Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Christmas is not complete without a picture with Santa Claus.  Since Scott and I don't have human children yet we decided to take our furry four-legged daughter to PetSmart to see Santa.  It seemed like a great idea...she loves going to PetSmart, she loves getting her picture taken, and she loves people...perfect Sunday outing right?  Wrong!  For a brief moment I could sympathize with mothers everywhere.  I felt like we had a toddler dressed in a festive outfit throwing a temper tantrum by Santa's feet.  Ok maybe I am being a little dramatic but it was definitely not what I expected.  We have finally encountered a person that Dora did not feel compelled to jump up and lick on the face.  In fact she did not want to get within 3 feet of him.  Finally with the help of a treat we were able to get a couple of good pictures.

Merry Christmas From the Aldrich Family!

Tis the Season

The holiday season is upon us and I am loving it.  Everywhere I look there are Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and poinsettias.  Local radio stations are playing Christmas music nonstop and the local shops are filled with shoppers....thanks to a cold front it even feels like Christmas in Miami.  As we prepare for the upcoming holidays I have been flooded with memories of Christmases passed.

Growing up Christmas was always a production.  Shortly after Thanksgiving my Mom covered every square inch of our house in garland, Santa figurines, red and green candles, and other holiday decor.  She would spend countless hours shopping for gifts and coordinating efforts with Santa while at the mall.  The house smelled of cookies and hot cocoa at all times.  On Christmas Eve we would pile in the car and drive around town looking at Christmas lights.  Before bed I would leave a huge plate of cookies out for Santa and then  try to sleep as I anxiously awaited his arrival.  I would awake every hour and ask my grandma if it was time to get up yet.  Eventually she would agree and wake up my parents.  There was always a pile of presents to open.  Everyone would sleepily open presents and then return to bed for a midmorning nap.  Later in the day we would have a huge feast and watch Christmas movies.  I am grateful for the way my parents sacrificed time, money and sleep to make us feel loved each Christmas.

Last year was the first year I did not spend Christmas with my family.  It was my first Christmas as a married woman and Scott and I spent Christmas in Dominica.  We chose to stay on the island for winter break  and enjoy the extra  time together...free of classes, exams and countless hours of studying.  We took advantage of the opportunity to explore our island home...but it was not your typical holiday.  We missed our family, friends and the usual holiday sights and sounds of the overly commercialized season.   I tried to make our apartment feel festive without traditional decorations...

Despite all of this we enjoyed Christmas very much.  We spent 2 nights at Fort Shirley, a hotel in the capital city Roseau where we hung out by the pool and watched movies.  We had a delicious Christmas Eve meal and enjoyed the decorations in the hotel.  

On Christmas day, after an unpleasant rental car incident, we called our loved ones and baked cookies together.  It was a memorable first Christmas.

This year I have been looking forward to our first American Christmas since at least July.  It did not bother me one bit to see Christmas decorations in stores before Halloween...in fact we watched the movie ELF while carving our jack o'lantern.  This is our second Christmas together but in many ways it feels like our first.  This year we are able to enjoy the typical sights and sounds and even start our own family traditions.  Last weekend we purchased our first Christmas tree, a fresh cut Fraser Fir,  along with lights and decorations.  Dora inspected the new household addition with enthusiasm assuming it was a new toy.  We still have to keep an eye on her lest she try to eat the branches.  

Before

After

This year we will spend Christmas in Baton Rouge with Scott's Dad, Patti and his little brothers.  In all the bustle and excitement I am trying to stay focused on the reason we celebrate the holiday.  It is not about the lights, or the decorations, or the gifts...it is about a little baby boy born in a manger.  It is a time to celebrate the gift of salvation and the life that it brings.  

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"  Luke 2:8-12

Our hope is that each of you finds peace and joy during this Christmas season.

Adventures in San Francisco

 Last month Scott and I traveled to San Francisco for a 5 day getaway.  We had a great time visiting my amazing sister-in-law and seeing the sights.  This was my first time visiting California and I loved it!  The weather was chilly but sunny...a welcome change from the Miami heat.  We were able to relax for the first time in months and just enjoy each other's company.   We arrived Monday night at 11pm or 2pm EST.  We were tired which actually made it easier to get over the jet lag.

On Tuesday we spent the day with Jen.  After a leisurely breakfast we headed to Golden Gate Park.  Our first stop was the Conservatory of Flowers.  We toured the greenhouse and enjoyed the tropical flowers and plants.

This flower reminded me of Alice in Wonderland

Next stop was the Science Museum.  We arrived in time to watch the feeding of the penguins, walk through the Rain forest exhibit  and see a show at the Planetarium.

We ended the day with dinner at the Anchor Oyster Bar.  The restaurant was quaint and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.  The food was amazing...as was the company!

Wednesday morning we dropped Jen off at the airport for her trip to Houston.  Later that morning Scott and I headed to Napa Valley for some relaxation.  Leaving San Francisco turned out to be quite an adventure.  We missed an exit and ended up circling downtown for 45 minutes.  We were a little frantic and afraid of being late for the couples massage we had booked at Mais Oui Spa.  Thankfully we arrived on time...unfortunately we had to skip lunch in the process.  The massages were awesome; after an hour and a half we headed to our hotel relaxed and hungry.  There are few quick restaurants in Napa but  we found a little Caesar's nearby and picked up a $5 pizza for lunch.  

Since neither of us had been to Napa, I spent a lot of time researching our trip. I used TripAdvisor because we have found the reviews helpful in the past.  Scott was a little skeptical when I suggested we stay at a Best Western.  I assured him it had excellent reviews and did not look like the typical motel.  I think we were both pleasantly surprised when we arrived.  The Best Western Elm House is actually a large B&B.  We stayed in the guesthouse out back and our room was huge.  It also had a jacuzzi tub which was the main draw.  The concierge was super nice and even gave us a coupon for a free appetizer at dinner.

