A Revolution Born

I'm not one to really get into politics on my blog but I do feel the need to express from my heart my feelings as to what is going on in the Middle East right now.

TD said it so well when speaking about the situation overseas. "You can only go so long beating a dog before the dog will turn on it's owner and finally bite him back."

So much criticism and yet the same amount of support is currently underway for the situation in Egypt and in the ME. Many don't understand what is going on and why international politics seem to be infused within it. The reason why is there is a lot at stake in this situation. With Tunisia that was a breath of fresh air for them, many of the Arab leaders and the total world around had their eyes open because in that revolution and moment, the ground shook and control is starting to fall and allies links are being broken. Within the Arab world because of the new generation growing up change is to be expected, the opinions of our fathers are not the same as what we grow up with and having first hand seen the conditions when I was in the middle east in late 2009 with TD, I don't understand why this didn't happen sooner.

When a people are oppressed by the policies of a dictator and their economy becomes stagnate, jobs are hard to find and inflation on consumables, gas and everything else from a hurt economy causes people to seek for change and you get what we are currently transfixed with. Here in our homeland we see it every 4 years we elect a President. Overspending of budgets or unnecessary corruption give us cause to boot him out and seek something fresh with the promise of change and lots of band-aids. I mean the very foundations of our country were based on an uprising against an iron-fisted monarchy which turned into a revolution of independence and a Constitution of freedoms and liberties which were born.

It's no different overseas, this is their revolution, this is their power of speech and their fight for freedom. It just took a small country and a belief by it's people to make a foundation for the first rock too be thrown. .

So TD and I's plans for going back to the Middle East and our second home in Jordan for spring/summer have been put on hold until we see what happens with this unrest. (just to update he didn't MATCH **Bummer** and is currently working on Post-MATCH **High Hopes**)

TD does have family in Egypt and many of them are in Alexandria. He was able to contact them when the phone lines were open again and they are OK just locked up within their house to protect it from looters and only leaving if absolutely necessary. They couldn't comment on what was going on outside because of the lack of time but it's good to know they are OK because I especially love his Aunt, she calls me Apple Cheeks :-p

So finally what I wanted to do is ask everyone to keep those in these countries who are fighting for their freedoms from being oppressed in your prayers.  No matter what side of the line you are on, if you were in their same position we would fight just as we did 200 years ago in this country.

Here are just a few pictures from my husbands country of Jordan in downtown Amman..Funny I always had to do some SERIOUS shopping on this street when we were there. (It was crowded then too :-p)

 

Pictures via AP News

                                                      Picture via Facebook

Blog Award

Much to my surprise and something that TOTALLY made my day! I got a Blog Award from the wonderful and daily inspiring Classy Career Girl whose blog if you haven't checked is out is just fabulous and classy for the working career woman. 

So, part of winning this award is linking back to the person who gave me the award, sharing 7 things about myself, paying it forward to 15 recently discovered bloggers, and sharing the news with them.

1. Sorry: For those that actually know me, you know I apologize for everything. This drives TD up a WALL because he'll say something like I'm not feeling good. My Reply: I'm sorry, Honey I need my keys! Me: I'm sorry. I can't help it I'm sorry!
2.OCD: I won't elaborate on this but if you look in my kitchen drawers or have seen my color coded closet and dresser drawers. You would think I needed help.
3. I love Driving: It doesn't matter where I am going, I can't be a passenger. I think that's a control issue that I haven't been able to let go of yet.
4. Procrastination: If it can be done tomorrow or at the last minute you can bet I'll be on it then.
5. Socially Addicted: I know a lot of people, I love meeting people, If you want to be my friend all you have to do is as and FB and Twitter are my haven in between the 5,000+ texts a month, you have joined my life ;o)
6. I hate Grits: That's right, I can't STAND THOSE GRAINY LITTLE THINGS.I just don't understand how people can eat them. It doesn't matter what you do to them they are just plain gross!
7. Vegetarian:  I was Veg for 2.5 years until I married my husband who couldn't go a day(well maybe one day) without meat. That changed this week as I have adopted my lifestyle back ;o)


Here are my Pay It Forward Blogs!
That are not in any specific order, but they ARE organized ;o)

The Sugar Scientist
Snarky McGeekerson's
Notes of a Lab Princess 
Better Off Med 
Organica
Over a Cup of Coffee
Starbucks Break
 The Bonds of Wedlock
Medical School Mrs.

