THE SIMPLE LIFE

1. Family

So the reason I haven't been blogging recently is because I've been super busy. First was planning Steph's bachelorette and Jack & Jill. I had an awesome time at both thanks to everyone that was there and I was pretty surprised how well things flowed - good times with good friends. Next, Clark, Tracy and little Natalie came back home for a visit from HK. It was nice to spend so much time together with my bro & sis (-in-laws) and my little niece always manages to put a smile on everyone's face. I'm amazed at how quickly she's growing and how she's no longer a lump but a mini person with her own opinions. I learnt a major lesson about earrings during their visit - it makes a huge difference! Natalie used to look like her father but after she got her ears pierced, she looks like a little princess instead. I will now add earrings (in addition to make-up) as a magical makeover.

Alex's graduation was last weekend. My parents were able to come back from Beijing for it as well which was great. We haven't had both sides of the family all together since our wedding. It made the weekend filled with laughter since all 5 couples stayed up late playing card games. It's pretty cool that our family can get along like that. Alex and I were reflecting on the fact that our familys are very different and if God wasn't their common factor, they actually may have a hard time getting along. His family's very fun-loving: the more noise, people and excitement the better. My family's prefers order, quiet and more intimate conversations. It's really funny cuz several times being with my parents I realized where all my habits and things that I thought were "distinctly me" came from them.


2. God is at work.

There is no such thing as a coincidence...at least, I don't believe it. God has been amazing in showing me His plans lately, especially through our house-hunting process. As I had previously mentioned my aunt was my agent. However, now that I'm settling back to Waterloo, we felt bad that she would to to travel back and forth on our whim so we were going to go with someone more local. The very next day, we saw our dream home at an open house only for private sale (ie. no agent). That's God being at work #1.

When I originally started house-hunting, I had very specific requirements (eg. not within a knuckle joint from hydro line on this paper map that I have). Alex makes fun of me all the time because to him it's random. Trust me, the distance between my 2 finger joints is about 1 km on the map. Any way, this particular neighbourhood only had one little section that wasn't touching my finger joint - and how crazy is it that this house happens to be in that area!!

The awesome thing was that both my parents, Alex's parents, Alex's brother & wife were ALL there for this open house AND ALL agreed that it was great. That's God being at work #2 & #3. Now we know why the offer we placed on the first house didn't go through because this was even better than that one! God at work #4. We placed an offer 2 hours later and the sellers accepted it (more on this later). God at work #5. We find out this week that we beat a ton of ppl - they have already received 5 other offers after us. God at work #6.


God is amazing...I know that He's always at work but sometimes, you never see the reason or the results of it. It makes it all the more exciting when you can...this was a great reminder for me of how He brought Alex and I together as well.

More details and pics later =D

I just got back from a very busy weekend...but also a lot of fun.

It all started with Thursday evening movie - I finally got to see 'I love you man'. Alex had already seen it with his med boys so Mike and I went on our own after doing his exam. It was a decent movie...but remembering the scenes & lines in retrospect makes it much better than it actually is.

It was Carson's 23rd birthday this weekend and we went to celebrate in Niagara. Needless to say, when you're going so close to the border, you gotta cross over! We went back to Waterloo Thursday night to pick up our American currency left over from my Chicago days. However, in my rush to leave TO after the movie I forgot to pack my passport. Alex and I had to drive back to TO on Friday to pick it up before we were on our road trip to The Falls. (there was a LOT of travelling this weekend).

We went to Canyon Creek chophouse for dinner and I got to spend time chatting with Aaron about our profession and his perspectives as a student right now. It's always really encouraging to talk to ppl who are super enthusiastic - it reminded me of how I felt when I was in school...and how much I miss being involved while in Chicago. We had TWO reasons to celebrate Carson - his b-day AND his acceptance to Law School. Congrats!!

Alex and I stayed at the Embassy suites for a REAL good price - we got a view of the Falls PLUS a buffet breakfast at the Keg the next morning. It wasn't a skimpy breakfast either - they made Omelets with anything you want on it...and you get to watch the Falls again while you eat too.

We went to Buffalo saturday afternoon but didn't anything at the outlets. Our only purchases ended up from Target (sort of like a K-mart). Their stuff is so much cheaper, even with the exchange rate. I bought a whole pack of Burt's Bees lip gloss, (Zaditor) some allergy eye drops not available in Canada and (Airborne) sim. to ColdFX but not available in Canada either. The guy and the border kind of laughed at us when we showed him our receipt.

Any way, Saturday night we travelled back to London for Alex's Grad formal. It was good times celebrating everyone's achievements. Congrats to Brian and Drew for their honour awards - especially Bri. You know, we should be really proud of our friend. He got the longest applause and the ONLY standing ovation. I'm glad their class recognized what a special guy he really is *smile*.

