We've got spring fever, how about you?

I think it can officially be said that Dan and I (and the cats) have already jumped into spring thinking.  Please focus on this horrible photo taken this morning, from our front stoop because I did not want to get my socks wet.  There are a few things to be noted: 1.) Dan has reseeded our lawn/dirt, hopefully this year we will have some grass as opposed to 50% dirt, 50% moss.  2.) We cleaned our table and got our chairs out.  Yesterday I did a few hours of work outside enjoying the 60 degree sunny day!  3.) Tucked behind the grill I have compiled all of my "gardening" supplies.  Gardening is in quotes because I am not sure having a bunch of vegetable pots counts as real gardening. 4.) I finally took our Christmas lights down...  I know I am a little slow on it, but better late than never. 

The beyond gorgeous day yesterday also inspired last nights dinner: hamburgers (for Dan), grilled veggies (for me), grilled potato slices, and BBQ chicken.  It was delicious.  My favorite grilled food is vegetables, they are so flavorful with just a smidge of olive oil and salt and pepper.  The other great thing about grilling is the lack of dishes...  So glad my dad taught me the art of grilling and Vasana taught me the art of how NOT to turn on the grill.  (Sorry Vas, I couldn't help myself)


In addition to the patio, something else got a make over.... the Camry

For years my dad has been telling me that I need new shocks, struts, and whatsa-callits and for years I have been putting it off.  Well this weekend all that changed, my reliable 160,000 mile Camry got an overhaul with some new parts.  I have to admit I forgot what driving is supposed to feel like.  I think my car gained a full foot more from the ground.  We put a ginormous bag of potting soil ($2 at garage sale) in the trunk and she didn't even drop an inch!  In addition to her lift, her insides got all snazzed up with a new stereo with satellite radio! 

Have I ever mentioned that I have the best mechanic. 

After Licking My Post- Exam Wounds, It Is Time For An Update.

Is anyone else looking at the calendar going where did February go?  For me at least it seems that we just started February, I feel I just mentally noted the 3rd of February cause I had four months left till the boards.  Now, I am down to three months left...  Like my new way of marking the passage of time?  I am sure I am not the only 2nd year medical student who basically lists all events according to the boards timeline.  

While going on a month long road trip, or a weekend gateway, or leaving my desk for more than a day recently has not been on the agenda, February was a nice month.

To start I had a wonderful Valentines Day!   On my way home from my OMM exam I stopped at the store and picked up a few treaties (aka two cakes: ice cream and red velvet, I was covering my bases and a bunch of candy) to add to Dan's gift of tickets to the International Car Show in NYC.   While technically his gift, I think I am just as pumped as he is to go in April!  (I think this fact alone gets me to the list of top ten coolest girlfriends).  When I got home I was happily surprised with the yummy smelling house and to find a giant heart shaped rice-krispie treat on my desk complete with card and a bunch of jewelery that Dan had fixed for me!  It was the perfect gift, especially since lately I have been obsessed with Cake Boss.  For those of you who are not obsessed with the show (weirdos) everything Buddy does involves rice krispie treats, and I am always drooling.   We had a wonderful night of binging on pizza and sweets (Weight Watchers be damned, at least for that night).  Mental note though, ice-cream cake, red velvet cake, and rice krispies= way too much for two people.

A few weeks ago my parents ventured into NYC to see a musical so I got to meet them for dinner!  It was so nice seeing them, even though my mom was recovering from that stomach bug everyone seems to get, and my dad lost his appetite after getting served some bad veal, and I was just plain old tired.  It was Fat Tuesday, but rather than stay up and party, I feel asleep at 9pm....  Even though it was not the most extravagant evening, it was so wonderful getting to see them.  I have to admit I miss my parents and family a lot (especially the little ones).  The past few months have been really hard with school and studying for the boards and trying to work out more often, that I have not made the trip to CT in a bit.  One weekend though very soon I will be making that drive!  And look out Mamouns here I come...  even though a felafel sandwich is 13 points it will be so worth it!

Well I guess that is also a new thing going on.  I am not going to make a big deal out of it on here, but I joined Weight Watchers and so far I have lost four pound.  Since beginning medical school I have gained a bit and it is my goal to be back to my pre-med school weight before rotations start in August.  Wish me luck! 

And to make February even more fabulous I got to see my best friend and like the dorks that we are we did some decoupaging!  My friend Dri wanted to make a super cool collage for her mom using bingo boards and so we got arts and crafty with our bad selves and lots and lots of glue....  I am still working on mine (right now it looks more like a science project than a piece of art).  My theme was fish, using photos from National Geographic Magazines that Dan's dad had collected.  I know its not done yet, but at the moment I am having artist's (term being used loosely here) block.....

As it is 9:30 at night and I do not have another exam for a few weeks... I am going to do something wild and crazy and embrace my  bed!