We had a great weekend:
First a "welcome interns" party at DS and AM's new place. Full of fun people, yummy food (especially the brownies!) and new interns! Do they know what they're in for....hardly! I just give them a smug grin and wish them the best (but I am soo sooo soooo happy that we are done with intern year!)
Saturday brought a tough workout class (well 2) for me: body pump (weightlifting) and body attack (not really sure what this is but lets just say it does really attack you!) Then we organized the upstairs and main level. I love love love an organized place!
Saturday night brough an impromtu dinner to confluence park, compliments of DHs left over gift certificate! Yummy steaks and a great view of downtown and the yukky rivers.
Sunday I went scrapbooking and DH went to get Guitar Hero-Aerosmith. Yup, he's addicted after protesting me playing it! haha. Then we cleaned up the basement and he went to watch wrestling and I had M over to watch "Sliding Doors."
overall, a great weekend (And I only napped for a 1/2 hour....that is sooo much better than normal!)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
a favorite!
My friend JRP makes this for girls' weekends and as happyfoody says (where I went to get a recipe quick)...
"It’s simply amazing…there is just something about these ingredients, and the feta that makes it ADDICTING! People literally swarm around the bowl at parties…it’s gone within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to have you try it!" Us girls can devour a bowl in an evening with some tostitos scoops!
Avocado Feta Salsa
2 plum tomatoes
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T snipped fresh parsley
1 T snipped fresh oregano (or cilantro for an authentic taste)
1 T olive oil
1 T red or white wine vinegar
4 oz. feta cheese, coarsely crumbled (garlic-herb is so good)
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except feta cheese. Stir gently to mix. Gently stir in feta cheese. Cover and chill for 2 hours or up to 6 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, pitas, or homemade bread. Makes 12 (1/4 cup) servings. (I disagree, more like 5).
"It’s simply amazing…there is just something about these ingredients, and the feta that makes it ADDICTING! People literally swarm around the bowl at parties…it’s gone within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to have you try it!" Us girls can devour a bowl in an evening with some tostitos scoops!
Avocado Feta Salsa
2 plum tomatoes
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T snipped fresh parsley
1 T snipped fresh oregano (or cilantro for an authentic taste)
1 T olive oil
1 T red or white wine vinegar
4 oz. feta cheese, coarsely crumbled (garlic-herb is so good)
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except feta cheese. Stir gently to mix. Gently stir in feta cheese. Cover and chill for 2 hours or up to 6 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, pitas, or homemade bread. Makes 12 (1/4 cup) servings. (I disagree, more like 5).
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
to get my masters or not.....
I found this great online program to get my MS in Criminal Justice and several co-workers are beginning this in July. I think these last couple months have sparked an interest in returning to school for my masters. I think I can handle the time committments and the classes seem interesting (I looked through a couple text books already). It's mostly papers and I LOVE PAPERS! It's all online so no traveling and you receive the same degree that on-campus students do (University of Cincinnati).
Here's my thoughts:
1. A master's degree gets me no further than my bachelor's in my current job. No raise or quicker promotion rate.
2. We're not sure on the whole kid thing, if we do, it'd be in the next couple years but I'm confident I can handle that and schooling. Even with DH's crazy schedule.
3. After DH's residency, 4 years still, and kids or no kids, we're not sure if I'll work. I like to think I wouldn't but I do love my job a lot so giving it up would be tough, even to spend with my kids. If I don't work, this degree would sit on the shelf until kids are grown and I return to work, maybe.
4. This degree definately gets me into federal jobs, and federal pretrial and probation is a dream job of mine. Applying for this depends on location of openings and if I'll still be working at that time.
5. After raising kids, and I'm home, my master's sets me apart from other applicants in 10-12 years, when jobs will require more than just experience....think, 10-15 years ago a college degree was sufficient to move ahead. I know from experience in the criminal justice field that your experience is just as critical.....if not more so than the degree itself. So, in 10-12 years, that master's will aid me in going back to the job market. (again, that's if I stay home with any kids we may have....)