The Honey B Blog

Perfectly Cursed Life
ATL Yankee Girl
Keeping Up With the Jonese
Nola Girl
Tale of a Southern Belle

Busy Semester, Busy Everything

I have to give my apologies for not writing sooner, since it's been ONE busy semester so far and my elective math course is lets just say-- the Devil wears Prada shoes and knows how to use them is as far as I will speak on that subject. But utilizing the Universities tutoring services and spending more time seems to be helping as I inch a long in this subject. On a second note I'm so excited about my next round of classes since I'm focusing less on the electives since I'm almost finished with the general classes now and can work more on my major requirements (the FUN STUFF!) I've already taken Health Care Management so I'm moving on to Critical Issues in Health Care. Did I mention I was excited ;o)

I promise not to speak of #snOMG as many of you on my Twitter feed have already been tortured endlessly with my rants. Plus I believe I'm met my hash cap for one topic for the year :-p

We're still waiting on MATCH of course. I didn't realize how much you gamble with where you are going when you "CHOOSE" which hospital or facility to rank at what number. The Doc was explaining it to me and my head was just spinning trying to understand how you can dish out so much money and everything be put on 1,2, or 3 etc. But anyways Jan 31st is the date and as it comes closer the more anticipation we feel. I can't speak for my husband because he's acting so cool about it right now but I know I'm ready to jump out of my skin and will be an emotional wreak come Monday. 

More to come soon!

Because You Have Lived

” To appreciate beauty, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hearts Broken in Pain But Full of Love.

This is overdue but I guess it's always best to write something like this with a clear head. The events that happened last Saturday in Tuscon, Arizona can only be described as shocking and unnecessary. Shocking that someone could bring themselves down to the level to take another life for whatever reason and unnecessary for the loss of life that was taken.

My heart goes out to those who were hurt and lost their lives, I can only pray that the prayers and thoughts of this great nation and world can comfort and embrace each of you during this time. I pray for strength for those who are still healing and patience to endure the trials ahead with that process.

Finally, I pray for peace that one day each of us as well as our children will live in a world with no fear of being harmed from violence and where only words are spoken if we disagree with each other.

The New Year

I know this is a little late but as I look back on 2010, I give thanks to God everyday for the blessings that He has given to me. The opportunities I was allowed to experience, the lessons learned, the stuggle I went through before the Princess was born and the wonderful man and now baby who shared every step of the way. 2010 was full of so many things and when I'm asked what my expectations or resolutions are for this year, I can't say that I have any.

Personally, I've never been one for new years resolutions. I tried the whole weight loss resolution and well, I'm still overweight so you can see how well that went. For some reason those who make them forget about them by the end of the month and that lack of personal goals just drives me up a wall because you hear everyone (including myself) banter on about how they are going to complete them but come March, you ask them how they are going and it's always: Oh yeah I forgot about that or yeah I'm working on it (NOT!)

Now don't get me wrong, setting goals are a priority in life. You have to have something to reach for but they need to be realistic and thought out now just something that pops into your head because it's the new year. An example would be a work or professional goal, achieving something in research, improve grades for each semester or a personal change, like making sure the sock drawer is maintained and that you will not leave the laundry in the dryer for three days
(GUILTY!)

So do you set goals and resolutions for the new year and if so what have you done to maintain them so far this year?

So to my wonderful Classy readers - whatever your goals, resolutions or promises to yourself for this new year are, I want to wish you a wonderful and blessed new year and that all of your dreams and aspirations will come true! Here's to a new and wonderful new year!

Cough Cough -- Back to Shore

Cough, Cough is right, after 2400 miles of driving, 3 days on board our beautiful ship to the Bahamas, lots of shopping and a cold to boot - We finally arrived home! I enjoyed our trip so much, but in the end nothing is like home sweet home and your own bed with your favorite pillow to fall into.

