Is it June yet?

I want it to be June. June 25th to be exact. While it might seem like an ordinary, random day to most,  for me it's a day I'm really looking forward to, because this is the day I will be in Boston with 3 of my favorite girls in the world. We've been friends for so long, sometimes it's hard to remember how long we've known each other (for the record in case you are curious or OCD like me- V: 23 years(has it really been that long?!?!), L: 15 years and J: 13 years). We know each so well, that even though we only get to all be together a couple times a year, we remain close. It's like we've never been apart even if it's been months. I love these girls so much and don't know what I'd do without them in my life. I could really use some girl time, shopping, good seafood, and fun, and all this and more will certainly be had on this weekend. I've been to Boston once before, but it was cold and kind of rainy, so I'm looking forward to seeing Boston when it's warm and hopefully sunny! My plane ticket is purchased, and I even got a new suitcase for the trip. I've actually already thought about what I'm going to pack. So yeah, I'm ready for June to get here.

Catching up

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted, so I thought I'd fill you in on what I've been up to lately. I've been up to a few things since I last sat down and blogged. I know you're dying to know all the recent events in my oh so exciting life :-) Well, the wait is over! Here's what I've been up to in addition to working lots and keeping up with daily life:

We had a baby shower for the girls at work who are prego and it was wonderful. It was lots of fun to plan and everyone had a wonderful time.
The wonderful cakes were made by a friend, Amy Callahan Walker, that I went to college with. She is quite talented and the cakes were delicious! I made diaper cakes with a little help of my friend Melissa, and have decided that if I ever need a new career this just might be it. That or a cupcake shop! The babies will be here soon and I can't wait to meet both little girls.

I participated in the Great Strides walk in Cleveland. It was another great turn out and successful day for raising money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. I know Nathan was there with us in spirit and there was much tears and laughter as we remembered Nathan and how he touched us all.  This year I walked the 5K but next year my goal is to run it. My friend Tasha and I have decided we should plan to do it together.
So that means, I've started running again. I've been at if for 3 weeks now and I have to say I kind of like it. Not so much the running part because I'm not sure that I'll ever love to run, but I like how it makes me feel when I run. Afterwards I feel like I've accomplished something and I know I'm healthier for it. I'm doing the Couch to 5K program that I downloaded for my iTouch. It's pretty great because it tells me when to alternate running and walking so I don't have to pay attention to the time and can just workout. Plus I can add my own music to it and it coordinates with my workout. Sometimes I'm not sure I'm going to make it but, I know I can do because I've done it before. I got in to running before, near the end of PA school and it got me back in shape pretty quickly and I managed to lose a little weight too. I wouldn't mind if that happened again!
I am so glad Spring is finally here. The weather the past few weeks has been amazing. I've even been running outside! I also been gardening, well I weeded and remulched my flower beds which is about as much gardening as I can handle. I am contemplating planting a few things this year because I have a few open spots, but I'm a bit afraid I'll kill anything I plant.

I got a new dog. His name is Bandit. He is a toy schnauzer and is 8 months old. He is very sweet and loves to play. He and Toby actually get along pretty well.
Last weekend I headed to Nashville for a conference and got to spend some time with a couple of wonderful friends. The conference was okay, the part we went to anyway, but the shopping and hanging out part was much better! I watched the Blindside with my friend Tasha, and I think it may be one of the best movies I've ever seen. I'm not one for buying movies, but this is one I would like to own. I seriously recommend it if you have not seen it yet.
I think that about sums up the major events of my life over the past month or so. Summer is almost here and while it will be busy, I'm looking forward to it. So far I'll be spending a week at DRG as camp doctor, hanging with the girls in Boston, and going to Arizona for a week at Young Lives camp. I may try and fit another trip in there too, but I'm not sure to where yet. I'll keep you posted!

Here's to Nathan

This weekend I'm walking in the Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis awareness in Cleveland, TN in honor of my friend Nathan. I've been thinking of him lots as a result and remembering all the fun times we had. So this week I've decided to have my own little tribute to Nathan and relive some of those great memories the best I can. Right now I'm sitting here watching Blue Collar Comedy tour and it's the part where Ron White tells how he got thrown out of a bar and was drunk in public. I can almost hear Nathan reciting it word for word and watching him laugh so hard he turns red, starts coughing, and is practically rolling on the floor. No many how many times we watched it, it was always funny.
Other things on the list for the week are watching Bad Boys 2, playing some Guitar Hero, drinking root beer, and listening to Rascal Flatts. If it was football season, I'd be watching the Colts play too. All of these things and many more make me think of Nathan. These happy times are the ones that I try to remember. Not the times when he was sick and tired and fighting for his life. But those times must be remembered too, because those bad times are why I'm walking this weekend. To help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis so that others don't have to suffer with this disease. I know that Nathan would be proud of our efforts this weekend to help others because that's what Nathan spent his life doing while he was here on earth. If you would like to help support this cause that is near and dear to my heart, you can click on the link on the right to donate.

February

Not too much has been happening in my life lately, but I figured it's time for a new post so I thought I'd string together some random updates.

• I am so sick of cold and snow. I think it's snowed everyday for the past week and too many times to count since December. I'm ready for the sun and it's warmth to return.
• I finally got my car back. It spent 2 1/2 weeks at the body shop to repair damage from when the tree branch attacked it during the first big snow back in December.
• I love the Olympics! I could watch it all the time if they had it on. I enjoy watching the stars excel in their sports but also enjoy the stories of the underdogs who are just proud to be there representing their countries and the surprise medalists. My favorite events include speed skating, figure skating, snowboarding (which I'm watching as I write this) and skiing.
• I'm trying to lose some weight and have been watching what I'm eating and working out more. I've joined the ETSU gym thanks to my good friend and her Plus One Membership. It's much cheaper than the Wellness Center. I've been swimming laps lately which is a great workout, but when I get home I want to eat everything in the house! I'm trying to figure out how to remedy that as that kind of defeats the purpose of working out!
• I'm going to visit my college roomie next weekend and I'm so excited! We always have a good time when we are together.

• Even though it seems like the cold will last forever, summer will be here before I know it so I'm trying to organize my travels. So far in the works are a trip up north with the girls, a week at DRG as camp doctor, playing with the babies at Young Lives camp in Arizona, and maybe a trip to a medical conference.

• Work is work and I still enjoy it most days. I work with a great group of girls that help keep me sane on the crazy days.

Nothing too exciting, but that's what's been going on with me lately. I guess sometimes the norm is a good thing. It's nice to have a drama free life for the time being.

Just Me

Lonely: 1. a: being without company b: cut off from others: solitary
            2. sad from being alone
            3. producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation
Most of the time I'm okay being alone. It's nice to be able to do what I want, when I want, and not have to worry about anyone but myself. When it's just me no one cares if I'm put my pjs on as soon as I get home from work or if I eat the same thing for dinner 4 nights in a row. No one sees if I turn up the music and dance while cleaning. I can work out in my living room and not have to worry what I look like struggling to keep up with Jillian. If I don't feel like doing the dishes, I can just leave them in the sink. And if I feel like sitting around all night and doing nothing, there's no one to make me feel guilty for being lazy.
But then there are the not so great things about being alone all the time. Coming home to an empty house, eating dinner alone, no one to talk to, sitting on the couch by myself hoping for something decent on tv to fill the hours til I can justify going to bed. When I'm sad or have a bad day at work there's no one there to give be a hug when I get home and tell me it's all going to be okay.
Sometimes the silence is deafening. Sometimes I just lay on the couch and cry because it hurts to be alone. Sometimes I just want someone there to talk about my day and to cook dinner for. I'm just tired of being alone. There's not a whole lot I can do about it, which sucks. I just feel stuck. I just want someone to share my life with.

“I've got everything I need except a man. And I'm not one of those women who thinks a man is the answer to everything, but I'm tired of being alone.”

“Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named, not good” John Milton

What a Week

Ever just have one of those weeks? Well, this one was mine. On top of freezing cold and snow all week, my dad's been in the hospital with a small bowel obstruction, this week was Nathan's birthday and marked 1 year since his death, work's been busy, and I'm working in the ER tomorrow. Talking about getting kicked when you're down. It has just been one thing after another and I couldn't seem to catch a break. A few high points have helped me keep sanity including playing Quelf Sunday night with a wonderful group friends while holding sweet little Jake,holding babies in the nursery at church, spending time with someone near and dear to me on my day off yesterday, and keeping at the 30 Day Shred.
I also have almost gotten my Christmas tree down. All the decorations are off, but the lights are still on. I know when I take the lights off a million pine needles are going to fall off and I'm avoiding removing them because of the mess. Normally I would just take it outside and do this, but it's way too freakin' cold for that!
So to make up for this week I am spending Friday night curled up on the couch, watching movies, and having some me time. Hope the rest of you have had a better week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good shift in the ER tomorrow.

