Saturday, November 7, 2009

Where the Whiny Things Are

To anyone who is planning on seeing "Where the Wild Things Are":

If you enjoy whiny children, even whinier monsters, and a plotless script, then this is your movie. Otherwise, save your money. Or you can spend your money and then walk out an hour and a half into the movie. That's what we did. :(

Friday, November 6, 2009

Well, I haven't been so great about updating this blog. Maggie, I would like to apologize to you specifically. I leave for New Mexico for one month on Sunday. Being as I don't know anyone there, I'm sure I will find plenty of time to write.

Our most recent big news is that Jon got a job teaching high school biology! We are so excited! This is truly an answer to many prayers. Because Jon worked his last day at his old job last Friday and doesn't begin teaching until next Monday, we both had this past week off together. The past few months we haven't been able to see each other much because of Jon's crazy work schedule, so this time off has been great!
Last weekend we went camping by Stubblefield Lake. Jon went hunting, I kayaked, and the dogs got to run around all weekend. Most of all, we built some amazing fires and ate a lot of hot dogs and s'mores. A great time was had by all!




Jon got to dove hunt two more days this week with one of his friends and brought home some meat for us to eat. It makes me really happy when Jon gets to do things he enjoys. OH. Speaking of Jon, guess who is a swine flu survivor... Great job, Jon!




Scout update: We think we figured out what kind of dog Scout is. We were told by her previous owner that she is a boxer/pitbull mix. However, now that she is older we are realizing that she probably is not a boxer. Rather, we think she is a Basenji. Here is the description of the Basenji according to wikipedia:

"The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname "Barkless Dog."In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats and are more prone to howls, yodels, and other undulated vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog breeds. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play."

Thank you wikipedia. We also learned that Basenji's are very smart and learn quickly, but are very hard to discipline. They don't really care if their owner is angry at them and aren't really affected by pain. This explains so much... We bought a new crate for Scout. The crate is bigger and more inclusive. It is called "The Inclusive Crate". Basenji's hate being by themselves. We have found that if we include Scout while we do things around the house she is much happier. Here is a picture from when Scout invited me into her new house.




I'm off to go see Where the Wild Things Are! Have a great weekend!




Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hi! Welcome to our blog! I love reading my friends' blogs and have been wanting to create one for awhile now. I finally have some free time in my life, so I thought now would be a good time. To those of you who were faithful followers of the blog I kept during college, hopefully the content of this one will consist of something more meaningful than scabies and John Bolton's mustache. So let the cyber version of Jon and mine's life together begin!

I thought our first post should be a review of our first year of marraige. Here are the highlights:

On June 21, 2008 we were married in Conroe. We had a wonderful celebration with our family and closest friends. We then went on our honeymoon to Costa Rica. This was the most relaxing vacation I have ever been on. When life gets hectic, Jon & I often think about our time in Costa Rica. I wish we could go on a honeymoon every year!




In September 2008 we experienced our first hurricane together! The night of the hurricane was a lot of fun. I was on my pediatrics rotation and was released from the hospital early that day. That night we gathered outside with our neighbors and watched the storm roll in. Listening to the hurricane pass over us was incredible as I fervently prayed that a tree wouldn't fall on our roof. Despite the initial excitement, we quickly grew tired of our situation. No electricity + Texas heat + a sick wife = no fun. One day we were so tired of the heat that Jon and I donated blood just so we could spend an hour in the air conditioner. Two weeks later and copious amounts of candle wax on our tables and floors, we had electricity and couldn't be happier!




In October the presidential election was off and rolling. Jon and I added a new component to our after work routine: complaining about the election. As the weeks went on, complaining turned into anger and discussing turned into shouting. Eleven months, a stomach ulcer, and numerous migraines later, and we are still going strong.

Grandmother's 90th Birthday!




Thanksgiving in San Francisco!




In December we got to meet Mike Huckabee! He was doing a book signing in downtown Houston, so we took our copy of his book and stood in line to meet the man who should have been the 2008 presidential candidate... in my opinion. Governor Huckabee was so kind to everyone who waited in line to meet him. Despite the bookstore workers' best attempts to rush everyone past him, Gov. Huckabee made sure to speak to each person. After his signing everyone walked Gov. Huckabee and his wife to their bus and cheered, "2012! 2012" as they drove away.





We went on a cruise to Mexico!



In February, we had a new addition to our family: Scout. When we first met Scout, she was a tiny boxer-pitbull puppy who instantly fell asleep in my arms. I was hooked and Jon and I brought our darling puppy home. To be honest, we are pretty sure that Scout's previous owner drugged her before we met her. Now, I have never had a puppy before, but Scout has to be the most hyper, disobedient, and obnoxious dog. I can't emphasize this enough. She is fine if she stays outside all day to get out all of her energy. Unfortunately, Scout learned how to climb fences from her brother Wrangler, so now she can't stay in the backyard unless she is chaperoned. The good news is that Scout is making progress. We are hopeful...




The next few months are a blur of patients, studying, and little sleep. Needless to say, my third year of medical school has to be one of the best years of my life. I could write a book of all that I learned from my experiences with my patients. The friendships I made during that year are so special to me and it makes me sad that we are all leaving each other in less than a year!


In May Jon graduated with a masters in biology! I am so proud of him. Though I have known Jon for 4 years now, I continue to be amazed by his thought process and knowledge. I am excited to see how the Lord will use all of the gifts and passions Jon has to touch people's lives and fulfill His purpose for Jon.


This is getting to be a VERY long post. I'm just going to conclude it now: I am often asked to describe my first year of marriage to Jon. The most accurate word continues to be, 'fun'. Not to belittle the gravity of the marital committment or the difficult moments we have had along the way. We will be the first to have a conversation with someone contemplenting marriage about the seriousness of this committment. However, with Jon as my husband, how can I not have a life full of fun and laughter? Thank you to everyone who actually read the entire post. I will try to keep them shorter in the future. I hope everyone has a great week!


I asked Jon to pass me the jar of water we were drinking from and this is what he handed me: