First, Lena--you and I need to talk soon! Come live with me! :-)
Okay, now I can continue. :-) I wanted to write a quick note to fill you all in, as I'm limited on time and trying to pack up the last remnants of my apartment before moving Saturday. I recently decided to take the opportunity to get my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification and to continue my Spanish studies, and albeit a stressful organizing process, it seems my plans are coming together. I'm leaving September 3 for Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm starting the TEFL program the following Monday and will be living in student housing for that month. After I get my certification, I'll hopefully find a room in a shared apartment and get a job quickly so I can teach while I do Spanish immersion classes and travel! My return date is scheduled for March 8; however, I will have some flexibility to change it if I decide I'd like to come home or stay longer (I foresee staying longer! Eeeek!). Either way, I'm anxious but very happy about my imminent adventure. I'm also extremely thankful that this has come together so well. Everyone is welcome to visit! Hope you all are doing wonderfully! I miss you all very much and would love it if you could let me know if you have Gmail or Skype webcam access so we can videochat and stay up-to-date with one another.
Love,
Nora XOXO
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bastille Day
Went to a lovely party in the hotel courtyard near Cafe Campagne (must try when in Seattle) and then walked down to the waterfront to enjoy the picture perfect, cloudless evening. My colleagues and I coordinated vaguely French outfits:
Did any of you celebrate the day?
Did any of you celebrate the day?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Racing in Victoria
While you reunited in Portland, I was up in Victoria BC with my crew team, racing at the BC Challenge West Regatta. A couple of my colleagues/friends came up to cheer me on, and we all stayed together in a hotel downtown. My races went well (4th in the final for my 8 and 3rd - out of 3 - in a quad). Rowing takes up a ton of time but I've been enjoying it thoroughly :) While there, I spotted my future dream car (see above).
Hope you're all having a good week!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reunion On Sunday
Location: Chris Ritter's Place (1830 NW Riverscape St)
Date/Time: Sunday, July 11th, 1pm
The time has come! I'm wearing a cute sundress, but you can wear whatever you want. We will be playing some fun baby games (and an old classic), eating good food, and asking Taren all the questions not to ask someone who is pregnant... Just kidding. So sorry that Emily and Jessie will not be attending, you will be missed. Call Kim or I if you have any questions.
See you Sunday!
Date/Time: Sunday, July 11th, 1pm
The time has come! I'm wearing a cute sundress, but you can wear whatever you want. We will be playing some fun baby games (and an old classic), eating good food, and asking Taren all the questions not to ask someone who is pregnant... Just kidding. So sorry that Emily and Jessie will not be attending, you will be missed. Call Kim or I if you have any questions.
See you Sunday!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Rotations: Surgery
So don't laugh when a fresh new face walks into your room at the hospital/clinic/etc and introduces themselves as "Student Doctor ___" and PLEASE don't laugh if the only thing they mess up on is their name...it's hard to spit all that gibberish out, it's even harder to hear our name behind the title "doctor"...
And so I have begun the third year of medical school. I finished my boards three weeks ago, it was a hellascious experience to say the least. Our testing center had computer problems and we didn't get to start our 9 hr exam until close to 12:30...needless to say we got there when it was dark and we left when it was dark. We were just excited we actually got to take the exam, they were threatening that we might have to leave and reschedule. I'm sorry though, you don't study for 12 hrs every day for the last 5 weeks: eat, drink, and dream of medical shit for them to say "too bad guys, come back later" Talk about a moral killer. Brent had told me when we got out of bed the morning of our exam, "You know how good it's going to feel getting back in this bed with the exam behind us?" I REALLY didn't want that to not be true. Anyway, after the exams our parents flew in and helped us pack up all of our belongings, and then Brent and I started our roadtrip north. We had a great time camping at Big Sur, Redwood National Park, and Crater Lake. They were all places we had never seen before (with the exception of Crater Lake for me), but we definitely need more time in each place.
Then, last Monday I started my surgical rotation for the next month at Good Sam. The hours are early, but not always long, which is nice. Since I doubt I will go into surgery, it was probably the best place I could have chosen to do my rotation. I love it, love it, love it. The doctors are really down to earth and the residents aren't all trying to stab each other, and me, in the back. I'm learning a lot while also not having my confidence shot down at every turn. And believe me, there are plenty of times I SHOULD have been yelled at, and plenty of times in which I was being "pimped" and didn't know the answer, but no one seems to care...they are all about teaching. This, believe it or not, is a rarity. I'm exhausted though, but it's the kind of exhaustion that is exhilarating, I feel like every sec (literally) I'm learning new things, it's amazing.
With that said, it's almost nine and I need to read for the next 30 min before I fall asleep. Thinking of all your girls, can't wait to get together. Oh yeah, that's the other freaking awesome thing about my rotation, NO CALL and NO WKNDS!! Yay :)
Incorporating Taren's latest post. One thing to never ask a third year medical student: "So, what specialty are you thinking?" Umm, the only thing going through my head is, what profession are you so I don't insult you by not saying yours? Yeah, right now everyone wonders if I'll be another surgeon, I just keep saying "I'm not sure" to keep it simple. But seriously, we are just getting out into the real world, we really don't know what we like, we still have a year to decide, throw us a bone and stop asking us. We ask ourselves that same question about 1,000 times a day (probably more even)...
Okay, that's enough. Sorry my thoughts were so scattered this evening. Love you girls.
Ash
And so I have begun the third year of medical school. I finished my boards three weeks ago, it was a hellascious experience to say the least. Our testing center had computer problems and we didn't get to start our 9 hr exam until close to 12:30...needless to say we got there when it was dark and we left when it was dark. We were just excited we actually got to take the exam, they were threatening that we might have to leave and reschedule. I'm sorry though, you don't study for 12 hrs every day for the last 5 weeks: eat, drink, and dream of medical shit for them to say "too bad guys, come back later" Talk about a moral killer. Brent had told me when we got out of bed the morning of our exam, "You know how good it's going to feel getting back in this bed with the exam behind us?" I REALLY didn't want that to not be true. Anyway, after the exams our parents flew in and helped us pack up all of our belongings, and then Brent and I started our roadtrip north. We had a great time camping at Big Sur, Redwood National Park, and Crater Lake. They were all places we had never seen before (with the exception of Crater Lake for me), but we definitely need more time in each place.
