tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89304844790569412032012-02-16T01:22:06.639-08:00Welcome to the world of a 20-something army wife and physician who is working out the differences between a hectic professional life and a happy, creative existence at home!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.comBlogger621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-43188052979565045612012-01-10T17:52:00.001-08:002012-01-10T18:09:24.329-08:00

Busy girls have a hard time hitting the minimum when it comes to nutrition. In theory, "making time" for 3 healthy squares each day is great. But what about when my morning clinic runs over because someone was worked in for a rash that doesn't really exist...causing my evening hospital shift to run over because I need to do my dictations...which is interrupted by a code in the SICU...and

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-59116294806501730122011-12-18T20:52:00.000-08:002011-12-18T21:35:25.217-08:00

I'll admit it. To be an educated woman, I love some mindless television. Complete lack of academic conversation and total overload of visual stimulation will get me every time. My latest guilty pleasure is The Glam Fairy, Sundays at 8/7c on Style. Alexa Prisco, the owner, runs a sparkling business of creative directing, hair design, and fierce makeup application for a wide array of clients. Over

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-68784680773453509432011-06-18T19:20:00.000-07:002011-06-18T19:26:43.293-07:00

My family came over for a Father's Day dinner tonight. Daddy requested my strawberry cake. What a day-maker! I was happy to make a pyramid of lovely little strawberry cupcakes with delicious cream cheese icing.What do you do to show your dad you love him?

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-2997331114385540312011-06-16T18:20:00.000-07:002011-06-16T18:34:12.500-07:00

I never thought I would see the day where there would be a social event and I couldn't find ONE new look I was dying to show off!Usually I have a fantastic cocktail dress from a department store clearance rack that is begging me over and over and over again..."Wear me! WEAR ME!!!" (Apple-bods do have a difficult time wading through the shapely fashions on the regular sales floor....BUT the

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-46053625456271131502011-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:002011-06-14T19:00:15.318-07:00

Do I even deserve a blog? Yes, it's been forever.As an intern, it is insanely difficult to get enough extra time to blog. I've cut time out of my most treasured activities to gain a few extra moments of sleep. In an effort to help you understand, I've compiled a list of little confessions:As a rather girly girl, any sort of cosmetic ritual is of major importance. However, I now use baby wipes to

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-34728899011639094462010-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:002010-10-19T18:42:17.906-07:00

Being fabulous is about the little things. Anyone can really slather on the fab for a hot date or an artsy event. But here are some of the small things I've done to change the ordinary to the extra-freakin-fabulous: In a moment of weakness, I bought a box of doughnuts at the grocery store. I brought them home and immediately scarfed one down. After I wiped the chocolate glaze off my chin, I

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-38529865938471393332010-10-06T19:47:00.000-07:002010-10-06T20:03:53.020-07:00

Today's FG was stumbled upon unexpectedly. As I rushed out the door for my morning OB clinic, I grabbed a zip-up hoodie and a pink speckled scarf to protect against the morning chill. On arrival to the clinic, I was still chili, so I left the scarf on for a bit.-(My scarf was similar to this one at OldNavy.com)-The compliments came trickling in. Whether they thought it was pretty or quirky, it

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-89850823905766157242010-10-05T19:58:00.000-07:002010-10-05T20:16:22.187-07:00

I love to master a craft that will serve no useful purpose other than entertainment. That is what crocheting has been for me for many, many years. Just now, my friends, have I become comfortable enough in my own fashionable skin to seriously consider the notion of crocheting my own clothes. (And it didn't hurt that Mary-Kate Olsen was spotted wearing some granny-square crocheting on the red

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-64464382675269460582010-10-03T17:17:00.000-07:002010-10-03T17:45:47.818-07:00

Although I talk a big game, I am rarely the life of the party. Hubby is phenomenal at parties. He's the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave. He'll give a toast without batting an eye, and loves...absolutely LOVES to be the center of attention.-I, however, often refuse dancing for fear of looking like an idiot. I've never made a toast. I've never been the super fun girl

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-17317549366355841462010-10-02T20:02:00.000-07:002010-10-02T20:20:38.464-07:00

If anyone is still following this blog, I am awarding you a slow clap right now. -As if being an army wife during a deployment wasn't hard enough, I've also started my residency this year. Previous blog posts can catch you up with that. -I've not completely abandoned my 12 month plan to bettering myself during Hubby's absence. I have, however, slacked off on the blogging due to sheer fatigue.

