Almost home.
Almost home for good.
Home.
I thought I was home for good a year ago when I left Buckhannon, WV and came back to NJ.
Unfortunately, I had to come back to WV for 8 more weeks.
Just 9 more days to go.
Roger and Socrates seem to be doing well at home. Socs has begun escaping from the kitchen. I should give some back story on this:
Go back a year ago to when we first got the Socs Man. He was an adorable 6 month old puppy living in a foster home with his two doggie sisters, doggie mama, a few other foster dogs, and the humans. He was very well kept and very well loved. He slept in a cage and was very comfortable with his cage. In fact, after getting bored with Roger and I he went back into his cage to take a nap while we were there.
The only thing going on there that was a problem was that he was allowed on the furniture- specifically the couch. I happen to think a dog can live a very happy and full life never being on my couch, but that's just me.
So Socrates gets to his new home with us. We have no problems crating him. His crate is always clean in the morning, and he sleeps through the night happily.
Fast forward a few months. Socrates starts crying at night. All night. All friggin night long. I also start coming home to Socrates greeting me at the door. Houdini has managed to escape from the cage. What he did was work the bottom lock with his nose and tongue, and then push the metal door open enough to slide out.
We thought we could trick him by turning the cage around and putting it against the wall. Trapped!
Not so much. It took him less than one day to figure out that if he ran inside the cage against the side of it, he could push the cage away from the wall using the momentum he built up (I don't think he actually knew the physics of this, but there was clearly a plan of some sort).
Then we decided to double latch the cage using the type of clips that are on leashes.
Perfect! He can't get out.
Only one problem. Now, I didn't actually see it all happen, but I saw the aftermath. He must have been having some sort of panic attack. I came home one day to find a cage pan filled with thick drool and a wall and floor streaked with blood. He still managed to escape and greet me at the door, but he scratched up his face in the process of bending the metal door open. He got the cage away from the wall, and the blood streaks were on the wall and on the floor, as well as drops through the house.
Okay. This is a problem. The poor thing was absolutely going ballistic. I had no idea why. So, Roger and I had to make some decisions.
The interesting thing is that despite the Soc Man's total meltdown while in the cage, he seemed to do nothing once he got out. Well, I won't say "nothing". What it seems he began doing is going into the front room of the house and sleeping on the couch. Nothing chewed. Nothing eaten. No walls torn down. Just sleeping on the couch.
A call to the dog trainer shed some light on the nighttime problem. She suggested just putting the cage in our bedroom and letting him sleep there.
This suggestion was amazing. We put it in our room, along with a fluffy bath mat on the floor of it (so we wouldn't hear his nails on the pan during the night). Every night since then we take him upstairs and he goes into his "room" almost without even being told. He sleeps in it all night and we don't hear so much as a whimper out of him. Amazing how something he was so anxious about could be his comfortable sleeping place as soon as we changed the environment.
But the daytime part was still a problem. We bought a pet gate and barricaded him into the kitchen. This seemed to work well. The gate was hardly even bolted up and he happly stayed in the kitchen while we were out. He had his blanket, his food, his water, and life was good.
Until 3 months ago. Now, he is escaping again. Not only is he escaping, but he is managing to escape when there are multiple obstacles (chairs) holding the gate up. He pushes it enough and out he goes. He always greets us at the door. The dog walker is trying his best to come up with new ideas to keep the dog in the kitchen, but nothing is working.
However, he still just sleeps on the couch. The same couch. Oddly enough, it is a couch that looks exactly like the couch he was on at his foster home. I don't know if there is any connection.
So now we have to decide what to do. We are protecting our couch with a blanket so that the hair and drool is not on our couch. He doesn't *do* anything else, though. He doesn't destroy anything. He doesn't make a mess anywhere.
I don't know why he keeps escaping. And my fear is that he's going to try to find a way to escape from the house next. My sister's dog chewed through a wall once in an attempt to get out. I don't want to come home to find a hole in the wall. Roger will find Socrates much less cute if our couch has no stuffing when he gets home.
We don't know what to do. It doesn't matter if we're gone for 10 minutes or 8 hours, Socrates still does this. We have a dog walker who comes twice each day, and Socrates always greets him at the door.
Poor Socs Man. I think he's lonely, but he's used to our schedule now. Getting another dog would require some breaking in time that we just don't have right now. My schedule is about to get wild when I start residency, and Roger's work/travel schedule doesn't allow for him to have a 9-5.
I think we're going to have to just accept that he has run of the house. That's fine if the worst he does is get on the couch, but I don't know what's next.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
April 2, 2009 6:58pm
I always learn so much when I come to WV.
Here are some things I have learned while here....
1) If you don't take your socks off for 3 months, your socks will actually fuse to your feet and your skin will start to grow around the socks. You will also have such a horrific infection that you'll end up in the hospital.
2) Why get fitted for dentures when you can just buy a perfectly good pair at a flea market? Sure, you might look like a mule, but you can chew...kinda.
3) A conversation I was actually a part of:
Patient: Doctor, are you in good health? Because I don't want to have to find a new doctor.
Doctor to me (ignoring crazy lady):Please go get me some Ethyl Chloride.
Patient (freaking out): No! don't go get her! I know her from my church and she's nasty. I hate her. She'll tell everybody my business!
4) Paint thinner can be used to clean out wounds.
That's all for now, but it has been less than 2 weeks.
Here are some things I have learned while here....
1) If you don't take your socks off for 3 months, your socks will actually fuse to your feet and your skin will start to grow around the socks. You will also have such a horrific infection that you'll end up in the hospital.
2) Why get fitted for dentures when you can just buy a perfectly good pair at a flea market? Sure, you might look like a mule, but you can chew...kinda.
3) A conversation I was actually a part of:
Patient: Doctor, are you in good health? Because I don't want to have to find a new doctor.
Doctor to me (ignoring crazy lady):Please go get me some Ethyl Chloride.
Patient (freaking out): No! don't go get her! I know her from my church and she's nasty. I hate her. She'll tell everybody my business!
4) Paint thinner can be used to clean out wounds.
That's all for now, but it has been less than 2 weeks.
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009 7:59pm
Despite my best efforts to finish up my rotations at home, I had to go back to WV for my Family Medicine rotation. I'm here for 8 weeks (one week down).
Since I gave up my apartment down here long ago, I am calling the Hampton Inn home for the moment. It isn't so bad, actually. Breakfast and hot coffee is made when I wake up. My room is cleaned every day, and I don't even have to make my own bed.
The down side is that I'm living in one room and I don't have a kitchen. Those of you who know me, know that I live to cook (yes, I meant to say "live" and not "love"). I have a tiny fridge and a microwave here. This allows me to make a sandwich, or heat up a frozen burrito, but it is nowhere near the kind of culinary adventuring that I am accustomed to.
I miss Roger and Socrates terribly. I miss my home.
This rotation isn't so bad. The hours are good, and the Dr I'm with is very nice and laid back. I'm seeing some interesting patients, and I learn a new little tid bit of information every day.
But that doesn't make up for being homesick.
On the bright side, I have some time to catch up on reading (both medical and non-medical) and watch endless hours of QVC and Food Network.
On that note, I think that through Food Network, my cookbooks and hours and hours of online research I have managed to give myself a rather extensive culinary education without ever actually setting foot in culinary school.
Ever start to wonder what it is that you really want to do with your life?
Did I make the right choice by going to medical school? These days, all I want to do is create things in the kitchen. I want to have a store where I sell these amazing creations, as well as beautiful jams, jellies, oils, salts and anything else I can get my hands on that tastes good.
Sigh.
Since I gave up my apartment down here long ago, I am calling the Hampton Inn home for the moment. It isn't so bad, actually. Breakfast and hot coffee is made when I wake up. My room is cleaned every day, and I don't even have to make my own bed.
The down side is that I'm living in one room and I don't have a kitchen. Those of you who know me, know that I live to cook (yes, I meant to say "live" and not "love"). I have a tiny fridge and a microwave here. This allows me to make a sandwich, or heat up a frozen burrito, but it is nowhere near the kind of culinary adventuring that I am accustomed to.
I miss Roger and Socrates terribly. I miss my home.
This rotation isn't so bad. The hours are good, and the Dr I'm with is very nice and laid back. I'm seeing some interesting patients, and I learn a new little tid bit of information every day.
But that doesn't make up for being homesick.
On the bright side, I have some time to catch up on reading (both medical and non-medical) and watch endless hours of QVC and Food Network.
On that note, I think that through Food Network, my cookbooks and hours and hours of online research I have managed to give myself a rather extensive culinary education without ever actually setting foot in culinary school.
Ever start to wonder what it is that you really want to do with your life?
Did I make the right choice by going to medical school? These days, all I want to do is create things in the kitchen. I want to have a store where I sell these amazing creations, as well as beautiful jams, jellies, oils, salts and anything else I can get my hands on that tastes good.
Sigh.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
March 4, 2009 1:29pm
So there really isn't even any point in updating on the holidays and everything since my last post.
Christmas= good
New Year's= good
That's about all there is to say about that.
Let's move up to present time.
Roger, my mom and I just got back from the CPAC conference in D.C. last week. It was covered on the news, but I have to say that the most atrocious coverage was on MSNBC. I don't expect them to give it a glowing report, but what they were doing was not only poor journalism, but offensive to those who attended.
