So... I just got back from vacation. And it sucks that we couldn't stay longer- BUT, it's really nice to still have the whole weekend.

So friday night we went to my parents' as a little surprise for my mom's 60th bday. My sis/BIL/niece came in saturday, but they got in too late and we missed them. But, still I think mom was really touched/surprised that we came home.

Then sunday went down to Palm Beach. BF's parents have a condo down there, and it was great. Too bad the weather kind of sucked. It hit 70 on monday and we got to spend about 2h at the beach before it got too windy. Then the cold came in, and it didn't get over about 62 the rest of the time. Which is warmer than here- but still, I was REALLY hoping for some beach time, and a tan. Ah well.

Wed we drove to Orlando to meet BF's BFF who he hasn't seen in a couple years. So we drove 2.5 hr to see him for 2h then drove back. But it was nice to meet him, and a great lunch.

Did some shopping, or rather, browsing, since we can't afford anything, in some of the ritzy shops in palm beach.

Oh and we saw The Wolfman. Which was good- but not as super-rad as I wanted it to be.

Then today had to come home. :(

I got a text from orbitz saying my flight was on time... soon after got a text from my dad asking if it was cancelled. Which made me nervous, so I looked online- usair.com said it was on time.

So I go to check in and the kiosk tells me my flight has been cancelled.WTF. So I go stand in line foreeeeever while they try to help some lady who apparently was flying internationally with an infant and they were making her buy another ticket (or something).

But so I get to the front of the line, and she told me that yes, my flight was cancelled, but I'd already been rebooked on a different flight. Which was better times, and even better- was the flight BF was on. (we were supposed to be on different flights).

What?! My flight got cancelled and i got an EVEN BETTER one instead? That DOES NOT happen in my world.

Then tonight made some super delicious zucchini pasta for dinner, since I am still on vacation for the weekend. my diet starts back up on monday, and I am NOT looking forward to getting on that scale- I ate like a pig all week. It's going to be bad.

Oh well. Just need to get back on the horse. That's all.

So, here are some pix. (btw, I tried mobl-posting some mobl-pix, but it didn't work.)


Mom's birthday present. We commissioned a local artist (a HS classmate of my sister's) to do this painting for her. This is a crappy phone pic, but it's gorgeous. And the scene is right near our house. And it's an original. Super cool.


Me and BF and his BFF in Orlando.


Sunset over the golf course




Trying on uber-preppy clothes in Palm Beach. hehehe.


View from the condo. (It's right on the 14th hole of some golf course. Which means nothing to be, but I guess is semi-big deal. I just know it was pretty...)


Our all-too-brief stint at the beach


This super-cool-dood then appeared at the beach, replete with skinny jeans, socks, sneakers, cigarettes, and mardi gras beads. Oh and the awesome shades. :/ And then he was bossing all the other kids around, and they let him, because clearly the worship him. GOD I am glad I am not a teenager anymore.

And here are some other randoms that were in my phone...


My favorite Valentine.


The best thing I saw in MoMA. This chick was staring at that BLACK CANVAS for like 20 minutes. And you can see- it's roped off. That, and Starry Night (like, THE Starry Night) are about the only pieces roped off in the whole museum. Seriously? that stupid black canvas? Clearly I am just not a connoisseur of fine art, i guess.
But anyway- I think that picture of the girl staring at it is much cooler than the 'art' itself.


Last week the whole freaking state practically shut down, because snow was forecast. I am not lying when I say just about every school in the state was closed. UConn was closed. The whole freaking university! Because there MIGHT be snow.
This is what it looked like at work around 2.
It *did* eventually snow. We got about an inch. Seriously?! It was like mass hysteria.




I dunno, I just thought this equipment in the hallway in the OR looked like it was dressed up for halloween. ;)

Good night peeps!

So, we went to NYC this weekend. It was great. But freezing.
I just wish I could afford it a little better and not be angry about how expensive everything is.

But we took the train in friday and then saved on cab fare and walked to the hotel. BRRRRRR. Got to our super-sweet priceline deal hotel around 9, and then went to the Carnegie Deli for dinner. It's probably not the best deli in NY (as they claim), but we did it "for the experience".
BF got a "reuben". I decided to try to go a little "lighter" and ordered the turkey sandwich.

