Merry Christmas to all! And a white Christmas to all in the Dallas area! What a fun surprise. I don't think I've ever seen a white Christmas. I'm not even sure that it snowed in Philadelphia this Christmas.
Speaking of Philadelphia, this Christmas was very Philly minded. Christmas Eve was spent at my aunt and uncle's house and we exchanged presents with my mom's family. We draw names each year and this year my cousin Meg, who lives in New York, got my name. It was perfect because she knew exactly what I would need in the northeast. She bought me a hat, scarf and glittens (mitten/gloves). The best part about the glittens is that it not only has the individual fingers holes and cover, but it also has one for the thumb. Makes texting much easier!
I spent the night at my parents house and this morning we had Christmas with them and my brother. Again, very Philly oriented, or at least everyone kept my limited packing capacity in mind. Everything will be able to be packed away in my 4 suitcases that will be making the journey with my mom and me.
The countown is now to 4 days. That's less than a week! The packing will begin tomorrow. My mom has been asking me for weeks if I've started packing and my answer has always been "No. After Christmas." So, I guess that means tomorrow. It would help if I had luggage at my apartment to actually put things in. I still don't think it's all real yet, but bet it will feel that way tomorrow when I pack everything away. Well, not everything. Only 50 pounds a bag!
I hope everyone has and is having a wonderful holiday. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
If We Make It Through December
Last Sunday was the White Rock Marathon. I love marathon weekend! The White Rock Marathon benefits the hospital I work for, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. It all starts Friday at work when the elite runners and the parathletes come to the hospital to sign autographs. It's of course always so much fun to be at Victory Plaza the morning of the race. I was supposed to run the half marathon again this year, but because of my shoulder surgery I decided that it would be best if I didn't run. Instead, I hopped on my bike and followed my friends that ran the marathon relay. Maybe not the best decision either, but I had a blast. I also now have a better appreciation for the people that have ever come to watch me at a race. It's a lot harder than you think to follow someone running. I'm glad I knew the area so I could weave in and out of neighborhoods to watch all of my friends. I wasn't able to ride my bike to the last leg of the race, so my dad picked me up and I met up with Rosa to run the last mile with her. After Rosa finished, I went back out and found another friend who was running her first marathon ever and ran the last part in with her as well. I have never had so much fun at a race. Even though I was sad I couldn't run, I had a blast cheering everyone on!
In other news...
Snowfall in Philadelphia the past couple of days: 23+ inches. So exciting! I'm definitely going to experience a real winter this year. While I'd love to see lots of snow, I am crossing my fingers that next week, the weather will be nice for traveling to Philly and shopping for furniture. It would be miserable for me to try and drive a ZipCar to the store and then try to haul a bunch of furniture into my apartment. Talk about nightmare.
Things here in Dallas are about the same. No, I still haven't begun packing. No, I'm not starting anytime soon. That will have to wait until after Christmas. Speaking of, I did get ALL of my shopping done in one day, with only three stops. I also got everything wrapped and with handmade bows on them. I was quite impressed with myself. And so happy to have that done. It was hanging over my head!
Three more days of work. Well, technically I'm working all week as I will be on call Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Saturday after Christmas. Don't have too much sympathy for me. I always take call Christmas because 1. my whole family lives in Dallas 2. I don't have any kids 3. I don't have to work weekends during the year 4. I usually don't have to go in to work. We usually try to get all of the kids out of the hospital before Christmas so there is never anyone to see. Last year I had to go in on Saturday to fix a walker, but that was about it Not too shabby. After that, I'll turn off my pager, turn in my keys and say bon voyage. Well, for at least 6 months. After I finish up in Philadelphia in June, I will return to Scottish Rite. I am very thankful that they are keeping my job for me and know hiring anyone in my position. I am excited for what awaits me when I get back. Many opportunities are already unfolding!
In other news...
Snowfall in Philadelphia the past couple of days: 23+ inches. So exciting! I'm definitely going to experience a real winter this year. While I'd love to see lots of snow, I am crossing my fingers that next week, the weather will be nice for traveling to Philly and shopping for furniture. It would be miserable for me to try and drive a ZipCar to the store and then try to haul a bunch of furniture into my apartment. Talk about nightmare.
Things here in Dallas are about the same. No, I still haven't begun packing. No, I'm not starting anytime soon. That will have to wait until after Christmas. Speaking of, I did get ALL of my shopping done in one day, with only three stops. I also got everything wrapped and with handmade bows on them. I was quite impressed with myself. And so happy to have that done. It was hanging over my head!