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-64114533631068628812010-06-30T18:36:00.000-07:002010-06-30T18:55:27.623-07:00

Or is it? As you may have noticed from some of my posts, I love anything that has anything to do with spa treatments. Mmmm. Spas are my happy places. But where's a new med school grad going to find money to purchase the only services relaxing enough to combat her highly stressful lifestyle? -I find no shame in admitting I am broke. I do, however, find shame in neglected cuticles, dull skin,

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-34256725244515976692010-06-29T17:12:00.000-07:002010-06-29T17:29:33.049-07:00

My final post for June's Budget and couponing month features this gorgeous little piggy bank:-Pink Piggy posted by rosscrawford-This bank looks exactly like the first piggy bank I ever had. I believe it was actually my older sister's first. Then mine. Then it went into hiding in the basement for a while, seemingly forgotten through high school and college. Once I ran across it again, however,

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-51427142208931320302010-06-24T15:32:00.000-07:002010-06-24T15:43:07.025-07:00

I'll go ahead and tell you that this post is not for those with a weak stomach. -Last week we did a ton of new employee orientation sessions. We made badges. We got parking passes. We found the cafeteria. We got computer logins.-Then this week was a little different. How different? Well, yesterday I spent an hour using plastic piping, condoms, and a COW'S TONGUE to make a faux pelvic floor

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-43775278207093668532010-06-21T19:09:00.000-07:002010-06-21T19:42:40.164-07:00

If you won't listen to your Mother's advice, maybe you'll listen to mine! Brown bag your lunch...but instead of brown bagging, why not use the super cute Vera Bradley lunch bags? Who would have thought that bringing your lunch to work could up your style factor?! And think of all that money you'll save by avoiding vending machines and overpriced cafeteria lines!www.personafile.com I love books.

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-6115480192629008742010-06-18T19:39:00.000-07:002010-06-18T21:15:17.840-07:00

Publix is an amazing store. A friend of mine refers to Publix as "the Chik-fil-A of grocery stores." This same friend frequently comes out of Publix with a cart full of groceries, and a receipt total in the single digits. Nine dollars for a truckload of name brand groceries seems ridiculous...and it is. She invited me along on one of her coupon extravaganzas...-When she picked me up at our

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-53981477434009966002010-06-17T18:06:00.000-07:002010-06-17T18:26:51.450-07:00

Two words: KA CHING! The economy sucks, and that isn't changing any time soon. That doesn't mean a fashion savvy bargain hunter can't have a little fun in the meantime!-June's My-Husband-Is-On-Deployment-So-I-Make-Up-Things-To-Do Project is -Budgeting and Couponing.- And how appropriate that I'll be getting my first teeny weeny paycheck soon. -Money bird by photos8.com-While Chad was on

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-51193050027054872702010-06-16T19:04:00.000-07:002010-06-16T20:02:19.716-07:00

This should be my final post summing up May's project of Making a House a Home. I did it. Really it 2 weeks rather than 4. I'm amazing. The real comfort of home is having all your little things up on the walls. All of the decorative pillows are fluffed, all your curtains pressed, the carpets freshly steamed, and there is no more digging in boxes for things you've misplaced. It's all out

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-15084781049059524692010-06-12T18:30:00.001-07:002010-06-12T18:48:02.922-07:00

Forgive me for posting May's Make A House a Home results a bit late, but I hope you understand what a BUSY month it's been!Just a quick rundown of the whole story: May 20: I show up to close. But there's a catch--the house belongs to the EX-WIFE of the seller!!! Why didn't they check the paperwork first!!! So the man says he doesn't know where his ex is, barely knows her parents' names and her

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-2130079039685026022010-05-18T18:29:00.000-07:002010-05-18T18:39:00.097-07:00

Making a House a Home...it's certainly been a challenge, but at the end of the week, it'll be a reality! Furniture...painted.Boxes...packed.Movers...booked.Closing...scheduled.Dog...absolutely freaking out.(Don't worry, she'll be drugged on the big day.)I've stockpiled a few frozen leftovers to bring with me so I don't have to order out for the first few days. (My husband calls that my "

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-74782007661974985132010-05-14T06:29:00.000-07:002010-05-14T06:38:47.061-07:00

April's massage and meditation project was amazing. I'm so glad I chose to do it before May's project: Making a house a home. Since I'm a med student, I have a ridiculous battle to fight in getting a home loan. Most states have a physician loan setup to deal exclusively with new doctors, so they're very used to the debt load we carry and the schedule for repayment. It's no biggie. Banks that