This is what we got:


reuben


turkey

yeah. Not so light.
It's just ridiculous though. The sandwiches cost $25 each. TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS. And there's no way in hell anyone can (or should) eat that.
Why not just give a reasonable portion, and charge half as much?
Oh right, because then you wouldn't get written up in all the tourist books.
So, I probably let about $17 worth of sandwich go to waste. Ah well. Better for my waist, if not my wallet.

Then on saturday we went to MoMA, which was awesome- and infuriating. Cool to see Starry Night and the Warhol soup cans and all sorts of other famous pieces up close and in person. But then the "art" like bricks laid on the floor in a square, or a piece of rope hanging from the ceiling, or a plain black canvas, just make me nuts.
There was also a big Tim Burton exhibit, which I would have LOVED to go to- but we didn't have time. Also hit the MoMA store- which I think was just as good as the museum. ;)

Then went to an old college friend's baby shower. Great to see her, and her awesome view! Saw a bunch of people I haven't seen in years.

Then found a lovely little hole in the wall italian place for dinner... awesome homemade pasta, and reasonably priced.

Then off to a party for a friend who just got back from 2 years in Australia. She was my neighbor growing up, but I haven't seen her in years. And then her brother was there too, and another friend from my DC days, who I haven't seen in 12 years. Fun, fun, fun. Stayed out til 2, which is the latest I've been up in a long time, which made me feel good- maybe I'm not TOTALLY a boring old lady yet.

Then sunday morning met up with yet another friend I haven't seen in years- from when I was in Chicago. And met her fiance. We had breakfast at a place they'd been dying to try. And don't get me wrong- it was delicous. But (with tip) it came to $200 for the four of us. For freaking breakfast. Pancakes were $22. And the best of all- when the bill came, we saw that coffee was $7 per person. I mean really?! New York is expensive, I know that, but this was absurd. And yes, it was delicious, but not $50 each delicious. Ah well... I just had to take a deep breath and remind myself it was a mini vacation and to stop being a scrooge....

Then caught the train back, and on the way got a call from my sister- a power plant in Middletown CT blew up yesterday, and so far 5 are dead and maybe 100 injured. People in towns ten miles away felt the explosion and thought it was an earthquake. Yikes. My hospital was on alert for 'mass casualties'- but nothing trickled down to me.

then a super bowl party, where I swore I was going to eat only veggies and fat-free dip to make up for the weekend- but instead I ate chips and cookies and lasagna and garlic bread and....
Oops.

And now, it's back to the grind.

But six days til florida!!!!!! can not WAIT to get out of the cold for a bit!!!

xoxo
-J

p.s. WTF is the big deal about the Tim Tebow commercial during the super bowl? After it aired everyone was like "that was it?" I of course had had no clue a) who tim tebow is b) that he was in a commercial c) that it was controversial.
But in said commercial his mom talks about him and says "there were so many times i almost lost him" and holds up a baby picture... then she blabs some more, and he comes and tackles her, and she calls him Timmy. That's it. if anything I thought it was an ad for the March of Dimes or something.

But that was it. That was the big controversial ad.
whoop de effing do.

I guess it was supposed to be a pro-life ad, though i don't know how you were supposed to know that. and it was paid for by Focus on the Family or something like that... some right wing pro-life group. and I guess THAT is the big deal. that the network let something 'political' be shown.

Ok, and one last comment.
Who picks the halftime acts? The Who? Really? I mean, yeah sure I like Pinball Wizard... but couldn't they pick someone a little more current/relevant/popular? They looked like a bunch of old men dragged out of the retirement home.

Ok, enough blabbing.
Later peeps!

Ok, so I'm a little embarrassed that I'm actually going to be that sappy giddy girl that makes you want to puke, but.... this is so freaking cute I have to share.

So, yesterday was our 6 month anniversary. Not a HUGE deal, I suppose, but kind of a big deal I guess...

But so I wasn't even sure if he'd remember. And sure, I'd love to get flowers and presents and all sorts of romantic stuff. I was secretly HOPING he'd do something- but I wasn't expecting it.

So, I made dinner reservations at a nice place, and didn't tell him, so it could be a surprise. They're actually for tonight, since the place is closed on mondays. And then I figured that's good- b/c on the off chance he planned something, I could cancel mine.

So, yesterday came, and he totally remembered and said happy anniversary. Then I was at work really late and he had stuff to do, so I didn't see him til way later.

So, once it was pretty clear we weren't going to do anything, I told him we have reservations for tonight. Not to rub it in- but just to make sure he didn't have any plans or anything.

