about 1/2 of the concert, but she sang for the whole thing. The presidential debate on Friday was a mixed bag. Bush performed better than he did at the first one (damn it!) but he still left a bunch of openings, that Kerry just didn't take. As a former debater, that pissed me off. For instance, when Bush didn't answer the question regarding 3 mistakes, and instead babbled, Kerry should have pointed out 3 mistakes Bush has made and how he will fix them. He should have also pointed out that not admitting to mistakes doesn't make you resolute, it means you don't learn from errors and will continue to make them. Very frustrating. But the economy debate on Wed. should be good for Kerry, it's where his numbers are strongest, I just hope he gets his act together. Going to see Kathy Rigby as Peter Pan on Thursday. Working out the job contract. Will update when I have it all finalized. Desperate Housewives and Lost are really good...ABC may come back from the brink before it's all said and done. Current Mood:  bouncy | | Friday, October 1st, 2004 | | 10:45 pm |
Rent
Jeremy & I went to see Rent last night at the S.D. Civic Center. It was the traveling Broadway group. Even though we were in the nosebleeds (up 3 flights of stairs) and couldn't see any detail, I LOVED IT. The music was fabulous (if anyone has the soundtrack I'd love a copy!), and several of the actors had astonishing voices. Jeremy wasn't as keen on the storyline, but I really enjoyed it. It was our first time to the Civic Center, which was also nice, even though we had to park 4 blocks away. I will not be wearing those shoes ever again! We were going to go out for dinner before, but there was a screw up with our cell phone bill so Jeremy spent an hour dealing with that (our fault) so we stayed in and ate Mom's lasagna instead. Very yummy, but it can be messy so I covered up my black sequined top with a bathrobe! 2 weeks to Peter Pan (Jeremy's request) and then 2 weeks to Les Mis, the day before our "First Met" Anniversary of 5 years. Jeremy is still feeling sick. 1 week now. Dr. said it was viral, but neither Mom or me has gotten it. But Jeremy says a bunch of guys at his work are sick with it, so maybe they have mold in the office. Gus has developed a cough, similar to Sam's. I think Jeremy gave it to the dogs. Supposed to be in bed, feeling antsy. The VCR in the bedroom is recording and the drone was bugging me. Current Mood: blah | | Thursday, September 30th, 2004 | | 10:02 am |
Details
So I'll put in a few more details about Mom's trip. We had a great time, and I was very sad when she left this morning. Part of the reason I'm typing this is because I'm bored and lonely! Some of the stuff we did: 1. Zoo--we went early in the morning and headed straight for the Pandas. The baby boy was asleep up in a tree, but Mom was down, eating happily. We met up with Connie & here friends for lunch at Albert's Cafe, which was nice (but overpriced). All of the big cats were active, and we got up close to the jaguar when he walked down to see us. 2. Wild Animal Park--The best part was the tram ride that takes you all through the park. You don't have to walk, but you do get mushed into these bench seats in order to do the ride. We got to see the baby Asian elephant, and all the other animals. It was pretty hot. We had 2 close-ups, one with a giraffe, and another with a cheetah. The giraffe was at giraffe feeding, and the cheetah was at a little talk. It's very spread out, so we felt like we walked and walked. Oh, and the petting zoo--mostly deer of different species, but pretty cool. 3. Trolley Rides--The day trolley tour was interesting. You ride around and they tell you anecdotes about San Diego, and the history. You can get on and off anywhere along the ride. So we got off at Seaport Village, primarily shopping and restaurants. We shopped a little & had Mexican for lunch. {Now that I think about it I don't know if we ever went out and got GOOD Mexican food--here there's LOTS--when Mom was here.} Mom got me this great book about San Diego, written by the "folks who know--locals." It gives you the inside scoop about where to go, and some helpful hints. We also did the Ghosts trolley tour. Really not that great. They drive you around to 3 haunted houses and the oldest cemetery. Some interesting stories, but you only get 5 minutes to explore the downstairs level of each house. They won't let you go upstairs, and you only get a brief history of the stories. I felt very gypped, and that's not good considering Mom bought my ticket! I would have liked more detail, more time to explore, and the ability to explore the whole house. 4. Fleet Science Center--a traditional science center with IMAX (science movies only) and the science exploration games, etc. OK, not great. 5. Museum day--on Tuesdays, various museums at Balboa Park are free of charge. So we went to the Museum of Art & the Japanese friendship garden. The Museum of art was having an American beauty exhibit I wanted to check out (they are having Maxfield Parrish next summer!). The Japanese garden was pretty, very tranquil, and had a Zen garden room. I'm glad they were free. The water lily pond outside of the botanical garden is lovely. 