That night we had reservations at Ristorante Allegria.  It is a favorite of tourists and we were very pleased with our meal.  I had the gnocchi with pesto sauce and Scott ordered a saffron pasta with seafood and pumpkin sauce.  Both meals were delicious and very filling...although we did leave room for some gelato.  

On Thursday we slept in but still managed to get up in time for breakfast.  We enjoyed  yummy homemade waffles and fresh fruit in the hotel dining room.  Then we checked out and headed to Domaine Chandon for a tour of the winery.  Driving through Napa was beautiful.  The grape harvest was over and the leaves on the grapevines were deep shades of red, orange, and purple.  We both enjoyed the tour.  This particular winery specializes in sparkling wine (part of the Moet family) so it was neat to learn about the different processes for fermenting and storing sparkling wine.

We had planned to stay for a tasting in the restaurant but got a special treat.  On our way out the tour guide wanted to know if we had scheduled a sit down tasting...we had not.  She asked us if we wanted to join in any way since they has 2 extra spots.. .an offer we could not refuse.  It was a fun group and we enjoyed both the wine and the company.

Before we left Napa we stopped for lunch at a BBQ place called The Bounty Hunter.  I had the brisket sandwich and Scott had the ribs.  This was the first time in a year or so that either of us had BBQ and it definitely hit the spot.  The restaurant had a very impressive wine list but we decided to pass on another tasting.  On the drive back to San Francisco I realized I was coming down with a cold.  I had a sore throat and felt achy.  We did not have anything planned for that evening so we decided to head back to Jen's place and order in some Chinese food.

Friday morning I woke up feeling much better...just in time for the Alcatraz tour.  Alcatraz island is part of Golden Gate Park.  Volunteers help maintain the grounds and have done a beautiful job. 

Friday night we went to see Beach Blanket Babylon; a comical musical review of current events.  The show was very entertaining and the perfect end to our visit.  Afterward we grabbed a quick bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

On Saturday we returned to Miami...but not before we had breakfast at a diner called Breakfast at Tiffany's.  It's your typical diner with yummy, greasy food and fun atmosphere.  I think I can safely say this was our favorite vacation to date and I look forward to many years of traveling together.

In case you are wondering where Dora was while we were away.  Don't worry she had a little vacation of her own.  She stayed with our friends Mark and Christine..and their pup Mason.  She was treated like a princess and even allowed to nap on the couch.  She had a great time with her new friends  Mason and Kirby and was a little sad to return home.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  It is not about big parties or gifts but rather a day to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.  We are called to pray in all circumstances with thanksgiving.  While I try to do this I know I often leave out the last part.  This year Scott and I took time to verbally acknowledge the things we are thankful for...and the list was long.  God has been so faithful, especially in the past year.  We have peace knowing that God is with us always. 

First and foremost I am grateful for salvation..."For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John3:16) It is comforting to know this imperfect world we currently call home is not all there is...there is something better to look forward to.

I am grateful that God has given me a husband that shares my beliefs and desires a Christ-centered life.  He encourages me to look beyond our circumstances and focus on God.  He loves me for who I am in a way that mirrors Christ's love.  He is my biggest support and cheers me on whether I am running a race, cooking a meal, or just playing with Dora. 

I am grateful for family.  While cooking Thanksgiving dinner I was reminded of all of the meals I enjoyed growing up.  My grandmother and my mom slaved away for a week to prepare the perfect meal; staying up late and rising before the sun to make casseroles, bake pies and cook a gigantic turkey.  I did not always understand or appreciate their efforts but I now realize that it was driven by love.  The delicious meal, big enough to feed 2 armies was an outpouring of love to our family.

I am grateful for the new family I have joined.  I appreciate the way my in-laws have embraced me as one of family.  I feel loved and included at all times. 

I am grateful for the friends, near and far, that God has brought into my life.  Each one is different and holds a special place in my heart.  I am grateful for the memories and knowing that if I need to talk, laugh, cry, or pray they are only a phone call away.  I have learned so much from the amazing women in my life and I look forward to years of friendship ahead.

I am richly blessed.  I have a comfortable home, plenty of food, a car that runs , electricity, running water, air conditioning, a closet full of clothes, and the list goes on and on.  It took traveling to Africa and living in Dominica to understand what life looks like without some of those things and to realize what a blessing it is to have them. 

To my friends and family...thank you for loving me.  Thank you for allowing me to be myself and for helping to shape the person I am today.  Thank you for encouraging me, for laughing with me, for holding me accountable, and for just simply being there.
 

Celebrations, Running, and a Fire

I realize I have been neglecting this blog lately...or really since we moved back to the U.S.  Free time is in limited supply most days and somehow blogging is always at the bottom of the To Do List.  You may be wondering what we have been up to, so I have decided to fill you in...and I promise not to wait so long to post again.

August

In August we celebrated our first year of marriage.  Year 1 was full of life changes including quitting a job, moving twice (once to a third world country), adding Dora to the family, starting a new job, and lots of exams for Scott.  While it may not have been the easiest year of my life it was definitely very blessed.  Every day I am more grateful to call Scott my husband.  He is loving, caring, tender and funny.  We have a lot of fun together and I love walking through life with him.

September

On September 13 I  turned the big 30.  Scott had lots of birthday surprises planned for me...including homemade chocolate chip pancakes,  a plane ticket to Dallas for a weekend with my friends, a surprise party at Fuddruckers with our friends, lots of sweet notes, and he even baked a cheesecake from scratch.  So far being 30 is not so bad.

Also in September I started training for the Miami ING half marathon in January.  I am running with a training group on Saturday mornings and I am really enjoying it...despite having to wake up at 5:15 am on Saturday.  Today we ran 7 miles and I met my goal of running 20 miles a week.  I have been very encouraged throughout the process and enjoy being able to push myself a little further each week.  Also it keeps me busy most nights and gives Scott the opportunity to study without distractions.

