pink moon is on its way...

Working at a Breast Imaging Clinic sure has a few perks. For example, how often does your boss come in and say we're going to drive BMWs and chow down on a fancy spread over our 'executive lunch' break? Obviously there is a little more to it... like the ride to vegas in the private jet. kidding. But, really, the Susan G. Komen foundation has partnered up with BMW for the "Ultimate Drive". My boss, Melissa, was honored at the event as the 'local hero' who champions the breast cancer cause. At the event, anyone can simply get behind the wheel of a new vehicle for a test run (of course, we picked the convertible!) and for every mile you drive BMW donates $1 on your behalf to the Komen foundation. They've raised over $11 million in the past - for everything from breast cancer research, education, and treatment program. Great news for you - they're traveling! here's the 2008 Route Map to check out where they're headed, so you too can make a difference in such an easy, fun way. ...and p.s. my 'yay-for-the-week' - I finished by 8 hour comprehensive final yesterday! on the homestretch baby.

oop Art. oop Art Art.

Good job, OKC. 10 points, you're growing on me. With the summer approaching and the promise of free-time in my future, I'm really looking forward to all the fun (and free) activities that living in a city has to offer. I spent my first 17 years in camden, tennessee (population: what? 3,500?) and then spent the next 5 years in waco, texas (which was a a huge jump for this small-town-girl, but still on the small side), and now I'm residing here in 'the city' - it's definitely the largest place I have ever called home. And, they really have a handle on keeping their inhabitants entertained...the whole summer calendar is filled with outdoor concerts, festivals, fairs... from shakespeare in the park to this weekend's kick-off with the 'Festival of the Arts'. Downtown shuts down for artists across the country to come and showcase their talent. There are 'hands-on' stations for kids, lots of musicians, and so many yummy local restaurants come out & set up booths. It was really fun, but needless to say, Aaron and I decided to wait on the 750$ original piece we liked. One of the exhbits got me craving a Hobby Lobby run to start a new decoupage project- there were some neat pieces there from a California artist, and really it was just paper! I think I lost any real creativity I had years ago, but I'd love to give it a try. I must admit, I think the most fun I had was Aaron and I's 'canadian tuxedo'-spotting contest.He won, with TEN. and I gave him an extra point, because one of the subjects was wearing shorts. unbelievable. Tonight will be less creative + cultural, well at least for the girls...Aaron and Corey are going to check out the new Ben Stein documentary about Darwinism v. intelligent design, Expelled, but Kara (who is with child) and I are going to see Baby Mama. Don't judge...the previews made me laugh out loud. :)

tres cher campaign trail.

So, I have to admit, I've been selfishly swamped in my studies as of late. imagine that. With the exception of my 6:30 am local news broadcast and an occasional visit to an on-line news site...I've not fulfilled my social responsibility of keeping up with the campaigns. or the kardashians. I read that John McCain was heading to Oklahoma, and I'd love to go hear what he has to say...& just be amidst all that patriotism. What do I find when I look up the events of the campaign trail? "...the general reception begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $2,300 per person with a Photo Opportunity, or $1,000 per person." Looks like his intent in Oklahoma is to catch up on financing. As a sign of the times, I guess I'll just have to catch it on YouTube.

come fly with me.

Ever had one of those weekends where you just change up your routine...be a little spontaneous...and it feels like you're off on vacation?

I think that's definitely a signature of a weekend well spent. Being spontaneous is something I've never been, and in the last 2 years it's something I couldn't afford to be (sanity- and study-wise). It's on my "list", which I'll have to compile later, of subtle changes to come once I can finally close the book on school. It took me 2 years... and now 3 weeks from graduation, I feel that I was able to begin to relax and hush some of my worries, and truly enjoy my free time. Other graduate students have shared a similar complaint - that anytime you aren't studying or working on something involving school, you feel this tug and guilt that you should be back at your desk productively laboring away. There's just so much more than having little 'independent' classes, and having your 'last final' being the celebration that meant a semester was over. It's just not like that. There is a lot of pressure to know your stuff with only 2 students in the program, that's for sure. And, a lot of pressure self-imposed to provide for your patient. But, I digress... now that I'm learning to be able to distance myself and unwind...I feel like I've stumbled upon one of life's little secrets. ...and, that I'm probably the last one to know.

