Here I am with my CCSE Bowl-A-Thon team "Bowling for Booty." We went a rough band of Pirates and helped to raise over $1000 to help fund the Center for Cancer Support and Education - the non-profit that Ben helps manage.
We won again this year for best costumes, and I think we also showed a ton of spirit. Craig, back row 2nd in, actually bowled all 3 games with that sword in his left hand. That's dedication!
I'm glad that my friends and I were able to participate and help Ben and CCSE reach their fund raising goals!
Hmmmmm, now what should we dress as next year?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Adoring Jeff
This is from Jen Blomberg's wedding in July. I was one of her bridesmaids. Here we are all adoring her new husband Jeff.
The wedding, like Jen, was quite elegant and sophisticated. She was married in CT at a function hall near the river. It poured earlier that day and even power lines came down, but by her 6:30 outdoor ceremony... it was perfect!
Ben made the drive down with me, and made quite a few friends with the husbands and boyfriends of the other girls. A great group to spend the weekend with.
I wish the Millers the best in years to come!
The wedding, like Jen, was quite elegant and sophisticated. She was married in CT at a function hall near the river. It poured earlier that day and even power lines came down, but by her 6:30 outdoor ceremony... it was perfect!
Ben made the drive down with me, and made quite a few friends with the husbands and boyfriends of the other girls. A great group to spend the weekend with.
I wish the Millers the best in years to come!
He Found Us!
Ben was late getting to the start of Hub on Wheels and I have to admit that he did a good job catching up toi us. We were biking 15-16 mph so he must have been up near 18-20. Go Ben!
We are at the secnd stop point here.
We are at the secnd stop point here.
Getting Ready to Ride
JIn, her boyfriend Matt, Ben and I decided to do the Hub on Wheels 50 mile ride around Boston on Sept 21st to benefit the public school system. Jin is showing off the extra bright jersey I lent her.
It's 7 am and she is ready to go!
It's 7 am and she is ready to go!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fool's Gold
I decided to play Ultimate Frisbee with my old roommate Helen. She convinced me to do learning league through Boston Ultimate Disc Association or BUDA for short. I spent 6 weeks learning the rules of the game and the ins and outs of throwing and catching a disc.
Then the 2 of us joined a summer Hat team. In the summer Hat League everyone's names are placed in a hat and teams are picked at random, although you can request to be with at least 2 other people. I, of couse, picked Helen (bottom right).
I was placed on a great team pictured here at the final tournament where we fought our way up from the bottom bracket to the finals, which were rained out... but we are co-winners of the tournament.
We were named Fool's Gold as it was Olympic themed and our shirts were buttercup colored. We also just loved yelling: Go Fools!
Playing with these guys every Monday night has been one of the highlights of my summer, and I have already signed up for Fall Hat League... not sure if a better team can be randomly picked though!
Great playing with you Fools!
Then the 2 of us joined a summer Hat team. In the summer Hat League everyone's names are placed in a hat and teams are picked at random, although you can request to be with at least 2 other people. I, of couse, picked Helen (bottom right).
I was placed on a great team pictured here at the final tournament where we fought our way up from the bottom bracket to the finals, which were rained out... but we are co-winners of the tournament.
We were named Fool's Gold as it was Olympic themed and our shirts were buttercup colored. We also just loved yelling: Go Fools!
Playing with these guys every Monday night has been one of the highlights of my summer, and I have already signed up for Fall Hat League... not sure if a better team can be randomly picked though!
Great playing with you Fools!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Officially Staying in Boston
So, even though I was been given a verbal commitment from MGH for a full time position a week and a half ago, there had been no mention of $$ or any official paperwork. Well, I got an official offer letter last night, and the salary is a tad more than I expected so I am quite pleased. My salary will go up slightly over 50% from my intern salary starting September 1.
I don't want to think about how this amount is 7 grand less than my starting salary at Sun was, because I never said this career change was about the money. In fact, it was about wanting to get out of bed in the AM and being excited about what I was doing. So far, that is the case. And speaking of which, I need to get moving to get in for my 7:30 patient! Just wanted to post the newest job update.
