Everything was going TOO well

There had to be a monkey-wrench didn't there ? Everything was just going way TOOOO easily in my life. My uncle has already made reservations for my aunt and himself to return to Massachusetts from Hawaii on May 1st. So, the latest we could be in Hawaii and get married at their house is the weekend of the 22nd in April. I'm already attending a wedding in Mexico the weekend of the 8th and my boss would really frown on me taking that much time off two weeks apart. It's hell on finding relief doctors.


So, a wedding at my aunt's home might be out of the question. It's just not going to work out time wise. But, we'll see.. G and I are still investigating options and I'm not going to count it out just yet. We could still do something mid-week. It totally depends on availability of caterers, kahunas, etc. Blah.

Narrowing it Down

Yesterday evening my Aunt Linda sent me pictures of my Aunt's Ginny's home in Hawaii. I won't post them here, because she's VERY private about her home... but let's just say it's breathtaking!! I'd be honored to be married there.

G and I discussed dates over dinner last night and we decided we'd rather be married sooner rather than later. We'd also like to have our anniversary fall sqarely between our two parents anniversaries so that they can have anniversary trips at the same time. My parents anniversary is April 18th and G's parents are mid-may. So, we're looking into the first weekend in May. Although, this now all rides sqarely on my aunt since she leaves Hawaii to go back to the Cape in mid-may. I don't want to inconvience her by having my wedding too close to that date.

Now I just wait and see what she says. I am getting very excited about going now, though!! I can't even fathom that I'm going to be married in four short months!I think G's parents are starting to think it's a shotgun wedding. Heh.... SOOOO NOT!

The planning begins.... with minimal effort on my part

Before I get to explaining how the wedding details are falling into my lap with minimal effort on my part... I'll explain to enquiring minds how exactly the proposal went down. Since, to some, the proposal is just as important as the ring itself.

We woke up Sunday morning and had hot cinnamon rolls and orange juice before we got to the present opening. we're not 10 anymore, so getting up at 7am to open presents like we used to just didn't seem so appealing anymore. After we'd opened all the presents.. and I mean all.. there were NO presents left under the tree I was slightly disheartened since there was no "cool" gift there from G. Unless, you consider a crock pot and a sweater "cool". Meh. G then exclaimed that he had oooone more present for me... and reached UNDER the tree skirt to pull out a small shiny wooden box. He told me to open the box and there, inside, was my pretty sparkly ring! I handed him the box and asked him to put the ring on me. After a brief discussion, since he was convinced it was supposed to go on my right hand...I gave him my left hand and he put the ring on my finger. There was no one-kneed proposal since we were both already sitting on the floor. He then looked at me and asked what my answer was. I told him I hadn't heard a question !! He smirked and asked me if I wanted to get married and I told him of course I did. Yay!

I waited a few hours before calling my parents.. I wanted to make sure we had some time together to just enjoy the moment, drink some coffee, relax, and play with presents before all the phone calls started. My mother had gotten me a beauutiful sapphire and diamond circle in a circle necklace. Which, after I thought about it for awhile I realized mom KNEW !! she had to have known ahead of time, because the new necklace matched my ring perfectly! So, I asked G how this occured since my mother is not particularly well known for keeping secrets well. He told me that five weeks ago when he took my computer up to my parents house to have my father fix my hard drive... he'd gone to dinner with my parents and asked my father's permission to marry me. Awwwww! Which, is something I never thought he'd do especially since he'd run the risk of it getting back to me. But, they both knew for five weeks and didn't tell. Even my brother didn't know when I called him. so, she didn't even spill to my brother. I ended up being so proud of my mother!

G and I had always talked about getting married in Hawaii. Very small, private, just us and immediate family. We told this to my mother and I guess she mentioned that when she was calling relatives. Well, apparently relatives came out of the wood work to say that they ALL wanted to go! Crap! Maybe they all felt guilty since no one went to my brother's wedding.. or maybe, since I'm the one who picked Hawaii they want to go! Since I was working Monday I didn't really get into any scouting out of sites... especially since it had only been one day since my engagement and i didnt want to get all "psycho bride" on G.