So, my totally-guilt-free relaxation began Friday night with dinner after work in Bricktown with Aaron, and then catching a Redhawks baseball game with Corey and Kara. I'll be the first to admit, I really pay little attention to the sport being played until the very end. I just spend the first 6 innings looking around at the other fans... I loved catching up with our friends, counting how many hot dogs the guy in front of us had inhaled, getting up and down to go get bottomless buckets of popcorn, cheering & singing along with all the classic baseball chants, enjoying my husband watching his favorite sport and spending 6$ on ice cream in a batters helmet, and of course, the fireworks display at the end of the ole'...ball...game.
Saturday was a beautiful day... I stepped out on our porch when I woke up and ran back in to Aaron - "Summer is here!" It's felt so strange here, just last week I had to wear my heavy winter coat. I've felt the winter 'cabin fever', and I'm just ready to BE outside. We went and had a long, leisurely meal just catching up with Aaron's mom out at the lake. There are several lovely restaurants that have patio tables where you can sit watch the sunset...it definitely felt like we were out of the city. We almost missed our chance, and I almost got into it with an older couple who snatched our table... yes, me. first come means first serve! I'm pretty sure Aaron was ready to go crawl under one of the big rocks.

Thanks to your friends and mine, Redbox & TiVo - we caught a few movies this weekend... one being Lars and the Real Girl, if anyone has seen it - please, feel free to explain it to me.

On Sunday, we just had to get out and enjoy this beautiful weekend. Aaron and I took the bikes and a picnic lunch out to the trails at Lake Hefner. What seemed like a perfect idea... only to be interrupted by some 40 mph wind gusts! It was definitely an exercise of resistance training. At one point, I actually was 'blown off' the trail. Because the winds were so strong, Aaron couldn't even hear me calling for him to wait up. We only managed to put in about 7 miles (compared to our previous 13). We decided to grab a seat on the benches by the lighthouse and eat our lunch & watch the kite-surfers. Now, they were probably pumped about the weather... we saw some of them fly nearly 10 feet in the air. It looks like so much fun, and I'm sure it's much harder than it looks. For some reason, that seems like something my brothers would love to try. I'll look into it kids... oh yes, and Aaron almost had another run-in with some canadian geese... the second picutre just cracks me up, there's just so much 'going on'. He really earns his membership into his facebook group "People who have been attacked by ducks."

shotgun for eternity.

big day, that april 11th.

We turned in the final copy of our 'theses' to the graduate college.

I went through many drafts to get here at the end. and many more after the mini-crisis last week. [see previous post].

A lot of trees were harmed in the making of this thesis.

It would not have been possible without the guidance and patience from all the wonderful faculty & staff in Medical Genetics. and, As you [family & friends] will read on page 4's acknowledgments section...

"...Finally, I cannot end without thanking my husband, Aaron, whose constant love, encouragement, and sense of humor I have relied on throughout this entire time – and will for years to come. I wish to thank my parents, my brothers, and new in-laws for the overwhelming support and inspiration you have shown me. I thank all my friends and family for their optimism, words of encouragement, and patience as I worked to complete graduate school. It is to them I dedicate all of my success."

This is Melissa and I holding up our handiwork before making the walk over to turn in our year of blood, sweat, and tears...[all actually literally], and to receive our big 'sigh-of-relief' in return.

I didn't anticipate feeling that much better after turning it in - what, why? you've only been obsessing over this for months? - I guess I just assumed I'd just be on to worrying about the next big thing - my oral defense or 8-hour comprehensive final... but, no, a significant weight has been lifted off these shoulders.

To celebrate, Melissa, Julie, & I went out for dinner at 1492, a yummy little Latin restaurant downtown. We had a fun, relaxing, and to our own surprise...4-hour meal. I will love having more time (nights/weekends) after graduation to hang out with these girls.

Aaron & I celebrated together the rest of the weekend - sleeping in, making a big weekend-quality breakfast, shopping, movies, p.f. chang's, open houses - I know this week will be hard because of my little 'break', but well worth the recharge. ::high five::

Extra. Extra.

