Dog Sitting is overrated

So, Christmas morning Peter had to be at work at 8:00am. We left the house together and I went directly to the Butler's - a family in our ward who's out of town in UT for 9 days. They asked me to help out with the dog sitting duties, which I agreed to reluctantly. It requires me to walk 25 minutes one-way (good exercise!), to feed the dog, let her out, and walk her if I'm so inclined. I figured it was a good act of service and I wanted to do something b/c the prophets tell us our prayers are more likely to be answered if we actually help others. :) I know thats true, by the way. So, I get there Christmas morning about 8:45am... probably a little later than I should have arrived. Obviously. I let the dog out and walked around the kitchen for a bit when my eyes settled on the HUGE, fresh pile of dog poop by the back door. !?#$%^! Too late, I had smeared it on my new boots and on various sections of the floor. Poor doggie, she knew that she had done something "bad" so my reprimanding was pointless. But I did it anyway. I let her have it. I threw the back rug away (hey, I'm not going to clean that up). I then forgave the dog and took her on a walk. It was a gorgeous sunny Christmas morning. And my good deeds allowed the Lord to answer my prayer later that day. I had prayed that Peter could actually stay for Christmas dinner at our friends' house and not have to go to the hospital (he was on call that day). He stayed the full FIVE hours. What a blessing. Merry Christmas everyone!

All the Jobs I've ever had...

As I look back, I realize that I have had a TON of jobs thus far in my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work; growing up poor forced me to become self-reliant and industrious. So...
I think this list is pretty comprehensive (listed from the most present back):

Hanesbrands, Inc. in NYC (Nov 2009 - present) - receptionist/ administrative assistant
University of Nebraska at Omaha (Aug. 2007 - May 2009) - Italian instructor
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Mesa, AZ (July 03 - June 05) - Director of Group Sales
Dobson Ranch Inn & Resort in Mesa, AZ (Jan 01 - June 02) - Sales Manager
Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau in Mesa, AZ (Aug 99 - Jan 01) - Tourism Sales Manager
Fiesta Inn Resort in Tempe, AZ (Aug 1997 - June 1999) - Front Desk Agent
Merit Medical in South Jordan, UT (summer of 1997) - label inspector, & yes I wore a hairnet!
LDS Missionary in Milan, Italy (1995-1996)
Broadway Sales Inc. in Tempe, AZ (Jan-March 1995) - catalog/ customer service rep.
Psychology Dept. at the University of AZ in Tucson, AZ (Aug 1002-Dec 1994) - office assistant
Carol's Hallmark in Tucson, AZ (summer 1992) - cashier/ card stocker
Cafeteria at UofA in Tucson, AZ (Aug 91 - May 92) - potato plopper/ soup scooper, etc.
Pretty Party Place in Mesa, AZ (1889-1991) - cashier, balloon maker, wig sorter, straightener
Ned's Krazy Sub in Mesa, AZ (jr. high and high school) - cashier, sub maker, cleaner upper girl

Wow, I'm a well-rounded individual with lots of experience in many fields! :) I'd love to see YOUR list(s), dear blog reader. Let me know when its compiled!

The Devil designs clothing

Ever seen the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada?" Its my life right now. Only, fortunately, Peter works even more than I so he's not pressuring me to quit like Andi's boyfriend in the aforementioned flick. Quite the contrary, he couldn't be happier that I work for the MAN. At least I'm bringing in cash and we're making our bills. Capisci? So, I am the receptionist/ admin for Hanesbrands, Inc. This umbrella company houses the clothing designers for Hanes, Champion, Just My Size, among others. I order all the supplies, sign for and deliver all packages (about 50+ a day), make copies, grind special imported coffee for the Boss Man, get his lunch, get the other lady's lunch, and essentially troubleshoot. In typical New York style, there was no official training for this job, so I learn everything in the moment, naturally making numerous mistakes as I figure out how often we change the water filter, how many boxes of paper we order weekly, when to get fresh flowers for particular clients, and how many gallons of milk we go through a week. Its mayhem, but sometimes I have a quiet moment to surf the internet or update my blog. Take right now for example.

Most days, my thoughts are dominated by the concept that I'm 36 and I'm grinding coffee. !? Did I just go back in time 15 years!? When people ask me about my employment, I dread the inevitable - "well, this could be a launch pad for something better," or "you gotta start somewhere"... huh? Am I getting career advice from people in their 20's? They mean well. There's just nothing to say. So, its better if people don't ask. I truly am grateful to be employed in this economy and ultimately, its all for Peter's career and he's the love of my life.