The weekend was perfect, the Princess did well for her second big trip in the car. Surprisingly enough we still kept time well even though we had extra breaks to stretch and relax. The ship it was very nice, but TD and I have been on better in my opinion.

MSC Poesia was not very friendly in customer service at their reception desk as they got very snippy with me twice over questions/concerns on board and then lied to us telling us we were the last to get early leave and to make a decision RIGHT THEN while 6 people behind us got the "EARLY" leave as we walked by the desk again. They must have wanted to just get us out of line. Mental check, get names next time.

Our waiter was fantastic when he could actually wait on us, he was a bus boy, wine server and deliverer, on other ships they always have someone to help him so I can't totally blame him because his service was off the hook, but only when he was actually allowed to do his job.

The food was great, the shows-off the hook, the people we met were fabulous and thawing out on the beach while snow was happening back home was priceless!

Overall it was an awesome week filled with good fun and some much needed relaxation, just hate that I'm bunked up at home with a very nasty cough and cold. Look for pictures coming soon!

Drink Up Me Hardies!

Jan 2010 off the Bahamas Islands - View from Our Cabin

It's a PIRATES LIFE FOR ME! Well maybe not seriously and if anything it would be non-alcoholic since TD and I don't drink. BUT YES THAT'S RIGHT! We're setting sail Today for our second, Day After New Years Day Bash on the Sea in the Bahamas. Three Days of Fun in the sun catching a few waves and enjoying some SERIOUS shopping all the while missing out on Mr. Jack Frost back home ;o)

So now the question is does this make me an official Bahama Mama since we're bringing the Princess along? Hmmm something to debate :-p

SEE YOU IN 3 DAYS!

Surprise in the Box

So being that TD is still NEW to this country, the only piece of mail he ever gets is a nice set of bills addressed to him. Now he sees all the mail that I get from pen-pals to advertisements and credit card requests (yes I'm still getting those in the mail) and sometimes I think he gets just a wee bit jealous because he just hands it over and grumbles about how much mail I get and how he should be getting more mail then me :-p Sometimes it's comical other times I do feel bad for him. So I started letting him open all the current resident stuff, sometimes there is good stuff in there like samples of foods, products, magazines, coupons and what-nots. He tends to just enjoy opening it up just for the fun of opening. Well tonight was no exception.

A little pretty black box with the word SAMPLE write across the front and Current Resident enticed him. Seriously, he looked like a kid in the candy store as he shook it around listening to the inside contents rattle. Quickly he opened it up, looked inside and threw it am me in a huff.

It's yours he told me before disappearing into the bedroom.

It was a sample box of Tampons :-p Hehehehe

She'll be coming down the Mountain!

Sure it's Saturday a week after the fact but a girl has got to recoup after the weekend we had doesn't she ;o) Well after a few very scenic detours and a few MAJOR snow storms we arrived safely to a much warmer climate -anything above 19 degrees is very welcome after our little adventure-

We started out on Friday Morning early at 6:30am, we were trying to avoid all forms of traffic heading to DC and Baltimore so the choice was good and the roads were very clear through Pennsylvania until we got to Ohio. Not much to talk about TD drove the whole way even though I insisted to drive. I think he needed to just focus on something other then what was going to happen on Saturday. BTW, the princess did so well on Friday slept almost the whole drive, I can not say the same for the rest of the weekend.

Ohio was very nice but SUPER cold. I haven't been that cold since I lived in Chicago so you can only imagine. Now I can't give details about the interview because well it's just an interview, nothing special there but while The Doc was inside I toured around checking out many of the sights and of course living locations JUST in case we do get this Residency, I want to be prepared to know whats going on before he does.

Afterward he couldn't tell me much because well neither one of us will know until January so it could be a yes and it could be a no. He did have positive thoughts so we will just keep it positive ;o)

We were going to head back homes but he wanted to see the town some more so we drove around taking pictures and just enjoying out time like it was a mini-vacation. After cold pizza and salads that night we took one more night in before heading out early Sunday Morning.