Then, last Monday I started my surgical rotation for the next month at Good Sam. The hours are early, but not always long, which is nice. Since I doubt I will go into surgery, it was probably the best place I could have chosen to do my rotation. I love it, love it, love it. The doctors are really down to earth and the residents aren't all trying to stab each other, and me, in the back. I'm learning a lot while also not having my confidence shot down at every turn. And believe me, there are plenty of times I SHOULD have been yelled at, and plenty of times in which I was being "pimped" and didn't know the answer, but no one seems to care...they are all about teaching. This, believe it or not, is a rarity. I'm exhausted though, but it's the kind of exhaustion that is exhilarating, I feel like every sec (literally) I'm learning new things, it's amazing.
With that said, it's almost nine and I need to read for the next 30 min before I fall asleep. Thinking of all your girls, can't wait to get together. Oh yeah, that's the other freaking awesome thing about my rotation, NO CALL and NO WKNDS!! Yay :)
Incorporating Taren's latest post. One thing to never ask a third year medical student: "So, what specialty are you thinking?" Umm, the only thing going through my head is, what profession are you so I don't insult you by not saying yours? Yeah, right now everyone wonders if I'll be another surgeon, I just keep saying "I'm not sure" to keep it simple. But seriously, we are just getting out into the real world, we really don't know what we like, we still have a year to decide, throw us a bone and stop asking us. We ask ourselves that same question about 1,000 times a day (probably more even)...
Okay, that's enough. Sorry my thoughts were so scattered this evening. Love you girls.
Ash
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Never ask a pregnant woman BLANK...
Ok,
In lieu of a traditional post I've decided to publish something I'd like to call, "Never ask a pregnant woman BLANK"
I've decided that this will provide you all with insight into the daily arsenal of questions I face working in customer service with what looks like a beach-ball smuggled under my shirt, and though I know none of you would ask these questions, some seem rather benign so it's possible you could without realizing what a pregnant-mind would think if you did.
Numero uno: "Are you pregnant?"
Why Not?: Ok...if you have to ask; DON'T. After being asked this questions SEVERAL times before I was pregnant, I came to the resolution that unless a woman is wearing a Brittany-Spears-esque shirt that says "I've got the Golden Ticket" with a giant arrow pointing to womb, or the umbilical cord is hanging out...I'm just not going to go there. At this point in my pregnancy, it also just seems like a no-brainer. I'm getting to the cranky trimester, and this question is just annoying. I feel like saying "Nope" and walking away.
Number Two: "Were you trying to have a baby?"
Why Not?: I was asked this awkward little question by a much older man, and wasn't quite sure how to answer. There are really two possible answers; option one: "Yep, we were getting busy on a nightly basis hoping one of those little guys would make it past the goalie" (totally inappropriate) option two: "Nope.....bummer, right?" (also, totally inappropriate). Granted, if one of you girls were to ask me this, I wouldn't have the slightest problem explaining our intentions (or lack thereof) But really? Grandpa wants the low-down on my sex-life? No comment pops.
Number Three: "Is your husband happy about it?"
Why Not?: Ok, I'm blessed enough that Gabe is thrilled to be a daddy, is reading all the books, talks to Rokstad nightly, and can't wait to meet our son in September...but what if he wasn't? I've been asked this question so many times and I would love to come back with "Oh no...he is pi-issed! I've been pulling the whole M&M's for BC trick for months and he never caught on!" Then what? Talk about uncomfortable silence.
Number Four: (Ok...this isn't a question, but a statement) "Wow! You sure look pregnant!"
Why Not?: When I hear this (which is at least 400 times a day), I feel like saying "Really? I feel so svelte"
Trust me, I am FULLY aware of my weight...to the pound...because those sadist doctors make you step on the scale almost as often as they make you pee in a cup. I am also FULLY aware of the fact that I can't see my feet anymore in the shower, that I waddle when I walk, and that despite my best efforts, that middle button my shirt is clinging on for dear life. And while I am fully aware of all these things, I get through the day by telling myself that nobody else will notice; that I have found a way to effortlessly blend in with my surroundings with true grace and style like no other pregnant lady has done before. This comment hurls me back into reality.
Ok....this post is coming off as HIGHLY hormonal. I swear that I am actually a very pleasant pregnant lady, and for the most part have a good sense of humor about the high-jacking of my body. I've learned to laugh as I wake up for the fourth time to go pee in the middle of the night, and I've embraced the ever-so-sexy bra extenders that I bought from Walmart which allow me to squeeze the last bit of life out of my bras before I cross over into the dark-side of the nursing bra...(Imagine that in the font of 'The Creature From the Black Lagoon'...way more appropriate than italics)
I wish that I could share in this journey with all of you on a daily basis, but I hope this post shed a little bit of light on this new part of my life.
I love you all and can't wait for our reunion.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I swear I do more than just go to weddings
Although this picture doesn't do much to prove that. It's from David's sister's wedding on Friday, where we caught the one nice weather day of the week. That's me closest to the bride (Mia), and I'm wearing her best friend's maternity dress (on to you next, Taren) that happened to fit me so I could stand in for Claire, who's on bed rest. They asked me to join them on Thursday night at the rehearsal, and by Friday mid-day I had my nails painted, hair done and was ready to party! All the fun and none of the bridesmaid drama...love it!Hope you are enjoying the first real day of summer, whereever you are in the world.
xoxo
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Baby Shower/Reunion July 16th?
Hey y'all!
Just wanted to see if the date we've settled on is July 16th?
It seems like everyone is available for that date but not the others...
I'm just trying to request time off for work, etc.
Oh, and I'm assuming we mean July 17th which is a Saturday? I know I'll have to work the 16th which is a Friday, but Saturday I can get off.
T.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
follow my groups travel blog!!!!