October

The first weekend in October I flew first class to Dallas (thanks to my hubby) and spent 3 wonderful days with friends.  It was such a blessing to be able to sit and chat with people I haven't seen in a year.  A big thank you to each person that took time out of their weekend to hang out with me.  I feel truly blessed to have friends that are always there for me even though we are far apart.

A few weeks later I ran my second 5k of the year, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure along with 24,000 Miami-ans.  Scott and Dora came out to cheer me on and we even took pictures.  I finished in about 29 minutes which is almost 2 minutes faster than I ran the 5k in March.  

This was before the race.

And that's me on the left crossing the finish line.

And this is Dora posing for the camera.

Halloween was filled with excitement.  We began celebrating a couple of weeks early by taking a family trip to the local pumpkin patch (or maybe pumpkin lot is a better term).  With Dora's help we picked out the perfect pumpkin and carved it while watching ELF...because it is never too early to get in the Christmas spirit.  Halloween weekend we had dinner and went bowling with some of our Ross friends.  We had a lot of fun and stayed out far past our bedtime.  Then on Halloween night I decided to prepare a special meal.  I found some ribeye steaks on sale and thought I would pan-sear them to go along with steamed green beans and roasted sweet potato wedges.  I heated the pan, poured some canola oil in the bottom, and then turned around to grab the steaks.  When I glanced back at the stove I saw a pan filled with flames.  I stayed surprisingly calm.  I tried calling for Scott but he was upstairs and could not hear anything.  My first thought was to put the flaming pan in the sink and douse it with water...but then I remembered water would only make it worse.  So I put the pan back on the stove and decided to try flour to smother the flame...no dice.  Then I remembered hearing somewhere that baking soda would put out a grease fire...yep, it does.  Worked like a charm.  Thankfully there was no damage to the kitchen, no one was harmed and I did not ruin the steaks.  Scott cleaned up my mess and cooked the steaks perfectly.  

Our Jack O'Lantern

There are some highlights from the past few months.  The first few months in Miami were rough but thankfully we are beginning to feel more at home here.  When my trip to Dallas ended I was ready to go home.  I had not considered Miami to be "home" until that point.  I think I finally understand the old saying "Home is Where the Heart is."  Home is wherever Scott is...because that is where I feel safe, and loved, and complete.  I know our address may change often in the next few years but I find comfort in knowing that as long as we are together it will be home.

Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures. 

August Update

I realize I have neglected this blog lately.  I find it difficult to sit down and write when there are so many other things that need to be done.  And to be honest our life is pretty boring right now.  We are entering a season of life when we will have very little free time.  Tomorrow I begin working overtime as the firm tries to finish up tax returns before the September 15 and October 15 filing deadlines.  And this week Scott will begin preparing for his first board exam also known as Step 1.  Please keep us in your prayers as stress levels will be high and we will have less time for ourselves and each other.  Our goal is to somehow find balance.

What's new with us?  Scott completed 5th semester on August 6.  For the past week he has been in a Step 1 review class every day.  The class ends on Tuesday and then he will begin studying 10-12 hours a day on his own.  

Two weeks ago we started eating healthier and doing a new workout program called Insanity after our physician told us to lower our triglycerides...yep we both have high triglycerides.  Insanity provides both comic relief at 6am and a challenging workout.  So far we have completed 2 weeks of the 9 week program and can already see results.  The main challenge is getting up an hour earlier every morning to workout before starting the day.  

I've been experiencing pain in my back and shoulder since returning to work.  I had the same problem when I lived in Dallas.  I had an MRI 2 weeks ago and finally got the results back.  The diagnosis...inflammation in the rotator cuff and bursitis.  My physician is referring me to an orthopedic surgeon.  According to WebMD a simple steroid injection should relieve the inflammation and pain.  I am grateful to finally know what is going on.

Finally Dora completed her puppy training course yesterday.  She received her diploma and will move on to the intermediate course in 2 weeks.  Here are some pictures from her graduation ceremony.

Dora in her graduation cap.

Proud mom with the graduate.

Time

The saying goes "time flies when you are having fun."  I'm realizing as I get older that time flies regardless.  We have been in Miami for 2 months now and Scott will finish 5th semester in 2 short weeks.  Now that I am working it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.  By the time I get home from work, walk Dora, prepare and eat dinner, clean the kitchen (or rather watch my amazing husband clean the kitchen)...it is time to shower and go to bed.  As a result we have still not fully unpacked and we rarely get out to explore this new city.  I have no idea where the times goes.

Next week Dora will be 6 months old, next month we will celebrate our 1 year anniversary and in less than 2 months I will celebrate 3 decades of life.  Lately life feels like a merry go round that keeps spinning faster and faster.  Since my last post, I have fully recovered from mono.  It took about a month but I finally feel back to "normal."  Dora has completed 3 weeks of her puppy training course at PetsMart.  She missed week 4 because we had her spayed last weekend.  We took her to the local Humane Society and were very impressed.  They were very efficient in checking in the animals and also very kind.  The cost is extremely reasonable (easily 1/3 of what we would have spent at a vet).  When I picked her up they brought her out quickly and gave us some pain meds for her.  Here is her post-op picture...

The recovery has been very smooth other than trying to keep her calm.  She does not understand why she can't go to the dog park; maybe we will attempt that this week.  Scott is doing well.  He is enjoying the clinical aspect of 5th semester.  So far he has spent time observing a Pediatrician, a Family Practitioner, and last night he spent 7 hours in the ER.  He will spend 2 more days in the ER before the end of the semester.  Thankfully those are day shifts because I like having him home at night.        