I don't want to think about how this amount is 7 grand less than my starting salary at Sun was, because I never said this career change was about the money. In fact, it was about wanting to get out of bed in the AM and being excited about what I was doing. So far, that is the case. And speaking of which, I need to get moving to get in for my 7:30 patient! Just wanted to post the newest job update.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Lord Family
My friend Candace just had her baby a few weeks ago, and she recently sent me a picture of the family at their house in Cleveland. Jay and Candace are the proud parents of baby Keiran Lord.
I feel like it was just yesterday that I was studying for my anatomy class on Candace and Jay's dinning room table... but that was over 3 years ago, as I am now through grad school, finishing up internship and about to start my new career.
Candace is finishing up nursing school part time at Case Western and working full time as an RN. Well, currently she is staying at home with Keiran, but will return to her busy life soon enough, I am sure.
I wish them all the best and can't wait to meet Keiran!
I feel like it was just yesterday that I was studying for my anatomy class on Candace and Jay's dinning room table... but that was over 3 years ago, as I am now through grad school, finishing up internship and about to start my new career.
Candace is finishing up nursing school part time at Case Western and working full time as an RN. Well, currently she is staying at home with Keiran, but will return to her busy life soon enough, I am sure.
I wish them all the best and can't wait to meet Keiran!
Back in the Saddle Again
So, I guess I mean that in 2 ways... (1) I am trying to get back on my road bike regularly and had an amazing 15 mile hilly ride with Anna Thursday AM... something I hope becomes a semi-regular event when she gets back from her work trip. The weather was beautiful and it was such a great way to start the day! I was actually quite sore the next day, so I am definitely out of practice.
And (2) I'm dating again. I struggle with this last piece a bit more. I actually don't feel as out of practice with dating someone as I do with biking. Matt and I just ended things back in early April, and it is uncharacteristic of me to start seeing someone else exclusively so soon.
I guess I also tend not to date people I already know, and I've known Ben now for 2 years. I didn't know what to expect when he asked me out a few weeks ago, and I am still amazed at how well we get along.
Unlike following Anna up hills, it's just easy.
And (2) I'm dating again. I struggle with this last piece a bit more. I actually don't feel as out of practice with dating someone as I do with biking. Matt and I just ended things back in early April, and it is uncharacteristic of me to start seeing someone else exclusively so soon.
I guess I also tend not to date people I already know, and I've known Ben now for 2 years. I didn't know what to expect when he asked me out a few weeks ago, and I am still amazed at how well we get along.
Unlike following Anna up hills, it's just easy.
Bridal Shower
I went to Jocelyn's Bridal Shower last Sunday out in Framingham. Even though her wedding is in October, her aunt and cousins decided to host us at a local fondue place to celebrate Jocelyn and Jacob's upcoming union.
It was great to meet Jocelyn's mom, as well as the rest of her family and some of my fellow bridesmaids. This is my first time being the maid of honor, and I think I did a good job with my duties of organizing all the gifts after they were opened. Of course the big event for me to plan is going to be the weekend in NYC in September.
I am very excited to be involved with all the planning and to support her during everything.
Pictures of me in an eggplant dress to follow :)
It was great to meet Jocelyn's mom, as well as the rest of her family and some of my fellow bridesmaids. This is my first time being the maid of honor, and I think I did a good job with my duties of organizing all the gifts after they were opened. Of course the big event for me to plan is going to be the weekend in NYC in September.
I am very excited to be involved with all the planning and to support her during everything.
Pictures of me in an eggplant dress to follow :)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Perspective
I just evaluated a gentleman who recently had a fairly minor ankle surgery. He was very jovial upon introduction and while we went through his medical history that included and past bout with cancer that has metastasized to his lungs and around his heart. They have given him ~24 months, and he came off chemo to have his ankle operated on as he was having too much pain when he walked.
He told me all of this in good spirits and is excited to begin physical therapy with me as his main goal is to be able to return to walking with his wife. He is not particularly old, and says that he has come to terms with the prognosis, although he keeps an open mind to future experimental treatment options.
He will be working with me till next Friday when he can move to another therapist, although he is considering following me to the main hospital based on how things go over the next 13 days.
