Goodbye 2010

If you've been following the blog then you know that 2010 wasn't the best year for me. I don't regret anything that happened as I've grown, but I'm ready for a change.

Even if the year was hard in so many different ways there have been some great things that happened. Last year about this time I wrote a favorite moments post that including: skydiving with my cousin, roadtripping with Bethany, and my whole Georgia adventure. This year's list doesn't include anything that exciting, but at least I was still able to think of some favorite moments.

Top 5 favorite moments:
1. Getting my first furbaby! Seriously I've wanted my own dog furever and I found the best one out there for me.

2. Moving closer to family.

3. This one is a bit bittersweet, but my last Family Fusion is one of the times I felt absolutely and wholly loved.

4. Having my own patients and helping them hear again.

5. First Twins game at Target Field with Bethany.

So there you go; what are some of your favorite moments of 2010?

Continuing the countdown

1 day til my front teeth are fixed.

4 days til Christmas.

143 days til graduation.

Can't wait!

Dentist

WARNING: NOT FOR THOSE WHO ARE SQUEAMISH ABOUT TEETH THINGS!

About a month ago I went to the dentist for the first time in 10 years. Yep the last time I was at the dentist I was in high school and got my wisdom teeth taken out. Why the long break? No dental insurance :(

I've had some issues and decided to go here in Mtown. Luckily they have a dentist here that has a sliding pay scale for people without insurance. I went last month for xrays and a checkup. That was not good at all! I learned I have lots of cavities and it's gonna be expensive as I don't qualify for the sliding scale (I earn too much at my externship). However, I get 20% off if I pay upfront. A week later I saw the hygenist for a deep cleaning. This wasn't bad at all.

Today I had the first fixing appointment. It was acutally my first filling ever. Having my wisdome teeth removed was the only work I had to have done before today. Well the Dr. drilled and drilled and ended up needing to leave a temporary filling.

Right before Christmas I go back and have two more worked on.

Birthday Blessing

It's my bday today and normally I HATE my bday. Not because I dislike getting older, but well I'm not really sure why... From the start today's been great though. I arrived at work with a "decorated" desk. It was full of post-its, the round pieces of paper from the hole punch, and other fun stuff. Of course treats were brought in and one of my supervisors made the BEST shortbread cookies I've ever eaten. I think I had 5, no probably more like 15 of them today.

All day long my phone kept getting texts and every time I checked my Facebook there were at least 3 bday messages from friends. Early this afternoon I got a delivery at work: some BEAUTIFUL flowers from my parents. Yep I'm a lucky girl when it comes to parents. Speaking of parents, they weren't able to meet up with me tonight because of work, but I did meet up with my aunt, uncle, grandma, and some cousins for a super yummy supper.

And the day's not over yet! Allie has been super cuddly all day and that makes me so happy.

3 weeks + 1 semester...

Or 166 days until I graduate. Graduation has been on my mind a lot lately. I know that I have a bit over 5 months left, but I am ready to be out of this limbo that I'm in. I'm doing the work of a full-time audiologist plus online courses, but I'm not an AuD yet. Although I have a (temporary) license to practice audiology, I still have to be supervised.

I feel like my whole life is in limbo lately. Besides the 166 days left until graduation, I feel in limbo with job opportunities for when I do graduate. I can't apply yet and have to wait until late January or early February to even apply. Yet I torture myself and look each and every week at job postings.

Another limbo: I greatly dislike Mtown. That is no secret. I'm still in limbo that I don't have a church here and the one that I want to go to is over an hour away. I can't afford to drive to Des Moines twice a week (once for work, once for church). I'm also in limbo that I don't have any friends here. I've tried. I don't know how to meet people my age outside of work, school, or church. I've gone to 2 different Bible studies and just didn't feel comfortable there. I felt I had to comply to their beliefs about the Bible, which is to take it utlra literally. Yes I believe the Bible is Truth (note the capital "t"), but that it needs to be read in the presence of the historical context as in the Bible is written FOR modern day Christians, but written TO the historical people.

So that's my limbo story for now. I know that limbo times are needed and something great is on it's way. I've never been a real patient person, which may explain these feelings.