That is our update.  I would love to say we are completely settled and Miami feels like home but that is not quite true.  It takes time to truly know a city and lay down roots.  We are still searching for a church.  We have visited several but none of them fit.  We finally found a great pizza place that delivers thanks to one of my coworkers.  We have a physician that we trust and unfortunately have visited often since our arrival.  Dora still does not have a vet but hopefully she won't need one any time soon.  I was happy to find there is a Toni & Guy salon a few blocks from my office (there are only 2 in the state of Florida).  The owner is the same person that opened the salon at the Dallas Galleria where I used to get my hair cut.  It was a little taste of home here in FL...although at roughly twice the price.  Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to settle into life here.  Scott has several projects due in the next 2 weeks as well as a couple of big exams before the end of the year.  He will take the Comprehensive Exam in September and then sit for his first board exam sometime in November.  He has a lot of studying to do in the upcoming months. 

We have not taken any pictures of Miami so I will leave you with some pictures of Dora so you can marvel at her growth over the last six months.

Dora at 6 weeks

Dora now

I am not Superwoman

I'm sure you just read the title and said to yourself...well, of course not.  Consciously I have known this for quite some time but my subconscious can't seem to clue in.  I, like other women I know, have incredibly high expectations of myself.  I know I can't do everything but for some reason I feel like I should be able to work 40 hours a week, keep the house spotless (or at least free of dog hair), grocery shop, cook dinner, prepare lunches, do laundry, exercise, take care of Dora, spend time with my husband, shower, spend time with God, and sleep at least 8 hours a night.  I realize there are societal pressures on women making us think we can do it all but I truly wonder where these crazy expectations come from.

It has become abundantly clear in the last 3 weeks that I can't do it all.  Two weeks ago I joined the tax department at Mallah Furman & Co.; a local CPA firm here in Miami.  The job is a true blessing as the cost of living here is high and student loans will only go so far.  I was excited to restart my career and get into a routine.  Little did I know God would choose to teach me a lesson.  The week before I started work I came down with what appeared to be a sinus infection.  I went to the doctor and began taking the prescribed antibiotics.  I also spent most of the week sleeping on the couch all day.  I assumed by Monday I would be back to normal and ready for my new adventure.  Well, I was wrong.  Instead I began to feel worse and was exhausted.  I returned to the doctor on Tuesday with stomach pain and noted that my other symptoms seemed worse.  By this point Scott was taking care of Dora and doing the rest of the housework because I was so tired.  Wednesday I went in for a CAT scan of my abdomen to see what was causing the pain.  Thursday I returned to the doctor's office with an itchy rash covering my neck and chest.  She ordered blood tests which were completed the following morning.  The final diagnosis was mononucleosis...and the only cure is time and rest.

The timing was terrible and perfect at the same time.  It forced me to let go, to depend on Scott and to rest.  I know Dominica was a time of rest and for that I am grateful but I am beginning to understand that rest is important no matter where you are at.  It is something I need to incorporate now; which means lowering the expectations I have for myself.  I don't have to do it all and more importantly I am not capable of doing it all myself.  I can let the housework go for a few days and no one will die.  Scott is perfectly capable of doing laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping occasionally.  When we returned to the US I knew that I did not want to fall back into old habits of over-scheduling each day and being involved in a million different activities.  I wanted balance in my life.  It is funny though how difficult that can be to achieve.  Life here is fast paced and filled with demands.  I truly miss the slower pace of island life.

I am feeling much better now and more normal.  My energy level is still lower than it should be, but I know that will take time.  My new goal is to learn to rest without being forced to do so.  It won't be easy but I know that it is a lesson God is trying to teach me. 

Doubt

I am currently reading Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge.  I was intrigued by the authors' discussion of the Fall of Eve; Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." I have read this verse many times.  In fact, Scott and I discussed the first 3 chapters of Genesis quite a bit while we were preparing for marriage but somehow I missed the last part.  "She also gave some to her husband, who was with her."  I don't know why I have always assumed Adam was in some other part of the Garden rather than a witness to the serpent's temptation.  I now see this passage in a new light.  Adam could have stepped in and stopped Eve, but he didn't.  He too was mesmerized by the serpent's speech and began to doubt God's intentions.  God gave man and woman the ability to doubt.  I wonder if things would have turned out differently if God had withheld this attribute.  Could we still be living in the Garden of Eden?

Now don't get me wrong I understand that it was all part of God's plan and He could see it coming but it is interesting to ponder on a World not plagued by doubt.  Last weekend Scott and I watched a movie called "The Invention of Lying."  The movie is set in a world where everyone tells the truth.  People are completely and brutally honest.  There is no withholding of information to preserve a person's feelings...every thought is spoken aloud.  Then one day the main character tells a lie.  Of course the person on the receiving end of the lie has no idea it is a lie.  She believes him because she has no reason not too.  Anyway the story continues and the guy begins to tell lies to everyone he knows.  There is no doubt...no one questions him.  I imagine our world would be similar if God had not allowed doubt to creep in; although hopefully less crass.  I fell asleep before the movie ended so I'm not sure how his lies were received in the end and I can't say I necessarily recommend the movie unless you happen to be very bored.  But I digress. 

This one short verse explains so much about the world today.  We are plagued by doubt which causes men to escape through passivity and women to succumb to insecurity.  I long for a different world and know that it exists and it is waiting for me.  But until the day I enter Heaven (which hopefully is very far in the future) I want to learn to dismiss the doubt and learn to trust.  I want to let go of insecurity and walk with confidence.  The next few years are filled with uncertainty as Scott and I navigate through medical school and then residency.  I know God has everything planned out and I wish doubt would stop taking over. 

I will leave you with one of my favorite  quotes by Brennan Manning "The reality of naked trust is the life of a pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious and secure and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decisions or guarantee of the future.  Why?  Because God has signaled the movement and offered His presence and His promise."  I pray that I can remember this in the years to come and in the moments when I begin to question. 

