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Paris

2012-01-22T16:06:00.000-06:00

Paris!

A vacation to Paris! Every girl's dream come true! Josh booked me a direct flight from MPLS to Paris. Praise that man! I sat by a very chatty British bloke on the plane, who recommended millions of things to do in Paris...most of which I forgot. Nonetheless, I arrived without a hitch at the Holiday Inn and was met at the door by Mr. Epic himself.

Tower

Josh's sabbatical was a dream come true. After working 5 years, non stop, every day, traveling like a madman, Epic grants it's employees an amazing opportunity. They are offered 1 month of travel with room and board paid! There are two stipulations: 1) you must pick a location you have never been before, and 2) you must stay at least 21 days. Deal. Yes please!

Up to the top

Josh earned that sabbatical, let me tell you! And, being the great guy he is, he brought two guests. His mother and me:) Josh and Tracy had been galavanting around Greece for a week by the time I showed up to meet them in Paris. This trio took France by storm!

Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower

Delicious salads


OMG, best salad ever

Heaven

Amazing food. I'm spoiled, and Josh ordered me wine and cheese every day. Wine and cheese, in Paris. Yes, I know. Le sigh. He also ran with me in Paris. This man is from another planet.

Da Vinci Code flashbacks

Louve

W/Mona

Champs Elysees

Champs-Elysees

Tour!

Tour de France!


Knights!

Military Museum

Ahh

Relaxing

Lady Marmalade

Moulin Rouge

break time

More relaxing

Always made the midnight light show!

Thank you Josh!

Most romantic city in the world! Off to Barcelona!

Dude

2012-01-05T23:32:00.000-06:00

I'm trying

There are a lot of pictures...

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T23:27:00.001-06:00

This is going to be a good year. I just know it. Why? 12 is my favorite number, so obviously, there are great things in store. And, No. I don't believe in Mayan predictions. Unless they are waging on baseball games, I'm good thanks.

New Year eats.

Mmmm yes. Ham, cheesy potatoes and grilled romaine.

New years resolutions include working on personal health and fitness, with this guy.

He believes eating protein + fiber = perfect health.

I believe U + Me = Us I know my calculus

Thanks, snackface, for the blast from the past.

Anyways, I love that man, so I try to make him happy. Plus my mom loves me, and gives me large portions of meat prior to making her Exodus to Florida.

Just make cheesy potatoes. Seriously. Because, ham needs cheesy potatoes. And. your boyfriend will eat them even if he has sworn up and down the new year is only protein and fiber. If he doth protest, remind him how much protein cheese has...mmmhmmm. biochem major.

Simmer shallots, garlic, S&P. with 2 cups of cream for 4 min or so. Watch it. This is not the time to utilize your ADD skillz

Pour your fortified cream on your Cheesy potatoes (layered potato, white cheddar and parmesan). Recipe courtesy of the Neely's. Plus, the addition of nutmeg. My Mom has taught me nutmeg belongs in all creamy concoctions, and she is correct.

Ham is pretty easy. Unwrap, add some water, tent and bake for 20-24 min per pound. Your apartment will smell like you are a housewife...boom...just like that.

This is an amazing dinner. Prep and pop it in the oven. Then you have time to clean the kitchen...

And convince you manly man to hang up pictures!

yes and yes. Josh suggested staggering. I was apprehensive. But, like usual. he was right.

Also add grilled romaine, because its easy and crazy delicious. Put romaine halves in the foreman with EVOO spray and balsamic..till they are done. Then add grated Parmesan. Then inhale. Thanks Dad for this addition to my veggie repertoire. Love it.

Other recent events have included..Puzzle dates

boards and flowers from my man.

Christmas, new years, etc.

I will blog about my european vacation, soon. I'm pretty sure, I sort of promise.

Happy 2012!

WHATUP

2011-12-20T15:40:00.000-06:00

Holy cow.

I'm 28! I'm going to start blogging again, maybe. I fixed my snazzy apple, so as soon as I upload the last 6 months of my life I'll get back atcha!

Till then, holy cow I'm old.

Date Night.

2011-07-02T10:18:00.002-05:00

Celebrating second year in style. I start my year out with day hospital/ECT. It's pretty much awesome. I do ECT all am MWF. Dr. Kim is the attending in ECT, and essentially a genius. We learn R unilateral ultra brief ECT, which preserves memory. It's pretty amazing. We have some incredible learning opportunities at the UofMN. I also run medication management groups for day treatment patients. That's a whole other can of worms. But my summer is starting off great, minus the 24 hour call shift I'm on as we speak...

Anyways. Date night. Excuse the shiny faces. Mpls was hot hot hot this week.

With smellen.

Sushi, shopping and True Blood.

This girl knows the way to my heart :)

nailz

2011-06-27T18:28:00.000-05:00

I don't cook anymore...ratgate 2011 freaked me out. I will not go into details on this blog, for fear of loosing my 5 readers. I do however eat dry cereal whilst sitting in my living room painting my nails. OH yes, I am up on the nail polish trends. That's all I got.

Summer special

2011-06-14T23:33:00.001-05:00

Yum. Asparagus, Broccolini, Parmesan, Lemon...

Summer here we come. Looks like the new food plate, no? No, you're right it doesn't. Whatev, it was a weekend, At least it wasn't white chocolate chips and a bowl of pickles for dinner. No, I've never done that...

Asaparagus salad was planned. The remainer was improtomtu. That's ok. It's not like I follow directions anyways.

Salad. Delish. Seriously. Add this to your arsenal.

Lemon Chicken. Marinade includes freshly squeezed lemon, spicy mustard, EVOO, S&P, Shallot, Crushed garlic to taste and "honey". I subbed brown sugar. MF needs a better pantry. oh well. If you want protein powders you went to the right place ;) Cook the chicken in the marinade, covered, on the stove till done. Bam. Original recipe.

Clean out the fridge red potatoes: quartered potatoes, simmered for a while in water. Then I got bored and decided to just add stuff to the "cooking fluid"...to include : red and balsamic vin, S&P, garlic, shallots, lemon leftovers. Obv you are going to follow this plan exactly and will have a bit of extra shallot from your asparagus goodness and some recently squeeze lemon exoskeletons...add em to the pot...why not.

Try it. It's healthy and easy. Trust me, because I'm a lazy lady and would not lead you astray.

Drama.

2011-06-13T01:05:00.001-05:00

Teaser. I'll post actual recipes tomorrow...maybe. This was good though...

I have not been blogging, but things have been happening. Usually things are great. Sometimes, things are a bit rocky for me and the manfriend...or mostly just the manfriend. He can be, well, unlucky.

case and point. As we stood on the front step of my apartment, we witnessed this ridculosity.

BAL of .277 is probably not ok to drive. Not like i'm a docta or anything.

Girlie, you hit a parked car. For realz. 8K in repairs.

oh no Honda. MF's infiniti flew about 5 feet, and tapped my bumper. ouch.

then...the fish tank overflows and floods the apartment.

At least I got to pick out replacement fish. Yep MF lets me pick out all the fish... He was raised correctly I tell ya:)

And. The Madison menu now includes smoothies courtesy of the newly purchased magic bullet. Blueberries, almond milk and spinach... yum

Plus

yes there is more

While I was in glorious WI a rat was trapped in the toilet one floor below me for 24 hours. Now, he is missing. Wet, mad, and missing. Ghetto sewer rat. sick, omg.

I'm busy, working and stuff.

2011-05-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

Wheat doesn't make a lot of sense.

Having a blog intern year also doesn't make much sense. About 1 month left... woot.

Peace out.

Move your body

2011-04-27T15:16:00.002-05:00

Easter con Charlton Heston

2011-04-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

The annual Suzanne showing of the 10 commandments. Easter is mostly about movies right? Movies and movie food.

Popcorn, apples and cheese. That's M&Ds version of a movie treat. The 10 commandments is an epic movie event. Now that I'm and adult, I actually get to see the red sea part, and the worshiping of idols. Scandalous. Good thing I'm 27, and can handle that filth on the big screen :)

We watched the 10 commandants every year. It's honestly my favorite part of Easter. Yep, I'm catholic. Yep, I went to Easter vigil with my Dad, washed old ladies' feet on Thursday, donned an Easter dress for Sunday, and rushed to find my basket Easter morning. But, the 10 commandments? Man, that was the best.

My dad would air pop popcorn, slice apples, roll up lunch meat and slice cheese. We would spread a table cloth out and, get this, EAT in the living room! Gasp! With the whole fam. That is my favorite part of Easter. No, it's not sacrilege. It just was so important to have that treasured time with my family. That meant more to me than anything else. Sorry Jesus.

I'm so thankful I got to spend this Easter Saturday with my family. Nick, Ellen and Joey made the trek to the hood to join us for a pre-Easter munchfest. I love all of you, thanks for eating my nasty ranch/nacho cheese deviled eggs! And, thank you Nick for breaking my kitchen sink, come on over any time :)

Times, they are a changin.

2011-04-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

Car probs. The beloved 95 camry broke down in the middle of NOWHERE Wi. One crying blond, 2 hours, and a greasy old mechanic later the problem was identified. One part is sucking oil into another part. This my friends is bad. I made it home, but that's about it. The "wheels" where set in motion, thanks to the family mechanic who treats me like a child (which may or may not be warranted). Whalah, Suzanne has a new set of wheels.

Woot. AND a car payment. Boo. I wish I thought cars where cool. Then, this would have been way more exciting. It does have a legit CD player, and get this, the windows roll down! High rolla! That's all I have to report. I made taco dip this weekend, because the thought of making something classy was just not going to happen. Beans, Sour cream, Salsa, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and olives. Served with Tostitos. Delivered in my sweet new ride. Fancy.

Fermenation in the am.

2011-04-06T18:19:00.004-05:00

Good thing i'm not on an MAOI. Fermentation is my friend. Here's how I've been gearing up to attack the inpt psych ward with ton's of tyramine!

Kale chips-lazy woman version. Hand shred kale and saute with some fake oil spray till crispy. Or until you're done with your makeup. These recipe instructions could never be published, sigh. Then fry an egg, plate and top with sauerkraut. Why yes. Sauerkraut is a totally appropriate breakfast food. Good at any time of the day. yummmm.

Running Song. BTW. ran outside yesterday, and about to go in 5 min. GLORIOUS. Complete with hugs from the neighbor kids :)

Variations on a theme.

2011-03-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

And the Satay saga continues. Satay away you say? This is my final post, I promise. The satay sauce is officially gone. RIP. I'll make it again for sure, this one is a keeper. Extreme laziness prevailed this weekend. So, I just kept making chicken, doused in satay sauce.

Today's variation included chicken marinated in San-J spicy peanut sauce, quickly pan fried. I'm not sure if the variety here even qualifies for a "variation". More like a weekend chicken ostinato. Anyways. I put a combo of red rice, and mystery rice into the rice cooker. It really was mystery rice, discovered in a small ziploc...hmmm. It wasn't jasmine, not arborio, not basmati, not sushi, not brown, wild, red or black....pretty impressive rice knowledge huh. Anyways, 1/2 cup and 1 cup of water. Plus garlic, hot curry, EVOO, ginger and salt. Cook away. I had to add another 1/2 of water and cook an additional cycle. Weird mystery rice, even fooling my rice cooker. It was good. Try it. It's also ridiculously easy. My specialty. Off to watch housewives and prepare for another EPIC week.

Satay into Saturday

2011-03-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

I needed quick dinners this week. Satay and sweet potatoes to the rescue. It has been a busy, busy week. I'm pretty sure I have a death germ populating my bronchioles AND, our hospital took the much anticipated plunge and switched EMRs to Epic. Change is more annoying than actually hard. I've used Epic at other hospitals, so there were a only few minor bugs to get used. It does slow the entire day down, especially when it takes me 45 minutes to order ECT. That seems overly complex, don't cha think? Anyways, I like Epic. It autocorrects my notes. I'm sold. Dinner still needed to be simple.

Satay sauce was whipped up using my immersion blended. Thanks Mom! PB, lime, chili paste, tamari, honey and hot water. Blended to perfection. I made too much, I guess that means we are taking this satay into the weekend.

I used Bobby Flay's satay and chicken recipe. Marinated the chicken in yogurt, ginger, garlic and hot curry and got my sweat on at the gym. I now know what if feels like to have asthma. Hacking away on the treadmill, no concern for others. That's how I roll. I covered my mouth. Endorphins feel way better than nyquil anyways. Home, preheat oven. Spice up some sweet potatoes to bake (chili power, cumin, coriander, curry and cinnamon). Shower, sautee chicken and plate it up. The whole meal comes together in about 20 min! Woot. Go me.

Day 2. Satay on the brain. I decided to wing it for the marinade. I opened the fridge and found some promising suspects. Pre-workout marination. Pineapple papaya juice, tamari, garlic and lime juice. A little more LA fitness germ bombing and shower. Ready to cook. This time I microwaved 2 small sweet potatoes, then pan fried them with Garam masala and chili powder. Pan fry chicken and plate it up.

A little satay remains, but my chicken stash has been depleted. Operation, clean out my freezer still underway. Satay and salmon patties? I'll keep thinking...

New booty shakin workout song

Spring ahead salad

2011-03-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty much a genius. But you already knew that. This salad proves it. Oh stop, you're too kind.

I make omelets for breakfast. Girls gotta keep the tummy at bay while people go on and on and on in rounds. I mean, while I save lives. Anyways. In goes the egg, then spinach, then balsamic. When my protein/fiber pocket of breakfast delight is done, my pan has a glorious balsamic reduction left behind. Or, at least, a poor mans version. Well, genius strikes at 7 am. Hmm, balsamic reduction is delicious and oh so fancy. Why don't I just add a salad serving to the leftovers and mix 'er up? Don't mind if I do. Holy yum. It's good. Add in salad toppers that make you feel like spring is coming, and everything's gonna be alright, let's everybody get along tonight... strawberries, oranges, red onion. Go wild.

Old skool

Vacation!

2011-03-08T19:21:00.000-06:00

Did you know I am now doing ONLY psychiatry...foreva?! The choirs of angels are singing, or Glee is on tonight, one of the two. I finished up my neurology rotation with a 4 days of vacation. Glorious vacation.

