July Book List

Here's my readings for the month of July. I did really well for the first few weeks, but got bogged down with other things towards the end so I didn't get as much read as I would have liked. However, I did read 2154 pages total!

Without further ado:
The Girl Who Chased the Moon (269) by Sarah Addison Allen
The Sugar Queen (275) by Sarah Addison Allen
Faith: A Novel (318) by Jennifer Haigh
Black Heels to Tractor Wheels (319) by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)
The Lost Quilter (337) by Jennifer Chiaverini
32 Candles: A Novel (335) by Ernessa T. Carter
The Day the Falls Stood Still (301) by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Only one (The Lost Quilter) was a re-read this month. I will say that I cannot pick a favorite this month! I loved both of the Sarah Addison Allen books and haven't found one written by her I haven't liked yet. She writes stories of Southern towns that are full of whimsy and mystery. I also finally got around to reading the Pioneer Woman's true story of romance, which was also so endearing. Happy reading!

Also this was a special post for me. If you can figure out why I might just put something in the mail for you!

Things are better

Sorry about the emo post earlier this week. Although I'm loving the changes in job and location, I'm continuing to deal with some of my other issues. For instance, I've long struggled with self-esteem and never feeling like being myself is enough. Yes, in many ways I'm a perfectionist, which is interesting to me because neither of my parents are one. I think that many times I want to be the best, but after all my trying and striving, I fall short even though I still do well.

I'm really trying to let my heart be bare and open here and not the "perfect" blog girl. I've written about it before, but I've struggled with my weight for a long time, as in most of my life. I continue to struggle as I have metabolism issues (PCOS if you want to be specific). Right now I want to date but I don't feel pretty, just fat. It doesn't help that when I calculate by BMI I fall into the obese category. It's weird to me that I can wear medium sized clothing but still be obese.

Since I started my new job, my co-workers have been very open about complimenting me about appearance-related things. I've never experienced this before and that's part of the reason my emotions are in turmoil. Part of me thinks I won't ever believe them until a guy (that I'm interested in) says the same. I know this is wrong, but it's the way my twisted mind works. Physical beauty isn't where it's all at and I know this but sometimes when you're passed over yet again by the guy you like, it wears on you.

Thanks for letting me pour out my heart. Know that I would appreciate prayers, good vibes, positive thoughts in this struggle.

My heart

This song is on my heart tonight. Don't feel bad/sorry for me as I know this too shall pass.

In love

...unfortunately not with a boy right now. Rather I'm really loving my new life. I love the city I'm living in, my duplex for the most part (neighbors suck sometimes), my job, everything. It's so refreshing after such a hard year in Mtown.

As much as I love where I'm at, I'm ready for a few things to change such as making friends my own age, finding a church, and of course falling in love for real.

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.

Something Big

If you've paid any attention to the countdowns that I had in posts, you should have realized something big happened May 13, 2011. I'm waiting for pictures from my mom's camera before I write a full post about it. It was a fabulous weekend though with beer flowing, friends and family, and amazing food.

Randoms

Posting with bullets because my thoughts are scattered tonight.

• Bought Easter goodies for Allie. Yep I'm one of those pet owners, but it wasn't much just a new toy, collar, and some special treats.



• Job hunt/interviewing has been going well. I may accept an offer tomorrow, but I'll keep you all updated.



• Loving The Office lately and still can't believe that Steve Carrell is leaving.



• Even more than The Office, Parks & Rec is so quotable every.single.week. and I LOVE it. I love it so much I watch Grey's Anatomy online Fridays after work.



• I'm so...I'm so...scared (name the show), actually more overwhelmed than scared that graduation is in 3 weeks!



• I've been a dog-owner for 11 months now and couldn't imagine life without Allie.

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

I love Chicken Pot Pie and have the best recipe for it and it's super simple, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast cooked OR 1 can chicken
1 can cream of potato soup OR any cream of soup (but I prefer potato)
8 oz (give or take) frozen mixed veggies
2 pre-made pie crusts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine chicken, soup, and veggies in large bowl.
Spread 1 pie crust on the bottom of a baking dish.
Add chicken mixture.
Cover with other crust and pinch together edges.
Make some marks on the top crust.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges of the crusts are golden brown.

Enjoy and if you have any, the leftovers are yummy too!

Busy Sunday

1. Do dishes
2. Clean kitchen
3. Clean bathroom
4. Do laundry
5. Dust
6. Vaccuum
7. Get groceries
8. Blog

After a long hiatus (sorry followers!) I'm back. That list you see is all accomplished today! For me that's a VERY productive Sunday. Today has been a dreary yucky day after a beautiful sun-filled few days. It was the perfect day to accomplish my list. Even better, while I was sweeping, Allie wasn't afraid of the broom for the first time! She still is unsure of the vaccuum, but she just goes into the bedroom when I vaccuum the living room and it works for us.

In other news only 81 days til I'm Dr. Marra and I can't wait! However I'm a bit stressed out by searching for jobs. Last week I was told that my externship site will not be able to keep me on after my externship is done. I've posted my resume online and have gotten some interest. I will start applying for jobs as they come up. It's exciting but scary at the same time.

So Far So Good

I was already asleep when the New Year came to the Mtown. I remember watching the ball drop in NYC at 11 p.m. CST, but don't remember the replay at midnight CST, hence I was probably sleeping. Yep I'm one lame, single 26 year old.

Today I slept in and once Allie ate breakfast, we turned on the Rose Bowl Parade. I got real excited when the UW float and marching band came on the TV screen. I love me some Badgers! After the parade, I ran a few errands: got more dog food, eyebrows waxed, and returned some ill-fitting Christmas gifts.

Now Allie and I are getting ready for the UW vs TCU Rose Bowl kick off in less than an hour. I've got on my Badger gameday red, my (new) Badgers Scentsy pot is on, and Allie is cuddled in my (new) Badger fleece blanket. I think we're ready.

GO BADGERS!