Yep, they were basically making fun of the people who attended. Keith Olberman made it a point to include it in his Countdown, all the while noting how silly and insignificant it is (gotta love irony). If it is so absurd, and so silly, and so futile for the conservative movement to meet and discuss their failures and new directions, then why the hell is it worthy of a spot on his show?
I can't even say they took clips of the speeches out of context. To say that would be saying that they actually knew the context and selectively chose which parts to show. This was not the case. They weren't even actually there at the conference to cover it. They used video from c-span and news agencies who actually were present. They would show a clip of a speech and then give their commentary about it....when the entire theme/topic of the speech was exactly opposite what they were discussing.
I was absolutely livid watching that garbage from Keith and the likes of him on MSNBC who are so "open minded" unless you disagree with them, and then you're a moron.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. The speakers really inspired me to get more involved as I'm seeing our country fall apart into some pseudo-European nation.
This week, I am on vacation and relaxing at home. I'm sick (again), so I'm not getting much done besides watching Food Network and QVC.
As a result of my repeated illnesses, I will be having a tonsillectomy this June. Really....not....looking....forward....to that.
What I am looking forward to, however, is our trip to Europe! We're going to Brussels and France in June, just after my graduation.
Being that I am a bit tired, I will continue this another time.
Christmas= good
New Year's= good
That's about all there is to say about that.
Let's move up to present time.
Roger, my mom and I just got back from the CPAC conference in D.C. last week. It was covered on the news, but I have to say that the most atrocious coverage was on MSNBC. I don't expect them to give it a glowing report, but what they were doing was not only poor journalism, but offensive to those who attended.
Yep, they were basically making fun of the people who attended. Keith Olberman made it a point to include it in his Countdown, all the while noting how silly and insignificant it is (gotta love irony). If it is so absurd, and so silly, and so futile for the conservative movement to meet and discuss their failures and new directions, then why the hell is it worthy of a spot on his show?
I can't even say they took clips of the speeches out of context. To say that would be saying that they actually knew the context and selectively chose which parts to show. This was not the case. They weren't even actually there at the conference to cover it. They used video from c-span and news agencies who actually were present. They would show a clip of a speech and then give their commentary about it....when the entire theme/topic of the speech was exactly opposite what they were discussing.
I was absolutely livid watching that garbage from Keith and the likes of him on MSNBC who are so "open minded" unless you disagree with them, and then you're a moron.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. The speakers really inspired me to get more involved as I'm seeing our country fall apart into some pseudo-European nation.
This week, I am on vacation and relaxing at home. I'm sick (again), so I'm not getting much done besides watching Food Network and QVC.
As a result of my repeated illnesses, I will be having a tonsillectomy this June. Really....not....looking....forward....to that.
What I am looking forward to, however, is our trip to Europe! We're going to Brussels and France in June, just after my graduation.
Being that I am a bit tired, I will continue this another time.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
December 16, 2008 6:57pm
Since Beej decided to Punk Santa by IM, I thought I'd try it too....
Eore000 (3:50:01 PM): hey
SantaClaus (3:50:02 PM):
Hello again.
Eore000 (3:50:10 PM): i'm tired tonight
SantaClaus (3:50:10 PM): O.K. don't forget to help others get in the holiday spirit! Merry Christmas. CU!
Eore000 (3:50:19 PM): hey wait a minute!
SantaClaus (3:50:20 PM): Hey. Are you getting in the Christmas sprit?
Eore000 (3:50:31 PM): yes. i put up my tree, and lights outside
SantaClaus (3:50:32 PM): Excellent! You are certainly getting on my Good List.
Now type menu to see the fun and games the elves have put together for you.
Eore000 (3:50:43 PM): why didn't you put together stuff for me?
SantaClaus (3:50:43 PM):
Well I'm sure I don't know but I can ask one of the elves to find out.
Eore000 (3:50:55 PM): you sure do have those elves doing a lot for you, don't you?
SantaClaus (3:50:56 PM): What do you think?
Eore000 (3:51:05 PM): is that supposed to be sarcastic?
SantaClaus (3:51:05 PM): Why did you say that?
Eore000 (3:51:14 PM): well, you just seem to have a bit of a 'tude.
SantaClaus (3:51:15 PM): Excuse me?
Eore000 (3:51:21 PM): See? Like that!
SantaClaus (3:51:21 PM): Hmm. Why don't you type, games, maybe that will put you in the Christmas spirit
Eore000 (3:51:32 PM): Oh, now you're just being patronizing!
SantaClaus (3:51:33 PM): Interesting. Type menu.
Eore000 (3:51:38 PM): menu
SantaClaus (3:51:39 PM): I'm here to help. I can tell you where to find almost any gift or just type a number:
x
1 . Xmas Gift Finder
2 .. Wish List -- <>
3 ... YOUR Shopping List
4 .... Play Xmas Games!
5 ..... Xmas Polls and Voting
6 ...... 3 Million Santa Helpers on AIM
7 ....... Let the Elves find UR holiday gifts
Search for: Digital Cams | iPods | Laptops | Xbox
Eore000 (3:52:00 PM): Well, are you actually going to help me, or just have one of the elves do it?
SantaClaus (3:52:00 PM):
It depends if Christmas is coming or not.
Eore000 (3:52:14 PM): Any reason it wouldn't be coming?
SantaClaus (3:52:14 PM): Take a moment, collect your thoughts, and try asking me another way. O.K. ?
Eore000 (3:52:21 PM): ok
SantaClaus (3:52:21 PM): Kewl.
Eore000 (3:52:30 PM): are you a sk8er?
SantaClaus (3:52:30 PM): Maybe.
Eore000 (3:52:51 PM): Whatever. I'm just wondering if there is some reason that Christmas might not come this year.
SantaClaus (3:52:52 PM): I've got a billion children to keep track of -- so could you ask me something a bit more manageable? I'd very much appreciate it.
Eore000 (3:53:13 PM): Dude! Christmas is your big day! Is Christmas coming or not?
SantaClaus (3:53:14 PM): Yeah, everyone keeps asking me about this one.
I didn't find any results. Try searching again or type menu for the Main Menu.
Eore000 (3:53:42 PM): Of course, "Christmas is Coming" might also be the title of a porn movie.
SantaClaus (3:53:42 PM): You've got a one track mind.
Eore000 (3:53:53 PM): Hey, you're the one all hung up on the elves.
SantaClaus (3:53:53 PM):
Hello again little one! (When you are over 1600 years old, you only see children every where you look. )
Eore000 (3:54:41 PM): Yeah, I hear Michael Jackson has the same problem.
Eore000 (3:50:01 PM): hey
SantaClaus (3:50:02 PM):
Hello again.
Eore000 (3:50:10 PM): i'm tired tonight
SantaClaus (3:50:10 PM): O.K. don't forget to help others get in the holiday spirit! Merry Christmas. CU!
Eore000 (3:50:19 PM): hey wait a minute!
SantaClaus (3:50:20 PM): Hey. Are you getting in the Christmas sprit?
Eore000 (3:50:31 PM): yes. i put up my tree, and lights outside
SantaClaus (3:50:32 PM): Excellent! You are certainly getting on my Good List.
Now type menu to see the fun and games the elves have put together for you.
Eore000 (3:50:43 PM): why didn't you put together stuff for me?
SantaClaus (3:50:43 PM):
Well I'm sure I don't know but I can ask one of the elves to find out.
Eore000 (3:50:55 PM): you sure do have those elves doing a lot for you, don't you?
SantaClaus (3:50:56 PM): What do you think?
Eore000 (3:51:05 PM): is that supposed to be sarcastic?
SantaClaus (3:51:05 PM): Why did you say that?
Eore000 (3:51:14 PM): well, you just seem to have a bit of a 'tude.
SantaClaus (3:51:15 PM): Excuse me?
Eore000 (3:51:21 PM): See? Like that!
SantaClaus (3:51:21 PM): Hmm. Why don't you type, games, maybe that will put you in the Christmas spirit
Eore000 (3:51:32 PM): Oh, now you're just being patronizing!
SantaClaus (3:51:33 PM): Interesting. Type menu.
Eore000 (3:51:38 PM): menu
SantaClaus (3:51:39 PM): I'm here to help. I can tell you where to find almost any gift or just type a number:
x
1 . Xmas Gift Finder
2 .. Wish List -- <
3 ... YOUR Shopping List
4 .... Play Xmas Games!
5 ..... Xmas Polls and Voting
6 ...... 3 Million Santa Helpers on AIM
7 ....... Let the Elves find UR holiday gifts
Search for: Digital Cams | iPods | Laptops | Xbox
Eore000 (3:52:00 PM): Well, are you actually going to help me, or just have one of the elves do it?
SantaClaus (3:52:00 PM):
It depends if Christmas is coming or not.
Eore000 (3:52:14 PM): Any reason it wouldn't be coming?
SantaClaus (3:52:14 PM): Take a moment, collect your thoughts, and try asking me another way. O.K. ?
Eore000 (3:52:21 PM): ok
SantaClaus (3:52:21 PM): Kewl.
Eore000 (3:52:30 PM): are you a sk8er?
SantaClaus (3:52:30 PM): Maybe.
Eore000 (3:52:51 PM): Whatever. I'm just wondering if there is some reason that Christmas might not come this year.
SantaClaus (3:52:52 PM): I've got a billion children to keep track of -- so could you ask me something a bit more manageable? I'd very much appreciate it.
Eore000 (3:53:13 PM): Dude! Christmas is your big day! Is Christmas coming or not?