Meeting someone going through something like that, well, it just puts things in better perspective for me. I have my health, my family and my friends, and I am so appreciative of all 3!
He told me all of this in good spirits and is excited to begin physical therapy with me as his main goal is to be able to return to walking with his wife. He is not particularly old, and says that he has come to terms with the prognosis, although he keeps an open mind to future experimental treatment options.
He will be working with me till next Friday when he can move to another therapist, although he is considering following me to the main hospital based on how things go over the next 13 days.
Meeting someone going through something like that, well, it just puts things in better perspective for me. I have my health, my family and my friends, and I am so appreciative of all 3!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Marathon Weekend
So, this is the weekend of the big Boston Hash House Harriers event centered around the actual Boston Marathon, which is tomorrow. So many of my favorite out of town people came in for the event this weekend, and it was great to catch up with them all. Especially my VTers... I miss Burlington.
The hardest thing about this weekend by far was having to have similar conversations with people about what happened between Matt and I. I guess his version is rather simplified: "She was planning a future, I wasn't," which I guess gets the point across, but some of my friends wanted to know a little more including how I was holding up...
interesting question
I don't really know how to address that one, except to say that I am keeping myself busy, and that I don't regret the decision to end things. I am disappointed that Matt could not envision a future for us together, but I don't necessarily fault him that. I just want to feel special, appreciated, and to be a priority in someone's life after 1.5 years. The fact that he couldn't provide that does not make him a bad person, it just makes him not the right person.
Not knowing who the right person may be is a little scary, but also thrilling in a way. Well, let's just wait and see how I feel tomorrow... this process is a very day-by-day kind of thing :)
The hardest thing about this weekend by far was having to have similar conversations with people about what happened between Matt and I. I guess his version is rather simplified: "She was planning a future, I wasn't," which I guess gets the point across, but some of my friends wanted to know a little more including how I was holding up...
interesting question
I don't really know how to address that one, except to say that I am keeping myself busy, and that I don't regret the decision to end things. I am disappointed that Matt could not envision a future for us together, but I don't necessarily fault him that. I just want to feel special, appreciated, and to be a priority in someone's life after 1.5 years. The fact that he couldn't provide that does not make him a bad person, it just makes him not the right person.
Not knowing who the right person may be is a little scary, but also thrilling in a way. Well, let's just wait and see how I feel tomorrow... this process is a very day-by-day kind of thing :)
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Second Job
So, an opportunity arose to take a per diem job at a hospital I interviewed at for internship: Shaughnessey Kaplan. The position is for weekend work and it involves working in acute care and rehab. It also pays $50/ hr... I decided to interview with them to see if it was something I might be interested in doing.
I was wavering on the ride up to Salem 2 weeks ago as to whether or not I would be willing to give up weekend days for the extra pay, but then I realized there was no guarantee that I would even get the job. When I got there, it was barely an interview and more of a tour and an explanation of what my responsibilities would be.
I was excited to be back in a hospital setting, and realized that the experience in acute care would make me even more marketable after my internship with MGH ended. Once he explained that 2 days a month would be sufficient to work there, I thought... why not? It would be a new experience, and (like it or not) I have a more free weekend schedule these days.
I still don't know what I will do full time at the end of internship in August. MGH has not discussed hiring me, and I am toying with the idea of leaving the Boston area... Seattle? Chicago? Denver? I guess I could really go anywhere. A patient of mine who works as a nurse upstairs suggested getting my resume together and out there now for potential jobs out of the area. The thought scares me a bit, as I would be leaving some many close friends, but if I am seriously considering it, I need to start looking at potential employers.
I'll try and keep this updated with my search and job decisions. Funny that I started this 3 years ago to cronical my journey through PT school and I am almost to the end of it. Where did the time go?
I was wavering on the ride up to Salem 2 weeks ago as to whether or not I would be willing to give up weekend days for the extra pay, but then I realized there was no guarantee that I would even get the job. When I got there, it was barely an interview and more of a tour and an explanation of what my responsibilities would be.