Sunday morning we went for brunch at this place which served breakfast in bowls. Literally, the typical eggs, potatos, meats but a bowl instead of a plate. Weird I know, but it's actually pretty good. Any way, the service was really slow so we spoke to the manager and ended up with free meals & drinks for all 7 of us. Pretty cool...now that's what I call a good manager!

We travelled back to spend Sunday night in Waterloo and got to finally watch Slumdog Millionaire. It WAS a good movie and all in all, a good but busy weekend as well.

I love when my profession gives me perks - one of which is free food. Yesterday, I got to go to a corporate sponsored event and for listening to someone talk for 2 hrs, I got free unlimited alcohol and dinner at Auberge du Pommier. It was sweet! I just went onto their website to find out what we got - they spent over 90 bucks me on last night; craziness!

For h'or douvres they had Cappuccino de Truffle. It's pureed mushroom and truffle soup with velvet shank cream and parmesan biscuit. It was soooo good. Although looking at the menu, it costs $19. It was such a tiny little tease...now I wish I drank more than one cup =P I also got to try their tuna tartare inside hallowed cucumbers. I have to say I was a little disappointed with that one. Although their presentation was nice, I actually preferred Simon's version at last week's dinner. They also had chicken kebobs with a sweet mustard sauce which was just okay too.

For appetizers we got to choose between Winter Squash Veloute, Mousseline of Scallop or Foie Gras Terrine. I chose the the Scallop, which was chilled mousse of sea scallop wrapped in smoked salmon with tarragon and lime dressing. I guess I should've read the menu more closely cuz making a scallop mousse just sounds kinda gross. It really didn't taste great either - the salmon was good but the scallop was very rubbery and pairing it with the lime didn't make it any better. I should have gone for the Foie Gras instead - doh!

For the main, we got to choose between a roast grouper, loin of lamb or grilled beef tenderloin. I went for the lamb with golden potato, braised garlic, roast parship and rosemary. It was delicious. Perfectly done and oh so yummy. I was really full by the end of it. The only sucky part was burping lamb for the rest of the evening. Doesn't taste as good coming back up - ewwwww!

For dessert everyone got Auberge Crepes. It was undescribable. They filled it with pastry cream and fresh oranges and grapefruit. Topped with a citrus reduction mixed with Grand Marnier. So so so so so so good!

All in all, it was a delightful evening. Oh yeah...and I got to talk to a few strangers and learn about some new products. I hate networking but I'll do it for good food...or just free food.

I'm posting twice in 1 day...at work...tackless huh? Good thing I'm not being paid by the hour otherwise I might feel bad.

1. Being in the "real" world isn't all it's cracked up to be.
You know I always enjoyed being in school...learning new things and all, but towards my last year I was really itching to graduate and be done with all of it. Now that I've been working for a while...I don't know. Maybe it's one of those cases where the grass is greener on the other side.

I know that I should be thankful. Speaking of which, let's list all the things I should be thankful for:
-a career
-that's pretty secure
-being at an office where they hired me knowing full well I may have to leave within 6 months
-the money
-patients that are great conversationalists, appreciative or just willing to learn more about their bodies

Phew! I'm glad I listed all that. It really puts things in perspective when I was just about to complain.

I gave notice at work that I would be done by the end of May. I was given options to increase my work hours before I leave and also to work part-time throughout the summer. I haven't really sat down to discuss with Alex yet but I'm going through a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment.

1. Guilt/Pressure
I feel as though I've left the practice in a tough spot, leaving before the new grads are licensed to work. I don't want to let the head guy down since he's been my mentor for over 10 yrs and a real reason why I'm even in this career. He mentioned that the other doctors and him would have to pick up some days to fill the spots.

2. Greed
If I did stay, I'd still be making money, which would help for planning the future (ie. house, kids, pets, etc.)

3. Bitterness/Resentment
I've been having a tough time adjusting to work. Not so much seeing patients (I enjoy what goes on inside the exam room). But the organization of the practice and my interactions & communications with staff and doctors have been awkward and sometimes even strained. There have been days were I've cried because of what has happened at work. Things have actually been better this past week, but I don't know if it's because I'm starting to get the hang of this environment or if it's because I know there's an end in sight.

4. Relief
That there's going to be a change soon. That I won't be living on auntie & uncle's charity and in a basement. That Alex and I will finally be together. The whole "having a place to call home" thing I blogged about earlier.

5. Worry
I would love to not work or work part-time but whether it is financially feasible right now because it certainly isn't necessary. What others would think if I didn't work. Will I be able to find work in a saturated town? What if I don't enjoy it?


Looking at all these ugly words really shows me how much I have withdrew in my relationship with God right now. Because all I should be feeling is peace and excitment. I know that God wants me to trust Him and it's quite obvious that I don't just by looking at how I feel.

I need a retreat to renew my spirit. It's been too long.