PS

The getting kicked when down thing yeah, it continued. My ER shift was crazy and I got asked by a patient if I was pregnant. Seriously?!?!? Seriously. Next week has to be better, I can't take much more of this.

2010

I can't believe another year has passed. 2009 was a year of ups and downs. It didn't start off too great. January 7th will make one year since my friend Nathan lost his fight against Cystic Fibrosis. It's still hard for me to think of him really being gone. It still hurts like it was yesterday and I miss him just as much. After the year starting on a low note, things improved slowly. I started a new job in Interventional Radiology that I really like, my little sister got married, and my niece turned 5. I got to travel a lot which always makes me happy. I spent 2 of the most amazing weeks at Young Lives camp loving on babies and can't wait to go back again this summer. I cruised around the coast of Europe with one of my best friends, and made my 3rd trip to Mexico to do GYN surgery. I participated in the Great Strides Walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I gave up caffeine. I mastered making peanut butter fudge. I had another kidney stone that required lithotripsy (3 days before my sister's wedding). I got to celebrate the birth of the sweetest little boy with 2 good friends. Sunday game night became a tradition. And I finally got a table for my dinning room.
I hope that 2010 will hold good things for me. It will be my 10 year high school reunion, 5 years since I finished PA school, and my 28th birthday. I want to travel more, spend more time with the people that are important to me, make memories that count, and maybe just maybe trade in my single status for good. Stay tuned to see what this year has in store for me.

Christmas Time

I love Christmas and everything about it. I love the traditions that the holiday brings. As anyone who knows me would tell you, I like routine so tradition is important to me. For me Christmas is about baking, seeing friends,putting up the real tree with all the random collection of ornaments, a candlelight Christmas Eve service, Christmas carols, a Christmas Eve dinner of the most random foods ever but the same every year, the Christmas breakfast casserole that I'm not the fondest of but eat every year, opening presents on Christmas morning, and Christmas dinner at my Granny's. I love it all. I look forward to the day when I have my own family and we can make traditions of our own. I treasure the years of things staying the same as I know they won't always be that way. The snow this weekend has made this Christmas season even better. It looks like it might even be a white Christmas this year!

Simple Pleasures

They say life is about simple pleasures. Yesterday I was asked what my simplest pleasure in life was and how it made me feel. I thought about it for a bit and several things came to mind; being with friends, sitting on the couch with my dog beside me, hot coffee on a cold morning. But the more I thought about it I realized that while all those are little things that make me smile, my true simplest pleasure is holding a baby. It may seem strange to some, but when I'm holding a prescious little one it doesn't matter how bad my life may be at the moment, it always brings a smile to my face. At the baby shower last week I got to hold to most adorable little girl who was only 2 weeks old. I didn't want to give her back. I hope someday to have my own little ones to love and spoil but for now I'll settle for the chances I get to love on other peoples.

Missing Nate

Lately, I have really been missing my friend Nathan. Sometimes it's still hard for me to believe he's gone. I'll see or hear certain things and think I'll have to tell Nathan that, and then I remember I can't. The other day on my facebook page the suggestion on the right side of the page was that I reconnect with Nathan. Oh how I wish I could. I'm not sure why I'm feeling that empty ache so much these days. Perhaps because it's football season and with each Vols and Colts game that I watch I wish Nathan was here to celebrate the victories (especially the one over Georgia!) and discuss what went wrong in the defeats. Maybe it's because it's nearing the time when he started getting sicker. When we all knew he was getting worse but keeping hoping and praying he'd beat it. Maybe it's because I just got back from a mission trip and it makes me think of Nathan's passion for helping other and I'm encouraged to keep volunteering because he can't. I don't really know why. I just know I miss my friend.

It's Fall

Summer is offically over. It was a busy one, but a good one. I got to travel lots and experience a lot of new things, which always makes me happy. As much as I hate to see summer end, I'm love that it's fall. All though I enjoy all the seasons, I think I'd have to rank fall at the top of the list. Here are some of the reasons why: football season, jeans and t-shirt weather, thanksgiving, leaves changing in the mountains, and what is now becoming my annual trip to mexico to do surgical missions. Fall always seems to go so fast and be so rushed. I'm hoping to take the chance and slow down and enjoy it a bit this year. I'm sure as always winter will come to soon, but now I'm loving fall.