Here it is. Sorry I forgot to send it off to ya'll earlier. Oh, and Greetings from MALAYSIA!!!
projectcura.blogspot.com
projectcura.blogspot.com
Friday, May 28, 2010
In the blink of an eye
I just realized that two years ago this weekend I was in Paris with one of my girlfriends, where we saw the SATC movie, among other things like visiting the Louvre and spending $600 on food in a week. Fast forward to today and Carrie Bradshaw and her posse are back in theaters (anyone going to see it?) and I am not on a foreign escape, just at my desk working. :) Although you weren't there, you're welcome to reminsice with me!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Some of my portfolio
My Portfolio is due on June 1st. I have 3 more projects to refine and I'll be done! I have to also submit and writing on one of my pieces, and one precess book. Wish me luck!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tropical vacation, via your computer
Thought I'd post a memory of Hawaii (went for a friend's wedding last month) so we can all have a moment of escape. Sunset from Waikiki.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Babyshower again...
Thought I'd start a new post so it didn't get lost....
So Em won't be back up until the 14th of July, Kim is leaving the end of July, Jessie has a crazy schedule and we still really haven't heard from the Mom to be :)
That said, these are the wknds (either Sat or Sun, I just put one date in), either vote for the one you want, or just put if you are available or not, that way we can tally up how many of us will be around and go with that one...
June 26th
July 4th
July 16th
July 31st
Aug 14
I have to plan a Bachelorette party for a friend who is getting married in Sep. I would kinda like to figure out our date for the baby shower and then plan accordingly :) Yup, this is what I'm doing instead of studying...
But, ok, back to it I go!!
So Em won't be back up until the 14th of July, Kim is leaving the end of July, Jessie has a crazy schedule and we still really haven't heard from the Mom to be :)
That said, these are the wknds (either Sat or Sun, I just put one date in), either vote for the one you want, or just put if you are available or not, that way we can tally up how many of us will be around and go with that one...
June 26th
July 4th
July 16th
July 31st
Aug 14
I have to plan a Bachelorette party for a friend who is getting married in Sep. I would kinda like to figure out our date for the baby shower and then plan accordingly :) Yup, this is what I'm doing instead of studying...
But, ok, back to it I go!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Howdy Ladies
Hey ladies,
I just wanted to send an update and respond to all the GREAT ideas and such that have been recently posted by all of you.
I leave in 6 days for my 6 week long trip to SE ASIA!!! I'm super excited and can't wait for everything to be done here in Omaha so I can go! I have a final Thursday, my dad arrives, we pack up my house and move on Friday, we clean my apartment on Saturday, I scramble to get everything together for my trip Sunday and I leave Monday!!!! It's going to be a hectic few days! :) But come Monday, I'll be jetting off, all of this mayhem behind me. Whew!
My post-trip schedule is just now being finalized and I am really exited to tell you all that it includes a few weeks in PORTLAND!!! I will come back from SE Asia on the 3rd of July, spend a couple of weeks at home in California and then come up to Portland (around the 14th ish). Kim has so graciously offered Katie's room/her couch for me to stay, so I'll be staying there until she moves out at the end of July. Yeah! I LOVE the idea of a baby shower/reunion in July and was hoping that we could make it work for a different weekend so me and Jessie could come... thoughts?
Taren, I totally love you for putting your very story-like blog posts and your pictures on FB. They are so fun to read/see. I know it's already been 21 weeks, but I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE PREGO! You are so brave and I'm so so so so so excited for you!
Ash, you probably won't read this, but if you do, GOOD LUCK with boards!!!! You are so smart I am certain that you will rock it!
Anywho, that's all for now. Back to studying for finals.
Loves and misses,
Em
I just wanted to send an update and respond to all the GREAT ideas and such that have been recently posted by all of you.
I leave in 6 days for my 6 week long trip to SE ASIA!!! I'm super excited and can't wait for everything to be done here in Omaha so I can go! I have a final Thursday, my dad arrives, we pack up my house and move on Friday, we clean my apartment on Saturday, I scramble to get everything together for my trip Sunday and I leave Monday!!!! It's going to be a hectic few days! :) But come Monday, I'll be jetting off, all of this mayhem behind me. Whew!
My post-trip schedule is just now being finalized and I am really exited to tell you all that it includes a few weeks in PORTLAND!!! I will come back from SE Asia on the 3rd of July, spend a couple of weeks at home in California and then come up to Portland (around the 14th ish). Kim has so graciously offered Katie's room/her couch for me to stay, so I'll be staying there until she moves out at the end of July. Yeah! I LOVE the idea of a baby shower/reunion in July and was hoping that we could make it work for a different weekend so me and Jessie could come... thoughts?
Taren, I totally love you for putting your very story-like blog posts and your pictures on FB. They are so fun to read/see. I know it's already been 21 weeks, but I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE PREGO! You are so brave and I'm so so so so so excited for you!
Ash, you probably won't read this, but if you do, GOOD LUCK with boards!!!! You are so smart I am certain that you will rock it!
Anywho, that's all for now. Back to studying for finals.
Loves and misses,
Em
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Time to study.
Hey girls,
I'm trying to give up social forums (fb, this, etc) for the next 28 days, so this may be (most likely not though) my last post for a while.
I am officially a third year! I've actually been done with classes for the last few weeks, but we finally finished up all the rotations orientation stuff last week and now I'm getting ready to lock myself in the library for 12hrs everyday until the 7th of June. So, if you need to get ahold of me, please just send me a text, I can't be trusted to return phone calls right now :)
Anyway, my ridiculous news that is a LONG time coming is that Brent actually got Corvallis! So, we are moving there after 6 months of rotations in PDX (well, me in PDX, him in SoCal). It's crazy because we are only going to have a few months of long distance, and not the full year like we had been planning. I'm excited for our time apart though, it'll be a good time to focus solely on my rotations and "killing" them (hopefully not literally). Word of advice, DO NOT get sick in June.
Well, I really don't have much else to write. Just wanted to give an update. My only plans in July is that run the wknd we are talking about (although I really hope we can find a different wknd so Jessie can be there too!). Oh, what do you think of the 16th of July?? I will be transitioning into my FP rotation and (most likely) won't be on call for Surgery anymore...
Love you girls. Have an amazing month, I will be jealous of everything you are doing that I'm not. Can't wait to see you!
Ash
I'm trying to give up social forums (fb, this, etc) for the next 28 days, so this may be (most likely not though) my last post for a while.