Wisconsin Weekend

I went back to Madison for the first time since moving to Iowa in late May. It was a well-needed trip! Here's a quick synopsis:

Friday: I've written about Family Fusion before somewhere in this blog, but Friday night I met up with a family I used to baby-sit for and we went to Family Fusion at Blackhawk Church (www.blackhawkchurch.org). I LOVED IT! It was weird to not be involved anymore, but so touching to hug and chat with my former cast-mates after the show! You guys know how to make a girl feel wanted and missed! I should mention too that before going to the show the family I went with took me out to dinner at my favorite place in the Madison area: Hubbard Ave Diner. If you ever visited me in WI, I took you there! It has the best brunch, be even better desserts.

Saturday: Meet up with Sarah and Becky who were in my smallgroup, to go to the last outdoor Dane County Farmer's Market of the year. It was amazing! I got some pumpkin cream cheese bread and some organic sweet potato treats for Allie (who by the way LOVES them!). We also walked down State Street and I did a bit of shopping for Wisco shirts and a print of Union Terrace that I've been eyeing for months. I meet up with some other friends for lunch at The Great Dane. Yummy soup, fries, and their own Landmark Light beer were enjoyed by yours truly. After that I did some shopping at DSW; I had a coupon because it's my bday month. Got some sweet eggplant colored Converse. Super excited!
NERD ALERT! That night a few of my friends threw the second annual Harry Potter party to belatedly celebrate Halloween. Costumes were required and people dressed up as: Molly Weasely, Sirius Black, Barty Crouch Sr, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Moaning Myrtle, Bellatrix LeStrange, a muggle, a squib, and I was Ginny Weasley. We have an unwritten rule that a character cannot be repeated, so it's always interesting to see who's who.

Sunday: Becky made me pancakes and then we went to Blackhawk for church. I really, really, REALLY wish I could move Bhawk to Mtown. I know there are churches around that are similar, but it so cool that when you walk in the door with hundreds of other people, you still feel like a somebody and not just a nobody. After church I made the trip home.

It was a great weekend that I really needed. I think it's interesting that in Madison which is a large city, I felt like I knew so many people and felt like a somebody and how Mtown is 10 times smaller and I feel like a complete nobody here. I'm not trying to evoke pity with that statement, but am processing.

Allie's new obsession

I hate admitting this, but Allie has a fast food obsession. I know it's not healthy, but she doesn't get many treats and we've been working hard at her losing a bit of weight. So far she's lost 5 lbs and has maintained it, so a treat every once and awhile should be just fine. What is her obsession you ask, well it's Mc.Donald's french fries. Yep, the yummy golden goodness. Granted I don't eat there too often, maybe once a month but when Monopoly comes around I eat there about every other week.

How did this obsession start? Well one day I brought McD's home and she got a reject floppy fry and after that I was in trouble. Before you get to thinking that I order her a large fry for herself, she gets the reject fries from my order. You know the ones that are floppy, have brown spots, or are the itty bitty super crunchy ones.

Since I've talked alot about her, here's a pic of what Allie's been doing a LOT of lately:

With the change in weather we've had here Allie's becoming more and more snuggly. I can't say that I hate it at all!

That's me Monday!

Here's a short one for you with a game show feel. Whomever can guess what specific beverage I'm currently addicted to will win a prize.

Good luck!

Wicked

If you now me at all, you know I have a (slight) obsession with the musical Wicked. Up until last weekend I'd never seen it performed live. I had watched the whole show with the original cast (Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Joel Gray) via You.Tube and worn out my soundtrack CD. I own The Grimmerie, and the Gregory Maguire books.

Last weekend I took a trip to visit one of my dearest friends. I arrived Friday night; Saturday afternoon we had tickets to Wicked and Sunday tickets to the Twins game. Perfect weekend plans right?

The musical was AMAZING, AWESOME, etc basically everything and more I imagined. The Twins game was my first at the new stadium and it was great, minus the Twins' loss to the A's. Here are some pics:

Wicked marqee

Bethany and I aka pink goes good with green

View from our seats

We were early enough to get Span giveaways!

Brown-Eyed Girl

I've been absent once again and Allie has been reminding me to post an update about her new life with me. I just can't ignore her big brown eyes anymore. Enjoy the pics!

I should have another post later this week about my weekend getaway!

That's Me Monday

Sorry for the break last week, but I needed it. I was ready to post something but it was RATHER depressing and I didn't want to subject you to it. Alright, now onto the real subject.