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-12611801200092589342010-05-09T18:51:00.000-07:002010-05-09T19:16:21.248-07:00

A completely Blogtastic (my sister's word) belated birthday post! My birthday was April 29, and my family went head-first into my year's blogging project!Mother gave me the potato ricer I'd asked for. This will definitely come in handy during the month of August's cooking adventures!OXO potato ricer posted on Amazon.com Sissy gave a wonderful gift for May's Make a House a Home project: From

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-65594554189847250482010-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:002010-04-26T18:26:09.273-07:00

I remember in college, the denim mini over gray Hollister capri tights was the thing to wear. This winter tights were lovely with booties. But even though tights are showing up year after year, there's always something a little different. I just read an article in InStyle by Rachel Bilson. She said that capri tights were gone, but ankle length tights were fabulous! What? So you mean to tell

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-70512722414421466802010-04-23T17:34:00.000-07:002010-04-23T17:44:54.828-07:00

It's getting a bit chilly out as a storm is blowing in. If that doesn't put you in the mood for some comfort food, I don't know what does. So today, I'm posting my super easy recipe for Chicken Pot Pie. One 2-pack of Deep Dish pie crusts one 2-pack of regular pie crusts2 cans of condensed Cream of Chicken soup2 cans of canned diced potatoes, drained1 can of carrots and peas, drained2 large

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-35436543597379403492010-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:002010-04-22T20:27:54.490-07:00

Today was quite a day. I walked out of Crestwood Medical Center, the same as every day for the past month. Just another rotation at another hospital in another city with another doctor. As I pushed open the plexiglass doors, I felt like running up a flight of stairs and dancing like Rocky. (Unfornately, I couldn't find any stairs.) I didn't just finish another rotation at another hospital in

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-33896132452004275762010-04-21T19:06:00.000-07:002010-04-21T19:13:58.937-07:00

My current rotation is at a hospital located one hour from my home. That's a long drive--especially when you make it at 05:00. And then again at 17:00, while the sun is putting off that orange haze. I find myself getting dreadfully sleepy each day, so I've tried many mechanisms of raising my level of alertness: a blaring radio, loads of caffeine, sitting up so my back doesn't touch the seat,

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-19565247912807720472010-04-16T09:17:00.001-07:002010-04-16T09:28:17.881-07:00

As I skyped with Hubby last night, I asked if there was anything in particular he wanted in his care package. "YES," he said emphatically, "Could you send me some Whales?"-For those of you that don't know, Whales are the extreme generic version of Goldfish cheese crackers. I sent a box of Cheese Nips in the last package, and apparently they didn't last a day in the officer housing. So, of

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-8473172094433216922010-04-13T19:23:00.000-07:002010-04-13T19:41:36.805-07:00

I love cooking. I love making the Southern Living cream cheese pound cake that takes 3 hours to make and fills the entire house with its lucious fragrance. I love hopping from store to store to find a good lamb chop to accompany my cucumber mint yogurt sauce. I love chopping basil and cilantro. -But I only get to do those things once or twice a year. The rest of the time I toss something

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-50522026790393915592010-04-11T18:13:00.000-07:002010-04-11T18:45:29.984-07:00

In a battle against a farming machine, my dad fell out of the back of a truck last week. He was hanging from his knees over the bed (like we did off the monkey bars in grade school). Needless to say, since he's not 20 anymore, he's been in a bit of pain.-Luckily for him, I'm a D.O. That means I have been to medical school with the added benefit of manipulation. No, I am not a chiropractor, a

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-86477830970664055282010-04-10T17:03:00.000-07:002010-04-10T18:00:29.465-07:00

In light of this month's project, I did a little research on the wonders of massage. Well, I might as well be honest. I read one book that has done the research for me. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage is one of the many books that makes my shelves look pretty, but rarely gets dusted off. Here are some of the awesome facts I gleaned from it:-Premie massage helps babies gain up to 47% more

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-46596905404171489262010-04-05T18:37:00.000-07:002010-04-05T18:57:50.318-07:00

Since my last rotation required that I get up at 5am, I'm trying to keep getting up at that time to prevent morning rush and prepare myself for the early mornings that await me with residency this summer! BUT since I didn't have to leave for work until 7:30, I chose to use the wee hours of the morning to get my meditation on. It's all about baby steps. I realize that if I stood in Mountain Pose

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-36183116419416022202010-04-04T05:57:00.000-07:002010-04-04T06:10:59.877-07:00

When I was an undergrad at Samford, we had an annual department meeting to make sure students in the pre-medicine department were "right on track." We all gathered into the planetarium while professors went through the list of tasks:-"Freshmen, you're new here. Get well adjusted and work on those grades! Welcome.""Sophomores, it's time to start getting involved. Volunteer, do some research..