Now to better understand my wonderful husband, you have to know he's about as spontaneous as I am if not more sometimes. We had already talked about going to Pittsburgh when we were in Ohio because neither of us had been. Upon arrival Mr. GPS went dead because you apparently can't get a good signal in Downtown and needless to say we were lost and drove around forever trying to find a signal to get out. We did FINALLY get a signal and then the fun started, it was MY turn to drive but TD wanted to take a detour so we could see something else other then Pennsylvania highways.

I will remain calm as I say this but HIS DETOUR TOOK US THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS OF WEST VIRGINA IN A BLIZZARD OF A SNOW STORM. Now It had been snowing on and off so it wasn't a biggie, I've lived in the Midwest before, but even I wasn't prepared for the problems getting up and down those mountains. When the big 18 wheelers have problems going up and their own designated lane to do it in with their brakes smoking as they come down, you know your in dangerous territory. I seriously don't recommend driving in a hybrid, there isn't enough horsepower seriously. Now add to that almost hitting a deer going 70 miles an hour as soon as we made it into Maryland...ohhhh I was running into the house to jump into my bed and hide under the covers when I put the car into park.

And yet my wonderful husband still opted to complain he had a hard time sleeping while I was driving. REALLY! YOU DID!? Ah men, they truly can be scary sometimes.

Look forward to more updates on his residency coming soon!

The Other Side of the Snowflake

Have you ever stood back and watched snow fall? Now I'm not talking about just watching it fall because everyone is watching it fall this winter season. I'm talking about REALLY watching it fall. Within snow there is a certain beauty and diversity that if your not looking close enough or not focused on seeing what's around you, many don't realize it and this simple beauty goes away.

You could apply this to the United States on various grounds, when you look at a snowflake nothing is the same about it, sure the structure of frozen water molecules cluster forming this time while fluff is the same but the size, shape and layers are different for each and every flake. This makes a beautiful diversity within a small contained area.

Now before I go all 'Colors of the Wind' or open up with a Disney sing-a-long (I tend to break into those quite frequently for those who know me.) There is a reason behind this. Have we as Americans looked around us to see our diversity or are we so closed that we missed the diversity and all we see now in just a lump of snow on the ground?

It's a problem with this society and many of us within the Islamic community feel it full force. Instead of seeing the whole picture of diversity they see us as a problem and virus that needs to be melted off of the big snowman.  Personally I sometimes wonder what this country would have been like if 9/11 didn't happen, in fact there isn't a day that goes by that I wish it wouldn't have happened. Before that Islam was not well known here there wasn't a stereotype or stigma of fear. We never had to defend ourselves for something we did not do and we didn't have to fear in most cases. Sure there were issues concerning women and the 'who are these people' that anywhere you go you encounter. But you were not singled out as a terrorist, you didn't have the FBI or TSA stereotyping you because of your beliefs and flying the friendly skies was so much easier then this hysteria that we have now to just get from point A to point B.

Seriously, would we be dancing in wheat fields holding hands with the beacon of light still flowing over the world asking for people to come try this country out like it's a new warm and fussy jacket? Probably not but I do feel that it would have been much better then the police state we are becoming. As a hijab (headscarf) wearing woman within this religion there is a certain level of fear that each one of us possess. And many can deny it when they go out but it's always there. For me personally in the 7 years I have been a Muslim I was never afraid for myself or for anything until my daughter was born this year. Realization hit me like a brick over my head when I was at the Mall trying to leave and a woman out of no where just felt it was her time to be a bully and started screaming at me that my child was an abomination to everything holy and I was a terrorist.

Normally for me I'm like...Really? And you can tell this just because I wear a scarf on my head? Or something else snarky to punch back at them for their stupidity. But things had changed and with her attitude and her screaming at me in front of everyone at the food court suddenly caused me to do something I hadn't felt in a long time - FEAR, I was scared for my tiny daughter who was quietly and mercifully sleeping through this whole episode in our baby stroller. The only thing that I could do was walk away as she followed me shaking her fists in the air, still screaming I might add before I finally told her I was about to call the police if she didn't back down and go away.

