Boo!

Don’t mess with Texas!

As a girl originally from Texas, I was very excited to return to the big state for my first professional business conference! I have been working in an AIDS clinic, learning about cutting edge research and seeing patients in various stages of the disease process. As we convened in a monstrous convention center, I was amazed at the complexity of the presentations and the intricacies of the minute details that were the forefront of debate. While much of the information was over my head, I felt driven to learn and excited about this specialty as a career choice.

In between conferences, we had quite a bit of time to explore the city of Dallas. My favorite venture was visiting the Texas school book depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F. Kennedy in 1963. As we listened to our headsets and strolled through the museum, we looked at photographs in an effort to relive the events of that somber day. It was eerie to stand by the boxes of books that served as Oswald’s hideout spot.

On a lighter note, we also enjoyed Tex-Mex cuisine and dined in an authentic Steakhouse. My favorite meal was by far getting a room service for breakfast, which I delightfully enjoyed in my pajamas. On our final night in Texas we got drinks 50 stories high in a magnificant architectural masterpiece offering a panoramic view of the city. I truly enjoyed the company of my fellow PA friends and colleagues, who offer not only laughs and good times, but also inspiration for the type of PA I strive to be. As I return home to the Tarheel state, I am filled with an excitement for my career, a love for Texas, and most importantly, some pretty cool cowboy boots!

Fall festivities

The middle of October equals peak foliage in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I stole off for a weekend getaway with some friends of mine to soak up the essence of autumn. We started off at the fall festival at Shelton Vineyards, which was absolutely delightful. Along with the wine tastings, there was a craft show and local vendors selling apples and pumpkins, which happen to be two of my favorite fall fixtures. To immortalize the event, I bought a whimsical tin crafted angel to symbolize the carefree feeling that epitomized the day.
A beautiful drive in the mountains brought us to Olde Beau, where Geoff and Whitney were married exactly one year ago. It was fun to reminisce on that special day, and sweet to see the couple look so lovingly at one another. We started the party early at her family’s home in the mountains, accompanied by a hoppin Itunes mix, dinner and drinks, and best of all, lifelong friends sharing stories, laughs, and good times.


Before heading back to reality, we woke up the next morning to take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, captivated by the endless array of oranges, yellows, reds, and greens. A hearty breakfast at a local joint filled us with sweet potato pancakes, blackcherry jam, and the best homemade biscuits I have ever had. I hope that this getaway becomes an annual tradition, a perfect celebration of God’s gift of nature, friends, and the simple pleasures in life.

Dixie Classic Fair

Although I have lived in "the dash" for two and a half years, there is so much uncharted territory I have yet to explore. Among the many traditions of this city is the "Dixie Classic Fair!" I went to the fair for the first time last night and had so much fun! Although there were plenty of rides, games, and activities, I found entertainment simply in walking around the fair grounds, taking it all in. From the racing pigs and rodeos to the Ferris wheel and fireworks, there were smiling faces everywhere, memories in the making. To top it all off, I indulged in a couple of "fried oreos," a selection that seemed justifiably healthy, when compared to the fried butter at the neighboring stand. I will definitely be there next year to enjoy the 128th anniversary of this amazing fair!

30 before 30

For the last year or so, I have heard those around me personalizing their own "Bucket List," throwing out dreams and desires of what they wish to accomplish in their lifetime. The concept is exciting, yet equally grim as it requires some consideration and realization that we will indeed one day "kick the bucket." So in the spirit of compromise, I have created a list I call "30 before 30," a title that needs no explanation. In no particular order, I should probably get busy and ...

1. Go to a country I've never been to
2. Teach Sunday school
3. Ski out west
4. Become a homeowner
5. Host a really fun party
6. Run a marathon
7. Give a lecture at Wake's PA program
8. Perfect the art of cooking homemade macaroni and cheese
9. Find my niche in the field of infectious diseases
10. Study the book of Romans
11. Go on a hiking trip
12. Make memories with my niece and nephew
13. Have a reunion with my PA school friends
14. Buy a piece of art
15. Create a piece of art
16. Master a new yoga pose
17. Share my faith
18. Buy a new car
19. Have an all day movie marathon
20. Learn how to play soccer
21. Spend a day at the spa
22. Help with the local outreach opportunities at my church
23. Go on a fun family vacation
24. Go fishing
25. Read five good books
26. Volunteer at a free clinic
27. Become a better recycler
28. Splurge on designer shoes
29. Support a charity that speaks to my heart
30. Stay in my pj's all day long