Oh, and the thing about the DEVIL... I actually have 5 people that I "report" to and they're all pretty nice. Except for one lady who makes me do petty errands for her, like get her lunch or put the candles in the Menorah each day. If she's Jewish, then wouldn't it have more meaning for HER to do it than me? Whatever. Have you ever had an experience like this? A so-called demoralizing arrangement that robbed you of your "dignity" in some way, but you had to keep at it?

Oh, and did I mention that I have the privilege of refilling the candy dish each day and that I got to decorate the Christmas tree? Yippity skippity.

Giving Thanks 2009

When your husband works on Thanksgiving Day, what do you do? You have a slumber party!!! I spent the night at my friend's Sarah's house Wed. AND Thursday nights over the Thanksgiving holiday. We laughed, we cried, we baked and cooked until we were exhausted. All so that we could gorge alla grande. Please note that we did put our turkey in the Crock Pot and it turned out very well. I highly recommend it. Doesn't take much time or thought, you just rub it down with spices and olive oil. And, of course, there's the small matter of ripping off the turkey legs and wings... not so pleasant. But I was not faint hearted. Sarah grossed out. Alla grande.

Anyway, we went and saw the teenie bopper film New Moon and it was mediocre at best. Why exactly did I read those books again? Embarrassing. We also watched Jane Eyre on Friday morning after rolling in bed for a few hours. Much better story, acting and plot!

In these pics the missionaries are featured, as well as myself and Sarah's boyfriend Miguel.

Hope y'all had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for a wonderful life, especially friends and family. Peter is grateful for the leftovers I brought him.

AND the catheter is my friend...

So, quite an adventerous month. First of all, two weeks ago, I FAINTED on the subway in Manhattan heading to work. Fortunately, I felt it coming on and started moaning. Some nice people helped me to sit down (I don't remember any of this), and when I came to - about 10 seconds later - I had missed the 14th Street exit. Everyone was staring at me and asking me if I was OK. A nice lady and man accompanied me up the stairs to hand me over to some firemen at 42nd Street. It was then that I realized that noboldy had stolen my purse! Miracle in Manhattan! So, they gave me an oxygen mask and that helped. I was getting dizzy again, just sitting down. Eventually, the ambulance arrived and took me to the infamous Bellevue Hospital. Grrr... I wish they would have taken me to Brookly, where at least the people know me (I had passed out the weekend before and Peter had to take me to Brooklyn at midnight). So, I spent the next 16 hours getting infused with two units of blood and an unnecessary gynecological exam. I yelled at the ladies in the middle of the exam, "Excuse me, why are we doing this? Its so unnecessary! I have a surgeon who's seeing me tomorrow morning and he's doing surgery on me next week!" They, startled, told me that I should have refused the ultrasound downstairs. DUH. Why didn't I think of that? I guess I just trusted them... grrr... So, they admitted me to the hospital, where I spent long, wasted hours, watching the blood drop into my body and feeling more energy with every drop. Thanks to everyone who gives blood! I have a new appreciation. :)

My sugery (uterine fibroid) was moved up to last Wednesday, Oct. 28, in light of the fainting and all...

Dr. Bradley Trivax reports that the fibroid was HUGE (5 cm) and they got almost all of it out. Yikes, not sure I can endure anaesthesia again... [please everyone pray that they won't have to go back in]... anyway, apparently, in the surgery process, they perforated the uterus and "nicked" my bladder!? So, a general surgeon had to go in laproscopicly (the spelling is surely wrong) and suture my organs up. AARGH!? A one hour surgery dragged on to 3.5. Peter reports that the surgeon came out twice to explain and to reassure Peter, but he seemed stressed. They put in a catheter so that my bladder could rest. At first I was horrified, but now I have to say that the catheter is my friend!!! With my tummy being so sore, it would have been painful to get up and relieve myself very often. They were pumping me with liquids to get that anaesthesia out of my system. I spent Wed. night and all of Thursday in the hospital. So, apparently, a catheter should be in at least a week after such happenings... now its getting old. Not so much my friend anymore.... I'm pretty sure Dr. Trivax will be taking it out Friday morning, but I have to say, after five days of laying flat in bed, I was grateful to have it!