SantaClaus (3:53:14 PM): Yeah, everyone keeps asking me about this one.
I didn't find any results. Try searching again or type menu for the Main Menu.
Eore000 (3:53:42 PM): Of course, "Christmas is Coming" might also be the title of a porn movie.
SantaClaus (3:53:42 PM): You've got a one track mind.
Eore000 (3:53:53 PM): Hey, you're the one all hung up on the elves.
SantaClaus (3:53:53 PM):
Hello again little one! (When you are over 1600 years old, you only see children every where you look. )
Eore000 (3:54:41 PM): Yeah, I hear Michael Jackson has the same problem.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008 5:35pm
Okay- final post to describe the wedding:
So we head down to The Crystal Point. It was perfect. We went down to where the reception would be held, and I slipped into the "bridal room" that is off to the side. There, Amy and our maitre'd, Joann, bustled my dress. Roger and I then walked around the room and just took it all in.
The CP did the cutest thing. They had charger plates at our Sweetheart table that has our names painted on them in gold paint. Not just on there for the night, but on there printed forever for us to keep! We now have plates that say "Roger and Elizabeth Hislastname" "October 17, 2008". How cute!
We got there in time to enjoy our entire cocktail hour, so we slipped into the room and immediately parted ways to "divide and conquer" the room and greeting responsibilities. I immediately went to those friends of mine who I wanted to spend the most personal one-on-one time with (as much as one can during a wedding). Interestingly, this meant going to friends who are not my closest. My nearest and dearest were either in my bridal party, at the rehearsal dinner the night before, or I see them on a regular basis anyway. It seemed silly to sit and talk to those people who I see all the time, so I visited with those who I haven't seen in a year, or who came all the way from W.V. to join us for the wedding.
Next on the list were work/hospital related friends, former teachers/mentors and the like. After that, I caught up with Roger again and scarfed down a plate of yummies put together by one of his friends for me.
The yummies that I actually got to see/remember:
Corned beef carving station (very big hit)
Vegetable crepes
Veggie crudite passed in its own little shot glass of dip (a few veggie sticks held in a shot glass with a dollop of dip)
Cheese display
Pigs in a blanket
Coconut shrimp
Brie in phylo
some kind of meat on a stick (why is it that you can put a piece of meat on a stick and suddenly it's gourmet by calling it "satay"? I'm going to serve corn dogs at my next gathering and call it "pork product Satay")
I think there were some hot chafing dishes of calamari and eggplant rolletini
And then about 8 other passed foods
There was an ice sculpture that looked like a lighthouse.
We had a jazz guitarist there for cocktail hour entertainment.
It was the fastest hour of my life. I didn't even get to try all the yummy things or talk to everyone I wanted to talk to before someone was telling me that they were going to be calling the guests into the next room in 5 minutes!
Off we went with our guests to the next room. We didn't ask our bridal party or parents to come parading out to be announced. Our families know each other. Our friends know each other. People who don't know our friends really don't care who the maid of honor is and what her name is. Our bridal party got to just relax and be guests. They were no longer on display. They could loosen their britches and relax.
We were announced as "Roger and Elizabeth" since Im not changing my name. We walked out and our song "For Once In My Life" by Michael Buble began. We were taking dancing lessons, so we had a perfectly choreographed dance.
We really didn't want to be introduced to something loud and booming like "Eye of the Tiger". At that point, we were married for about 2 hours. What obstacles could we possibly have had to overcome to warrant a theme song of Eye of the Tiger? Or even better "Let's Get Ready to Rumbleeeeeee"- bad, bad omen.
Oh oh oh! I forgot! When we were in our little waiting room before we were announced, we decided to try a few dance steps for practice.
Slow...Slow....Quick Quick....shit! I'm stepping on my dress! We hadn't realized that even with my dress bustled, it still doesn't come completely off the ground and when I have to dance (backwards steps) I step on it. It wouldn't have been more than one or two moves before I'd be putting the back of the dress off of me!
Then I remembered the little loop thing that helps to carry it around. Perfect! I put that on my wrist and we were able to dance.
Everyone hooted and hollered at the end of our dance when Roger did a very dramatic dip and kiss.
Then Roger danced with his mom, followed by the BM and MOH speeches.
Then came the food. We told our (wonderful) DJ to please play music that people can dance to during dinner. It's boring to just sit and wait for food. She did, and it was great! Lots of people were up between courses!
First Course: Assorted sliced melon with berries
Salad: Mixed greens with balsamic vinegarette
Intermezzo: lemon sorbet (most refreshing after dancing)
Main Course: Choice of Chicken stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella cheese and spinach or Chateaubriant. Both served with veggies and Dutchess potatoes. Second helpings were offered, and you could try whatever you didn't order the first time around.
Roger and I were adamant that we would eat. We made sure we sat down between dancing and visiting tables to get our food. Honestly, though, we just weren't hungry. Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was jitters. Even the open bar didn't strike our fancy and all we wanted was to drink wanted and seltzer to rehydrate from all the dancing and talking!
We decided to skip the traditional wedding cake. We had platters of italian pastries brought to the tables, and then an ice cream sundae bar was set up. Waiters came by with a cart to offer espresso and/or port.
The maitre'd made up a GIANT sundae for us. It had every topping available there, and came in a huge stemmed glass (think one of those funky margarita glasses). Instead of cutting a cake, they wheeled our sundae out onto the dance floor on a cart and we fed each other from there. I think the photographer got some good pictures of us feeding each other cherries.
The ice cream sundae bar was a big big big hit with our guests!
We hardly sat! We were up dancing all night. The music was fantastic. The DJ did a wonderful job of bridging the generation gap, and making the music enjoyable for all.
It was all over by 11:30. I was tired of being in my dress. My shoes weren't comfortable anymore. My earrings were heavy. I wanted to take a shower and feel like myself again.
We loaded up Roger's car with our gifts and all of the decor that didn't belong to the catering hall, or that wasn't disposable. The maitre'd packed us up two nice dinners to reheat when we got home. She also packed up about 5 boxes of dessert pastries.
We went home. Roger helped me get out of my dress and I ran to the shower.
I think everyone has an image of their wedding night. Romance, sex, candles.
Ours was a little different.
There was lots of exhaustion, but just from the events of the day. Relief to get all the sweat from dancing off of us. Hunger from not eating much earlier.
After getting into comfy pajamas, we heated up our dinners and then opened up our gifts/envelopes.
Then fell sound asleep.
The end!
Well, actually.....
The beginning!
So we head down to The Crystal Point. It was perfect. We went down to where the reception would be held, and I slipped into the "bridal room" that is off to the side. There, Amy and our maitre'd, Joann, bustled my dress. Roger and I then walked around the room and just took it all in.
The CP did the cutest thing. They had charger plates at our Sweetheart table that has our names painted on them in gold paint. Not just on there for the night, but on there printed forever for us to keep! We now have plates that say "Roger and Elizabeth Hislastname" "October 17, 2008". How cute!
We got there in time to enjoy our entire cocktail hour, so we slipped into the room and immediately parted ways to "divide and conquer" the room and greeting responsibilities. I immediately went to those friends of mine who I wanted to spend the most personal one-on-one time with (as much as one can during a wedding). Interestingly, this meant going to friends who are not my closest. My nearest and dearest were either in my bridal party, at the rehearsal dinner the night before, or I see them on a regular basis anyway. It seemed silly to sit and talk to those people who I see all the time, so I visited with those who I haven't seen in a year, or who came all the way from W.V. to join us for the wedding.
Next on the list were work/hospital related friends, former teachers/mentors and the like. After that, I caught up with Roger again and scarfed down a plate of yummies put together by one of his friends for me.
The yummies that I actually got to see/remember:
Corned beef carving station (very big hit)
Vegetable crepes
Veggie crudite passed in its own little shot glass of dip (a few veggie sticks held in a shot glass with a dollop of dip)
Cheese display
Pigs in a blanket
Coconut shrimp
Brie in phylo
some kind of meat on a stick (why is it that you can put a piece of meat on a stick and suddenly it's gourmet by calling it "satay"? I'm going to serve corn dogs at my next gathering and call it "pork product Satay")
I think there were some hot chafing dishes of calamari and eggplant rolletini
And then about 8 other passed foods
There was an ice sculpture that looked like a lighthouse.
We had a jazz guitarist there for cocktail hour entertainment.
It was the fastest hour of my life. I didn't even get to try all the yummy things or talk to everyone I wanted to talk to before someone was telling me that they were going to be calling the guests into the next room in 5 minutes!
Off we went with our guests to the next room. We didn't ask our bridal party or parents to come parading out to be announced. Our families know each other. Our friends know each other. People who don't know our friends really don't care who the maid of honor is and what her name is. Our bridal party got to just relax and be guests. They were no longer on display. They could loosen their britches and relax.
We were announced as "Roger and Elizabeth" since Im not changing my name. We walked out and our song "For Once In My Life" by Michael Buble began. We were taking dancing lessons, so we had a perfectly choreographed dance.
We really didn't want to be introduced to something loud and booming like "Eye of the Tiger". At that point, we were married for about 2 hours. What obstacles could we possibly have had to overcome to warrant a theme song of Eye of the Tiger? Or even better "Let's Get Ready to Rumbleeeeeee"- bad, bad omen.
Oh oh oh! I forgot! When we were in our little waiting room before we were announced, we decided to try a few dance steps for practice.