Finished neuro, chucked that reflex hammer into my apt, and drove to WI. Ate some sushi to celebrate being done. Unpictured, but fabulous. I also made some barbecued chicken and Brussels sprouts (yeah, there is an unexpected S at the end of that, weird) Ugly, but tasty. Stay tuned, things get prettier.

Recipe is Giadia's, adapted by moi. I love her and her gigantic skull. Is it just me, or is she the perfect celebrity bobble head? Anyways, simmered chicken breasts in the BBQ sauce while I showered and beautified. I also roasted some Brusselsssss sprouts with balsamic and olive oil till tender...25 min? Flip em halfway. It would make more sense if the sprouts belonged to Brussels, Brussels' Sprouts? They don't, they are Roman Whatev.

Off to Chi-town to continue my celebration. My life is sweet.

Beans and sushi. As much sushi as my heart desires :) Yum.

Finished up the vacation with with a salad. Trying to be healthy. I should probably give up almonds for lent. Almonds and Nutella. You heard it here folks. Anyways, this is a semi Niçoise salad. Sandra Lee quality authenticity, can you deal? Red leaf lettuce base, dressed with EVOO, red wine and balsamic vin, Dijon, sugar, S&P. Hard boiled eggs, fresh green beans, artichokes, roasted red pepper, Havarti, olives, roasted red potatoes, and capers. Aren't you impressed with my sweet plating. Yeah, I thought so. Check ya later, better focus on Glee.

Socca to me

2011-03-01T19:43:00.000-06:00

Socca. I've been wanting to make this for some time. Mine is a work in progress.

Equal parts water and besan, aka chickpea flour. I added pizza type seasonings plus salt and pepper. Let this sit for a while, up to 12 hours. Mine sat for about 2. It froths a bit and smells yeasty, is that a word? Hmmm, this will be interesting. I warmed two round springform cake pans in the oven. After my "dough" soaked, I poured it into the cake pans. It's quite runny, fyi. Then baked for about 25 min at 400 degrees. It was...ok. I used it to sop up the leftover lentils.

The manfriend got his socca in the form of pizza. Sauce of blue cheese dressing, ranch and hot sauce. Shredded chicken and shredded gruyere made this a buffalo pizza, or something. The crust was too rubbery. I think I would bake it longer next time, and flip half way through. I'll keep you posted.

Then, I got my butt kicked in scrabble during the Oscars. Someone insisted on documenting this in picture form. Not me.

1 more day of neurology. Then onto vacation. Neuro has actually been pretty great this time around. But, I must admit, I'm excited for a life of psychiatry :)

Salmon a la Suzanne

2011-02-27T11:51:00.002-06:00

Salmon was on the menu last night. I found a HUGE piece for about $6 at Trader Joes. I also have started operation clean out my cupboards, and was determined to finish up a bag of green lentils. This meal is cheap-o, especially with a salmon deal like that.

Here you go. I had no idea what I was making. I knew I was in the mood for Indian. Sweet potatoes seemed like a good fit, a little sweetness to balance the curry. Here is the recipe, what I can recollect doing anyways.

Saute an onion
Cube two small sweet potatoes, and add them to the onion
1 cup green lentils
Add about 1 cup of water
Let that simmer
Add chopped garlic
Add a generous amount of tomato paste
Add about 1 can of light coconut milk, or full fat if you feel wild
One bay leaf
Good amounts of hot curry, garam masala, cumin and coriander
a little S&P
I tasted this and kept adding tomato paste and extra spices. It was pretty bland at first, and I was surprised by how much spice I actually added. The coconut milk does a nice job balancing the spice
Cook till lentils are tender and reduce liquid to Dal consistency

Salmon-place on parchment paper, sprinkle S&P, cumin and coriander and bake at 450 till firm

Plate it up. Arugula, spoonful of curried concoction and a piece of salmon. Squirt with some lemon. Lime and green onions or cilantro would have made this brown dish much prettier. Oh well. On a budget.

Today is Neuro call 5/5 foreva!!!!

ABCs

2011-02-22T22:25:00.000-06:00

This is circulating in the blogosphere. And, I'm drained.

Neuro call 4/5 tomorrow. I've been getting called in. The ED makes me want to scream. Seriously. Duty hours were at 94 last week. Yes. 94 hours. I'm so glad I'm OVER $200,000 in debt for this biznass. Oh well.

Recipe to tame my crankiness? Pop kettle corn. Place in plastic bag. Dump in some powdered sugar and cinnamon. Add more cinnamon. Come on. It regulates blood glucose. Shake. Shake that thing...

It's good. Really good.

Ok, now for the ABCs while watching Real Housewives Miami. Not sold on this one. I'll probably still watch it though. I'm easy like that.

A. Age: 27.ahhhhhh

B. Bed size: Full. Small room. Seems bigger.

C. Chore you dislike: Putting away my clothes. That's why the bottom of my closets have piles of clothes. No excuse. I'm super lazy.

D. Dogs: mmm not so much. They have bad breath. I loved Lady though (our lasa-shih tzu stray) But, she was really more like a cat.

E. Essential start to your day: mascara. period.

F. Favorite color: Purple. I also love wearing green

G. Gold or silver: Silver. I have a strong dislike for yellow gold

H. Height: 5'5" Holla

I. Instruments you play(ed):Trumpet, piano, recorder, voice, glockenspeil, noseflute.

J. Job title: Docta

K. Kids: None. George is a handful for now.

L. Live: MN-aka frozen tundra

M. Mom’s name: Barbara Ann, Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann.

N. Nicknames: Suze, Suz. My mom calls me Suzannah, techinally longer. She's a complicated woman that Barbara Ann.

O. Overnight hospital stays: LOTS. Overnight call blows. Never as a patient though, except when I was born.

P. Pet peeve: Rudeness and lying. Just don't

Q. Quote from a movie: Is this supposed to be my favorite quote? First one that comes to mind: From Me you and Everyone We Know:

Saleswoman: I think everything's gonna be computerized in twenty years.
Sylvie: Soup won't be computerized.
Saleswoman: Why not?
Sylvie: It's a liquid.

R. Righty or Lefty: I am Right Handed, and my language center is likely on my left. Yep, I've got strokes on the mind.

S. Siblings: Nick. 24. Rock star and businessman extraordinaire. Way cooler than me.

T. Time you wake up: Manana 5, so I can hit the gym pre-call. Otherwise, 6 am.

U. Underwear: Si senor. Thanks.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: Legumes I don't like include Lima Beans.

W. What makes you run late: Fashion, or lack there of. Work makes me late for everything. Why don't patients talk faster?

X. X-Rays you’ve had: I broke my leg, guessing there were x rays involved. Otherwise, dental.

Y. Yummy food you make: Hello, GF blog. I'm awesome

Z. Zoo animal favorite: Dolphins. No, I'm not a 12 year old girl...anymore

Back to regularly scheduled recipes soon-ish.

Snow Day

2011-02-21T11:46:00.001-06:00

The end of the Sushi feast! Leftover salmon and tuna, lightly seared, in a sushi bowl. Leftover rice, carrots, shelled edamame, cucumber, shredded nori, extra sushi vinegar and tamari. Super easy. Yum.

Plus some scrabble.

Thank God for Washington. It is miraculously a VA holiday today. Thank God. My car is buried in the garage behind 17 inches of snow. MN is ridiculous. Why do we live here? I'm watching netflix in my pj's. The last two shows I've watched have used clair de lune for the dramatic scenes. I'm Debussy'd out, time to switch to Bravo. Anyways, lazy TV time is one way to have a good day. Here's another...

And getting yourself to the gym always helps. ehhem Dad! Are you reading? Triathlon training!!

A little Bieber fever-glee style- for a snowy day? Bieberlicious

Sushi: the love of my life

2011-02-17T17:44:00.000-06:00

Valentine's day dinner. We decided to totally avoid the restaurant scene and opted for sushi at home. I could eat sushi daily. It's the love of my life, and therefore fitting for Vday. YUM. A trip to Coastal Seafoods is all that stands between you and a delicious dinner. Look at all that fish, for about $30. This gave me 5, count em, 5 meals. Tuna, Salmon, Striped Sea Bass and Marlin (which was gratis-love that place). And that was only half of the fish! The other half was waiting in the fridge, use TBD.

Prep: Make sushi rice. Use your rice cooker. Seriously. Let it do it's business while you prep. Put rice in a bowl and splash seasoned rice vinegar and stir. Taste test. It should have a nice vinegary taste, but not too wet. Hydrate wasabi powder 1:1 ratio powder to water. Chop cucumber, carrot, avocado and cream cheese into long strips. Make spicy mayo by adding Siracha to mayo, hard, I know. Microwave edamame. Set out your GF tamari and ginger. Ready? Go.

Action shot. I use a bowl of water to keep my fingers slippery for the rice patting. You could use saran wrap or something too. Water is cheaper. Just sayin.

Spicy shrimp roll. Spicy mayo, chopped up cooked shrimp, cucumber...yum.

Phili-ish roll. We had smoked salmon too, but decided to use fresh. And subbed the cucumber for avocado. Can't tell you why, but it was delish.

Sushi for breakfast the next day? AND diet coke? Yes please.

Cupid's breakfast.

2011-02-14T22:24:00.000-06:00

I'm a lucky girl, and my apt smells like roses. Multicolored roses. I LOVE them. So much prettier than the standard red bunch. They are just so much...happier!! Big smile!

Valentines day breakfast, with enough protein to fuel cupid's big day.

Weather you are shooting peeps in the butt or running stroke codes all day long, you need your sustenance. Somehow I think matchmaking would be way more satisfying than testing babinski's in 83 year old men all day long. How do their toenails get that thick btw? yum. Hungry?

Protein power. From Straight into bed cakefree and dried. Mix 1 C almond flour, 1/2 Kefir and 2 eggs. Mix and leave overnight. Yep. Don't freak out. I know there are eggs in there. If they can sit outside in 80 degree weather in south America, you're gonna be fine.

In the am, add a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp baking soda. Mix them up. Spoon 1/4 cup servings into your frying pan. Watch for the bubbles then flip. They brown quickly!

Cut the top cake into your shape of choice. Shapes make breakfast extra fancy, it is Valentines day you know. They are a bit flaky, and fall apart more than I'd like. But hey, you can essentially feed this to any muscle man and they will approve. Nuts, eggs and yogurt. Protein-a-palooza.

Need a V day idea? Tenga.

2011-02-12T15:19:00.001-06:00

Karina's pomegranate heaven on earth. I use pork, and sear quickly before adding to the crock pot. Crock it up for about 4 hours or so.

This time I reduced the sauce, yowza, good idea! This is so delicious.

Paired with salad, a la Suzanne. Arugula (my green of choice, spicy and sassy), pear, craisins, Gorgonzola, and pecans. Dressing of EVOO, lemon, maple syrup, garlic and Dijon

Sweet potato fries, huge chunks because I'm a lazy lady. Tossed with EVOO, cumin, cinnamon, Pepper, chili flakes and a bit of chili powder. Roast at 350 till done. Cut them smaller when you make them, for the love of God. Sprinkle with salt and champagne vinegar before serving. Champagne vinegar? Yes. They sell it at Target. Just do it.

Kiss the cook. mwah, thanks self, you are fantastic.

Neuro wa wa

2011-02-10T18:38:00.000-06:00

Neuro call numero uno is tomorrow. I dislike neurology call, I'm just gonna put that out there.

Sad Trombone

Hopefully not because your brain is bleeding and swelling inside your hard noggin.

This however, I like.

Off to run. Vday recipe idea coming soon.

San Fran

2011-02-07T21:39:00.001-06:00

My vacation continued to fabulous San Fran. Warm, sunny, full of pop culture. Love it.

After bidding adieu to Napa, and swearing up and down to return...tomorrow? Anyone want to join me? We headed out in the sweet jeep rental car to San Fran.

Checked into a swanky downtown hotel, enjoyed one of our Napa acquisitions and headed out for the night.

The next day involved a quick workout, gotta work on your fitness, even on vaca!

Then off to sight see!

Obviously, the bridge. Gave me flashbacks of physics. AHHH. But still beautiful, and sunny, and warm.

Alcatraz, from a distance. I have gotten a speeding ticket. I hope that's the "closest" I ever get to a place like that! It would be fun to return and tour the facility though! Check out those sailboats! My Dad would love it!

Full house hot spots. The full house "house" was not actually the house it was filmed in. How Rude! Don't worry, I saw both.

The Castro. Historic, vibrant and alive. A must see. Milk is also a must see. Hop to it. You also haaave stop for a martini, I had a Cosmo. delightful...

Fisherman's wharf, minus the sea lions. I've heard they moved from pier 39, must be true.

Finished with some extremely delicious sushi. I might be spoiled. Just maybe! I'm at least one happy chica. ahhhh. CA. I'll be back. For now, back to gossip girl. xoxo

Napa

2011-01-30T21:26:00.000-06:00

Well. I'm pretty sure I just took an ultimate dream vacation. I finished up internal medicine at the VA at 7pm Tuesday night. Have you read House of God? That was VA medicine, in a nutshell. ahem, minus some inappropriate call room interactions, but I digress. The patient I "tucked in" by 7pm is portrayed in that book. I love medicine, but I am extremely glad I picked psychiatry. Let's just say I was more than ready for a vacation. Especially one that included sun and wine tasting.

Anyways, went home, packed up and went to bed. Up early in the am for a quick workout and airport ride by the bro and his gf. Board the plane, get my peanut m&ms out and get ready. We pull out, pull back in. Problem with a landing gear. Pull out, pull back in. Problem with a sticker. hmmm. Doesn't seem that important. Pull out, pull back in. Problem with an engine. Ok. Enough! That flight was canceled after about 2 hours waiting! Afternoon was spent in the sky lounge waiting for the evening fight. Not too bad, free olives and a bloody mary courtesy of Delta Sky Lounge. There are definitely perks of traveling with someone who flies weekly!

Finally we arrived in SF, picked up the rental car and headed to Napa. I got to see the bridge lit up at night, and we made it! Albeit a bit late, but whatever, still on vacation!