I am officially a third year! I've actually been done with classes for the last few weeks, but we finally finished up all the rotations orientation stuff last week and now I'm getting ready to lock myself in the library for 12hrs everyday until the 7th of June. So, if you need to get ahold of me, please just send me a text, I can't be trusted to return phone calls right now :)
Anyway, my ridiculous news that is a LONG time coming is that Brent actually got Corvallis! So, we are moving there after 6 months of rotations in PDX (well, me in PDX, him in SoCal). It's crazy because we are only going to have a few months of long distance, and not the full year like we had been planning. I'm excited for our time apart though, it'll be a good time to focus solely on my rotations and "killing" them (hopefully not literally). Word of advice, DO NOT get sick in June.
Well, I really don't have much else to write. Just wanted to give an update. My only plans in July is that run the wknd we are talking about (although I really hope we can find a different wknd so Jessie can be there too!). Oh, what do you think of the 16th of July?? I will be transitioning into my FP rotation and (most likely) won't be on call for Surgery anymore...
Love you girls. Have an amazing month, I will be jealous of everything you are doing that I'm not. Can't wait to see you!
Ash
Monday, May 3, 2010
Baby Shower from 5117 girls/ Reunion date
We need to start corresponding our summer schedules so we can get together for a Reunion. And since we will all be together, and Taren is pregnant... lets make it a baby shower too!
July 10th or 11th? This weekend comes from Kim's Availability and mine. What do the rest of you ladies think? What works best for everyone? Post your desired weekend as a comment.
Happy Planning!
Chris RItter
July 10th or 11th? This weekend comes from Kim's Availability and mine. What do the rest of you ladies think? What works best for everyone? Post your desired weekend as a comment.
Happy Planning!
Chris RItter
Thursday, April 29, 2010
It's a................
Well....we had our big ultrasound today!
But before I divulge the big news, I will apologize for not posting more frequently. In all honesty, my lack of posting has been due in part to a crazy schedule, and in part to not having very many juicy details to report. I've only gained 2 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, and nobody can even tell that I'm preggo; totally lame. If anything, I just look bloated (thus the lack of pictures posted on the blog as well). Gabe got me a pregancy journal that encourages me to take week by week photos of my expanding belly.....oh H-eeeeeeee-ck no. At week 5 when baby was the size of a lima bean, I'm not hanging my winter-belly out in all its glory for the future generations that will chance upon said journal!
But, there was one pretty cool thing that started last week that some of you might have caught on facebook (and by some of you, I mean all of you except for our little rebel Jessie who has stuck it to the man by somehow resisting the temptation of social-networking). I felt the baby move! It was so crazy! At first it felt like gas, and then it felt like my stomach was rumbling (like a massive, starvation rumble) and then I remembered 'hey, I'm pregnant...and that feels different' The moving has become more and more pronounced the past couple days, especially when the OB tech had me covered in jelly and was pushing and poking my tummy like crazy! I could feel the baby evading her jabs.
So...most of you have probably skimmed over the last two paragraphs looking for the big news, saying to yourself 'Taren.....what's your problem? You don't post for months, and now you ramble on and on instead of just getting to the point' So, as long as none of you promise to comment about it on my facebook wall (Jessie, you know I don't mean you) as we are waiting to tell Gabe's family until his Papa's 75th birthday party this weekend I can tell you that it's a BOY! The tech said she was 99.99999999% sure and pointed out his little wee-wee in all its black and white glory from several different angles. She made some comment about it's decent size which Gabe quickly picked up on and repeated to friends several times;)
I have to admit that my heart sunk just a little when she first said it, because I had visions of some really girly outfits and hairdos and frills and lip-gloss, and dress-up days and costume parties, and.......then it all faded when the tech said 'he' looked healthy according to every measurement, and Gabe squeezed my hand so hard and got tears in his eyes, and I realized we'll have a great big brother to watch out for all the girls I'm going to pop out next. The tech also said -no joke- that the baby had some big lips. Screw paternity tests! There's concrete confirmation that Gabe's the daddy!
So, in case I haven't already shared this with all of you, we already know the name. Now that we know he's a 'he' we're excited to welcome Rokstad Dean Davis (Ro, or Rocky for short) at the end of September.
Prepare for more frequent blogs as I'm sure the 2 pound weight gain will get a zero added to it shortly and I'll have some legit fat belly photos to post.
Love you all!
But before I divulge the big news, I will apologize for not posting more frequently. In all honesty, my lack of posting has been due in part to a crazy schedule, and in part to not having very many juicy details to report. I've only gained 2 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, and nobody can even tell that I'm preggo; totally lame. If anything, I just look bloated (thus the lack of pictures posted on the blog as well). Gabe got me a pregancy journal that encourages me to take week by week photos of my expanding belly.....oh H-eeeeeeee-ck no. At week 5 when baby was the size of a lima bean, I'm not hanging my winter-belly out in all its glory for the future generations that will chance upon said journal!
But, there was one pretty cool thing that started last week that some of you might have caught on facebook (and by some of you, I mean all of you except for our little rebel Jessie who has stuck it to the man by somehow resisting the temptation of social-networking). I felt the baby move! It was so crazy! At first it felt like gas, and then it felt like my stomach was rumbling (like a massive, starvation rumble) and then I remembered 'hey, I'm pregnant...and that feels different' The moving has become more and more pronounced the past couple days, especially when the OB tech had me covered in jelly and was pushing and poking my tummy like crazy! I could feel the baby evading her jabs.
So...most of you have probably skimmed over the last two paragraphs looking for the big news, saying to yourself 'Taren.....what's your problem? You don't post for months, and now you ramble on and on instead of just getting to the point' So, as long as none of you promise to comment about it on my facebook wall (Jessie, you know I don't mean you) as we are waiting to tell Gabe's family until his Papa's 75th birthday party this weekend I can tell you that it's a BOY! The tech said she was 99.99999999% sure and pointed out his little wee-wee in all its black and white glory from several different angles. She made some comment about it's decent size which Gabe quickly picked up on and repeated to friends several times;)
I have to admit that my heart sunk just a little when she first said it, because I had visions of some really girly outfits and hairdos and frills and lip-gloss, and dress-up days and costume parties, and.......then it all faded when the tech said 'he' looked healthy according to every measurement, and Gabe squeezed my hand so hard and got tears in his eyes, and I realized we'll have a great big brother to watch out for all the girls I'm going to pop out next. The tech also said -no joke- that the baby had some big lips. Screw paternity tests! There's concrete confirmation that Gabe's the daddy!