A little of this and a little of that

I've had a lot of really random things going through my head and in order to maintain my sanity (or at least what's left of it), I'm putting it out there. Some of it may more than you readers might want to know about me, but since it's my blog, I get to write what I want. Be warned though. Also, I may rant a lot about somethings that have been bugging me lately, so think of this as me venting all the stuff I've been holding in.
I figure I'll easy into the deep stuff and start with a topic that is near and dear to my heart: driving-particularly in this region. Now I took driver's ed in high school so I know that you really don't get much instruction there (3 days of driving about 30 minutes and 2 weeks of class), but still you should pick up the basics. For instance, using your turn signals. It's not hard I promise and they come standard on all cars, though you probably wouldn't know that seeing how very few people use them! I may drive fast and have road rage, but I always use my signals. And I use them properly. Putting your signal on as you're turning or even after the fact, doesn't count, and just because you have your signal on doesn't mean you can cut me off either. Turn signals are meant to give to drivers around you a clue as to what you're about to do. Please use them responsibly. And don't forget to make sure it goes off after you change lanes or turn. Overuse is almost as bad as under use!
Now to some deeper stuff.
I had to go to the "girly" doctor this week for my yearly checkup and I had a really hard time being in the waiting room with all the pregnant women. Those of you that know me well are aware of my deep love for children and my desire to be a mom. I was overwhelmed with feelings of sadness and jealousy as I sat there watching them. I want to be a part of the mommy club so badly. It's a little crazy of course seeing as how I am very single, and it doesn't look that's going to change in the near future. I try and be content with what I have, but it's hard because I want more than that. I'm turning 27 next month and I'm having a hard time with it. Not so much because I think 27 is old, but because the things I'd hoped to have in my life by the next big milestone (the big 3-0) probably aren't going to happen. I don't know what the future holds and God certainly has a better grasp of what my life holds, but I'm a realist and so I can't help but be a little sad as my birthday draws closer. I know it's in me to be a great wife and mom and I want the chance to prove that. I want it to be my turn it to have it all for once. I don't know that the fairytale of happily ever after exists, but I'd still like to try my hand at it. I've been in love before and had my heart broken, but I still believe that true love exists (is anyone replaying the princess bride scene in your head cause I am). These days it's no big deal for couples to just live together and not getting married seems to be the in thing, but maybe I'm old fashioned cause I still want to find that guy, get married, and raise a family together. My biggest fear is that won't happen for me. So to all those who are married or in committed relationships, know that I do envy you a bit.
The little things have really been pushing my buttons lately. Things that I have no control over, but really seem to irritate me a lot these days. I've had to restrict the times I go run errands because I'm try to limit the chances of me encountering these situations. For example, I was Food City last week waiting at the self checkout line (with several people behind me) and this guy walks up and completely cuts line. It made me very irritated, which is stupid, but still how third grade is it to cut line! It happens to me in Walmart a lot too. People standing in the middle of the aisle with a cart so no one can get past, letting your kids run wild so they almost get killed by shopping carts, making complicated requests at the checkout lane, not being able to count to 20 (please take off your shoes if it helps you to choose the appropriate line), and many other silly little things. But for some reason it drives me crazy. I can almost feel my blood pressure rise. I know I should learn to control it, but I don't honestly know that I want to. I'm also not sure that I can. I like rules and social norms. I like absolutes and standards. It bothers me when people don't follow them, even the little ones.
So for now, that's all I have to say. I just needed to get it out there to free up so head space. Hopefully it will help some.