Slow...Slow....Quick Quick....shit! I'm stepping on my dress! We hadn't realized that even with my dress bustled, it still doesn't come completely off the ground and when I have to dance (backwards steps) I step on it. It wouldn't have been more than one or two moves before I'd be putting the back of the dress off of me!
Then I remembered the little loop thing that helps to carry it around. Perfect! I put that on my wrist and we were able to dance.
Everyone hooted and hollered at the end of our dance when Roger did a very dramatic dip and kiss.
Then Roger danced with his mom, followed by the BM and MOH speeches.
Then came the food. We told our (wonderful) DJ to please play music that people can dance to during dinner. It's boring to just sit and wait for food. She did, and it was great! Lots of people were up between courses!
First Course: Assorted sliced melon with berries
Salad: Mixed greens with balsamic vinegarette
Intermezzo: lemon sorbet (most refreshing after dancing)
Main Course: Choice of Chicken stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella cheese and spinach or Chateaubriant. Both served with veggies and Dutchess potatoes. Second helpings were offered, and you could try whatever you didn't order the first time around.
Roger and I were adamant that we would eat. We made sure we sat down between dancing and visiting tables to get our food. Honestly, though, we just weren't hungry. Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was jitters. Even the open bar didn't strike our fancy and all we wanted was to drink wanted and seltzer to rehydrate from all the dancing and talking!
We decided to skip the traditional wedding cake. We had platters of italian pastries brought to the tables, and then an ice cream sundae bar was set up. Waiters came by with a cart to offer espresso and/or port.
The maitre'd made up a GIANT sundae for us. It had every topping available there, and came in a huge stemmed glass (think one of those funky margarita glasses). Instead of cutting a cake, they wheeled our sundae out onto the dance floor on a cart and we fed each other from there. I think the photographer got some good pictures of us feeding each other cherries.
The ice cream sundae bar was a big big big hit with our guests!
We hardly sat! We were up dancing all night. The music was fantastic. The DJ did a wonderful job of bridging the generation gap, and making the music enjoyable for all.
It was all over by 11:30. I was tired of being in my dress. My shoes weren't comfortable anymore. My earrings were heavy. I wanted to take a shower and feel like myself again.
We loaded up Roger's car with our gifts and all of the decor that didn't belong to the catering hall, or that wasn't disposable. The maitre'd packed us up two nice dinners to reheat when we got home. She also packed up about 5 boxes of dessert pastries.
We went home. Roger helped me get out of my dress and I ran to the shower.
I think everyone has an image of their wedding night. Romance, sex, candles.
Ours was a little different.
There was lots of exhaustion, but just from the events of the day. Relief to get all the sweat from dancing off of us. Hunger from not eating much earlier.
After getting into comfy pajamas, we heated up our dinners and then opened up our gifts/envelopes.
Then fell sound asleep.
The end!
Well, actually.....
The beginning!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008 8:53pm
Kind of busy, so no time to continue the wedding recap, but a picture is worth a thousand words....
These aren't the pro pics. Those aren't back yet. These were taken by Roger's brother so there's a lot missing (like the ceremony).
Click here!
These aren't the pro pics. Those aren't back yet. These were taken by Roger's brother so there's a lot missing (like the ceremony).
Click here!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
November 5, 2008 7:01pm
Since Roger is stuck in traffic, and dinner is waiting on the stove, I think I'll put in a few more details of the wedding.
Let's see...we left off at my snot drop and leaving the church.
Oh yes...
So, we're standing outside the church, intending to enjoy just a few moments together as "husband and wife". We opted not to do a receiving line, but as guests began to leave the church they all came to us and began forming a line.
At least I was able to spare my bridal party from having to meet and greet people they don't know/don't care about. Just Roger and I were subjected to multiple hugs and kisses outside of the church, in the shade, in 50 degree weather with wind.
Oh yes, the weather. Sunny, not a cloud in the sky, leaves changing color, mid 50's, slight breeze. If you were wearing a dashing tuxedo or a 30lb wedding gown, it was the perfect weather. If you were a photographer, it was "picture perfect" (or so SnapCutie said). If you were a bridesmaid wearing a sleeveless cocktail length black dress, you were freezing.
You'll see pictures soon enough, but my girls all wore black cocktail length dresses of their choosing. They looked beautiful, and were very good sports about standing out in the wind and cold for pictures.
After lots of pictures in front of the church, we headed over to the lake for some family and group photos. Bridal party, parents, and my sisters with their families all came. SnapCutie seemed to know how to organize all of it. What kind of pissed me off is that some people were taking pictures beside or behind the photographer as he was taking pictures. The problem here is that I'm afraid we will have many pictures with everyone looking in different directions. I mean really people! We're paying $3500 to the photographer to do his job. Do you seriously think you're going to improve on his pictures with your Kodak point and shoot? Is it really necessary to be RIGHT THERE all the time?! Do you think I want to have the posed pictures of my wedding have every person in the picture looking at a different camera because while they know they should be looking at the photographer, they also want to smile for the picture their dad, brother, son, cousin, etc etc is taking!!!!
Ok, rant over.
Pictures at the lake, followed by pictures at the (very windy) beach. We only took one group shot with the bridal party (no family for this one), and then SnapCutie took some personal shots of Roger and I (of course with another snap happy family member in toe being just a bit more intrusive than i really wanted).
While walking off the beach and back into the limo (SnapCutie got some candid shots of Roger putting my shoes back on for me after dusting the sand off my feet), I ran into a girl I went to school with from 1st grade-12th grade, but I haven't seen since the day we graduated high school. There she was, walking on the boardwalk with her husband!
Off we went to The Crystal Point!
And that's all the details I can type for now. I promise more, I promise!
Let's see...we left off at my snot drop and leaving the church.
Oh yes...
So, we're standing outside the church, intending to enjoy just a few moments together as "husband and wife". We opted not to do a receiving line, but as guests began to leave the church they all came to us and began forming a line.
At least I was able to spare my bridal party from having to meet and greet people they don't know/don't care about. Just Roger and I were subjected to multiple hugs and kisses outside of the church, in the shade, in 50 degree weather with wind.
Oh yes, the weather. Sunny, not a cloud in the sky, leaves changing color, mid 50's, slight breeze. If you were wearing a dashing tuxedo or a 30lb wedding gown, it was the perfect weather. If you were a photographer, it was "picture perfect" (or so SnapCutie said). If you were a bridesmaid wearing a sleeveless cocktail length black dress, you were freezing.
You'll see pictures soon enough, but my girls all wore black cocktail length dresses of their choosing. They looked beautiful, and were very good sports about standing out in the wind and cold for pictures.
After lots of pictures in front of the church, we headed over to the lake for some family and group photos. Bridal party, parents, and my sisters with their families all came. SnapCutie seemed to know how to organize all of it. What kind of pissed me off is that some people were taking pictures beside or behind the photographer as he was taking pictures. The problem here is that I'm afraid we will have many pictures with everyone looking in different directions. I mean really people! We're paying $3500 to the photographer to do his job. Do you seriously think you're going to improve on his pictures with your Kodak point and shoot? Is it really necessary to be RIGHT THERE all the time?! Do you think I want to have the posed pictures of my wedding have every person in the picture looking at a different camera because while they know they should be looking at the photographer, they also want to smile for the picture their dad, brother, son, cousin, etc etc is taking!!!!
Ok, rant over.
Pictures at the lake, followed by pictures at the (very windy) beach. We only took one group shot with the bridal party (no family for this one), and then SnapCutie took some personal shots of Roger and I (of course with another snap happy family member in toe being just a bit more intrusive than i really wanted).
While walking off the beach and back into the limo (SnapCutie got some candid shots of Roger putting my shoes back on for me after dusting the sand off my feet), I ran into a girl I went to school with from 1st grade-12th grade, but I haven't seen since the day we graduated high school. There she was, walking on the boardwalk with her husband!
Off we went to The Crystal Point!
And that's all the details I can type for now. I promise more, I promise!
Monday, November 03, 2008
November 3, 2008 6:45pm
Oh I so wish I had pictures to share.
Unfortunately, the photographer won't have our pics for a few more weeks, and all of our snap happy friends and family members haven't uploaded any pictures to Snapfish or Picasa or anywhere else that I can download from.
I promise, as soon as I have some I will put them up.
The wedding was
Absolutely
Dream-like.
It couldn't have gone any more perfect.
My day began at 8:30am. I awoke to my alarm clock, let the dog out, made some coffee, and took a wonderfully long shower.
Then, I paid bills.
Yes, I paid bills on my wedding day. Not wedding-related bills like the catering hall or DJ, but the electric bill, gas bill, cable bill, etc. There was something very calming about doing something so ordinary as paying bills.
Amy, Ellen and Macon all arrived around 10am. Cathy(my sister) rolled in with my niece shortly after. We drank coffee, relaxed, waited for the photographer (we'll call him SnapCutie).
SnapCutie arrived, and we headed off to the salon for some pampering around 11:30. The salon was kind enough to have some bagels and mimosas for us. SnapCutie took many pictures of us getting primped, which I think will make for some great shots (especially of Tessa, my niece, getting her first "Spa hair" day).
After that, it was back home for some lunch (provided by Amy's mom) and time to get dressed. Socrates provided the entertainment by getting into SnapCutie's cameras and walking all over my dress! Luckily, he had a bath the day before so there weren't any paw prints, just panicked faces.