So, in case I haven't already shared this with all of you, we already know the name. Now that we know he's a 'he' we're excited to welcome Rokstad Dean Davis (Ro, or Rocky for short) at the end of September.
Prepare for more frequent blogs as I'm sure the 2 pound weight gain will get a zero added to it shortly and I'll have some legit fat belly photos to post.
Love you all!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Weak with emotional exhaustion
I'm feeling so weak right now. I feel like I'm breaking up with J all over again. Even though every note of reason strikes against the idea, I keep thinking 'what if we are meant to be together and I'll never find anyone to love as much as I love him?' I don't like the fact that love can't be enough. Can't it be?
Last weekend, as I've talked to a few of you about already, was, well, just crazy.
It started innocent enough. J came out to dinner with Katie, Richy and I which was great. We hung out with some of his friends afterward and proceeded to get drunk. Not off any scale of absolute drunkenness for myself, but intoxicated. Blah Blah Blah. Night proceeded to J and I falling into a time machine and all of the flirtatious capacity and emotional chemistry of when we were together came flooding into us. It was so wonderful. It was so comforting. I didn't even know how much I had missed it all until it was right there. Like I had found my missing piece and it snapped back into place with a wholesomely genuine, fulfilling satisfaction. It was careless.
I had a moment of hesitation and doubt. I questioned for a moment what in the hell were we doing. He got pissed off. Accused me of just fucking with his head. As I defended myself he told me that this was the first day since October that he hasn't been high and he's not thinking straight.
As the next early morning hours unfolded, J proceeded to tell me about his pill addiction. Mostly Oxycontin and dilaudid, but it sounds like he was taking whatever narcotic pills he could get. He said things spiraled downhill last October. He tried to quit once for a few weeks, but because the withdrawal wasn't as bad as he expected it to be he thought maybe he hadn't been in it as bad as he thought and started up again. He told me that its not difficult to keep it a secret because when he is high on these pills he can function normally in time, but that he has no real concept of what is going on. He is pretty much just completely apathetic about what's going on. He said its made him not miss me.
He couldn't really remember clearly the last couple of times we hung out. The times, in my head, I had determined were examples of our ability to be platonic friends. I realize now there was probably no chemistry as there always had been before because he was high, and he wasn't really there. He said he knows he's talked on the phone with me a couple of times when he was especially high. This make me feel so crushed. It adds sense to a couple of bizarre things he has said and didn't remember, which I had just chalked up to simple male stupidity and lack of attention.
I watched him go through withdrawals that night and throughout Saturday. Nothing dramatic, but he didn't sleep for almost 40 hrs and didn't seem a hint tired. His pupils were oddly dilated. Sweaty, clammy palms. No appetite, nausea. We just hung out and went for a long walk around town to the farmer's market. I didn't want him to be alone and I wanted him to know he had some support in getting sober. We talked about a lot of things including his plan to get clean.
I truly want to see him do well and be happy. And to discover that his life has just been slowly seeping into a sink hole over the past several months crushes me. I know I'm not responsible and I know I can't be his crutch and that he needs to get through this for himself. I've offered him my support.
I'm battling with that place we were just before my moment of hesitation. How wonderful all that was. Is there really no going back there? Really, without doubt, we love each other. His deciding to take pills and insistently get high is exactly the kind of poor judgment and decision making that I recognized in him long ago and why know I can't be with him because. Yet I love him. I miss him. I want him to be happy. I'm happy when I'm with him.
I am going to be supportive with him getting clean. But I feel like I can't really be a strong support if I'm confused about where my feelings are.
Last weekend, as I've talked to a few of you about already, was, well, just crazy.
It started innocent enough. J came out to dinner with Katie, Richy and I which was great. We hung out with some of his friends afterward and proceeded to get drunk. Not off any scale of absolute drunkenness for myself, but intoxicated. Blah Blah Blah. Night proceeded to J and I falling into a time machine and all of the flirtatious capacity and emotional chemistry of when we were together came flooding into us. It was so wonderful. It was so comforting. I didn't even know how much I had missed it all until it was right there. Like I had found my missing piece and it snapped back into place with a wholesomely genuine, fulfilling satisfaction. It was careless.
I had a moment of hesitation and doubt. I questioned for a moment what in the hell were we doing. He got pissed off. Accused me of just fucking with his head. As I defended myself he told me that this was the first day since October that he hasn't been high and he's not thinking straight.
As the next early morning hours unfolded, J proceeded to tell me about his pill addiction. Mostly Oxycontin and dilaudid, but it sounds like he was taking whatever narcotic pills he could get. He said things spiraled downhill last October. He tried to quit once for a few weeks, but because the withdrawal wasn't as bad as he expected it to be he thought maybe he hadn't been in it as bad as he thought and started up again. He told me that its not difficult to keep it a secret because when he is high on these pills he can function normally in time, but that he has no real concept of what is going on. He is pretty much just completely apathetic about what's going on. He said its made him not miss me.
He couldn't really remember clearly the last couple of times we hung out. The times, in my head, I had determined were examples of our ability to be platonic friends. I realize now there was probably no chemistry as there always had been before because he was high, and he wasn't really there. He said he knows he's talked on the phone with me a couple of times when he was especially high. This make me feel so crushed. It adds sense to a couple of bizarre things he has said and didn't remember, which I had just chalked up to simple male stupidity and lack of attention.
I watched him go through withdrawals that night and throughout Saturday. Nothing dramatic, but he didn't sleep for almost 40 hrs and didn't seem a hint tired. His pupils were oddly dilated. Sweaty, clammy palms. No appetite, nausea. We just hung out and went for a long walk around town to the farmer's market. I didn't want him to be alone and I wanted him to know he had some support in getting sober. We talked about a lot of things including his plan to get clean.