6. cost: about 20, 000 (but compared to med school, that's a drop!) Through FAFSA financial aid, I would get this covered fully through loans that mostly wouldn't be paid until graduation. At that time, DH will be 2 years from being done with residency and at that time (2012) our finances will be in a lot better shape.....
So, what are your thoughts? I was resistant to going back to school, but finding this program, talking with some friends, and thinking about it for a week now, has sparked it in me. I guess, I still am torn on the decision and I hate the unknowns about the future.
Here's my thoughts:
1. A master's degree gets me no further than my bachelor's in my current job. No raise or quicker promotion rate.
2. We're not sure on the whole kid thing, if we do, it'd be in the next couple years but I'm confident I can handle that and schooling. Even with DH's crazy schedule.
3. After DH's residency, 4 years still, and kids or no kids, we're not sure if I'll work. I like to think I wouldn't but I do love my job a lot so giving it up would be tough, even to spend with my kids. If I don't work, this degree would sit on the shelf until kids are grown and I return to work, maybe.
4. This degree definately gets me into federal jobs, and federal pretrial and probation is a dream job of mine. Applying for this depends on location of openings and if I'll still be working at that time.
5. After raising kids, and I'm home, my master's sets me apart from other applicants in 10-12 years, when jobs will require more than just experience....think, 10-15 years ago a college degree was sufficient to move ahead. I know from experience in the criminal justice field that your experience is just as critical.....if not more so than the degree itself. So, in 10-12 years, that master's will aid me in going back to the job market. (again, that's if I stay home with any kids we may have....)
6. cost: about 20, 000 (but compared to med school, that's a drop!) Through FAFSA financial aid, I would get this covered fully through loans that mostly wouldn't be paid until graduation. At that time, DH will be 2 years from being done with residency and at that time (2012) our finances will be in a lot better shape.....
So, what are your thoughts? I was resistant to going back to school, but finding this program, talking with some friends, and thinking about it for a week now, has sparked it in me. I guess, I still am torn on the decision and I hate the unknowns about the future.
ONE WEEK!
E and B, DH's sisters will be here in ONE WEEK to spend 4th of July with us! So far, it seems like it will be a relaxing weekend with lots of laughter I'm sure! (B, we gotta hide DH's book a few times, just like old times!)
We're planning on attending C-Bus' 3rd of July Red, White, Boom celebration! Then, I'm sure we'll find a suburb thats having fireworks the next night because it definately ain't the 4th without a good ole boom, oooh, and ahh!
I'm hoping that having family in town will brighten DH's spirits! He's a little nervous about July 1 and beginning his 4 years of Urology training. I'd be nervous too I guess after only 1 month this year in that specialty and now being expected to know all about it! eh?
I spent last weekend in WI with some college girls JRAE and EZE. Fun times for sure on the boat house! It was so relaxing to be on the river in the sunshine with friends! I wish I could be there every weekend!
Bear is doing a bit better, still on crate rest and still full of fiendish glee as always!
Happy Summer, a few days late, but none the less: I hope you have a great summer 08!
We're planning on attending C-Bus' 3rd of July Red, White, Boom celebration! Then, I'm sure we'll find a suburb thats having fireworks the next night because it definately ain't the 4th without a good ole boom, oooh, and ahh!
I'm hoping that having family in town will brighten DH's spirits! He's a little nervous about July 1 and beginning his 4 years of Urology training. I'd be nervous too I guess after only 1 month this year in that specialty and now being expected to know all about it! eh?
I spent last weekend in WI with some college girls JRAE and EZE. Fun times for sure on the boat house! It was so relaxing to be on the river in the sunshine with friends! I wish I could be there every weekend!
Bear is doing a bit better, still on crate rest and still full of fiendish glee as always!
Happy Summer, a few days late, but none the less: I hope you have a great summer 08!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
remember when:
we thought this was a bargain??? This was December 2007, 6 months later it's a dollar more on average!
dept of surgery black tie shin-dig
I went to DH's dept black tie dinner and ceremony last night: so fun. We are so lucky to have met such genuine and fun people through DH's work. I know they have become such good friends......especially since I went without DH and never felt left out or weird! it is soooooo nice to have them in our lives!