I LOVE awards shows! fzdsQQ@~!( That's Allie talk for, I do too). The Emmys, the Oscars, the Golden Globes. It all starts a few hours before the show watching the red carpet arrivals on E! because they start the earliest. I love seeing the dresses and tuxes and making best and worst lists.

For those of you taht don't know the Emmys were last night. The Emmys is the strictly-TV awards show. Jimmy Fallon hosted. I wish I could describe my fascination with the awkwardness he embodies. I love watching Late Night (at least the monologues) because he is hilariously awkward. If you don't believe me youtube Jimmy Fallon and Kristin Stewart. They are two super awkard people, but with in an interview are EVEN MORE AWKWARD. Loves it!

Quick opinions from last night:
Jimmy Fallon hosting: GREAT
Opening "Glee" inspired number: AWESOME, too many LOL's to count
Best dressed woman: Jane Lynch, Tina Fey close second
Best dressed man: NPH

I loved that Jane won for Sue Sylvester and Ryan Murphy for Glee and Jim Parsons for Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. I was okay with Glee not winning other awards and may even check out Modern Family.

Parting Thought: Can't wait to wait Fashion Police tonight :)

That's Me Monday!

Okay, so who thought this was a good idea? Oh, yeah me. This week I am struggling to think of a topic.

3 hours later...

Okay mabye like 3 mintues later. I love books. I grew up with CRAZY allergies and had a hard time playing outside without looking like a blowfish. This led to the amazing discovering of reading and books. I love them, or at least most of them. Throughout the years I've learned that I especially like books in a series. I think it's because the story continues and you see what happens next.

Some of my fav serieses in no particular order:
The Little House books
Harry Potter
The Babysitter's Club
Twilight
The Boxcar Children
Wicked Trilogy
Sweet Valley High (BSC was way better though!)

What are your fav serieses?

That's Me Monday!

Are y'all ready for the 2nd edition of That's Me Monday!? This week I'm revealing that I am a mascara fiend. I can't get enough of the stuff. I don't wear much makeup, but I RARELY leave the house (even to walk the dog) without mascara. My love affair started in 5th grade when I got to wear mascara for the first time at my aunt's wedding. It was the classic pink tube/green lid May.belline Gre.at L.ash and I have not been the same since.

Yep right now I have 4 different tubes, yep 4, not 1 or even 2, but 4! They are all different brands and do all different things. One's waterproof and adds volume, another curls and lengthens, another just curls and is waterproof, and the last one adds CRAZY volume. I love them all!

Please don't let my mascara craze make you think I'm vain or insecure (at least in this respect) but I love it when my lashes look thicker and longer than they actually are. I have to say that they are fairly thick and long without anything but I like to enhance them .

Saturday a.m.

I love Saturday mornings! There are just so many possibilities. For instance when I was still in Madison, I would get up about 9, then go get a coffee at Bariques or Starbucks, walk around Farmer's Market, and go to the library. It was so relaxing and fun. I miss my Madison Saturdays TER.RI.BLY! I'm still getting in the hang of Saturday mornings in Mtown. The farmer's market is a bit smaller and we don't have a Starbucks here (GASP!).

Today I was more productive and this weekend, or at least Friday and Saturday are tax-free for clothing items here in Iowa. I'm working on expanding my work wardrobe and went to the Williamsburg Outlets to see what I could find with a modest budget. I was able to get 2 shirts from Banana Republic and 4 from Old Navy.

Granted I don't think I'll be going shopping every weekend, but this was a fun Saturday morning that was a productive as Madison Saturday mornings. I hope y'all have a great Saturday morning wherever you are!

That's Me Monday

In my effort to be more proactive about blogging I'm going to try and start a weekly themed post called "That's Me Monday". It's partially inspired by a meet-and-greet game I used to play with kids on Day Camp and partially by MckMama's "Not Me! Monday" posts. I will attempt to share one fun fact about yours truly each and every Monday.

Fun fact #1: I'm REALLY short, like almost munchkin short...

I used to think I was 5 ft tall even, but a few weeks ago at a routine doctor's appointment they decided to measure me for like the first time since 7th grade. In 7th grade I was 5 ft even, but no not this time I measured in at 4ft 11inches. I.SHRUNK.AN.INCH!! How does this happen??? I'm too young for osteoporosis (P.S. my bone density is okay!)

