10 Days

Last Sunday, I decided it would be swell to wake up early on Monday morning before work (not a difficult feat as I work at 10:30) and go for a brisk run. Fearing winter is closing in on me, I want to enjoy the outside as much as I can. Additionally, I plan on hibernating the entire winter so I thought I should lose a few pounds before I embarked on my hibernation adventure of eating everything I could then sleeping for 12 hours - under lots and lots of down blankets.
Well Monday morning arrives, my alarm clock sounds loudly, and I just stare at it for a moment. Then turn it off. And lay in bed. Watching the sunlight make pretty designs on the wall. I did not go running. Far from it. I didn't even go back to sleep. I hit a new peak of laziness, and actually just laid in bed. Something had to be done. I was clearly getting out of hand. This was not the ambitious person I always wanted to be. Midway through work, a thought struck me. I remember a talk (or something similar) about a man who was in medical school (I think) and he was having problems being dedicated and following through. So he gave up sugar. He found that by denying sugar, he learned to focus more and became more disciplined. He also found that he could change his habits easier this way. I may have made this story up. I don't know. I can't find it anywhere.
But the moral of my story was that I was seriously lacking in self discipline and needed some help. I needed to change a habit I have been forming (excessive laziness) and correct it with some serious self discipline. I have never met a more dessert happy person than myself. So I decided to go 10 days without partaking of any deliciously sweetened substance. No sugar - for 10 days.
Day 1 and 2 went okay. Nothing to brag about. I love, love, love having sweets. So it was quite a difference for me to not have a snack after dinner. And before dinner. And after lunch. And for breakfast. And late at night. And when I'm on the phone. Or the computer. I went to FHE- and they had Marshmallow fluff and Nutella sandwiches. First of all, REALLY? Second of all, there was not a single item there I could partake of. And it was lamesauce.
I'm on day 7, with 3 days to go. Here are some thing that have nearly broken me: Pumpkin pie! Milk Duds after Institute. A pound of dark chocolate. And oh, yea. The fact that it is Halloween!! I did not even think about that as I made my firm resolution. And yet, here I am. During Halloween weekend - sugar free! Eeeep! If that isn't scary, I don't know what is.
But there have been a lot of benefits as well. One, I'm learning that I can do it. I haven't had a single treat. Not a single one, in over a week now (by like an hour). Two. I did go running on Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. And I took a cue from Erika and started a Jillian Michaels work-out dvd. And I'm sure my teeth are healthier! ;)
I am really looking forward to Wednesday night though! When my flight lands in Salt Lake City, all bets are off and a delightful pumpkin shake will be mine. Second thing, it also snowed - twice. This is my not amused face whilst on the T trying to go to Stake Conference this weekend.

Longfellow

I love Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I just think he is the cat's meow. About a year ago, I read a book entitled The Dante Club, and I really enjoyed it. I found it at The Goodwill for like $.50. I really liked The Divine Comedy and it was set in Boston, so I thought this would be a good fit for me. Well, oddly enough, it wasn't the Dante nor the Boston that was most intriguing for me. The most fascinating aspect of the book was the profile of Longfellow; it has a wonderful portrait of Longfellow enveloped within its pages. The story was predominately cast in Cambridge, with a large portion happening inside the Longfellow study. It showcased the poet's affection towards his children, especially his daughters, the pain of losing his wife, and the joy he found in writing poetry.
When I looked up the address for the church building in Cambridge, I thought it was a fluke. It was located on Longfellow Park. But upon arrival, I saw the yellow house so ardently described in the pages I had read. For several weeks, I walked past the house, and walked through the gardens, but never ventured inside. I finally went for an official tour on Thursday, and it was so interesting. And that Longfellow Park? Donated by Longfellow to the city of Cambridge upon his death so the house could always have an unobstructed view of the Charles.

Vermont

This Labor Day a few friends and I went up to Vermont to help clean up flood devastation.
Oh yea, and we also got ice cream. Delicious, delicious ice cream.

Gobble Gobble

Oh yea, and there are wild turkeys here. How awesome is that?

Pretty awesome is the obvious answer to that one.

Hurricane Irene

Behold the destruction of Irene!

Somehow, we survived.

RDH

So about a month before I moved to ye olde Boston, I started freaking out about finding a job. As Loma Linda was INSANELY expensive and I have never been one to work overtime, it was a concern for me. The first few weeks here only heightened my fears. I had saved up some monies from gifts etc, and was really excited to take a sailing class during the summer while job surfing. Unfortunately, Massachusetts had other plans. I had to take a few more board exams to get my Mass license, so my sailing funds were depleted (next summer, I will sail with a vengeance - with legit boat shoes just for good measure).
I went to the Church's job training while still in California so I could learn how to apply for a job and make a good impression while interviewing. Well, after being here about a week or 2, I applied for my first job. I found a posting on Craigslist that was nearby and emailed my application. A week later I had my first interview (my first time in a suit). The interview went well but I had to wait 2 weeks before my license was finally approved and I could go to a working interview. And everything went swimmingly from there. I was working my first job. It was great because I had a month to learn dental office basics and get a feel for it. Then I decided I wanted to add a few more days. I found another listing, got a call the next day with an interview. And I start next week.
So within a month, I have 4 days a week with a 5th day option. Life is looking rosy for me!

