Date Night: MBFGR

I came home from the dog park to a hungry husband. What will we eat? Paul was craving Greek food, the nearest restaurant is 20 min away. Half heatedly, I said, let's eat there instead of take out. And to my surprise, he agreed!

So away we went to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. Pastichio and mousaka. Yum. Entertained by greek dancers and a belly dancer. We had a nice time. I want to take advantage of these nights while we can before the baby comes.

I passed!

I passed my Boards Part 2, now I get to focus on the FL Boards which, to me, are extremely stressful. Part 2: 12 hr computerized multiple-choice exam. FL Boards: 3 patients and manikin to prepare and restore within a specific time frame.; failing rate much higher.

Do I doubt my skills? No. Do I doubt my speed? Yes. But with the baby and all, I really try not to stress.

I also met my new OBGYN. This guy communicates better than the woman I was seeing before, and the front office ladies are definitely a lot more pleasant. But, still, can't the doc crack a smile once?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today starts the Year of the Ox. Of course I had to celebrate with good ol' Chinese food, so I called up my Asian pals and went out to King Palace. Soy sauce chicken, duck, whole fish with ginger and onions and more. Yummy. I wish Paul came out, but he's still not feeling well. I've been on him to see a doctor. He finally made an appointment for next week. I'm worried but trying to be optimistic.

Tonight was also a celebratory dinner for me: I finally cemented my D3 crown competancy. Yeah for me, it only took my 3-4 months. It feels wonderful.

Putting on the domestic apron

So, lately I've been wanting to cook. It may be the maternal thing finally coming out. Or my desire for parents to cook when their kids are young. The only dishes I knew how to make were the ones I saw my mom and aunt preparing. Paul and I carry out so much, I'm afraid that our child will think food only comes from plastic bags and cartons. I would love for our son or daughter to eat healthy and be comfortable and curious in the kitchen.

So, inspired by Rachel Ray's simple recipe, and my increased energy during this trimester, I stopped by the grocer on the way home and cooked dinner for my husband.

Rachel Ray's Cheeseburger Chili Mac

1. Ground a pound of beef with 1 large chopped onion.
2. Squirt 2 big dollops of ketchup and 1 big dollop of mustard in the beef. Add a little of beef or veggie stock for moisture. Mix.
3. Boil a box of pasta. (I chose spinach penne.)
4. Mix beef mixture and pasta together. Chili power is optional.
5. Top with shredded cheddar. Place under broiler until cheese is bubbly and brown.

Paul and I ate almost the entire dish. It hit the spot! Next time, though, instead of ketchup and mustard, I may just use fresh or canned tomatoes. But I loved how I didn't have to measure a thing.

I only hope to continue this trend when I start working. I remember the old days, after a commuting home, I had no energy or desire to cook.

Elastic, my friend

I went shopping today with my girlfriends. Most of the day was uneventful, only punctured with moments of, "my goodness, I'm how big?"

The highlight was at the last store where I found 'normal' cargo pants and shorts with elastic waists. Needless to say, I bought one of each.

Only 75% of my brain

So I've been told I'll become a 'ditz' or forgetful, or only use 75% of my brain power. I'm hear to say, it's true. The Board exam is 2 days (12 hours total) and I used up almost the entire time reading each question very careful, twice.

It was not as bad as expected. If you studied old exams and reviewed a couple of study guides, you'll do just fine. I think I spent about 2 full (40-hr) weeks studying.

Major Things to Accomplish in order Before Baby Comes:
Study and Pass Boards Part 2 - Done! Well, at least I think I passed
Find FL Board Patients
Pass FL Board
Complete all school requirements

I didn't book patients for the rest of this week. I'll take this time to get my head back into clinic and to tidy up the home.

Last week, while on emergency rotation, I treated a guy with a horrible toothache. I also saw he had a lesion on his tongue, incipient and white, but nonetheless there. We did a biopsy. I wonder how he's doing...

Heartbeat away

The rented Doppler arrived a few days ago, still unopened in the box. I was surprised I could wait so long, but broke down today. Paul has never hear Baby before and was excited too.

Click to hear his/her little, fast heartbeat.

Wary of the unknown effects of sound waves on Baby's heart, we decided this will be the only time we use it. Although it's considered safe to listen 2-3 times per week, we would just prefer to not bombard him/her. I'm happy to have my little recording.

By week 20, I should be able to hear her heart using a stethoscope. I'm so excited! I'll probably tune in everyday! Hopefully by then, I'll be able to feel some movement.

With each passing day, it becomes more difficult to study...

Looking Forward to 2009

This is going to be an exciting year. Me finishing dental school, Paul finishing acupuncture school, and a baby on the way.

Christmas break was well needed. I got to hang out with my sisters and talked for hours. Went to Ivory Bistro with the Chinese side for real Chinese food and to my Uncles for homemade dumplings and karaoke. Christmas was at the DeLucia's but there were no little kids this year. Opening presents is just not the same without little ones to enjoy it.

Major Things to Accomplish in order Before Baby Comes:
Study and Pass Boards Part 2
Find FL Board Patients
Pass FL Board
Complete all school requirements

Ideally, I would like to give birth in St Pete, but if I don't finish in time, Paul tells me to not worry. That it will all work out one way or another.