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

The other day I took Dora to the vet.  They did not seem to be busy so I assumed it would be a quick trip.  However before we were called back to the exam room an emergency came in.  The dog was in bad shape and needed immediate attention.  The receptionist apologized and assured me the doctor would check Dora out as soon as the dog was stable.  No problem...a little waiting won't hurt.  An hour later we still had not seen the vet.  Rather than offer to reschedule our appointment we were asked to wait.  Keeping a 4 month old puppy entertained in a small room with no toys is not an easy task.  As she became restless, I became increasingly irritated.  The vet finally examined Dora for all of 2 minutes then recommended a test.  He did not deliver the test results but rather had his vet tech relay the treatment plan that would cost us over $300.  I was livid.  Not only did we have to wait for more than 2 hours;  I was not impressed by the level of care received or the excessive plan of action.  I declined many of the recommendations because it appeared we were treating every symptom 3 ways. Finally we headed home.

I promise the ranting is over and I hope you will find the above illustration drives home my point in the end.  After this incident I realized that I don't like waiting.  I am a patient person in many circumstances but unfortunately have given into the societal notion of instant gratification.  Look around and you will find that technology has allowed us to become a generation of impatient people.  We have digital cameras so we no longer have to wait until film is developed to view our photos.  We have instant coffee rather than waiting 10 minutes to brew a pot.  Go to the grocery store and you will see break and bake cookies because who wants to take the time to measure ingredients and mix up cookie dough?  Add to this list nail polish that dries in an instant, Internet that connects instantly (goodbye dial up), instant oatmeal, 5 minute oil changes, and rapid rise yeast for the baker that wants to make homemade bread but doesn't want to wait for it to rise.  

Moving to Dominica required throwing away this idea of instant gratification and embracing the idea of waiting.  It was difficult at first...rather impossible to understand...but I slowly gave into the island time mentality.  I knew that I might wait in line at KFC for 30 minutes only to discover there was no chicken left.  I understood that a vet visit would take no less than an hour because the vet would most likely not show up on time.  Walking everywhere meant that I could not get anywhere in a hurry.  I am shocked at how quickly I have readjusted to the American way of impatience.  Unfortunately it is so pervasive that it is difficult to ignore.  On my way home from dropping Scott off this morning I was followed by a very impatient driver.  She honked at every intersection because traffic was not moving quick enough.  I have no doubt she has a very busy day ahead of her and was already behind but at what point do you just accept the waiting.

God tells us to wait.  Over and over in scripture we are told to wait.  Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."  Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." Isaiah 64:4 "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."  I could go on and on but I think you get the point.  We are meant to wait.  I know you have all heard the following sayings "patience is a virtue" and "good things come to those who wait."  Why then, as Americans, do we put so much emphasis on things acquired instantly?  So here I am in the words of Jack Johnson "sitting, waiting, wishing."  For what?  A job.  In the past 2 weeks I have had 4 interviews.  They have all gone very well and I have received one job offer.  I turned it down because I felt God saying "wait."  As I face another week of unemployment I question whether I made the right decision.  However, I hold onto hope knowing that I have a second interview with a high profile accounting firm on Monday.  It is a place I would love to work and they seem interested in me too.  So for now I am listening to God and waiting...and hoping that the wait will be over soon.

In case you are now concerned with Dora's well being.  She is fine.  She has a very common skin issue that we are treating with antibiotics and Ivomectin.  We assume she developed it because she was weaned very young and did not receive the proper antibodies from her mom.  She is already showing signs of improvement.

Home Sweet Home

We arrived in Miami 2 weeks ago.  In some ways it feels longer and in other ways time has flown by.  Scott is in his second week of the semester and is still trying to get in a routine.  The schedule is different every day but he is learning to go with the flow.  I know you are anxious to see pictures of our new place so here you go.

We love our home!  It is huge compared to our last apartment and feels very homey.  There is a Home Depot and a grocery store across the street, as well as many other shops and restaurants within walking distance.  There is even a dog park a couple of blocks away.  We could not have asked for a better location.  Finding a place to live in Miami was not an easy task.  I could go into the struggles in detail but I think that would get very long and boring...so I will give you the Reader's Digest version and tell you what we learned.  If you want the whole story then give me a call and I will fill you in.

Our move to Miami was a test in patience, trust, and surrender.  I spent more than a month trying to find a place prior to leaving Dominica and nothing worked out.  Scott, Dora and I spent 2 days with a realtor looking for a place in Miami after leaving Dominica and still nothing worked out.  Anxiety and fear set in  during our stay in Texas as our anticipated move date got closer and closer.  Finally on Wednesday, May 5 (the day we had planned to leave Dallas) our realtor sent us pictures of a cute little townhouse in Coconut Grove.  It was in the exact location we wanted to live, walking distance from a dog park, and was not a condo in a huge highrise.  We could not have asked for anything better.

We left Dallas the following day to spend a few days in Baton Rouge.  We emptied the storage unit in Dallas and loaded everything into a Penske truck.

We spent several days in Baton Rouge hanging out with  my in-laws; Haven, Patti, Chris and Keith.  It was wonderful to spend time with family and have a chance to relax.  Dora had a great time playing with their dog Jazz and was very sad to leave.  On Monday, May 17 we left Baton Rouge to complete the cross country road trip.  At that point we were still unsure if we had the apartment.  But thankfully our realtor called that morning and said all that we needed to do was sign the lease and we could pick up the keys on Tuesday.  We made it as far as a Red Roof Inn in Orlando that night.  The non-smoking room wreaked of cigarette smoke and we did not sleep very well...even Dora was restless.  We arrived at our new home around 2pm on Tuesday.  It was not what we were expecting.  The complex was definitely built in the 80's and from the outside looks like a set from Miami Vice.  Inside we had to contend with a narrow curving stairway that made it insanely difficult to get furniture upstairs.  But after lots of sweat and a few tears it all worked out.

So what did we learn?  I think it can be summed up by the following verses.  "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" Proverbs 19:21.  And..."Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" Psalm 27:14.  I hope everyone enjoys this Memorial Day weekend.  Hopefully I will have some good news about my job hunt in the next post.  Thanks to all your prayers it has been an encouraging week. 

