My 1st Anniversary

In lieu of re-writing my thoughts after a tumultuous year...but a happy one nonetheless, I am opting to repost my blog right after I got married (it was from the blog From California to Cambridge that I used to run). 

To my husband, Ryan. You have made me stronger, and I hope I have made you whole. 

I love you. Always.

Your wife,

Dani

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In their footsteps...

I recently returned from Hawaii. It was a much needed vacation filled with lots of sun, laughter (think loosing gas during a sunset ice storm on top of a remote crater, Halekala, and waiting hours for rescue in the form of gas!) and I suppose love. I went to Maui with my new(ish) boyfriend Ryan. I didn't blog much about him in hopes of keeping my relationships free of the spotlight, after all this blog is actually about me, and sometimes I found my relationship were defining me instead. However, for the past few months, I have been dating a surgical resident named Ryan. The instant challenge, laughter, witty repartee, and friendship reminded me of the relationship of my grandparents, Baba and Pa. My grandmother was my grandfather's nurse and while Ryan has never been my physician, I do enjoy the benefits of the vast knowledge he has...something sorta sexy (although we cannot tell him, I refuse to give the upper hand!). My Baba And Pa briefly dated and married within three days of getting engaged. I always thought that while it was romantic, it was rash...impulsive...unnecessary...and always wondered how on earth it lasted. Almost 50 years until death. But something happened to me when I found myself on my first vacation with my boyfriend...I realized that sometimes the greatest things in life are those that are unplanned. This is hard to swallow, given the fact I am an over-planner. I over prepare, analyze and stress. Carefree nature skipped me and went to my brother.

So what did I do when I realized I had spent 26 years of my life living according to what should be done, rather than what I wanted to do? Somewhere on the island where I was brought only 14 years before by my Baba and Pa, I took a page out of other book, and took a massively leap of unplanned faith. I married Ryan. Yes, I married him. There are two pictures, I wore my flip flops that survived my college and grad school years,along with the trip across the pond. I wore a green dress that was a bit too big. I wore almost no makeup. I put my hair up myself. And we didn't exchange rings. We also had no witnesses, sans the officiant. It was the antithesis of me. But it should be, as I clearly got it wrong the first time. And this time, I had better guidance...as I followed in my grandparents footsteps.

It may not have been SFCH, and I may not have been wearing a navy blue suit...but I was every inch my grandmother. And Ryan was better than any man I could imagine, and he would have made my grandfather proud.

Life has taught me many things, above all which is to have faith. I am asking for faith from those around me...not faith in love, or God, or fate. Faith in my judgement. It has served me well for 26 years. It shall continue to serve me well for the next 50.

Introducing Rudy.

A few days ago, I fell in love with a little boy. So I adopted him, with my husband, and we named him Rudy Wooden Whitney aka "Rudy". He embodies his name. Small for his breed, timid at first, but determined. He tried hard, and I know, no matter how many years it will take, he will be the perfect partner.

Just his name makes me smile. Ya know, Rudy the movie is one of my favourites. I remember watching it with my grandfather. What Catholic doesn't love Notre Dame. My husband loves the name, and movie too.

And Wooden, well that name, that is the name of one of the greatest human I have ever met. John Wooden.

Rudy, my boxer/beagle mix, has big shoes to fill. But then again, he has big paws too ;)

Alone on Halloween...

I love Halloween. LOVE IT. Perhaps it is in large part due to the fact that my elementary/middle school had AWESOME family Halloween events (usually organized, at least partially, by my mum). I haven't celebrated though, in two whole years. This time last year I was in Maui. About to get married. This time, I am alone (well, I have Rudy), and my husband decided to take call (so he is gone overnight). I feel like crying...but I won't. I LOVE handing out candy, dressing up...and enjoying the festivities.

In lieu, here are my previous two costumes. One, was obviously Minnie Mouse (2009), and the other is Baby from Dirty Dancing (my date was Johnny Castle aka Patrick Swayze) from (2010).