While I'm at work apparently my mother and my aunt (who lives in hawaii) were emailing back and forth all day. I know, because they cc'd me on all of the emails (there were at least ten of them when I got home from work). My aunt sent emails saying she knew some ministers and kahunas who could do a ceremony. She also knew a caterer, florists, hula dancers, etc. You name it, my aunt knows it... By the end of the emails I find out she's discussed with my mother that G and I could use her house's lanai on the third tee on Mauna Kea golf course for a wedding and/or reception. If you know my aunt.. this is HUGE.. she's had this house almost eight years and neither I (nor my parents) have ever been invited. I have a feeling she offered because we never asked. I have to discuss with G, but it sounds too perfect to pass up.. according to the golf resorts website people come from all over the world to get married on the third tee. And we'd get to have it for free on any day we want (as long as my aunt's in town)It's almost too easy. All the wedding plans are falling into place without me having to do anything. I do get to make decisions, all of them, but it's definitely nice to have someone on the inside that knows the island and can scout on things for me. I also know my aunt has immaculate taste!

My pretty sparkly ring ! 

Merry Christmas!

I have so much to say, but to start off with for Christmas I got asked the mother of all questions. Needless to say, I'M ENGAGED !!! I'll write more on the whole affair later, right now I have to go make tons of phone calls.

The mall ...three shopping days til Christmas!

To anyone who knows me... you know I'm no where near the mall four days before Christmas.I hate and despise shopping. But, now.. I work at a mall. A big one! My office is next to Nordstrom and Ann Taylor. Fortunately I get to work early when the mall opens so that I have a decent parking space. Although, now I'm one of those people who has to park "behind the yellow line". Grumble.

This week of all weeks I confine myself to my office and watch the people walk by. It's definitely a good people watching location.....

I had friends over last night for the Nip/Tuck finale. I was actually kind of disappointed in it. Yes, it's still one of the best shows on TV, but the finale was sort of a let down. I wanted the Carver to be someone less obvious. (like Gina) Oh well.. but I didn't see the Kit part coming.. although, I did have the thought that it was two people working together. The only cliff hanger this season is what's going to happen to Matt and Cherry. They never did show that Ariel's dad is actually dead. My thought is that they probably blew off his naughty bits. (it would be the most fitting end to him) And now I have to sit back and wait for season 4. Boo! Although, now 24 starts.. and I believe Battlestar as well. (I'm still making it through the first season of Battlestar on Netflix along with Season 3 of 24)

Last night was my Christmas dinner with the people I used to work with at For Eyes. we ate at maggianos and it was actually a relatively nice time! (color me shocked) I did end up sitting next to the one person I didn't want to, but outside of work she really isn't that bad. Although, she and another manager did spend most of the dinner talking about work, so I migrated to the other end of the table after entrees. (before dessert) Then, I ran home before Nip/Tuck... priorities !!

With friends at Toys 4 Tots (me with a teddy bear and G with Elmo) 

Making Someone's Christmas Merrier

Friday night I met up with some friends who had put the call out to volunteer at Toys 4 Tots. Tampa Bay's distribution warehouse for toys apparently had a huge lack of volunteers this year. So, my group of friends from MeetIN went down there to volunteer for a few hours. There were about twelve of us there and there were three huge military freight trucks to unload and sort.

I didn't realize how much stuff came through Toys 4 Tots !! Task number one was to unload the toys and then sort them into categories. The categories were things like stuffed animals, infants to 2 yrs old, Boys 3-5, Girls 9-12, sports, games, puzzles, books, and crafts. It took us only two hours to get all of the toys sorted off of all three trucks. I reallly wanted to take a running dive into the pile of stuffed animals, but was told it probably wasn't the best idea.

After the sorting we were handed orders for toys brought in from military bases and low-income schools around Tampa Bay. Our job was to take the order and fill some large clear trash bags with toys for the children on our list. This was the funnest part all night ! G and I had a family of three boys 3, 7, and 9 and we had to pick out toys for them. they have a set formula for what goes in the bags: 2 "nice" toys per age group, a ball, a game, some stocking stuffers, and a stuffed animal. I wasn't quite sure how they decided which children got the bikes they had stacked to the ceiling in the back of the warehouse. That part sounded like trouble. We tried to find some nice gifts for our kids, which was very fun and definitely got me in the holiday spirit. (which is why I wanted to go volunteer in the first place) G was talking about all the pressure of picking out presents for kids we don't know... he didn't want to be responsible for ruining some childs christmas by giving them something they didn't want. I told him I was just happy our bag of toys was going to them, since it might be the only toys they get this year!