Firewall-less Friday

The firewall is down at work today, therefore I am taking the opportunity to blog as it normally prevents me from doing this. I'm tired today and it's pouring rain. It's been a long week and I think I have sinus infection too. Or maybe it's the Swine flu....I'm not sure what the big deal is with the Swine flu. It's really just like "normal flu" but happens to contain a strain that comes from pigs. I've had to laugh a bit at all the news bulletens out there about protecting yourself. Do what you'd normally do to keep from getting the flu and you'll probably be fine. I realize people in Mexico have died from the Swine flu, but healthcare isn't exactly the greatest down there and people live packed together swapping germs like crazy. This is not to minimize that people have died, I'm just saying we don't live in Mexico.
As much as I've enjoyed the sunshine lately, I'm kind of thankful for the rain today. For one, it helps cut down the pollen count. I washed my car last weekend, it's rained twice this week, and already it's a lovely shade of "pollen yellow" again. It also means I don't have to water my flowers. I do not have a green thumb, but the house I bought last August came with some lovely flower gardens so I feel that I should at least try and keep the plants alive. I currently have a few things growing that I'm not sure if they are flowers or weeds. So for now, they continue to grow.
I'm rambling I know, but I seem to have a lot of random thoughts in my head these days. I've kind of been in a funk. I don't particularly have any reason not to be happy, but I feel myself longing for something more. Like there's something missing. I can't seem to put my finger on it though. I just want to feel like I matter. Like my life means something. I'm hoping my experiences this summer will provide some answers and fufilment.
So here's what's happening in my life in the coming months:
May means Mother's Day, Val's birthday, my little sister finishing her first year of college, and an ER shift for good measures
In June I'm spending a week at DRG, and there's Father's Day
July it's off to AZ for a week of Young Lives Camp, my 27th birthday, and maybe a roadtrip
August's adventure involves a week in NY at another Young Lives Camp
And just like that summer's over.

Moving On

I've been reluctant to add a new post to the blog these past couple of months. Plenty has happened in my life, but nothing that seems as worthy as my last post. My tribute to Nathan was written with such emotion, and anything I've tried to write since then just doesn't seem to measure up. For a while, I couldn't even log into my blog because looking at the pictures was just too painful. I still miss him like crazy, but I know Nathan wouldn't want us living in the past. Moving on doesn't mean forgetting him, I don't think anyone who knew him will ever forget him.
In 2 weeks I will be walking in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides walk at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. The money we raise by walking goes to help fund research and hopefully to someday soon find a cure. The link to my page is below if you would like to donate to this very worthwhile cause: CFF Walk
As for the rest of my life..............
I've been doing some more decorating in my house. The dinning room is still empty, except for 2 chairs and some dust bunnies, but that will soon change. When I head to Chattanooga, I plan to extend the trip down to Atlanta to visit the wonderful land of Ikea where I have found a lovely dinning room table and chairs.
In my effort to get in shape and hopefully lose a few pounds in the process, I have been hitting the gym several times a week and have taken up yoga. The yoga class I do at the gym is relatively relaxing and not too physically demanding. However, I purchased the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga Video, and level 1 is kicking my butt! It's a good workout though and for all those people who don't think yoga counts as exercise I dare you to try this and then tell me what you think. It definitely makes you sweat!
I am also planning several trips in the coming months and have been busy searching for the cheapest flights I can find. In April I'm headed to DC to hang out with the girls for the weekend and am anxiously counting down the days. This summer I'm going to be volunteering at 2 different Young Lives camps. One is in Arizona and the other is in New York. If you don't know about the Young Lives ministry, you should check it out. I am very excited about this opportunity. I'll be doing medical stuff in AZ and childcare in NY. I also plan to spend some time out at Doe River Gorge again as camp "doc". It was lots of fun last summer.
For now, that's about all that's happening in my world.

Heroes

There aren't many people in this world that I would consider heroes, but every now and then someone steps into my life that fits that description. For me that person was Nathan Smith. I meet Nathan 5 1/2 years ago during PA school. A skinny, red headed kid, with a big smile, who always seemed to be cooking up some scheme. To look at him you would never know that he suffered from a serious disease. Nathan had cystic fibrosis, but that certainly didn't stop him from pursuing his dreams. He never let his condition define him.

Anytime I hung out with Nathan, I knew it was going to be a good time. He had one of those magnetic personalities that just drew people to him. It was hard not like him. Nathan was a fighter and had a faith that never seemed to waiver. I watched him deal with being sick during PA school, and never once heard him complain. Nathan had a joyous spirit that was certainly contageous.
I know that I will think of him everytime I watch Bad Boys 2 (I'm pretty sure he could recite the entire movie), play Halo or Guitar Hero, pass a red F150, drink rootbeer, see a patient who takes pancreatic enzymes, watch a Colt's game, go out on the lake, hear a Rascal Flatts song, cookout, play flag football, or hear a guy giggle like a girl. I am better for having Nathan in my life for the time that I knew him. I know he had a significant impact on my life and strengthed my faith in Christ.

