Early Anniversary #2

Today, Josh and I returned from Ocean City, Maryland. Since the end of July and beginning of August will be very busy for us with moving and traveling, we decided to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary a month early with a weekend beach getaway. The parents of one of Josh's friends from college, Jackie, own a studio apartment in Ocean City, that they occasionally use for vacationing. They generously offered us the apartment for the weekend. We were so grateful, especially since standard hotel rooms in Ocean City during the peak season range from $200 - $500 a night. We baked in the sun, ate delicious seafood (yes I am acquiring a taste for certain seafood!!), and played some miniature golf. Aside from my nasty sunburn, we had a wonderfully relaxing vacation together. "I love my home... planet earth". Thanks for the reusable bag, Mom! It is a perfect beach bag.

Just 4 more weeks in Baltimore, and where to next is still unknown...

The life of a doctor's wife

More and more I am beginning to feel like the wife of a doctor. The long hours and the nerdy jokes. I am alone most of the day which is starting to weigh on me, especially when I am no closer to discovering what I want to do with my life! I am use to seeing Josh all the time or at least have other spouses I can relate with. But it isn't all bad! Last night we experienced the first "perk" of being in the medical profession. We were invited to attend a celebration for all of the graduating Residency at Good Samaritan Hospital (the hospital Josh is doing his rotation with). The dress code for the event was sport jackets and dresses. We even bought Josh his first suit especially for this evening. I found a nice dress at Target for $20 bucks, what a steal! We had a really nice evening. My favorite part was the dessert buffet with endless strawberries and whipped cream, pastries, cake, eclairs, and more. I was in hog heaven.

This is Josh and his first Resident, Nabil Zeinah. Josh loved working with him. Greg and Josh having a grand old time

Our first visitors, Sam and Katrina!

This week our friends Sam and Katrina drove from Saginaw to visit us. We met Sam and Katrina in Dominica (Sam is a medical student too), and we really became close when we moved to the same apartment complex in Michigan. Sam and Katrina had never been to the east coast so naturally we had to show them all the "important sites"! Below is just an array of pictures from their visit, including our trips to Washington DC and Philadelphia.

Philly Geno's and Pat's are two competing cheese steak restaurants in Philly. Each location sells essentially the exact same product and each has two strictly enforced rules: 1. Pay in cash and 2. Read their instruction on how to order, practice before ordering, and don't mess up. We witnessed intimidated customers practicing their order in line. Quite hilarious if you ask me, although they were very very very serious about their rules. I preferred Pat's merely because Geno's refused to give me a glass of tap water... which I believe is illegal? Anyone know!?

Liberty Bell - It is a beautiful exhibit. The Liberty Bell is placed in front of a glass door that overlooks where it originally hung in Independence Hall.

National Christmas Tree - Which in our opinion, needs some pruning!

First trip to Washington DC

Our first trip to Washington DC as Maryland residents was a cold and rainy one. But we loved every minute! 1 trip down, at least 4 more to go :)

Our friends Sam and Katrina are arriving today. Washington DC is definitely on our to-do list since Michigan is as far east as either of them have been. My to-do list also consists of having lunch with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. (Totally possible!!)

Hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend.

My new obsessions

Since the 100 calorie snack packs emerged, I have really enjoyed the Lorna Doone cookie pack. edition. They are buttery and delicious. My afternoon isn't complete without my diet coke and a pack of Lorna Doones. (Most of the time I am pretty good about sticking to just the one pack!)

Last week I randomly purchased a bag of Tostitos new blue corn tortilla chips, which are made from organic corn (although this was not my motive for purchasing the chips). For anyone who loves chips and salsa as much as we do, try these chips. So Yummy.

As you can tell, I would have a hard time on the Atkin's Diet! I love my carbs!

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