There you go you know I'm super-short and can join in the ranks of under-5ft club without dwarfism which includes: my friend Becky, actress Kristin Chenoweth, and singer Shakira, just to name a few.

Quick Update

Holy crap, I didn't realize it's been SO long since I last blogged! Life's been busy but pretty good; here's a quick overview of how things are in Mtown.

Externship/Internship/whateveryouwannacallit: Going well, some things are better than others. I heart my co-workers and am learning lots. Went to Minneapolis for a training and had some fun and lots of free drinks and food.

Online class: I loathe this class, not because it's hard but it's getting in the way of having a social life.

Apartment: Really shaping up. I got a book shelf and a pantry (ha I typed panty first!) type cabinet. I had to build them and luckily they're still standing.

Allie: Doing super! Love the dog park and puddle-swimming. Not a good camping dog. Also found out she has skin allergies, but right now Bena.dryll and some special food are helping.

Church: Still haven't found one here and trying to stay positive and not compare them to my church in Madison.

You be the judge

Dog or Pig? You be the judge

(Sorry for the low quality I had to take the pic on my cellphone.)

First week done!

I started my externship last Tuesday (June 1). I was SUPER nervous, but now think I'll like it for the most part. No job is perfect.

Anyway here's a quick review of my first week. Tuesday I spent the day at our DSM office and mostly observed how my supervisor does things. I did get to do a couple of basic hearing tests. Wednesday I was at the Mtown office. In the morning I observed our two hearing aid techs and saw how repairs and new orders are processed. In the afternoon I met one of my other supervisors and spent the rest of the day reading up on new hearing aid products. Thursday was spent in Mtown again and observed all day long.

After work I headed down to Kansas City for a sales training on Friday. The hotel was nice but it was weird to stay in a room all by myself. Friday a.m. I went to the training. It was interesting, but a really, really aggressive approach.

While I was gone, Allie (my dog) stayed at my parents' house. She did pretty good there, but occassionally annoyed their little wiener dogs.

Happy Memorial Day

On this day I am especially greatful for all the sacrifices our military men and women (past and present) and their families make. I'm the proud granddaughter of 3 veterans (2 WWII and 1 Korean War) and the proud cousin of many service people.

Here's are the lyrics to a song that reminded me of all the sacrifices people have made to make or keep our country free.

"Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash

I walked through a county courthouse square

On a park bench, an old man was sittin' there.

I said, "Your old court house is kinda run down,

He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town".

I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,

And that's a ragged old flag you got hangin' on it".

He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down,

"Is this the first time you've been to our little town"

I said, "I think it is"

He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kinda proud of

That Ragged Old Flag"

You see, we got a little hole in that flag there

,When Washington took it across the Delaware.

and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it,

writing "Say Can You See"

It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jacksontugging at its seams.

and It almost fell at the Alamo beside the Texas flag,

But she waved on though.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,

And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,

And the south wind blew hard on

That Ragged Old Flag"

On Flanders Field in World War I,

She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun,

She turned blood red in World War II

She hung limp, and low, a time or two,

She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent

by her Uncle Sam.

She waved from our ships upon the briny foam

and now they've about quit wavin' back here at home

in her own good land here She's been abused,

She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused,

And the government for which she stands

Has been scandalized throughout out the land.

And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearin' thin,

But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in.

Cause she's been through the fire before

and i believe she can take a whole lot more."

So we raise her up every morning

And we bring her down slow every night,

We don't let her touch the ground,

And we fold her up right.

On second thoughtI *do* like to brag

Cause I'm mighty proud of

That Ragged Old Flag"

Puppy Love Part Dos

I HAVE A DOG NOW! Yep I officially entered the world of dog ownership yesterday. In my first Puppy Love post (I don't know how to link that post, sorry) I talked about how much I wanted an English Bulldog. Well, I didn't end up with one of those, but rather an American Bulldog think Chance from "Homeward Bound" or Petey from "The Little Rascals". Her name is Allie and she's about 3 years old. I got her from a rescue in Humboldt and she's amazing.

Here are pics from yesterday of my furbaby:

Aud Haps

I realized yesterday that I am less than 365 days away from being Dr. Marra. CRAZY!!! In the past month much has gone on in my audiology life. April 24 I took my audiology PRAXIS and it was to HARDEST.TEST.EVER! What was worse is that I had to wait until yesterday to find out my score. I needed a 600 to pass, and unfortunately that test will never have to see me again. I scored above 600!!! This means that I can apply for temporary licensure in Iowa, even though I haven't quite finished up my AuD program.

