Omigoodness! We (as in my class and I) are halfway through our first rotation as of this Friday. Midterms are this week, and apparently, we should all fail. I'll probably get dinged on assertiveness, which I find funny given that I'm not a particularly timid person in general, but that's fine. :-) I love the acute care and the outpatient parts of my experience-- I need to remind my CI that I'd like to observe some of the surgeries still. I'd actually love to see a hand surgery if I can, but I also want to see the neck surgeries if possible, since I work with them the most in this rotation. It's a lot of fun to see as much as I can while I'm here and take advantage of it! Learning is fun, y'all.
So, Seth and I went to our first oyster roast today! It was to benefit a little girl who is one of a set of triplets, has torticollis, and most importantly needs a liver transplant, which she'll be getting from her dad three days from now. It was fun to do the oyster roast thing, although we agree we'd rather just get our oysters on the halfshell. :-P Or else roast them ourselves and do a better job cleaning them first or something... It was a lot of work, but it was fun and another thing to check off our "Charleston to-do list" while we're here. When we got home, I made us shrimp and grits with andouille sausage! It was delicious and exciting and healthy overall, which is always a plus. :-)
It's hard to believe that it's almost Lent and Easter time again! Easter comes just after my rotation here ends. I'm giving up swearing again for Lent, as I didn't do as good a job with it last year, but hopefully it'll stick this year. I don't swear at all at work, but it's still a habit I need to kick more in my personal life.
In other news, I learned from America's Test Kitchen that you can make your bananas go from ripe to overripe by baking them in the oven for up to 20 minutes to release the yummy sugars. So, it's banana bread time again! I'm making the cinnamon swirl banana bread-- it's so good.
Now, time for more House of Cards then bedtime.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Adventures in Texas and Fieldwork
Seth and I have pretty boring lives right now, and it's AMAZING. I love, love, love my fieldwork placement, and have been surprised as how much I really enjoy my acute care rotation. I thought it was going to be not my favorite, but I really enjoy it. I'll get to watch some surgeries while on rotation, and I've gotten to see some outpatient OT, including working with persons with aphasia, and it's just amazing. I love that when I get up in the morning, the only reason I don't want to go to work is just because I was up too late, not at all because I don't want to go to work. Seth is still loving his job, too, and we're just looking to the future to see what happens, i.e. where I can get a job as well as where/when we want to move.
This past weekend I was in Texas for the first time ever for a conference. First of all, we rocked our group project-- it was seriously awesome. I got to know one of the PT profs better, and she's just beyond amazing. My poster looked fabulous as well! It was really interesting to meet all the people so interested in SRC's, although I will say, some people need to calm down. The one thing that wasn't as fun was the travel-- we had a 2 hour delay just to get into the airport due to the people in Charlotte not being able to de-ice the plane, then I was told I could go on standby for the return flight for an extra fee, but with no guarantees and the Charlotte part would be the same time, then my flight was completely cancelled due to mechanical failure of some sort (which, fair enough, I'd rather not fly), then weather delays led to my staying in San Antonio another night. I was near tears, especially since I found out right after I'd bought the worst sandwich EVER. Poor Seth had lots of phone calls from a distressed wife, but I made it home safe and sound, sent my CI a text that I was going to not make it (I seriously did not want to cry on the phone with my CI because I was just that stressed out), and had a lovely night in a much better hotel than I had stayed in. Plus, I flew out on US Airways (I am never taking American Airlines again if I can help it), and learned that if I had been in Terminal A, life would have been much better food-wise. Oh, well! It was an adventure, and I made it home safe and sound and got the BEST greeting from Rosie-- she was just beyond excited.
San Antonio itself was really interesting-- it's got SO MUCH SPACE! Like, insane amounts, especially compared to DC and Chicago. It's so different than anywhere else I've lived. On the plane ride there, I sat next to an awesome scientist from England, and it just made for an interesting chat. He was going to another conference in the same hotel. But, yes, SA-- the Riverwalk is way cool. I stayed in the Crockett Hotel, which actually kinda sucked, but they had breakfast ready each day, and let's be real, food is super important in my life. It was in walking distance of everything, including the mall, which had the best display ever:
That's right. Squirrels. Front and center. I definitely detoured at 6 am while walking over to the other hotel to take a photo of the Squirrels.