*Postnote: Peter was an absolute angel and nurse to me! Fortuitously for me, he was on vacation and could attend to my every beck and call. My blood count is low again, but I'm on iron pills and feeling much better. Today I took a walk outside! I am so humbled and grateful to be alive! Modern medicine is miraculous. A lady like me in the Middle Ages or even a hundred years ago would just have kept bleeding and have died...

Ode to Sara(h)

If you're name is Sara(h) you're probably a kindred spirit! I was thinking the other day how I seem to be drawn to fabulous gals with said name and consistently make them my dearest of friends. Take Sarah Ehmke, for example. We sang together in Tucson Institute Chorale back in the early 90's and were part of the "9" innocuously elitist social club. What fun memories! She is a wonderful mother of five and is always pleasant, patient, forgiving, tolerant and kind to others. I'm grateful for her gentle nature and example. We currently follow each other's blogs and try to get together every Christmas for lunch. I look forward to that. Then there's my Italian amica Sara Tonon. We met on my mission in Italy (1995-1996) and were instant friends. She played the piano and we both liked singing Mormon "pop" so there began a long and enduring friendship. She came to visit me for two months in 1999, and again in 2003 for a few weeks. I've been to visit her in Torino, Italy FIVE times. Just can't stay away from this spunky and hilarious girl. She's soooo fun and bright. We've had some good times and written probably a thousand letters to each other over the years. Which brings me to Sara Swim Turley - a sweetheart of a girl with amazing piano talent. We braved the singles wards together, commiserating and laughing at a number of "linger longers," FHE's and "break the fasts"... it was fun to witness her courtship and romance to Scott Turley. We had an especially good time with our singing group, eh Sara? Your master's piano concert was AMAZING; you're so talented and positive; thanks for the memories. Next I think of Sarah Huffman, a gorgeous single from Omaha, NE who was a regular Halloween partier, a Sunday luncheoner, a weekend game player, a jewelry-attending goofball who'd always be a sport for birthday celebrations, watching General Conference at the Nelsons or movie nights. I sure miss hangin' with you Sarah, you're FABULOUS! Hang in there, Mr. Right is not good enough for you... yet. Okay, so here I am now in NYC and my two new BFF's are Sarah Fulton and Sara Orlando! Seriously, these ladies ROCK. Sarah Fulton is the RS President and blows me away with her spirituality, conversion to the gospel, and depth of character. I LOVE talking to her and laughing with her about... everything! I am so blessed by her friendship and I thank my Heavenly Father for this. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out. She regularly brings my world such joy and positive energy. Can't wait for game night and Sunday dinner with Marisol. :) A propos to blessings, I was inspired to talk to Sara Orlando about forming a singing group several months ago. She and I have also become fast friends in the early planning stage, but also as we have chatted about life's challenges, mostly health related. She is one of the most sincere and compassionate people I know. I can tell that she truly cares about my health and job problems and understands what I'm going through. She was recently assigned as my Visiting Teacher and my first reaction was, "she already takes care of me!" I am so excited to work with her in our octet and otherwise. What a lovely, talented lady!!!
Sara Morgan is the one that got away... almost! We met a few months ago and then she up and moved to AZ. In that short time, we laughed and laughed. And laughed. What a great sense of humor, wow! I enjoyed hearing her takes on life, her Jimmy Fallon stories, and listening to her insights. Oh, and she totally converted me to the Snuggie. A blanket with sleeves!? How do people live without them... seriously. I wish her the best of luck in her new life in AZ. She's missed greatly by myself and other folks here in NYC.
So, what is it about Sara(h)? Don't know, but its a great name and I just want to say that I love all you very much! Thank you for being my friend(s). It means the world to me.

Peter... on vacation

Peter finally has some "down time." He was assigned two weeks of vacation in October and two weeks again in April of 2010. We didn't complain about the assignments, given that many oral surgery programs don't allow more than a week vacation for the entire year! So, he's very lucky in that way. He's off from Oct. 15-Nov. 1. What is our happy chap doing on his vacation? Sleeping mostly, studying oral surgery, going to the gym and to the clerk's office. What, the clerk's office!!?... you're asking. Most days for several hours!? That's correct. Peter hasn't been able to put in the time on his calling that he'd like, which in his ideal world is about 10-15 hours a week. He gravitates toward clerking and organizational realms, so he's communiating frequently with the Bishop and the ward clerk about issues such as ordering supplies, cleaning up ward membership records, and GEO codes (don't ask me). He's happiest this way. Like his mother used to tell him, "a working Peter is a happy Peter." Too true. Most people on vacation in NY would be exploring the city, but our Peter, as you all know, is far from ordinary. He's very driven and focused, especially in his church callings. His brother, Patrick, is coming in town to visit this weekend and I think Peter might actually indulge in some sightseeing and brotherly bonding. Whatever happens, its a blessing to be married to this great man, and I appreciate his leadership and example. Hats off to you Petie-baby, may your vacation be everything you hoped!