Then a mere 10 days later I had to take the IA Hearing Aid Dealer's licensing exam in Ankeny. This was a simple 100 question test. I also got these results yesterday. I totally pass and am now licensed to sell hearing aids in Iowa.

Friday, May 7th was a big day for me. I had to present the research that I've been working on for almost 2 years to all the AuD faculty and students. It was NERVE.WRECKING and I'm a person that doesn't mind speaking in front of people. It went well and I don't have to do this again either!

In other aud related news I move to Mtown this weekend and start my PAID externship June 1. I can't believe it's time for me to leave Madison and have a 5 day work week. I've not had a 5 day work week ever!

FIRE!

Last night there was a fire at my apartment building. Somehow the couch on the porch caught on fire about 12:30 a.m. Myself and my neighbors were all able to get out injury-free and the building had minimal damage. The firemen and police were called and took care of everything relatively quickly and confined the fire to the porch. They told us later that we lucked out in the fact that the building is brick instead of old wood, like many of the other buildings surrounding. They said the whole place could've gone up in flames if it were wood. The police and fire warden questioned us while the fire was getting put out. It was really chily last night and they found a sitting room in a nursing home up the block for us to use and try to stay warm. Finally about 2:30 a.m. they let us back in the building; there wasn't much damage beyond the porch, but of course everything smelled like smoke.

I feel very blessed and lucky to have gotten out and to not have any damage to my own apartment. I am very sleep deprived right now. I just couldn't get to sleep once I was back in the building because of adrenaline.

Here are some pics that I took with my cell phone, so they're not the best quality!

Not much time

Oh man! I can't believe I let the blog go this long without even a fun little update! Well, I only have 2 weeks left until I'm finished with my finals. I couldn't be more excited or more busy. You see I have 3.count 'em. 3 mini-projects left to do, finishing/presenting my capstone research, a final, and the BIG one, my IA hearing aid dispenser's licensing tests. YIKES!

I think I finally found an apartment in Mtown where I can have a dog. YES.SO.DARN.EXCITED! Also looking at English Bulldogs this next weekend when I go home.

It's also started to hit me that I'm leaving Madison soon and I don't like it.

Baseball

I love opening day of baseball season. It should be a national holiday! My Minnesota Twins start their season tonight in California. I hope to get up to see them play at some point, but so far it's super hard to get tickets :(. Another thing I love about the Twins is that they have a new stadium. I'm sad that they let the Metrodome, but SO excited for the Target Field. The last thing I'll say about the Twins is that they may not be the most talented team, but as a whole they are the most ATTRACTIVE team in baseball. Just look at Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, JJ Hardy, and the list goes on. If you need to check it out for yourself: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Other than that spring is HERE. We've had spring thunder storms and I've seen robins out and about. It's hard to believe that there are only 5 weeks left!!!

Spring is springing

Hi y'all. I'm sorry for the mini hiatus I took from the blog, but I needed to reign in my thoughts in a different way. All right business is done, now for the good stuff.

#1: Thursday night I got a phone call late at night. No it wasn't a date or booty call (not that I've ever gotten a booty call!), but it was an externship offer! I totally took it right away, which surprised the caller. I don't want to advertise it all over where I'll be, just because I don't want it to explode in my face like the last one did. It's a great offer for a clinic in Central Iowa (Lisa-not DSM, but fairly close) that's going to PAY me! I'm very excited and can't wait.

#2: I had a great lazy Saturday morning. For some reason I was up at 7 a.m. and just lazed around watching some cartoons and Saved by the Bell, eating some cereal, and staying in my pj's. It was made even better by a little package I got in the mail. Lisa over at Brunner Circus (see links on the side) sent me some Thin Mints! I love them and her even more now!

#3: Spring break is soon! Only two more weeks, but next week our other campus has break so I don't have class, but have some assignments and take-home tests to do, besides the typically clinic.

#4: Thanks for reading and putting up with my issues lately.

Puppy Love

Not going to lie, I've been a bit depressed lately since I don't have an externship placement yet, but trying to remind myself that it'll all work out how it's supposed to.