We went on a riverboat tour of the San Antonio Riverwalk-- it was totally worth it! There's so much interesting history, and it's a different view of the walk (much faster than *actually* walking it). We also went to see the Market... Not so worth it. It was basically a tourist trap, and I just wasn't as interested. La Villita was kind of empty the whole time, and probably more of a go-to during the summer months, but it was interesting to see the tiny houses. Seriously, I think I would have hit my head on a couple of the entryways. I'm not that tall, so you know that's short. We also walked over the Rosario's for dinner-- I got the spinach and mushroom enchiladas, which had the best enchilada sauce EVER on it. I also tried green salsa stuff-- it was so good! I didn't think it was spicy like at all, but then again, Seth and I put a whole jalapeno at least in the homemade salsa I make, seeds and all, so I feel like my judgement on this issue is slightly impaired. :-) But, if you ever go to San Antonio, Rosario's is totally worth it! If nothing else, they have awesome light fixtures, which I 100% want to emulate in my house one day if it's even slightly possible.
All in all, life has been pretty awesome. I came home to gorgeous weather after having super nice, warm weather in SA as well, and Seth and I have been able to just hang out and enjoy each other's company more in the past few weeks. We're both about to get cracking on the books, though-- I have more to read before my next rotation, and then Seth needs to study more for his Cisco certs. We're going to implement hour-long required study time soon (by Lent at the latest). Anyways, I think that's it! Time to go enjoy another evening of reading fun books while cuddling with Rosie and hanging out with Seth. <3
 |
| I get excited-- and it's my POSTER! |
 |
| My view all day on Sunday. Thrilling. |
San Antonio itself was really interesting-- it's got SO MUCH SPACE! Like, insane amounts, especially compared to DC and Chicago. It's so different than anywhere else I've lived. On the plane ride there, I sat next to an awesome scientist from England, and it just made for an interesting chat. He was going to another conference in the same hotel. But, yes, SA-- the Riverwalk is way cool. I stayed in the Crockett Hotel, which actually kinda sucked, but they had breakfast ready each day, and let's be real, food is super important in my life. It was in walking distance of everything, including the mall, which had the best display ever:
 |
| Riverwalk as I was walking to the conference. |
 |
| Seriously, these lights are gorgeous in person. |
 |
| The oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in Texas. |
All in all, life has been pretty awesome. I came home to gorgeous weather after having super nice, warm weather in SA as well, and Seth and I have been able to just hang out and enjoy each other's company more in the past few weeks. We're both about to get cracking on the books, though-- I have more to read before my next rotation, and then Seth needs to study more for his Cisco certs. We're going to implement hour-long required study time soon (by Lent at the latest). Anyways, I think that's it! Time to go enjoy another evening of reading fun books while cuddling with Rosie and hanging out with Seth. <3
Monday, December 31, 2012
Ready for 2013!
We went home for Christmas this year! We had enough time to go home for a whole week-- it was FABULOUS!!! Quick highlights: Family! Chachushka!!!! Food Processor! Cuisinart K-Cup Coffee Maker! Friends! Church! Avatar! CHRISTMAS TOWN!! Pretty much, everything was ah-mazing.
Right now, it's New Year's Eve, and I'm watching Alice in Wonderland (the animated version from the 1950's, aka one of my FAVORITE MOVIES EVER) while Seth plays his game. It's actually a wonderful night for us-- hopefully it's a sign of us getting ready for a much more relaxing year with all that we look forward to. :-) We're hoping and praying for the chance to travel and do our real honeymoon finally-- I just learned that I can actually eat eggs, which I haven't been able to enjoy for about 2 years now! So, I can eat what I want, and we can choose what and where we eat!!! If you've never had food problems, I'm sure this is much less exciting, but for me, and for Seth by extension, it's huge that my list is down to three things, 2 of which I don't like anyways! (I love Cabernet Sauvignon, but swelling throat = none of that for me.) Seth can enjoy it, but fortunately we have other options. :-)
So, while home, we got to spend some quality time with the Tweedles!!! I was super stoked to spend time with both of my brothers-- we went shopping, and just in general enjoyed our time with them. They seriously are the coolest. Jon and I had adventures just in cleaning the house for Christmas dinner, but in a good way. When everyone was out, I even got the chance to paint! Rosie was super excited by the painting adventure-- she wanted to stay in the room while I was prepping and painting, and it didn't work so well, so she got locked out. She's been looking for Dante for the past couple of nights-- she's sure that if we just open the door, he'll be there, ready to come hang out with her. Rosie loves my brothers, even Marc's pugs (although I think she relaxed more without them). She remembered Jon from living with him when we first got to Charleston! It was way cute.
