Book List: June Edition

In an effort to be more intentional about reading for fun I have decided to keep a list of books/authors that I read each month. At the end of each month I'll post the titles and authors. Next month I may even add the number of pages read. I started this list mid-month so it only reflects about half the books I read.

Title Author(s)
I know I am, but what are you? Samantha Bee
The Peach Keeper Sarah Addison Allen
Breaking Dawn Stephanie Meyer
Second Time Around Mary Higgins Clark
Lies Chelsea Told Me Chelsea Handler & various others
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows J.K. Rowling

A few titles were re-reads, but I love them and just wanted to enjoy them again. And for the record Harry Potter is way better than Twilight, though I like both.

First Week

I started my new job this week.

It's my first job after graduation, and I will admit is was AWESOME to be called Dr. Marra. The job is pretty similar to my externship with lots of hearing tests, hearing aids, and ear wax removal (gross I know). So far I'm enjoying the people I work with and have gotten little whisperings from God that yep, I'm in the exact right place I need to be. After all the debating I did, it's so good to have reassurance.

This next week will be even better (or at least I'm hoping it will)!

New Directions

For y'all that don't know I accepted a position at a private audiology practice. That means that an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser runs their own business. Unfortunately it won't be as glamorous or sexy as the TV. Anyway I am starting TOMORROW! My first real audiology job.

With the new job I moved to a different part of the state. A few weeks ago I went rental shopping with my mom and luckily I had the dilemma of choosing between two great places: a house or a duplex. In the end I choose the duplex; I'm getting all settled in and have started hanging things on the wall. The major perks of the place: 2 bedrooms(!), dishwasher(!), basement with laundry hookups(!). Plus there's a good yard for Allie to enjoy. Right now the smaller bedroom is pretty empty. I want to make it into a spare bedroom/quilting room (yes I'm an old soul).

Things I'm still waiting for to put in the small bedroom: a twin bed (mattress/frame/etc) for the spare room, a sewing machine, and a desk or table. Other: washer/dryer I'm sick of the laundromat.

Wish me luck tomorrow. I'm just hoping I'm awake and at work at the right time!

Friday, May 13, 2011

At around 2:45 p.m. I became Tamarra, Au.D. or Dr. Marra. So freakin' exciting. Rewind to a few days before that, let's say Wednesday, May 11. That was my last day and an audiology extern. It was a SLOW day at work for me, but after work my boss had a get-together at his place as a goodbye party. It was great hanging out with my co-workers once last time. After we ate, I was handed a large, gift-wrapped package. Now I had an idea that they might get me a specific gift...and..when I unwrapped the package; there it was a brand spankin' new Vera Bradley!!! I LOVE VERA (note I am not being paid or compensated by Vera Bradley and they probably don't even know who I am)!

The next morning I headed out to Madison for graduation. I had to run a few errands like picking up my cap, gown, and hood and also a special parking pass for my grandparents. Later when my parents arrived we got some Five Guys and headed for Union Terrace to eat, drink beer, and just enjoy the lake.

Friday, my paternal grandparents along with my dad's two sisters arrived and shortly after that my mom's mom, sister, brother-in-law, and my little bro arrived. We hung out until we had to head to graduation.

First up was the Audiology program reception. It was great catching up with classmates, but sad that two of the seven weren't able to be there. They had us change into our caps and gowns and then performed the hooding ceremony. That was when I was called Dr. Marra for the first time. I willed myself not to cry (I didn't have any waterproof mascara and didn't want to be a mess like I was at my undergrad graduation), but my eyes definitely teared up.

After that we headed to the real ceremony at the Kohl Center. It was long and rather uneventful, but very cool at the same time.

By this time, it had started raining and we headed out to our cars. I drove the van with my grandparents, all 3 of them, that was parked right next to the building and my dad drove the other van. We went to dinner at an amazing placed in Verona, WI called Gray's Tied House. I hadn't been there before but it had come highly recommended. They brew their own beer (I personally loved the Wisco Wheat) and the food was great. (Once again I am not being paid of compensated in any way to endorse Gray's).

Sorry for the long post, but I'm going to make it slightly longer and include some pics!

Audiology Classmates minus 2 members.

Hoods from behind. These suckers were WARM!

My family. Interesting note: my little brother earned his B.S. in Animal Science from ISU the week before. That helps explain the super proud look on my momma's face.