Three more days of work. Well, technically I'm working all week as I will be on call Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Saturday after Christmas. Don't have too much sympathy for me. I always take call Christmas because 1. my whole family lives in Dallas 2. I don't have any kids 3. I don't have to work weekends during the year 4. I usually don't have to go in to work. We usually try to get all of the kids out of the hospital before Christmas so there is never anyone to see. Last year I had to go in on Saturday to fix a walker, but that was about it Not too shabby. After that, I'll turn off my pager, turn in my keys and say bon voyage. Well, for at least 6 months. After I finish up in Philadelphia in June, I will return to Scottish Rite. I am very thankful that they are keeping my job for me and know hiring anyone in my position. I am excited for what awaits me when I get back. Many opportunities are already unfolding!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
The goodbyes have begun. This past Friday night, my softball friends threw me a going away party and we had a blast. Thanks to Heather for having us over at her house. Everything was perfect. One thing these people know how to do is eat. There was soooo much food! (and adult beverages). I also got to experience Mexican Bingo. Wow! Definitely got my Spanish lesson in for the day, maybe year. All of the cards were in Spanish, but luckily there were pictures so you could cheat to figure out what needed to be covered. The only mistake of the evening was them allowing me to call out the cards. I don't know one lick of Spanish and I sure did struggle. It was rough! I had so much fun though and am going to miss them dearly. But, I'll be back in 7 months. I just don't know that they will want me back after that much of a hiatus. I'm going to have to re-learn how to play softball!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Feels Just Like It Should
Well, Monday I made progress on my apartment. I made a list so that I could have the pleasure of marking things off that list. (I thoroughly enjoy that.) I started with my bedroom. I cleaned out my desk drawer, my side table drawer and then hit the closets. I decided what clothes would go to Philly, what would go to my parent's house, and what would be trashed/donated. I then went through all of my shoes (which was not a small task) and decided again, what would go to Philly, what would go to my parent's house and what would be trashed/donated. I found three (3) pairs of the same running shoe and decided two of those could be donated to Luke's Locker (they were for marathon training, alright!) There is still more to do in my room and closets, but for some reason I was sitting in my kitchen and decided to clean that out. I re-organized my cabinets and cleaned off the top of the refrigerator which had become a make shift storage unit. The only problem is that everything that was designated "trash/donation" is sitting in my living room. It will probably stay there too until my mom comes and moves it because I just don't feel like it.
After making a (very small) dent in my cleaning, I headed back to my parent's house. For some reason, I just did not feel like being in my apartment. I usually LOVE my alone time, but lately I've had bad cabin fever and couldn't face staying at my place Monday night.
Tuesday morning I woke up and didn't feel like doing anything. So I didn't. I laid on the couch or on the floor with Wilbur (he's been banned from the couch since he had back surgery) and watched TV all day, from probably 9 in the morning until about 11 that night. I couldn't tell you the last time I watched that much TV. I never watch TV. I had absolutely no desire to get up for any reason. I knew I had to go to work today, but I didn't even want to drive home and stay at my place last night. So, I stayed another night with my parents. I didn't care that I had to get up at 5 in order to make it to work on time. I figure I did it for almost 3 years while in grad school and before I moved out.
I must say, it was nice to get back in a routine today at work. I was crazy busy which helped to keep my mind off things. I know I'm still stressed about things, but I have a job to do and have to at least make it through these next 2 weeks of work. I also for some really strange reason decided to go run after work. Why, I don't know because today is probably the coldest day we have had so far. So, I put on my running tights, long sleeves, gloves, and my Garmin (of course!) and headed out. At first things were okay. Yeah, it was cold, but I would rather run in cold weather than hot. I chose to run the Armstrong hill just in case I follow through and run the White Rock Half Marathon this Sunday. I made it up the hill and to the Katy Trail. Two things then began to bother me. 1. My shoulder. Maybe I should have listened to Dr. Scheinberg when he told me not to run because it will still cause jarring. But I don't listen, so there. 2. My peroneal tendonitis just might be coming back. Boo! I thought I got rid of that before the marathon by wearing the boot and not running. Guess not! So, I made it two miles and then walked 2 more. While it was good to get out and do something, it sort of discouraged me about this weekend. I'm not shooting for a PR, but if I start this half marathon, then I want to finish. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
By the way...21 days until I move.
After making a (very small) dent in my cleaning, I headed back to my parent's house. For some reason, I just did not feel like being in my apartment. I usually LOVE my alone time, but lately I've had bad cabin fever and couldn't face staying at my place Monday night.
Tuesday morning I woke up and didn't feel like doing anything. So I didn't. I laid on the couch or on the floor with Wilbur (he's been banned from the couch since he had back surgery) and watched TV all day, from probably 9 in the morning until about 11 that night. I couldn't tell you the last time I watched that much TV. I never watch TV. I had absolutely no desire to get up for any reason. I knew I had to go to work today, but I didn't even want to drive home and stay at my place last night. So, I stayed another night with my parents. I didn't care that I had to get up at 5 in order to make it to work on time. I figure I did it for almost 3 years while in grad school and before I moved out.