Miami - 5th Semester

We have been in Miami for a week now and I would say we are somewhat settled.  Most of the boxes are unpacked and many pictures now cover our walls, we have cable and Internet as of yesterday, and Scott started back to class on Monday.  I know some of you are confused as to what exactly we are doing here so let me clarify.  

 

Medical school is divided into 2 parts.  The first 2 years are spent in the classroom learning the basic sciences....anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, etc.  The last 2 years are spent in the hospital observing doctors and  learning about clinical medicine.  In the U.S. all medical schools are associated with a single hospital which is usually right across the street.  Students have an opportunity to acclimate to the clinical environment during all 4 years thanks to the proximity of the hospital.  Ross University is a little different since it is a Caribbean school.  Scott wrapped up 4 semesters of basic sciences in April.  During those semesters he spent a few days in the hospitals and clinics in Dominica observing.  We are in Miami for him to complete 5th semester which is Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine.  For the next 12 weeks he will spend a few days each week in the classroom and the rest of the time in the hospital.  This will help him gain basic understanding of clinical medicine so he will be ready to start his hospital rotations in January.  He will also have time to study for his first board exam which he will take in the Fall.  

5th semester will end at the beginning of August then he will take a couple of months off to study for his first board exam, Step 1.  After he takes Step 1 we will have to wait a couple of months to get his scores back and then get placed in his first of eight (I think that is how many there are) rotations.  After this we will either stay in Miami or move to another state with a Ross affiliated hospital.  We are hoping to stay in one place for the final 2 years.

Hopefully this clears things up a bit.  I promise to talk about our journey to Miami and include pictures in my next post.  We are here, safe and sound.  Please keep us in your prayers; specifically pray for Scott tomorrow (May 20) because he has a Comprehensive exam at 8am.  This exam covers the first 4 semesters of medical school and he has to pass it before he can sit for Step 1.  Please pray for me as I look for a job here in Miami.  I have had a few encouraging interviews with recruiters and have spent hours filling out online applications; pray that I start interviewing soon. 

Wrapping Up

I am not sure how to express my feelings right now.  Tomorrow Scott will take his final exam which consists of 2 separate 4 hour exams.  Please keep him in your prayers because he needs to do really well.  Then on Tuesday (6 days from now) we will depart Dominica.  I am excited to move on, sad to say goodbye to friends, anxious about all the unknowns, and grateful beyond words that I don't have to do any of this alone.  Living in Dominica has been a unique experience.  It has been refreshing to learn to live a slower pace of life.  In Dallas I was always busy...from work, to church, to Bible study, to spending time with friends...there was very little down time.  My life was so full of things that I enjoyed and it felt very fulfilling but was also exhausting.  The first few months in Dominica were tough.  I suddenly had lots of time to think...which can be a scary thing.  Being a housewife was never on my list of life goals...and to be honest I hated it at first.  I felt insignificant.  It was difficult to go from a career where I had clients depending on me and where there was always a deadline looming to a life where the only deadlines were lunch and dinner.  By December I was bitter and questioning why God sent me here.

I have received some answers this semester.  I needed to learn to relax; to sit in silence and enjoy my surroundings.  I needed to realize that sometimes it is ok to spend an afternoon watching movies and then to order takeout for dinner.  I needed to let go of the impossibly high expectations that I place on myself.  I needed to learn that I do not receive my identity from my career or from what people think of me.  I have learned that I am a child of God and that's all that really matters.  Second to that I am Scott's wife.

I love that we began our married life together in Dominica living in a 260 square foot apartment.  When you share a tiny space there is no place to hide.  It forces you to be honest and communicate with one another.  I can't just go to another room if Scott starts to annoy me...I actually have to tell him that he is annoying me in the most loving way I can manage.  And it works the other way around too.  I will miss sitting on the balcony with him, holding hands and watching the sunset.  Looking back on our time here I am so happy that I was able to be a housewife.  We were able to take advantage of every free moment he had from studying.  We had lunch together most days and dinner together every night.  We were able to go for walks on the beach in the middle of the day and run in the mornings.  We have become so close here and he truly is my best friend.

I am excited about the next chapter in our journey.  I can't wait to see our family and friends again.  I can't wait to reunite with Dennis (my first furry baby) and introduce him to his little sister Dora.  The next couple of weeks will be hectic.  We arrive in Miami on April 27th and then have 3 days to find a place to live.  Then we will land in Texas on May 1.  After a quick trip to Waco we will spend a couple of days in Dallas going through storage and saying Hi to friends.  Then we will begin the long drive to Miami.  We will spend a couple of days with family in Baton Rouge along the way.

Our final days in Dominica will be spent packing, saying goodbye and spending as much time at the beach as possible.  Please keep us in your prayers.  Pray for peace, strength and endurance for Scott during his exam.  Pray for stress free travel...no problems getting Dora on the flights and no travel delays.  Pray that we can find a great, pet-friendly apartment in a safe neighborhood in Miami.  Here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Sunset Bay for dinner with four of our friends (Ryan, Sarah, Jen and Neil).  Scott studies with the boys and I have become good friends with their wives.  We are sad to see them go to Michigan next semester but I know we will keep in touch.  Here are the boys...

And here are the girls...

Dora is growing like a weed.  She has a ton of energy and tends to be a bit stubborn.  In order to wear her out during the day we take several long walks and play on the beach.  I love this picture taken by a very talented Ross spouse.

Monday was Scott's birthday.  We celebrated by watching the sunset and having dinner at a restaurant on the beach.  It was very quiet and we enjoyed the time together.