You get the bad news first:

Well, I can't even begin to tell this story... because to tell of the tragedy, I would have to explain to you my 50+ page thesis for you to fully grasp the situation. But, let's just say this week brought some bad news on the thesis front. I spent a small window of time with fears of not being able to graduate on time...and my day ended with tears sitting in my director's office. The long-story short is that everything is going to be okay. Not without a hefty amount of butt-busting this weekend and into next week. I will 'lose' some of the work I'd already done, and have to work that much harder making myself an expert on 'zinc finger proteins' in the next week and 1 day - but, everything is going to be alright. It's incredibly disappointing, and I'll keep my hands in my pocket and not point any fingers because I'm so appreciative of all the help I have been given. and I've had some wonderful support of people in my section in the midst of all the recent goings-on. Say a little prayer for us 'chaloners' this weekend. Aaron has a Medical Neuroscience test on Monday, and I'll, of course, be righting all the wrongs. Neither one of us can take care of each other this time. We're so used to locking ourselves away like hermits on stressful study-marathon weekends [which needless to say can be a real downer] , so we decided we're going to try a little something different this time... right now, we've set up camp at Starbucks - taking advantage of the wifi and the plentiful supply of caffeine. ...but if you know me, you know I had to walk across the street to get a dr. pepper from McDonald's. :)

The stack of old-school board games rescued us during our study break...[aaron's camera phone is not to shabby i might add.] oh, yes I promised good news too:

This week was our campus's G.R.E.A.T. (Graduate Research Education And Technology) Symposium - a week that "provides an opportunity for students to present their newest and most exciting scientific concepts and research findings through oral and poster presentations." & countless other workshops and lectures. Aaron was offered an oral presentation on his neurological relationship of 'Early Life Trauma and the Development of IBS in Adults'... and I was offered a poster presentation on my research too. That was neat all on its own...but, come the awards ceremony on Thursday and Aaron won a $1,500 Research Grant! They had a little congratulatory message waiting for him back in the lab:


All the OCNS (oklahoma center for neurosciences) kids were well represented, his mentor was quite proud. his wife was too. :)

pockets of resistance in the pants of peace.

About a year ago, I think I remember commenting about our upcoming nuptuals, "I've never anticipated anything so much in my life! I've never wished more that the days would fly by up until our big day..."
Well, with no disrespect to my other half, the time in between the stated sentiment and the actual event was filled with excitement and planning and eager anticipation... whereas now, I can most definitely conclude that I've never wished more that these next 5 weeks would fly by...and there isn't quite the same joy-filled waiting period. I feel like I'm on the edge of my seat, just moments away from this crazy escape from my life as an indentured student. The taste of 'big-kid' world is just at the tip of my tongue. I have so many plans, so many things I plan to do...some so miniscule ...just to be able to relax in the evenings, to sit on our patio and enjoy a drink and read a book. hey, remember hobbies? ...remember relationships? actually having time to call and talk with my family & friends for more than just my commute home from the medical center.

It's been a rough 2 years. It's not all 'schools' fault. In fact, it would have been quite manageable without the handful of personal challenges. but life doesn't sit back and wait just because you're in grad school. ...from moving away from the comfort of my college town and starting up in a new city (albeit with my best friend...but little else) to the separation of my parents after 25 years of marriage. And countless other delicate issues spiraling off just that...and for the respect of those involved, I'll probably have to skip the intimate details of the family matters for now.

It hasn't been an ideal first 10 months of marriage for Aaron and I, but our paths didn't fall as neatly as some others may have...and 'higher education' became a big priority for reaching our more long-term goals. I think we've grown so much closer, so much stronger. I just beam with pride when I see how hard he's working, and I just smile at the purpose he still makes for 'quality time' and showing me every day how much I am loved. I believe we have really mastered the "leaving and cleaving" of marriage... Some suggest that the first year of marriage really shapes the 'pattern' for how you deal, communicate, and grow as challenges arise for the rest of your life. I think we've had more than enough practice jumping in together on 'team chaloner' and facing whatever it is... sounds rather ambiguous, but I just look back fondly that we've been given this perspective - and can truly appreciate all the amazing blessings God has brought us through this time and through our family and friends.

