This Year's Commitment

Coming up with a resolution for the new year does not need to be a struggle.  Weight loss, vowing to exercise every single day of my life, giving up chocolate or cheese---these are things I cannot do; things that most cannot.  In general people seem to harbor the expectation that a New Year's Resolution will soon be broken, as they are often unrealistic.  Yet, the New Year is great source of motivation, a new beginning that sends many heading to the gym, granola grocery aisle, etc. to begin working toward their generally unrealistic resolution, for at least that first week of January.

In the past I have made a couple of resolutions for fun, and although I'm generally more successful with Lent, (as a 40 day resolution is waaay more attainable than one lasting 365 days) I'm trying it again.  This year my resolution is part new and part repeat of 2012.  In 2012 my resolution involved being on top of important dates, to send gifts to my loved ones on time, and to celebrate more holidays.  In review I did fairly well, I even made a German October Fest dinner.  If you didn't receive your card on time here's to hoping that I am better able to read that calendar on my wall, further in advance of your special day.  So--that is the part repeat.

The part new of my 2013 resolution is to not use any plastic grocery and/or shopping bags.  Over the last couple of years I have collected a bunch of reusable, cloth grocery bags; yet, it seems that I still manage to bring home a bag or two.  I have already become a stickler about using my reusable grocery bags and I am opposed to placing my produce and meat in extra bags but, this year I resolve to not bring home any plastic shopping bags...EVER.  Let's see how long this lasts.

So here's to 2013--No Plastic Bags, More Holiday Celebrating, and On-time Celebrations of Family/Friends.    

Stitch Stitch Away!

My first six months of rotations have been a whirlwind of learning and excitement though not one rotation has exhausted me mentally as much as Psychiatry.  I have found myself working lighter hours but returning home to hit the bed and wake up none too pleased to start again.  I actually truly enjoy having the opportunity to access psychiatric pathology first hand.  The physician I work with is incredible to observe: he is patient, kind, supportive, and thorough.  Although the work can be enjoyable albeit, exhausting --I found myself unable to decompress fully at the end of the day, sleep didn't do, cooking wasn't exciting, dog walks weren't enough.  So, I began to dig around my office looking for things that have worked in the past and I pulled out my knitting supplies.  I started to work with a pattern I found on-line but all the while I still felt as if I was forcing myself to knit something that I didn't have my heart in.  It wasn't the relaxation I was hoping for...so after about 12 lines I shoved it all back in the box and went to the store to finish my grocery list.  Upon stopping in the magazine aisle a cross-stitching magazine caught my eye.  This is a bit unusual as I haven't considered cross-stitching or worked with it since I was 8 years old.  But I took a look and decided to give it a shot---the magazine had more than a few patterns which I felt justified it's more than $5 price, and I thought the repetitive monotony of stitching could be just what I needed to release the negative energy I was fostering.  I headed to Jo-Ann's for some fabric and thread and started home ready to relax.  

Well I'm happy to say---it's been working!  I am working ever-so-slowly on a Santa portrait that is surely to not be finished in time for Christmas but, that's not the point!  Each day I come home from work and stitch a bit, releasing the energy of the day and finding myself much more relaxed.       

That Grill Pan Has Nothing on Me!

After a whirlwind of travel, moving, and beginning a new year of school, I decided to take some time to enjoy the day. I was lucky enough to be released from the office for 1/2 the day which gave me the opportunity to take Nader on an exploration of the neighborhood. On our walk we found an amazingly large and beautiful home on a nearby lake (it is for sale if you have $3 million), met another big dog named Jasper, and just barely kept from melting in the rain that began on our walk back.

I decided that I would take the plunge and use the cast-iron grill pan for the first time on my own. I was worried that it would burn or be funky because, I've never been confident of my grilling. In fact, when it comes to grilling, I'd rather trade the task for cooking the rest of the meal AND cleaning the dishes. Tonight, grilling was a success and the Grilled Pork and Peaches recipe I found was absolutely de-li-ci-o-so!

My Study Buddy

Only a few more days until I can sit down the board books, take the test, and get to some relaxation! In the mean time, this is the guy who reminds me to take breaks and go for walks.

Just Starting Out

I like to read blogs, I like searching for blogs, and I like to think about having my own blog but then I always stop and think....what would I blog about?? I kept thinking I needed a topic, something not just about school, or the hobbies I start and persistently forget to finish but, something that gave me a reason to take pictures so that I could share them with my family and friends. I wanted to have fun and share it with the world. So as I sat here studying, I thought you know what....Who needs an Excuse?? Just start a blog and have fun!

But for real.... I must continue studying!