Albuquerque Living

As the whirlwind settles, I reflect on how I got here:

Dave and I arrived on July 1st at our new home with a fun welcome dance by dear sister Kate (and she made us a big Welcome sign too)!!


On July 3rd, we were rewarded (Thank you Barb & Rollie!!!) with the most fantastical delivery. This "bouquet" of pineapple & strawberries was not only delicious but was ENTIRELY edible! I documented the deconstruction of this masterpiece (yes, that is a head of iceberg lettuce) and encourage you to check out Edible Arrangements!!




July 7th - 13th: We continue the process of unpacking; I attend a largely pointless new employee orientation at the VA for my internship; Dave interviewed (successfully) at Sandia!

July 14th - 19th: Dave headed back to Troy to finish out his job at RPI and I took on my first week of internship. There was a lot of finagling with my schedule. I sat in on a number of groups and got oriented to my first two rotations in Behavioral Medicine and Men's PTSD Clinic. The workload was not at all heavy but I ended the week just totally exhausted in every way. Being at work all day and coming home to complete an endless list of tasks and errands so as to finish the last 10-20% of the unpacking and organizing was just TOO MUCH!!

Two unrelated issues that I have to mention:
1) STORAGE: For anyone who is considering moving to a climate/region where bugs, and particularly cockaroaches, are a problem... storing anything in a cardboard box is out of the question because cardboard is "cockaroacha candy". Thus, we have invested in numerous huge Tupperware bins and have recycled/given away a thousand boxes (thanks to Craigslist).

2) URGENCY: I am someone who operates most of the time with a sense of urgency, likely related to free-floating and first-week-of-internship-related anxiety. My new supervisor in BMed picked up pretty quickly on my "sense of urgency" and yes he did use those words exactly. It was a much needed reminder that I MUST protect my time and energy by PACING myself so that I don't burn out or die of exhaustion. Any insights on how to do this are welcome.

Shout Out to My Syracuse Supporters!!!

Leaving Syracuse is bittersweet. Although I was not able to spend as much time as I would have liked saying "so long for now" (never goodbye) to each important person, I am so grateful for the closure I was able to gain as I prepared myself for departure.

My life in Syracuse consisted primarily of working and playing tennis. Here are just a few of the people who helped me in many ways and made my life in Syracuse joyful everyday!

Each and everyday that I went into my office to be a diligent graduate student was entertaining and enjoyable only because of the people who make up the Upstate Partnership for Health team! Jenny, you are the best office mate and friend I could have asked for. Thank you for everything! D.Lawrence (silent c), I miss our daily "therapy sessions" - how are you going to survive without me!?!



Tanesha, best of luck in your new job! I know the lab will never be the same with you gone. Congrats on your upcoming marriage - I hope the wedding is perfect!
Courtney, best of luck to you along your journey! I am sure the next year holds some exciting new experiences in work and in play!



My dear friend Mara... you have been a lifeline for me both on the tennis court and even more so in navigating the challenges of being a "grown-up". Thank you for creating the space for me to celebrate the friendships I have developed with some fantastic tennis players!



And finally... Lesley & Katie... two women who expertly party it UP and are so extremely dedicated to improving their tennis games and KICKING ASS!! California was an amazing adventure - best of luck as your 4.0 team moves on this season!



And there you have it!