I got into my absolutely beautiful dress. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Stare-At-Me-Cause-I'm-The -Bride-In-A-Gorgeous-Dress kind of beautiful. Oh yes, there will be many pictures to come.
Once in the dress, we realized that we were already running behind schedule. The limo was due to arrive soon, and I had lipstick that made me look like a clown. Sister Blair, my Mary Kay toting bundle of sisterly love came over to fix her baby sister's messy face. All was well! Mom came over for some pictures, and then she went off to collect the old people who can't drive themselves.Those of you who often read my blog are well aware that I have a lot of elderly people in my family and those in the middle aged crowd spend much of their time accommodating the old, cranky people. I have made it clear that I will not be nearly so accommodating in my middle aged-ness.
The limo arrived and we all piled in (after getting some practical advice from the driver about how to maneuver in my dress). We were almost at the church when we realized that we forgot the flower girl basket! Turn around. Run back inside to get it. Head back to the church.
Since we arrived just in time...and yes, I mean exactly on time...there was no time for enjoying the moment and having butterflies.
I *literally* (yes, Peg, I used it) walked in the front doors of the church and lined up to head down the aisle.
The ceremony seemed to fly by in a blur. I remember standing. I remember sitting. I remember Clayton, my nephew-in-ring bearer coming up to have the rings blessed. I also remember my nose running. I wasn't crying. Not even one tear, actually. My nose just kept running! I needed a tissue!
Roger and I were holding hands as we were about to exchange rings. I looked down at our hands. I wanted to savor that moment.
And then...
splash
Mucus
Right out of my nose
plopped right into our hands.
Just one single drop of my snotty nose fell on our newly blessed rings.
I looked up at Roger with panic, who immediately got the giggles.
Not just regular "hee hee" giggles. No, he got "My face is going to turn red as I try to hold in the extreme laughter" giggles.
With a friggin video camera running!
Luckily, it looks like I had one single tear fall down.
The pictures might be very dramatic.
A single tear falls into their open hands.
It's actually snot from my nose. One, single drop of watery snot.
Then came vows, prayers, kiss, another kiss, clapping and leaving the church to go take pictures.
And you'll just have to wait for the rest of the story for another night!
Really, do you even need any more after the snot drop?
Unfortunately, the photographer won't have our pics for a few more weeks, and all of our snap happy friends and family members haven't uploaded any pictures to Snapfish or Picasa or anywhere else that I can download from.
I promise, as soon as I have some I will put them up.
The wedding was
Absolutely
Dream-like.
It couldn't have gone any more perfect.
My day began at 8:30am. I awoke to my alarm clock, let the dog out, made some coffee, and took a wonderfully long shower.
Then, I paid bills.
Yes, I paid bills on my wedding day. Not wedding-related bills like the catering hall or DJ, but the electric bill, gas bill, cable bill, etc. There was something very calming about doing something so ordinary as paying bills.
Amy, Ellen and Macon all arrived around 10am. Cathy(my sister) rolled in with my niece shortly after. We drank coffee, relaxed, waited for the photographer (we'll call him SnapCutie).
SnapCutie arrived, and we headed off to the salon for some pampering around 11:30. The salon was kind enough to have some bagels and mimosas for us. SnapCutie took many pictures of us getting primped, which I think will make for some great shots (especially of Tessa, my niece, getting her first "Spa hair" day).
After that, it was back home for some lunch (provided by Amy's mom) and time to get dressed. Socrates provided the entertainment by getting into SnapCutie's cameras and walking all over my dress! Luckily, he had a bath the day before so there weren't any paw prints, just panicked faces.
I got into my absolutely beautiful dress. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Stare-At-Me-Cause-I'm-The -Bride-In-A-Gorgeous-Dress kind of beautiful. Oh yes, there will be many pictures to come.
Once in the dress, we realized that we were already running behind schedule. The limo was due to arrive soon, and I had lipstick that made me look like a clown. Sister Blair, my Mary Kay toting bundle of sisterly love came over to fix her baby sister's messy face. All was well! Mom came over for some pictures, and then she went off to collect the old people who can't drive themselves.Those of you who often read my blog are well aware that I have a lot of elderly people in my family and those in the middle aged crowd spend much of their time accommodating the old, cranky people. I have made it clear that I will not be nearly so accommodating in my middle aged-ness.
The limo arrived and we all piled in (after getting some practical advice from the driver about how to maneuver in my dress). We were almost at the church when we realized that we forgot the flower girl basket! Turn around. Run back inside to get it. Head back to the church.
Since we arrived just in time...and yes, I mean exactly on time...there was no time for enjoying the moment and having butterflies.
I *literally* (yes, Peg, I used it) walked in the front doors of the church and lined up to head down the aisle.
The ceremony seemed to fly by in a blur. I remember standing. I remember sitting. I remember Clayton, my nephew-in-ring bearer coming up to have the rings blessed. I also remember my nose running. I wasn't crying. Not even one tear, actually. My nose just kept running! I needed a tissue!
Roger and I were holding hands as we were about to exchange rings. I looked down at our hands. I wanted to savor that moment.
And then...
splash
Mucus
Right out of my nose
plopped right into our hands.
Just one single drop of my snotty nose fell on our newly blessed rings.
I looked up at Roger with panic, who immediately got the giggles.
Not just regular "hee hee" giggles. No, he got "My face is going to turn red as I try to hold in the extreme laughter" giggles.
With a friggin video camera running!
Luckily, it looks like I had one single tear fall down.
The pictures might be very dramatic.
A single tear falls into their open hands.
It's actually snot from my nose. One, single drop of watery snot.
Then came vows, prayers, kiss, another kiss, clapping and leaving the church to go take pictures.
And you'll just have to wait for the rest of the story for another night!
Really, do you even need any more after the snot drop?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16, 2008 1:01am
As of 3:00pm yesterday afternoon, I officially ended my role as the wedding planner and became the bride.
All of my errands were done. Everything was brought down to the Crystal Point that was needed for decorating. My dress is hanging in my closet.
Every detail seems to be taken care of.
Which means I don't have anything to do besides show up.
All of my errands were done. Everything was brought down to the Crystal Point that was needed for decorating. My dress is hanging in my closet.
Every detail seems to be taken care of.
Which means I don't have anything to do besides show up.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 15, 2008 12:02am
According to the countdown timer on my iGoogle page, I have 2 days until the wedding.
Two days until Roger and I are married.
Two days until my life with him begins.
Over the past few weeks, I have been busy making last minute preparations and looking forward to the wedding.
Yet, I keep thinking about how it seems almost selfish to be so happy when Ryan just passed away a few short weeks ago.
On the other hand, it makes me think about how much I should appreciate every day with Roger. No, he doesn't have some terrible illness that could take his life in a short amount of time, but we never really know if we will even see tomorrow.
Two days.
Two days.
If you had asked me 3 years ago where I would be today, it would not have been here.
Oh but I am so very glad that I am here.
Two days.
Two days until Roger and I are married.
Two days until my life with him begins.
Over the past few weeks, I have been busy making last minute preparations and looking forward to the wedding.
Yet, I keep thinking about how it seems almost selfish to be so happy when Ryan just passed away a few short weeks ago.
On the other hand, it makes me think about how much I should appreciate every day with Roger. No, he doesn't have some terrible illness that could take his life in a short amount of time, but we never really know if we will even see tomorrow.
Two days.
Two days.
If you had asked me 3 years ago where I would be today, it would not have been here.
Oh but I am so very glad that I am here.
Two days.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
October 1, 2008 9:00am
In previous entries, I have written about my friend Ryan (aka Local Rapscallion).
On Friday, September 26, 2008 Ryan lost his long battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was just about a week past his 34th birthday, which I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate with him, his family and other friends.
To go on and on about what a wonderful person he was seems trite at this point after so many others have more eloquently described his life. So, I will just leave this entry with the obituary that his father wrote:
Sept. 26, 2008 - Ryan Stuart McCormick, age 34, peacefully slipped the surly bonds of this earth and went to be with God. He was surrounded by his immediate family, just as he had wished. Our hearts are very heavy for our loss. We know that he is now without pain, without physical limitations, and in the presence of our Lord. We are happy that in the last 2 weeks, Ryan was visited by so many friends/family and that he and they had the opportunity to be together.
In this space, I want to acknowledge what he did in his short life.
Ryan was born September 14, 1974 in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from Freedom High School, Bethlehem, PA. He was an Eagle Scout at 14 with his service project being a POW/MIA Day for his school. He served in the Civil Air Patrol in Whitehall, PA. He worked as a first responder then EMT while in high school serving with the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Squad (Assistant Captain). Ryan graduated from Springfield College in 1997 with a degree in Emergency Services Management. At his time in college, he founded the Springfield College Emergency Response Team to provide services to the campus. It still exists today.
Upon graduation, Ryan worked many paramedic jobs including Nazareth, PA, East Stroudsburg, PA, Mountainside Hospital, NJ, University Hospital, Newark, NJ., St. Joseph's Hospital, NJ. It was when he was a paramedic in Newark that he was a first responder on 9/11/01 to the World Trade Center and Ground Zero. We attribute his Hodgkin's cancer, which appeared in 2002, to his service at that time.
Ryan served over 8 years from 1998-2007 in the Army Reserve as a Weapons of Mass Destruction/Chemical Warfare Specialist.
After 9/11, Ryan served as Assistant Director of the Center for BioDefense at University Hospital in Newark where he met his wife, Jessica. He moved to Verona, NJ and then served as Captain in the Verona Volunteer Ambulance squad. Ryan and Jessica were married on May 21, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, PA.