I didn't really sit down planning to write anything like this... I hope this doesn't sound 'sad'. That's not my feelings right now at all, It's insightfully reflective and oh-so-anxious for the upcoming graduation. I think it's been an unbelievably busy, stressful week. and my classmate, Melissa, and I decided this is just how it's going to be from here on out. I carried a pager on my hip, and I was 'on-call' for our clinic this week. Weeks of such unpredictability throw this type-a-control-freak very out of sorts. I know you may wonder - what is a 'genetic counseling emergency' ? Well, we are often called on consults to the NICU for newborns with congenital anomalies, possible syndromes, failure to thrive, dysmorphic features...gosh, really anything. I mean, hey, we're genetics. & sometimes our team works diagnostic magic, and sometime we don't always have an answer.
I feel like I always have intersting stories to share from my time with patients... but I think HIPAA would get me if I really divulged any information. [...you know, it's that page you sign, but probably don't read everytime you go to the doctor's office.] Needless to say, we work with some amazing families and of course some odd characters. But, just from my short stint as a student - I can say that this is going to be an ever-changing, interesting, challenging, and rewarding career. As for now, I'll have to be on consults one more time. I have to finish my thesis and complete all of my edits/suggestions given my my committee members. I have to complete my advanced rotation requirements seeing cancer patients and counseling in specialty clinics. I have to present an article in Journal Club, one last time [our weekly meeting with everyone in the genetics section - doctors, genetic counselors, researchers, lab techs]. I have to complete my comprehensive 8-hour final exam and my clinical rotation final. I have to give my oral thesis defense. ...and without further adieu, I must graduate with my masters in genetic counseling.
I think if I had to give a speech at this graduation ceremony, it would be entirely much more cynical and honest than my cheery high-school salutatorian speech - don't you think?

be enthusiastic(s).

I knew better than to start a blog when we're so busy. and busy doesn't really translate into 'interesting'. For instance, besides contributing most of our time to studying this weekend - we just rented a couple movies on RedBox, unwound and relaxed at Chili's after work, worked at the breast cancer booth at the Health Fair, and got Aaron a haircut so he doesn't start to look like Javier Bardem. or Dora the Explorer, or that guy from Metalocalypse. See what I mean? super action packed. [But really, if you haven't seen this movie...we recommend it]

A few days late, but we wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter! We spent it here in Oklahoma with the Chaloners this year. The easter bunny even found Aaron & I here at our apartment. :) I don't think I've been home for Easter in about four years? I don't think I realized that, hopefully we can plan on heading back to Tennessee next Spring for the occasion. It's always such a big tradition at my great grandmother's house. & at home, I'm never too old to join in on the egg hunt. even if the contents are the same cadbury eggs from 3 years before. But, we had a lovely lunch with Aaron's family, a quick photo-shoot, and they all came back to our quarters for some good ol' fashioned easter egg dying. Aaron was the shopper for the easter egg kit, as I'm sure you can imagine. see below. He even kept the C3PO mask... you know, "just in case". I think the most fun was smashing them all in the parking lot from our third floor balcony. shhh.

dog days.

I've had a little bo-buddy this week. Bo is Aaron's family's shihtzu...they left him with Aaron while I was away & while they were in Colorado this week. Having a dog (...mind you, the most friendly and well behaved dog even) has made me realize two things:

1) how much Aaron wants a dog as well

2) how much I don't want an inside dog right now

Two rather conflicting realizations.

And, my goodness has he tried to change my mind. So far, my promises to get an 'outside'-dog when we have a yard were holding up just fine. But, now it seems that's not going be strong enough to hold back the doggie desire. Having him around this week definitely makes me appreciate the time and work in taking care of one, and gosh even the cleanest little dogs make me want to vacuum once a day! I think about having little ones in the house soon-ish too, and wonder if I want a pup rolling around on the floor near the baby blanket is good planning... Aaron says our kids will need to acquire their 'immunities' anyway. :) your thoughts?