Tonight, Nathan lost his fight here on earth. He will be greatly missed by many, but I find comfort in knowing that he is with his Father now. He feels no pain and is finally free of his disease. Nathan, may be gone, but his memory and the impact he had on so many that had the pleasure of knowing him means he will certainly not be forgotten.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I got my tree this week and it is now up and decorated. It was a steal at only $8 (I'm a bargain hunter even when it comes to my tree!) I love to take all the ornaments out of the boxes and carefully plan how they will all be arranged on the tree. I have my old favorites, but look forward to adding a few new ones each year. My 2 additions this year from Hallmark are a Fisher Price Little People Barn ornament that is an exact replica of the real thing-we had one growing up and I'm sure it's still around somewhere, and The Hungry Caterpillar book ornament that has always been a favorite of mine. The Cabbage Patch doll is an old one. I had the actual doll that matches the ornament. The Scrub Top was added last year.

I'm starting to feel very Christmasy. Christmas music is playing almost constantly in my house now. The baking has started and will be in full swing this weekend. The traditional cut-out Christmas cookies will of course be made, but this year I'm trying my hand at my Granny's chocolate fudge and the McGowan gingerbread cookies. If you are lucky enough to live near me, you will get to sample some of these wonderful goodies!

Let it Snow???

Last night while I was at work, some one came in and said it was snowing outside. I'm thinking okay, it's just spitting a few flakes and everyone's getting all excited. That was not the case though. It was seriously snowing! The ground was pretty well covered in a relatively short period of time. Fortunately the roads stayed clear and when it was time for me to head home, I had no trouble.
This morning when I woke up the snow was still there and has continued to fall off and on through out the morning. Now, I like snow. I really do, because hey if it's going to be cold it might as well snow! However, I feel like I got cheated out of fall this year. I love fall, and was looking forward to enjoying it back in the mountains again. While the fall colors were amazing this year, thanks to some decent rainfall, there wasn't very much fall like weather. It went from being 80 to 35 in a matter of days. What happened to the 60's and 70s? The drastic and sudden change in temperature has been quite a shock to my system. I was in Richmond this past weekend visit my wonderful college roomie, and it was 80 on Saturday. I was wearing short sleeves and we were sweating while walking around. And now less than a week later, I'm sitting in winter wonderland. Maybe there's a little bit of fall left out there, but I'm afraid winter may be here to stay. So bring on the snow.

Tapachula 2008

So I've been back from my trip to Mexico for a little over a week now, and decided it's time to blog about it a bit. Although it's hard to explain the full extend of what I experienced while I was gone, I will do my best to but into word the amazing things that happened during the week.
Saturday morning, I flew from Nashville to Chicago and then Chicago to Mexico City where I met up with the rest of the team. I was quite glad to see people in matching shirts as I had a little trouble finding them. Last time we flew through Mexico City, there was only one terminal. During the last 2 years, they built a second one. Which would be fine if there was a sign or map that told me that. However there wasn't. There is a major lack of signage in Mexico. Somehow you're just supposed to know where to go. Fortunately I found a nice airport employee that spoke English and explained to me where to go and how to get my boarding pass. Once I finally located the Sky Train that would take me to Terminal 2, I thought my troubles were over. I was wrong. In order to board the Sky Train, you have to have a boarding pass of some other proof that you are a ticket passenger. The only thing I had was my luggage claim tag that showed my flight path. The first security guard I encountered wasn't going to let me on with just that, but fortunately there was a second one who was nicer and let me on.
So when I finally arrived in the other terminal, I was very glad to see some familar faces. To my surprise and delight one of the familar faces was a surprise. One of the nurses that went 2 years ago had signed up at the last minute and I didn't know she was coming. We had a blast last time and shared many wonderful memories and I was quite excited to see her there. Our plane was late leaving Mexico City, which is more of the norm that the exception! As we're sitting on the plane the announce that some of the luggage will have to be left behind and delivered the next day because the plane weighs too much. Not exactly what you want to hear as you are preparing to depart. We did make it safely off the ground and arrived in Tapachula (where the humidity was 99%) and waited to see what of our luggage made it. I was fortunate and both of my bags arrived that evening. We then headed to the hotel for some much needed rest.
Sunday morning we got up early and headed to the hospital to hold clinic and set up the OR. Last time I ended up being put in charge of organizing the central supply area and I was more than happy to take on that role again. I like things to be organized and have a place. Yes, I'm type A, but it really is helpful. The rest of luggage that was supposed to arrive that afternoon didn't and we were left wondering if we would have instruments to do surgery the next morning. Very late in the evening we found out that the bags had been delivered to the hotel and everyone's bags were there.
Monday through Thursday we spent in the OR during hysterectomies, bladder tacs, and even a couple of appendectomies. Oh yeah, and I can't forget the polyp. :) I did a little bit of everything. I scrubed, I circulated, I assisted, and helped out wherever I could. Things went pretty smoothly. Friday was supposed to be a free day, but we had two patients that we ended up operating on, so skeleton crew of us went to the hospital and the rest visited and orphanage that we established a relationship with when we were there 2 years ago. We had a few complications and difficult cases, but everything managed to work out in the end. Prayer does amazing things. That night we had a big banquet where they thanked us all for coming.




