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.

I get excited-- and it's my POSTER!

My view all day on Sunday. Thrilling.

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.

Riverwalk as I was walking to the conference.

Seriously, these lights are gorgeous in person.

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.

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

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)

Savannah Anniversary Trip

Waving Girl statue-- she used to welcome all ships in and was known throughout the world!

We finally made it down to Savannah!  It was the perfect end of school trip. :-) After 1.5 years of didactic portion, including days when Seth had to counsel me that this is my dream and I truly love what I'm doing, I am DONE! And ready to move on to clinicals. I still have a poster to put together and a few other small things to do for follow up, basically, but I am done, and as far as I know I passed, so I am feeling very proud! Seth and I were able to celebrate our 3 year and 1 month anniversary there, which was fun.

Last day of school!

We had our pinning ceremony on Thursday after the exam. It was almost sad, but I'm so relieved to be done that I don't think it's really fully hit me yet. I will be sad, I'm sure, especially once my favorite Texan leaves, but right now, I'm just like, oh, wow, I have free time! I have a couple more Christmas presents to make/get, and have plans to READ and play video games (yes, this is a priority) and catch up on shows. We're 90% done with shopping, and even know what we're getting for the last bits! Anyways, back to the end of school, we then had our OT Holiday Cocktail party at Upstairs at Midtown! It was a very pretty place, and I rocked my favorite dress and shoes (which will also be making an appearance at Seth's holiday party next week). I may have been a little tall...

With Seth, Cherisa, Courtney, Becca, and Greg.

OT girls at Cracker Barrel! So glad I could finally go to one. :-)

Before we left for Savannah, I went out to breakfast with my classmates at Cracker Barrel! Seth and I got a later start, but it was fun. Rosie spent the weekend at Paws in Paradise, which is her favorite place pretty much ever. We took a nap (a much needed nap after festivities), then headed out. It was a lovely drive-- relaxing, and full of fun sights! The trees are so pretty down here-- I'm obsessed with Spanish Moss.  My ipod decided to be a little punk, so we had much more random music for the trip than expected, but it wasn't bad for an hour and a half. :-)

Seth in front of the John Wesley statue.

In Savannah, we checked into the hotel, then went downtown for dinner and exploring. The first night, we really just took it easy, but we did discover lots of John Wesley stuff! I made Seth take a picture next to it. We saw the Marshall House, which is apparently the first hotel in Savannah. We got to see some of the things down by the River, but then went off for food. We had Thai, and I tried Thai Tea with bubbles for the first time. The meal was only okay-- apparently the chefs threw a mini temper tantrum when I had to send my food back for being drenched in onions, as my second dish was about half the size of the first. Seth's dish was awesome, though, and we had a good time anyways!  It was actually just really nice to walk after then head back to the hotel-- we caught up on HGTV and Food Network shows. It's the little things in life. :-) We got to sleep in, too, which was amazing. I love Rosie, but it was fun to not have to wake up super early to escort her first thing in the morning.

"Silence is Golden" fountain.

The next day, we spent pretty much the whole day exploring. We visited several shops and parks, and even checked out the SCAD museum. Seth and I have very similar taste in art-- a.k.a., not modern like at all. There was one installation that was all orange yarn and crochet pieces-- it was kind of ugly, really. There was one piece I liked, pictured to the right, and one being installed that I loved, but most of them were just not that attractive or our style. We saw some cool art down by the River Walk, and Seth and I found an awesome nativity ornament that we really liked. It's such a dog friendly place there-- Seth and I have decided we're going to take Rosie down to Savannah to check out the parks and do more sightseeing.

At the Cotton Exchange before lunch.

Such delicious food!

For lunch, we had an AMAZING meal at the Olde Pink House! (I keep wanting to call it the Olde Pink Lady, combining this restaurant with the Painted Lady Tea Room in Norfolk.) I had Fried Green Tomatoes, and they were super duper helpful about my no-onion thing. Seth even enjoyed the FGT! I am super obsessed with them now. I also had an amazing beer with lunch, and enjoyed delicious cheese straws. Seth had the Lobster Roll (and remarked how funny it was that we traveled further south to enjoy more lobster), and I had a fabulous Mahi-Mahi sandwich. Seth's side was better-- he had asparagus, and I had sweet potato fries, which just weren't as good as Sesame's. We finished with delicious key lime pie, one of the best we've ever had. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, we had a later lunch, and were able to explore the house afterward! The ballroom was ah-maz-ing, and it was really fun to just explore and read the history. We ate outside, because the weather was seriously divine, then did a little more shopping.

Forsyth Park- beautiful!

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

We did more exploring after dark, and found a few fun parks and got to see pretty streets and holiday decor, including a holiday party. We did go by Lady and Sons, but definitely didn't feel obligated to eat there (we have awesome Southern food here in Charleston, realistically). There was a theatre there playing It's A Wonderful Life, but not until next weekend. All the holiday decor was gorgeous, though! We also saw an amazing church downtown (well, several, but this was our favorite). It's the Catholic church, and it was just stunning, even at night, with all these fabulous details and designs echoed throughout the building. It reminded me of the awesome churches in England that I fell in love with. We also got to enjoy antiquing, and it was a lot of fun, although I hate going into stores where I'm terrified of breaking everything because it's too close together.

Now, Seth and I are back with our little Roo, and it's been a good day overall. We took a nice long nap with Rosie, which was much needed, and did a little shopping. We're now watching Christmas with Holly, based on Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, which is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Kleypas. It's not like the book in many ways, but it's still a lot of fun. Time to start enjoying vacation! (Including all the awesome Disney movies now on Netflix!)