Christmakkuh

“You can't ruin Chrismukkah. It's got twice the resistance of any normal holiday.”- The OC television shows greatest quote 

I remember watching The OC television show, and the Chrismukkah episode...in 2005. Yes, 2005. I was living in NYC, and had just been introduced to Judaism on a larger scale (I was, as I said before, living in NYC). I never though thought I would have a Chrismukkah. Why would I? I come from a very long line of Irish Catholic's (devout) and Russian Orthodox observers. I try to attend daily mass. At least weekly though. 

Fast forward 8 years. And I am married to a man that is Jewish by birth. Whilst he doesn't personally intend to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, my in-laws do. I want to honor that. So I am meshing midnight mass...and Christmas trees, and incorporating a little blue, and adding additional lights in the form of a Menorah (he might not know this yet). 

As Seth Cohen (the lovely character from above said TV show) argues, it is just a double party. So I am attempting to find a way to incorporate both, and buy presents for both families, appropriately. 

My own list though, is simple. Family and friends....since I have missed them dearly. Although if I had to make a list ;)

1) Cartier D'elices Parfum since I am out. I haven't tried the lotions, so maybe those. 

2) Wool J. Crew Scarf (any type but this is ultra preppy, no?)

3) Key chain with a cool theme like this anchor or bow; I used to have a beautiful Tiffany & Co one, but as long-time readers know, that was stolen. 

4) A Catholic Bible. Don't have one. Bad, Dani. Bad.

5) A cross necklace. Still in search......

Restlessness, oh restlessness...

Right now, my beloved East Coast is preparing for a storm. Whilst in rainy Seattle, it is easy to imagine the storm is not in fact headed for NYC, but rather, right towards me. The weather, sufficient to say, is sub par in Seattle right now...

To make matters worst, my husband is undergoing immense job changes/issues in his surgical residency, and I...well...I am lost. It causes me to be restless (hence blogging at 12AM).Very restless..

Thomas Edison wrote "Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.” I hope he is right, because my husband and I, we are destined for success...it just requires this period. Unable to calm myself, I have looked elsewhere- therapy, mild medication, baths, books, bargain shopping...nothing seems to help. Not even snuggling inside my warm apartment, watching a classic film, while it drizzles outside. 

I have utilized groupon for a massage tomorrow. Here is to hoping satisfaction comes sooner, rather than later!

Investment in myself...it is expensive...but needed...

The past few days, nay months, I have made an effort to financially, at least a bit, invest in myself. I've failed to do so, for over two years (in lieu, focusing on the men in my life- not bad- but not fantastic either). I've put on 35lbs in a year. I haven't purchased new jeans in a year, despite wearing them literally every day. I haven't bought a new pair of ballet flats (which I also wear every day) since being in England (1.5 years ago). I have set out on a mission. I come first, sometimes. And my husband has been very, very supportive of this. Very.

I recently purchased (yesterday, actually) brand new J.Brands. And this morning, I got a double surprise, when Anthro had a nearly identical pair for 19.95, plus 25% off. WTH. Yes, both of them were in a large size- but I hope to fit my 27s soon. Then I will have more than just one or two pairs ;)

I also splurged on ballet flats. Despite my penchant for J.Crew, I caved. My feet are a tad wide, and flat (supported my own father-in-law, a podiatrist). I needed a tad more support, and was also tired of the "smashed" toe look in them. I paid a bit for them...sticker price :( but I already love them...and am looking for another pair (on EBay though).

For handbags, I am listing my sadly worn J.Crew collection- upgraded my old purple Longchamp tote (making it a gym bag instead) and also still looking for a Damier handbag. For more polished days.

Lastly, I started our marriage with a simple band from Tiffany. But my husband saved- and upgraded them from my favourite jeweler, Harry Winston :) I feel the investment already... :)

He thinks I make him better...

Oh my Lord. There are no words. My husband had these delivered today with this card. I am speechless and in love. What a great way to turn around my day.