Working Girl

Well, hopefully the job hunting nightmare is coming to an end. I finally went to a temporary agency two weeks ago and they have hooked me up with some no-brainer, but money-generating gigs. For two days I was a registration girl at Jacob Javitts Convention Center in Manhattan. $12/ hour to print labels and troubleshoot people standing in the wrong lines. Ironically, six years ago I attended a tourism conference at the same place as an important and dignified attendee with a business card. But no matter. Next, I filled in as receptionist at Hanesbrands Inc. (clothing designers) for a girl that was out sick for one day. $15/ hour to smile, make coffee, receive and sign for packages, distribute mail, and otherwise surf the internet. I currently find myself on a one week assignment again as a receptionist for Leucadia National Corporation; the regular receptionist is on vacation this week in Florida. So, I'm enjoying the perks of a free lunch everyday (rock on!), plenty of downtime, and friendly people. Whats in store for next week? TBD. But, I feel so relieved to have some, any income right now. And its kind of nice to have no-brainer jobs that allow you to concentrate on other things, like Italian idioms, which is the current book I'm studying here at my desk. I just had some business cards printed that say: Allison R. Nelson * Historian * Italian Instructor * Tour Guide*... why, Peter asks me, did I have these printed? Don't know... just to feel important I guess, and to remind me that I do have skills even though the economy is down and out. Bless you, Solomon Page Group (temporary agency)!!! You saved the day.

The Big Apple has a WORM in it right now...

Well, you may have noticed that I haven't blogged much since moving to NY. How could that be!? Its one of the most exciting places on the planet. True. For those with money and fun companions. I have neither. My dear, sweet Peter works so much that his eyes are perpetually red and his feet are perpetually sore. He needs lots of rest on days off, but we try to squeeze something in here and there. Something FREE if we can! I've been unemployed for four months now and we're feeling the pinch. Ugh. Bad timing on moving to a new city with no network and in this economy!? So, learning patience, reading lots of good books, and getting to know myself and the city when I can explore without feeling guilty that I'm not looking for a job! ITS a great BIG WORM friends!!! :) Not looking for a pity party... at all, I just have to be honest. And I should admit that I'm technically "underemployed" because I tutor 3 private Italian students once a week and that brings in some meager funds. So, all is well, things will get better, and the Lord is in charge. Yesterday I went to the temple and felt so much joy and peace. I'm very excited for General Conference this weekend and to the inspired messages from our prophets. I'm proud and grateful for my membership in the Lord's true church where we learn that life is a journey of growth and learning, repentance and change. An adventure indeed!

The Nelson-Cope Ladies Book Club

We're official! We now embark on shared pleasure in the mind-stretching exercise of literary exchange... as a family sisterhood. You know who you are: Mary, Naomi, Alana, Amy, Andrea, Annaca, Abbie, Tammy, Ally, Emily, Jackie, Arianne, Cassandra, Natalie, Laura...

The first book is "Rebecca" by British author Dauphine du Maurier. Published in 1938, it soon became a best-seller. Essential plot: An unnamed narrator marries a wealthy Englishman whom she met while vacationing in the French Riviera. She accompanies him to his country estate in Manderley, and confronts the lingering presence and haunting memory of her new husband's first wife. Intrigued? Me too! Apparently, Alfred Hitchcock's movie Rebecca is based on the novel. I'll have to watch it once I'm through.

Here's the plan: we'll read a book quarterly, and our first deadline is November 15. On or after that date, the plan is that you now have an "excuse" to pick up the phone and call one another! Discuss amongst ourselves! Email, IMM, chat, write your comments here on my blog. Impressions, thoughts, likes, dislikes, we want to hear it all! But we won't have one common forum, just many interpersonal exchanges by various means as listed above. The next book will be chosen by Amy Makechnie for the Jan-March 2010 quarter. We'll go to her blog for the details and the written forum. Sound like a plan? Happy reading everyone!!!

Book recommendation!