We were able to attend my church and then go to breakfast with the Powells on Sunday, then enjoyed Christmas Eve at Seth's church after, which just renewed my conviction to find a church where there's more community service and a chance to truly participate this year. It's just a matter of finding a church that suits us, and, if it's a Catholic church, one that doesn't use incense, which unfortunately sets off my asthma like none other. :-) It's a non-resolution, since I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I've also started looking into the gym across the street-- there are tons of yoga and pilates classes that should work for my schedule for both rotations!! I start in just about a week, which is insane to me, in the best possible way. I am SO EXCITED (and sooooo nervous), but I'm also stoked to be one step closer to graduation and real life again (and a real paycheck). Seth and I have been looking forward to and planning for the future, but knowing where I can find employment will definitely have a major impact on how our lives go!
While home, we were able to FINALLY go to Christmas Town!!! I have been looking forward to it for 4 years now, and it was AWESOME. I loved it, wholeheartedly, although in the future I will bring a hat and a scarf to be warmer! We went with both sets of parents and Seth's brother, which was a lot of fun. Lines were much longer than expected-- we thought the line for the Mach Tower wasn't going to be that bad, but we were mistaken. The Mach Tower ride went up and down slowly, although Seth and I both learned that we are NEVER going to go on that ride regularly-- it's too high and feels unsafe. I spent the entire ride worrying that my shoes were going to come off. It was also odd in that they didn't let the ride down to the ground, which made getting out of the seats MUCH more difficult than necessary. It was so high!!! It was beautiful, and that and the trainride let us see all of the grounds, but omigoodness it was too high. I apparently am more scared of heights than I thought. :-) Oh, well. The shows were pretty good, although I had issues with the phrasing of the music for one of the shows. They did manage to do a "Santa Baby/Mama Kissing Santa Claus" mashup that didn't end in me professing my unending hatred for "I saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus," so props to them. I think that is my least favorite song pretty much ever.
What else... Overall, we just had a wonderful trip with family and friends! It was nice to spend so much time at home and getting to spend the time with everyone, both near and far. Chach and Seth and I went to lunch at No Frill and enjoyed delicious vegetarian nachos, an old favorite, which were awesome. I love food. We're actually getting ready to celebrate restaurant week in January, thanks in part to a generous gift from Seth's brother and SIL, and it'll be awesome-- we'll get to go right after my first week of fieldwork as well as a week after Seth's b-day. He turns 29 this year!!! Only 1 year away from the big 3-0!! Part of that celebration will hopefully happen early with our belated honeymoon trips.
I feel like I skipped over most of what happened, but overall, it was just an amazing trip. We loved seeing everyone, more so since we realized there's a good chance we won't see anyone next year with the new job and whatnot. This is, of course, dependent upon me finding a job. While I have loved having the time off the past few weeks, I think I'd go mad without a real job (and a real income), although little Roo would likely enjoy the endless mommy time. :-) We both really appreciated being able to spend quality time with both families, and look forward to seeing everyone again soonish.
Happy New Year!