The Blues...

"Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds? 

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues? 

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? 

Paul Varjak: Sure. 

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name! "- Breakfast at Tiffany's

I have two Tiffany & Co shoppes to select from, and yet I fear hopping into a cab (or in my case, driving my husband's sleek black Acura TL) to browse will not cure my feelings...I do not have the mean reds- I am not afraid, of anything. I am married to a bright, nay brilliant, beautiful man (and he fits the story book princes- as he is a doctor with a heart of gold). He makes me giddy- and his smile is officially the most radiant I have ever seen. I have the best parents on earth. Hands down. I lucked out with great in-laws as well (double- score). I have a select few best friends that mean the world, and I trust them with my life (Jenna, you lead the way, with Amber, Faith, Raima and  on a very rainy day, Ruby). When life throws curve balls, they are literally just a call away. And my brother, Scott...whom I adore  and protect with every fiber of my being has just announced his engagement to a great girl, who loves him as much as I. I get to add her to my list of close friends.  All-in-all, I am not afraid nor alone. But I am blue. Blue as can be. 

Seattle has been very good to Ryan and I, but the sky is slowly turning- yet it isn't even the slow turning of the leaves and the brisk air that is making me more sad...it is the fact that the holidays are nearing and I am soon to be without family. In fact, this is the first Christmas in my ENTIRE life that I won't spend the week before Christmas with them...I arrive in LA on the 24th. Ryan is my new immediate family, but I love browsing the stores, driving through neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights with my parents...and prepping at home with my mom. Not even a large diamond at Tiffany can make up for family time. To make matters worse, Ryan is switching from research to clinical again this month...so I shall see a lot, lot, lot, less of him. 

I am determined to make the most of it though- and create new traditions. Perhaps cookie baking for the surgical residents? Or learning to shop alone? Maybe spend more time ACTUALLY learning the art of wrapping presents in lieu of throwing them in bags? I guess I should combined the above with the trips to Tiffany too. Cover my bases ;) 

Off to Tiffany...

$30 here, $40 there...

I went through my closet like I said in the previous post...and I only wish I had really thought about Gretchin Rubin, or ALL the other lifestyle books I had read prior...because then I would have a lot less of a mess on my hands.

I believe it was in the book "I love your style" by Amanda Brooks that stressed in investing in good, dare I say it, great, items (and fewer) than a ton of sale items that you only like (in lieu of love). I fail at this (and blame wholeheartedly J.Crew sales!). Over the course of the past few years, I have given away or Ebay'd so many sale items or cheaply made products that I could have had a Chanel tweed blazer that I had been lusting over. Or, if you count up the number of sale J.Crew handbags, I could have owned my beloved (and never purchased) LV Trevi. What a pity, because all that I am left with is a few items I love, and a lot I simply once "liked".

Ryan (my amazing husband) has helped me purchase a few "love" items, and I hope to continue, because I am really tired of being in a rut where I feel sloppy every time I go out. What is on my dream list? A good pair of flats. A black fitted blazer. A few well-made white shirts. A classic handbag and a new Longchamp tote. I could always use more J.Brand jeans, in dark wash, too.

Possessions

Gretchin Rubin has a chapter, for September, on Possessions. She explores (albeit briefly) various theories on the subject, and argues that possessions, in organized manner, can add to happiness. Either they trigger happy thoughts/memories, or they create them.

I love being in a clean, organized home. When the house isn't clean, I am usually NOT happy. I find this extends to my clothing, jewelry and handbags as well. When they are worn, outdated, unorganized or unwashed, I echo similarly. Today I embarked on organizing my wardrobe. Keep in mind that 99% of what I currently have does NOT fit. It doesn't matter though, I sifted through, made piles, ironed, and put away my precious clothing items in an organized fashion (after all, Weight Watchers will work, and by Christmas, I intend to fit all said items above!). I feel better already, but now I have to tackle jewelry and handbags- both of which I am unsatisfied.