I was excited to be back in a hospital setting, and realized that the experience in acute care would make me even more marketable after my internship with MGH ended. Once he explained that 2 days a month would be sufficient to work there, I thought... why not? It would be a new experience, and (like it or not) I have a more free weekend schedule these days.
I still don't know what I will do full time at the end of internship in August. MGH has not discussed hiring me, and I am toying with the idea of leaving the Boston area... Seattle? Chicago? Denver? I guess I could really go anywhere. A patient of mine who works as a nurse upstairs suggested getting my resume together and out there now for potential jobs out of the area. The thought scares me a bit, as I would be leaving some many close friends, but if I am seriously considering it, I need to start looking at potential employers.
I'll try and keep this updated with my search and job decisions. Funny that I started this 3 years ago to cronical my journey through PT school and I am almost to the end of it. Where did the time go?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
New Scarf
So, the best thing happened yesterday at work. The cute little Egyptian woman I worked with presented me with a present. One my colleagues actually came to get me and said my patient was looking for me after the session was over. I was worried she had not understood to head back to the waiting room as her understanding of English is limited. As I found her in our usually room, there she was with this scarf wrapped up for me.
She had knit it for me after I had complemented her on one she had worn to a visit a week earlier. It is very soft, and brightly colored so it may have to be my spring scarf.
I was just blown away by the gesture, and even wearing it now makes me smile!
She had knit it for me after I had complemented her on one she had worn to a visit a week earlier. It is very soft, and brightly colored so it may have to be my spring scarf.
I was just blown away by the gesture, and even wearing it now makes me smile!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Internship Update
I am currently still at MGH West in Waltham, but the count down has started for my move to the ACC. 4 weeks from today will be my first day at the main campus. I'll have co-treat time with two clinical specialist: one who specializes in spine, the other extremities, have a 15 minute bike ride commute, and a schedule with at least 2 late mornings! I can not wait.
I will definitely miss the group of therapist out in Waltham, the gym next door to work, and my interesting conversations commuting in with Alex or Casey. I guess I am also a little nervous that the main campus will be more challenging, and perhaps I will not succeed there as easily as I did in Waltham. Well, I guess it wasn't that easy... I definitely struggled those first 8 weeks.
I have been told to study up on the shoulder including relevant literature before heading down there, so I guess even after the boards, my studying days are not over!
I do like a challenge, and I guess I have to remember that and just plan to do my best.
I will definitely miss the group of therapist out in Waltham, the gym next door to work, and my interesting conversations commuting in with Alex or Casey. I guess I am also a little nervous that the main campus will be more challenging, and perhaps I will not succeed there as easily as I did in Waltham. Well, I guess it wasn't that easy... I definitely struggled those first 8 weeks.
I have been told to study up on the shoulder including relevant literature before heading down there, so I guess even after the boards, my studying days are not over!
I do like a challenge, and I guess I have to remember that and just plan to do my best.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Golda Mark
Another couple who introductions I facilitated had a baby girl at the end of February.
Dasha and Zsolt have been a perfect match since she finally agreed to go out with him 4 years ago. He hounded me for a few weeks, and after she saw how refined his apartment was, she was in it for the long haul.
Congrats on the new edition to the Mark household. I have no doubts that Zsolt is also quite smitten with her.
Dasha and Zsolt have been a perfect match since she finally agreed to go out with him 4 years ago. He hounded me for a few weeks, and after she saw how refined his apartment was, she was in it for the long haul.
Congrats on the new edition to the Mark household. I have no doubts that Zsolt is also quite smitten with her.
Malena Devlin
Well, Marisa and Julian are now proud parents. It is funny to think that I helped the two of them meet almost 7 years ago when Marisa commented that he was "very cute" at a housewarming party I had.
I now have to say that perhaps Malena is the cutest in the household these days. Congratulations to them!
I now have to say that perhaps Malena is the cutest in the household these days. Congratulations to them!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Glimpse of Being Single...
I will start off by saying that I have not written in a while, but will post a recap of the events since Oct worth noting later.