Up in the am for a quick workout before a glorious, and I mean glorious day of wine tasting. The "group" tour we purchased actually ended up being the two of us on a gigantic bus driven by a man in a top hat. Holy cow, this is going to be awesome.

First stop Flora Springs. LOVED this place. Here the winery is owned by an 85 year old lady, who approves all the wines. We learned some of the basics here, the role of the winemaker etc. Flora Springs had a ton of really creative mixes. Which we didn't appreciate at the time, but were actually really unique. Pretty fantastic wine. We actually went back the next day for lunch. It was next door to a Dean & DeLuca. I desperately wanted to stop there, because, well...Felicity worked there. I was indulged, and we ate a delicious lunch there the next day on the roof, 70 degrees, in CA. Ahhhh.

mmm. sun. wine. cheese. olives. heaven....seriously. This could not have been better.

Then on to.

Alpha Omega. This was a small, newer winery. I snuck back into the cooler area to snap a few picks. Here, I discovered Chardonnay is actually really really good. But, you have to pay $40 a bottle, :( not so good. Apparently, you are supposed to chill chardonnay, then remove from fridge about an hour before imbibing. Let it warm up a bit and you will notice the flavors that are released. yum. To oak or not to oak? That is the question.

Wine tasting lunch spread, picked up in the deli of V Sattui prior to the tasting. Again. Olives, crackers, meat, and salami. Crackers and salami certified GF. Napa is officially a GF girl's paradise. Ready to go back. ASAP.

Then on to the tasting.

This was a large winery, with pretty fantastic picnic grounds. Ended up tasting a Midori here that B&B will be getting, whenever they get their snowbird butts back to MN.

Next up...these tiny pours are adding up. Time to start dumping!

Black Stallion. Another smaller winery, that unfortch, does not distribute to MN. Here I discovered Moscato is fantastic. Yummmm.

Our final stop on the tour actually was closed. So our top hatted friend improvised and took us to Luna.

Excellent choice. Another fantastic Chardonnay was had here. Plus a tour of the grounds. Misty and beautiful.

The last winery, tear, was the next day prior to SF departure. I had to stop at Robert Mondavi. Because, well, its famous. And it was delicious. Another really really tasty moscato was had here.

Beautiful grounds. You could really get up close to the grapes! It was so nice to have a splash of green in January!

The goods

Off to san fran. So long Napa, I'll be back, Arnold would approve of my CA tourism endorsement. I hope.

Accent Vlog

2011-01-28T17:53:00.001-06:00

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped
body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry
groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

I'm working on my vacation post. I swear!

Tuesday.

2011-01-25T21:49:00.000-06:00

I'm going to post about my vacation next. I swear. It was ahhhmazing.

Look at that soup. I'm still a food blog. I ate this around Christmas, in the midst of my insane medicine rotation. My mom made it. She still takes care of me, even though I'm 27, going on 12. whoa, that's old. Anyways. Wild rice soup. A perfect MN concoction. I bet you'd like the recipe. I would to! Mom?

Filler so I can prepare my vacation post...

1. Do you decorate for Valentine’s day? Sort of, I have a pink place-mat and a coffee cup. That counts I think.

2. Does your desktop have a picture or computer graphic? Is it organized?
My desktop is organized... in that I put everything into a few folders. The folders, however, are a royal mess. I change my desktop picture frequently. I am obsessed with finding pretty pictures online; and have a few photo blogs I follow. I change the pic when I need a pick me up, or when I convince myself the picture is causing bad luck. Nonsensical, I know.

3. Do you use a paper planner, electric planner or no planner at all?
I have a calendar on my computer that syncs to my phone. Thank god. I used planners in HS but not since. My chief resident also keeps a gmail calendar updated for us. Thankfully, they are all accessible from any computer. I am not reliable enough to carry anything with me.

4. Do you change purses or bags often or stick with a good thing?
I do fairly frequently. I have a plethora of "bag lady" purses that I switch up depending on the season. I also have a small red leather purse my Mom got in Firenze that I use when I want to look more presentable.

5. What’s your favorite YouTube Video?
Hmm. Not really sure. I think the "hide yo kids hide you wife" you tube clip is a hoot though.

6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?
I "let" my brother do my taxes on turbo tax. However, I never got my renter's return last year, so maybe I'll have to go back to "letting" my Dad file them.

7. How many states have you set foot (or tire) in? Which ones?
Pull up a map. 17 I think, not counting layovers. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Vermont, DC, Maryland, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, California, Florida, Colorado

8. How many countries have you been in? Which ones?
Hmm. 13. US, Canada, England, Italy, France, China, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru.

9. How many pillows are in your house? (Sleeping or decorative)
Well. 6 on my bed and two on my couch. Not that impressive. I need to step it up.

10. How cold is too cold for flip flops?
If your toes are blue then it's too cold

2011-01-11T18:54:00.000-06:00

INTERNAL MEDICINE IS DONE....

This was my week... Seriously... You should watch this video and read House of God. Then you can understand! But alas, I am done. finito. I'm going to do 10 on Tuesday, go to the gym, and pack for California...Napa Valley here I come. Wine tasting, and maybe a little wine sipping :)

Ten on Tuesday

1. Is there a band/artist that you HATE?
I guess, Nickleback? I used to hate Jerry Jeff Walker, now I could probably be persuaded to rock out to some Navajo Rug.

2. What do you do when you get a gift that you do not like? How do you react?I say thank you, then try to give it to someone else

3. How is your work office/cubicle decorated?
I do not have a workspace per say. I rotate offices every 4 weeks. I usually have scattered notes, pt info and pop. I also keep a bag of target shoes under my desk so that I can wear my boots to work. I look pretty sweet.

4. Do you use all of your vacation every year?
I have never had vacation time before. I have 15 days this year. I WILL use all of them. I will also try to finagle extra days by incorporating weekends. I might also need to get appendicitis in about a month and get some sick leave? Just kidding, I love my job...

5. Did you have a real or fake Christmas tree?
I have two. They are fake. They are also about 1 foot tall. Living large.

6. If you could have anything for dinner tonight, what would it be?
Sushi and olives and Parmesan cheese.

7. Do you bite your fingernails?
Nope. I bite hangnails sometimes. Then I remember I work in a hospital and it's totally nasty to put anything in my mouth. Gross. Moving on.

8. How many cups of coffee do you drink each day?
Zero. Thanks for not asking about diet coke.

9. Do you have a nervous tick?
Not that I'm aware of. When I'm tired my R eyelid twitches though.

10. How often do you vacuum?1-2 times a week. George keeps me honest.

Germs + 90 pack years is a bad thing

2011-01-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

In 1 week I will have COMPLETED my internal medicine requirements. woot. Done, finito. And, I will be in CA for wine tasting....sweet!

New Year

2011-01-04T19:44:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year.

Now you have a choice, two recipes sitting on your shoulders, which one is whispering louder?

Buffalo Chicken Dip or Spiced Chicken breasts with broccoli and Karina's potato salad?

The Devil with franks buffalo sauce... Perfect dip for new years eve.

Start by mixing 2 packs cream cheese, 1/2 c blue cheese dressing, 1/2 c ranch dressing, 1 c Franks Buffalo hot sauce. Use your mixer, it's a holiday after all. Mix for about 3 min, it gets smooth. Keep going.

Add in some shredded chicken. I plopped some breasts in the slow cooker and headed to the gym. That means I deserve this dip right? Also add in about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Men wanted to eat this, so I added extra cheese and chicken. I'm easy like that.

Then pour it in a pan and top with extra cheese. You could sprinkle blue cheese ontop, but I didn't. I'm no martha.

Bake till bubbly, about 20 min at normal oven temp....350?

Then the next day you better redeem yourself.

Chicken rub, gifted from Santa/Mama Barb, steamed broccoli with lemon butter and pepper and Karina's champagne vinegar potato salad...

I'll eat healthier now. Promise.

Ok. Baking time.

2011-01-03T17:55:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you're dying to see what I baked up for Christmas eve now that you've adopted the super new years diet. Make sure you grease the pans! And use wax paper-clean up is so much easier. I'll be ecofriendly next year.

Almond flour is way cheap at TJs. Snowy Almond Cookies! No finished picture, oh well. They bake up fluffy and crackley. I know that's not a word. But that's what they are like.

Junk cookies: Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip mix, plus white chocolate chips, hazelnuts and coconut flakes. No I didn't measure, handful of each, plus an extra toss of coconut. You don't have to be exact, its not like you're baking or something.

Peanut butter fudge!

Improv bark: Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Let the bottom layer cool before adding the top layer. Milk chocolate base, white chocolate/hazelnut/coconut top.

Peppermint bark: Milk chocolate + peppermint extract+ a few crushed candy canes. Top layer is white chocolate, + heftier dose of peppermint extract + heartier dose of candy cane.

Christmas is pending

2010-12-26T20:30:00.000-06:00

Just like that blood culture...

I have some great Christmas cookie recipes to share. For some reason I found it necessary to stay up till 1:30 am on December 23 making cookies...

I had christmas eve off... yessssss. Sort of looks like the ranch, no?

Then I worked over 20 hours on Christmas and Boxing day, so forgive my tardiness. I'll post pictures and recipes soon. or soonish.

So long, farewell. The sound of music is on. Auf Weidersehen, goodnight.

OK

2010-12-21T22:06:00.000-06:00

OK Mn stop snowing. Seriously. You are making it hard to get to work...

And veterans, please, keep breathing without intubation. Good lord.

Décembre

2010-12-01T18:33:00.000-06:00

I should go to the gym and work off that big bowl of almonds I just ate. Dang you Trader Joes...

I just bought a bunch of new songs. Me gusta pop hitz. Let's see if they are fun to run to...

And done

2010-11-16T22:36:00.000-06:00

Done with the VA. Onto Psychosis at the U. Just read through my patients, and looks like I'm in for a wild ride. I must say, psych is pretty awesome :)

Fall favorites

2010-11-15T21:50:00.000-06:00

One day left of psych at the VA. This has been a busy 4 weeks. This weekend was my last *HUGE SIGH* 24 hour call shift for quite a while. VA psych went out like a lamb, I must say. On Saturday, I worked non stop till 7 pm... Then I did a little bit of Jillian in my call room, showered, knocked on wood and went to bed. I got woken up once in the middle of the night to take a phone call, and that was it! I slept about 9 hours. Fan-freakin-tastic! Normally, I'm lucky if I get two 45 min "naps" in while on call... But I made it through...

Working on my narcissism! Anyways, good day on call, you know what that calls for...

Sunday Dinner! The recipe search commenced and I decided on a fall themed dinner. It was delish. And, of course, I had to re-make the warm butternut squash salad. Because, holy lord it's delicious. I could eat that non stop.

Warm butternut squash salad Make it. seriously. "I die"

Dijon potatoes. With purple/red and white potatoes. Fancy.

Karina's pork-all Karina's creations are out of this world. Trust me

And Pumpkin bars-from a box-jazzed up with pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. With Karina's frosting :)

2010-11-04T07:38:00.003-05:00

11

2010-11-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

VaSpa'in

2010-10-28T21:43:00.003-05:00

I began psych at the VA this past week. Love it! Wake up, make some bfast, get to work and have someone tell me...'I'm pretty sure God arranged my marriage to X (a certain well endowed celeb)". hmm. How do you feel about that? "Well, it's good. I'm pretty sure she'll be a good mother" ... ok

I'm leaving neuro in the dust....pfft. as you may notice, I didn't really post about my neuro experience. No one wants to hear me complain about the ED calling me for a STAT neuro consult at 2 am for an "88 year old man with 2 weeks of left foot numbness...." um ok... neuro. meh, go away.

I do assume you want a recipe...here's how to maintain composure through 3 hours of neuro rounding.... smelly feet, smelly feet. babinski sign is officially the worst test.

Easy peasy. Fry two eggs, season with S&P. Place in bottom of IKEA bowl of choice and top with sauteed veggies in a bit of herbs + balsamic or tamari, ginger, garlic and sesame.... Add extra protein, ie yogurt, to keep the tummy at bay while testing reflexes...or visual fields... or whatever

Anyway. On to pysch. I love it. Except the return of 24 hour call! AHHHHHH.... It will help me process this punishment if I can share my sweet call room digs with the internets.

Bed + Computer. This did not happen as a med student. Holla. The VA psych attendings pitched in to purchase an actual mattress, rather than your typical hospital mattress. We are pretty spoiled.

TV! What?! yessssss. Plus a weird leather chair to hold my junk.

con Baño Privado! Movin on up.

DVD collection.....

Personal stash, in case 30 Rock gets old.... It's gonna be ok...

Holy Lord.

2010-10-22T21:18:00.002-05:00

Off!

2010-10-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

Home call is done! I only got called in once yesterday. I still give it a big thumbs down, but I'm getting more used to it. In fact I took my pager on a run yesterday a la this great blogger.

Lisa finished the marathon yesterday and PR'd! Can't wait for the recap!

I'm relaxing today. I'm about to go for a run and head home to visit my mom. Thanks Columbus, I'm enjoying my day off.

Pop tunes for your Monday blues

plug along

2010-10-09T21:15:00.001-05:00

Finished the PRITE. Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Examination. We take it once a year and it predicts our ability to pass boards at the end of residency. I'm thinking I'm not ready...

Home call for neurology...Two Thumbs Down. Way down

And Monday off! Yipee

October!

2010-10-04T16:20:00.000-05:00

I'm not doing so well with posting. Es tut mir leid. I did, however, find the connector thingy for my camera. So now I have no excuse. I made this salad over the weekend. Two thumbs up. I have another squash in the fridge, so I may just whip up another batch! If I do, i'll post a pic... Until then, check out this one.

Alright.

Here's a song.

And the line up. Which of these dimes will I actually commit to and make in October? Bets anyone?

1) Butternut soup

2) Bars!

3) Soup before watching eat pray love?

4) With quinoa instead of orzo?

5) mmm Fall

On call

2010-09-08T06:57:00.003-05:00

On call today... One more left till vacay :)

sept

2010-09-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

I love it. So much cooler. Thank you September.

