Baltimore, MD

We arrived in Baltimore without complications and we are settling in. We are so fortunate to have had our friends Greg and Amy here when we arrived, mostly because Greg owns a truck!! He helped us promptly purchase our first bed, first couch, first television, and even let us borrow some of their furniture he placed in storage.

Josh and I were hesitant to sign the lease when we arrived because the exterior of the apartment complex is quite unsightly. The hallway leading up to our apartment smells vaguely like an old wet gym sock. It appeared that our luck with apartment complexes had finally run its course. But we signed the lease anyway (since we only had two days before Josh started his clerkship and since the rent was very inexpensive for living in Baltimore). Josh promised to buy me some pepper spray for protection!! The first few days we felt a bit edgy but having Amy and Greg here calmed our nerves. Two weeks later, we feel at home. Especially since this is our first home as a married couple that we have purchased our own furniture together. It makes a difference! This will be our home until the end of July. We are still waiting to receive Josh's Step 1 scores. His score will help determine where we are moving next. (Hopefully back to Saginaw, MI)


We are always welcoming visitors and don't be deterred by my previous comments! Baltimore, like most cities, has areas to avoid but we don't live in one. And in fact, downtown Baltimore (the inner harbor) is one of the most beautiful inner cities I have seen. Plus we only live about an hour from Washington DC for all you history enthusiasts. My goal is to visit DC at least 5 times while I am here (already one down). Maybe I will just bump into Barack and Michelle Obama on the street... you can't blame a girl for dreaming!

I thought this picture was funny....

How many future doctors does it take to build a grill?!

~If you want it to take an hour, then two ;)

Earth day and the conclusion of my A-Z series

HAPPY EARTH DAY!! 

And what a perfect occasion to finally complete my A-Z going green series.  Sorry for prolonging this series but I hope you enjoyed the information and even learned something.  My goal is that it made you pause and reflect on your own life.  My hope is that you will adapt at least one green tip into your daily routine. 

Q-Z:

Q – Question businesses that do not have a written and implemented green policy and philosophy.  Find about what your favorite stores say about green issues. 

R – RECYCLE:  Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can positively impact the environment. Even when at-home recycling pick up is not available,  your apartment complex does not offer the service, or when your current recycling service is limited, there are local facilities which accept a greater variety of recyclable products including plastics, metals, glass, cardboard, paper etc.  In many states, these facilities are even free.  Please check out your local resources and recycling everything that is recyclable.

S – buy in Season: April – zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce, pineapples, and mangoes.  May – okra, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce, cherries, pineapples, and apricots.  Check out this site!

T - Think green when you Travel:  Be aware of your CO2 footprint (take a train over flying when possible, carpool, or choice non-stop flights), support the local economy while avoiding tourism souvenirs like shells and animal products, which harm the local environment and animal life, and never liter especially while camping. 

U – Use reusable diapers!  Never have I been a proponent of reusable diapers.  But I recently learned about a diaper service that sets to-be parents up with reusable diapers and deliver fresh diapers and picks up foiled diapers weekly.  I very well could be the only person who didn’t know about a service but this changes everything!  I am warming up to the idea and several wise mothers have informed me that reusable diapers help children become potty trained sooner. YIPPIE! National Association of Diaper Services

V – aVoid overnight shipping:  In fact, ground shipping tends to be six times more energy efficient than air. Avoiding overnight delivery will also save you a bundle of money, since companies add a hefty price for the service.

W – Wrap, that is try new Reynolds Wrap, made from 100% recycled aluminum foil. And yes, recycle and reuse tin foil.

X – Xing! I can’t think of anything for X so I must repeat one of my favorites… Use Reusable Bags!!  I LOVE them.

Y - You, and You alone, can make a big impact on the environment, both positively and negatively. Start by talking about green issues at home.  Making reusing, recycling, and conserving a part of your family’s routine.

Z – Zipcar: See if a car exchange service like Zipcar is right for you. 