He was then hired at St. Barnabas Healthcare System and became the Director of Emergency Management. He continued to pursue his Master's Degree at Kean University and then Penn State University.
During his illness, Ryan and his wife founded the non-profits NJ Heroes and TurtlePods (giving iPods to cancer patients)
Ryan is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Jessica Marie; by his parents, David Gary and Nancy McCormick, Surfside Beach, SC; his sister, Jessica Lynne, of Bethlehem, PA; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Stuart; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Pat Layman, Salem, NJ; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. All will miss him dearly.
The viewing will be held at the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ on Monday, September 29th with times from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 30th at the First Presbyterian Church, Verona, NJ. at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, it is Ryan's request that money be donated to NJ Heroes, 40 Wedgewood Drive, #115, Verona, NJ 07044 or to the Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church St, Verona, NJ 07044
The family would like to thank all of you who made this journey with us in prayer. God heard all of you and gave us 6 years with him after diagnosis. We don't know the "why" of this but we have faith in the Lord that this was what was needed. I know that Ryan and his story have impacted so many lives all over the world. He did not lose his battle; he won a seat with God forever.
We would like to thank the Saint Barnabas Healthcare System and the administration of their corporate offices for their loving care of Ryan throughout the years.
In Service to God and Country,
The McCormick's
I miss you, friend.
On Friday, September 26, 2008 Ryan lost his long battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was just about a week past his 34th birthday, which I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate with him, his family and other friends.
To go on and on about what a wonderful person he was seems trite at this point after so many others have more eloquently described his life. So, I will just leave this entry with the obituary that his father wrote:
Sept. 26, 2008 - Ryan Stuart McCormick, age 34, peacefully slipped the surly bonds of this earth and went to be with God. He was surrounded by his immediate family, just as he had wished. Our hearts are very heavy for our loss. We know that he is now without pain, without physical limitations, and in the presence of our Lord. We are happy that in the last 2 weeks, Ryan was visited by so many friends/family and that he and they had the opportunity to be together.
In this space, I want to acknowledge what he did in his short life.
Ryan was born September 14, 1974 in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from Freedom High School, Bethlehem, PA. He was an Eagle Scout at 14 with his service project being a POW/MIA Day for his school. He served in the Civil Air Patrol in Whitehall, PA. He worked as a first responder then EMT while in high school serving with the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Squad (Assistant Captain). Ryan graduated from Springfield College in 1997 with a degree in Emergency Services Management. At his time in college, he founded the Springfield College Emergency Response Team to provide services to the campus. It still exists today.
Upon graduation, Ryan worked many paramedic jobs including Nazareth, PA, East Stroudsburg, PA, Mountainside Hospital, NJ, University Hospital, Newark, NJ., St. Joseph's Hospital, NJ. It was when he was a paramedic in Newark that he was a first responder on 9/11/01 to the World Trade Center and Ground Zero. We attribute his Hodgkin's cancer, which appeared in 2002, to his service at that time.
Ryan served over 8 years from 1998-2007 in the Army Reserve as a Weapons of Mass Destruction/Chemical Warfare Specialist.
After 9/11, Ryan served as Assistant Director of the Center for BioDefense at University Hospital in Newark where he met his wife, Jessica. He moved to Verona, NJ and then served as Captain in the Verona Volunteer Ambulance squad. Ryan and Jessica were married on May 21, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, PA.
He was then hired at St. Barnabas Healthcare System and became the Director of Emergency Management. He continued to pursue his Master's Degree at Kean University and then Penn State University.
During his illness, Ryan and his wife founded the non-profits NJ Heroes and TurtlePods (giving iPods to cancer patients)
Ryan is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Jessica Marie; by his parents, David Gary and Nancy McCormick, Surfside Beach, SC; his sister, Jessica Lynne, of Bethlehem, PA; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Stuart; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Pat Layman, Salem, NJ; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. All will miss him dearly.
The viewing will be held at the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ on Monday, September 29th with times from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 30th at the First Presbyterian Church, Verona, NJ. at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, it is Ryan's request that money be donated to NJ Heroes, 40 Wedgewood Drive, #115, Verona, NJ 07044 or to the Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church St, Verona, NJ 07044
The family would like to thank all of you who made this journey with us in prayer. God heard all of you and gave us 6 years with him after diagnosis. We don't know the "why" of this but we have faith in the Lord that this was what was needed. I know that Ryan and his story have impacted so many lives all over the world. He did not lose his battle; he won a seat with God forever.
We would like to thank the Saint Barnabas Healthcare System and the administration of their corporate offices for their loving care of Ryan throughout the years.
In Service to God and Country,
The McCormick's
I miss you, friend.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
July 14, 2008 7:35pm
Yup, it's a 2 post kind of day.
I wanted to write a little about the wedding planning. All of this studying stuff, plus some other problems I'm having with rotation scheduling and my most unhelpful school is getting me all wrapped around the axle and unable to enjoy the wedding stuff.
So here's what I've got so far.
I think I already mentioned that the reception will be at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. They're handling all the food, drinks, linens, etc.
Roger and I completed our pre-canna (had potential to be good, but was rather useless) and have had a few meetings with our priest. I know we're scheduled for at least one more before the wedding.
The dress is ordered, but not in yet. I know I included a link in an earlier post for those interested. The girls have their dresses. I told them to find a black cocktail length dress of their choosing. My shoes are in and I have something for my hair (which I have been working on growing out a bit).
I have the DJ and photographer booked, and the florist is scheduled also.
I decided I wanted to do centerpieces in conch shells, but I have to order the shells myself. Mom is faxing the order down to the shell place for me tomorrow, but this is the general idea of what I'm going for (different flowers, of course)....
I can't really put up a picture of the bouquets, because I sort of made them up with the florist as I sat there. "Sure, that looks nice. Add that too."
The flower girl basket (to be filled with an arrangement, not petals since we're not allowed to throw petals) and the ring bearer pillow came from ebay.
Roger is going to buy himself a tux, but he hasn't gotten to that yet. We decided that since he's 30 and we're not going to a high school prom, he's going to go with a cumberbun rather than a vest. Have you ever seen James Bond or Cary Grant in a vest tuxedo? No. I didn't think so.
We picked out the invitations. We're going with pocketfold style invites. It appeals to my compulsive sense of organization. I know we should have them ordered by now, but I can't do that with the board exam so I am going to do it directly after the exam is over. We just need to provide all the address of our guests and the store takes care of the envelope addressing for us.
Somewhere in this process I moved from being uber frugal to being willing to pay extra for convenience.
Mostly, this has been enjoyable. There are a few things that worry me, though.
First, my mother. She has been wonderful during all of this. However, I had a vision (always where I get into trouble) of her being here with me during the getting ready process. Hanging out with "the girls". Having pictures done with the photographer. Then we all go to the ceremony. Not quite. Mom has to pick up the old people in our family who can't drive themselves. God forbid someone else in the family (like aunts and uncles) be the designated taxi cab for the day to free her up. No, she has to do it. I guess this isn't so much of a problem. I mean, she can stay here for a while and then go on her route.
Next, my vision included my mom coming with us for pictures after the ceremony. Now this is where it gets tricky because the old people she has in her car aren't going to be in the formal pictures. So what does she do? Come to where we're doing pictures and leave the old people in the car? I haven't discussed this with her yet, but I know she has absolutely no idea that she should be coming with us for pictures. I know she plans to go directly from the church to the reception place and get the old people inside. Again, why the fuck can't someone else do this?
I also have a vision that my mom gets to sit with her friends at the wedding instead of the rest of my family. This is because I know very well that if she sits with the family she will not move her ass all night and instead sit there and help them decide between beef or chicken. She will sit with people who she sees at least twice a week anyway, and her friends who she sees twice a year will get a "Hi! How are ya? Thanks for comin!" And she will scurry back to the old people.
This last part I have some control over. I told her last night that she will be sitting with her friends. She protested and said she *needs* to sit with the old people (but she used their names), and I told her that was absurd because the old people can talk to the rest of our family. She finally gave in and said, "Okay, it's your wedding. I'll sit wherever you want me to sit."
Sheesh!
My other worries?
Well, Roger and I went to his cousin's wedding a few weeks ago and I saw some things that probably won't go over well if they're done at our wedding.
There was an incredible amount of intrusive picture taking...intrusive meaning on the altar during the ceremony and right in the way of the view of the guests. Since our church only allows the photographer to be moving around taking pictures, I don't know how to nicely get the word out that this is not appropriate. Perhaps I should put a note in the program "Stay in your seat or you will be shot immediately." No, that might be too harsh. What if someone has to pee? Those old people have tiny bladders!
I know this all must make me sound like I hate old people and don't want anyone to distract from the glory of me by flashing a picture during our ceremony. Really, I'm not that horrible. The first part is really more my frustration with my mother's need to take care of everyone and my family's total lack of ability to take over some responsibility. The latter is really more the church's rules and I don't want anyone to do something that is inappropriate during a religious ceremony.
I learned several years ago that my super planning and very detailed images of what will/should happen only set me up for disappointment. Therefore, my expectations for exactly how things will happen are very minimal. This way, I won't be so flustered by the little things that will certainly go wrong. As of right now, my framework is that on the morning of October 17th I'll wake up, have a bagel, hang out with my girls and then by that night I'll be married.