One-ish more weeks till my VACATION! I have big plans. Haircut, dentist, scrub my kitchen. ahhh

pfffft. thats the sound of a dying pancreas

2010-09-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

well. I'm on medicine at the U. Which means every patient has at least one, typically four, organs failing at any given time. I feel like I get to the hospital and just try to keep people from dying. Not super fun to be honest. I'm home from call and feel like I should decompress with something familiar. 10 on tuesday.... and not 10 ways to kill you liver/pancreas/kidney on tuesday. been there done that differential. love my job

1. Pretend it’s Monday morning–take us through a day in the life of you.
6 am - i've been snoozing for a while, but time to get my liver failing saving butt out of bed.
6:30 I should be done simultaneously making eggs and making myself look presentable so I can watch news and chow down
7:00 hop in the Camry, play energizing music, and drive to le hospital
7:30 am finish up chart checking patients, hear about any new admits and get the show on the road

7:30-6 see peeps, write notes and orders, try to keep people alive. maybe eat and maybe pee.
6:30 pm - usually back to la casa, unless i'm on call, then this becomes 11 pm and i'm grumpy and you don't want to know
7 pm - run.
8 pm - stretch shower

8:30-prepare some eats and trashy tv entertainment

10-12-at some point hit the hay. Depending on how much TV I feel like watching. I mean, I study... or something

2. What’s your favorite reality tv show?
Wow. Housewives. I love them!

3. What motto do you live by?
Be kind.

4. If you knew could you try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?
hmmm. marriage.

5. What was your first job?
I was a proud employee of midwest vending. Suzanne-secretary/money counting extraordinaire.

6. What is your current job?

Docta

7. What would you call yourself if you could choose your own name (and you cannot pick the one you already have)?Ruby

8. What musical instruments can you play?
Piano, trumpet, recorder, nose flute, glockenspiel...

9. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive. I'm an elephant

10. What is one food you’d never want to taste again?
gosh. I can't think of many foods that are really that horrible. probably incredibly spicy peppers.

Song of the week, to get me to the liver saving. or something

No Bueno

2010-08-12T18:35:00.001-05:00

Hace calor. Calor sofocante. yuck

Hitting the treadmill....

mmmm yep

2010-08-03T22:35:00.002-05:00

Ahh!

2010-07-27T18:53:00.000-05:00

Hola Amigos! Medicine came, with great trepidation.

I am indeed alive. I survived my first 4 weeks as an intern. It went ok. Some days I was pretty sleepy. Some days I got a little crabby. Some days I was overwhelmed. Some nights I had nightmares about the ICU. Some days George was a little lonely. Some days I got nasty bodily fluids on me. done.

Honestly, I did ok.

Phew. I got out for runs most nights. I kept my apt mess under control. I saw my friends and family. I watched the Bachelorette (on Hulu!) I took a total of one food picture that was so ridiculously bad i'm embarrassed to post it! And I can't find my connection cord, so whateves!

I also:
1. Got pulled over for the first time in my life! U turn in the parking lot at the VAspa at 9 pm, No no.
2. Found 2 purses while running, and called the police twice. Made the policeman think I might coordinate some sort of purse snatching ring using my 5 year old neighbor kids.
3. Discovered Yogurt is beyond good at holding you over those few extra hours
4. Psych lectures are incredibly fun and interesting
5. My life as a psych resident will be sweet!

I leave medicine at the VA for a psychosis Unit at the U. I'm really looking forward to it! I'm also a bit scared as I'll be the only resident managing the whole team! Yikes. I think I can I think I can....

In other news, Nick's been having a rockin good time as the Beatles 5th member! Steve's pic!

Dear Veterans,

2010-07-09T06:20:00.001-05:00

Please

So I don't have to worry about your EKG late at night...

2010-06-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Man bachelorette!

You are making it very hard for me to learn advanced life support! Orientation is almost over. AHH! now have sat through the U's computer training for the 3rd time, and OMG the VA's for the 5th time! yessss. I also learned to block punches, defend myself against bites and hair pulls and general grabbing/choking. I did actually have a table thrown at me in real life, but somehow they omitted that scenario from our defense training! I start July 1st on medicine...I think I can I think I can!

Running inspiration:

Running advice: do not eat chocolate chips right before a run. Pukey. What was I thinking?!

Cooking: I am eating eggplant like nobodies business. delish!!! Sauteed in balsamic vin.

I also bought ingredients for this...

I can only hope mine will look as good as this picture from Eclectic Recipes. YUM. Check out the site!

Blog Fail

2010-06-22T18:02:00.001-05:00

Sorry, blog, I totally ignored you. I will try to be better, but let's get real, I make no promises. My glorious fantastic vacation came and went. I did a lot of hanging out with friends, watching TV, and a ridiculous amount of napping.

Orientation has officially started. I have not one, not two, but three white coats. I have a pager. I have fancy name tags with MD by my name. I feel like I'm in some sort of Halloween costume walking around the hospital. And yes, the fear of God is quickly sneaking up on me.

Tomorrow we learn how to defend ourselves from violent attacking psych patients. Intern karate camp or something...I'll let you know how that goes! I'm eating, it just hasn't been anywhere near photo worthy. You might have to just bear with a paucity of posts involving recipes. I'll do my best, or something.

Sweet running song...

Ok. Let's get back on track with a little 10 on tuesday. A little warm up lap so to speak, gotta get back in the game.

1. If you could trade lives with another blogger for a day, who would it be and why?
Hmm. Probably my Mom. I could be retired, instead of gearing up for intern year. AHHHHHH.

2. Do you prefer receiving handmade or store bought gifts? Be honest!
I prefer a handmade gifts. I don't turn down sparkly store bought gifts though!

3. Would you rather camp or stay in a hotel?
It totally depends on the occasion. In general I would rather camp. But, if for example, I am supposed to attend a wedding I would much rather be in a hotel. With nice water pressure. Thanks.

4. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Ice cream probably. Or cheese. I guess I'm a dairy queen!

5. You’re having a really bad day at work. How do you unwind when you come home?
I call my mom usually on the way home. Then I would go for a run, take a shower and sit in my pajamas watching BRAVO. Wait, I do that everyday..

6. What’s your favorite chore? (Or, the chore you hate the least)
Dusting. I also like to vacuum and make sweet vacuum marks on the carpet. I then try really hard to be careful walking to preserve the lines. No, that's not abnormal.

7. What got you interested in blogging?
I wanted to record and organize my gluten free explorations. I love love love Karina! Trust me that was the original intent. Due to busyness and lack of sufficient time management, I tend to eat a lot of salads. Yes, I realize in the time I spent typing this post I could have whipped up a hot dish. Bite me.

8. Are you currently reading a book? What is it?
I am reading Stiff. Why? I have no idea. I guess I want to relive the trauma that was anatomy.

9. Do you have a favorite artist?

Like, Lisa I'm a Monet freak.

I've had many a Monet hanging in my various bedrooms over the years.

My MIA favorites!

Jean-Léon Gérôme, The Carpet Merchant,

Rembrant Lucretia

10. Have you ever met someone famous?
Hmm. Weathermen? Chuck Klosterman. Not really... I'll get back to you.

Graduation!

2010-05-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

I graduated!! Yes, that's right! Strange but true, with snazzy outfits to prove it. I will miss these ladies, about half of them are headed out into the great wild world! The rest will be close by at trusty HCMC!

The great Rondino! Ronda and I spent COUNTLESS hours studying in my apt, traveled to Europe together, and in general just made it through. She is amazing, and matched in dermatology!

My Body Buddies! Yes, that's a slightly brash term, but literally we shared a cadaver...thus we were body buddies. Me (Psych U of Mn), Chad (Ortho NC), Joe (Diagnostic Radiology RI), Sancia (Internal Med, Tulane)

Flashback! 4 years ago at our white coat ceremony!

And, my fantastic family. I could NEVER have made it through without them. Especially my Mom. Thank you Mom. I can't even tell you how much your support means to me! Dad and Nick, you are alright too:)

Jayne and Elizabeth came!

And my uncle Al! He also had reason to celebrate...

My cousin Vanessa graduated the next day from MNSU!

And the lovely Ellen also attended!

After the ceremony we had lunch at Ecopolitan, my favorite restaurant! I was so lucky that Mike, Beth and Gary all joined for lunch. The fun continued the next night as Lisa joined us for a sushi dinner...And I got one of the long coveted Anthro aprons! Thank you everyone for making my graduation so special!

The Inca Trail

2010-05-27T09:01:00.000-05:00

And it began. 4 days of hiking to reach Machu Piccu via the Inca trail. Day 1.

The top of dead woman's pass, day 2

The woman, see her?

The top of the second mountain, day 2

The first ruins, late afternoon day 2

Still had to hike all the way over there for camp!

The view from my tent, morning of day 3

The ruins, end of day 3

The almost there.

Finally, 7:30 am day 4

Hasta Luego

Cusco

2010-05-19T00:28:00.001-05:00

After sleeping overnight in the Lima Airport and a 5 am flight into Cusco, everyone should hold a baby lamb! Welcome to Cusco!

Que bonita. At 11,200 ft you can really feel the alt alt altitude. Every hotel offers coca tea to help with the adjustment. Coca tea is delicious. Chewing coca leaf...mmm...not so much.

Plaza de Armas. Cusco is derived from the Quechua word Qusqu. Quechua is a completly phonetic language, and Qusqu sounds like two rocks slowly rubbed against each other.

Half Incan, half spanish. This city is amazing. It was also chilly. Note my baby alpaca get up!

I ate one million times better in Peru. Quinoa tabouli..YES PLEASE!

Palta rellena-stuffed avacado. Here continues my love affair with mayonesa!

There was also a little sampling of the local fare-Cuy!

Which turns into this. Not GF. I had to live vicariously through this one, as can you...

A little protein before hitting the inca trail!

Intra Ecuadorian Travel

2010-05-19T00:16:00.000-05:00

Cuenca! I was able to attend Easter mass at this gorgeous cathedral. Shortest mass of my life. Less than 30 minutes, including full communion! I could have easily lasted another 30 minutes just staring at the amazing alter piece.

The cathedral. The weather in Cuenca was amazing. The cool mountain air was a delightful break from the humidity of Milagro.

The 3 blue domes that make this cathedral so famous!

Plus a Panama hat factory! Yes indeed, Panama hats are actually from Ecuador. Sounds like a trivial pursuit question to me!

Onto Ruta del Sol. First stop, Salinas.

Good ceviche...still using prophylactic pepto just in case...

Nasty ceviche, with mayonesa! Thank God for the pepto!

Amazing seafood spread! Lobster, langostinos, shrimp, mussels, squid, octopus and patacones!! I may or may not have needed a refill on that garlic butter too :)

Ruta del Sol finished up in Montanita. What a crazy cool town, and not for anyone over 30! Beautiful beaches, wild horses, and a serious rasta attitude!

Ahh. Soaking up the beach before heading to the Montañas!

Milagro

2010-05-04T23:21:00.001-05:00

Milagro! My home for 3 weeks! The city of pineapples and sugar cane. Located about 40 min outside of Guayaquil, Milagro is smaller but much louder, busier and dustier! We stayed in the city center in Hotel Don Juan, recommended by the hospital.

Real Piñas, on the way to the hospital!

The view from our hotel! The night we arrived, sirens sounding and people screaming I ran to this window to see what the commotion was. A shop below our hotel had somehow started on fire. People gathered and quickly the firefighters arrived and ran in with hoses. Once the area had been calmed, multiple news crews showed up. Quite the excitement for the first night.

Basically a constantly bustling city center. Loud honking taxis, tons of people, street vendors galor, bikes, motorcycles, cars and even horse drawn wagons!

Hotel Don Juan. Really a very nice place. Agua caliente, TV con cable, air conditioning, and Desayuno every morning.

Speaking of Desayuno, I needed to stock up at the local store to survive! I thought, I'll buy canned fruit for breakfast! That would be perfect, but...HOLY PEACHES!!! This country loves their Durazno. And no, there wasn't a canned pineapple in sight...or any other fruit for that matter :)

The hotel had a full kitchen right down the hall from our room. They were truly gracious hosts, and allowed us to use a portion of the fridge and dishes at our request. We survived, although it wasn't always 5 star dinning!

But hey. A coast town does have its advantages... fresh cangrejo!

After breakfast an MMI bus picked us up every weekday morning at 7:40 for the ride to the hospital. The hospital de las Piñas was located on the outskirts of town. The ride in every morning was always entertaining. Chickens, pigs, millions of stray dogs and little food stands peppered your view constantly.

Then we would get to work! Jon, Wislande (my savior-our ophthalmology technician!!) and I, ready to get busy!

In 2001 MMI opened the Centro Cristiano de Servicios Medicos-Milagro, headed by Dr. Rios. This program offers a 12 bed hospital which includes screening patients, operations and a training program which focuses on caring for the poor.

We typically screened patients in the morning. We'd go at a fairly quick pace, and with Wisland's help I could actually conduct and exam and interview. When we finished with patient's for the morning, the hospital provided a home cooked lunch in the guesthouse daily. Often in the afternoon we'd continue seeing patients still waiting. Sometimes we would travel to the local university to do vision screens on incoming freshman.

If we weren't in the clinic we were in the OR. Dr. Rios provides surgical services to patients from all over Ecuador. He also travels to the US to obtain corneas! We were lucky enough to be there for almost an entire week of cornea transplants. We also saw pteriogoid removal, cataract surgery, strabismus repair, and trauma...think injuries at banana plantations!!!

And then we were done, ready to get our travel on! Ecuador finishes with a recap of Cuenca and Ruta Del Sol...

Guayaquil

2010-05-04T22:15:00.002-05:00

Guayaquil is a the biggest city in Ecuador. A huge transportation hub, and only 40 min from Milagro, we bussed it to Guayaquil every weekend to either stay the weekend or hop a bus to a new destination. It's right on the river, and despite it's size and population, is relatively quite and really very clean. Like any big city, it offers it's share of nice restaurants and the comforts of a metropolis.

It has a huge beautiful church in the central square. Which looks out on...

An iguana park! Seriously, they are absolutely everywhere! In trees, in little ponds. Obviously on benches! Yikes. Iguanas are neat, but hundreds of them....when in Ecuador!