I think we just need to revisit this in about SIX weeks... and, my mindset and "jam-packed planner with no room for spontaneity " will have changed dramatically. I do, however, really enjoy having a little adorable sidekick and love how much Aaron loves to play and just can't get enough of him. I know what you're thinking - geez woman, how are you going to handle a messy little baby? It'll probably end up being a valuable lesson to my uptight self...in looseing up & adapting a little bit. Hey just for starters, I even let him snuggle up on the bed... for those who know me well, that's huge.

Well, we're going to run out & grab some dinner with Aaron's family - back to pick up Mr. Jangles. & then it's over to congratulate new parents-on-deck Corey & Kara...I have a special delivery for baby-to-be. Between them, Aaron's cousin, and our new niece on the way, I can't stay out of baby Gap.

out west.

Home again, home again after a whirlwind little escape. If Aaron didn't post while he was wife-less for 5 days, then I have doubts that he ever will. First things first, the presentation went really well! It was actually quite exciting. Of course, you all reminded me that the worry was just all in the anticipation. Several people were very interested in my research and so helpful...and of course, there were others that it seemed maybe just wanted me to know how much 'they knew'. But, I did get lots of great feedback and ideas that will be so valuable for my oral defense coming up at the end of April. The conference overall was really good experience.

I was in Phoenix by 7 a.m. their time on Thursday & had the whole day before my dad arrived that night. I sat in on some seminars, grabbed lunch with one of my professors, and toured around downtown phoenix (...trying to fight off the jet lag). That night was the genetics "swag" party... It's a reception sponsored by all the scientific vendors complete with lots of free stuff -- some just for fun, some actually useful in clinic...and a chocolate fountain, hors d'oerves, butcher's block, and open bar. I actually ran into a familiar face, Ali - a former Baylor-ite, now employed by a biotech company in CA. I asked him to tell me about the product he was marketing - & we both just cracked-up, feeling like impostors in this adult-world. After a day of solo-traveling, lugging around all of my stuff - I decided to catch a cab back to the hotel & hit the hot tub while waiting for my dad to get in.

The next day, we went back to the conference to hear one of my professor's talks. My presentation was over by noon & Dad and I decided to see all that Arizona had to offer. We had lunch in Glendale, and decided to take the 'scenic route' to the famous breathtaking city of Sedona. We stopped off at Montezuma's Castle - ancient Aztec dwellings constructed into the side of a limestone cliff.
The ride into Sedona was beautiful... All grand canyon glory aside, it's one of the most famous Arizona landmarks. Around every curve of the road was another spectacular site with the sun reflecting off of the large red rocks. Dad & I walked around the shops of sedona - even the little town was so uniquely framed by these picturesque landforms.
The next day our flight was to leave at 3, so we woke up with enough time to go on a hike. There were trails just across the street from our hotel. We looked like amateurs carrying our caffeine and wearing flip flops... but we managed. It was a fun little outing, and I'd been looking for the chance to take the obligatory cactus photo. Oh and word-of-warning...be wary of the grass in the desert...it may look harmless, but it breaks off very easily and becomes quite the enemy - i described it as a thousand little paper cuts on the bottom of my feet...




We cleaned up & headed to a quick lunch at a yummy Cuban restaurant. We had just been 'complementing' ourselves on a trip well done, when our perfect trip encountered a big snag...we dropped off our rental car, and got to the airport about an hour early - only to see no less than 1,000 people waiting in line at the southwest counter. Long long story and struggle aside, we ended up missing our flight and not being able to leave until the next morning. We grabbed a room at the Embassy Suites and decided to make the most of our extra day. A fancy town car driven by what we assumed to be a Russian-mobster type came to pick us up and take us to Scottsdale...the 'beverly hills' of Az. We walked around the shops and had a fabulous dinner sitting outside a this hip little restaurant, Olive & Ivy. Luckily, we flew out the next morning rather uneventfully. I posted all our pictures here. There's so much more to our nice long weekend, but hopefully the highlights will do it justice. I had such a good time hanging out and really getting a chance to talk with my Dad. I really appreciated that time together... & I imagine that opportunities like that are few and far between nowadays.