This book is a lovely read. Its light and uplifting, gripping, yet tragic. The protagonist has the most witty and eccentric personality. She's delightful, creative, spunky and has an outstanding vocabulary. She is like totally my mother-in-law's twin. If my mother-in-law lived in London, were 33, single, and wrote books for a living. I actually haven't finished the book, but I started yesterday and I'll either be up late tonight or early tomorrow morning to do so! The plot: in 1946 in London, a writer receives a letter request from a stranger, beginning a friendship with him and all of the others in the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - from the Channel Island Guernsey that was under German occupation during WWII. It becomes the inspiration for her further work.

A "romantic" weekend getaway in Philly!

Peter and I were finally able to get away for a couple of days (okay, more like 30 hours) to see Philadelphia last weekend. Peter works so much and he was so tired Saturday morning, that I had to drag him out of bed at 9:00am. But we finally got on the road and three hours later in mega traffic, a very normal driving experience on the east coast, we arrived. We split an $11 cheese steak with nasty Cheez Whiz and no bell peppers. Apparently, REAL philly cheese steaks do not have bell peppers. We rode a big bus around to see the main sights, then had questionable chinese food and spent the evening relaxing in our hotel. Peter was in bed at 9:00pm. Not so much a night on the town. Good thing I had a good book to read! Next day, Peter found a tv channel that was featuring the history of rock bands and I had to tear him away from it just after the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Guns and Roses...whew! Peter just wanted some quality down time with the remote. Is that so wrong!? We toured Independence Hall and had an amazing tour guide. He had portions of Abraham Lincoln's speech memorized and we were mesmerized by the presentation and in awe of our founding fathers. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed there! We saw the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House. Although by now we were feeling rather patriotic, we decided to skip the Constitution Center because it would have required a good two hours and we were getting anxious about getting back to NYC. It was only noon, but a practical New Yorker knows that to secure a free parking place, you really should be back by 4:00pm on a Sunday evening. We grabbed another philly cheese steak from Geno's (apparently there's a big rivalry between diagonally located Geno's and Pat's in south Philly on who's the best). It was a hard decision, but we chose the former and snarfed 'em down before hitting the road. Good luck was with us despite the fact that we were technically breaking the Sabbath - we made it back by 3:30 and secured a good parking space! We only spent about $30 in highway tolls [Its $11 to cross the Verrazzanno/ Narrows Bridge across Staten Island - one way!] A whirlwind trip indeed.

The Job Search

I thought I had a job... two months ago. I responded to an ad on craigslist to be trained as a Manhattan tour guide for Citysights NY. I attended the free, three hour training classes twice a week for two months. I read three big books. I studied and pumped the pavement, identifying buildings and landmarks all over Manhattan. I went on free day tours as often as possible. I took a big, fat test with 150 questions to prove that I knew the city. And what a cram class it was! So... I get my license and present myself to the company to begin my new job last month. Not so fast... they tell me they'll call me in a week. No call. I leave a voicemail. Then another, and another. No response. Turns out the tour guide manager is a $%#*! as are the owners. ? Great. Now I've got no job, no prospects, and no more optimistic attitude for throwing myself into another so-called great opportunity. What happened? The economy is down, especially tourism, and the company over-advertised to cover their bases in case they needed more guides. ??? This is my theory. The worst part is, that call could come in any day. Do I still want to work for this company? I've put in applications elsewhere - community colleges to teach Italian or History, and flyers about my Italian tutoring. I do tutor a gal once or twice a week in Italian. We meet at Starbucks and I charge $30/ hour. So, I make about $90 a week. Peter says its not enough. :) Oh well, things can only get better!

The Sights of NY

There's the Statue of Liberty, the skyscrapers, the Empire State Building, Central Park and hundreds more. Of all these attractions, I have to say that my favorite is the Manhattan Temple near Lincoln Center and Juliard. Its gorgeous! So white, so pure, standing unassumingly in the middle of a big, dirty, crazy city. Walking inside and experiencing the clean and quiet is calming and peaceful. Makes me thrilled to be Mormon. I just love the architecture inside and the Spirit there.

Culture Shock!