That was just a recent episode there have been countless others (I could almost write a book about everything to tell you the truth) It just takes me back to an article in the New York Times called, "Will we ever belong?" the title itself is so moving and heartbreaking especially since it talks about Americans who religiously follow Islam not feeling like they belong in this country because of the intolerance that is building. Not everyone is a terrorist, in fact it's less then 1% in this religion that do believe in terrorism so that leaves 99.98% of 1.5+ BILLION Muslims who don't believe in it. But it's not just our religion, the violence and fatality rates in this country goes FAR beyond what a religion does, so do people stand on the street and just start yelling at other people for this? And yet in a country that prides itself on it's freedoms, liberties and rights to practice their religion here, why the need to even think of questioning why you wouldn't belong in your own country? The reality is even I as a born citizen of this country have had to ask myself this in the recent year.

So the point being is, what if we saw each other like a snowflake? Each one of us personally believes we have a path to follow or a goal we must obtain before our lives are through. Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, and even Atheist, no matter what your belief is we all have that goal.  With so many to choose from I can tell you one of the most important and it follows with just about every religion is a goal that needs to better understand our neighbor and see the diversity around us to better live with each other. We're not the only ones as many want to believe on this planet, there are billions more like us just in different shapes, colors, sizes and opinions.

But sometimes we have to see our life as a snow flake, so different from the other snowflakes around us but yet with that same goal as we dance through the air. To find a home and in a sense meet up with those around us in a beautiful harmony.

Special Kind of Husband

See what my husband surprised me with this morning. --Understand my husband doesn't do flowers he does things like picking flowers in a field or making me cd's for my car with our songs on them-- I had gotten up early to finish working on my research paper today while the princess slept and walked into the kitchen to find this was on the counter with the sweetest note I've ever received from my hubby. You wouldn't think either one of us would remember this but my husband and I FINALLY moved in together two years ago after a month apart post marriage (arranging my things back home to move to NYC) I can still see the warm smile on his face when he met me at the JFK airport.

It's been a journey of struggles and joy, laughter and tears but every step of it has been together side by side as we learn together.

BTW he got them in pink and green my favorite combo of colors, how thoughtful! <3

Winter Break!

For so many reasons I am relieved that this semester is finally over with with the last final and research paper submitted I can finally BREATH! My sociology professor gave me the best comment I've ever received in a class before. 

 

"Robyn, thanks for doing such a fine job with this assignment. You’re a Ninja with essays. I’ve enjoyed working with you and please continue your quest for further education. Some day, I’d like to call you “Dr. xxx" <--OMG this coming from a Doctor/PHD! I'm framing it!

On the flip side of the coin my research professor can only be defined as..She sucks. We're in the last week of grading and we're still needing grades on Week 7 and 8 Final now.  Her feedback or lack of has really put a downer on my course. With such major papers due and e-mails that take 4 weeks to answer you, would think she would finally get the hint when 90% of the class gave her a negative review on the discussion boards. 

It really is disappointing because I've been a 4.0 student for 2 years now. 2 YEARS OF HARD WORK and I can maintain it through Sociology but this ONE research professor takes it away from me and I can blame it on her and her lack of organization. Kinda puts a damper on the best review and she needs 90% of coal filling her stocking this season ;o(  YES I am allowed to be bitter, that was my GPA.

But setting all of that aside...I finally finished and until January I get a much needed stress break and what great time for it to happen with doctors appointments for Baby N coming up and winter settling in and our Midwest trip happening this weekend. WHEW takes a load off of my mine. 

Time to wrap myself in a novel and crank the heat up ;o)

Sunday Humor

Since I'm in the middle of studying for finals, I don't have too much time to sit down and write a lengthy blog update today (2 more days and I'm free until spring!) so for all of this serious studying I thought I would add some humor into the day. Explain if you wish but some of these are REALLY good.. Enjoy ;o)

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?

Since bread is square, then why is sandwich meat round?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"...but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

If you drink Pepsi at work in the Coke factory, will they fire you?

Why are you IN a movie, but you are ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

How come we choose from just two people for President and fifty for Miss America?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

If a 911 operator has a heart attack, whom does he/she call?

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

TO iPhone or NOT to iPhone

That is the question..