It also has an incredibly fun neighborhood called Las Peñas. A short climb up, oh, 456 stairs brings you through this colorful and historic neighborhood. A perfect time to take a break from the heat and humidity for a little mora ice cream! Guayaquil suffered and earthquake and this neighborhood has posted before and after restoration pictures outside of many homes and businesses.

A view from the top!! Las Peñas is nestled on the hill right behind the church. There is also a GIGANTIC cemetery in Guayaquil. We visited but were not allowed to take pictures. There were extremely elaborate tombs, and lots of local taxi driver ghost stories revolving around the tomb of Victor Emilio Estrada. Apparently his spirit wanders at night and hails a cab to his grave...and trust me, taking a taxi in Sud America can be a slightly dangerous ordeal even without competition from "undead" passengers!

Anyways, back down the hill! We stayed at Hotel Andaluz each time we went to Guayaquil. It was very nice, and they are really quite flexible with prices! If you sort of just stare at the initial quote they will quickly ask you what you are willing to pay. We responded $20, and locked that price down each time we returned!

You meet extremely cute kids everywhere you go, with some mad saleperson skills. How could you not buy agua from that smile????

Last stop, Parque Historico! Complete with an amazing zoo! Birds, monkeys, ocelots, tapirs, tortugas (sort of tortuga-ed out by this point) made up the menagerie!

SCUBA

2010-04-07T22:51:00.000-05:00

Pick your jaw up off the floor. I, yes I, went scuba diving. Jon wanted to book a day trip for scuba the second we landed in the Galapagos. I adamantly protested. Heck no! I've never taken a course, yadayadaya, you need to be certified, I'll get the bends and there is no hospital here. Obviously I'll die.

He did his usual...look at me, say nothing, then just look away technique for about two days. Then finally he said-look you will be fine, lets check it out.

We checked out a travel agency near the water. We were pretty impressed with the staff, they all spoke excellent English and seemed very reliable...and stuff. We booked floreana through them, and decided to inquire about scuba. We were told if you were not certified you would be able to do a "Discovery" dive. The instructors would go down with you one on one to test equipment and acclimate you. Then you would go to another shallow-12 m-site for a tame dive. You would have an instructor with you at all times, and really what can happen at 12 m...

So we went... I had a heck of a time popping my left ear (only to develop an ear infection a few days later...) but all else went smoothly. Honestly, it's pretty scary at first. You have an extreme urge to hyperventilate. But once you calm down a bit and make your way under it's incredibly awesome.

We saw amazing things snorkeling, but nothing compares to seeing a shark or ray 10 feet from your eyes!

Next up Tortuga Bay.

We actually went here twice...wouldn't you? The bay is about a 30 min hike in and once you are there there is about a half a mile strip of beach for the taking. There is a wavy section where you can swim or surf and there is also a calm bay where you can swim or kayak. It was beyond gorgeous.

Ahhh. I already miss it! We left Galapagos and headed to Guayaquil for a night en route to Milagro... el ciudad de las pinas. TBC...

Galapagos parte dos

2010-03-28T21:05:00.000-05:00

Lets start this post off right, more ceviche. Served with ketchup. Ketchup on my soup...you know the way to my heart. After a little sea food sustenance we hit up the town to explore tour options. We planned a few things, stay tuned !

That afternoon we were off to another beach. This beach was on the other side of the island, and called Garrapaterro Bay. It was lovely. There was no one there for the first 45 min or so! It truly felt like a deserted island paradise. We swam and sunned a bit until it was time to pack up.

Flamingos! On the hike out of the beach you pass by a little lagoon. As luck would have it there was a gaggle? or pink flamingos!

The next morning we set out for Floreana. It was a formal tour that started with a 2 hour boat ride. We ended up with another gaggle, this time of old ornery folks. Lets all say a prayer for our tour guide and his patience with these geezers. Yikes.Once off the boat we waited quite a while for the bus to come. why? Because the island only has one bus! When it arrived we were carted up the island to the bottom of the largest peak. Some of the frailer folks decided to just ride right back down. Good choice! The hike in started with a tortuga reserve. These babies came from another island, so they are kept contained as to preserve each islands natural fauna.

The hike continued through intense mud. Quite a few spills by the other hikers. Not gonna lie. It was pretty funny! Jon and I, donning our tennis shoes, did just fine. We hiked through the pirate oncaves! Sailors new about this island and its natural spring for many years. It was a common stopping point. The sailors carved little shelters and kitchens into the ashen rock for protection.

After our hike we snorkeled, had lunch and made our way back on the boat. We stopped for a bird frenzy. We saw pinguinos, boobies (nascaw and blue footed) and more sea birds! We have been doing pretty well on our quest to find the wildlife of the Galapagos. Stay tuned...

Galapagos Parte Uno

2010-03-26T12:36:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe I am in the Galapagos!! Can you? Match day came and went and as fast as you can say Charles Darwin, I was on a plane to Guayaquil. I landed late Saturday night where Jon was waiting in the lobby with a handcrafted Dr. Geier sign he had colored at the hostel. Poor guy must have been a wee bit bored. We taxied to the Hostel, which was a tad steamy, but had miniature monkeys and turtles and parrots in the lobby. Up early the next am for our flight to the Galapagos. Proof....

The arrival! Jon enhanced these photos and they are seriously amazing. You get the non enhanced version because it took me about an hour to load them! There were rainbows galore as we flew through the clouds to the little airport on Santa Cruz. yes. I flew through rainbows to land in the Galapagos. Heaven on earth

We landed, bought our admission which goes to the national park funds, and boated/taxied to our hotel. It is a very nice hostel/hotel, with air conditioning, private bathroom and a dvd player What more could you want. BTW a fantastic thing about Central/South America is that you can buy pirated DVDs for about $1.50. Not that I've done that...

First things first, good eats! We were advised by a local to stop by this ceviche shop. It was run by an old man next door, who served his creation with SA ketchup and banana chips. Throwing caution to the wind we devoured this delicious ceviche. The travel doc was pretty adamant about her eating recommendations. Nothing raw, nothing on the street, nothing you can't peel...thanks. Advice taken and promptly discarded.

Bellies full it was time to wander about town. Sea lions are everywhere. The small ones are calm, and mostly sleep, itch themselves and do sea lion yoga. Large lions however, grunt and hiss at you should you approach their "territory". Such strange animals. Sort of like slightly more agile manatees on land, but flipping twisting wonderful creatures in the water.

Our rather aimless wandering brought us to the Charles Darwin Center. We began our hike up to see the Tortugas and were immediatly struck by how many gecko/unidentified lizard species there are! These red necked guys are my favorite.

This brought us to the Tortugas! We were able to hijack a cruise ship tour, thrifty!! The turtles were thought to have floated over to the Galapogos on pieces of vegetation that broke off from the land. They are able to survive for months without food or water. This is why no land mammals are found on the Galapagos. Depending on the elevation and vegetation of the island, the tortugas developed different shells. They became giant because they found ample food, with virtually no predators. The islands with lush vegitation created low and extremely large turltes. Islands with less ground cover cause turtles to develop the saddle back and longer legs, so there were able to stick their neck up and eat higher up.

They apparently store much fluid in their pericardium, and therefore were taken by pirates and whalers. The sailors would ravage the tortise population for fluids, and also would take them aboard because they needed no food/water, but provided meat, fluid and oil to the sailors. Therefore the tortuga population became depleted. In fact at one point a single turtle was left on one of the norther islands, lonesome George, and when he was discovered he was brought to Santa Cruze to the Darwin center for safe keeping. Since they have been trying to breed with various females, but have not been successful. Turtles live for 150 years and are most sexually active from about 80-100 years old.

The Darwin Center has a section for males, females and babies. The babies are kept there for about 5 years, until their shells harden. At that point, they have virtually no predators and may be released to the low lands. It takes them about 25 years to make their way up to lusher surroundings.

After visiting the turtles we stopped at a rocky beach that was literally crawling with crabs.

Stopped for a pisco sour (left) on the way home. We sipped on the dock with marine iguanas and sea lions.

The center of town boasts and impressive street of kiosks that open after about 7pm. They serve mainly rice and meat or rice and seafood dishes. Here was encocado de camaron. A delicious shrimp dish in creamy coconut sauce. Holy yum. If you eat on the street, they use virutally no gluten. However, in restuarants we have run across a few sauce problems, soy sauce, teriyaki etc.

Jon, contemplating our next move...er, next culinary delight!

Hasta luego, stay tuned. Next up includes tortuga bay, floreana and scuba (seriously!, my chicken butt scuba-ed).

And the celebrations continued

2010-03-20T00:12:00.003-05:00

Wine with Mom and Lisa!

Class party at the W!

Sancia and I-Body buddies 4 years later!

Body Buddy 2-Chad!

Jon's roomie-The famous Daniel

The lovely Molly-we survived crazy busy endo together!

And I'm off to Ecuador! Stay posted, I'll try to get a post up now and again!

Triple Gopher!

2010-03-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

And I matched!

At the U of MN!

I'll be a Triple Gopher, and I haven't been to a game since Bobby Jackson! Oops!

Pre-match retreat!

2010-03-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

One more day...

The manfriend in action.

2010-03-16T23:24:00.006-05:00

And now, 10 on tuesday- a strange breed!

1. Quick! Zombies are coming!! What do you do?

Barricade myself in a Pub ala Shaun of the dead

2. Whew, that was a close one. …I think your phone is ringing. Oh, it’s your best friend! She thinks she’s been bitten by a zombie. What advice do you give her?

Make sure she's had her tetanus updated, then run to the pub.

3. You realize it’s time to leave your current location because it’s clearly not safe anymore. Are you going to move at night or day? Defend your reasoning.

During the day. Night is scary. Because, more people die at night in horror movies.

4. During your relocation, you come across a weapon superstore. My, that’s convenient. What kind of weaponry do you choose?

One with automatic aiming?

5. As you leave, an old lady on the side of the street begs you to help her. Do you? Why or why not?

nope. I already have my wilderness explorer's "assist the elderly" badge. Besides, she might be a zombie.

6. Good choice, you’re clearly a good person to have around in a zombie apocalypse. Oh hey, there’s a wifi signal here! You can’t stay long but this is your chance to gather some intel on the current situation. What’s the first website you check?

gmail. Maybe my mom emailed me an escape route.

7. SHH! What was that noise?!

gnawing on flesh? this is getting morbid. I did just watch zombieland!

8. I think it’s time to get out of here. I hope you have a plan. Where are you going now?

We've established this, I'm going to the pub to wait for the british army.

9. Wait a minute, that looks like a bite mark on your arm… You may be infected too! Will you tell other people?

No. HIPPA protects my health information, and you should too.

10. How does this story end?

I wake from REM, slightly sweaty, and hear the robins chirping. Too much sugar before bed gives you bad dreams. (that statement has not been confirmed by my sleep medicine attendings)

sigh #1

2010-03-16T18:46:00.000-05:00

NRMP Staff

to me

Congratulations! You have matched.

SA preview.

2010-03-11T23:38:00.000-06:00

Want a preview?

Sent thanks to the manfriend's fantástico food photography. He's off to the Jungle tomorrow, a real live Mogli.

Mystery meat on the street

Cheese filled breakfast

Did Jon find pancakes?

On a gluten free note: avocados apparently cost 20 cents, and you can get 5 peaches for one dolla! H*ll yeah!

Or: Holy mother of god. Chicken eating spiders!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/spiderman.shtml

IN PERU!!!!!!!!Yes. That's a normal sized chicken.

If this thing comes tap tap tapping on my tent in the middle of the night, I'm throwing Jon to the dogs...er spiders... while I play chicken, or something.

Lord help me, wherever I wander, wherever I roam.

You know what time it is.

2010-03-09T23:54:00.001-06:00

The boys are headin to texas for SXSW. Good Luck!

mmmhmmm. ok.

Ten on Tuesday

from Knitting Yarns by Lisa from Lisa's Yarns

1. Of your current hobbies, which would you choose to spend more time, money, and effort on? Why?

Yoga. Because I'm pretty sure my mind and body need it. Lucky for me, it's free on comcast!

2. List the two other hobbies/habitual activies (not chores) besides the one listed above that you regularly do now and didn’t choose in question one.

-Reading
-Cooking

3. Why are you spending time on the above two hobbies/habitual activies at all if you really wanted to spend your time on the first one you chose? …or to put it another way, what are these two hobbies/habitual activities fullfilling that the first one doesn’t if you don’t want to put all your effort into the first hobby?

Dude. Variety is the spice of life.

4. Ready John 3:16 in the bible… In what way does this passage affect you? What are your feelings towards these words, positively or negatively?

I googled it. So clearly, i'm not reciting it nightly. It is absolutely is true and honest. However, I also love this quote...

"I think everybody should like everybody." Andy Warhol.

Honestly, I think the each person should spend a lot more time looking at their heart and their actions than looking at the Bible.

5. M&M’s: nuts, no nuts, or peanut butter?
? This question is sort of incoherent. I like M&M's. I prefer them without nuts. But I love nuts. I love peanut butter. I also would love peanut butter M&Ms. everyone should like everyone...unless you have a nut allergy.

6. Putting away the feeling of pride being a bad thing; what secretly/openly are you proud about yourself?

Well. I'm proud I've made it to the end of medical school. I see a light, and it's at the equator.

7. Given one room in the house to do with what you want, not changing the actual size of the room and with all the money you would need, what would you do, and be specific? (this can range from bouncy floor,walls & ceilings; to hard wood floor with wood paneling and purple ceiling with a chair; to nothing)

Kitchen. Holy cow. I have zero counter space and rickety old appliances. It does have charm... I wouldn't stray too far from the feel of the apt, but I would make it more user friendly.

8. What’s the next movie you’re going to see? Not what you’d LIKE to GO see, but the next movie you realistically are going to watch.

Up should arrive tomorrow.

9. Use the keyboard only and make your best smiley/funny/cool face –> like this! 8^)

Ok. ;)

10. What makes you cry? What makes you pray? What makes you laugh?

Cry - feeling out of control, being angry, sappy romantic movies

Pray - tests, bedtime

Laugh - Children, friends, Mitch Hedberg.

There is a God

2010-03-05T00:08:00.001-06:00

There is a God! Hallelujah. I ran today! 3 slow but steady miles. Followed by serious sweating on the step mill. Have you every tried that contraption?