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-81105084557692435022010-04-02T19:57:00.000-07:002010-04-02T20:05:41.077-07:00

Although I never was able to get my cello teacher to work with my schedule, I did follow my March backup goal of making every morning great. I've been faithfully getting up at 5am (give or take a snooze or two) to avoid my big rush. I'm better about laying out clothes and packing my bag in advance. Now onto April!! My blog states that April will be a month of learning to play tennis. Upon

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-72844599868007090462010-03-31T17:07:00.000-07:002010-03-31T18:10:24.174-07:00

I would love to say that my recent bloggging negligence was due to something glamorous like a trip to Hollywood.-Brace yourself.-IT WAS!-I took a long weekend to visit an old college roomie in Malibu, CA. This Pepperdine law student took time out of her busy schedule to show me the sights of her neck of the woods...or coast rather. Here's a recap of the trip: Thursday: After jumping through

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-52329660911768095192010-03-23T17:00:00.000-07:002010-03-23T17:49:54.939-07:00

I've been seeing several blog posts about families preparing for a big move. Although I know nothing about a move to/from military posts, I do know a LOT about moving in general. My husband and I have moved 7 times in the past 4 years. I thought I'd jot down some of my best advice for the other bloggers that are relocating:-Eliminate junk: Not in the mood to filter your stuff before loading

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-89417252037903133392010-03-19T20:13:00.000-07:002010-03-19T20:34:44.378-07:00

My cello teacher stood me up today. I had a massive allergy attack requiring immediate Benadryl dosing and a shower to remove the allergen. My eye is now so swollen I can barely close it tightly. My dog got into the trash. I also have a huge, unwelcomed blemish on my face prominently displayed for all to see. But I could care less....because today is a fairy tale, and I am Cinderella.It is my

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-89648993717887145982010-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:002010-03-17T19:41:54.318-07:00

Some time ago, my sister requested that I blog about my famous spa days. Yes, it's true; I am a medical student that lacks the burdens of a steady income. (That makes it sound a little nicer, doesn't it?). BUT, I'm a total beauty product maven. If there is some way that I can add another item to my beauty routine (ironically, to make me look more natural), I'm all for it.-Because I have little

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-41744887367320598612010-03-14T18:51:00.000-07:002010-03-14T19:02:38.253-07:00

Today's post is dedicated to the nauseatingly romantic man in my life. (Yes, believe it or not, that is my husband.) -This February while I was freezing myself into a human popsicle in West Virginia, Chad was trying desperately to send some flowers my way. I was staying in a very rural area, and no florists would deliver to the house. The blizzard blocked access to many roads toward the

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-59170143054115971712010-03-12T19:03:00.000-08:002010-03-12T19:14:52.821-08:00

Just as sure as I posted my new goal for March, I a 9pm phone call from a woman that travels through our area teaching cello lessons. Not only does she teach lessons, she can also help me fix those pesky slipping tuning pegs! She's a bit expensive, but I figure if I only take lessons for a max of 2 months, I'm fine. Cello Blonde posted by sillygwailo Rather than imagining myself playing in a

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-69598771073311229012010-03-08T19:04:00.000-08:002010-03-08T19:17:54.456-08:00

As you may have noticed in earlier postings, my list of To Do's for 2010 dictates that March is my month to learn to play the cello. I did take the cello out, put in my instructional DVD, and rosined up the bow. However, the pegs on my cello are slipping (because it has never been used), and this matter will require some professional help. The whole reason I am teaching myself is because I've

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-87256536006464421572010-03-06T19:33:00.000-08:002010-03-06T20:14:12.627-08:00

Ok, so Fitness February was spent in West Virginia, which was repeatedly hit by snow storms and blizzards. Boo that. Needless to say, pumping yourself up is a bit difficult when snow has accumulated to the height of your small dog.Lu lu watches the snow mound grow outside. When in sunny climates, I depend on the Lu-ster to help me get in my cardio. I'm not a really great runner, but I was the

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-81307470870141925732010-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:002010-03-05T19:54:22.362-08:00

Why am I plagued with this incessant desire to rhyme? .So medical school matriculation is just around the corner, and I'm finding myself preoccupied with all things doctoral. One of the top items on my list of professional trinkets is a business card holder for my desk.. metalimagination.com.Although this web site doesn't have any femal doctor items (other than a lady doctor wine bottle cover),