I had a really fun time and I'll go back later this week if they need me.

Getting better

After a really slow day yesterday with only two patients (both after 5pm) I had seven today. I know to most of you.. seven doesn't sound like a lot. But, to a growing practice it's a lot! Especially since all of them asked for my business card. Hopefully, this means repeat business in the future. Yay!

I finished late since I stayed and took a 6pm patient. Heck, at this point if it gets to the patients to come back next year... I'll stay late. So, I was at work until 7pm which really isn't that bad since I started at 10am.

I'm enjoying trying to build a practice. I also like the guaranteed salary no matter how many patients I see. (and the bonus if I do really well)

I'm off tomorrow .... and then work both days this weekend. (joy!) But, at least G comes home tonight. He's home for two weeks for his company mandated two week vacation. They force everyone to take two weeks off. (whether they have vacation days or not)I'm not complaining .. I get the man home for two weeks!! YIPPEE!

Working at International

I arrived for my first day at International Plaza with my gear in tow. (laptop, coffee, purse, phone, etc) I got there about fifteen minutes early which was actually educational. I got to watch all the stores in the mall come alive... the gates go up, the music comes on.. and the standard dress code around here seems to be black. Everyone I saw was wearing black (including me) which is something I remedied for day two. I grabbed a cup of coffee over on Bay Street (outside the mall where all the restaurants are.. which includes a cheesecake factory) and sat for awhile waiting for my store to open.

The office is all shiny, with new equipment and new carpet smell. Dr W has a very nice desk set up in the office with wireless internet all hooked up. I spent most of my first day on the internet since I had only four patients all day. They told me this office was slow, but wow!! Four patients.. that's really slow.

I did get to spend the day bonding with the staff. They all seem like very nice people and I should enjoying working with them. Most of my front desk techs are in school so they're all in their twenties. In fact, most of my clients/patients are in their twenties as well. Think of the population who frequents a high end mall and it's mostly the late 20s and 30s crowd.

At lunch during my first day i ran downstairs to the California Pizza Kitchen to sit at the bar and get a bowl of soup and a sandwich. This is when I realized I am out of my league in this mall. A woman was sitting next to met eating and glanced over to ask if I was Christmas shopping. I said, no, that I worked upstairs in the mall. She smiled and proceeded to show me the really atrocious 500 dollar turquoise cowboy boots she had just purchased at Nordstroms. She admitted they were "a splurge" and that although she was buying for others for Christmas she still managed to buy those boots and a 300 dollar pair of bedazzled jeans. She then proceeded to tell me how to properly shop for 200-300 dollar jeans (like I would ever spend that much). I am sooo out of my league in this mall. My jeans are 20 dollars on sale from the Gap. I was wearing a sweater from Kohls and an Old Nay pair of wool slacks. (and shoes from Target because I love Target). This mall I now work in is the Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Betsy Johnson, Coach, and Armani Exchange mall. Yeah, out of my league. I know this woman was just looking for justification of her purchaes and in a way I'm sure I somewhat gave her that.. I was polite and told her the offensive turquoise cowboy boots were "nice". Wretch. Someone please talk some sense into me if I ever start to think that 500 dollars for boots is "normal".

The first day only brought me four patients so I was out the door by 6pm since there was no one scheduled and no one in the store.

Now, I'm back in the office for day two.. back on the internet and I'm about ready to run into the mall to start recruiting people. I will get all my errands done today. I've already brought in the belt my mother got me for my birthday to exchange for one that actually goes around my pants (not my waist). The belt fits perfectly around my waist, but that's not where my pants ride. I have a very high waist and long torso so my pants ride about three inches below my navel.. about at my hips. So, the belt is too small. My mother also got me black when I asked for brown. Oops.

SDN

SDN is down... I might actually have to go open a book or something. the horror!!

O Christmas Tree!!

