History in the Making and Hats Galore!

This morning's Royal Wedding was nothing short of magical. I crawled out of bed with little hesitation when my alarm sounded at 5:30 am. I drove straight to the Y to hop on a treadmill where I would soon soak up each precious moment of the historic ceremony. I have little doubt that I was the only one crying during my morning run.

I arrived at the Y just in time to see a crowd gathered around the big screen "tele" in time for Kate's arrival. Excitement filled the air nationwide as we caught the first few glimpses of Kate's stunning gown, designed by the brilliant Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The gown was triumphant with its lace detail and perfect proportions.

Apart from Kate, Pippa's gown was hands down my favorite. This particular moment of sisterly love brought me to tears.


Every bride must reminisce on their own walk down the aisle, eager to see their very own prince. I love the English tradition of the bridal brigade following behind the train. The bridesmaids and pages were precious and so well-behaved!



I loved the content expression on William's face when he first caught sight of his Kate. An expert lip syncher reported that William guestered to Kate's father and said "I thought this was going to be a small family affair." Hardly!

The ceremony was inspirational and very emotional. I loved the reading by Kate's brother who was so well-spoken. The boys choir was enchanting and I can only imagine how amazing the acoustics must have been for those in attendance. The hats were remarkable and will surely set fire to a new trend in America.

As the ceremony came to an end, I had to face the harsh reality of my status as part of the working class. I was in agony as I headed to the locker room, well aware that I was missing the events to follow. I still can't wait to go home and watch the coverage. In the meantime these beautiful photographs are enough to tide me over.

Congratulations William and Kate!! The entire world is cheering you on for your happily ever after. Thank you for providing us with a magical fairy tale!

Easter Festivities

I spent a wonderful Easter weekend in Williamsburg and am already counting the days until my next trip home (26 to be exact!). I was SO ready for some R&R and girl time with my mom and sister. The weekend was filled with fun activities- an Egg hunt with the kids, long walks in Colonial, a trip to the Outlets and Trader Joe's, delicious healthy dinners, Easter Service at the Chapel, and naturally a long run around Kingsmill. My mom and I even managed to squeeze in a picnic lunch overlooking the James River.

As much as I hated to leave Virginia, I was excited to come home to my husband and the delicious dinner spread and get together at the Evan's. I am so blessed to have two families and so much love from the Lord above. Happy Easter!

... and last but not least, our precious Domie!

He is RISEN

Christ the Lord is ris'n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Remember to...

Shifting gears

The biggest thing that's been going on in my life lately has been my decision to switch jobs! As much as I like the field of infectious diseases, I have been feeling very limited in my scope of practice. I learned so much in PA school and realized that by working in a subspecialty I was quickly losing the breadth of knowledge I had acquired.

I started keeping my ears perked for a new opportunity several months ago. The whole process required a bit of self-awareness heck of a lot of patience. In the end, the effort was well worth it. Starting in June, I will be working as a hospitalist PA at High Point Regional Hospital. This will be a huge change of pace and I look forward to the challenge. Among the many incentives, the best perk of the job is getting to work with Whitney!!

I will miss all of my patients that I've formed relationships with over the last two years. I am grateful for my ID knowledge base and have learned so much in my first career.

Farewell Baptist! It only took me 4 years to learn my way around....

Hello High Point!! I've heard that you're full of positive energy and rock at patient satisfaction. I can't wait to join the team :)

April 16th!

A year ago today I got engaged to my amazing husband. It's so hard to believe how much has happened in the last year!

Jarrett has always said that as far as he's concerned, we got married the day that he proposed. So today we're celebrating our first anniversary!!

When I came home from work Jarrett had a surprise waiting for me. He said “I read your 30 before 30 post and thought that you might need a tent for your hiking trip.” How thoughtful!

I love you Jarrett. Thank God for YOU!

Update on 30 b4 30

A year and a half ago I made a list of 30 things I'd like to do before I turn 30 years old. I still have a little over 3 years to go, but I thought it would be fun to take another look at the list to see what I've accomplished!

1. Go to a country I've never been to - This is so fun to think about! I wonder where I'll go....

2. Teach Sunday school - I'd love to teach during VBS. I have so many memories of this wonderful week as a child.

3. Ski out west - Vail??

4. Become a homeowner -YAY!!! Check!

5. Host a really fun party - I love our annual LoveFeast party!

6. Run a marathon - November 12th 2011, coming right up!

7. Give a lecture at Wake's PA program - I gave a lecture on syncope- it was so fun to be on the other side.

8. Perfect the art of cooking homemade macaroni and cheese- In progress....

9. Find my niche in the field of infectious diseases - The care and management of patients with HIV has been the focus of my career thus far. Specifically, transitioning newly diagnosed young males into care has been very interesting and rewarding.

10. Study the book of Romans - I love Romans and can't wait to glean more knowledge from this book.

11. Go on a hiking trip - In the market for a good tent :)

12. Make memories with my niece and nephew - I really bonded with my ring bearer and flower girl during the wedding weekend. Love these kiddos.

13. Have a reunion with my PA school friends - Can't get enough of these girls. Thank goodness for weddings and birthdays!

14. Buy a piece of art - my poor walls are begging for some company

15. Create a piece of art - I've got a few ideas...

16. Master a new yoga pose - I love toe stand. This is a very difficult pose in Bikram because it is the last pose of the standing series when energy is low and you're ready for savasana. Once I get through this pose, I know that I can reward myself with a couple of minutes of silence and deep breaths.

17. Share my faith - This is a daily effort.

18. Buy a new car - Prius??

19. Have an all day movie marathon - One of the more difficult challenges... I'm getting much better at sitting still!

20. Learn how to play soccer - love, love, love!

21. Spend a day at the spa - Bachelorette party!!!

22. Help with the local outreach opportunities at my church - there are so many opportunities, just haven't landed on one yet.

23. Go on a fun family vacation - Love our Destin memories

24. Go fishing - I'll be sittin' on the dock of the bay (whistles...)

25. Read five good books- The Message, The Help, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Same Kind of Different As Me, Heaven is for Real

26. Volunteer at a free clinic - This is going to be fun!

27. Become a better recycler - Re-usable bags to the grocery store + a full recycling bin each week. Gone green!

28. Splurge on designer shoes - Love my Cole Haans. I'm really craving some Tory Burch flats.

29. Support a charity that speaks to my heart - There are so many great opportunities.

30. Stay in my pj's all day long- This was also a challenge but happened on a snow day!

Smile little one!

I adore these little guys!!! If I were a baby, I would much rather look at a furry friend than a scary black lense. These would be fun to make and easier to buy on Etsy!

I bet you're smiling ;)

Tonight's Bites!

Quinoa is hands down one of my favorite side dishes. I love this recipe because it calls for ingredients that I usually have on hand.

Cranberry, Apple and Almond Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, washed well
• 1 tablespoon +1 tsp olive oil, divided
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4-1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apple, not peeled (one large apple)
• ~20 almonds, toasted
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 
  

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add broth, quinoa, salt, and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and let sit for 20 minutes or until liquid is gone. Be sure to keep an eye on it and stir it often so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat; stir to fluff.

2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350F and toast almonds. Roughly chop toasted almonds.

3. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a nonstick pot or skillet. Add chopped apple and vanilla and sauté for about 5 minutes until apple starts to turn golden in color but before it gets mushy. Add apple, almonds, cranberries, maple syrup and pepper to quinoa and mix thoroughly.

Serve hot or cold, as a main dish or a side with a protein source. I served mine with grilled chicken!

Delish!