To wrap up the rest of my break, Dad & I flew back to Tennessee. I'm not going to be able to be there for the birth of my first little niece, Emma. [Due May 3rd!] So, I'd planned on surprising Trae & Coi and coming out for their baby shower. Unfortunately, because our plane was delayed a day - I didn't get a chance to actually see my brother, because he had to work the next day. :( But, I did roll in to Camden just as the shower was starting on Sunday afternoon. Little Emma got so many cute things, and mommy Coi looked beautiful. Jill stepped in and helped her open all her gifts...and decided she wanted all of those gifts in her size too. I just can't believe there will be a new little Dedmon in this world in just under two months!
As if that wasn't enough, My uncle Greg & aunt Teresa were in town from Wyoming. I'm never able to time my visits home well, and seem to always miss them. So, I was so thrilled to be able to see them and hang out... if even just for an evening. Logan and I even managed to head out for a game of bowling [he's a leaguer] and a good talk. Mom and I got a chance to catch up a little too and spend the day together in Nashville, shopping and dining, before my flight back to Nashville. Unfortunately, I only managed about 28 hours in the state of Tennessee - but, I had to get back to Oklahoma to catch up and use my break wisely on the 'downhill climb' to graduation day...working on my thesis, upcoming presentations, and preparing for patients. It's going to be a crazy 1 month and 21 days...

the grand canyon state. pretty original nickname, az.

My bags are packed. My poster is printed. ...and the nervousness is building. I'll leaving for sunny Phoenix tomorrow at 5 am. One of my thesis advisor's wanted me to submit an abstract to ACMG of my 'work in progress' last December...So, I did. not thinking too much of it. And, what do you know? It was accepted. So, my department is flying me out to Arizona this week to present my research. I'm definitely a newbie to this professional world...and this is definitely my first time to be involved in anything like this. So, needless to say, I have no idea what to expect & I'm quite nervous!
My parents both wanted to be there for me, and my dad is flying out to join me in Phoenix. The nearby conference rooms downtown were tres cher, so believe it or not we're staying here the Hilton Pointe Tapatio just outside the city for much cheaper...



Did you known Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time? I didn't realize that was an option.

I know we are attached at the hip & spend all our time together...but, I hate having to leave Aaron...even just for a few days. With my family living far away, it seems like I am always the one leaving for a quick trip. I know I would not like it if the situation were reversed... I've even grown to dread Tuesday nights when Aaron's away at class until 9 pm for a mere 3 hours! I'll miss you, my dear, and I'll be on the hunt for a great souvenir!

sounds like apartment-fever.

This weekend contained quite the 'right-of-passage'. Aaron and I met with a realtor and toured our first home. Well, not our first home. We are in no way financially prepared to 'make a move' just yet. In an act of procrastination under the name 'getting educated about the market', I've slowly began researching homes in our area. and even slower - learning about equity, interest rates, FHA loans, etc. I say we aren't prepared just yet, but I feel that homeownership is actually a lot closer than I had previously thought. I just wanted to really get started with the whole process... and I ended up finding a property that we really liked. It's very spacious and in our opinion, much more than we thought we could get at our price range. I found the listing here - there's a whole slideshow.

I really liked the uniqueness, that it wasn't in one of the pre-planned cookie-cutter neighborhoods. Not to say we won't end up in something like that, but if we had our pick - we'd go for a restored 1920s bungalow-style anyday. Well after talking with Aaron's family, we thought it couldn't hurt to go take a look. I was hoping to find something wrong with it to tell you the truth. We didn't make an offer of course... But, this first step is very exciting. Aaron's already making his list of house needs: 1) grill 2) tool bench 3) dog(s)...

Just to brainstorm - On the one hand, we're very much tossing away money in rent every month. And most importantly, our stay in Oklahoma is somewhat temporary, and from a housing standpoint - we would need to get into something fairly quickly for it to be 'worth it'- even if that means some lower expectations and making quite a few sacrifices. But on the other hand, we're trying not to be naive about the process as well - there are so many extra hidden fees - closing costs, taxes, insurance... There will be so many added expenses - kitchen appliances, higher utilities, lawnmower...and heaven forbid if something should go wrong - your savings account now must operate as your convenient apartment landlord. We'd definitely soak up any advice from those with experience out there.