Last night was an interesting experience for me. After an ambiguous conversation with Matt on Tuesday of this week, I think I can safely say that I have no idea where our relationship is headed at this point. I find this slightly ironic because just a few days earlier we went on our first weekend trip together without an agenda other than to spend time together and explore a new area. This trip went better than planned, we had a great time, and for the first time in a few months I started thinking about our future together...
Perhaps that precipitated the subsequent thoughts and fear that Matt expressed Tuesday and the decision to take some time apart this weekend to think through things.
So, a friend of mine decided that I needed to go out last night to spend time out of my apartment drinking and dancing with strangers. While the thought was appreciated, I don't think it was necessarily the best choice.
We headed out to join a going away pub crawl for someone he had met once, and I had never met. To make the evening even more bizarre, I didn't show up there with my friend, but with my ex Brian, who happened to send me a message online while I was getting ready and we decided to head down together. It was good to see Brian, to catch up with what he has been up to, but half way through the night he could tell that something was up. You just can't live with someone and not know when they are unhappy or upset. We then talked a bit about our respective relationships, and he shared with me how much he misses his ex Natalie, and how he now wants to move to England to be with her.
This is someone who left FL for college, has barely used his passport except for work, and has been settled in Boston for almost 10 years. But, she means that much to him! While I could not be happier for Brian and truly wish him the best (I would even help him pack), his adoration for Natalie just seemed to magnify the lack of adoration I felt.
And I want to feel adored...
So, here I am at an expensive downtown bar where the DJ is playing music from my high school and college years, and I am surrounded by girls wearing more makeup and less clothing than me that appear to not know any of the words to the songs being played: ah, yes, they were too young to know these songs as the average age here must be 23. I watch the 23 year olds awkwardly trying to talk or dance with one another, all trying to be noticed and hoping to meet someone tonight.
I dance like no one is watching with my male friends, who are thankfully older than I am, hoping I am not being noticed. I don't want any of these guys to ask for my number or to express any interest in me.
This is not my scene. What am I doing at a 23 year old pick-up bar? Please tell me that this is NOT in my potential future as a single girl in Boston. The whole idea makes my stomach turn.
Last night was an interesting experience for me. After an ambiguous conversation with Matt on Tuesday of this week, I think I can safely say that I have no idea where our relationship is headed at this point. I find this slightly ironic because just a few days earlier we went on our first weekend trip together without an agenda other than to spend time together and explore a new area. This trip went better than planned, we had a great time, and for the first time in a few months I started thinking about our future together...
Perhaps that precipitated the subsequent thoughts and fear that Matt expressed Tuesday and the decision to take some time apart this weekend to think through things.
So, a friend of mine decided that I needed to go out last night to spend time out of my apartment drinking and dancing with strangers. While the thought was appreciated, I don't think it was necessarily the best choice.
We headed out to join a going away pub crawl for someone he had met once, and I had never met. To make the evening even more bizarre, I didn't show up there with my friend, but with my ex Brian, who happened to send me a message online while I was getting ready and we decided to head down together. It was good to see Brian, to catch up with what he has been up to, but half way through the night he could tell that something was up. You just can't live with someone and not know when they are unhappy or upset. We then talked a bit about our respective relationships, and he shared with me how much he misses his ex Natalie, and how he now wants to move to England to be with her.
This is someone who left FL for college, has barely used his passport except for work, and has been settled in Boston for almost 10 years. But, she means that much to him! While I could not be happier for Brian and truly wish him the best (I would even help him pack), his adoration for Natalie just seemed to magnify the lack of adoration I felt.
And I want to feel adored...
So, here I am at an expensive downtown bar where the DJ is playing music from my high school and college years, and I am surrounded by girls wearing more makeup and less clothing than me that appear to not know any of the words to the songs being played: ah, yes, they were too young to know these songs as the average age here must be 23. I watch the 23 year olds awkwardly trying to talk or dance with one another, all trying to be noticed and hoping to meet someone tonight.
I dance like no one is watching with my male friends, who are thankfully older than I am, hoping I am not being noticed. I don't want any of these guys to ask for my number or to express any interest in me.
This is not my scene. What am I doing at a 23 year old pick-up bar? Please tell me that this is NOT in my potential future as a single girl in Boston. The whole idea makes my stomach turn.
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