Single in the City

So, as most of you know, my relationship status has currently changed. I am once again "single in the city." As you can imagine, it has been quite an adjustment period for me and continues to be a bit....surreal?

Though I'm not quite ready to delve back into the "dating scene," I thought I'd share with you some things I've learned from my previous venture into dating in Chicago.

As I think towards the future, of meeting men and dating, the book "He's just not that into you" keeps popping in my head. Honestly, I'm not one for self help books but this book really puts dating into perspective. Too many times, women wait around for a man to call, text, IM, email, or show any sign that you are anything significant to him. I'll admit I have been guilty of this in the past. Always remember "He's not that into you if he's not calling you."

I think we also need to learn to trust our gut instincts a bit more. There are several times I went on a date with someone and was a bit hesitant about agreeing to a second date, but I did to be nice. Sometimes being too nice can blow up in your face.

Example: YEARS ago, I went out with this guy, we'll call him Jim (not to protect identity but because I don't remember his name :) ). The first date was alright, but I wasn't sure that it was an exact match. I struggled with the decision of whether to go out with him again. Finally, I thought 'well he's NICE, so I guess I'll give him another try.' A week later, we went out to a movie and he came up to my apartment afterwards for a drink ( I SWEAR just a drink). Anyway, while we were talking, Jim quickly ran into my bathroom. All of a sudden, I hear the fan on, and the water running....He then proceeds to let out the LOUDEST farts I have ever heard in my life. Now, this was back in PA school, before my 4 years of gastroenterology experience...and I like a good fart joke just like the next person... But COME ON?? This was only a 2nd date (and the last) and he came out of the bathroom with this HUGE grin on his face and a seductive look in his eyes. I guess his bowels were feeling better, so he felt ready to make a move. Too bad for him, his chance was gone. I should have trusted that "gut" instinct and not have gone out with him again.

Over the years, I have had many dates that did not lead to relationships, but definitely gave me good material to tell my friends the next day. One of the worst and most awkward date I have EVER been on was, again, several years ago. Tim? Nick? John?...I don't remember his name. Anyway, we met at Old Orchard Mall. The plan was to have dinner and a movie. Prior to meeting up with him, he said "Do me a favor. If you're having a good time with me, let me pay for dinner." I was like..um...ok? Prior to dinner he had bought our tickets for the movie. As we're walking to the restaurant, He turns to me and says "If you want to have an alcoholic drink, that's okay." where I replied "Well, I'm over 21 years old so I know this" but was thinking "I may need SEVERAL drinks to get through the rest of THIS date." We got to dinner where I think there was little to no conversation and I inhaled my drinks and food just to be done with it.

If he didn't already purchase the movie tickets, I would have ended the date there, but I couldn't. We go to the movie theater and I am staring at the movie screen, arms crossed in front of me, with my jacket across me like a blanket. Body language 101 will tell you that I'm not interested. Finally, the lights go down for the previews to start and "whats his name" turns to me and stares at me throughout the ENTIRE previews, drilling a hole into the side of me head with his eyes. Just thinking about this makes me want to puke, but it gets worse. As the movie continues, he rests his head on my shoulder and trys to dig his hand in to hold my hand. I don't even know what movie we saw, what it was about, who were the actors. I think it might have involved a train? All I could think of the entire time was "GET ME OUT OF HERE." Needless to say, I rejected a second date, but can officially title this the Worst Date Ever!

Hope these stories were enjoyable! If I remember more, I'll be sure to share! If you have any tips or stories to share, comment away!! :D

You tell me about your kid's stats, i tell you about my dog's!

The only waiting room in the world that I love being in is a vets office. It's never fun to wait, but seeing all those animals is so fun! We took Tara to the vet yesterday for her annual check up/shots and she was the star of the waiting room. Everyone loved her except for a cat that hissed at her for no reason as she was walking by. Mean to hiss, but HYSTERICAL.

Tara is a healthy pupster! She is currently 14 months old, weighing in at 56lbs. (still the smallest of her siblings that I know of). She still has her puppy energy even after 12 hour session in doggy daycare. She's CRAZY! :) She isn't the best eater in the world. For her, everything that other people/animals have is much better than what we give her. Recently, I found her sneaking and eating the cat food. I was wondering how Lily (the cat) was eating so much and still so hungry :)

Anyway, Tara was the perfect patient. She didn't move at all when she got her shots or got her temp taken. We (mostly me i guess) were really proud.

A couple weeks ago we took her to the dog park with her sister Maggie and randomly ran into their real mom! It was cute to see them all together, but I don't think that mother/daughter bond still exists for them.



