17 and counting...

No, I'm not talking about the TLC TV show (now actually called 18 and Counting). I'm talking about spending the weekend in a mountain-top house with 17 of Dr. Dashing's relatives. Some in from Chicago, some just from our town. Ranging in age from 18 months to 85, you can imagine the chaos that could potentially ensue with noise levels, entertaining/hosting, conversations, shower schedules, alcohol consumption, group activities, and restaurant reservations. Although it was mostly nothing less than exciting, I was excited to see the weekend come to a close. I don't truly thrive in large group situations, so parts of the weekend were challenging for my introvert side. My Myers-Briggs personality test classification verifies this part of my personality.
I'm still holding my breath for some one-on-one time with Dr. Dashing post board test (which was taken on Friday) before we leave again on a California family excursion with Dr. Dashing's family on Friday. Oh please cross your fingers for me on this much needed couple-time.
Exhaustedly...

My lovely lady calves, Check it out!

Whew....my lovely lady calves have finally stopped aching from CDC reunion - Dance Party 2009. This past weekend, I met up with 9 amazing women that I worked with in 2006-2007 as univeristy sorority consultants. It was a gruling job, but having these women as a support system made all the difference and helped keep my ducks in a row. Some of them I hadn't seen since 2007 as we live scattered across the country. So, this past weekend was our reunion in Carmel, California. Between breathtaking views, beach walks (great exfoliant for the feet), wine tasting, and social affairs, I managed to lead a drunken spirit-filled kickboxing/strength training session that evolved into Dance Party 2009 that lasted until the wee hours of the morning- one of my favorite events of the weekend. Here are some of the memories captured on film.

Extra, Extra, read all about it!

I can't believe this as I don't feel like I'm a full blown professional yet, but I've been quoted in the Phoenix Business Journal. I feel so important!

It's Almost Over

So for the last 2 months, Dr. Dashing has been studying for his United States Medical Liscencing Exam (think law Bar exam). His absent mindedness and anxiety levels has shot through the roof as he eats meals and completes daily tasks on autopilot. He even seems to have a blank stare and glossed over eyes when he removes his nose from his hefty books. To my avail...it's almost over. Dr. Lackluster (did I just say that??!) will take Step 1 of the board exam on Friday. I'm looking forward to Dr. Dashing's returning to his post as my boyfriend!

Bad News Bears

Whenever you're down on your luck, I want you to remember Dave. Dave is a real person, a genuine mid-western guy with a strong work ethic and personal responsibility. However, Dave is truly down on his luck. The bad news bears make regular visits to Dave and have brought him the following life events:

• Cheating wife
• Unsolvable medical condition
• Broken nose
• Failing business

So his friends take him out for a night on the town, buy him dinner, and work to cheer him up. He decides to repay his friends by buying a round of drinks. As he squares up his tab his friends head outside. In the meantime, the valet is handing over Dave's car keys to a guy who paid him $5. Dave walks out of the restaurant to see his car driving away. So much for a fun night out. In his car were

• His beloved golf clubs
• All his business files including potential job leads

The insurance company determines the car's worth, but since it was leased, the dealership wanted full value. So Dave had to pay the different out of pocket for the stolen vehicle. Sue the valet company you say! Valet company went out of business and cannot be located as they were not in contract with the restaurant. Just plain out of luck. So a friend of Dave loans him his Porsche to drive around in the meantime until Dave gets a new car. Luck it up! A loaner Porsche never happens! Sitting a stoplight, feeling pretty good about things, a delivery truck flips on his reverse lights and begins to back up....oh no! Dave has nowhere to go and the front of the Porsche is crunched. It still is drivable, so at least it still is transportation. Well, to add insult to injury, the mid-west had a huge storm this past week with golf-ball size hail. The Porsche was outside. Total car damage:

• Destroyed Porsche hood and front end of car
• Hail damage to top of Porsche
• Hail damage causes structural damage to Porsche
• Porsche is potentially totalled.

So next time you feel like you're down in the dumps - remember, you're not Dave.

May peace be with you.