Thanks for reading and have a great Earth Day!!  Stop reading this and get outside…. Seriously stop reading J

Moving to Baltimore

We are officially moving to Baltimore, Maryland on May 2nd.  Josh got accepted into a 12 week Internal Medicine rotation.  This is considered a "special" rotation because Josh starts the rotation before receiving his Step 1 scores.  Josh takes his first medical licensing exam (USMLE Step 1) on May 1st.   Most medical students have to wait the dreaded 2-8 weeks to receive their life-changing Step scores.  Fortunately, this special rotation gives Josh a "head start".  We are still hoping to end up back in Saginaw in August to complete Josh's remaining rotations.  We are keeping our fingers crossed.  

If anyone has lived in Maryland, I could definitely use some help finding an affordable, safe apartment that accepts short term leases.  Help would be greatly appreciated!!

Med School Information and Dates, if you are interested!:

-3rd and 4th year medical students are required to complete 48 weeks of "core rotations" (internal medicine, ER, family, psychiatry, OBGYN, and surgery) as well as a 30 weeks of elective rotations, which can consist of any sub specialty that the medical student is interested in.  Basically, the next two years will be Josh's big introduction into clinical medical and a hands on exploration of a variety of specialties.  This is the stage where most future doctors determine which field of medicine they wish to pursue.  

- In March 2011, Josh will enter into the national "Match".  Every graduated medical student throughout the United States enters the same Match.  (Unless the student is able to make prior arrangements with a Residency program).   The Match is designed to match graduated medical students with a Residency program at a particular hospital.  

Tony's

On the travel channel, we discovered a famous restaurant named Tony's about 20 minutes from Saginaw. Tony's is a glorified diner known for their 1 lb BLT and their half gallon banana spilt sundaes. Naturally, we had to see what all the fuss was about!! Sam and Katrina enjoying half a pig

Do your arteries hurt?

Now that's what I'm talking about

Dessert is the always the best part of the meal

Last few weeks in Michigan

March was full of excitement. My trip to Utah, Mary and Noah arrived, and Celine turned two. Mary and James are two of our friends from Dominica. Their first child Noah was born on February 23rd. Mary was staying with her parents while James finished school in Dominica and even delivered the baby in California. Needless to say, she was very anxious to come to Michigan and finally live in the same state with James. Noah is such an adorable baby.

Ralna, Mary, Baby Noah, Me

Greg and Amy are also a "medical couple". Amy stayed in the US with the kids and worked while Greg was on the island, so we met her when we moved to Michigan. Amy is such a genuine person and we instantly became friends. Not to mention, Josh became an instant favorite with their two children, Celine and Lucas. Frequently, Josh and the other boys would go to Greg and Amy's house an hour before the kids' bedtime and play with Lucas until he collapsed from exhaustion. Unfortunately, their roughhousing caused Lucas to have a nightmare or two. (Both kids have actually called out Josh's name in the middle of the night!!! Some screams of terror, both Amy thinks mostly just voicing excitement!) In March, Celine turned 2 years old. Amy organized a Hello Kitty themed birthday party. I forgot how much fun kid's birthday parties are! Lucas, Celine, and Greg

Sam, Lucas, Josh, James, Greg, and Baby Noah

Amy flew back home to California today with the kids. Their absence is felt already.

A group picture is coming....

Utah and Marlee

Here are some pictures from my Utah trip. Meet the newest addition to the Taylor family.

And don't forget my cutie pie niece Rhaegan. She has instantly transformed into a big girl. Although she is still adjusting to sharing Mom and Dad, she is such a great helper, great big sister, and wants to be involved in everything Marlee does...even the feeding process!! I will admit that being around a rambunctious three year old and a newborn is effective birth control, or at least a reminder that kids are in our "not so near" future! Sorry Mom :)

BABY Marlee!!

Congratulation Kendall and Shae!!

Baby Marlee was born today weighing in at 6lbs 9oz. Kendall says she has a full head of hair and she is just precious. Kendall is equally happy to no longer be pregnant! Here is the exclusive picture from the hospital!

Marlee Peyton Taylor