Moving

I've never been a fan of moving.  When I was 7 years old my parents built a new house 1.5 miles away.  At least once a week we would drive over to check the progress on the house and I would stay in the car.  I did not want to move and thought if I did not acknowledge it, then it wouldn't happen.  Well I was wrong.  Over time I grew to love the new house...but it took a while.  Then when I was 20 years old I moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas.  I was more excited about this move because it was my idea ,but then I arrived and realized I had to share a very tiny dorm room with a total stranger.  It wasn't the best living situation so I chose to move again the next year to a semi-private room.  Then in 2004 I graduated from the UNT and moved to Dallas.  I was nervous about moving to the city and living in an apartment for the first time.  I spent months researching apartment complexes and driving around to view properties.  I managed to secure an apartment and furniture 3.5 months before I actually moved.  Then it took at least 2 years to  meet new friends and actually feel settled in Dallas.  I lived in that apartment for 5 years.

In the last couple of years God has been working on my fear of change.  I felt the need to shake things up long before Scott proposed.  Moving to Dominica was an easy decision.  It felt as though God had been preparing me for this change for the last year and a half  and I knew the timing was right.  There was little to think about and plan for (as far as the move was concerned).  Scott already had an apartment down here ,a  church, and friends who were eager to meet me.  And I knew a lot about the island since he had lived here for a year.  I just had to put all of my belongings in storage and hop on a plane.  Reality set in after I got here.  Everything changed for me in a matter of weeks.  My idea of what life would look like did not pan out as I had imagined.  The "simple life" is very difficult at times.  Every day tasks like buying food and cooking take 3 times as long here as they did in Dallas.  I envisioned lazy days on the beach but instead I spent most days walking around...to multiple grocery stores in one day to buy 5 items, taking lunch to Scott, and home to escape the heat.  The first few months were tough but I am grateful for the way this experience has shaped me.  I've been challenged physically and realized that I can handle it.  I've learned to improvise and use what is available...from ingredients to household tools.  I've realized my expectations can be too high for myself and for others which leads to disappointment.  I am still trying to learn to manage those expectations.  All in all, Dominica has been a wonderful experience for me and I am glad I made this move.

Now I will come back to the main point of this post...moving to Miami.  I've experienced a lot of anxiety over this move.  Things are not falling into place as easily as I would like.  I have not been able to secure housing.  I've been working with a couple of realtors in Miami.  They have sent me multiple listings that would work but the owners are not willing to accept a short term lease.  The ones that will are super expensive.  I posted my resume on Monster and Career Builder last week and have received many responses from recruiters.  I am encouraged but at the same time fearful.  I feel helpless and out of control.  I know I am not in control of this situation...God is.  He has a plan and it will all work out the way He wills it.  I'm not sure why I can't accept that.  I appreciate Scott's constant reminders of this fact and the way he is able to find peace in it.  He is showing me what it looks like to trust.  We are in the process of revising our flight schedule.  It seems like it will be easier to find an apartment if we can see it in person.  Our new plan is to increase our layover in Miami from 1 night to 3 nights so that we can secure housing before we arrive in Texas.  We have very little flexibility changing our current plane tickets because they were purchased with miles so we are weighing our options.  Everything is up in the air right now and I am trying to be ok with that.  I'll fill you in on the details as soon as we have them.

I will leave you with some pictures from the last week or so....

This is my husband the clown.  3 little girls from our church had a joint birthday party last weekend.  Since all of the kids adore Scott, the moms asked if he would be the clown at their party.  He said yes and the kids loved it.  There is no costume shop in Dominica so this is his improvised clown costume...he looks a like a homeless Raggedy Andy.

Scott was a human bullseye. 

Dora is growing so fast.  She is walking on a leash now.  I try to take her on at least 2 walks a day to tire her out.  This picture was taken after one of her walks.  She was exhausted and passed out as soon as she got in the apartment.

Dora prefers to eat her food off the floor.  Unfortunately this scene is becoming a common occurrence.
 

Friday was Scott's last day of basic science classes.  I made him pose for a picture.

Good Friday

For most of my life I regarded Easter as just another day.  It usually included a big meal with my family , a visit from a giant bunny, and lots of candy.  It was fun and I always enjoyed it but I didn't understand the reason for celebration.  In 2007 Easter became something different.  That February I accepted Christ as my personal Savior.  It was a decision I wrestled with for years.  Finally, after years of doubt and months of searching it clicked.  That year Easter took on a new meaning.  I finally understood the significance of death and resurrection and what it meant for me personally.  I accepted that I was a sinner and I needed the forgiveness offered by God and granted through His son.  

This week I have been so wrapped up in preparing for our move that I began to lose sight of what is important.  Monday and Tuesday were spent talking to recruiters, real estate agents and preparing for a "garage sale" on campus.  I confessed to Scott Tuesday night that I was anxious and sad that I was letting everything else get in the way of preparing my heart for Easter.  Wednesday night Ross Christian Fellowship showed "The Passion of the Christ."  I saw the movie in 2004 with a church college group.  I remember being horrified and saddened by the portrayal of Christ's death.  I am still haunted by images from that initial viewing.  I did not want to watch it again but when Wednesday arrived I knew I had to go.  I had dinner with Scott and then joined some of the girls from Bible Study for the movie.  For 2 hours I sat there and was uncomfortable.  I was struck by the reality of Christ's death; saddened by the cruelty he endured.  He endured the punishment that I deserve.  He was ridiculed, beaten, spit on, kicked, and finally nailed to a cross even though He was innocent.  Verse 7 from Isaiah chapter 53 kept running through my head "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."  I know I could not have accepted the punishment so easily and silently.  I would have protested, screamed, and probably begged for my life.  When the movie ended, everyone sat in silence.  I had a pit in my stomach...I wanted to cry but no tears came.  I left and savored the silence walking home as I tried to gather my thoughts.  Scott and Dora met me halfway.  I was at a loss and could not put my feelings to words.  He hugged me and tried to comfort me.  

What I took away from the second viewing of the movie is this...I am grateful that Christ became the sacrificial lamb and died so that I can have eternal life.  I realize that I did nothing to deserve this gift ,which makes it very special.  I pray that I never lose sight of that.  I will end this post here.  Look for updates in another post.  Happy Easter everyone!