I go up stairs all the time, and seem to manage it just fine. However, apparently going up stairs at the gym makes me sweat bullets. I think my buttoski might hurt tomorrow. But back to the main event....My wonky pelvis made it 3 miles.

And I didn't break, break my. Break, break my pelvis. I think. My blog is turning int MTV college Jamz. Sorry. I'm not sure what's going on.

Back to my pelvis, I know, you're enthralled. I can tell I ran on it, but it's no where near the pain of 3 weeks ago. Maybe those vitamin supplements are helping. Thank goodness, biking was getting WAY old.

How do you heal your body?

I've been inundated with vaccinations in preparation to travel to SA. In fact, today was Yellow fever. While injecting me, the travel nurse calmly stated, "You know, these are pretty exotic vaccines. You should probably tell someone you're getting them. You know, just in case."

Thanks. If I end up MIA blogworld, make sure i'm still breathing. I did get live yellow fever today.

I'll start typhoid on Sat. I'm a bit nervous about that one, as I've heard it might make you a bit..well..pukey.

Aptly, I'll share a recipe for the soul. Or for my immune system. Please, make your antibodies peacefully. Thanks. Many people need healing, and when they do, deliver chicken noodle soup. Here's my batch, made for someone who needed it more than my yellow fevered blood.

Recipe via the soul of my mama. BTW, how many mom's have blogs? I know, mine is especially cool.

Buy a package of chicken thighs
Brown the thighs in your dutch oven
Add chicken stock to cover the thighs and simmer for 30 min
Do some choppin, carrots, celery, onion
Remove thighs, reserve broth
Add olive oil and sweat your Mirepoix
Do not brown! I left this step a tad too long, and had to switch pots. Oh well, C'est la vie.
Once tender-15 min? Add a bunch more stock. maybe 4 cups
Add dried herbs: my choices included basil, mural of flavors, and a restrained dose of tarragon
Dump in your reserved broth from the thighs, and add in the thighs-deboned and broken into chunks. I like the meat in semi-generous bite sizes. I wouldn't shred it. Unless you want to. It's a free world.
Simmer another 30 min
Package 'er up, and slurp for your spirit, or deliver for a friend's.

Upon serving, you can boil up noodles of your choice. GF friends, I'd recommend quinoa noodles or brown rice. For the real world, egg noodles are #1. It's best to keep the noodles and soup separate, then combine prior re-heating and serving. No one likes a soggy noodle.

February Recap

2010-03-03T00:12:00.000-06:00

February Recap

brought to you by Knitting Yarns by Lisa from Lisa's Yarns

Well, March seems to have come in like a lamb. Lucky me, i'll be sunning myself in ECUADOR when it leaves like a lion. Sorry Minnesota, but hasta la vista. And yes folks, my rank list is officially in. Now the computer Gods do their thing. And thus, my blog has returned from secrecy. Sorry, but interviewers googling me and asking me questions about high school pit band performances got a bit too close for comfort. Yes. for real.

Current Book(s):
I feel sort of embarrassed filling this out after Lisa! But alas, I spend way more time on my butt watching BRAVO than reading, i'll admit it, sorta lame. I'm reading wasted right now. Next up : Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, gifted by the manfriend. Finished: the Shack: interesting ideas at times yes, but overall one of the worst books i've read from a non-chick lit standpoint.

Current Music: Well. Apparently now I listen to hip hop. I've downloaded a couple of Flo Rida songs, good for the biking. Since my hip went wonky and I can't run...see below.

Flo rida - Right Round @ Yahoo! Video

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Nuts. Holy cow. I discovered the numerous fantastic combos of nuts/dried fruit and fantastic flavors at trader Joes. I'm like a heat seeking missile right to the spicy&tangy almonds. It's a little out of control. I'm starting to feel like a bear.

Current Colors:
well. I wear the same dang black pants every day. Why? I'm lazy. I do wash them... at least every other week! Come on. It's not like my legs sweat.

Current Obsessions:
I see shame inducing pleasures as an obsession. But ok, I'll pick something else. The bachelor. I was so pumped, and it started so good. But now it's over. What a let down. Sort of like if a pinata broke and it only had now and laters inside.

Current Drink:
Tea lattes-breakfast tea with almond milk. mmmmm.

Current Song:
Ok i'll pick another. Ready for some more poptastic tune-age. What? I like train? Catchy stuff.

Current Movie:
I have Dopamine sitting on my side table. It's been there for 2 weeks. I should probably get to it. I watched Roller Girls-fantastic. Paper heart-absolutely delightful!

Current TV Shows:
Big Love. I've also started watching How to Make it in America. Do you think he'd marry me? That would be nice.

Current Wish-List:
-matching

-waterproof jacket
-new running shoes
-new pelvis

Current Needs:
-Calcium and vitamin D

Current Triumph:
-I don't have much to brag about right now. I have worn matching socks every day this week.

Current Bane of my Existence:
- Lisa, I hear your pain. OVER 2 weeks ago, I was on the treadmill running and I started getting a weird achy pain in my L hip/groin. It STILL hurts, and I can't run. It hurts to push on my ischium. Not sure why, but it's blowing the big one not running. Biking/elliptical does not give the endorphin release running does. I'm hanging in there, barely.

Current Goal:
- Make it to match. And get my wonky pelvis to ecuador.

Current Indulgence:
- I bought coasters on ETSY. Yes I'm broke. But gosh, they were so darn cool.

Current Blessings:
-An entire week >30 degrees. Can I get an AMEN.

Current Slang or Saying:
-"I need to know this". I'm trying to motivate myself. Lord, help me. 3 more days of big thyroids, small testicles and high blood sugar.

Current (Fav) Outfit:
- Anytime I can wear my glamorous target brown leather boots.

Current Excitement:
-Matching. Yellow fever vaccine this Thursday! whoohoo.

Current Mood:
-Honestly, a bit grouchy lately. I'm sure my family will second that. sorry!

Super sorta sushi supper

2010-02-19T22:13:00.003-06:00

Delicious weekend. Perfect for lent. Anyone looking for a little sea food inspiration?

These babies are delicious. However, I must say, they are a tad bit messy to eat. I would suggest deconstructing them into a salad. For practical purposes. However, when I'm looking for something wild and crazy on a Friday night, I'll risk the messy hands and roll me up some riceless sorta-sushi rolls.

Start with a toasted nori roll. Head to a chinese grocer for some super fantastic deals. Also, if you are out of chintzy chinese paper decorations, you can stock up! Pile in some mixed greens. I opt for spring greens, spinich, or arrruuuugula.

TJ's sells a frozen pepper medly. I speed defrost them.... aka toss them in the skillet with some tamari till they are warm and your kitchen smells nice and salty. Then I take grated carrots and warm them in the microwave with tamari and wasabi powder. You could use them raw, but in the wrap I think they work a bit better slightly tenderized. Top with some shrimpies, for the protein, and the cholesterol.

Yum yum yum.

Roll em up. I usually dip them in my standby: rice vin, toasted sesame oil, tamari and mirin. slurp slurp delish.

Relax this weekend. My Rx: sleep, sushi-ish rolls and sun salutations :) btw. Mt Dew is not part of my weekend recommendations, but sometimes a girls gotta do what a girls gotta dew.

FAT 10 on Tuesday

2010-02-16T22:59:00.000-06:00

Alrighty, as I veg out and watch millionaire matchmaker, I'll humor you with my 10 on tuesday ramblings. However, this is a food blog.... so I will also share with you the most fantastic creation my genius mind has ever spurted out. Not that I'm full of myself or anything. Fat Tuesday calls for a Fatty fat recipe.

Holy Land Peanut Butter Honey Surprise (is almost lent you know, make sure you don't give up PB, you'll regret it!...also not really a surprise as the only ingredients are in the name...whatev)

PROCEDURE:
1. Buy all natural (peanuts only) PB- no, not skippy.
2. Dump out the nasty oil on the top (those sewer rats need their healthy fats too, you however probably get enough without this extra grease layer)
3. Squeeze Squeeze Squeeze honey into the jar.
4. Stir like a woman with much stronger biceps than you were actually born with, aka vigorously
5. Lick the spoon
6. Refrigerate
7. Enjoy your sweet delicious spread on whatever is calling PB-Honey's name.

This is healthy folks! You'll probably use the same amount of PB you normally do, but the addition of honey makes it extra freakin fantastic, AND get this...lower in calories. I mean, relatively. We aren't talking fake diet cardboard semi-consumable food here. This is real food/ Real honest to goodness delight for our tastebuds, made slightly less gluttonous, every bit helps.

Fat Tuesday, live it up. And by live it up, I mean, eat a cupcake.

1. If you could open any type of store/place of business (money is no obstacle), what would you open?
Probably and antique store. I would work in the trinkets department.

2. If all jobs paid equally, what occupation would you want? Why?
I guess at this point, I better still say doctor. I haven't tried it yet, and I've spent a lot of time trying to get there. I'll give it a try before I switch to and archeologist who teaches trumpet and piano lessons to Egyptian children on the side.

3. If you could be any animal in the world, what would you pick? Why?
This is very hard! Forever-a housecat. For a day, an brontosaurs. Yes this would involve time travel, but the question already borders on the impossible, so I think it's ok.

4. If offered one “service” free of charge, which would you choose? (chauffeur, maid, personal shopper, chef, etc.)
I would have a cleaning lady. Yes, I would want a lady. Yes, I realize this might not be the most expected answer from my flaming liberal butt. I don't think generations of grandmother's elbow grease genes are possessed in adequate quantities in males. Probably something on the X chromosome, or genetic skewing or something. The chaos in my life is clearly demonstrated by the messiness of my apartment. I hate this. I am so much calmer when the space is de-cluttered and the floors are sparkly. If this could happen for me during times of stress I think I would generally be a better person to be around. Oh cleaning lady, come to me with your bucket of lysol and your old toothbrush ready for scrubbing grout!

5. What is one habit, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to break?
Freaking out. I don't handle stress that well. Maybe externally I'm calm, but inside my stomach is doing backflips with a net full of butterflies.

6. What is one thing that no matter how many you own, you still love to buy all the time?
hmmm. Orignially I would say candles, but clearly when they burn out you don't own them anymore. So that's a reasonable purchase. I would say songs. I love buying songs. One dollar at a time, that's nothin. Clearly I never took an accounting class.

7. Out of all the game shows (past and present), which would you want to be a participant on and play?
hmm. I actually really hate game shoes. I'd try out for the bachelorette, because, I don't know. This is also a totally irrational answer.

8. If you could play the lead role in any movie that’s already been made, which movie would you pick?
I'd love to be Kat on 10 things I hate about you, because Heath Ledger is dreamy. I'd also like to be Judy Garland, pretty much role when she was young and warbley.

9. Name 5 things on your bucket list (things you want to do before you die).
-Go to egypt
-Have a family
-Be content
-Wine and cheese tasting across Italy
-See a whale in the ocean

10. Which one of your birthdays was the best? What did you do that day?
Not gonna lie, my birthday stinks just a little. It tends to get absorbed by the glory that is Christmas. In any case, 2 years ago, my best friends Jen and Jess came over to my apt. We baked Christmas cookies, fudge and spiced nuts. We then hit up Dixies for some salsa (dancing, not dipping. although sometimes there's dipping in dancing!) It was a lovely night with my favorite ladies!

Le Love

2010-02-14T21:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines day loved ones! Obviously, I'm blogging at 9:20 on Vday while watching keeping up with the kardashians...aka flying solo. I did however, prepare a fantabulous recipe for your tasting pleasure. Straight out of Italy. Well, gluten free Italy. Or, my Italian inspired rendition of gluten free Italy. Whatever. Trust me you will love it. And your hips will love it too, and they don't lie.

Task One: 45 min of roasting a split and de-seeded spaghetti squash cut side down at 350.

Really, just cook it till its done. I like to leave mine a titch crunchy. I know i'll be microwaving the leftovers, so a bit al dente works perfectly. Do not try to throw spaghetti squash strands at the wall to test for done-ness. Instead, act like a civilized person and dig the fork in. If it peels back easily, you are close. Then taste for your preference. And by all means, keep that pinky (pinkie?) up, this is valentines day!

Once you feel the squash is on it's home stretch, start your sauce. I sauteed chopped onions and garlic first. Then I sprinkled dried thyme, basil and a smidge of tarrgon to the mix. Followed with generous glugs of tomato sauce, and top with handfuls of spinach and balsamic. I swear, I sweat balsamic vinager. It works on EVERYTHING. Well maybe not cereal, yet...

Next up, plating. Make sure you do a fantastic job. You know, to impress yourself! It ok Self, you've already won me over. Anyways. Pile in some spaghetti (squash) strands, top with your semi homemade sauce and garnish with the love of my life. KRAFT Parmesan cheese. Holy yum. This take on spagetti is seriously fantastic. I really just want the sauce and cheese anyways. You won't miss the pasta, I promise. The squash makes the flavor of the sauce absolutely pop. So make sure you spend your time there. I might try to add red wine next time. I have plenty of leftovers to experiment with. Don't worry mom, the canister of cheese definitely accompanied me to my table and was applied much more liberally at many pauses throughout the meal. This picture was totally staged to make me "seem" like a normal human.

Happy Valentines day loves. When all else fails. Put on lipstick, drink red wine, and just BE fabulous:)

10 on tuesday

2010-02-10T00:26:00.000-06:00

1. Fill in the blank. Sometimes I wish my life was more ______.
certain. Match day is giving me a stress ulcer. Note: A real medical stress ulcer is a big deal. It happens when to patients in the ICU on ventilators or in some sort of organ failure. Stress ulcers are not, contrary to what we may colloquially say: "oh my gosh, I'm so stressed I gave myself an ulcer" Did you know that?

2. How do you cure the hiccups?
I always hiccup once after I take my first sip of pop from a straw. It's the carbonation burst I think. In general, hiccups don't need to be "cured". Just let your diaphragm settle down. Or take out a knife and aim for either the phrenic or vagal nerve to stop the reflex arc, your choice.