(don't mind the salad dressing that slipped down my dress! doh!)
busy
because of this picture (he is post call, meaning he was working at the hospital for 30 hours, DH is in nashville this weekend hanging out with some friends. I know he'll come back with a better attitude and will be ready to get through the last two weeks of his intern year (woah, already?!?)
My work has become extremely busy these last couple weeks! Crime spikes in summer months (don't worry, won't go into all the sociological theories to explain!) I do enjoy this new pace, but am dreading fall when it slacks off again.
I had my first board meeting of the state association of pretrial service agencies. I am really going to like being secretary. Besides being 1 of 2 younger members, it is refreshing to be appreciated and well-taken in suggestions and comments! I know that pretrial justice in our state will only move forward with our cooperative efforts.
Monday, June 9, 2008
bear's disc disease...
is acting up. again. more frequent, more serious. more guilty parenting. yup, i am totally blaming us for this. we don't crate him for 3 weeks straight: and when I say straight I mean "only out of the crate for potty." I had the biggest lecture from the vet, but it has opened my eyes and now we are in the mindset to "do it or lose it." we'd definately rather do it than lose bear!
So, bear's in his crate, straight for 3 weeks. then NO activity for the pup. it just breaks my mama heart in me! I just want my pup to be heathy and fun and oh so cute. without his back healing (which by us not following the crate rest it hasn't had a chance to do yet) he won't be able to get to his fun and oh so cute times again soon.
please pray for patience for us parentals....we hate hate hate putting him in his crate straight. please pray that bear forgives us (hehe) and that somehow he'll understand when I use my "humanwords" to tell him why and that he'll just go to sleep good tonight in the crate and not all snuggled with me.
we are scared to have kids if we worry this much about our dog (who, mind you, is our baby of course!)
So, bear's in his crate, straight for 3 weeks. then NO activity for the pup. it just breaks my mama heart in me! I just want my pup to be heathy and fun and oh so cute. without his back healing (which by us not following the crate rest it hasn't had a chance to do yet) he won't be able to get to his fun and oh so cute times again soon.
please pray for patience for us parentals....we hate hate hate putting him in his crate straight. please pray that bear forgives us (hehe) and that somehow he'll understand when I use my "humanwords" to tell him why and that he'll just go to sleep good tonight in the crate and not all snuggled with me.
we are scared to have kids if we worry this much about our dog (who, mind you, is our baby of course!)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I can add instructor to my resume
For the past two days, I've been at OPOTA (ohio peace officers training academy) learning all you can ever know about OC/CS aerosol sprays. Yup, I was exposed to the stuff, did my tactical elements, and can now teach others the nitty-gritty of this schtuff. After all this, I don't know how any arrestee would ever subject themselves to this more than once in their criminal career......I now have 2 exposures to put in my training log (just in case, ya know, I have a lawsuit or something rad like that).
Basically, it's like sandy peppers in your eyes only you can't breathe and then you gotta punch, kick, baton, give commands, and arrest a fellow trainee. Did I mention takedowns: I LOVE takedowns, I'll show you armbar any day! Then, you need to shoot at a dummy and take a lap. finally, you can de-con (decontaminate). I fricken love law enforcement officers: they are so fun, encouraging, and did I say fun? Even the girl (only one in the group) who aimed her "red man" gun at herself during the arrest got a few laughs and proposals for firearm training! ha! At least I'm sooo not afraid to laugh with the best of em!
I can't wait til December when I head back to London (not so glamorous: middle of BFE Ohio) for defensive tactics training. I'll be the PO that you just don't mess with! No gang-bangerisms right Traci!
My resume is already updated: so for my 1 year review tomorrow....don't mess with the OC expert!