And damnit that bagel better be there or MY DAY will be RUINED!
I wanted to write a little about the wedding planning. All of this studying stuff, plus some other problems I'm having with rotation scheduling and my most unhelpful school is getting me all wrapped around the axle and unable to enjoy the wedding stuff.
So here's what I've got so far.
I think I already mentioned that the reception will be at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. They're handling all the food, drinks, linens, etc.
Roger and I completed our pre-canna (had potential to be good, but was rather useless) and have had a few meetings with our priest. I know we're scheduled for at least one more before the wedding.
The dress is ordered, but not in yet. I know I included a link in an earlier post for those interested. The girls have their dresses. I told them to find a black cocktail length dress of their choosing. My shoes are in and I have something for my hair (which I have been working on growing out a bit).
I have the DJ and photographer booked, and the florist is scheduled also.
I decided I wanted to do centerpieces in conch shells, but I have to order the shells myself. Mom is faxing the order down to the shell place for me tomorrow, but this is the general idea of what I'm going for (different flowers, of course)....
The flower girl basket (to be filled with an arrangement, not petals since we're not allowed to throw petals) and the ring bearer pillow came from ebay.
Roger is going to buy himself a tux, but he hasn't gotten to that yet. We decided that since he's 30 and we're not going to a high school prom, he's going to go with a cumberbun rather than a vest. Have you ever seen James Bond or Cary Grant in a vest tuxedo? No. I didn't think so.
We picked out the invitations. We're going with pocketfold style invites. It appeals to my compulsive sense of organization. I know we should have them ordered by now, but I can't do that with the board exam so I am going to do it directly after the exam is over. We just need to provide all the address of our guests and the store takes care of the envelope addressing for us.
Somewhere in this process I moved from being uber frugal to being willing to pay extra for convenience.
Mostly, this has been enjoyable. There are a few things that worry me, though.
First, my mother. She has been wonderful during all of this. However, I had a vision (always where I get into trouble) of her being here with me during the getting ready process. Hanging out with "the girls". Having pictures done with the photographer. Then we all go to the ceremony. Not quite. Mom has to pick up the old people in our family who can't drive themselves. God forbid someone else in the family (like aunts and uncles) be the designated taxi cab for the day to free her up. No, she has to do it. I guess this isn't so much of a problem. I mean, she can stay here for a while and then go on her route.
Next, my vision included my mom coming with us for pictures after the ceremony. Now this is where it gets tricky because the old people she has in her car aren't going to be in the formal pictures. So what does she do? Come to where we're doing pictures and leave the old people in the car? I haven't discussed this with her yet, but I know she has absolutely no idea that she should be coming with us for pictures. I know she plans to go directly from the church to the reception place and get the old people inside. Again, why the fuck can't someone else do this?
I also have a vision that my mom gets to sit with her friends at the wedding instead of the rest of my family. This is because I know very well that if she sits with the family she will not move her ass all night and instead sit there and help them decide between beef or chicken. She will sit with people who she sees at least twice a week anyway, and her friends who she sees twice a year will get a "Hi! How are ya? Thanks for comin!" And she will scurry back to the old people.
This last part I have some control over. I told her last night that she will be sitting with her friends. She protested and said she *needs* to sit with the old people (but she used their names), and I told her that was absurd because the old people can talk to the rest of our family. She finally gave in and said, "Okay, it's your wedding. I'll sit wherever you want me to sit."
Sheesh!
My other worries?
Well, Roger and I went to his cousin's wedding a few weeks ago and I saw some things that probably won't go over well if they're done at our wedding.
There was an incredible amount of intrusive picture taking...intrusive meaning on the altar during the ceremony and right in the way of the view of the guests. Since our church only allows the photographer to be moving around taking pictures, I don't know how to nicely get the word out that this is not appropriate. Perhaps I should put a note in the program "Stay in your seat or you will be shot immediately." No, that might be too harsh. What if someone has to pee? Those old people have tiny bladders!
I know this all must make me sound like I hate old people and don't want anyone to distract from the glory of me by flashing a picture during our ceremony. Really, I'm not that horrible. The first part is really more my frustration with my mother's need to take care of everyone and my family's total lack of ability to take over some responsibility. The latter is really more the church's rules and I don't want anyone to do something that is inappropriate during a religious ceremony.
I learned several years ago that my super planning and very detailed images of what will/should happen only set me up for disappointment. Therefore, my expectations for exactly how things will happen are very minimal. This way, I won't be so flustered by the little things that will certainly go wrong. As of right now, my framework is that on the morning of October 17th I'll wake up, have a bagel, hang out with my girls and then by that night I'll be married.
And damnit that bagel better be there or MY DAY will be RUINED!
July 14, 2008 7:27pm
....and I'm back.
Yes, I've been busy. I have Step 2 of my board exams on July 24th so I took some time off for studying. Unfortunately, I have so much ADD that I think I sweat it out through my pores and I have a hard time getting meaningful work done on any one day. Overall, though, I manage to get quite a bit accomplished.
Anyway, for the pictures I promised:
My purrrty flowers!
Socrates The Wonder Dog!
Mom wanted to make me look sweet and innocent, so she threw a pebble at my feet so I would look down in this very "natural" way.
It's all about the KONG!
Yes, I've been busy. I have Step 2 of my board exams on July 24th so I took some time off for studying. Unfortunately, I have so much ADD that I think I sweat it out through my pores and I have a hard time getting meaningful work done on any one day. Overall, though, I manage to get quite a bit accomplished.
Anyway, for the pictures I promised:
My purrrty flowers!
Socrates The Wonder Dog!
Mom wanted to make me look sweet and innocent, so she threw a pebble at my feet so I would look down in this very "natural" way. 
It's all about the KONG!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
July 6, 2008 10:13pm
I hate cramming a month's worth of thoughts into one posting.
In summary.....
Been studying for my board exam, which is on July 24th.
My best friend is up to something because she asked for the registry cards that Bed Bath and Beyond gave me and she swears she's using them to wallpaper her house. Hmmm.
Socrates is wonderful. I'll take some pictures soon.
My new garden is growing beautifully. I have Delphinium and Hollyhocks that are all blooming now.
I'm cooking, cooking, cooking up a storm.
Back to studying!
In summary.....
Been studying for my board exam, which is on July 24th.
My best friend is up to something because she asked for the registry cards that Bed Bath and Beyond gave me and she swears she's using them to wallpaper her house. Hmmm.
Socrates is wonderful. I'll take some pictures soon.
My new garden is growing beautifully. I have Delphinium and Hollyhocks that are all blooming now.
I'm cooking, cooking, cooking up a storm.
Back to studying!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
June 8, 2008 7:51pm
I start my Pathology rotation tomorrow. Not having to see patients will be a nice break for 4 weeks. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy taking care of my patients but I feel like I've been so swamped with annoying shit for the last 4 weeks that I just need to be somewhere that I don't have to deal with it for a while.
Gas prices are making me nauseous. My truck runs on diesel which, when I first got my truck, was cheaper than regular gas. Now it is about 30 cents higher than premium. I miss being able to just get in my truck and drive around. It relaxed me. I energized me when I was stressed and just wanting to sleep.
I can't do that anymore because I just can't afford it. It costs $100 to fill my tank and depending on how far I go I need to fill it about every 1 1/2- 2 weeks.
Luckily, Roger's car is far more economical when it comes to gas, so we use his on weekends when we're together.
Between the gas prices and just general cost of life, I seriously worry about how I'm going to be able to afford anything in a few years. I know that seems silly because in a year I will be a Resident and I'll have a job for the first time in 4 years. I'll actually be making a little bit of money.
Maybe I worry too much, but I'm seriously concerned about my ability to afford anything after the next election.
Giving away free money for programs sounds lovely, but since I know that money will be coming out of mine and my husband's pocket....I'm not real thrilled about that prospect.
I also worry when phrases like " universal healthcare" and "redistribution of wealth" begin to be thrown around. I think when people clap and cheer for these things, they don't realize that they have dire consequences that have been disasterous when tried in other countries.
Maybe we all learned about the New Deal in 8th grade and were told how great it was, so we think that the New New Deal will be even better. Unfortunately, we were misinformed so we actually believe that government programs help bring a country out of a recession/depression rather than seeing that it kept us in one for 10 years more than we had to be in it.
Sigh.
I just worry.
Gas prices are making me nauseous. My truck runs on diesel which, when I first got my truck, was cheaper than regular gas. Now it is about 30 cents higher than premium. I miss being able to just get in my truck and drive around. It relaxed me. I energized me when I was stressed and just wanting to sleep.
I can't do that anymore because I just can't afford it. It costs $100 to fill my tank and depending on how far I go I need to fill it about every 1 1/2- 2 weeks.
Luckily, Roger's car is far more economical when it comes to gas, so we use his on weekends when we're together.
Between the gas prices and just general cost of life, I seriously worry about how I'm going to be able to afford anything in a few years. I know that seems silly because in a year I will be a Resident and I'll have a job for the first time in 4 years. I'll actually be making a little bit of money.
Maybe I worry too much, but I'm seriously concerned about my ability to afford anything after the next election.
Giving away free money for programs sounds lovely, but since I know that money will be coming out of mine and my husband's pocket....I'm not real thrilled about that prospect.
I also worry when phrases like " universal healthcare" and "redistribution of wealth" begin to be thrown around. I think when people clap and cheer for these things, they don't realize that they have dire consequences that have been disasterous when tried in other countries.