Anyway, since my brother and Missey got Dierks (my super handsome fur-nephew) I've gone into a state of puppy love. As Wilson Rawls from Where the Red Fern Grows puts it, "Not the kind a boy has for the cute girl next door, but the real kind. The wiggly kind with four legs, a tail, and a wet nose." I.WANT.A.DOG! If I could have one in my current apartment I would, but they don't even allow fish. Yep, no pets in my building at all.

With the option of moving and possibly getting paid I had looked and looked both on Craigslist and petfinder.com to find a dog. I would really like to rescue one, instead of buying from a breeder or possible puppy mill. I do know that some of those are on both sites, but I try to stick away from ones like that. I want a dog that's a dog and not just rat or Zsu-Zsu pet sized. What I really, ReAlLY, REALLY want is an English bulldog. Like these:

Aren't they just precious, with their face-wrinkles and such?! When I was in Augusta over the summer I lived with a bully and completely fell in love. After doing some research they seem to fit my activity level, because they do like to just chill, but also have small spurts of energy. And I know they have their health issues, due to in-breeding, but they are so adorable. Another yucky thing is that they cost major $$$$, like in the thousands of dollars, which I do not have. So I'm taking up a collection for my very own bully. Or if you live in the Midwest and know of a bully that needs a family for cheaper than thousands of dollars, you should let me know!

Blindsided

I was blindsided last night. I don't have an externship afterall. PCI decided that "their needs have changed" and that they need a licensed audiologist instead of an extern. This leaves me in the crapper. I have a few more options that I can try, but am really uncertain about the future.

At least I was able to be around great people that were able to pray, uplift, and encourage me when I got the news. I love my Family Fusion drama crew more than one can know! If I weren't a Christian, that is in a well-developed community, I would be absolutely lost and broken about the externship.

Good news/Bad news

Bad news first: I didn't get the Iowa City VA position that I really, really, really wanted :( I kind of freaked out, you could ask my mom or my good friend Amber about my mental state Friday night.

Good news: There are multiple parts
1. Saturday morning I went shoe shopping for some retail therapy. I went to DSW because I had gotten a coupon in the mail. Originally I wanted some cute black knee high boots. I've known that my calves are a bit, hmmm how you say, shapely and most black boots just aren't large enough to accomodate them. I went shopping for some anyway. I ended up with a pair of booties (they look like boots with pants or jeans on, but are pretty hideous without). I got a FABULOUS deal: they were originally $60 and I paid...drumroll...$15.

2. I accepted an externship at PCI ENT in Cedar Rapids. I'll start sometime at the beginning of June. I'm excited, but there's still so much to do before I'm done in Madison.

Academic Rebel?

Shhh! Don't tell anyone I'm blogging during class, that's probably a no-no, but the prof is rambling on and on and on and on and ON about some required reading that I have not yet completed and probably won't. Yep that's me an academic rebel (wait that's pretty oxymoronic).

The reason I wanted to blog today was that I have an interview next week with the VA hospital in Iowa City. In my last post I mentioned that this is where I'd really, really, REALLY like to spend my 4th and final year of grad school.

I wanted to add a cute picture, but I htink the prof is onto my ploy.

Still no internet access at my apartment

I really, really shouldn't complain about my lack of internet access, as I don't pay for it. BUT sometimes, like now, I get really used to using someone else's unsecured connection and then it stops working suddenly.

Since I last posted I've had some good news. I got an externship offer in Cedar Rapids, IA at an ENT (ear, nose, & throat doctor) office. I haven't accepted it yet though, because I got word that the VA hospital in Iowa City has a paid opening. I grew to love the VA system after my summer in Georgia at the VA and just really want to be in the VA system. I've applied and have gotten all my letters of recommendation in within the week. I'd really like to have this process moving and get this externship, but I do have a backup of the clinic in Cedar Rapids. Please pray for direction and for the VA process to move quickly as it typically doesn't.

Other than that life is still moving and nothing too exciting has been happening.

Lack of internet access

Sorry for my mini-blog break, but my internet access has been rather limited lately. You see I'm cheap and just mooch off of one of my neighbor's unsecured internet connections and it has not been working as of late. I also started clinic this week in Milwaukee and haven't had time to just go over to school for free internet. This morning I decided to multi-task and take my laptop with me to the laundromat. So while my clothes are drying I'm sharing so thoughts with you.