6. Beaches--Mom LOVED dog beach. We went one day, early in her trip. Sam & Gus were goofy as usual, and Sam got sick again, he refused to drink the fresh water we brought! We wanted to go back but Sam developed a cough this weekend, which sounds like it's clearing up, but in case he was infectious we didn't want to take him. We went to Pacific Beach yesterday, and had lunch on the boardwalk. We walked out on the pier for the novelty of it, and to see the cottages, but neither of us are keen on rickety wooden boards when we can see the waves under us. We went to La Jolla cove twice, once right after she got here to watch a lovely sunset. We went back yesterday to see the seals again. The first time we were there, 2 weeks ago, a barricade kept people off the shore of the beach, so the seals used that area exclusively. Since then, a law passed so people can use the whole beach and the beach will be dredged periodically for seal feces. I sure wouldn't want my kids to swim there--can we all say parasites--but the novelty of being close to the seals made some people support the law. Of course, it's still illegal to harass or touch them--Marine Mammal Act (one that has not YET been repealed by Bush) but we saw a bunch of people getting very close to them. We stood on the pier above them and watched them sunbathe and argue over who got which spot. Mom's nervous all the seals will leave the beach now that kids & adults get to play so close by. 7. Birch Aquarium--normal aquarium, lots of tanks with lots of sea life, but there is a big kelp tank with sea life, a tide pool where you can pet stuff, and a sea horse exhibit where you can see the babies and "pregnant" daddies. 8. Family--we got to go see Auntie Bea, and Mary & George in Encinitas. Terrible traffic. We got to meet Mary & George's daughters who are older than Jeremy & I, but they seem like they're fun! Aunt Judy and Nancy flew in for their annual visit to see the family, it just happened to coincide with mom's trip so we got to see them too! So, we had a great time. I've done a few interviews while she was here. And I worked on Tues at a great clinic, maybe THE ONE. I had scheduled it before we had to move mom's flight b/c of Hurricane Jeanne. And my washing machine is on the fritz. It drips water, and sometimes just runs water in without stopping itself up, or gets stuck in a cycle. We will probably be buying one. Feeling very poor, no job, eating up savings... Nervous about Dad's surgery coming up. I know he'll do fine, I just hope the post-op isn't too bad. Wish I was there to help, but then again, maybe glad I'm not (although I could bug him enough to get him motivated to get up and yell at me...) I hope he's able to return to his true love, flying, soon--otherwise the knee surgery may seem pointless. Ok, going to go enjoy my quiet lonely house of solitude. I think I'll read my new Cosmo. Current Mood:  sad | | Wednesday, September 29th, 2004 | | 10:12 pm |
Grandparents update
Here's a letter I sent to Grandma Fern (and the rest of the "grandparents"--a lot of whom aren't grandparents, including Grandma Fern, but who I feel the familial tie and obligation to write to monthly like they are Grandparents. Grandma Fern is 98. Dear Grandma Fern, Jeremy & I were very sad to hear that Aunt Neva has passed. We wish we could have made it to New York for the funeral; Aunt Judy told us how beautiful everything was. We hope that you are doing well, and are keeping your fond memories very close. Mom has been out here in San Diego visiting for 3 weeks. It’s been great to have her for such a long visit; it’s been nice that I haven’t been working so we got lots of time together. While she’s been here Valdosta has gotten hit by the last 2 hurricanes. A tree came down and destroyed a tractor at Dad’s camp in Alabama, and there has been lots of water damage (mostly to carpets) at Grandma’s old house (where James lives). All of the yards are flooded, and the water is up over the docks. Of course, we haven’t had any rain out here in California—we’re in forest fire season! We’ve been told not to expect rain until January. Mom and I did lots of stuff, including all the tourist things, like going to the Zoo and the Aquarium. We’ve had bunches of fun, but she flies home tomorrow. We probably won’t see any more family until we go to Dad’s camp in Alabama for Thanksgiving. Jeremy is really enjoying his job at University of California at San Diego. He goes in early in the morning to avoid rush hour; luckily we live about 15 miles from the school. He is working on getting his machine and diagnostics set up, so he can start his experiments soon. I am doing a pretty widespread job search. I have done 9 interviews with clinics that I thought I would be a good match for, and I think I have narrowed it down to my top choices. So I’m going in and working