Five Things

 / a trip to the San Diego Zoo /
 Today we're off for a week in paradise and we're both very excited. We haven't been to Hawaii since our honeymoon, and this time we're spending the week on the island of Oahu. The sun and warm weather will hopefully be able to refuel and energize us before we jet back to Michigan for a cold arrival and move in.  With a few fun outings to the zoo and Old Town, this week was also spent packing for me, and some studying, but mostly relaxing, for Derek. This boy deserves it, by golly!

/ fun wrapping and calligraphy for a thank you gift /

/ my favorite sea side plant /

/ tropical essentials; straw hats & bright jewelry /

/ mini guitars in Old Town /

Oh We're Going to the Hukilau

Hawaii is one of my favorite places on earth. I have fond memories of family vacations bronzing my skin in the land of surf and sunshine. Ever since we started going, my Mom has been collecting shells & vintage postcards to display in our home. I'm lucky enough to have three in my bathroom reminding me everyday of our snorkeling and hiking adventures in the beautiful islands. As somewhat of a "you guys haven't seen each other that much in 4 months & congrats on completing the boards and interviews", my parents have graciously gifted Derek and I with a trip to the islands. I have a feeling a hammock, pina colada, and a good nap under the swaying palm trees is exactly what we need after a stressful couple of months. 

Five Things

 / circa 1920's beach cottage on the water /

Derek returned from residency interviews this week a little worn out and tired, but confident in his performance. He had a bit of a whirlwind of a morning when Dallas received snow, and on his way to the airport was rear ended. When he got out of the car, he quickly realized the individuals who hit him were running away. Five seconds later they were up on the overpass wall and jumped. They were caught, but it begs the question, why is breaking both legs better than paying for a car accident? He's home safe and sound, and we now have two full weeks before heading back to finish off his last few months in Michigan. With the weather there being cool and grey, we are scheduling activities that allow us to be in the CA sunshine as much as possible, with some relaxation on Derek's part as well. 

 / wind riders off the cliffs in La Jolla /

 / scenic downtown skyline /

 / a growing collection of sea stars on the window sill /

/ a visit to the temple /

Those Months I Dreaded

Before Derek left for his audition rotations, I could barely utter the phrase "clerkship". I hated the thought of not being able to see Derek everyday. Even though his schedule is hectic and crazy, we always had mornings and late nights together, no matter the time. If he had to be up at 4:00 am, I was up at 4:00 am with him; making him breakfast, reading scriptures, and seeing him off for his day. If he got home after midnight from a late surgery, I waited up for him. Even if all I did was re-heat leftovers, pour a bowl of cereal, or climb right into bed with him, it was still time. 

Flash forward to today. The audition rotations are over & we made it. We managed 6 full weeks apart (plus smaller increments of 2-4 in between) which doesn't seem that long, but it was challenging in it's own way. Sometimes it was the time difference. Other times it was extreme exhaustion. It was that time I was crying my eyes out because someone broke into our car, busted the window, and stole Derek's backpack. Then, these little things seemed like the most horrible things in the world. Today, we look back and laugh. We did something hard, but it made us stronger. 

Stronger in the fact that we appreciate each other a little more. In the fact that after the long time apart, we still found the time for the things that were important in our relationship and life. Those things that we took for granite before like a date night or a trip to the temple. 

We realized that we can do hard things together and I know now that I don't have to be afraid. 

Five Things

/ our Christmas Eve table /
 Everyday the world amazes me. Whether it's outside on a cool crisp day, or curled up with a book I can't put down, I am constantly in awe and thanks. I consider myself to be very blessed & am going to take accountability for that this year in a weekly installment "Five Things", inspired by  the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I am hoping that this brings everything full circle for me, and helps me realize what things I am thankful for during that current week, month, & season. Here are the things that made me happy recently and this first week of my adventure. 

/ a big stretch from Penny /

/ succulents in the yard /

/ having this boy around studying for the boards & interviews /

/ a walk around Coronado Island and hotel /

2012: A Year in Review

I have been seen these floating around the blog-sphere & thought I would put my creative skills to the test!

Wish Derek luck, he's taking Step II of the board exam today.

Welcome 2013

It's the year we've been waiting for. 

Our main goal of this year (and the past 4) have been leading up to these next few weeks & months. Residency interviews, the boards, the residency match, and graduation. We've both worked hard on accomplishing these goals and are so happy that this is THE year. Here are my personal goals for the upcoming year. With all the excitement (and stress), it will be good to have these to focus on when all the craziness kicks in.

Spiritual: Read scriptures for 20 minutes a day and read/listen to 2 General Conference talks a month.

Educational: Continue reading biographies and add at least 1 current event article a day.

Physical: Exercise 4-5 times a week. Change up routine; spin, walk/jog, swim, and Zumba.

Emotional: All social media is off and put away by 6 pm. No Facebook, Instagram, or Blogging. 

Past years resolutions here.