I felt so validated recently when a guy in the temple mentioned that he and his wife underwent "culture shock" when they first moved to NYC 20 years ago. "Yes!" I thought, "that's what I'm experiencing." Good and bad, let me give you a taste: 1)everywhere you go, you share the sidewalk with tons of other people, so you learn quickly to be navigationally savvy; 2) the "F" word is such a staple of sidewalk conversation, that its typically heard every 9-10 words; I've estimated that I hear it within 2-3 minutes of leaving my front door. 3) New Yorkers do not understand the meaning of "quiet." In the public libraries, the workers, security guards, and patrons all talk LOUDLY, either to themselves or to their friends. Oh, and when you ask them to keep it down, they will all erupt into loud mocking laughter at you. Don't do it, just bring earphones or the I-pod. 4) The subway is quite an experience. Dirty and hot, yet fascinating and fast, its the staple of transportation. There's sure to be homeless people and aspiring musicians asking for money. A few times I've gotten on a train going the WRONG WAY, so I'm learning to always ask, bring a subway map, and double check the signage. 5) Walking - you do so much of it, your feet ache every night. Its great exercise, but one must always wear comfortable shoes or be in pain. I have a large stack of band-aids in my purse. 6) Customer service does not exist in NYC. Everyone is rude and unhelpful. Should you occasionally meet a helpful person, it seems odd and you question their motives. 6) EXPENSIVE. Everything is obscenely expensive, especially the rent. 7) DOGS - they're ubiquitous and they pee and poop everywhere. UGH. There is only so much sidewalk space, and I've only just recently figured out what "Curb your Dog" means - it means don't pee on the greenery, tree, flowers, etc., - take it to the curb. Which brings me to 8) SMELLS - in a 10 second walking span, you will smell dog urine, fresh flowers, garbage, chinese food, and roasted nuts. Its glorious and disgusting and it all happens so quickly! 9) Street cleaning. Every week we have to move the car for 1.5 hours of street cleaning. Halilujah, at least they're cleaning up after the dogs that have been curbed. But, its a pain to always move the car and try to find a new parking space every week. Always read the signs for the right cleaning time/day or else you'll get a ticket or towed! More to come, folks. NYC is great. What an adventure. We're loving it!

David Letterman

Peter and I celebrated four years of marriage yesterday, June 10, 2009. In a successful attempt at creating a memorable anniversary, I got us tickets to David Letterman in Manhattan. We had a blast! Talk about funny... he adressed Sarah Palin's recent criticisms of him and rehashed the jokes she had opposed on her website. There was also a funny bit of stupid human tricks which was very entertaining. The whole thing turned out to be a relatively simple process - you register on their website for the days you prefer, and then they call you if they have availability, then ask you a trivia question about the show. Despite the fact that we think DL is hilarious, Peter and I don't watch the show regularly enough to know anything except that his sidekick musician is Paul Schaffer. So, I did some preliminary "research" last week on their website. Didn't think I learned or retained anything except when they asked me what color hair does the announcer have, Alan Kalter. RED! So, we were able to go. I highly recommend this activity for anyone who visits us. It was free and so fabulous - especially learning about the behind-the-scenes filming of the show. Plus, the live band is very, very good, and you're in downtown Manhattan before and after the taping (3-5pm). What a great day! Sure love ya, Petie baby! http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/bios/cast13.php

Here we are in the Big City!

Peter and I currently live in Brooklyn, NY. We've been here for about three weeks, exploring the city and learning the maps of Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. Its exciting and overwhelming. We walk everywhere and hardly use our car. Parking can be tricky and we have to move our car at least once a week when they clean the streets (every street is different). So far, we've only been towed once! Good job, Peter. Now we're very careful to read the signs. We enjoy all of the walking. Its been very rainy and cool, so we still haven't hooked up our air conditioner. We've managed to squeeze in one trip to New Hampshire (Memorial Day Weekend) and we hope to visit the Castletons in Boston this coming weekend. Here are a few pictures of our neighborhood and apartment - its small, but cozy. Peter's in better shape than me right now, so the five flights of stairs sometimes separates us when returning home. He'll often beat me by a flight or two! We look forward to visitors and miss all of our dear friends in Omaha!

Posthumous revenge!

Today at lunch Peter squashed and divided a large wasp in two. With his knife. It was disgusting to watch, especially while we were eating, but I was glad the insect was gone. Well, the bottom half of the wasp's body was lying in a crevice in the table (we were eating outside at Spaghetti Works). About 20 minutes had gone by since Peter had committed the wasp dismemberment. He, conversing animatedly, unintentionally and obliviously put his arm in the crevice and the wasp's stinger got 'em! It was his posthumous revenge. Peter grabbed his elbow and moaned from the pain. Isn't that hilarious? I sure thought so.