for a day in each of my top 2 clinics, to help me decide (it’s a lot like dating!). I will sign a contract soon, pending passing the very touch California state board exam; it’s the most difficult in the USA. I take it December 20th, so I’ll be studying daily after Thanksgiving! Then I’ll start work in January or February when my license comes in. That works out well so Jeremy & I can fly east to visit my family at Thanksgiving and his family at Christmas. His sister will have her first baby around Halloween so we need to get up there soon. We haven’t seen his family since our trip north, when we can up to visit you and Aunt Neva. Anyway, in the meantime I may do some training work at the clinic I finally pick to learn the computers and the office protocols. I can at least work as a tech, and do observation in the mean time. I’ll be sure to write again when I’ve picked my clinic! We’re liking San Diego; it has a lot to offer us. We’re going to see a Broadway musical here tomorrow night; lots of traveling Broadway shows come through San Diego. And there’s lots of good concerts and restaurants, so at least we get some classy culture. My favorite painter, Maxfield Parrish, is having an exhibition here next summer at the Museum of Art. It’s been slow trying to make new friends, but at least we have very supportive family to keep in touch with! We love and miss you. We hope we can manage a visit sometime soon! Take care… Current Mood: lucky | | Monday, September 20th, 2004 | | 5:58 pm |
mid-september
Since I last wrote myself… We went to the NASCAR race in LA. Jeremy was giddy all weekend, and I thought it was ok. Much more his thing, but I’m willing to do some stuff like that, esp. when a wonderful friend gave me tickets! Thanks so much threelilies! Anyway, so we drove up Saturday morning and went to the Busch race. Since I don’t usually watch Busch races, I didn’t really have anyone to cheer for, and there were no wrecks, so not terribly exciting. I wound up watching the Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup Car drive around and around. Sunday was better b/c I could watch my driver, Tony Stewart, drive around and around. He didn’t do great, so it wasn’t thrilling, although there was a huge fat drunk guy next to us that we kept sliding to the left to avoid. And every time we moved, he moved over more. And he kept swaying. Drunk people are highly annoying. They think they’re funny, but rarely are they funny to the sober girl next to them. And my sinuses got all dried out. Have done more interviews. Getting semi-depressing info from the board about the possibility for internship, so I can work before January. It’s not looking good. Christmas may be slim, Tiny Tim. But I will probably sign a contract before that and just wind up waiting to take the boards. Maybe it will give me time to study; I REALLY need to study. Mom came. We’ve been going to all the touristy visits, trying to squeeze everything in, and then we get exhausted and give upJ We went to the Zoo, and saw lots of sleeping animals. But the panthers got up close and personal, which was nice. We did the trolley tour, and rode all over San Diego. We went a lot of places I’ve not been before which was very cool. We went to Fleet Science Center and watched the Coral Reef IMAX, though Jeremy didn’t like it (too much story line, not enough coral pictures). That place was a lot cooler when I was younger and had a longer attention span. Took her to dog beach; she enjoyed watching all the stupid dogs run & play & bark. The FAA wants all my medical records from my Jeep accident 2 years ago. I guess they are worried I might have some long term disease associated with the wreck, yet I’ve been flying ever since. I guess since I don’t fly frequently it’s not too bothersome. Got an apology from Uhaul for screwing around the day we wanted to return the trolley, and $30 coupons to make up for it. Would prefer cash, but that’s ok. Hurricane IVAN did some nasty damage to KARMA; tore up a shed that was protecting one of dad’s tractors. It is no more. This weekend he and Kevin went over; lots of trees are still down. But the house seems ok, which is good. All the nieces & nephews are walking. I hate living so far away. Can’t wait to see them at Thanksgiving. Another bonus to not working until 2005—don’t have to take off of work 1 month after I start. I am trying to meet people. Jeremy has signed us up for this welcoming committee through UCSD, and I'm trying to use care2.com's database. So far, very little action from either. Maybe we're just old lame nerds who watch too much TV. PS Jeremy still hates my I heart NERDS shirt. He's so lame. But kinda cute. Ate too much cantaloupe for a snack. Must now go eat baby back ribs for dinner. New TV really gets going this week, CSI's, ER, Gilmore Girls, Smallville. I love fall. Football, TV, 70 degrees (OK it's that way all year in S.D.). Current Mood: full | | Tuesday, September 7th, 2004 | | 8:44 pm |
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