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-51408970811351663702010-02-28T08:22:00.001-08:002010-02-28T08:44:06.811-08:00

I cannot emphasize enough how happy I will be to be back in my warm, southern home with speedy internet and unlimited blogging capabilities. There is no need to send a rescue chopper to rural Appalachia. I am alive and somewhat well in the midst of this blizzard. Since I hope to completely erase this frigid month from my memory as soon as I get home, I should probably relay my lessons learned

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-64903779968814335462010-02-20T16:19:00.000-08:002010-02-20T16:36:16.916-08:00

Hello world. As the snow is slowly melting away, my internet speed is improving. Although I may not be living up to my full blogging potential, I am able to blog a bit. I considered using this time to scrapbook or take a nap, but I felt led to bring a very important message to you. A message that is very near and dear to my heart... Moisturization. No, I'm not kidding. As you may recall, I am

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-27104121305422335492010-02-11T17:12:00.000-08:002010-02-11T17:44:43.607-08:00

Yeah, well it didn't work for a homework excuse either.-I realize I haven't blogged in forever. In my head, all 15 of my followers were biting their nails in eager anticipation to see how my Fitness February is shaping up (oh yes, pun intended). But since most of you probably just perused the millions of other wonderful blogs instead, I'll try to slough off the guilt and move on.-Just to fill

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-72974142082506536462010-02-04T17:24:00.000-08:002010-02-04T17:47:39.843-08:00

Why is it that the doctors telling us to eat healthy, exercise, and stay trim are often a bit pot-bellied themselves? Good question. I have the answer: Pharmaceutical Sales Reps.*posted by applefar 113*What could impress a doc more than bringing Doc and all her staff delicious cookies from Edmond's Bakery? How about truffles? Snicker bars? Assorted chocolates? A Sweet Peppers party tray?

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-7213382774566535842010-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:002010-02-02T17:21:40.494-08:00

Since my challenge for this month is to do some sort of intentional exercise each day, I'm having to work a bit harder than I'd planned. Most of my workout "stuff" is already packed for WV. There are no good gyms in the area that will allow me to workout for one week only without paying for the whole month. Luckily, I subscribe to SELF magazine. I have been doing exercises from the magazine

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-46283890963178389892010-01-31T15:53:00.000-08:002010-01-31T16:23:09.991-08:00

January has come and gone, and February is officially here--as if you hadn't noticed the isles and isles of pink Valentine's in the store!--As dictated by the New Year's Evolution plan, I am to work my body like never before during the month of Love and Mush. My focus is not necessarily on weight loss, but rather on establishing a fitness routine. I want to make exercise such an integral part of

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-17884189413536697732010-01-29T09:12:00.000-08:002010-01-29T09:44:47.111-08:00

I witnessed a funny thing today. My little Lu barked fanatically today when she saw my uncle outside. As I took her over to him to shut up her little yipping mouth, the wind blew and she immediately began wagging her little nub of a tail. No big deal, right? Actually, she's only seen him once (and briefly at that) over a year ago. She never wags her nub at strangers, so she obviously

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-21211401292139336522010-01-26T18:07:00.000-08:002010-01-26T18:23:04.815-08:00

Well this time, you've got both in one post. (What can I say--I like to get my money's worth!)While pondering what nonperishable items to send in my husband's Valentine's care package, I decided to make some address labels to tuck into the box. I made several labels with my address on them (we're big on letters) and then several labels with his family's addresses. Each household is in a different

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-67363258069300679282010-01-23T19:47:00.001-08:002010-01-23T20:46:34.327-08:00

Now that my month of night shift Emergency Medicine is over, I have been trying to phase myself into a normal circadian rhythm again. I rejoiced in the luxury of sleeping while it's dark outside last night, but I still had a difficult time staying asleep. So then I was sleepy during the day today, and had to take a nap...for 4 hours! I was planning on staying up until midnight, then taking a

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-29626216457997754362010-01-23T15:44:00.000-08:002010-01-23T15:45:24.066-08:00

I'm beginning to realize that each month's activity will take a bit of advanced planning. My goals for February are fitness related, and I just got a stellar new mp3 player for Christmas. I've been checking SHAPE and SELF web sites and magazines for celebrity playlists. Each list has about 10 songs on it, only 2 or 3 of which I could see myself working out to.Here are some of my recent faves:

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-70322588745907712522010-01-23T15:34:00.001-08:002010-01-30T20:20:39.257-08:00

