Michigan Mock Rock

Mock Rock is an event The University of Michigan athletes started when I was in college to raise money for a scholarship in Jeffery Reese's name.  Jeffery's death in 1997 hit the atheletic community hard when he died trying to loose weight rapidly in order to wrestle in a lighter weight class against MSU.  I never knew him, but I remember all the sports teams coming together to support the effort.  Most athletes have pushed themselves to the limit at one point or another and the death was tragid.

Mock Rock continues on 13 years after it's first appearance, raising money for different causes now. Mock Rock 2012 will take place next week.  Last year's MC was Dhani Jones, a fellow pre-med student of mine turned pro-athlete/travel channel star.

I found the Michigan Mens Swimming Team's performance the most enteretaining.  Hope you do to.
Lanky guys with horrible hair dancing--pretty funny.  So are Dhani and Brady Hoke at the end.

In Search of our Fav. Reception Site in Grand Rapids

Jason and I went on a whirlwind trip to Grand Rapids to eyeball our favorite options for our reception.  Thankfully, my mom joined us as we drove all around town!  Here are our favorites in our search for a unique wedding reception venue:

1. The Goei Center- Urban loft like space with lots of art and decor by eastern floral.

2. Fredrick Meijer Gardens- Beautiful grounds and indoor greenhouse.  Perfect for an outdoor wedding.  Might have to reconsider this winter wedding idea! 

3. The Grand Rapids Art Museum- Modern, high vaulted ceilings.  Amazing location. 

5. The Imperial Room at The Amway- you feel important just walking into this room.  Prob. too small for our list though.

6. The Bissell Treehouse at John Ball Zoo- excepted to open in May 2012.  The idea sounds amazing. Tram to a treetop room with views of downtown GR.  Might be better if we weren't planning a winter wedding.

It was so fun to visit all these great places and try to find which fits our personality the most and matches our vision for our wedding day.  Luckily we all were on the same page with our favorites.

Modern Day Chain Email, But Less Annoying

I was tagged by THE MF DRE in 11 Things Blog Post.  Remember those emails everyone used to fill out and pass around about if they had any piercings, etc?  This reminds me of this, except it doesn't clutter your inbox.  I have to admit I always liked reading those things about my closest friends.  Since The MF DRE is one of my favs....I'm going to participate.

Rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

My Randoms:
1.  My dream profession as a small child was to be a garbage man.  This doctor thing didn't hit the career radar until the 5th grade.
2.  I once had a goldfish named Bo Schembechler.  When he died I was crushed and convinced it would be a horrible year for Michigan football.  That was the year we won the national championship.
3.  Other than goldfish, I am uncreative with names.  My teddy bear as a child was named Ted.  My pet gerbel was Merbel.  I had a stuffed monkey named Monk.  You get the idea.
4.  I was actually suppose to be a middle child.  Those who know me well know it's a blessing things worked out this way.  I am a true "baby of the family" until 18 months and 2 days ago when my first niece was born. 
5.  It is a rare that a day goes by without someone commenting on my height.  I'm not exaggerating.  I don't mind though.
6. When I was in the 6th grade, my science teacher said if you jumped every day 100 times a day, by high school you could dunk a basketball.  And so I did.  For a good month.  It didn't work.
7.  The first time I was on a plane was our 6th grade trip to Washington D.C.
8.  I could eat peppermint stick ice cream and chips with melted cheese/salsa everyday for the rest of my life.
9.  Some girls love shoes.  I love pajamas and underwear.  3 drawers full.
10.  I miss my friends.  Always.  Even right after I've seen them.  It's a little ridiculous.
11.  I wish I had a Bernese Mountain Dog.  I'd name him Bernie (please see number 3).


  11 questions…

1.  In what moment of your day do you feel most free?  Walking over the bridge to the parking structure as I leave the hospital for the day.
2. Brag for a moment about one of the accomplishments you’re most proud of.  Completing the Ironman.  I never knew I had the strength- mental and physical.
3. You’re having a dinner party.  How many people are you inviting and what would you make? Six people is perfect.  I'd make Broccoli Quinoa or some sort of spicy stir fy.
4. Do you prefer to work out in the morning? At night? Not at all?  Morning.  Unfortunatley most days I wait until after work.  I have to be at work by 6:30 most days.....
5. Which reality TV show has succeeded in sucking you in season after season?  None.  Hate me if you want.  I dabble in a few but not really hooked on any.
6. What is the most random thing you put Peanut Butter on?  A spoon.  Straight from the jar is my fav.
7. Would you prefer to live a long life or a broad life? I think most people in medicine would agree....Broad life.  Quality years over quanitity.  
8. Prius.  Love ‘em or Hate ‘em?    Don't care either way!
9. What song are you embarrassed to say you love?  Anything by Kesha.
10. Valentines Day? Love it or Hate it?   Both.  Hate the fact that those who are single feel sad and those in a relationship could usually care less.  Love any chance to decorate, give cards, and other cheesy crap like that.  Give the MR. something homemade and edible.
11. What is your best advice for me in my first full Marathon this year?   Remember this on your race day.  Race day is a victory lap.  You've already put in all the hard work, long hours, dedication.  No matter what comes your way on race day keep a smile on your face, soak in the crowd, the music, the support.  IT IS YOUR DAY.