Peter's Dental Boards

Peter "took" his Western Regional Dental Boards last weekend (April 3-5, 2009). He had to perform a number of dental procedures on several patients. He did very well, especially under all that stress. I became personally familiar with his stress as his assistant on Saturday and Sunday. The biggest stress is having to depend on the patients... for a grade! What happens if they don't show up? Well, thats where all the fun begins. Peter's Friday afternoon patient did not show up, she did not call, nothing. So, he aimed to do three patients Saturday. One guy, a trucker, called Sat. morning at 6:30am to report that his truck was broken down in Missouri and that he was on his way, he'd just be a few hours late. So, Peter "found" another back-up patient in the lobby and performed a procedure on her. It turned out to be much more complicated that he had anticipated. Four hours and four anesthetic shots later... he aced it. The trucker shows up and we only had enough time to do his preparation, not actually fill the cavity. So, we told him to come back Sunday morning at 7:30am. He must have had a rough night, because we didn't see him Sunday morning.... Peter called a few times. He only had until 11:00am to finish everything to pass his Boards. What to do... what to do...? We snagged another back-up patient in the lobby and asked her if we could do a silver filling, even though she wanted a tooth-colored filling. She reluctantly agreed after Peter promised to re-do the filling in tooth color later on. His examiners required a silver (amalgam) filling. Well, after he's finishing up on Maria (I was the Spanish translator during the procedure), he gets a call from the trucker, now awake and apologizing excessively. Out of the goodness of his heart and after all the stress, Peter invites him to come back in so that he can finish the filling... just because it needed to be done. He'd already taken a deduction in points for switching patients (no fault of his own), but he did TWO fillings, the 2nd just to be nice. We missed General Conference on Sunday morning, but Peter's pretty sure he did adequately on the Boards. What stress! Too much depends on these flaky patients and it seems unfair that the dental students are docked points for things that are out of their control. Oh well, Peter got through it, as always!

Brooklyn it is!

Well, its final. Forget Nashville, forget Philly, we're headed to NY. Peter finalized his decision this morning by turning down the offers from the other two programs. Its nice to know where we're going... again!

Ode to my Father-in-Law

Steve P., his sons call him, with a General Authority ring to it. Mary, his wife, calls him "Noben" from the spanish term for boyfriend. Of course, I call him Stevie or Stevvers. This is the man who started his own computer business, Nelson Data Resources, 30 years ago and it has since morphed into American Healthnet. He is still the President and CEO. He's the big cheese, see. He's important. And.... he's nice. Very nice. He's a true friend to me. He took me to the hospital for my ankle surgery last week because Peter had school and Mary was out of town. He stayed with me up until they took me away for anesthesia. I am so grateful. Thanks, Stevie, you're the man!

Philly Cheese Steak anyone?

Monday, March 16 Peter flies to Philadelphia for yet another oral surgery internship interview! As if Nashville and Brooklyn weren't fabulous enough. So, we still don't know where we're going, but the process has been keeping us humble, prayerful and excited. Where would you go (between the three) if it was your decision, and why?

Everything changes y'all

Life is sure an adventure with the Pete! Monday 2/23 we accepted an offer in Brooklyn; Tuesday he was offered the internship of a lifetime in Nashville, TN. So, he's flying out there next Friday 3/6 to interview there. Peter has a good feeling about it, and it sounds like its a better opportunity. So, there's a good chance that we will go to Nashville as opposed to New York. Wow. Who knows. Of course we reapply next year for residency. And that could be in New York. ? So... please stay tuned...!

The Big Apple!

Congratulations are officially in order to the most adorable ward clerk and your favorite dentist! Peter got the position in Brooklyn! They called this morning to offer him a one-year internship. Here we come NEW YORK!!! The internship begins July 1, so we'll move in June. Finding a place to live will be a major challenge, but we'll figure it out. There are 17 oral surgery residency programs in New York, so our chances of staying there even after the interhship are high. Residencies last either 4,5, or 6 years, so Peter will re-apply for a residency program next year. Although our chances of staying in NY for 5+ years are good, I'd get a visit in to your fun friends living in the Big Apple this coming year if I were you, because life is crazy and things are constantly changing and you just never know...