So far, this has been an eventful weekend. I drove down to Bradenton on Friday for a Christmas party with the office. We ate at Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key. I'd eaten there once before with both Drs. L after my last week of internship. It was my going away present that time. This time, just a nice dinner with the office. The food was fabulous and they have a gorgeous dessert room complete with coffee in a french press. Mmmmmm. I had coconut custard pie (one of my favorites!)

Saturday I had to work so I was busy until 3pm or so doing that. Then, G and I relaxed and got ready for our event for the evening. My friend, Elise got us tickets to all go see jerry seinfeld who was in town to do his routine. Since Elise is the world's biggest seinfeld fan she asked if we'd go with her. Of course we said yes! We went to a nice mexican food dinner at Algusto (which is as close to decent mexican as I've found here, but it's not Los Cucos or even Pappasitos). Then, we headed over to the performing arts center. The center here is really nice and right next to the city library. So, now I know where the big library is too. Not that I go there that often, but if I ever have to I now know how to get there. Jerry was great and we really enjoyed the show. He had some great insight about life sucking, cereal names, marriage, kids, etc. It's nice to hear someone to comedy and not once mention sex or cuss every other word. He just makes us realize how weird life really is. He even picked up on one thing I did. That Cialis commercial where the man and woman are sitting in tubs looking out over a hill at sunset. If they guy has to take Cialas ... wouldn't it be better if they weren't in TWO tubs.. that might be some of the problem right there!! I'd always said that every time I saw that commercial too!

Last night G and I watched the Battlestart Galactica miniseries. (since I never saw it on Sci-Fi when it was on due to school) It was way better than I thought it was going to be. I was actually very impressed. I'll admit it.. Pete was right. :) Thanks, Pete!

Most of today was devoted to the Christmas tree. After lunch, G and I headed to Target for lights, stars, stockings, tree skirts and all other assorted Christmas goodies. You know how hard it is for someone who's name is Christine to type the word Christmas. About half the time it comes out my name.... oh well.

After Target, we headed to the Christmas tree lot. After a brief discussion on whether or not we wanted the Charlie Brown Christmas tree... we decided to get a very pretty Spruce. G and I even talked the guy down on the price and got the 6.5' tree for way less than we were planning on spending. yay! Now the lights are up, the star is topped, and there are presents under the tree. The stockings are hung on our bar (since I have no mantle) and it's finally starting to feel like Christmas. It also helps that it cooled off here today, too. It's in the 50s and drizzling rain. Time for cocoa (and more Battlestar!)

Tiger and Me after stringing Christmas lights on our new tree! 

Last Week of Travel

This is my last offical week working in three different places. I start my new job at International Plaza on Tuesday. I'm excited and a little aprehensive at the same time. I know I'm good at what I do, but can I run an entire office. Granted, I don't own it.. but, I am the only full-time doctor in this location so most major decisions and almost all exams will go through me. They're going to teach me to run the accounts, balance the books, bascially how to run the show. If I make the office grow enough over the next few years... hopefully this will be something good and I'll get the chance to buy in. (gooo profits!) It's still a little daunting for the young girl right out of school. Although, I'm not as young as most new grads.

I'm still going to be working one day a week at the office on Fowler through the end of the year. (I wanted to give the owner time to find someone new) I didn't want to burn any bridges by leaving. So, I'm working there only on Mondays through December 26th.

My last day at Dr L's was rather bittersweet. I'm REALLY going to miss that office. Every person that works there is a friend. They're all wonderful people and it's the ideal practice set up. The patients were even getting to know me and like me there. One even asked for my business card on my last day. It actually made me smile that she was sad I was leaving. Realistically, the almost 1.5 hour drive down there is just draining on both my mental state and my economics. Last week, now that the snowbirds are back in town, it took me 1.5 hours to get to Bradenton and 1.5 hours to get home. yeah, fuuuuun. I was a VERY happy person after that day, let me tell ya. Tonight I'm meeting the office for dinner. It's the annual Christmas party and they had to make sure I was included. We're going to Euphemia Haye, which is where I went with both Drs. L when it was my last day as an intern. I'm sure it will be just as delicious. It's another restuarant with a dessert room, lord help me.

My last day at Dr W's the office staff bought me a really yummy cake. I had time to chat with everyone since we were very very slow. I'm not sure why, but we were. After the week I'd had though I wasn't really complaining. International is going to be slow at first so I should get used to it.