NEW questions…

1.  Name one thing that happened today that you are thankful for?
2. Brag for a moment about one of the accomplishments you’re most proud of. ( I liked this one so kept it!)
3. What are some ways you save money?
4. What is your favorite type of exercise?  Which exercise type is most challenging for you?
5. If you had to relive any part of your life, which would it be? 
6. Who is a friend you've lost touch with that you still think of often?
7. Are you an organ donor?  If so why.  If not why?
8. Do you have a musical talent??  What is it?
9. What advice do you have for me as I am starting my wedding planning?
10. What New Years Resolutions have you actually kept.
11. Who do you look like more, your mom or your dad?  Who do you act like more?

Tag You’re It (And I know most of you won't do this)
THE HAMM FAMM
TOM's Ironman BLOG
Smooth Dave Hamm Famm
Mom meets Baby
David and Marta
Laura Friendly 
And then I ran
Life Love Laughter 

 

My Kind of Town?

This photo of Milwaukee is courtesy of TripAdvisor
 

The day after our engagement, I signed a three year contract at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee as a transplant hepatologist.  I think it really took a few weeks to sink in, we will be moving to Milwaukee in August.  There.  I said it.  For the first time publicly.

  I'm really excited about the position, the mentorship and support I will have there.  It was a extremely difficult decision, given the fantastic opportunity at Spectrum and other places as well.  In the end, I decided I wanted more experience in the field of transplant before going somewhere that did not already have a well established program.  It is still hope to someday be a part of bringing liver transplant to Grand Rapids, but hope this opportunity will make me better prepared for such a task. 

So.  We are moving to Milwaukee.  I've never been there except for the hospital.  Jason is happy that there are several good music venues and professional sports.  I'm excited to be near the lake front for long runs, good biking and some skiing.  We're both happy that it will be only 1 hour and 20 minutes  back to Chicago (closer to those who may one day live in the north suburbs).  We plan to keep one of our places here and return often.   Really often.  It almost seems like we wont be moving at all, because it will be so easy to get back whenever we want. 

WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!

 Last week Wed. night I was in for the surprise of my life.  One thing I love about Jason is how well he listens and observes things.  He often knows things about me that I don't even remember telling him or even things I don't realize myself.  Our engagement night was no different.  It was perfect.

He knew he should hold off on proposing the weekend before, when I was in the dumps over some work stuff.  He understood that I needed to make a decision about my job contracts and was planning to do so that week.  Although I never told him, he could tell that decision would be much easier for me after we were engaged.  I think he somehow even knew I wanted to be engaged by my annual girls weekend, even though that was something I definitely never shared with him or anyone until now.  And so the stage was set....

After a long day (week, hell, year) at work, I headed over to Jason's house for what I thought would be ordering in.  I walked in the door and Jason's place was spotless.  I noticed that a chair was missing from the dining room table and I saw Mr. Ninja right out in the open (Ninja's have a special place in our relationship).  Not very stealth for a ninja.  I pointed this crappy hiding spot out to Jason, who prompted me to take a closer look.  I saw a silver colored ring on it and thought "I don't remember the Ninja being a keychain" and then it hit me.  And what did I do?  I ran to the kitchen. I ran away.  Not because I wasn't dying to be engaged to Jason, but a thousand thoughts were in my head.  I needed a manicure.  My hair was a mess and I was wearing pants with holes in them.  Are we going to order in tacos right after we get engaged?!?!  I don't want to order in on the night we get engaged!  So I started asking him about what kind of food he wanted to order for dinner.

He laughed and walked me over to the table.  When I was able to breath again, Jay said some of the sweetest things, of which I remember the first and last sentence.  And then....he got on one knee and put the most beautiful ring I've ever seen on my finger.  Afterwards he told me we had reservations at a resturant we love, Sepia.  He knew me so well.  He knew I'd want to get dressed up and go celebrate and he even budgeted time to drive me back home to change clothes. 

It's going to be a crazy year of changes ahead, but I couldn't be happier to have a partner in crime whom I love so very much!!

Charleston, MLK Weekend Reunion

This weekend we had our 10th annual MLK reunion weekend.  This tradition started the year after college when all 14 girls I lived with my senior year at 814 Hill Street in Ann Arbor decided to have a reunion.  Some of our sorority sisters who did not live with us that year also joined.  Over the past decade people have come and gone from the reunion, but the tradition continues and we hope as lives change others will return!  This year we went to Charleston, SC.  The weekend was everything a girls weekend should be:    

Plenty of Shopping

Rooftop, sunset cocktails

Dance party...here we are learning the worm

Cooking a nice dinner

Beach time for morning runs and afternoon picnics

and some gymnastics

fancy dinners (it was restaurant week in Charleston)

Spooky Ghost walking tour

and a history lesson about "the dark side" of Charleston

We had an amazing time.  I love Charleston.  I love these girls.  I'm looking forward to talking about our 20th reunion!

Happy New Year

yup. my dress is too short.  so what?