Os Trigonum

Well, its nice to know that all of these foot problems are not in my head!? ...or are they? I had an MRI last week and the diagnosis is that my "os trigonum" (pronounced OZ-TRY-GO-NUM) has to be removed. Its a tiny little "extra" bone on the back of the foot. Sometimes it becomes detached, which mine must have done last summer sometime. Not everybody has one, so its not a big deal to remove it. So, I'll have to have a minor surgery to remove it, which means I'll be on my way to exercising again soon! Peter said that the 'ol "os trigonum" is the medical code word for "basket case" and then he asked me if the doctor winked at the nurse when he told me the diagnosis. Hmmm...? *Note, this picture is looking down on the foot, so the heel is on the bottom of shot, whereas the toes would be at the top.

Interview in Brooklyn

Friday, February 20 Peter has an interview for an internship in BROOKLYN. He's flying out early Friday morning and he'll be back the next morning (all night lay-overs, etc.). So, we hope this will be a successful interview. We still haven't heard much from other programs... so everything is still up in the air. Stay tuned...!

Let's play!

Anybody that knows me well, knows that I love board games. Its such a great way to spend quality time with people. You get to know them by engaging in a random activity that can make memories or cause a big family fight (you gotta be careful, or at least the Reynolds do).

I'm so grateful to my dad who cultivated this tradition in our family. As a teenager, I remember playing Backgammon after I got off work at Ned's Krazy Sub or Pretty Party Place. At 9:30pm on a school night, after Dad picked me up from work, and the day still had time for games. We'd talk, laugh, and bond over this simple ritual. Now, I'm secretly, or not so secretly, infiltrating my new family with the joys of board games. Peter has even joined the movement - initially against his will. He's even competitive at times - a true manifestation that he's not just doing it to appease his wife! On Sunday mornings, we play Carcassonne, the new board game that my parents gave us for Christmas. Its fantastic! Doesn't take long, best for 2 people, and plenty of intrigue. I sound like I'm trying to sell it, I know. Just a shout out to the virtues of board games and the the families I love playing them with!

The Master Cleanse

Wow, I did it. I still can't believe I did it!!! I've been living off fresh-squeezed lemon juice, pure maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days now. Its called The Master Cleanse. Tomorrow I get to transition back to real food with orange juice (fresh squeezed!) then Sat and Sun I can have vegetable soup and salad. I haven't been as hungry as I thought I would be, and I have plenty of energy - surprisingly. I actually went to the gym and worked out twice, hard core! and was fine. Weird, but true. My dad, mom, and sisters did this with me (not all of them), and we called each almost daily to offer support and encouragement. The only times I had trouble were when I started letting my mind wander into forbidden paths... pulled pork sandwiches, spaghetti, doughnuts... I had to stop myself from peeking at recipe websites today. What was I thinking!? I actually borrowed Peter's snicker power bar the other day, just so that I could smell it. That was a mistake. It only gave me more food dreams. So, I digress. Truly, it has been a magnificent feat in self-discipline. I've lost 8 pounds and I'll keep them off if I continue to eat healthy and exercise. I feel clean, mean, and in control! Hopefully my inner organs are cleansed of many toxins and are grateful to me. AARGH. I can't wait until Monday when I can go to Chipotle.

Here are a couple of links if you're interested: http://healthandlight.com/TheMasterCleanse.pdf

and http://therawfoodsite.com/ and here's a NAYSAYER site: http://www.thedietchannel.com/master-cleanse-detox-diet

One of many fans

Jake is a fan of the AZ Cardinals. Dad is a fan of the Master Cleanse and the Super Foods. I am a fan of my nephew named Theron! I enjoyed the weather and visiting my family and friends in AZ last week, Theron being among the highlights. I especially enjoyed teaching him to say, "oh-yay-UH!" Is he adorable or what!? I know I am among many fans.

Running Bear.... loved little White Dove

My husband is fabulous. He danced shirtless in front of the extended family, with war paint on his chest, a feather on his head, and a mock loin-cloth over his jeans. Why? Because I thought it would be fun to perform a 50's song "Running Bear" at the Cope Family Variety Show a week before Christmas (mostly becase of an inside joke with his brothers). Peter was indeed a good sport, infact he was the star of the show, after 3.5 year old Caleb, of course. I appreciate his willingness to make a fool of himself, all for the sake of creating memories. And I'm grateful to Cassie who took the pictures to remember it by!
The next day, he went to a Triathalon with his brother Patrick and the so-called "war paint" was still on his chest. Naturally, he got a few interesting looks, smirks, and comments from fellow swimmers. When he told them it was for his wife, the looks got even more interesting.