if you could live anywhere?

My third, and final year, of residency is approaching fast.  My chief residents are about to graduate...and jobs/contracts/locations/licenses/taxes/scope of practice are the topics of discussion  around every lunch table and break room lounge.

The biggest topic....where to live.  If you could live somewhere, anywhere, where would it be?  We talk in circles about moving for good jobs, or good locations, or to be near family?  We all have our own dream destinations and dream job ideals.  I wonder where we will all end up. 

Things I "dream" about...(but in no way expect or demand these things of our next "home")
-  waking up with a glorious mountain view out my windows...(but I would go for being surrounded/nearby/quick drive away from beautiful nature... ie: mountains, trees, flowers, splendor)
-  family friendly stuff to do (parks, children's programs/activities, sporting events etc.)
-  cultural activities to keep our minds engaged in our world (museums, live theater, festivals etc.) 
-  flexible job...obviously (this component has a huge dream list all on its own)

-  employment opportunities for BOTH of us - this is a given...we will move where we can both pursue our professional dreams (Tommy is a teacher...a tricky field for jobs these days.)
-  close to family and/or friends (doesn't have to be down the road...but at least within a couple hours!)

Where would you live?  

CSN + flatware = happy newlyweds

By now many of you know that Tommy and I have moved to New York.  We didn't move with much, and we left lots of our goods back in Phoenix with my sisters.  I'm clearly on the prowl for some sweet new stuff like bathroom vanities, rugs and lamps.

Except there are a couple BASIC items that we forgot to add to our registry, and we didn't pack....things that surely take precedence over the fun stuff.  Namely....Flatware.  We forgot to register for it.  We did have some pieces, but left them behind.  And now, well, we wish we had them, because we're currently eating from plastic picnic utensils.

CSN to the rescue.  CSN is a huge online shopping experience with 200+ specialty shops to choose from.  I did a quick search for flatware and literally tons of hits came up.  They have about a zillion rad patterns and quantities to choose from. 

 I'm a huge fan of pretty hammered metal handles, so I'm pretty sure that's what we are going to end up going with...yet I'm loving the smooth simple modern handles too.  How does one select such a thing!?? Or quantity?   How many should we get??  8 sets?

I will let you know how this goes.  I'm excited to use something other than plastic sporks!!!

finally - we are new yorkers

Friends....we made it.  Despite some moving drama (which I'm sure I will share with you at some point),  lots of miles, getting wicked sick, and a few tears spilled after good byes were given, we have finally landed in our new home. 

SO EXCITING! 

Upstate New York is absolutely gorgeous.  I keep squealing at all the lush greenery, colorful flowers, and occasional sprinkles from clouds overhead - it's Heaven.  Our new apartment, though completely barren and devoid of any furniture, is spacious and homey.   But good lord there is a lot of "stuff" to do when you move.   SO MUCH.  Not to mention the paperwork I've gotta harness before my residency starts next week.  Wow. 

Our drive was fun - as all cross country road trips tend to be.  We each drove a vehicle, loaded down with vacuum sealed bags of clothes, a couple camping chairs, and tons of Tommy's sporting equipment. It wasn't ideal for us to each drive a car (it's not very honeymooney!) but it's what had to be done.  We stopped and shared meals with family along the way, and even managed to stay with some old college friends on our journey.  I love that part of our road trips...connecting with dear ones.

I have a few more amazing Guest Posts that I will be sharing this next week, as Tommy and I settle into our new space, and get our lives in some sort of order before "doctoring" begins. 


I have slowly been collecting some pictures from our wedding from Facebook albums, and relatives, and will be starting to sift through my colorful memories of our very special day.  I'm excited to live in those moments again, and I'm getting crazy excited to get the pictures from OneLove!!