Maybe we all learned about the New Deal in 8th grade and were told how great it was, so we think that the New New Deal will be even better. Unfortunately, we were misinformed so we actually believe that government programs help bring a country out of a recession/depression rather than seeing that it kept us in one for 10 years more than we had to be in it.
Sigh.
I just worry.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
June 5, 2008 10:51pm
Yeah, I know. It's been a while.
Okay, it's been way too friggin long to give detailed descriptions of everything I've been doing.
Therefore, you get the Readers Digest version of everything in Elizabeth's life since April 10th.
Moved back to Jersey.
Started a new rotation.
Got a dog.
Went to DC for a medical conference (doesn't that just sound sooooo grown up?).
Dog went to doggie boot camp.
Finished a rotation and began another one.
Roger has been doing mega traveling for work.
The only really exciting bit of information there is the dog.
His name is Socrates. He was about 6 months when we got him. He's about 7-8 months now. The exact date of his birth is unknown. We got him from a local foster/rescue called K9's In Need. I saw his picture on PetFinder and contacted the rescue for an application. Being the nervous person that I am, I worried and worried that the rescue wouldn't accept us because we're not married, or if the house is dirty when they come for the home visit, or they think that a doctor won't have enough time for a pet.
I was wrong. We got the dog about 2 weeks after I submitted the application, and it only took that long because I was waiting for Roger to get back from a trip before we brought the dog home. We renamed him and he seemed to settle in quite well.
We think he was born in October based on the info that the rescue has. He was found with his mom and litter in Leesburg, VA. They ended up in a kill shelter there and were rescued by K9's In Need just as they all developed Parvovirus. Now, I know that in humans Parvovirus is like a nasty cold but I'm told that in dogs it's a nasty, nasty thing. Three of the litter and mom survived.
And now here he is:
We know that he is mostly black lab, but the rest of his genetics is unknown. His tail curls over (very un-lab like), and he has a few features that resemble other breeds.
We think he's perfect.
Okay, it's been way too friggin long to give detailed descriptions of everything I've been doing.
Therefore, you get the Readers Digest version of everything in Elizabeth's life since April 10th.
Moved back to Jersey.
Started a new rotation.
Got a dog.
Went to DC for a medical conference (doesn't that just sound sooooo grown up?).
Dog went to doggie boot camp.
Finished a rotation and began another one.
Roger has been doing mega traveling for work.
The only really exciting bit of information there is the dog.
His name is Socrates. He was about 6 months when we got him. He's about 7-8 months now. The exact date of his birth is unknown. We got him from a local foster/rescue called K9's In Need. I saw his picture on PetFinder and contacted the rescue for an application. Being the nervous person that I am, I worried and worried that the rescue wouldn't accept us because we're not married, or if the house is dirty when they come for the home visit, or they think that a doctor won't have enough time for a pet.
I was wrong. We got the dog about 2 weeks after I submitted the application, and it only took that long because I was waiting for Roger to get back from a trip before we brought the dog home. We renamed him and he seemed to settle in quite well.
We think he was born in October based on the info that the rescue has. He was found with his mom and litter in Leesburg, VA. They ended up in a kill shelter there and were rescued by K9's In Need just as they all developed Parvovirus. Now, I know that in humans Parvovirus is like a nasty cold but I'm told that in dogs it's a nasty, nasty thing. Three of the litter and mom survived.
And now here he is:
We know that he is mostly black lab, but the rest of his genetics is unknown. His tail curls over (very un-lab like), and he has a few features that resemble other breeds.
We think he's perfect.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
April 10, 2008 7:10pm
My week in Lewisburg is nearly over.
I didn't even realize I could leave a day early until N- informed me that he was leaving tonight to go visit his girlfriend. Well sheesh! If I knew we could that, I would have made arrangements to leave! However, I know that if I skipped tomorrow's session and didn't get to see the feedback from my OSCE test, I would spend the next month in mental agony wondering if I passed.
Instead, I'm sitting in my hotel room in GI agony.
I think I am going to finally have to admit that I have an acid problem.
In fact, I have an acid problem so bad that I seem to spend most of the day feeling either nauseated or like there is a fire in my belly that is trying to escape through my mouth.
I'm also getting very tired of waking up in the morning with partially digested food in my mouth that I must have coughed up.
Gross. Super gross.
I ate one meal today and have been regretting it since noon. Two Zantac and four Tums aren't even beginning to take the edge off. Don't even think about asking me to lay down because that becomes another gastric nightmare.
I wish I was hungry. I really do. It's nearly 7:30pm and dinner would be the traditional activity, but even thinking about food makes me churn even more.
It is very true that medical professionals make the worst patients. This is because we try to manage a problem ourselves, but since nobody is an expert in everything we just get sicker and sicker until we get to a crisis point...and then seek the help of a colleague.
Help!
I didn't even realize I could leave a day early until N- informed me that he was leaving tonight to go visit his girlfriend. Well sheesh! If I knew we could that, I would have made arrangements to leave! However, I know that if I skipped tomorrow's session and didn't get to see the feedback from my OSCE test, I would spend the next month in mental agony wondering if I passed.
Instead, I'm sitting in my hotel room in GI agony.
I think I am going to finally have to admit that I have an acid problem.
In fact, I have an acid problem so bad that I seem to spend most of the day feeling either nauseated or like there is a fire in my belly that is trying to escape through my mouth.
I'm also getting very tired of waking up in the morning with partially digested food in my mouth that I must have coughed up.
Gross. Super gross.
I ate one meal today and have been regretting it since noon. Two Zantac and four Tums aren't even beginning to take the edge off. Don't even think about asking me to lay down because that becomes another gastric nightmare.
I wish I was hungry. I really do. It's nearly 7:30pm and dinner would be the traditional activity, but even thinking about food makes me churn even more.
It is very true that medical professionals make the worst patients. This is because we try to manage a problem ourselves, but since nobody is an expert in everything we just get sicker and sicker until we get to a crisis point...and then seek the help of a colleague.
Help!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
April 7, 2008 12:27am
Back in Lewisburg for a week of assorted nonsense required by school.
I'm happy to be back here because I really missed this town....I think. Maybe I just missed the routine of school. I know for sure that I missed the burgers at Jim's Drive-In, the organic steaks at Stardust and the vegan wraps at The Wild Bean.
Clearly, I am very food oriented.
I packed up everything from the house in Buckhannon and drove back down to where my life in WV began.
At the moment, I am in bed at the Hampton Inn. I love Hampton Inn hotels. Maybe it's all Hilton hotels, but I especially love Hampton Inns. I love it because there is a great big bed with fluffy blankets and a lap desk. I can get a hot breakfast in the morning and coffee all day.
Unfortunately, most of my class is also staying at this hotel. It is more like the WVSOM dorm than my beloved Hampton Inn hotel. People I know are everywhere, and I feel like a hermit in my room. I ran into a classmate at the elevator. He said something like, "This week won't be so bad. School all day and then we get to party all night."
Obviously, he doesn't know me very well. I didn't "party" at all my first two years of school here. I'm not about to start now.
I have an absurd amount of luggage in the room with me. I didn't plan for packing well, and I just threw everything into bags. I didn't bother to separate out what I would need for my week here versus what I need for the rest of my life in NJ. Basically, I have every toiletry item, every piece of underwear, and every sock I own in this room, along with various other unmatched clothing items.
But I am in a Hampton Inn, so life is good. I told Roger we should consider moving into one.
What I am most looking forward to for this week is knowing that I don't have to make breakfast. someone else is making it for me. someone else is putting out the yogurt and fruit and bagel or whatever else might be on the menu.
Yes, the Hampton Inn is just about the closest thing there is to heaven right here on earth.
Clearly, my standards for heaven are not set very high.
I'm happy to be back here because I really missed this town....I think. Maybe I just missed the routine of school. I know for sure that I missed the burgers at Jim's Drive-In, the organic steaks at Stardust and the vegan wraps at The Wild Bean.
Clearly, I am very food oriented.
I packed up everything from the house in Buckhannon and drove back down to where my life in WV began.
At the moment, I am in bed at the Hampton Inn. I love Hampton Inn hotels. Maybe it's all Hilton hotels, but I especially love Hampton Inns. I love it because there is a great big bed with fluffy blankets and a lap desk. I can get a hot breakfast in the morning and coffee all day.
Unfortunately, most of my class is also staying at this hotel. It is more like the WVSOM dorm than my beloved Hampton Inn hotel. People I know are everywhere, and I feel like a hermit in my room. I ran into a classmate at the elevator. He said something like, "This week won't be so bad. School all day and then we get to party all night."
Obviously, he doesn't know me very well. I didn't "party" at all my first two years of school here. I'm not about to start now.
I have an absurd amount of luggage in the room with me. I didn't plan for packing well, and I just threw everything into bags. I didn't bother to separate out what I would need for my week here versus what I need for the rest of my life in NJ. Basically, I have every toiletry item, every piece of underwear, and every sock I own in this room, along with various other unmatched clothing items.
But I am in a Hampton Inn, so life is good. I told Roger we should consider moving into one.
What I am most looking forward to for this week is knowing that I don't have to make breakfast. someone else is making it for me. someone else is putting out the yogurt and fruit and bagel or whatever else might be on the menu.
Yes, the Hampton Inn is just about the closest thing there is to heaven right here on earth.
Clearly, my standards for heaven are not set very high.
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