Isaac

Born in Prescott, AZ on September 21st, 2008 and moved to Dave & Rae's house in Albuquerque, NM on December 8th.

Here is Isaac & Dave at the breeder's house in AZ.


Isaac is a German Shepherd Dog and he is our first dog! He is a very energetic dog and requires A LOT of exercise & discipline. Dave and I are learning to be calm and assertive pack leaders (reading lots of manuals). He gets his last puppy shots this week and will soon after begin puppy training school.

Here is Isaac posing for a portrait under the Christmas tree at Auntie Kate's house.


We think he will be ahead of the curve in puppy class. We've been training him (he loves cheese) and so far will sit, lie down, and stay (with moderate distraction and distance).

Isaac is a snow dog! Here he is in Taos!


Kate got a puppy (her first as well) a week after Isaac came home. Blue is a Labrador Retriever and he is also very smart and playful and energetic. We are all happy to have the puppies together because they play and play until they get tired and calm down.

Here is Isaac with he best buddy Blue!

The reason behind lack of blog posting...

Obama Rally

Last night, Dave and I marched with several of my co-interns to the field at UNM for the Obama Rally. It was very exciting!



Check out the video footage!!



We were in the crowd that rushed the field to get in for a closer view. We actually got close enough to be able to see him as he and other politicians and George Lopez made their speeches.

You may have heard in the news that NM is a major battleground state. McCain had a rally at the fairgrounds on Saturday morning and had fewer than 1000 people attend. The Obama rally attendance was estimated at 30,000!!! If attendance at the respective rallies indicates the direction the race is going here, then I am hopeful we'll go for Obama!

Go Obama!

Albuquerque Tennis & Exercise Report

Have been playing tennis once or twice a week since I hooked up with a tennis team here in Albuquerque. It was a surprisingly easy task to find a team! I gave my name to the head guy at Jerry Cline Tennis Center (about a mile from my house) and the next day, Romela (captain of a 4.0 and 4.5 team) called and invited me out to practice and then join the team! The courts (all outdoors and lit) are beautiful and it is cheap cheap cheap! So far, the players I have been on the court with are great 4.0 players and I hear that there are about 10 4.0 teams! Wow!

In other exercise focused news, you likely recall Kate's blog posts on the topic of Crossfit whilst she resided in Montana. Well... Dave and I have also joined in on the fun! The facility here is excellent, trainers are awesome, and most of the time I am able to walk and life my arms the next day! On the day of my "fitness evaluation" - in between sets I asked my trainer (who is a member of the female world rugby team) - "Can I get a drink of water?" She looked me in the eye, with no malice at all just totally matter-of-fact, and said "no".

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!

Amarillo, TX - Where eating beef is a sport with cash rewards

We have made it to Amarillo, TX. Home of the "Free" 72 oz steak dinner at the Big Texan! The dinner consists of a "specially cut 72-oz. top sirloin steak, a baked potato, salad, dinner roll and shrimp cocktail." The fine print states that you have to pay (currently $72) prior to beginning the eating challenge and if you finish in under an hour - your meal is free. Check out the "Facts and Stats" for some disturbing information.


On a more appetizing note... Our accommodations along the Syracuse - Albuquerque journey have been notably accommodating!

Drury Inn & Suites gets 5 stars from Dave and myself and here is why:

1) Free popcorn in the lobby at all locations.
2) Pet friendly completely - no charges, no questions.
3) Really comfy beds and nice bedding.
4) Fridge & microwave in all the rooms.
5) Waffle Maker at the free breakfast in the morning (Dave gives 2 thumbs way up).
6) You do not have to eat 4 and 1/2 lbs of cow to get a restful night of sleep.