update & eric's debut

I guess it's time for a real update, not just a fun insta-photo post. 

So here goes...

Now that we are pretty much settled, I can fill you in on life in Arizona so far. 

As soon as we got down here and started meeting people I made it a point to tell everyone that I was looking for a job! They would always ask what I was looking for and I told them I wasn't picky just looking for something to keep me busy. I wanted to steer away from retail (my previous job at Abercrombie) and wanted something a little more consistent, Mon-Fri 9-5 kinda thing. So about a week after getting settled, I got a call from a lady in the ward who is a CPA and has her own accounting firm. She was desperately looking for help, someone to help her out full-time especially now during tax season. She basically offered me the job over the phone before knowing anything about me. Even though I don't have much of an accounting background- OK none at all, I can still answer the phone, take messages, schedule appointments and be all cute and friendly to people who walk in the door. So I took the job, it seemed silly not to. I was ready to get back into a routine and start making some money. No pressure, but I am our only source of income for the next two years. So I'll just cut to the chase...the job is terrible. NOT what I was expecting. It's just not a very fun environment and I spend all day, mostly by myself, sitting in a chair waiting for the phone to ring. I could go on and on complaining, but I won't. I'm thankful to have a job and will do what I can to  make the most of it until I can find something I really want to do and know I will enjoy.

Even though our schedules have picked up and we're back to reality, we are enjoying getting to know Arizona and soaking up some sun and pool time on the weekends. And I'm still having fun taking photos to keep my sanity and a nice balance. 

: ) 

The time has finally arrived!  The husband is making his world debut on the E&C blog.  I'm doing this post by popular demand and some minor arm twisting in order to put a little spin on the "everyday" Cara and I go through.  From island life, southern comfort, mid west hospitality, rocky mountain highs and the current desert flair, one thing has remained throughout our travel.  Which is, my passion for medicine and the human experience.  Translation:  My eyes in a text/review book, hours at a hospital/clinic, and the rest of the time spent talking about medicine with colleagues and friends.  That does include yelling out a diagnosis to Dr. House when he asks me a question through the TV, and sending numerous emails to Dr. Oz when he makes a misleading or incorrect statement on his show.  I think it was during the 3rd email in one day, I realized I needed to get out more.  

So, here's my contribution to the blog!

I started the rotation part of my medical education in pediatrics for the next 6 weeks.  I will do rotations in:  Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, Psychiatry and a few electives of my choice.  The goal is to eventually be a doctor when I grow up.  So for those who don't care about the process here's my short answer- I'm an MD in 2 more years, then residency training for 3-4 more.  

For now, I am at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Pediatrics.  I have seen lots of babies, kids and young adults in just 2 short weeks and I'm happy to say I would still be a pediatrician.  Some circumstances are tuff to see, especially when it come to the safety of a child.  Some situations are so rewarding when a previously morbidly obese 8 y/o returns to normal limits of weight because they've been following the Dr.'s wellness plan eating right and exercising for the past year.  Then some situations you just have to bear down and do it.  Those include:  pap smears and prostate exams.  "I'd rather take the butchers word for it."  

The same always remains that there is always more to learn.  That has been the case every day.  

The Phoenix area is great and I'm happy to be here with Cara.  We get to do some pretty cool things and we are just happy to be able to stay in one spot for the next few years and enjoy the ride.  Thanks for taking a couple of minutes to read this.  I'll try to find a picture worth this many words for next time.