I'm lazy, so whenever I use soap, put on lotion, wash dishes etc. I never take off my wedding band or engagement ring. It's gotten really nasty over the year. So after being made fun of by every possible female, I finally got my rings cleaned...at work. I snuck into the dispensing area and used their ultrasound machine. Usually, it's used to clean glasses but it serves the same purpose overall. I think I'll have to leave them there for probably 15 mins to get all the gunk off but I was afraid to get caught by the staff so I only did a 3 min soak. It a big improvement already. I then used my magnifier (also at work) to check the results. It amazing what I can do off-label with all the equipment here at the office. I'm quite ecstatic with my newfound discoveries and plan to use them more often before I leave this place. My rings catch my eye again with light! =P

So I finally know where I going to settle down after being a nomad for over 5 years...Alex finally got his match results on Monday and we're moving to...


WATERLOO!



*laughs* So no big move to the West Coast as my family had hoped, we're sticking to good ol' Ontario. I'm just excited to call a place home. Truthfully, I never expected to become a "townie" when I studied at UW. Just goes to show how God's plans are why bigger than we can ever imagine. I'm really glad for Alex's sake though cuz the residency program sounds very progressive so he's pretty excited and we're also going to be close to at least 1 set of parents. Although I have a feeling my parents will probably end up here as well.


I thought I was the only one in this position but then talking to all the other significant others at their class party, EVERYONE was surfing MLS checking out places to live. It's nice to know that I'm not alone. =) Since I've moved back, we would always go to open houses in Toronto & Waterloo just cuz it's something fun to do on weekends but at least now we know it also served an actual purpose. I've been wanting to nest for so long. These next few months are going to be awesome - I can't wait!

1.
It's so funny so I never thought I'd get into football. But I love watching it! I think it's cuz I've been living in areas where the teams were good - when the Bears made it to Superbowl, I was living in Chicago. And when it was Giants vs. Patriots I was living in Connecticut surrounded by fans from both teams. Lexi and I didn't have cable so we ate hamburgers at a bar just to watch the game *laughs*

I was so sad that the Cardinals didn't win this year. Granted Steelers played a great game and I was behind them throughout the playoffs but I figured I had to root for the underdog.

Can't wait for next season to start! =)


2.
So I've started surfing blogs again when I need to pass time during gaps at work. Steph reminded me that I should probably blog too since others would be bored as well.

3.
My new obsession is HGTV/W Network. I have a few mornings off during the week since I work later into the evening so I've been loving all those decorating & renovating shows. They make it look so easy. I tried redecorating Alex's parents' home in Waterloo in my mind - even did the floorplans and such but it's a lot harder than it looks. I think I would like to hire one of those designers or better yet, just appear on the show and have them ake care of everything.

4.
I've started reading books again, especially this past week when Alex was off on interviews and I needed something to preoccupy myself. I finished The Time Traveller's Wife. Such a good book! I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good read. It's written in an interesting style...literally jumping back and forth in time to put the whole story together. I could totally relate to certain parts of the story too since Alex and I have been long-d all along.

I'm also working through the Twilight series on several ppl's recommendation. It really is not that good and I cannot understand the hype. It's definitely for teens but even ignoring that fact, I feel as though the author stole the storyline from another series that I had read...I mean if you're going to use someone else's idea, at least improve on it!

5.
Alex is in Toronto for the next 2 weeks...if anyone's up for getting together, drop us an e-mail. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with just me after he's gone =P

Oops.

Got caught up with all the happenings and forgot to let everyone know. I got the news last week saying that I passed my Canadian boards.

I can now be licenced to practice anywhere in North America. No more studying for meeeee - ever!!!!

Right now I work in Toronto during the week as an assistant and then go back to Waterloo on the weekends. Since Alex is still in med school in London, Waterloo is about an hour for each of us so we meet in the middle at his parents' place. I'm very happy that I finally get to see my hubby every week now instead of once a month. The only thing that's sucky is I cram 40 hrs of work into 4 days so I haven't had a chance to meet up with anyone yet. Sorry guys! I'm hoping this will change soon but with weddings and helping ppl clean & move my weekends are pretty booked.

I finally found out the I passed everything in the States so I'm fully qualified to practice there. Whoo hoo! Still waiting the results for Canada though. At least I'm a REAL doctor somewhere. *laughs*

I will be heading to Asia in August with Steph & Gord for a belated graduation trip for a month (Japan, Taiwan & China) and then Alex is going to meet me in Beijing. We will be staying there in as province called Shanxi for 6 weeks. While he does his medical rotation there I will be doing some pediatric eye exams.

Following that, we will be in Kalowna for 2 weeks, Calgary for 3 weeks, London for 2 weeks and Toronto for 1 month - all for him to explore different residency positions. I'll start back at work in Toronto in December and then depending on where Alex matches for his residency, we may or may not stay in Ontario after he graduates in June.

That's the plan so far, who knows what God will bring during these months ahead!