This semester for clinic like I said I'm in Milwaukee. From my place it's about 74 miles one way and amounts to 1.5 to 2 hours to get there, so luckily it's only 2 days per week! I love the placement so far though. I'm at Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin in their cochlear implant program. I'm very excited for the placment and am learning quite a bit already. It should be a good placement and I'll blog more about it later.

February is almost upon us, which means that I'll hopefully know where I'll be doing my externship. I have an interview Monday and a phone call on Tuesday. The phone call should be bringing some good news, but I'm not counting on it too much. Other fun February events include my parents visiting me for a weekend, attending and presenting a poster at the WSHA conference for Wisconsin area speech language pathologists and audiologists, and while there staying with my good friend Miranda :)

Thanks for reading

Thanks for reading the blog! I saw the hit counter jump from 64 to over 90 in just a few hours. Way to go!

Random Monday Deep Thoughts

To quote a song from a musical I like, Something has changed within me...something is not the same. (10 points and maybe a prize to the first person that can name the musical and the song in the comments!) Last night I went to church, yep my church has Sunday evening services, and we're in a sermon series called "Breathe Deep" where different topics related to the Holy Spirit have been discussed. You can check out these sermons and older series online here: http://blackhawkchurch.org/resources/message_archive.php

This week Pastor Chris spoke about spiritual renewal and how the Spirit works in us and how our "old self" battles our "new self" that is filled with the Spirit. I'm not sure at what point it happened, but something clicked within me. Last night and this morning I've lost that down in the dumps feeling! I'm more hopeful and I praise God for that. I think some of it may be realizing that fact that I'm about to have an externship offer and I'll know where I'll be come June in just a few weeks!!!

Sorry for all the deep thoughts so early on a Monday, but I couldn't help but share about the change occuring in me right now!

Remember the contest!

Good Books + Melissa Gilbert = Great Musical

Growing up (an still today) I am a lover of books. I have many favorites, but one series has earned a shelf to all it's own. No not Harry Potter (though greatly loved), it's a book series that I read when I was just starting to read. For a LONG time I was completely into The Baby-sitter's Club, but one series held my attention with a sense of adventure and awe for much longer. In fact I just read through the series again over break. Know what it is yet? I'll tell you: The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have whole set and you may not be able to tell from the picture, but they are well loved, especially The Long Winter which has always been a favorite.

I could tell of my love for Laura and books for days and days and days. I dressed up as her for multiple Halloweens and in 3rd grade she was my biography buddy (we had to read a biography and make decorate a cut-out shaped like a person to represent our buddies). I've been to many of the homestead sites (Pepin, WI; DeSmidt, SD; Burr Oak, IA) and long one day to visit Rocky Ridge Farm down in Missouri.

This whole week I have been excited and hoping, skirming, and praying for a ticket to Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. It's been here in Madison for the past week and I could not afford tickets at $45 a pop. The Overture Center (Madison's civic center) had an offer for students to buy tickets the day of the show for $20 (OVER HALF OFF!!!). I kept crossing my fingers that there were tickets left for today's matinee because 2 dear friends were going, including a lil gal that I introduced to Laura's world.

It.was.AMAZING! On thing I forgot to mention is that Melissa Gilbert (Laura from the TV show) played MA :) She was so great in the role even though she's not known as a singer. The musical was so beautifully done with outstanding music, great actors, and bits and pieces from most of the books (mostly By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, and These Happy Golden Years). Some of the dialogue was directly out of the books and it made my heart smile so much I cried during a few of the songs. Here's a picture of my program.

And the man who played Almanzo could totally sing and dance and was SUPER ATTRACTIVE! You know how many teen (and sometimes older) girls say that they are Team Edward, Team Jacob, Team Harry, Team Fiyero, Team (insert cute boy's name here)? Well I've decided that I'm TEAM ALMANZO!

No motivation?! Two posts in one day?!

Two posts in one day?! That doesn't happen often especially after my first post was about no motivation. I decided to show you that I could pull it together and get something done today, besides blogging. I did some work in my kitchen today including 2, count 'em, 2 rounds of dirty dishes (Clarification that it's only been 2 days since I last did dishes and I'm not dirrrrty; I just cooked meals that involved multiple things like a crock pot, or the George, or just pans). I also cleaned the minimal counter space I have and found a home for my new knife block. I also took some pictures to document my accomplishment.