And all of the sudden he looked all sad and started apologizing that he hadn't done more.

And then I felt like an ass for making him feel bad.

And then he walked over and picked something up off my desk. It was a card, and he had left it there so I'd find it in the morning.

So, I opened it. And it's super adorable. And perfect, b/c it's from the heart, and he did it without me nagging or anything.

Please pardon the iphone picture quality.

Cute joke I got from my dad-

Language Lesson
================
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day.

"In English," he said, "A double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative."

A voice from the back of the room piped up, "Yeah, right."

---

In other news... eh, not much. Got a little snow yesterday. Was pleasantly surprised to learn at 2pm that the guy I am scheduled to work with today is going to be in Vegas, so I get the day off. Of course, would be nicer to know about 3day weekends in advance, but still. Not complaining.

Going to NYC next weekend for a baby shower and another friend's "welcome back after 2 years in australia" party. Should be fun.

Got my W-2 from work here, and it looks like I might get a refund, for the first time in like 6 years. I am sooooo excited! I know a lot of people plan on their refund and have practically spent it before they get it- but since I never get one, this is just like totally unexpected extra bonus money. Of course, I haven't gotten my W-2 from UB yet, so there's still a chance that will fuck it all up and I'll get nothing.

What else...

Monday is our 6mo anniversary.... (awwwww)
Wondering if he'll remember. ;)

Then to Florida- leaving on Valentine's day. Can not WAIT to get a little sun on this pasty skin.

Apparently it's "celebrity doppelganger week" on facebook- people are posting pictures of celebrities they've been told they resemble. I've heard I look like Andie McDowell before, so I found a smoking hot picture of her and put it up. Most of my girlfriends were like "omg yeah! i can see it!" And yes, I know I don't look like a movie star. But still, little white lies from girlfriends brighten my day a little. Until one stupid douchey ex just added "yeah, in your dreams".

Thanks, asshole.

Bleh.

Ok, time to be productive with this day. Have a good one peeps!

So, I haven't checked in in a few days, but I was SURE this place was going to be full of ranting about the election last night.

But really?
No one?

Fine with me, I don't relish talking politics- I just thought people would be all fired up.

In other news, we managed to find some shady internet car rental deal, but... we have an official confirmation number from Budget, so fingers crossed it will all work out....

Now just to make it through the three weeks until then.

Including a presentation I have to give tomorrow on Tennis Elbow that I haven't started yet, blehhhhhh.

And, I reeeeeaaaallly need to start job hunting. I buffed up my CV this weekend, I guess that's the first step. Now just to find places to send it to... :/

Ok, so we finally figured out the plane ticket situation.

(cut a day off the trip, used his parents' miles for one, and will split the price of the other. And, thanks to farecast, we locked in a good price today.)

But now...

RENTAL CARS ARE $115?????!!!!

Per DAY????!!!!!

$500/week is the best I've found.

Ho-ly shit!

I wish I had a private jet.

I wish I had a friend with a private jet.

In fact I *do* have a friend with a private jet, but I couldn't actually ask him to fly me places. (and I'm not sure how to get him to volunteer. ;) )

I have a week off work mid-feb.
We have a place to stay in West Palm Beach, for free, for that week.

All I need is to get myself there.

Plane tickets have gone from $300 to $700 in the last 3 days. I'm hoping it's just a blip and they'll come back down some, but at that rate, i can't afford to go. :(

I found one flight for like $200- but it's leaving from/getting in to airports that are like 1-2 hours from home/ the place in florida. And get in at like midnight on monday, and leave at like 6am thurs. So I'd get 2 days there? Not worth it.

Fucking airlines. I really hate them these days.

And, I just checked the weather: all i can say is WTF?! Snow forecasted for florida, but not here???

Ok, I'll bite.
I think I often just go through life with blinders on, not always thinking and absorbing as much as I should- both of the good and the bad that happens to me.
So, this is probably a good exercise- though I think I'll do it by the decade, not just the year.

Where were you when 2000/2009 began?
2000: with my boyfriend at the time, and about 20 of his fraternity buddies, in New Orleans- wondering where our jetpacks were, and also 'calling' which stores we would get when the looting began. ;)
2009: Went to a delicious dinner at O, and then to the 'Ice Ball'- which was a total waste. They missed midnight, b/c a fight broke out, and a guy LOST HIS EYE. I also fell on the ice on my way there, and spent the rest of the night with a bloody knee. (pulling my pantyhose out of that scab at the end of the night was NOT fun.) All in all, kind of a disappointing new year- but then again, it often is, because I hope for too much.