New York

Recently, my fair cousin came home from his mission. And all he wanted to do was go to New York City, and how could we deny such a request as this? Indeed, we could not. Luckily Brian told me about the China bus from Boston to NYC and 5 hours later, I arrived in the Big Apple and checked into our plush accommodations. Whilst waiting for the rest of my family to arrive from California, I strolled the streets. A street was closed off for a market or something, and what did my hungry eyes glance?! A KEBAB! (or greek, or gyro, or sandwich, whatever you want to call it) It had been so long since a food vendor delicately sliced meat off a rotating pole to put onto a warm fluffy pita for me that I almost couldn't believe my luck! After ordering, however, I realized there were no fries. What's up with that? But I enjoyed my delicacy to the very last bite - that is for sure! Started out the trip on a high note!
We spend 5 days there and had a wonderful time together.
We were able to go to a Yankee game!! I was really excited about this. Now that I am living in Boston, maybe I shouldn't be - but I had no shame in rooting for the Yankees and having a wonderful time.We also went on a boat tour of Manhattan. Honestly, it sounded really touristy and dumb - but I loved it! My favorite part, however, was about half way through the 2 hour boat ride. We had ambitiously discussed our day plans and they included walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. After floating by the bridge twice, my mother exclaimed, "I don't feel like I need to walk across that any more. I think this is more than enough for me!" Which, was a relief because I was over the bridge as well. So we called the Aquinos who were on the other side of the boat to tell them the grave news. Auntie starts laughing and exclaims, she just thought the same thing! and Adam? Oh he never wanted to do it in the first place, and he knew during out daily planning session that we would eventually scrap the plan. Haha. Oh how he knows us so well!

Another fun thing! I have never liked cheesecake. I don't like the taste OR the texture. So when someone brought me home a raspberry cheesecake from Juniors a few months ago, I politely said thank you and put it in the fridge. Unsure what to do with it. Then, I decided to have some friends over to eat it. My misfortune would turn into some excellent PR for me! Look how awesome I am! Sharing my cheesecake with everyone. Then I bit into said cheesecake and immediately regretted inviting all those people over. It was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted!! The texture, the taste, the flavor, heck, even the temperature was PERFECT! So upon arriving in New York and staying approximately 15 feet from Juniors, I ate some cheesecake everyday. Every day. And took one home.
My favorite thing (besides all the delicious, delicious food) was High Line Park. And the Balto statue. Who doesn't love Balto? How can you not love a Balto statue in the middle of central park. I even google mapped it so I could find it and take this picture!

Goodbye California!

This is my last Wednesday in California! On Tuesday I leave for the great adventure of Boston. So much has happened recently, I don't even know where to begin! I graduated from Dental Hygiene as a cum laude (not nearly as cool as some members of my family, but I will take accomplishment where I can!), took (and passed!!) my dental anesthesia and dental hygiene boards, bought a new car (MINI Cooper!) and finally got a smart phone! I went to Lake Mead for some Jet Skiing fun, and won $15 at the craps tables. I am such a high roller! I was also able to go to the beach (while visiting some friends with a beach house) for the 4th of July and watch the fireworks over the ocean - with my favorite moon just above it! I also made an awesome sand castle. All this PLUS I just got TWO new little tiny nephews! One on each coast! Not to mention having my cousin move back to California and my other cousin coming home from a mission tomorrow!
Yesterday I watched as a trailer containing my new car, all my possessions and my hedgehog all drove away to Boston. I'll be flying out soon to join them. It was a little funny not hearing Lola scamper about last night. *sniff* my first night without a hedgehog!
I am really glad school is finally over! It was a wonderful experience to go to Loma Linda and have such a small little class. I loved knowing everyone in my program and spending time with the same people everyday. Indeed, it seems odd that I will be leaving them all and starting all over again on the other side of the country. There hasn't been a single outting where mesial, buccal, distal, click, or modified pen grasp hasn't been mentioned. Additionally I have been able to live at home with my parents, and then Becca which has just been such a blessing. I love my family so much, and am so grateful for all the time we have been able to spend together (not to mention all the free dinners!).
But it's finally time for me to go, and I can't help but think of this song.

It's hard to believe I don't have to go to school tomorrow, and that soon someone will be paying me to do my job! I submit my licensing application tomorrow and can't wait to go see this wonderful family! Here's to joining Asbury Adventures!!