The Doc and I have been looking at upgrading our phones since we got them when we were married. I know sad isn't it, now two years later at the end of our contracts - or his I might add since mine has been WAY up a long time ago. We're considering our options, 4G, android, go with a regular phone or go with that beacon of bright shinny light that the angels seem to sing around...The Apple iPhone. I mean the thing when you walk past the Apple store SPARKLES calling out to you, beckoning for you to touch it...MY PRECIOUS

Ok out of the geek moment and back into straight reality. HAVE YOU SEEN HOW MUCH THEIR PLANS ARE FOR THOSE PHONES! Ok reality check, husband is not yet a practicing doctor in this country, CHECK. Me, Full time student, CHECK. Daughter nuff said, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK! It's completely ridiculous, we have 3 phones on our T-mobile family plan and only pay $110.00 a month -- That's not even the cost for ONE iPhone in a month.

Now we keep hearing that you can put it on your T-mobile phone system unlocked. But do I really want to keep trying or just wait until we go oversea this spring and buy it cheaper there? Hmmm The options the options.


So my question is to you, my wonderful readers, which would you choose iPhone, Android or Other? Why?

Give Me Some Credit....

After seeing this, what I said above I'm not serious, it's a joke I promise.

Now it's no lie that I worked very hard to get credit all of my life, I purchases my first new car (had 100 miles on it) at age 25 on my credit, Verizon and T-mobile wanted me to sign up for 5 phones and never did I have a late bill even with a wallet full of credit cards and so much debt I was swimming in the bills. But hey, I paid each one on time and before I got married had nothing but a car payment and my phone bill..Which I took out the other when I cashed my 401K out -- LOL what a funny tax story I'll save for later. I was resourceful and had a fabulous mother who constantly called to make sure I had paid all my bills before spending the extra I had ;o)

But that was over two years ago and since The Doc and I have been married, no credit cards are allowed! I mean I keep one for emergencies that's it and of course I have the T-mobile phones still in my name. But seriously they can get you into major trouble, ruin your life and I don't understand why anyone would want one! Cash just seems so much easier as The Doc and I purchased our cars straight on cash and even his motorcycle was purchased on cash. If we don't have the green on hand we don't need it. &lt;--Good philosophy if I might say so.  So why did I pull open my mail box today and find THIS resting nicely around various cards and what-nots:

That's right it's not just ONE piece of mail asking for a sign-me-up for a credit card but 5 different requests for different cards all address to MOI! Seriously, I don't Christmas shop so it's not like I need these and even if I did, they are EVIL and hide seriously HIGH forms of interest (BAD, BAD, BAD)

I mean if people are hurting financially why turn to damaging something that will last a lifetime? I know people who pay their credit cards with other credit cards. Does that make ANY sense what-so-ever? And in fact I was in Macy's the other day standing in line to ask the woman if they had baby shoes that would fit baby N and the woman purchasing $150 worth of shoes was complaining about how she didn't have any money and how her job had cut hours and yet she's carrying a brand new Vera Bradley bag and handing over the credit card to purchase shoes that hurt just looking at them in the box.

This is the irresponsibility that happens when you see that little plastic card of dreams. But the problem is that those dreams turn into nightmares that you just can't seem to wake up from.

BTW...Does anyone need any paper shavings for their animal friend or compost pile? I just hate wasting all this unnecessary paper :-p

A Light in a Dark Tunnel

As happy as a family can be, there are always struggles that we must have. Ours have come in the form of getting my husband a Residency position here in the United States. After four long years of re-studying the degree he already had, right after Baby N was born he finally passed the ADA board exams certifying him to work as an Oral Surgeon and DDS in this country with the stipulation he had to serve one year residency to complete it. Surprise! Getting a residency in this country is not as easy as it seems.

After an enormous amount of applications submitted and each one of them costing over $100 per application to submit and with the only hope we were starting to find was that we could re-do our apartment back in Jordan :-p

But guess WHAT?! That's right The Doc <-- My awesome husband --> FINALLY got a response and we're heading to Ohio next week for his first interview at one of the major teaching hospitals there. I'm so super proud of him even if he doesn't get the position (but we're not going to think like that right) out of 60 applications he was chosen with 18 others for 3 positions. As it is, he has the upper hand verses others because he's been an Oral Surgeon and certified just not in this country.