I truly want to see him do well and be happy. And to discover that his life has just been slowly seeping into a sink hole over the past several months crushes me. I know I'm not responsible and I know I can't be his crutch and that he needs to get through this for himself. I've offered him my support.
I'm battling with that place we were just before my moment of hesitation. How wonderful all that was. Is there really no going back there? Really, without doubt, we love each other. His deciding to take pills and insistently get high is exactly the kind of poor judgment and decision making that I recognized in him long ago and why know I can't be with him because. Yet I love him. I miss him. I want him to be happy. I'm happy when I'm with him.
I am going to be supportive with him getting clean. But I feel like I can't really be a strong support if I'm confused about where my feelings are.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
4 weeks left!!
Well, it's been a while since I've written on here, and amazingly, I have nothing really new to report. I was waiting to write until we heard any new news about the possibility of getting Brent up to the NW, but we are still waiting. They keep telling us "two more weeks," by the time they tell us we will have already made other plans....
Other than that, I'm getting nostalgic about leaving SoCal. Not really for the weather, because honestly, the sun may be beautiful, but the smog and the dirt I can live without. My lungs are going to be so happy with me when I move back. I really love my class though and have finally found a good niche of girls that I can call my "own" friends. That was such a big problem for me last year and felt like although I had a lot of friends, they were all guys and were more Brent's friends than mine. I can't really explain why I felt that way since we are all classmates, but I did and now I'm finally feeling so much more at ease about everything. Regardless, it will be sad to leave all these amazing people. It's making it even harder realizing that most of you girls are no longer in PDX. I'm no complaining, but it's been really tough trying to figure out my living situation coming up here in a few months. I know that the only people I would want to live with are all of you, but alas, I have to find someone else...
With that said, I have been a little bit conniving and have convinced Morgan to wait to move in with Joe until I am out of PDX in January. This way, he is still able to live with Mikha during her really hard rotations and have someone to hang out with...and he won't drive me nuts....so yeah, it looks like I am going to live with Morg and then Joe will take over my spot when I leave (although I'm sure he'll be over A LOT), but that's better than the alternative, which would have meant living with a couple.
Sooo, that's really all the news I've got. I have 4 more weeks of classes. We are currently learning all about dermatology and it is the first class I haven't diagnosed myself with some disease. Although, I have diagnosed a few moles on Brent as being pre-malignant basal cell carcinoma. In my defense, he has already had a mole taken out because it was cancerous, so I'm just looking out for the guy... Then onto Pediatrics and Geriatrics and then I'm DONE with the school part. Then, I'm giving myself 4 weeks to study for my Part 1 boards, then we are moving me back up to PDX. I was hoping to be in town for Kim's birthday on the 20th of June, but it looks like we have a stupid wedding to go to in Nor Cal on the 18th of June, so I may be gone that wknd. I'm still trying to get us out of it, but we will see. All I know is, we gotta do a reunion sooooonnn!! I am so damn excited to see you all, especially Taren :)
Okay, now I'm really done with this post. Time for someone to write on here. Taren, post some damn pictures if you can! Chris, how was Maui and what's new with everything?? Kim and Em, we had such quick phone talks the other day, so what is new? Jessie, Nora, get on here stat!
Love you girls. Talk to you all soon!
Other than that, I'm getting nostalgic about leaving SoCal. Not really for the weather, because honestly, the sun may be beautiful, but the smog and the dirt I can live without. My lungs are going to be so happy with me when I move back. I really love my class though and have finally found a good niche of girls that I can call my "own" friends. That was such a big problem for me last year and felt like although I had a lot of friends, they were all guys and were more Brent's friends than mine. I can't really explain why I felt that way since we are all classmates, but I did and now I'm finally feeling so much more at ease about everything. Regardless, it will be sad to leave all these amazing people. It's making it even harder realizing that most of you girls are no longer in PDX. I'm no complaining, but it's been really tough trying to figure out my living situation coming up here in a few months. I know that the only people I would want to live with are all of you, but alas, I have to find someone else...
With that said, I have been a little bit conniving and have convinced Morgan to wait to move in with Joe until I am out of PDX in January. This way, he is still able to live with Mikha during her really hard rotations and have someone to hang out with...and he won't drive me nuts....so yeah, it looks like I am going to live with Morg and then Joe will take over my spot when I leave (although I'm sure he'll be over A LOT), but that's better than the alternative, which would have meant living with a couple.
Sooo, that's really all the news I've got. I have 4 more weeks of classes. We are currently learning all about dermatology and it is the first class I haven't diagnosed myself with some disease. Although, I have diagnosed a few moles on Brent as being pre-malignant basal cell carcinoma. In my defense, he has already had a mole taken out because it was cancerous, so I'm just looking out for the guy... Then onto Pediatrics and Geriatrics and then I'm DONE with the school part. Then, I'm giving myself 4 weeks to study for my Part 1 boards, then we are moving me back up to PDX. I was hoping to be in town for Kim's birthday on the 20th of June, but it looks like we have a stupid wedding to go to in Nor Cal on the 18th of June, so I may be gone that wknd. I'm still trying to get us out of it, but we will see. All I know is, we gotta do a reunion sooooonnn!! I am so damn excited to see you all, especially Taren :)
Okay, now I'm really done with this post. Time for someone to write on here. Taren, post some damn pictures if you can! Chris, how was Maui and what's new with everything?? Kim and Em, we had such quick phone talks the other day, so what is new? Jessie, Nora, get on here stat!
Love you girls. Talk to you all soon!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Big News!
Well...
Since I told Chris right away, I have a feeling all of you (and possibly half of Portland) already knows the big news. But just for the fun of it, I'll pretend like you all had no idea and I'm telling you for the first time that...
...Gabe and I are pregnant!
We decided towards the end of last year that we wanted to start trying, so I went off the pill and asked my doctor what to do. She recommended the usual, stop drinking (which I did for two months before we got pregnant) start eating right (I cut out coffee and dessert about three months before) and not to be worried if it took us at least a year to get pregnant. The latter being due in part to my history of medical issues, and the fact that I've been on the pill since age 12. So, we figured when it was supposed to happen it would, and a month later I peed on the stick and saw a plus sign.