San Diego

So, I found out last week that mom had a Marriott free night that she needed to use. So on Wednesday, I book a hotel in La Jolla for Friday!! For FREE!!
It was so great!
So after clinic on Friday, Becca and I set off in the Benz convertible down the 15 for a fun school free weekend. It was absolutely gorgeous! We stayed at a Residence in so that we could have a kitchen (what if we wanted some midnight snacks). I spun the wheel and won the grand prize!! Marriott rewards points!! Woot! We went to downtown San Diego, and took pictures by Petco Park. The Padres had a game, but we did not have tickets. We did however, have cupcakes! We strolled through art galleries, and tourist shops. We also got lost for a few minutes, as we didn't have a map and we didn't plan anything. After watching the sunset while on the Coronado Bridge, we headed back to the hotel where we got ice cream, pizza, bread, and cheese.
The pool/spa closed at 10, so we dashed in at 9:50 - and luckily when the towel man came by, he did not kick us out! So we stayed out as late as we wanted. :) How relaxing.
The next morning was a free breakfast where I decided the best thing in the world is granola. Maybe I should move to Portland, make my own granola and ride a fixie. I'm not sure, but right now that sounds good.
We toured the San Diego Mission, the first mission in California. Then drove around San Diego on our way to the beach. It was cooler, but still around 70 when we got to Coronado beach. I read my Kindle, which is absolutely amazing! I am so impressed with it's abilities to be awesome.
Once it got a little chilly, and the fighter jets overhead started to annoy us, we headed home. Nice and rested. :)
What a fun (and free!) weekend.

Oh Henry!

So, recently we acquired a new little dog named Henry. Henry is part poodle and part other things. He is small enough to take care of easily, fit into a crate, and not pull on a leash. But big enough to take for walks and play with.
I love Henry! He was abused before he came here, so he's a little shy and stand-offish with strangers, but once you get to know him he is a cuddly little guy. He loves to run around.
Yesterday, however, I wanted to go for a long walk, and I guess it was a little too much for little Henry.
He got so tired, he just gave up! Fell to the ground and took a break. Poor little guy!

True Love

The dream within a dream...That hedge within a hog!
I just love her to pieces!!

On Second Thought...

Maybe getting a dog isn't such a bad idea....
Meet Maximus.

Family Pet

After my sadness associated with losing the always fabulous chicken pets we had *sniffle*, I have been looking for a new family pet. It gets so lonely sometimes without a cuddly animal friend. So I had to set about finding the perfect family companion.
At first, I naturally drifted towards the puppy route, but puppies need so much love, care and attention and I am in class frequently. Also, it would be difficult if I ever went out of town. Feeding, walking, cleaning up. Additionally, I was looking at something a little smaller since dad brought home a cow.
So puppy was out, maybe a kitten. Then I remembered Figaro, or as I dubbed him - Panther. Panther was pretty, but I went out of town for 3 days and when I returned I was Panther-less. Besides, who could replace Zim? Zim was the best cat ever. Also, if I need my kitten fix, I can always go over to Alix's and play with Smudge. So no kittens.
A pet, a pet, a pet. Hamsters are not super fun. Ferrets smell. Horses need much more space, turtles aren't friendly, snakes creep people out, and tigers tend to maul their owners after a while.
Then finally the answer came. It came in an unexpected place, but I took the inspiration for what it was and started to do some research. After many articles, pictures, and Youtube videos, I was sold!
Dum, da, da, dum!! Our new family pet is....

LOLA!!

The Hedgehog!Lola is 3 months old, and a pygmy African hedgehog. She likes to scurry around and is still getting used to the family. She is warming up fantastically though, and she couldn't possibly get any cuter! She's mostly full grown, and quite prickly when she is sleeping. We had the missionaries over for dinner and she had a fun time cuddling with them, although they were skeptic at first - she looks a little bit like a porcupine.

Lola is just perfect for our family! She sleeps when I am in school and plays around when I get home. She is small and quiet, but enjoys a good adventurous romp around the house on occasion. When you hold her on her back, she rolls into a prickly ball with just her head and nose sticking out. :) I am very happy with the decision to add her into the family!

I'm on a Boat

A few months ago, I was invited on an "LDS Cruise" and frankly i had no idea what that meant. LDS events usually mean (for me), awkward single's settings with forced interactions and fruit punch. In a dimly lit cultural hall. These events make me unhappy. So, when I found out it was not a single's event, I was enthralled. When my email address was finally entered correctly, I found out it was an afternoon on a 65' yacht in Newport harbor.
This was much more exciting! I had been worried because the weather could best be described as dreary leading up to the big day. In fact, the week before I started thinking about canceling because who wants to be on a boat, in the cold, in the middle of January.
Luckily! I did not cancel, and on the morning of the excursion I woke up to 80 degree weather and sunny, clear skies. The perfect yacht day. It was a fun excursion with all the LDS students (and wives and kids) from the dental school. It was fun to see Ericka, Steve and Jeremy in clothes other than scrubs! Plus, who doesn't want to eat KFC on a yacht? The irony was fantastic, and I loved it. I also loved watching Jeremy eat an entire bucket of chicken. Bucket.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day on the harbor, and while the cruise was a little on the short side, we made up for it by going for a stroll to the Newport pier afterward. While there, we saw so many scandalously clad ladies, volleyball hunks and even a pod of dolphins!
To make the trip complete, we even stopped off for some frozen yogurt on the way home! What a great day, and what a fun time. Yachting in January.

CCB

CCB found this picture today, and I thought it was the cutest thing I had ever seen. CCB is 6'2'' and I am 5'5'' - so I feel like I definitely relate to this.