Sneaky Eliza

Today, Eliza was carrying one of her little pink socks around, saying it was for holding things. I figured it was just to store little toys or beads, or whatever a little three-year-old deemed worth keeping. Eliza also often climbed into the back of her closet, which wasn't so unusual, because it is one of her hiding spots. But, later tonight, I realized how these two incidents were connected.

After my friend, Stacie, dropped off Eliza from preschool (we carpool), she mentioned that she was carrying around a little sock, but wasn't sure what was in it. So, I decided I was curious, and Eliza showed me. Inside, I observed that she had stowed a collection of chocolate chips--she was able to eat them throughout the day, at her pleasure. I asked her where she got them, and Eliza said in her closet (I wonder how long this honesty will last). Sure enough, I climbed in her closet and found an open bag of chocolate chips. What a sneaky kid! And to think that the need for chocolate can start so young.

Visit our blog (link to side) if you want to see some family pictures that I'm about to post. It was late in the day, so Eliza and Sam were really only up for a few smiles, but we take what we can.

Happy Post-Thanksgiving

Sadly, the Thanksgiving holiday is coming to an end. We've had the nicest time with Kate, Paul, Mary, and Luke--eating, playing games, watching movies, staying up late, etc. Unfortunately, real life starts again on Monday, and we're back to work and school. Sigh. The only GREAT thing about the end of Thanksgiving is that Christmas is just around the corner--which means more eating, playing, staying up late, etc. December always feels like a whirlwind of trees and lights and food and family and songs, but it's a whirlwind I look forward to every year. Nigel doesn't quite understand my obsession with the holiday, but I think it dates back to being a kid and expectantly waiting for all of my older siblings to come back from this distant land called college and thinking that nothing was better than those two school-less weeks of December. So, here's to seeing several of you at Christmas.

Albuquerque?

So this weekend brought me out to another interview - this time in Albuquerque. U of NM's anesthesia program is a 4 year program and hence if I were to go here, I would have to repeat an intern year and have an extra year of training. But I made the interview, bought airline tickets before my interview in Galveston. For me, it was going to be a 2-3 day vacation.


Once there, I ran into a fellow UNMC student who was also interviewing there. He and I partnered up and went down to Old Town Albuquerque with our free time after the interview. Went to the oldest catholic church in NM - built in 1706 Watched this fascinating movie on an IMAX-like screen chronicling the birth of the cowboy from Morrocoo's horse riders to Spain's Vaquero to Mexico's Charro to Argentina's guachos to American cowboys. It was quite interesting - had no idea the Guachos rode barefoot. Some of the scenery - especially of the western U.S. and Canada was breathtaking. I think you all would have enjoyed it. Makes one want to quit working at the hospital and go live out on the range.


Like I said, I was not interested in a position with UNM - was just going to attend for fun. However, after listening to their description of their program, I was very impressed. Their program is especially strong in regional (peripheral nerve blocks, etc) which is VERY important to me. I think this is the future of anesthesia and I want to go to a program that is especially strong in this area.

Thus I spoke with program director Saturday night at the dinner and openly told him that I have an offer from another program but that I was more interested in UNM. He informed me that their program is only approved for 22 - they currently take 7 per year (total of 21). So there is a chance that if they like me, they could take me on as a CA1 starting this coming July.

Advantages? Well number one is that I will be close to Utah and consequently close to Anna. This is my #1 priortiy right now and why I am so excited about this opportunity. Other advantages include location - near the mountains which I miss, smaller city which is easy to get around. Like I said, tremendous regional, better call schedule and other factors. Disadvantages is UNM is not necessarily a big name, traditionally speaking but is on the rise in my opinion.


We'll see. I am not getting my hopes up yet.

Sunday morning, thanks to Nigel and Jenny, was able to make a quick trip to a nearby sacrament meeting for only half the meeting and before that a trip to the NM temple to shoot some photos. Highlight of the trip may have been being a part of the standing ovation given to U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq (assumed by their desert camo), complete with unit flags and hugs by families. Very special to witness.

Hey folks! Give it up for the old dude

Here are our thoughts on our beloved older brother.

we will say more later. Happy B-day.

I Love This Place!!!

So...we were doing the usual, going to a football game on a Saturday. Okay, so actually Ann was at her first football game of the season and we were celebratory in the sun. But, my eyes were riveted by the "young" man in the barrel. I ask you, what other state boasts such an incredible football supporter? Ahh, the comfort, class and cleverness of this football fan is impressive. Wyoming fans are to be applauded for their humor. Jannene? Jannene? Lest you worry about me being a stalker, his "end" was the subject of many unknowing cell photos.

Halloween in Kansas City

Come see our crazy kids from Halloween--visit our blog. It's just easier to post once and direct you all there. Hope everyone had a fun holiday. (Well, maybe except for Michael--do they even have Halloween in Germany?)

We look forward to seeing most of you in a few
weeks!