That was one month ago, and needless to say it's been a very crazy month. The day I took the test we were signing out of our old lease and signing a new lease on a two bedroom place in Issaquah (about 30 min. from the old place and East of Seattle nestled in the mountains and very family friendly). After having our pup Milo there for about a week, we realized it wasn't going to work as the long hours kept us away from him and he was doing damage to the new place, so we gave him to Courtney and Tudor who have become excellent adoptive parents. When I was cleaning out our old place (which we were forced to move out of because a sewage pipe burst two floors up and ruined our stuff in poop water...I think you all remember Gabe's feelings about germs) I slipped and hit my head, knocking myself out and bruising my patellas (ok med. students, you'll have to correct my spelling but I'm talking about the things under my knee caps). Gabe was worried of course and we went to the OB/GYN who assured us I was ok and just needed to stay off my feet a couple days.
Additionally, I have felt SICK AS A DOG! I got morning sickness I'm pretty sure the second the sperm met the egg (wow, that was likely un-necessary detail) and I've been living on Slim-Fast, Saltines, and Ginger Ale. Needless to say, I've lost about 5 pounds which is quite comical to me, especially because every woman I meet assures me I'll gain it back times ten. Other not-so-lovely changes include the pain in my breasts. I feel as if Mike Tyson (very 90's reference, but I don't know any new millenium boxers) have used my tatas as punching bags for the last two weeks straight. The spontaneous crying is likely Gabe's least favorite side-effect; that or the fact that if he even looks at me lovingly I promptly state that there will be nothing resembling the act that got me to my emotional, morning-sick, sore-boobed self until I stop barfing every time I see a food commercial.
Well...that's probably way TMI for now...but hey, now that I'm pregnant I feel like I have an open-door to overshare with those I love most- which is you!
I miss you all mucho and can't wait to see you. I vote for a reunion of sorts before I'm the size of a baby rhino.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
THANK YOU!!!
Even though my relationship came crashing down less than a week ago, I feel like I have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost YOU! I really appreciate all the calls, posts, text messages, etc. It is nice to feel the love! You are all so wonderful. I am also thankful to my mother for always saying the right thing, my friends here in Omaha for not leaving me alone for more than a couple of minutes... literally, med school for being the biggest distraction EVER, my hairdresser for chopping off my hair, Valentine's day for going by without any tears or sad feelings, and so much more. I really do feel almost back to 100% which is really hard for me to believe. It's odd. I am still working out all the details of the breakup, getting stuff back, changing plane tickets, etc., but it all seems to be working out alright. Anyway, I just wanted to send a note to let you know that I'm doing ok and say "thank you" for being the best friends a girl could ask for. I love you all dearly.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
the break up
Hey Ladies,
I just wanted to let you all know that Mitchell broke up with me on Wednesday night. I'm of course devastated, but I'll get through. It was not my choice, he made the decision, and we both now have to live with the consequences.
I don't really want to recount the story, because I feel like I have a million times, but the gist is that he has been unhappy and not telling me for a long time. Both he and I didn't realize that we had some big underlying problems until we committed to getting married next summer and booked a place to do so (August 6th in the Peninsula Rose Garden). Yep, we were going to get married! He then realized that he has never been able to fully commit to me and our relationship (on many different levels and occasions) and has just been doing things to make me happy for a long time without doing them from his heart. So he broke up with me. He still loves me deeply (I know because he told me), I still love him (I know because I feel it). But here we are. Broken up because of his inability to give his all to our relationship. The distance between us made this decision necessary I think. He also couldn't see us being in the same place for many years because he wouldn't sacrifice and he wouldn't let me do so either. So I am putting the pieces of my life back together, changing lots of plans that Mitchell and I had made, sleeping alone on Valentine's day, and trying to stay distracted by other people/things.
Ok, believe it or not, that's the short version of the story.
I really miss you guys. I wish I could be in Portland/Seattle/Kansas City right now with you all. Oh, I am going to see Nora in KC next weekend!
I'm off to yoga class today, with lots of movies and cookie baking too! I hope I can stay distracted. :)
Lots and lots of love,
Em
I just wanted to let you all know that Mitchell broke up with me on Wednesday night. I'm of course devastated, but I'll get through. It was not my choice, he made the decision, and we both now have to live with the consequences.
I don't really want to recount the story, because I feel like I have a million times, but the gist is that he has been unhappy and not telling me for a long time. Both he and I didn't realize that we had some big underlying problems until we committed to getting married next summer and booked a place to do so (August 6th in the Peninsula Rose Garden). Yep, we were going to get married! He then realized that he has never been able to fully commit to me and our relationship (on many different levels and occasions) and has just been doing things to make me happy for a long time without doing them from his heart. So he broke up with me. He still loves me deeply (I know because he told me), I still love him (I know because I feel it). But here we are. Broken up because of his inability to give his all to our relationship. The distance between us made this decision necessary I think. He also couldn't see us being in the same place for many years because he wouldn't sacrifice and he wouldn't let me do so either. So I am putting the pieces of my life back together, changing lots of plans that Mitchell and I had made, sleeping alone on Valentine's day, and trying to stay distracted by other people/things.
Ok, believe it or not, that's the short version of the story.
I really miss you guys. I wish I could be in Portland/Seattle/Kansas City right now with you all. Oh, I am going to see Nora in KC next weekend!
I'm off to yoga class today, with lots of movies and cookie baking too! I hope I can stay distracted. :)
Lots and lots of love,
Em
Monday, January 25, 2010
Update: Chris Ritter
So went to Maui for Christmas/New Years. My Christmas was fabulous. Michael bought me an awesome watch that I have been eyeing for the past year or so. Its at a retail establishment that is only found in Hawaii, and New York, so unique... Its more of an international brand. ANYWAYS... Love it and was Shocked I got it. I also got a cook book "how to boil water"... Mike's cute way of telling me I need to learn to cook, so far I like the recipes, easy and practical. And then, after the watch and the cook book, he surprised me with a trip to Oahu! We flew over the next day and stayed at Waikiki beach for 2 nights. Little out of character for him to Plan AND Surprise. I'll take it!