His Valentine's package, you silly girl!Hubby sent a Valentine's gift to me this weekend. It was the Cotton Mayfair pajama set from Victoria's Secret. The white/floral print is to die for, especially in this dreary weather we've been having. He said he knows I love those PJs and since I'll be spending February in the mountains, these would be the perfect thing to lift my warm-weather-loving

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-80579692128743676332010-01-15T23:06:00.000-08:002010-01-19T14:51:42.682-08:00

HA...I DO remember something from lit class!Today's topic is smells. Not the bad ones...only the good ones. I recently had a conversation with my darling sister about certain scents that remind us of wonderful, happy memories. I asked her to share a few with me and her responses made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.As I follow the blogs of fabulous military wives, I've noticed that morale

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-79769430555791207432010-01-15T14:24:00.000-08:002010-01-15T14:29:12.308-08:00

Then this blog is quite abbreviated. My last posts have been long in an attempt to hide my inability to add web images to my posts. I'm not giving up. My sister has tutored me via email. She's even hacked my blog account to make sure there's nothing wrong. She has made sample posts for me with pictures. Why, oh why, can't I do it myself?! Woe is me!So while I work out the kinks and try to

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-23201412564989098352010-01-15T13:57:00.001-08:002010-01-15T14:24:38.757-08:00

I like to start meals with a little nibble of dessert, so let's start with the sweet stuff: The phone delays are still long. Skype sometimes spontaneously goes on strike. Video chats are interrupted by noisy boys. But all in all, things are looking up. My husband feels very safe and is comfortably (well, sort of) adjusting to his new surroundings. He's been so patient with me when I can't

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-57794341003712034012010-01-11T19:23:00.000-08:002010-01-11T20:05:01.335-08:00

OMG, what a day! I officially started January's project today. I went to an indoor shooting range to "unload a few" and see just how bad I really am at shooting. As I walked into the pawn shop part of the building (where you go to register), I was greeted by a loud, abrasive man, who shall remain nameless. Now, I am not too naive to notice that I am not like the other customers there. I came

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-24770042882980502452010-01-10T17:03:00.000-08:002010-01-12T21:31:09.751-08:00

I suppose that if I were a stranger following this blog, I might ask myself, "I wonder if this Army Wife is, in fact, '4 Real'...or will she, like myself, accomplish something serendipitously and then say with extreme laziness, 'That's what I had planned all along for this month." I'm type A and a huge list maker. In college, I'd make a lengthy To Do list, and at the end of the day I'd realize

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-86251088808381877642010-01-10T16:42:00.000-08:002010-01-10T17:03:54.384-08:00

I find myself flustered each time my husband says, "Oh, I've gotta go...I'll see you online at 21:00 my time." Of course, I've learned to say, "Ok, honey; you got it!" Then after we've closed Skype, I sit doing the math and second guessing how many hours apart we are.Now, I'm a very well-educated woman. I can manage a household single-handedly. I can solve complicated equations, read

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-91637612653137289062010-01-08T20:32:00.000-08:002010-01-22T19:05:52.973-08:00

I'm beginning to realize that each month's activity will take a bit of advanced planning. My goals for February are fitness related, and I just got a stellar new mp3 player for Christmas. I've been checking SHAPE and SELF web sites and magazines for celebrity playlists. Each list has about 10 songs on it, only 2 or 3 of which I could see myself working out to.Here are some of my recent faves:

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-80241019444070631112010-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:002010-01-08T20:32:35.079-08:00

I just made my first video call though Skype to my husband overseas. I must admit, the video quality is less than perfect, but it's so worth it to see the hubby's face! While Skyping, I told Chad about this project of mine. He was so encouraging (well, as encouraging as he can be after sleeping on the floor of an airplane), and it made me feel really good about what I'm doing. I know it makes

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-74155168823524078372010-01-07T17:30:00.000-08:002010-01-07T18:31:23.198-08:00

A fellow army wife mentioned that with each of her husband's deployments, she learned a new skill to surprise her soldier when he returned home. I thought about how quickly paced my life has been for the past 4 years, and figured I could do better than just one skill in one year. How about twelve skills in twelve months?! At the special time of year when most people have already broken their

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930484479056941203.post-84915170255928801752009-12-26T13:12:00.000-08:002009-12-26T13:15:17.926-08:00

This is a new blog, aimed at getting through deployment. Please sign up to follow me, and remember that comments make the world happy!

Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857771300596700989noreply@blogger.com1