Workcation

A few weeks ago I was asked to go to Prescott for work. I've been there a few times before, it's a small town about 2 hours north of Phoenix. They have 2 surgeons and 1 perfusionist. They aren't too terribly busy, but occasionally their perfusionist uses his vacation time and needs someone to fill in. I think because I'm alone a lot (Chris' busy work schedule) and because I don't have kids, they ask me to go often. I don't mind one little bit.

They put me up in a nice hotel, pay for my gas, ALL my meals, and a little extra on top of that- it's so nice I call it workcation. It's a lot like being on a paid vacation. When they told me they would pay for my food- my first question was "what about...uh...beverages?" they replied, "keep it to one bottle of wine per dinner please." CAN DO! hehehe
I also found out my first trip that Prescott is a very dog-friendly little city. My future visits are now escorted by my lovely sidekick Zeus. The hotel insists well behaved dogs only. So Fritz didn't get a turn and neither does Hera. For now.

Until then, Zeus has found that he thoroughly enjoys being a hotel dog. He gets his own queen size bed that he doesn't have to share with anyone, several long walks per day, and handouts at every single restaurant we attend. Also, they have several dog-friendly shops he can come into (where he usually gets treats too). If you're my dog, you gotta like to shop. Everywhere we walk, he receives praise and attention from strangers for being so handsome and calm. I've also been told twice 'well no one would mess with you with that dog'. Does that mean these people were planning on messing with me? I don't exactly know, but I've decided it's good to bring along 100 pounds of supposed protection. He could be mean if he tried. Probably.

Anyways, here are some photos I took. Sorry they are blurry, I forgot to bring my real camera.
Downtown Prescott


Prescott actually has trees, which change in the fall and make me homesick. I love them!




Center Square- all the downtown action happens here. We saw them putting up lights, I want to see it when all the lights are on!


A total find!!! I saw it-loved it-bought it. I am totally in love with this new ring.



That's all for now!

Welcome back little blog

Hello there friends and family!

I've decided to relaunch the blog. I really enjoy writing this thing, so I thought I'd give it another go. Its good to stay in the loop. As many of you know, our first blog, um, went away for a little while. While down in Tucson attending school, Chris and I spent some time apart. After a few roller coaster months, we are happy to report our marriage is back on track and doing well. I've learned a lot in the past two years, one being that life isn't as linear as we'd like it to be. Sometimes it takes you places you didn't anticipate. Also, that marriage is hard work. Grad school, working, roommates and poverty make it even harder. We no longer have to tackle the same obstacles, so things have changed a lot for us and our relationship. For the positive. It has definitely made us stronger.

So a quick update- we left Tucson after graduation and headed to Phoenix. Chris landed a great job in Flagstaff and I had a job 'in theory' in Phoenix. About a week after moving, I got a phone call from a surgeon I'd worked with in Tucson. He was practicing in Phoenix and heard there was an opening in his group. This offer was full time in comparison to the per diem position I was initially offered. After some discussion, Chris and I decided to take the job. It has worked out well so far.

We also took a huge leap and bought a house. After several months of looking, out bidding, and failed offers, we finally found the perfect place. It is 3 beds, 3 baths, and has a fabulous pool. The neighborhood is friendly, clean, and has parks and playgrounds all over. We've made good friends with our neighbors. But most importantly- we got it in time to collect the government stimulus program. Score! Thanks taxpayers!


We put a lot of updating into the house, new floors, lots of paint, tile, and cleaning. After such a crazy and busy period of time, we took a well deserved vacation to Fiji. A place Chris had always wanted to go. It was our first international trip and it was amazing. I'll post a few of my favorite pics soon.

Since then, we've been hanging with friends, working hard, and saving up for next years trips. We are excited to go to Mexico this winter, New Orleans next spring, and possibly a trip to Hawaii in the summer. Fingers crossed!

Whew this seems like a lot of writing so I'll end it for now. More posts of all the mundane details of my new life to come. Until then, know that we couldn't be where we are today without the tremendous help and support from you all. Thank you for your friendship, compassion and love.