Hooray Hoorah Horrack

Well it's about time... I updated this blog. Now that it has been just a YEAR since my last post! Wow. I'm on the right track to an awesome blog. 

What has been happening the past year? Hmm... well, we graduated from newly-wed status. Right?? I mean, we have been married now for a solid year and 3 months; I'm pretty sure I'm an old pro at this thing. Lessons learned in the first year:

1. If you really love candy, but your partner really doesn't, THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED before marriage. Trust me, it will be an issue. 

***But when it is, it is possible to slowly and skillfully wean your mate into a fairly acceptable level of need for sugar, like you... this will make it possible for you to continue on in your pre-diabetic course, what you were hoping for.

2. Selfless = happiness. Let's be honest, sometimes I'm selfish. And I can be really rude. Who would of thought? In fact, sometimes being rude just really hits the spot for me. Again, who would of thought? However, every ounce of selflessness makes pounds of happiness.

3. Volatility. Great word. Great fun. Not so great when you seriously feel volatile. Self Control? Yes. Self control is a great way of addressing conflict, that I never knew about before. Who would've thought that the years of tackling my little brother would give little benefit to conflict resolution strategies in marriage? 

4. I didn't realize that I like to swear sometimes, under my breath. It's a guilty pleasure. But sometimes I hope someone hears, just for effect. Then I realize that I'm alone and it was all for nothing. I can't tell if its marriage or NYC that brough this on. Confession!! Sorry mom

5. Men like food, sex, and kindness. That's pretty much all they really require to be happy, and when they are happy, wow. You have yourself a henchman, doorman, toolman, loyal friend, confidant, playmate, and lover all in one! They are pretty awesome, if you ask me. Pretty simple. 

Overall, how do I feel about marriage after one year? Best decision I ever made. And can you blame me? Dusty after I made some bread:



Who wouldn't love this man?



Other things:

I started school again for my BSN. Big mistake. SOOO boring.

I quit my job working for a plastic surgeon who will remain unnamed. I still need to record some of my experiences from there. Indulge me with lessons learned from working on Park Ave:

a. Don't ever get a boob job. If you are considering it, please see me first. You need to know the bad and the ugly before you risk bringing it upon yourself! There are always risks, even when done by a world-class surgeon, and they require upkeep! They are not a one time investment, which would be scary if you lost your job and then had a deflated boob... which I have seen happen!

b. Even gorgeous movie stars have self doubt and imperfect bodies. NO ONE has a perfect body. Cellulite, wrinkles, fat where you don't want it, no fat where you do want it... these are facts of life!

c. Aging with grace must be really hard to do. It is really important to have a solid life outside of what you look like.

d.The quest for physical perfection is insatiable!

e. Laziness + self-obsession = poor self esteem.

Wow, did you know you were going to recieve so much wealth of wisdom and life lessons before you woke up this morning and read this blog!?

Dustin finished his first year of medical school. YAy! Three, or six or eight or something like that more to go. Hooray hoorah horrack.

We moved to a much larger box (comparitively) 7 blocks down.

We took a vacation to Puerto Rico. Highly recommended!!! **We have a great realtor contact, if you are interested!!**

I got a new job doing pediatric homecare. LOVE IT. (In nursing, you just have to find your niche. Mine wasn't really in the hospital, wasn't with adults, wasn't in the ER, wasn't in the clinic, and DEFINITELY wasn't in plastic surgery... but I love homecare!).

I am sure I am forgetting many noteable and exciting things (or not...) but that about sums up the year. Oh yeah, and we got two cool lawn chairs to sit on the roof! *exciting* I know, I know.

Here's some of the year's highlights in picture form:

 



Christmas '09, spent with our families in Utah and Washington:

These little parasites are nephews. They love uncle D!





Who else dresses up with their families on Christmas Eve for a formal Dinner Dance? We do! Dustin and I in character.



 Puerto Rico Vacation Summer 2010:



View from our Condo Window




Catamaran snorkeling trip



Going hog wild on the beach




El Junque National Park





The Fort in San Juan



 



I think that Dustin's favorite part of the trip was driving this golf cart around the resort



 

Other Random Memories:



Brooklyn Bridge Park





Beach day with friends

 


Sarah McLaughlin and Norah Jones Concert in the Park on my birthday



View from the Top of the Rock



Loved Bryant Park Monday night Movie Nights



At Bryant Park





love fairs in the park

We were members of the audience on the Monday after the big David Letterman conspiracy was announced. It was very exciting, and I must say, he knows how to perform! With the help of Steve Martin and Martin Short, you would never have known that his entire life was falling apart.... We were interviewed when we left the show by two news stations for our opinions about the scandel.

There is definitely a story behind this picture: When my parents visited, we passed the greek heritage parade on fifth avenue. Something happened in all the excitement, and Dustin found himself actually walking in the parade, waving to thousands of greek grandmas. He may have been found out, as he was the only one not wearing traditional outfitting.

Picnics.

All-time favorite past-time of the year: playing catch in central park.

We were able to visit Dan in Baltimore and attend his concert! Love him!





We went to this state park in upstate New York when Blake was visiting, and Dustin's inner man was able to reconnect with nature.

Dustin opening presents for his bday. Our family was present for the event, as shown in the picture on the table. Note the stellar leopard print wrapping paper, a major find near the trash shute in our building.

Dustin's only request for his Birthday this year: to play wii with his loyal playmate, Adam, for as long as they could possibly want. No nagging wives, no responsibilities. He turned 13... oh wait no, 26. They had fun!

Cornell Class of 2013 Manhattan Island Boat Cruise



The Deerhead Inn, Deleware Water Gap, PA. Where we spent our first anniversary. So romantic!





Loved Summer nights at this pier on the West Side. Live music, food, and amazing sunsets



Coney Island with the Sagebins and their friend Dave. Luckily we made it for the mermaid parade!...



It's been a great year. Hopefully my next post will be before November 2011.