Who were you with?
2000: med school peeps in NOLA
2009: some buffalo girlfriends. (had hoped to swing by the 24, but dinner ran WAY over.)

Where will you be when 2009 ends?
TBD- but somewhere in hartford

Whom will you be with when 2009 ends?
My lovely BF, and his brother and her girlfriend. May meet my co-worker and his fiancee.

Was 2000-2009 a good year/decade for you?
decade: Yes. Lots of changes.... I lived in New Orleans, Chicago, Buffalo, and now CT. Had pretty much all the serious relationships of my life. Grew into myself.
2009: a little bittersweet to leave buffalo and my friends there, but CT has been good too- esp meeting the BF. :)

What was your favorite moment of the decade/year?
All in 2009: finishing residency, matching to my fellowship, and reuniting with a buddy from 12 years ago and realizing he is a really amazing guy.

What was your least favorite moment of the year/decade?
Eh, nothing worth dwelling on. Had some disappointments at work, and some bad boy drama, but it's over now.

Did you keep your New Year resolutions of 2009?
Sort of- I didn't make formal resolutions, but I decided to try to be healthier. I lost 30 lb, but have gained about 7 back. booo!

Do you have any New Year resolutions for 2010?
Just to get back on track with my diet. Would love to lose 20 more lb.
Actually, I also want to make a concerted effort to be more of an ACTIVE learner at work. Read more when I'm at home at night, etc.

Did you fall in love this year/decade?
Yes. A couple times I thought I had- but this time I know it. :)

What was your favorite month of 2009?
Probably August.

Did you travel outside of the US in 2009?
Canada (doesn't really count), and Belgium and France. Went to the BVI, Turks and Caicos, Mexico, and St. Thomas (still technically the US) in the 00's.

How many different states did you travel to in 2009?
Hmm. NY, CT, RI, MA, OR, VA, KY... maybe some others for interviews. Also went to KS, LA, IL, OH, TX during the 00's.

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2009?
My grandfather. Also lost my aunt in '07.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009?
Oh man I have to pick one?

What was your favorite song in 2009?
Discovered the National this decade, and they're still at the top of the heap.

What was your favorite album in 2009?
Mixes from friends :)

What was your most exciting moment of 2009/the decade?
Hmm... a few graduations, a few wedding toasts, and a few heart-skipping first dates.

What was your proudest moment of 2009?
Finishing residency.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
Nothing too terrible...

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009/the decade and change something, what would it be?
I would not have tolerated cheating as long as I did.

What are your plans for 2010?
Finish fellowship
Get a job
See where life takes me and my boy. :)

So... Christmas is over.
Always kind of a letdown.
So much buildup, and then.... back to winter.
But, I had a lovely lovely christmas, and I hope you all did too.
And, am going to start planning a vacation for Feb, so I have something to look forward to.

Here's a xmas picture dump, and some more adorable baby pix.


Love this guy. :)
(taken when we went to Foxwoods to see the Bodies Revealed exhibit).


Cloves stuck in oranges make delicious decorations/air fresheners.


Christmas Eve bedtime story. (not pictured, ridiculously cute baby bathrobe).


Present #1 - her own little chair


It was a big hit.


Trying to sit in the big girl chair.


So, my brother wrangled this present for her in a rare display of tough-guy. He had taken his car in, only to have it break down again half an hour after picking it up. When he took it back in, they said they wanted to make it right. So he pointed at the toy MINI in the showroom and said "how about one of those for my niece?". And it worked.


She's a natural.


LOVE!

I just stumbled across this recipe, and OMG it is SOOOO GOOD!

AND, soooo super easy.
And, not very bad for you.

Sorry i don't have a pic, but they spread out super thin and crispy.

Go make some! Right now!

Lace Cookies    

4 Tbsp light butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup uncooked quick oats
1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
1 Tbsp orange zest

Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. Cover three baking sheets with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. *don't skip this step. They WILL STICK to a cookie sheet, even if you grease it. use parchment, or even better, a "Sil-Pat" baking sheet.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Drop 1/2 teaspoons [seriously. just a tiny little bit.] of dough 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake until flattened and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Cool completely on wire racks; carefully remove cookies from paper. Yields 1 cookie per serving.