LOST

I must confess that I have a vice that sucks a lot of my time lately. And its fascinating and fun! Its LOST. Never watched a live episode. Ever. Randomly began watching them on Netflix's instant viewing in mid December 2009. Now I'm on Season 3! So, I'm hooked and frantically trying to catch up for that very last live episode of Season 6 in a couple of months. In the mean time, I have to ignore all of the news about the show, as it would clearly be a spoiler to so-behind ME! I have a lot in common with these people - I'm lost on the island of NY... new place, new friends, new challenges and opportunities... plus Peter's gone a lot and its either LOST or family history. :) Or the temple, or scrapbooking, or scriptures, or the gym. its clear what I value as of late.

Moving on. Do you watch the show? What are your thoughts? Do you have any so-called vices?

Keeping our fingers crossed

Anyday now we'll find out where we're moving this summer... anyday. Peter had a phone interview with a hospital here in Brooklyn - Woodhull. They have a poor reputation and this opportunity is low on Peter's ranking preferences. Monday he interviews with a hospital in Manhattan - St. Luke's. They have a good program and we'd be happy to get into that internship. Next Monday (3/1) he has an interview with UCLA and will fly out the day before and stay with our cousins Herbie and Laurine. CA is my vote as its the WEST, and much closer to home and because this program is known as the "country club," which means Peter wouldn't be overworked everyday like he is here in Brooklyn. Of course, TN might be an option if Peter works his connections right. So.... just waiting and being prayerful that the timing on these opportunities aligns with offers, etc.
I'm crossing my fingers that I can continue to keep my temp job until then and beyond if we stay in NY. I'm working for Prisma Capital Partners - a private hedge fund company - in the operations departments. Long hours, lots of data entry, and super nice people. The company has a relaxed, playful atmosphere, which is refreshing. This is a huge blessing! So, we'll just keep on keeping on, trying to be worthy of the Lord's guidance and direction! Any day!

It is what it is...

So, over Christmas vacation my brother in law Eric mentioned that he detested the idiomatic phrase "it is what it is." What does it even mean? - he remarked - and that it seemed so superfluous and unnecessary to say such a phrase. That got me to thinking, and I disagree with Eric's viewpoint. I like this phrase, as simple and supposedly self-evident as it may seem. I believe its a highly useful, nuanced and contextual phrase. Most of the time it is said in response to something that can't be changed, shouldn't be messed with, should be accepted at face value, and should be appreciated as such. But, depending on the context, it can have other meanings. What does it mean to you? Do you detest it, tolerate it, or embrace it? Do you use it or not use it (ever)? Is this the lamest post you ever read on my blog? Are you surprised that I would even waste the time to write/ journal about a silly little idiomatic phrase? Hmmm... Oh, and my co-worker just informed me that she heard on the radio that this phrase ranks as one of the top 10 most annoying phrases in the English language. So, it seems as if the majority stands with Eric. Oh well. It is what it is. Surely you knew that I would end with that. :)

The MATCHMAKER did NOT make us a match

Well, the sad news is that Peter did not "match," as Monday, January 25 was the big "match" day. This means that he didn't electronically match up with any oral surgery residency programs for next year (programs go from July 1 - June 30 and typically last 4-6 years). Naturally, we're shocked and very disappointed. He has really worked hard, sacrificing countless hours and holidays with his wife! So, what is plan B? Hmmm.... its in the negotiation stage right now, but basically Peter will probably have to do another year of internship, and maybe even re-take the 1st half of his dental boards (scores were low and its obviously psycho competitive), thus prolonging the overall process for us. But, we're committed to his career goals and aspirations, so we'll figure this out. So, at this point, we could stay in NY or go anywhere. !? Life is an adventure with the Pete. We'll keep you posted!