Miami Bound

It's official (finally)...we are moving to Miami next semester!  It is a bittersweet time for us.  Scott is anxious to finish up basic sciences and get into the clinical environment.  He is ready to meet patients and see what it is like to actually work as a doctor.  I am looking forward to returning to work and being closer to friends and family.  And we are both excited to discover our temporary new home together.  We are also sad to say goodbye to some dear friends.  Everyone is starting to go their separate ways and the people we now see every day will be scattered among the different clinical sites.  Several of our close friends will be joining us in Miami but others are staying here or moving to Michigan.  In all of this we are trusting God...confident that we are on the path He has chosen and excited to see what He has in store for us.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to live in Dominica for this brief season of life.   I am grateful that I was able to live in a 3rd world country without modern conveniences; I have learned to be resourceful  and make due with what's available in many aspects of life.  It has been challenging physically, mentally and spiritually.  I've spent  a lot of time alone with my thoughts and as a result have learned a lot about myself...many things I am trying to change.  I realize this is all very vague but I think if I were to put it all into words this blog post would turn into a novel.  Some things I will miss...walking out my front door and seeing the Caribbean Sea, having lunch with Scott every day, Sunday afternoon Scrabble games with the Green Homes' girls, walking,  seeing someone I know everywhere I go, the cool breeze after a rainstorm, clean air, and vibrant rainbows.  I will also miss our teeny-tiny (260 sq ft.) apartment.  Living in such a tight space has taught us a lot about communication.  It is also kind of nice to be able to have a conversation when I am in the kitchen and he is in the shower.  Things I won't miss about Dominica include: sweating profusely all the time, the bugs, the constant trail of ants in our apartment, the really terrible coffee produced here (carburetor fluid might taste better), and Chinese food (from any of the dozen restaurants within .5 mile of campus).

Here's the plan.  We leave Dominica on April 27th and arrive in Waco on April 28th.  We will spend a few days in Texas gathering our belongings and then begin the road trip to Miami (which will hopefully include a visit to Baton Rouge).  We would like to be in Miami on May 3rd so we can get settled and Scott can prepare for his Comprehensive Exam on May 14th (this exam covers everything he has learned in Med School thus far).  During the next month I have to sell our belongings, find a place to live in Miami, and find a job.  Scott is busy preparing for his next 3 exams of the semester (ICM practical on April 7, 3rd Mini exam on April 14, and the Final exam on April 22).  Please keep us in your prayers..specifically pray for a smooth transition and that we are able to find a great apartment at a reasonable price.  Pray for Scott to have strength to finish out the semester and to stay focused as he prepares for exams.  I'll keep you posted on our preparations and our final adventures on the island. 

Salybia 5K

If you know me well, then you know how much I hate running.  It may surprise you to know that I ran my first 5K yesterday; finishing in just over 30 minutes.  Scott has been trying to convince me to start running for the last 2 years.  I adamantly refused.  Then in January I decided to give it a try.  This semester Scott began setting his alarm for 6am Monday - Saturday and decided to go running Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  Once I discovered that I could not sleep through the alarm I decided to get up and join him.  The first run was nothing spectacular...I don't even think I completed a mile but it was enough to boost my confidence.  From there I tried to increase my time with each run.  I soon made it up to 20 minutes and even recruited some friends to join me for the early morning runs.  Training was going well until a few weeks ago.  Then a series of events made sleeping in more appealing...my stomach virus, Scott's sleepless nights leading up to Mini 2 and then of course, Dora.  

When I started running my goal was to run in the Salybia 5K.  Each semester Salybia (a student group on campus) hosts a 5K run as a fundraiser.  Sign ups were last week and I was hesitant to sign up because the last few runs were painful and discouraging.  Scott encouraged me to go ahead and give it a try...so on Thursday we both signed up for the run on Sunday.  Sunday morning we woke up at 6am and realized that neither of us had let Dora out all night.  She slept in her crate for 7.5 hours without a peep.  I was so proud of her and so grateful for the uninterrupted night of sleep.  I felt great but was also extremely nervous.  My biggest fear was finishing last.

After a quick breakfast we headed to campus for the race which was scheduled to start at 7am.  We arrived at the front gates shortly after 7 and checked in.  Then we stretched while we waited for the race to begin.  I grew increasingly nervous as we waited but Scott continued to reassure me that I could do it and I would not be last.  The race began at 7:34.  Scott took off and I tried to get my bearings.  I started out faster than normal and soon hit a reasonable pace.  I ran alone and prayed for God's strength.  There were no mile markers up so I had no idea how I was doing.  The course began at the main gate in front of campus, went through Portsmouth and ended at Cabrits National Park.  As I ran through town I had to be conscious to get out of the way of cars, the locals and even a family of chickens.  I finally made it through town and knew I was getting close.  I was out of breath but thankfully my legs felt great.  I came around a small bend and then had a beautiful view of the Caribbean to my left.  There was a strong breeze from behind that gave me a little boost of speed.  Within moments I spotted the finish line and saw Scott there waiting for me.  I ran as fast as I could go.  I was so happy to cross the finish line...and no, I was not the last one in.  Scott gave me a big sweaty hug and then took me to get water.  After awards were passed out and photos taken we loaded up on a bus and headed home.  We ate homemade pancakes and then Scott had to go to campus to study.  Dora and I slept for most of the afternoon.

 Last weekend was Scott's farewell banquet.  We had a great time getting dressed up and hanging out with our friends.  Dora spent the evening with our friends Dana and Nicole and had a lot of fun chasing their cats.  Here is a photo from the event.

From left to right: Scott, Whitney, Jen, Neil, Sarah, Ryan, Jennifer and Nick. 

We are still waiting to find out where we will be living in May.  The decision was delayed last week after some "unforeseen events".  Students are supposed to be notified tomorrow (March 23).  I will let you know as soon as we find out.