Saturday a group of us decided to go rapelling. We drove way up into the mountains and then down into a valley. From there we hiked back into the woods to this large rock with 2 waterfalls. It was amazing. The path to the top of the rock was slick, very narrow, and only a couple of feet from the edge of a cliff. It was a bit of a scary climb. I ended up chickening out and didn't go rapelling, but I had a good time anyways. Since I didn't go down the cliff, I got to climb back down the narrow path, which was an adventure in and of it's self! At the site there were all these little flying bugs that for some reason really liked how I tasted and I ended up covered in bites. They didn't itch at first, but they sure did the next day! I'm still scratching at a few over a week later!
Sunday we got up at 4am to head the airport where most of had a 640am flight to Mexico City. A group of us were catching an AA flight from Mexico City to Dallas and they told us we would have to pick up our bags and recheck them in Mexico City. So when we arrived, we went to get our bags, but they never showed up. For some reason they didn't put them on the plane in Tapachula and said they were coming on the afternnon flight. We all had to file luggage claims and as a result, ended up missing our connecting flight. Fortunately we were all able to get on standby and I arrived in Nashville only 4 hours after I was originally scheduled to. My luggage arrived Tuesday evening at the Tri-Cities Airport.
It was an amazing experience once again. It was fun to see old friends and make new ones. The memories we made will last a lifetime. I already planning for next year and hope to again see some familar faces!

Too Close for Comfort

I have gym claustrophobia. And what exactly is that you may ask. Let me explain. I go to the gym (often times drag myself) to work out. Not to socialize. Not to be seen. Not to impress others with my amazing fitness skills. I am there to try and maintain some semblance of a healthy life. I am quite particular about my routine at the gym and do not like for it be messed with. I use the exact same treadmills and bikes whenever possible. I am also quite particular about HOW I workout. I intentionally try and go during non-peak hours so that there are not a lot of people there. I hate to have to use a machine directly next to someone. For some reason there are a large number of people out there who have little to no concept of personal space. Allow me to elaborate (this is where my claustrophobia issues start to come in). I'm at the gym on the stationary bike. There is an entire row of bikes. There is only one other person using a bike. Way on the other end from the bike I choose. I am just getting in the zone when this other women decides to use a bike too. Rather that choose one of the many other available bikes, she picks the one right next to me. I hate when people do this. I'm not sure why but it really, really bothers me. I like my space. There is no reason for someone to crowd me at the gym. I understand sometime there is no choice if all the other equipment it full, but there was no reason for this. I try very hard to never use the treadmill, bike, or elliptical directly next to someone. The more pieces of equipment between us the better. To make matters worse during the whole bike incident, shortly after lady #1 enters the picture, a second lady comes and starts using the bike directly on the OTHER side of me! She also had bad breath and I don't think she knows what deodorant is! Now I'm pinned in and the room is starting to close in! Not that I start to panic or anything, but it makes me very irritated and completely messes with my workout. So my message to gym users everywhere, BACK OFF! Give me some space! Let me breath!

Home Sweet Home

I closed on my house this past week and am moving the end of this coming week. I'm very excited and can't wait to get settled and decorate. I've already started looking at paint colors. Now if someone would just buy my townhouse in Chattanooga, everything would be perfect! Here are some interior pictures for those of you who have asked to see more. Enjoy!

The Kitchen-my favorite room

The 1/2 bath and laundry

The Dinning Room The Bay Window in the Dinning RoomFull BathMy BedroomThe BackyardThe Garden-until I kill it