This weekend should be great fun. G and I are going with Dr M to see jerry seinfeld on Saturday night. After work G and I are also going to pick out our Christms ornaments and such at Target. I think that will be a blast since it's our first Christmas tree together. (we've always gone home the last few years) Sunday we're going to pick out a tree. Yay !! I'm dying to have a real tree for once. Both of our parents were allergic growing up so we're both excited to have a real tree in the house. I love the way they smell. We just have to figure out how to keep the dog from drinking the fertilizer water.. y'all have any suggestions?? Please let me know...

I hit the ball !!

Today G took me for my first tennis lesson. He turned out to be a great teacher! Who knew ? He was very patient and took his time to show me everything. He even got to do the "arms around me show me how to swing properly thing". Very sexy! I'm sensing this is why so many women have things for their tennis instructors. Watching G serve.. mmmmm. But, I digress.... I've always had a thing for tennis guys.

By the end of today's lesson I could actually hit the ball back over the net with somewhat proper form. Occasionally, it actually went where I wanted it to. (instead of into the court next to us) I have a feeling after a few more lessons I'll be hooked. Now, I just need more practice. I need to find one of those walls where I can hit the ball and not have to worry about having someone on the other side. (for when G's not home)

My Birthday

Thursday.. I happend to turn 30. As much as I tried to avoid it.. it still happened. I did have to work (as most grown ups do) on my birthday. Although, by the number of who were shocked I was working on my birthday I have a feeling a LOT of people play hookey and don't work on their infamous days. But, I was working. Actually, I had a very busy day.. even busier than yesterday when I was working. (which is unusual for a Saturday).

After work my friend, Dr M, called to see if I wanted to go out for dinner. She took me to my favorite sushi place and we had a lovely dinner. It was great to get to chat with her more. She has been rather down lately, but after some time off over Thanksgiving I think she's doing much better. Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and I thanked her profusely for taking me out.

G got home around 11pm and gave me a huge birthday hug. He also told me he had some last minute stuff to do on my presents so I would get them on Friday.

I did have Friday off to sleep in which was reeealllly nice. I spent the day with the doggie. When G got home from work he came bearing presents. From G, I got the first season of Lost on DVD (yay!) and a tennis racket (with balls.. other wise known as Tiger crack). G finally gave in and is going to teach me to play tennis. I been bugging him to teach me for about six years now. Since he's never found anyone to go play with he figured he might as well suck it up and teach me.

Friday night G took me out to dinner at Bonefish (our favorite fish place) and then we had dessert at the famous Bern's dessert room. This room is out of this world !! You guys would not believe it!! They have FORTY pages of dessert wine !! Four pages of dessert !! It was phenominal !! I had a chocolate pistachio pyramid. some kind of rich chocolate mousse in a pyramid shell with pistachio mousse in the middle. SO GOOD ! G had some sort of extra rich chocolate cake with chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet and syrup on top. I had a small taste of that and it was also fabulous.

After dinner, G and i met up with some friends who were having a pub crawl in our neighborhood. Dr M also came out to meet up with us. We didn't end up staying out very late, but it was nice to have them all wish me a happy birthday and buy me a drink (or two).

I had a wonderful birthday as far as 30th birthdays go. Today is my first tennis lesson. I'm so excited.

Lazy Thanksgiving

I actually managed to have five days off for Thanksgiving, which I sorely needed. I'd been averaging almost six days a week for awhile. And, even on the weeks I was working five days I never had two days off in a row. One day as it turns out is not enough for me to fully unwind. It's enough to run errands and get caught up, but then I need that second day to relax and be slug like.

G and I knew we were going to be spending Friday with my cousin Jenn and her family for a traditional Thanksgiving. So, Thursday I cooked homemade chicken and dumpings for the both of us. It came out slightly salty, but still good. I think the recipe told me to use too much bouillon. But, oh well. we enjoyed spending the day together and relaxing.

Friday we headed to my cousin's house for a traditional dinner. We had a great time! Tiger got to play with their dog, Tyson. G and I got to talk with my cousin and her husband and play with their three kids. The kids were really cute! They were having a great time using C and G as jungle gyms. :)