One of those days

I'm having one of those days. I definitely got more than enough sleep (10 pm to 8:30 am), but I have no motivation. I think I'm just stuck in that crap-I'm-still-single-and-Valentine's-Day-is-looming funk. I'm hoping that when I start classes tomorrow my mind will once again be busy enough not to get funky about something I don't have.

It's a short post, but I warned you I have no motivation! Okay I'll add a picture that represents how I feel right now.

Falling in like with boots

I'll admit I LOVE Ugg boots, but I don't love the prices. Last year when I wanted some of the tan suede Uggs I caved and bought a pair from Walmart for a WHOPPING $15. I held off tucking my jeans into the boots for a whole year. Now I'll admit it: I tuck my jeans into my boots. It started off as a way to keep the bottom of my jeans dry (big pet peeve: wet jean bottoms), but now I, gulp, think I like the look.

I slyly mentioned some new boots I bought when up in the Twin Cities (that's Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN for those not from the midwest) and now I'm debuting them. Arent' they beautiful? They're not Ugg, but close.


I found them at DSW in the clearance section (PTL for having small feet, there's always a great clearance selection) and instantly fell in like. I've been looking for a pair of cardy boots because there are a couple of different ways you can wear them: up like the second pic, folded down like the first or just slouchy not pictured. I love them and so far have worn them with my jeans tucked in and over tights. I'm debating if I should go buy a pair of leggings or not to wear them with too. Mostly because I don't own super skinny jeans and my jeans are all wonky with the boots. I'm just not sure if anyone wants/needs/would survive me wearing leggings.

Pray for Haiti

I can't even begin to fathom the chaos that Haiti is experiencing today. NPR was full of news of the destruction and I just couldn't stop from praying for the people down there: the victims of the quake (dead and alive), those still buried, the children who have lost parents and don't understand what has happened, parents crying out for their babies, the people who have flown down there to help.

To top that all of CBN's Pat Robertson said the quake was caused by Haitians making a deal with the devil 200 years ago...BULLCRAP! Sometimes it's so hard to claim Christians that speak like that as my brothers and sisters in Christ, but I will if that's what Christ has called me to do.

I don't know if anything supernatural/spiritual caused the quake, but that's not important. The important thing to do is to help the people of that damaged nation in any way possible. The only way that I can help them this very moment is to pray and to urge you to pray, or think positive, or send good vibes their way. So please do.

UPDATE:
I just learned that my friend, Ben Larson, died in the quake. He, his wife Renee, and cousin Jon (whom I worked with at camp) were down there doing some relief work when the quake struck. Jon and Renee are unhurt, but Ben didn't make it out of the building. Along with the other people who have died down there, pray for the families they leave behind.

Externship Update

Thought I would update y'all on my search for an externship. The 3 that I'm pursuing right now are in Marshall, MN at an audiologist-owned private practice; LaCrosse, WI at a hospital; and Cedar Rapids, IA at an ENT practice.

Marshall - I've had 2 interviews and it sounds promising.

LaCrosse - I have an interview scheduled Feb 1. This is one of my top choices.

Cedar Rapids - I was supposed to interview there today, but it's been rescheduled for next Wed the 13. They haven't ever taken an externship and don't know if they will, but it's my only IA possibility.

Please be praying for me especially for my nerves/self-confidence in audiology and for guidance in which way I should go.

Ringing in the New Year

Happy 2010 (yes I know we're already a few days in)! Most of my break has been rather uneventful, but for New Year's I traveled north to the Minneapolis area to see some really good friends. I drove up New Year's Eve and we had a real low-key midnight celebration, watching Dick Clark, drinking some champagne, and playing cards. They also came up with some resolutions and though I typically come up with a couple, I couldn't think of any this year. However, I figured out my top 3 favorite moments of 2009. Drumroll please......

1. 8/1 Skydiving with Jeff in NC

2. 5/30 My parents' surprise 25th anniversary party

3. 9/7-9/14 Roadtrip home from GA with Bethany

It's been fun thinking about some of the great things 2009 brought, but a very wise woman told me that, "2010 is going to be a very big year for you." And I really hope it is. There are some very big things like presenting my capstone twice, getting and starting my externship, and moving away from Madison.