MLK Day = hubba hubba

MLK will always be special to me. Not because of its namesake or the tremendous life and work of Dr. King, but because five years ago on this day, Peter and I had our first kiss. As he tells it, it was more of a make-out session, initiated, encouraged and perpetuated by me, which is "probably" true. What can I say? He was irrestible. So, here's the (long) love story: we met in 2000 in Omaha while I was on a business trip and visiting my sister. She had seen him at church and because he played the piano, was gorgeous, and friendly, she decided that he was my type. So true. My sister set us up on a blind date, it was love at first sight, except that Peter was waiting for a missionary. Always a determined finisher, he let me get away to dote on her. Fast forward four years to 2004. I get an email from Peter out of the blue announcing his engagement to yet another girl. From the picture, I could tell that they were not blissfully in love and my first thoughts were: 1. that girl is NOT right for him (I am). 2. What happened to his missionary? 3. Has Peter Nelson been "on the market" for the past four years and I have not known about this? HUBBA HUBBA! I emailed him a congratulations and we corresponded briefly (with many teasings about his engagement history). Four months later, he contacted me again to let me know that that other girl was indeed not right for him, it hadn't worked out, and that we should flirt and correspond to see where our own love connection would lead. Okay, those were not his exact words, but you get the idea. So, we did just that. Finally, in early 2005 he planned a trip to AZ to visit me. It was MLK weekend. We spent most of the time socializing with my family and friends with little to no alone time. I liked Peter too much to be "rejected" again, so I was in control this time around. Random old maid psychology, I know. Thus, Monday loomed as our big day alone together and I wasn't altogether sure of what Peter was thinking and what was going to happen. Yikes! So, on Sunday night I dropped him off at his hotel and apparently, I was somewhat curt and dismissive, which I "probably" was. I didn't know what was going on with him, and again, "reject first before being rejected" was my motto. About 15 minutes later, he called me to tell me that he really liked me, that he was enjoying himself and that he was looking forward to our day together. !? Said declaration was so bold, so sweet, so honest, that it immediately disarmed me and I melted. What a guy! I guess learning his thoughts reassured and emboldended me. And I really, really liked him. So, the big day arrived. We walked around ASU and hiked Camelback Mountain. It was unseasonably warm for January - 81 degrees! At the top of the mountain, we sat and talked, enjoying the view. Peter deftly made his move, and after a little smoochie, when he moved away, I "probably" wouldn't let him... and an hour later, we were officially an item! It was glorious. Thus, MLK will always be our special day. And, even now, recounting our history, makes me remember how fabulous my husband is and how grateful I am to be with him! Hubba hubba!

Grandma's funeral

I went to CO last week to attend my maternal grandmother's funeral. It was more of a celebration of a beautiful life well lived than a mournful occasion. What a terrific lady - Cora Pauline Morgan. She lived 84 years. She was born and married in the house that she lived in for 82 years. Only recently did she move into a small apartment where she enjoyed central heating and insulated walls for the first time in her life. Hers was a frugal, practical approach to life. Virtue, honesty, righteous living - these were the hallmarks of her existence. She had a terrific sense of humor, a pleasant smile, a peaceful countenance and an overall zest for living. She will be missed. But she is in a better place, with her dear husband and all of her family members now, so we can't help but be happy for her.
I'm grateful that I was able to go! Conveniently, my temp job with Hanes ended week before last, so I had this window of time.... Heavenly Father is ever mindful of my needs.
I enjoyed seeing so many immediate and extended family members. I stayed at my favorite cousin's place - Leann (Reynolds) Huffaker. She, her husband and her kids are so much fun! We always get lost in "Leann Land" - her big, beautiful house is always filled with games, food, relaxation and wonderful conversation. We could ride horses if we wanted, but we stay inside, play games, and laugh our guts out. *Favorite memory: playing "Loaded Questions." Niece Miranda (age 14) responded to the question, "if you were a tough guy/ girl (gangster) what would your name be?" She wrote "Nicole." Nicole? Not "the Hammer" or "the Squisher"... but Nicole!? We couldn't stop laughing. Sister Diane says, "Nicole, as in Jennifer?" Yep. Nicole as in Jennifer. So, Nicole became the joke of the evening. Next question: "What keeps you up at night?" "The fear of Nicole"... naturally. Miranda wanted it to end and for us to just stop, but we could not. Thanks Brad & Leann for all of the laughs. You guys are wonderful!
And just being around you all and celebrating Grandma's life has made me a better person.

Nelsons in NY for the New Year!

What a treat! Peter's sibs and spouses came to visit us for New Years Eve, minus Andrea and Curt whom we missed. We had originally planned on going to Times Square to see the ball drop, but somehow, we managed to talk Natalie out of that mayhem, only to have a somewhat anti-climactic beginning to 2010 (sorry Nat). We ate a fabulous restaurant thanks to Clin & Jackie's recommendation, the eatery, and upon seeing the masses, we headed to our place in Brooklyn Heights to relax, warm up and hang out for a couple of hours. We played games and were then blessed by watching Eric's timeless impression of Hulk Hogan which elicited many chuckles. At 11:00 we took the Staten Island Ferry, only to return and come back at midnight. My idea was that we'd be heading into the fireworks on Manhattan just after midnight. !? Turned out, there weren't any fireworks afterall in our part of the island, must have all been happening at Times Square. Sorry Nat. At least we got to see the Statue of Liberty much closer and get a free boat ride!

The trip was fun overall, and we even attempted the Today Show on New Years Eve morning! Our sign was lame, our positioning was poor, and when the snow started coming down, we headed out to grab some breakfast and watch the ice skaters in Rockefeller Center.

The weekend ended with me going up to NH where I got to see my in-laws and the kiddos for a couple of days. Best memory: Steven bludgeoning an opossum in the Makechnie chicken coop. I came back on Sunday afternoon on the Fung-wah bus ($15 to NY) to a cozy and well rested Dr. Nelson. Happy New Year everybody!