So with positive thoughts and prayers said we're going to head to Ohio next week with the baby and warm jackets all around to give this a try....

Did I mention it's COLD OUTSIDE ;o)

Start of the Week Pick Me Up

Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky and makes it flow as springs [and rivers] in the earth; then He produces thereby crops of varying colors; then they dry and you see them turned yellow; then He makes them [scattered] debris. Indeed in that is a reminder for those of understanding. (39:21)

Just a little Inspiration as I was reading
XOXO,

Delayed Posting

WOW, my apologies for not writing over the course of a week. Hubs and I have been so busy with school and with his job that I knew that I would not be able to sit down and write as these last two weeks of crunch time are upon me. But what is strange is that I set up messages that were supposed to be delivered on each day but they are no where in sight! So my day 7 of being thankful for my family and friends is MIA as is my Happy Black Friday post ;o/

There is a lot to say for the lack of knowledge that I have about blogger apparently :-p So I pray that everyone had a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving filled with love and joy all around. As it was just the Doc and I this year...again and he had to work and of course I had to make the meal. I opted this year since it was just the two of us to pardon the Turkey and roast the chicken. Needless to say after I ended up just shake and baking it home-style and stuffing, cranberry sauce, with a few extras later. It was an awesome night that both of us could finally relax with.

To update, the search for a Residency for him is still down to three, it was two but he opted for another one after a reference in Ohio. While Mississippi and Florida still have not chosen their candidates we're just holding our breath praying that we get something. It's still kinda hard to imagine that if these don't work out we will be going back to Jordan for 5-6 months until he can apply here again. As I said, not looking forward to culture shock but it is kinda appealing to because in Amman it's like the mini version of New York City but with just 3 million people living there. The markets remind me of Brooklyn and Queens when we lived in NYC and their malls remind me of the Burbs of Maryland, large but small at the same time and NEVER overcrowded. Jordan has it's own charms, I'm just not looking forward to moving there at this time, even if it is for a short period.

With that being said though, I am looking forward to the POSITIVE shot that I'm going to receive(no we're not talking anti-depressants) Classes end on the 14th and I get a mental break until January 5th. Being able to just mentally shut down for a few weeks is such a blessing for me and a much needed break let me tell you! I think I'll spend some time working on this blog, I have a lot of ideas for it and I'm just now starting to like my banner (still needs some work though)

Did I mention that I'll be SO EXCITED when I'm done with this Research class! You know all of my professors that I've ever had have always loved me, I put everything that I have into my work and well, there is a reason why at two universities I sit on a 4.0 GPA. My research profession is well, I won't go there but she's going to cost me my 4.0 GPA this semester lets just say that. BUT as I said the one POSITIVE thing that I can look forward to is that on the 14th, I'M FREE of her class and her. For my FB followers you'll understand where I'm coming from because you've heard me curse the morning every time she drops her grades. But for her I wish her a holiday full of happiness and joy and just hope she doesn't get a lump of coal in her stocking this year :-p

On to more later ;o)

XOXO,

Did you ever learn how to park?

So at the supermarket yesterday, I started out with my normal routine. Parked the car, looked around for a buggy, loaded The Princess up, who was quietly sleeping and was getting ready to head in for my shopping, list in hand when all of a sudden I heard this yelling behind me.

"HEY! Can you move your car, I can't get out!?"

I turned around and this woman was hollering at me from behind the worlds biggest tank, I mean pick up truck. Apparently she had parked so close to the line that she couldn't get out unless I moved my car...Which I might add was parked dead center properly.

So after loading the baby back up into the car, and moving the buggy a fair distance away so that I could pull out long enough for her to pull her monster truck out and pull back in there should be some helpful hints about situations like this.

First off, Thank You goes a long way. Second, if you purchase a vehicle and do not know how to properly work it, it's not meant for you. Third, respect peoples space, there are two lines that you must park between.

Last if you own a tank, park it somewhere else.

XOXO,