I must say, it was nice to get back in a routine today at work. I was crazy busy which helped to keep my mind off things. I know I'm still stressed about things, but I have a job to do and have to at least make it through these next 2 weeks of work. I also for some really strange reason decided to go run after work. Why, I don't know because today is probably the coldest day we have had so far. So, I put on my running tights, long sleeves, gloves, and my Garmin (of course!) and headed out. At first things were okay. Yeah, it was cold, but I would rather run in cold weather than hot. I chose to run the Armstrong hill just in case I follow through and run the White Rock Half Marathon this Sunday. I made it up the hill and to the Katy Trail. Two things then began to bother me. 1. My shoulder. Maybe I should have listened to Dr. Scheinberg when he told me not to run because it will still cause jarring. But I don't listen, so there. 2. My peroneal tendonitis just might be coming back. Boo! I thought I got rid of that before the marathon by wearing the boot and not running. Guess not! So, I made it two miles and then walked 2 more. While it was good to get out and do something, it sort of discouraged me about this weekend. I'm not shooting for a PR, but if I start this half marathon, then I want to finish. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
By the way...21 days until I move.
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Disco Before the Breakdown
It's no longer a month countdown, but a day countdown. Only 22 days until I move to the city of brotherly love. And it has certainly hit me.
Yesterday I was to drive to Wichita Falls to visit my best friend and her husband. I had lunch with my parents and had planned on going back to my apartment, packing up, then hitting the road. Well, as I was leaving Village Burger Bar, I lost it. I don't even know why I lost it. And I couldn't get a grip either. I knew I wouldn't make it to Wichita Falls last night but I needed to go somewhere. So I headed out to my parents house. There are so many emotions wrapped up in this move. I'm scared of what is ahead of me. I am sad to leave my friends and family. I won't be able to just hop in my car and drive to my parent's house anymore. I won't even have a car to hop into. I'm overwhelmed by all that has to be done in the next 22 days. I have to pack up my place, figure out what is going and what is staying, and clean the place for Andrea. I am so thankful that she is going to sublet my apartment but sometimes I think it might be easier to let my apartment go so that I can just pack everything up and put it in storage instead of clearing out space for her. I have so much stuff!
Mom tells me that it's like I'm going to college again. I just don't remember being this neurotic when I left for college. Plus, Lubbock is only 5 hours from home. Philadelphia is about 1500 miles away. This is a HUGE move for me. And I know it's only for 6 months, but right now, that seems like a lot.
This morning I was planning on leaving my parent's place and heading to Wichita Falls. Then breakdown #2 occurred. I knew I couldn't do to WF with everything I have to get done. So, I'm spending these two days off to clean up my apartment and get organized. I've started my list and am going room by room trying to figure out what all needs to be done. It's going very slow, but I think I just need to take my time or I'll really fall apart.
Yesterday I was to drive to Wichita Falls to visit my best friend and her husband. I had lunch with my parents and had planned on going back to my apartment, packing up, then hitting the road. Well, as I was leaving Village Burger Bar, I lost it. I don't even know why I lost it. And I couldn't get a grip either. I knew I wouldn't make it to Wichita Falls last night but I needed to go somewhere. So I headed out to my parents house. There are so many emotions wrapped up in this move. I'm scared of what is ahead of me. I am sad to leave my friends and family. I won't be able to just hop in my car and drive to my parent's house anymore. I won't even have a car to hop into. I'm overwhelmed by all that has to be done in the next 22 days. I have to pack up my place, figure out what is going and what is staying, and clean the place for Andrea. I am so thankful that she is going to sublet my apartment but sometimes I think it might be easier to let my apartment go so that I can just pack everything up and put it in storage instead of clearing out space for her. I have so much stuff!
Mom tells me that it's like I'm going to college again. I just don't remember being this neurotic when I left for college. Plus, Lubbock is only 5 hours from home. Philadelphia is about 1500 miles away. This is a HUGE move for me. And I know it's only for 6 months, but right now, that seems like a lot.
This morning I was planning on leaving my parent's place and heading to Wichita Falls. Then breakdown #2 occurred. I knew I couldn't do to WF with everything I have to get done. So, I'm spending these two days off to clean up my apartment and get organized. I've started my list and am going room by room trying to figure out what all needs to be done. It's going very slow, but I think I just need to take my time or I'll really fall apart.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Month of Sundays
Today marks the one month countdown to my big move up north to Philadelphia. December 29th at 8:55 AM, my mom and I will be boarding a plane, 4 humongous bags in tow, on our way to the city of brotherly love. It's hard to believe that it's this close. Last May when I knew I would be moving in December, 6 months seemed to far away. But knowing that these past 6 months have flown, the 6 months that I will be living in Philadelphia are also going to fly. I'm excited about living on the east coast, but also nervous about being that far from my family. I also have to get back into study mode. I'm going to be learning a lot! I'm also even more excited about all of the trips I'm planning while I'm up there...NYC, the Jersey shore, Washington, DC, Baltimore, visit the Amish. The list goes on. Everything is so close up there!
I am going to miss my apartment...greatly! My new place is a 300 square foot studio apartment. TINY! But, it's in a fun neighborhood, and only about 6 blocks from where I'll be working. I think I can make it for 6 months.
Where I'll be living
Where I'll be working
I am going to miss my apartment...greatly! My new place is a 300 square foot studio apartment. TINY! But, it's in a fun neighborhood, and only about 6 blocks from where I'll be working. I think I can make it for 6 months.
Where I'll be living
Where I'll be working
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