My New Years was pretty lame. Mike was working so I just stayed at his place that night and watched movies... Lame. But I think New Years is over rated anyways.
School started for me once I got back. I like all my classes so far, just want to get out of here! Im also trying to get back into dancing a bit. Found a Studio in Portland, actually Ashley led me to it in some way. Vega Dance Lab. It took me a whole month to get the courage to take a class but I took my first class there last week and loved it and hope to make it a regular thing.
Michael is coming to visit in a couple weeks. Going Ice Fishing (yawn) with his family in Idaho, then coming back to Portland to spend a few days with me.
I realized I needed some glasses for school/work. After studying the pixels on the screen for over 4 hours at a time, it was time to get some. I got two pairs. Tell me which ones you like.
Portland? OR White?
I got one free, so I thought it would be fun to go with a really Ugly, super trendy, hipster, Portland black pair.... so keep that in mind :) I looked ALL OVER PORTLAND (and Oly) for a pair of white frames and found them last week. Tell me what you think.
Hope all is well. Keep in touch!
Chris
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Images of Christmas break
Hi loves,Hope 2010 is off to a great start and that you are all happy and well. I wanted to share a few pictures of a little trip David and I took over Christmas to Westport/Grayland/Seabrook/Pacific Beach on the WA coast. (I've had this as a draft for weeks...couldn't get the pictures to look right but decided not to worry!) Kimmie, I see you have one in draft form too - don't worry, I didn't peek :)
We visited Seabrook, a little planned community with some sweet Nantucket style architecture. Hoping to go next winter with the fam. Took our lovely car for its first experience on the beach at Grayland. And enjoyed a quick walk on the beach - it was cold! The top picture is from a ferry ride during my week off after Christmas.
Things have gotten really busy at work, which is good. I wish I had enjoyed the lull a little more though.
Keep on sending those updates!
New Years Blog
Hey ladies,
Can anyone believe that it's 2010!!! Holy shit!
So anyway, I'm back at it here in Omaha, enjoying (yeah right) the weather. It was -18 degrees when I woke up yesterday to go to school. I started a couple of new classes that seem ok for now and I'm looking forward to spring and summer breaks already.
Winter break was a ton of fun and I really Really REALLY didn't want to come back. Finals back in December were super tough, but I got through them and passed my classes (woo hoo, 1/8 doctor!). I went home to CA for a week, Mitchell met me there and we did Christmas with all my family and even escaped to Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a couple of days. It was great to see my folks and my sibs, but I felt a bit guilty for not spending more time with them. Some fun news, my brother proposed to his girlfriend on Christmas day so they are now engaged. He called me just a few days ago to make sure that I could come back to CA in May for their wedding... ALREADY! I was shocked, happy and of course willing to make the trip despite the fact that finals will be the next couple of weeks after that.
On the 27th, Mitchell and I flew up to Seattle. We had such a blast visiting with his folks and just enjoying each other's company... it had been so long since I had felt close to him... long distance took it's toll on us last semester for sure. We spent new years with his married friends, which was surprisingly great. Despite the soberness, it was a fun party and I woke up on January 1st without feeling like shit, which is a first in a long time! He and I had a great couple of weeks and it was so hard to say good-bye. I admittedly guilted him into coming to Omaha in two weeks, so I don't have to wait long to see him... it was a super bad girlfriend thing to do, but I didn't want 6 weeks to go by before seeing him.
I'm planning planning planning for my trip to SE Asia in May. I'll be gone for 6 weeks total, 4 of those on a medical mission with fellow students and the last two with Mitchell traveling through Thailand and Cambodia. I'm so stoked but right now just really stressed out about pulling the trip off! It's all on my shoulders to plan and that's a bit stressful. I just need to get my groups plane tickets purchased and I will feel much better I think.
Ok, that's all for me. I hope you guys had a fun holiday season, I certainly missed spending time with you. I'll be in the NW in March for a week (and over my b-day weekend!!!) and then back again for the whole month of July. Let's have a reunion!
Updates from each of you requested. I want to hear some good New Years stories!
LOVE,
Em
Can anyone believe that it's 2010!!! Holy shit!
So anyway, I'm back at it here in Omaha, enjoying (yeah right) the weather. It was -18 degrees when I woke up yesterday to go to school. I started a couple of new classes that seem ok for now and I'm looking forward to spring and summer breaks already.
Winter break was a ton of fun and I really Really REALLY didn't want to come back. Finals back in December were super tough, but I got through them and passed my classes (woo hoo, 1/8 doctor!). I went home to CA for a week, Mitchell met me there and we did Christmas with all my family and even escaped to Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a couple of days. It was great to see my folks and my sibs, but I felt a bit guilty for not spending more time with them. Some fun news, my brother proposed to his girlfriend on Christmas day so they are now engaged. He called me just a few days ago to make sure that I could come back to CA in May for their wedding... ALREADY! I was shocked, happy and of course willing to make the trip despite the fact that finals will be the next couple of weeks after that.
On the 27th, Mitchell and I flew up to Seattle. We had such a blast visiting with his folks and just enjoying each other's company... it had been so long since I had felt close to him... long distance took it's toll on us last semester for sure. We spent new years with his married friends, which was surprisingly great. Despite the soberness, it was a fun party and I woke up on January 1st without feeling like shit, which is a first in a long time! He and I had a great couple of weeks and it was so hard to say good-bye. I admittedly guilted him into coming to Omaha in two weeks, so I don't have to wait long to see him... it was a super bad girlfriend thing to do, but I didn't want 6 weeks to go by before seeing him.
I'm planning planning planning for my trip to SE Asia in May. I'll be gone for 6 weeks total, 4 of those on a medical mission with fellow students and the last two with Mitchell traveling through Thailand and Cambodia. I'm so stoked but right now just really stressed out about pulling the trip off! It's all on my shoulders to plan and that's a bit stressful. I just need to get my groups plane tickets purchased and I will feel much better I think.
Ok, that's all for me. I hope you guys had a fun holiday season, I certainly missed spending time with you. I'll be in the NW in March for a week (and over my b-day weekend!!!) and then back again for the whole month of July. Let's have a reunion!
Updates from each of you requested. I want to hear some good New Years stories!
LOVE,
Em
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