Basically, it's like sandy peppers in your eyes only you can't breathe and then you gotta punch, kick, baton, give commands, and arrest a fellow trainee. Did I mention takedowns: I LOVE takedowns, I'll show you armbar any day! Then, you need to shoot at a dummy and take a lap. finally, you can de-con (decontaminate). I fricken love law enforcement officers: they are so fun, encouraging, and did I say fun? Even the girl (only one in the group) who aimed her "red man" gun at herself during the arrest got a few laughs and proposals for firearm training! ha! At least I'm sooo not afraid to laugh with the best of em!
I can't wait til December when I head back to London (not so glamorous: middle of BFE Ohio) for defensive tactics training. I'll be the PO that you just don't mess with! No gang-bangerisms right Traci!
My resume is already updated: so for my 1 year review tomorrow....don't mess with the OC expert!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
sometimes, it's best to just keep your mouth shut!
Everyone knows: I am absolutely BORED all day at work! like, so bored I am antsy, cranky, and annoyed most of the time!
Well, I guess people had had enough of me saying that dreaded two word phrase that said so much more. "I'm bored!" Today, I was so flipping busy I barely had time to say "I'm not bored today!" Kinda made a smile on my face and I realized:
I thrive under pressure. even excel!
Give me piles of files, oodles of clients, and I don't think twice about being grumpy. I just get to the tasks efficienty (and oh so accurately!) and when it comes to the end of the day, I can finally say:
I was productive.
I didn't just waste (away) at work for 9 hours today. I finally feel like it meant something for me to be here.
And in here, I mean so much more than you think.
Well, I guess people had had enough of me saying that dreaded two word phrase that said so much more. "I'm bored!" Today, I was so flipping busy I barely had time to say "I'm not bored today!" Kinda made a smile on my face and I realized:
I thrive under pressure. even excel!
Give me piles of files, oodles of clients, and I don't think twice about being grumpy. I just get to the tasks efficienty (and oh so accurately!) and when it comes to the end of the day, I can finally say:
I was productive.
I didn't just waste (away) at work for 9 hours today. I finally feel like it meant something for me to be here.
And in here, I mean so much more than you think.
Monday, June 2, 2008
not quite perfect yet
I'm still trying to get a super awesome blogspot template or design on here.
and I just changed some settings around, so now anyone can comment....so if you've tried, try again (isn't that like some motivational quote or something...) anywho....please let me know you're out there :)
haha
and I just changed some settings around, so now anyone can comment....so if you've tried, try again (isn't that like some motivational quote or something...) anywho....please let me know you're out there :)
haha
well.
Monday's stink. I really do not like going to work! I am sick of the drama, sick of the tension, sick of people who are lazy. I mean, come on....if you're not going to do your job, don't make mine hell!
Plus, I have a cold. yup, bummer of a headache, runny/stuffy nose, cough, no appetite, crummy.
Plus, DH is just leaving the hospital now at 9:15 pm (the time on my posts is not right) Surg-Oncology is going to be an interesting month. Hopefully he'll get time in the OR and it'll make up for the long hours.
Plus, bear's back is still sore and he's having trouble walking today.
But, DH is on his way home with a Happy Meal for me, sure, not the best choice, but I don't really care!
But, we had a great weekend with friends, food, and fun! Seriously, without the great friends we've made through DH's job we would be just miserable here I think! That, and the friends we've made through church and scrapbooking too.
But, tomorrow is Tuesday and that mean's it's no longer a manic monday. right?
Plus, I have a cold. yup, bummer of a headache, runny/stuffy nose, cough, no appetite, crummy.
Plus, DH is just leaving the hospital now at 9:15 pm (the time on my posts is not right) Surg-Oncology is going to be an interesting month. Hopefully he'll get time in the OR and it'll make up for the long hours.
Plus, bear's back is still sore and he's having trouble walking today.
But, DH is on his way home with a Happy Meal for me, sure, not the best choice, but I don't really care!
But, we had a great weekend with friends, food, and fun! Seriously, without the great friends we've made through DH's job we would be just miserable here I think! That, and the friends we've made through church and scrapbooking too.
But, tomorrow is Tuesday and that mean's it's no longer a manic monday. right?