(mom is on the left in the first picture)

Here's another cute picture of Tara when we were visiting Becca to watch the Bears game. She loves to be close to us :)

Camp Oasis

I recently came back from one of the greatest experiences ever. I volunteered as part of the Medical Staff (Club Med) for Camp Oasis. This is a week long overnight camp for children with Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. I was recruited my my friend's (Sivan) dad who they say is the forefather of Camp Oasis. It took a little convincing, but I'm so glad I participated and hope I'm able to come back next year.

Interacting with these children reminded me of how tough IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can be and how resilient children are. The staff was great and the doctors and nurses who volunteered with me are unforgettable!

I took my camera with me, but unfortunately left the memory card at home. Here are some pictures I "stole" from facebook. Enjoy!


This is the rehearsal/performance pictures of Club Med performing "Single Ladies" by Beyonce for Lip Sync night!

The host camp is Camp Young Judaea (my former camp) and these are 2 of the amazing activities added since I was a camper (a long long LONG time ago)


New Friends!!!



Dr. Paul, Dr. Josh, and Dr. Mike after the pie eating contest at the Carnival.



Fire-sign on the last night of camp! (It says Oasis (with their logo) 10 (for 10 years)

Happy Birthday Tara!

Today Tara is 1 year old. She has grown SO much in the last 8 1/2 months since we had her (When we adopted her she was 2 1/2 months old). When we first got her she was sick and very lethargic but over time we got her healthy again and she is thriving. She graduated first in her class in puppy class (the only one that graduated) and soared through basic obedience....

At 2 1/2 months she weighed 22 pounds...Now...She is about 60 pounds and growing.... Good growth spurt huh?

We love our Tara!

Then:

Now:

Our visitor Louie

A couple weeks ago we watched my aunt and uncle's dog Louie while they were out of town. Tara had a great time with Louie and I really think she misses him! Here are some pics.

This is after a long stretch of playing "catch the louie"

Happy Puppy

Tara was VERY interested in our house guest!

Little Louie sure was a lot of work, but in the end we all had fun. He's a dog that likes to pee inside more than outside and LOVES to whine :) LOL.

TMI on Facebook

I'm trying to understand this obsession that some people have of posting EVERYTHING in their facebook status. Sometimes I feel like commenting on their status and saying "Um...though I'm your "facebook friend" we aren't friends in real life and I don't need to know about your breakup/sickness/husband's surgery/how much your boyfriend loves you...etc" but I think that would be rude.

People seem to have the need to let you know the good and all the bad going on in their life. Sometimes I am embarrassed for these people (you know who you are) that I'm reading this personal information. Maybe I could be called a hypocrite cause I DO have a blog. But, A) I barely use it and B) I'd never go on and on about the sicknesses in my family or the stresses in my life. The Blog is just for fun...just like facebook should be!

Anyway, that is my rant for today (stems from a facebook status I saw of someone I went to high school with who I don't even talk to at all, but I know of her sickness, her husband's sickness, how much they love each other and when she's had a bad day).....TMI...the world doesn't need to know this!

It's a beautiful sunny day. Hope you are enjoying the weather!

Mark Kirk for Senate

Video

Happy Monday!
Is it just me, or do the weekends seem shorter and shorter?
PS Lana...I'll write a post for you as soon as you give me my Lia Sophia jewelry :)

Ursula...This one is for you!

So apparently, according to SOMEONE, my Blog is not updated enough. It's most likely due to lack of anything interesting to share :)

It is a typical Tuesday afternoon. Patients will start coming in an hour and I'll be here FOREVER!

Here is a little something for your tuesday!

HOOPS AND YOYO

GO PAs!

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2009/full_list/index.html

Physician assistants are rated #2 in top careers for 2009.

Just wanted to give this a shout out (as I am still at work at 7:34pm on a Tuesday with a snow storm)

MARK KIRK FOR US SENATE!!!!

I woke up this morning to some good news, well for some people. Though it isn't a surprise, Mark Kirk won the republican primaries and is now on his way to taking that senate seat! I don't claim to be a Democrat or a Republican. I guess I'm an independent who will vote for whichever candidate I believe in, regardless of party lines. That's why I like Mark Kirk. I supported him during his past race for 10Th district congressman of Illinois and I'll support him now. Though he is a Republican, he is one of the most independent thinkers in congress. Pro-environment, pro-stem cell research, pro-life, pro-Israel. I don't see anything bad.

Congrats Mark Kirk, and good luck! You have my vote!

puppy pics!

The first picture is Tara graduating from puppy class! (So proud ;) ) Then here is a picture of my puppy Tara (7 months old) having fun with my Dad. I love this picture!

some business to take care of..... ;)

Locked out? Need to get back in?

Call 1st Chicago Locksmith or visit them at www.1stchicagolocksmith.com

1st time blogger, long time reader (well kind of)

So I'm starting this blog today partially out of boredom, partially cause I like talking about myself

We'll see how this "blogging" goes, and if anyone really is interested in hearing about me (and my dog and cat) :)