All in all, we had a more eventful weekend compared to most. (sequestered like hermits with our laptops.) Our sister-in-law, Sarah, turned over into her 26th-year & we got together at a Japanese hibachi grill to celebrate with the whole family. mmm, it's the only way to eat shrimp, i'll say. Aaron's grandparents came back for a 'grand tour' of our place, and then we spent the evening hanging out with all the 'kids'.

over the weekend, we managed to squeeze in some homework, cleaning, movies on Tivo, complaning about losing an hour of sleep...

After touring the house on Saturday, Aaron's parents took us out for pizza at Hideaway (Oklahoma-famous, I'll take you if you come for a visit)...and then I wanted to go to Cafe 501 & share with them 'the-best-cupcakes-in-the-world'...I don't think Aaron agreed with my superlatives, but they really have a delicious and creative selection of desserts.

getting re-acquainted.

In the previous blog I attempted, my last post was December 2005 on 'our engagement'. Needless to say, I suppose I got pretty busy after that? I'll bring us up to speed. Well, on May 27th, 2007 we married for love. :) ...and that's exactly what we've been livin' on for the last 9 months. It's been quite the challenge with both the mr. & and the mrs. in school. Even so, 'the married life', as everyone always asks, is going so well. It's a wonderful feeling to be 'starting-out' with your best friend. Sure, there'll always be bumps along the way, but I've never felt so loved and respected, so hopeful about the future, and so committed to this wonderful man. I'm still so pleasantly surprised by how well we complement each other, and how easy it is. how natural things can be with us... but, perhaps I shouldn't be...from the very beginning, God was shaping us into these two individuals who would complete each other on so many different levels, and this is what he had in mind all along.

alright, that's enough of that. I'll pace myself on the mushy-stuff.

you know what? I even like living with a boy. ;) We're squatting here on the north side of Oklahoma City in a cozy litte 2 bedroom apartment. We have the spare room set up with our own desks, and spend many nights back to back buried in the books.... even back at Baylor, we always had each other as a good study buddy. I'm wrapping up my second-year as a genetic counseling grad student at OUHSC. I've just thrown myself into seeing patients on my clinical rotations and working on my thesis. When I can, I work as a research assistant for a breast cancer clinic. & Aaron just began his work toward his doctorate in Neuroscience. He's doing amazingly well, he even won an award for his 'proposed'-research last semester at the Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience Symposium. I'll have him post about his 'goings on'...my description of his research wouldn't do it justice. Let's just say one angle of his study involves 'aging'. . . & that just makes me realize how long we are actually going to BE in oklahoma.
If that's sounds a bit negative, it's because it is. I've never given Oklahoma a fair shot. I think we had a rocky start, Oklahoma and I. A lot of new changes and new challenges were thrown my way about the time I settled in here. In the coming months, I'm prepared to throw out the first impressions, and get to know what will inevitably be my hometown for quite some time... but don't worry, mom, I'll get the grandchildren back to Tennessee before they're toddling.

start me up.

So, here we are at the beginning. I've been a blogger in the past, but never kept up the habit. No promises this time. I've noticed a trend among newlyweds, and especially newly-moms, to start a 'family blog'...So, I thought I'd jump in on it & start one for aaron and I. Both of our names are at the top of this page, but let's face it - It'll most likely be me at the helm. I'm not sure what this little space will entail...nothing too incredibly interesting. I'm not really predicting much of an audience. Most importantly - I have an absolutely horrific memory, and just the mere act of journaling really will help me tremendously. I like the idea of having this as a way to share whats going on in our little world and connect with family and friends, and I'll encourage you explore a site for yourself. If I can keep up this thing, I'd love to get a 'blog'-book. yes, they make them @ blurb.com. It'd be a fun little thing to look back on years from now as a memory of just 'just starting out'...so, with that said, I guess we'll be writing to 'ourselves' overall...all random, silly, and every-day stuff. ...like about our spontaneous water-gun fight here in the apartment yesterday. well, it's not really a fair fight when one man is unarmed.
...oh, and some pictures too. but, you probably knew that.