3. What are three of your favorite indulgences?
-ice cream
-candles
-cheap tops from forever 21
-***letting my mom do my laundry while I heal my stress ulcer of the semester :)

4. Where is the most exotic place you would like to travel to? The most mundane?
- Most exotic - Egypt. I NEED to see the pyramids. If all goes as planned I'm shipping out shortly to ecuador and peru. Galapagos + Machu Piccu here I come :)
- Most mundane -Inver Grove Heights, laundry, HBO and little brother time fills the soul :)

5. Does having your time planned out stress you or relax you?
I'm very unpredictable when it comes to planning my time. Meaning, sometimes I insit on having every second planned and freak out if I don't know exactly what time something is starting etc. But, sometimes, my alternate personality takes over and I become and angry monster when you try to pin me down. Like, jesus martha, I'll get to it when I do, sometime...I'm busy sitting on my butt now, leave me alone! This is not rational behavior. I recognize this. However, I'm not yet ready to change it :)

6. What are your favourite fabrics to wear?
The touch, the feel of cotton...dobedobedo, the fabric of our lives!

7. Do you sleep through the night?
Well I do sometimes. Unless A) I drank too much crystal light, B) I have a nightmare. Medical school gives me crazy wonky nightmares. Like, during anatomy I had a reoccurring dream that a spleen with a gigantic curly splenic artery was in my bed. I kept rolling to the other side and it would follow me, with all its bloody splenic nastiness. ahhhh

That was it, but it went on forever!!! Or this week, I dreamed I was at the gym in some hotel and the treadmill was broken. I turned around to get off and the room turned into a trauma bay with about 15 babies on the floor with bleeding head wounds. It was horrible. I need a vacation. I'm in endocrinology now. Let's just pray I don't start dreaming about hypogonadism. You can google pictures of that on your own time.

8. When you were younger, what did you think you would be doing at this age? How close is that to what you are doing?
I thought I'd be a an archeologist. You could get mightily philosophical and say that medicine is discovering each patients history of disease and uncovering their hidden and buried facts. But really, not so much. I envisioned myself in the desert digging up the next King Tut. I'm not even close to that. Although I do have a cat, and dig sandy treasures out of his box on a regular basis. I also, like many 8 year olds, thought for sure I'd be married with babies by now. Oh well.

9. What has surprised you most about growing up?
I couldn't agree with Lisa more. I don't feel grown up. I guess I'm surprised by how little I know about life sometimes. I can tell you exactly how antipsychotics affect your pituitary. However, my headlight is out, and I'm really not sure how one goes about fixing that. Better call my dad...

10. Are you good at keeping secrets?
Um. In a professional sense I keep confidentiality extremely well. On a personal level I am pretty good, unless I need to tell a secret, then I use my judgment. People tell me all kinds of things, and I don't tend to share what I'm told. But I can't think of many times when people actually ask me to keep secrets. Thankfully that's been on a steady decline since junior high.

A moment to...

2010-01-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

Wow! I have been totally MIA. I have an excuse though. I took another set of boards and went on..wait let me count...6 interviews since my last post. Then I started in the emergency room. Which. meh. no comment. I only have 3 shifts left though. woot woot. unfortch they are night time shifts, but oh well. That...may...decrease the number of primary care visits you see in the ED, so it might actually be a bit slower. I'll keep you posted! I figured I'd give my brain a rest by filling out Lisa and Abby's January recap.

Current Books:
-I should be reading my emergency medicine packet. I, however, am not. senioritis? I am almost done with The Shack. It has interesting concepts, but very poorly written... enough on that.

Current Music:
-Well, I have been trying to increase my mileage on the "dreadmill", so I'm currently trying to find fantastic running songs. I'm currently LOVING empire state of mind.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
-Way to many hot fudge sundaes this month...oops. And goat cheese...but a girl has got to get some calcium, so its not all bad.

Current Colors:
-Colors huh. Well I'm wearing a lot of brown when I venture into the read world. Otherwise I wear pretty periwinkle blue scrubs daily, usually with pink socks. Do you think patients take you less seriously with pink socks on? never thought about that.

Current obsessions:
Truthfully I'm obsessed with graduating and matching. Lightheartedly I'm obsessed with sushi inspired salads. Mixed greens, edamame, tomatoes, mushrooms, cucs, green pepper and toasted nori. Wasabi, rice vin, tamari, sesame oil and mirin for the dressing. slurp, delish. See-free recipe-still a food blog.

Current Drink:
I second Abby's love for citrus. Ice water with lemon-yumyumyum. I have not bought wine in along time but recently tried a cheapo sangoviese from TJs and its delish. Oh, and I've been guzzling la croix sparkling water too, must be all those salty salads :)

Current Song:
Well-repeat: Empire state of mind.

Current Movie:
I just watched 500 days of summer...ridiculously good.

Current TV Shows:
The crazy real housewives as always. I've also been watching the bachelor. I got hooked by this guy...

Because, seriously, he looks like Jon. Then I couldn't help but watch Gillian because she was just so spunky.

And everyone knows she made a huge mistake by sending Jake home. So you see, now they've got me in their web.

Ahhh. The wings of love.

Current Needs:I need match day to be over. I need to know whats going to happen for the next 4-5 years of my life. AHHH. torture.

Current Triumph:
Hmm. Currently all my clean clothes are actually in drawers. Yes mom, it's true. Unless of course you open my closet...yikes.

Current Bane of my ExistenceParking. No med student love at the university. They make us park across the river, then do night shifts in the emergency room. smart. I will not walk 2 miles to my car at 1 am. Especially since apparently now you will get shot outside the hospital...

Current Goal:
Well I'd like to graduate. I'd also like to run a half marathon before I start residency.

Current Indulgence:
Well besides ice cream sundaes that would make any diabetic shiver his timbers...I just bought 5 fancy cheese's and a bottle of red wine at trader joes. WILD weekend! In fact, the Emergency room doc I was with yesterday actually said to me, and I quote... " so do you and your cat, have like, a big date night planned?" nice...

Current Blessing:
Honestly, not having to make up all my shifts in the emergency room. I missed 3 for interviews. We are allowed 2 sick/personal days a rotation. I'm actually USING them. I have not, EVER, taken a day off before. It's time. good gravy.

Current Slang or Saying:
Interesitng. I did type unfortch earlier. I guess I've started shortening words. I was with a 60 something year old neurologist who kept saying, "wow, that's terrif!" Maybe it rubbed off:)

Current Outfit:
Really... Ok you asked for it. The first day in oh, 12 I haven't worn scrubs. I really stepped it up. Red thermal shirt and grey cotton shorts. I look terrif.

Current Excitement
I'm trying to figure out how to get my MN butt to Ecuador. It's exciting. Let's see if it happens. Otherwise, I'm really excited Big Love is back on. Sigh. I have no life.

Current Mood:
I'm in a pretty good mood. I am sitting on my butt in my apt, with DAYS OFF ahead of me. I have not had a day in the last 11, feels nice.

2010

2010-01-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

Belated Christmas

2009-12-27T23:12:00.000-06:00

Better Get my Tuesday post in before I'm an entire week late! Christmas was fantastically relaxing, and I'm stuffed to the brim with gluten free cookies and Reuben dip thanks to my glorious mother. Heading out for another interview tomorrow (when will these end?), and spent the night vegging and catching up on Glee. Love it.

1. When do you put up and take down your Christmas decorations?
I try to put them up after thanksgiving, but I usually wait til at least December. It takes me a while, because I must do a thorough cleaning before I decorate. Dust and tacky xmas junk is not a good combo for my psyche. I usually leave them up till after new years, but not till epiphany. I'm ready to declutter. I have on occasion left ONLY the snowflakes up until February though!

2. What do you do to simplify the holiday season?
Well lets see. This year I took boards right before Christmas, so I simplified by almost totally ignoring it. I bought presents for the little ones, and my mom...and that's it. sorry everyone!

3. What do you do to remind yourself and your family what the Christmas season is all about?
I think making it a priority to just spend the day with those you love is the best way to remember to always keep love in your heart.

4. How do you spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Christmas Eve is spent with my dad's sisters and assorted cousins. Christmas day is reserved for sitting around in my pjs and playing trivia with my family! And of course, a smorgasbord of appetizers is provided. yum.

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
I love how my mom wraps toiletries up for us in our stockings. We actually don't stick to many steadfast traditions. I do love the pickle rolls on Christmas eve. those are mandatory :)

6. Did you do the whole Santa thing growing up? What do you like/not like about continuing the tradition?
We had Santa, but nothing overly elaborate. One year my Dad rang jingle bells outside. Most memorably, we would go downtown and see Santa, shop and eat fast food by a gigantic fountain. One year, nick absolutely freaked out and bolted off Santa's lap into the towel section of Daytons. HAHA. I had Santa all to myself :)

7. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
Hands down, my grandma's lemon sugar cookies. I would just lay on the couch with a tin of those babies! yum. no GF substitute however, tear. But I do love my mom's buckeyes, and this year we got wonderful gingerbread cookies from Bittersweet Bakery.

8. How do you take your egg nog?
I've never "taken" it. However, one year at midnight mass a sorry parishioner imbibed a bit too zealously on the creamy stuff and lost his nog in the pew, aisle and potted plant during silent night. Sick. Lost my desire to partake in that sticky sweet vomity traditional beverage.

9. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?
Hmmm. Hard one. Probably Do you hear what I hear, I can sing a mean harmony to that one.

10. When was the last time you had a white Christmas?
Well this Christmas was about 16 inches of whiteness! In MN this is usually not a problem.

sleepy

2009-12-19T09:28:00.000-06:00

I'm so sleepy. A quick post to wake my mind? Then back to the books.

25 foods you would never miss.

1. twinkies
2. Ho Hos
3. Hot dogs
4. Kraft mac and cheese
5. milk
6. walnuts
5. Hot pockets
6. frozen pizza
7. redi whip
8. sprinkles
9. egg mcmuffins
10. neopolitan ice cream
11. maraschino cherries
12. jelly donoughts
13. malt o meal
14. black licorice
15. candy corn
16. chow mein
17. regular pop
18. pimento loaf
19. bologna
20. toaster strudel
21. angel food cake
22. egg bakes
23. instant coffee
24. cafeteria turkey gravey
25. fish sticks

10 on Tuesday!

2009-12-15T23:13:00.001-06:00

Back from the windy city, ready for tuesday!

1) If you could change anything about your physical appearance, what would it be?
Well let's see. I think I'd add wings.

2) Is there a habit in others that you find annoying?
Being late. period. Super freaking rude.

3) What is your favorite recipe using ground beef?
gross. I haven't used ground beef....ever. However, i will submit for the sake of 10 on tuesday. My daycare mom made some fan-freaking-tastic mac and cheese hamburger casserole.

4) What was your favorite book as a kid?
A -la the Abster- Roald Dahl. Matilda. I love this book. I checked it out from Shannon Park Elementary too many times though. I was actually banned by the check out lady from checking it out for a short while. I did however handcraft a bookmark with a fantastic drawing (by yours truly) of Matilda atop a pile of books stating-"Matilda reads, you should too". I did think of that, thanks. Oh yes. I won the 4th grade bookmark competition and that fabulous creation was printed for the entire school's bookmarking pleasure. Ahhh. to peak in 4th grade...

5) Did you work as a teenager. If so, where?
Teenager. Why yes I did. I was a marvelous secretary and impeccably honest "money counter" at Midwest Vending! Great job, complete with all the expired pop you can drink!

6) Did you work in college? If so, where?
I did. My freshman year I filed junk at the office of admissions. Then I got serious. HA! I made peptides. Then I inactivated cytochrome P450s with nicotine. I also graded signal transduction/gene expression homework. Huge nerd. whatever.

7) When you go to sleep do you need total darkness or semi? When you go to sleep do you need total quiet or is some noise okay?
I like total darkness and total quiet. When I was little I used to be kept up at night by a twitching noise. I could not for the life of me figure out what it was. I was convinced my eyelashes were the culprite, despite literally grabbing my eyelash to stabilize the sucker. Only after a nearly complete medical education to I realize it was my pulse. temporal arteries y'all.

8) When doing laundry, fabric softener or not?
Hello. Obv. who wants scratchy socks?

9) Open toed or close-toed shoes?
Right now, given the frigid temps and snow I'll opt for closed.

10) Would you rather be blind or deaf?
Whoa nelly. I do not know. Ultimately being the progeny of 2 music teacher's I think i'd rather be blind. A world without Chopin. No thanks.

11) Dangle or stud earring?
Traditionally I love diamond studs. Thanks to a diamond friendly ex boyfriend, I'm pretty set in that dept. However, when I want to feel like a glamazon, dangles are a necessity.

12) Bottled water or tap?
I always drink tap water. I do sometimes worry I will get lead poisoning. Wait a minute. No I am not a hypochondriac. I literally see chunks of metal in my glass....on occasion.

13) What do you put on your pancakes?
I like one with butter and syrup and one with butter, cinnamon and sugar. Don't stiff me. Give me two!

14) On a long trip would you drive or fly?
If I'm with my family driving is fun. Otherwise, flying! Just got off a plane 2 hours ago!

15) Do you prefer classic old movies or new?
New. Unless I'm sad or at leech lake-then give me some Judy Garland.

Double header

2009-12-10T11:11:00.002-06:00

A double header! Why? Because these two recipes are so brainless I can successfully post them after having my butt kicked by bio-statistics this morning. The positive predictive value that you will like this post increases if the pre-test probability that you are lazy is high. Or something.

Recipe numero uno. Super fancy tomato soup. I created this concoction while studying for my neuro final. I wanted a savory snack, and this honestly couldn't be easier. Heat up a can of TJ fireroasted tomatoes (spicier than muir glen and cheaper, choose your own adventure). Then add a dab of garlic and a glug of balsamic. Pop back in the microwave or a sec and-voila-enjoy. I love chunky tomato soup. YUM. I do not miss Campbells tomato soup at all. It tastes like vomit. enough said.

Recipe numero dos. Easy snackage. I peeled and chopped a bag o carrots into fry shaped wedges, then sprayed with oil and baked at 400 ish (my oven is possessed) for around 30 min. They browned up a bit and taste delish-especially smothered in ketchup. I am the CONDIMENT queen! Also pictured on the cutest plate ever is a fuji apple and a wedge of laughing cow cheese. Have you ever dipped your apple in this cheese? You haven't? Hop to it! Alright. Cardiology questions are calling my name, I will submit-begrudgingly.

whew

2009-12-09T21:45:00.004-06:00

Big interview today. I am thinking positive thoughts, you should too! Puhleaz! Heading out on the road again tomorrow. Man I am tiring out and I'm not even half way done! Keep calm and carry on. I have to recipes for you lovelies. But I'm tired, and I need to log some boards studying time today, so I'll have to leave you "in suspension".

10 on Tuesday! Blizzard edition.

2009-12-08T17:45:00.003-06:00

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather."

John Ruskin

Brrr. Please God be kind. I have my interview at MN tomorrow. I really do not want to crash or be snowed in! Yikes. Please, let's add to the anxiety. I did however join LA fitness. Holy buckets, nice gym. I finagled a deal, lower initiation fee and an even lower monthly payment than any actual plan offers. I was pretty proud of myself. Jon thought I caved too early. Oh well. I've done two treadmill workouts there while rocking away to my katy perry pandora station. Love the iphone. seriously, how did I exist without that thing.

There we go...

1. Cost aside, if you could go (back) to college for anything besides what you currently “do,” what would you study?

I'd be a band teacher. Yep for sure.

2. What do you do for a living? Do you love it/hate it?

I don't actually make a living. I sold my soul to government loans for the next 500 years. I'm in medical school. Mostly I love it. Unless you ask me at 2 am while you are either a)puking b)sneezing or c)bleeding on me. Then I'm not a fan. If you want to bleed on me at noon, ok, I don't have qualms with that. But 2 am. nope, girl needs her beauty rest.

3. What is your favorite Christmas ornament? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, what is your favorite holiday tradition?

I LOVE this strange and ugly princess inside a purple plastic diamond type egg, hung by a green pipe cleaner. My grandma McDougall let me pick an ornament and that's what I chose. My brother tries to hide it every year. I find it an put it front and center. It's hideous though Nick, I will give you that.

4. Name something you could literally do without for the rest of your life.

Being on call? I think this question aims for you to pick something that you surprisingly don't like that others do though.... hmmm. I could easily live without, football, the lottery, cardiology, and GLUTEN.

5. If you were going to have any kind of “cosmetic procedure,” what would it be?

Well, I'm going to defer this one till after I have children. I may or may not be totally willing to get anything floppy and saggy tightened up at that point. Don't judge me. unpurse those lips.

6. Do you have any “collections”? (comic books, shoes, etc.)

I collect biochemistry texts. No kidding. Let's see. I have a beach glass collection that's pretty out of this world. I "collect" tons of crap because i'm a packrat (thanks dad) with attachment issues. But I wouldn't classify them as collections per say. As in, my collection of 50 cheap a**target shoes is of no monetary or sentimental value. I do however, have a buttload of them.

7. At what age did you get your first cell phone?

I'm not sure actually. I sort of "claimed" a cell phone in about 11th grade. My parents had 2 and I had one for the most part. My parents got me a cell phone for my birthday my freshman year of college that was 100% mine. So I suppose I was 19 exactly.

8. What is currently in your purse (or pocket or backpack if you’re a guy)?

I will have to answer this by summarizing the wad of stuff that I switch from purse to purse -aka the essentials. Yeah, I switch purses faster than Tiger switches mistresses. I'm quite the fashionista! ha.

-wallet-which holds money, lip gloss, burt's bee's and free floating ibuprofen. I always have ibuprofen with me, but when someone asks to use some I always feel like a very sketchy drug dealer digging around in my purse for loose pills. I should probably invest in a dollar section travel sized jar. Oh well. life goes on.
-a bag of almonds, and or an apple depending on how big my bag lady purse will be that day
-crystal light! yes. you never know when you'll have to whip up a delicious fruit punch
-Kleenex
- keys
-cell phone
-then depending on the purse you may find remnants of days past, concert tickets, cds, flyers, socks, pins, earrings, whatever. I'm not one to clean those babies out very often. I even have love letters from OLD boyfriends in a HS purse. I bet it will stay there forever!

9. Are you a neat-freak or a slob ? *this applies to house, office, car, etc.

Well, clearly I don't clean my purse or have much control over my shoe closet. I try to be clean. I'm sort of anal about my bathroom and kitchen. If I have a normal life, ie weekends and nights off I am very clean. When I am insanely busy my clothes get out of control and end up all over my apartment. I am not proud of this, but it's the way it is. My car is incredibly clean, as in, no visible junk. If you park in HCMC parking ramps overnight, you better not have anything out or your car windows are toast. Do not however, under any circumstances, look in my trunk. There is definitely firewood, a few plates, some boots, tons of books and windshield washer fluid back there.

10. What kind of parent do you think you will be? If you’re already a parent, what is your style?

I hope to be a good parent. I hope to bring my children up to be hard workers with love and music in their hearts. I think that's about all you need. Pretty vague. If I need more specifics I'll probably just call my mom and take notes.

Your turn - answer some, all, or none!

SOS or POS?

2009-12-03T14:10:00.004-06:00

SOS. I need help! I'm drowning in neurons... Q: What does a med student do when she is SO OVER studying? A: Make crap in the kitchen!

I get home and try to study seizures, but end up having some sort of spastic "spell" in the kitchen. My cortex says...hmmm I want pumpkin pie but I only have pumpkin and condensed milk. That wont work will it? My inner chemist starts thinking, well no eggs will make this task sort of difficult. The spazzing cells deep in my brain-where? not sure, my amygdala? quickly suppress logic. They decide : sure this will be fine. Mix a can of pumpkin, a big glug of condensed milk and some pumpkin pie spice in a Pyrex bowl. Obviously use Pyrex, you're studying, then you can just lid that baby up straight from the oven and save mucho time.

Did it work? Sure. I wouldn't send this recipe into the pioneer woman or anything. But if your thinking more like Sandy Lee quality eats, there you go. Just look at that tablescape...

Speaking of tablescapes. Check it. TJ flowers still going strong. 2 1/2 weeks!!!! And only $4.

Back to neurons. I'm at neuromuscular disorders. Once I finish I might try to demonstrate my very own neuromuscular disorder by attempting some p90X. Maybe. Or maybe I'll eat some pumpkin mush instead.

At least when this test is over I get some free time (to study for boards, major YIKES) But Saturday is the doomtree blowout. So at least I've got that going for me, which is nice...
this video does in fact have some bad words, so mom, be forewarned :)

10 on Tuesday!

2009-12-01T21:08:00.002-06:00

Whoa. I missed a whole week. I think I was in a GF food coma. I didn't make anything, so I can't post in good conscience. I am still stuffing my beak with turkey every day. Holy smokes, smoked turkey was delish. Check out the chef's blog. She's a GF goddess herself!

Another video to help you pass the time?

The BLENDERS!!! It's December. Christmas music is absolutely allowed.

1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?
The vangobots. the last 14 concerts probably!

2. Is it easy to make you cry?
Yes. absolutely.

3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?
They do for sure. It's ok. It's part of my cover. Let them relax and think you're no threat, then sneak attack!

4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:
-diet coke
-furniture polish
-glade scented candles
-balsamic vinegar
-clean sheets
-moss
-Judy Garland

5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?
Whoa. This is an extremely defining question. I watch TONS of reality TV. Holy moley. I am going to have to go with gasp, Real Housewives. (OC or NYC...I can't even go there right now)

6. What is your favorite hair care product?
Aussie 3 minute miracle. I wish I was rich and could buy a ridiculously expensive hair straightener. That is my dream hair care product...hair care item?

7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Syreeta Wright: harmour love. I'm pretty sure I want this song as my first dance at my wedding. Unless I've found a new song I'm lovin in 42 years...

8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?
hmmm. giftcards I think. I can't really say. Give me 5 minutes on ETSY and I could probably come up with something :)

9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?
I have. I sought solace in a bathroom of our county hospital one cold day last winter. It was the only time I could have a second to breathe on a busy day. So I check my hair, pull out my iphone and check my emailz, then set the phone down and take a potty break. I wash my hands and exit the restroom, back to the craziness of HCMC. Why yes, I did leave my phone in the bathroom! I noticed about 10 minutes later and RAN back to the lavatory. My phone was gone :( I called security and what do you know... Someone had turned it in :), and called my mom and jon from my phone. Good people are all around !!! I got my phone safe and sound, along with emails from mom and jon telling me to go pick up my phone and try not to be such a space cadet...

10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?
Did I attack the hordes of shoppers? No. I'm not a violent individual. I would never attack a single shopper let alone a horde of them. I did however go to Target and get some pajamas and apples. That might count.

10 on Tuesday!

2009-11-24T21:19:00.005-06:00

I know you want a tune while you read...

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an archeologist. I would check any book I could find from the library about ancient Egypt. We had this glossy King Tut picture book that I loved... I also remember learning exactly how to mummify at a very young age. You may ask: What could your father possibly be thinking as I told him all about taking brains out with hooks through the dead's noses and then packing them with bags of salt and sand? Obviously, he thought it was awesome...

2. Name 3 of your irrational fears.
-Spiders- so nasty
-Failing medical school-unlikely
-Doing too many things with my Right hand. Meaning. Oh my gosh. My right arm will be huge and my left bicep will waste away to nothingness. Gasp. I'll be lopsided!

3. If you had a $200 gift card to any store, what would you want it to be? (Nothing responsible allowed. Can’t be used for groceries or anything)
- 200 irresponsible dollars? Is Orbitz a store? Otherwise-Nordstroms-I'd buy perfume up the wazoo.

4. What is your most (blog-friendly) embarrassing moment?
- Well ok. Day one of Organic chemistry my professor told us that the grade you got in his course was the main predictor of whether or not you would be accepted into medical school. Clearly I freaked out and studied like a maniac the entire semester. Therefore, I got the top grade in the class and had to accept my Grand Prize (aka free textbook of my choice) on the last day of the semester, in front of the ENTIRE lecture hall. After the "ceremony" my professor asked me to write the tutor schedule up on the board. I was exempt from the final exam, as long as I ran a few tutoring sessions for my peers. Here is were I fall from grace... I proceed to write

Monday 5-7
Teusday 4-5
Wednesday 8-9

OMG. I just got the highest grade in O chem then spell TUESDAY wrong in front of 200 people. Wham. back to reality. dude. I was never good at spelling. ask my mom.

5. If you were only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
wow. I originally wanted to write ketchup. But I think forever would require a bit more crunch. I'll pick apples.

6. What was your favorite toy growing up?
My brother? Ok. Probably my doll Rosie.

7. Do you have a “go to” outfit? What is it?
Not really. Probably dark jeans, a long tanktop and a slightly shorter shirt. Long tanktops under shirts are slimming, even on bad days!! woot.

8. Who was the best teacher you ever had?
Hmmm. Hard one. my dad taught my middle school jazz band. He was pretty good. However, he did demote me to 4 th trumpet on blue suede shoes. Why? I have no idea. ( oh yeah, I couldn't hit the high note!)

9. If you could buy any car right now (something at least SORT OF within the realm of reality…so, you know, a Rolls Royce may not qualify), what would it be?
I would keep the Camry. My dream car however is

stop drooling...this is a chick magnet

10. How do you reckon that Chelsea comes up with 10 of these questions every week? It was hard! What’s your theory on how she’s so creative? Are you going to help her?
I'm not sure. They sure are fun though. I good looped in because my cousin's play along... I probably could help. For example...what's your favorite thanksgiving sidedish? Or. post the last song you listened to on itunes!

Play me

2009-11-23T21:40:00.003-06:00

Oh Keaton. You make me happy.I am so wasting time. I have neurology homework to do. I better get crackin. I am counting down the days till...

Geier Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family.

What is thanksgiving without a little drama right? Gluten free living aint so easy sometimes. I think as long as we...

We should be fine:)

Oh yes loves, and I'm planning on bringing these cookies for dessert! HAHA. Oh my goodness, petri dish sweets. The nerds have hit a new low...or high depending on the way you spin it.

101 Posts!

2009-11-22T19:53:00.004-06:00

Oh my gosh! I completely missed my 100th post! Oh well, 100 more here we come! A bit more complications arising regarding thanksgiving. Sigh. Serenity now. NO big deal.

I bought myself this baby at target tonight! Yum. Check the back of the container-certified GLUTEN FREE! I WILL be getting my pumpkin pie fix after all :)

I'm also thinking of making this , depending on how crazy my call night goes. Yes, I AM on call Wednesday. I will try to remember to give mucho thanks and not be a grumpy monster. I hope to come home and whip up the bars, they look SO Delicious! I am certainly not deprived. Also...

Totally GF :) Countdown to thanksgiving is in full swing. Also counting down the days till I can blare Christmas tunes and decorate without shame!

Do you want another tune? Did you read this book? Here you go folks! An autumny diddy :)

Cruisin

2009-11-21T14:53:00.004-06:00

"Alice came to the fork in the road.
“Which road do I take?” she asked.
“Where do you want to go?” responded the Cheshire cat.
“I don’t know,” Alice answered.
“Then,” said the cat, “it doesn’t matter."

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.

I've been interviewing. 3 down, lots to go. I am just keeping my suitcase packed! I don't know how people travel constantly for their jobs. I just could never do that. I did buy a diet coke and the new Klosterman book at the airport though. mmmm. Great flight home :)

This is supposed to be a recipe blog, but medicine is getting in the way. However, Thanksgiving is almost here folks!!!! I cannot wait :) I'm searching for a few good dessert recipes. I've found millions, my sweet tooth is throbbing for Thursday !

The future freaks me out

2009-11-16T21:19:00.004-06:00

It was a successful day. I had the morning off and took advantage of the sunshine and went for a run. After clinic I stopped by target and picked up the essentials -cleaning products, cat products, cute t-shirts and candles :) I'm ready to set in on some homework, but thought I'd post quickly (aka procrastinate a bit longer). I head out for interview #3 on Thursday. It's stressing me a wee bit. I coped this evening by cranking the tunes and scrubbing my floors. Mmm. My cousin Abby posted all about many uses for plain old distilled vinegar. I scrub my wood floors with vinegar and water... On my hands and knees, just the way Grandma said to. Ahh-stress relief at it's finest.