Love,
Cassi (and Seth and Rosie)
Right now, it's New Year's Eve, and I'm watching Alice in Wonderland (the animated version from the 1950's, aka one of my FAVORITE MOVIES EVER) while Seth plays his game. It's actually a wonderful night for us-- hopefully it's a sign of us getting ready for a much more relaxing year with all that we look forward to. :-) We're hoping and praying for the chance to travel and do our real honeymoon finally-- I just learned that I can actually eat eggs, which I haven't been able to enjoy for about 2 years now! So, I can eat what I want, and we can choose what and where we eat!!! If you've never had food problems, I'm sure this is much less exciting, but for me, and for Seth by extension, it's huge that my list is down to three things, 2 of which I don't like anyways! (I love Cabernet Sauvignon, but swelling throat = none of that for me.) Seth can enjoy it, but fortunately we have other options. :-)
So, while home, we got to spend some quality time with the Tweedles!!! I was super stoked to spend time with both of my brothers-- we went shopping, and just in general enjoyed our time with them. They seriously are the coolest. Jon and I had adventures just in cleaning the house for Christmas dinner, but in a good way. When everyone was out, I even got the chance to paint! Rosie was super excited by the painting adventure-- she wanted to stay in the room while I was prepping and painting, and it didn't work so well, so she got locked out. She's been looking for Dante for the past couple of nights-- she's sure that if we just open the door, he'll be there, ready to come hang out with her. Rosie loves my brothers, even Marc's pugs (although I think she relaxed more without them). She remembered Jon from living with him when we first got to Charleston! It was way cute.
We were able to attend my church and then go to breakfast with the Powells on Sunday, then enjoyed Christmas Eve at Seth's church after, which just renewed my conviction to find a church where there's more community service and a chance to truly participate this year. It's just a matter of finding a church that suits us, and, if it's a Catholic church, one that doesn't use incense, which unfortunately sets off my asthma like none other. :-) It's a non-resolution, since I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I've also started looking into the gym across the street-- there are tons of yoga and pilates classes that should work for my schedule for both rotations!! I start in just about a week, which is insane to me, in the best possible way. I am SO EXCITED (and sooooo nervous), but I'm also stoked to be one step closer to graduation and real life again (and a real paycheck). Seth and I have been looking forward to and planning for the future, but knowing where I can find employment will definitely have a major impact on how our lives go!
While home, we were able to FINALLY go to Christmas Town!!! I have been looking forward to it for 4 years now, and it was AWESOME. I loved it, wholeheartedly, although in the future I will bring a hat and a scarf to be warmer! We went with both sets of parents and Seth's brother, which was a lot of fun. Lines were much longer than expected-- we thought the line for the Mach Tower wasn't going to be that bad, but we were mistaken. The Mach Tower ride went up and down slowly, although Seth and I both learned that we are NEVER going to go on that ride regularly-- it's too high and feels unsafe. I spent the entire ride worrying that my shoes were going to come off. It was also odd in that they didn't let the ride down to the ground, which made getting out of the seats MUCH more difficult than necessary. It was so high!!! It was beautiful, and that and the trainride let us see all of the grounds, but omigoodness it was too high. I apparently am more scared of heights than I thought. :-) Oh, well. The shows were pretty good, although I had issues with the phrasing of the music for one of the shows. They did manage to do a "Santa Baby/Mama Kissing Santa Claus" mashup that didn't end in me professing my unending hatred for "I saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus," so props to them. I think that is my least favorite song pretty much ever.
What else... Overall, we just had a wonderful trip with family and friends! It was nice to spend so much time at home and getting to spend the time with everyone, both near and far. Chach and Seth and I went to lunch at No Frill and enjoyed delicious vegetarian nachos, an old favorite, which were awesome. I love food. We're actually getting ready to celebrate restaurant week in January, thanks in part to a generous gift from Seth's brother and SIL, and it'll be awesome-- we'll get to go right after my first week of fieldwork as well as a week after Seth's b-day. He turns 29 this year!!! Only 1 year away from the big 3-0!! Part of that celebration will hopefully happen early with our belated honeymoon trips.
I feel like I skipped over most of what happened, but overall, it was just an amazing trip. We loved seeing everyone, more so since we realized there's a good chance we won't see anyone next year with the new job and whatnot. This is, of course, dependent upon me finding a job. While I have loved having the time off the past few weeks, I think I'd go mad without a real job (and a real income), although little Roo would likely enjoy the endless mommy time. :-) We both really appreciated being able to spend quality time with both families, and look forward to seeing everyone again soonish.
Happy New Year!
Love,
Cassi (and Seth and Rosie)
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