I have a few VERY worn J.Crew handbags and I really do need a new one...but this time, I feel a semi-splurge is in order. I want a bag that when I (heave-forbid) through on dowdy clothes, I still feel put together. Same for the jewelry. Gone are the days of having fun with J.Crew earrings or sale Anthropologie bling. They are fun, but just not me. So, I listed it all on Ebay...and will be sticking to simple Tiffany & Co pearl studs.

My watch is another story. Poor Cartier Tank. Needs repair and it cost $450 for "standard maintenance by Cartier" but I think I will have to splurge eventually. I love that watch (it is my lucky watch, if you recall earlier posts) and it deserves to be worn.

Finally, shoes. My least favourite of my apparel. I love flats, ballet flats. And I love J.Crew. BUT J.Crew ballet flats simply look awful on my feet. So I am in search of well made ballet flats with a bit of a heel, and higher sides. I hear Chanel makes good pairs ;) but I hear the cost is a bit harsh on the wallet...

Pics to follow...

Happiness Project: Part Deux

Remember my post on The Happiness Project, by Gretchin Rubin? Well, she came to the Seattle area last week to promote her new book Happier at  Home and whilst I was unable to attend, I decided to re-look at her first work...and remember the little things to make my life, well, "happier". I started today.

My 600sf Seattle Pre-War is cramped, so cleanliness and storage was a priority (pics to follow). Therefore, a trip to Ikea and a mere $131.00 later my husband and I have a newly organized home, and enjoyed the infamous tasty Swedish meatballs! We also fell in love with a doggie, whom we considered taking home ;)

The most important purchase though was a money tree. I believe in all the luck I can get, so in addition to prayer, candles, and all other things luck-bringing to which I employ, a new living addition is now near our desk.

We finished the evening off with vigil at our beloved St. James Cathedral  and dinner at a Russian Deli near the University of Washington...perfect.

I promise photos tomorrow...for now, I am headed to bed, to follow another of her many useful suggestions.

Finding my way back...

I am sure somewhere in this blog post history, I quoted Robert Frost, one of my favourite poets. But I cannot imagine a better time, nor place to steal his words (or ideas).

The last stanza states: "I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."- Robert Frost

My life, and the road I have taken, has been twisted, and then some. It brought me to wonderful physical places where I actually lived, such as The Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, NYC (Manhattan), Philadelphia, and of course Cambridge, England. I now add a new place, Seattle (my current place of residence).

The road has brought me partners and friends of all walks...each, who contributed to who I am now, and whose experience with (regardless of outcome) is appreciated. One friend, I met at my lowest, another, during a high. My closest confidants are educators, famous movie producers, and even a Playboy Playmate of sorts. And at the start of my journey, I was given a head start, with amazing family.

The road has allowed memorable moments- walking Pebble Beach, with a new friend, Jack Nicholas' wife during his last round at the US Open...the 100th (this is for you golf lovers). Enjoying lunch with the Rockefellers...attending all my dreams colleges---UCLA, Columbia, Penn and Cambridge...and the last, I experienced what, for 800 years, the great men and women of the world had, elegant balls and champagne...punting...and I even left knowing the waltz, Viennese waltz, and foxtrot ;)

But lately, the road has been challenging ( and exciting). I got married to a surgery resident, and moved. I left my beloved PhD program at Cambridge. I left my career and am trying a hand at my fathers...and somehow, somewhere along the road, I feel as though I am lost among the "undergrowth". So today, I looked up this blog, and read it, over and over. I realized I am the same girl, on the same road, and I simply need to find myself. This is the first post back, and I promise many more to come...

Thank You!

I love sending "Thank You" cards. I started at a young age...when I gave my own surgeon a little Mickey Mouse doctor statue, and a photo of me dressed in surgical attire (mum helped). He had just finished saving my life...

Fast-forward 24 years and I am hanging a cute little drawing from another pediatric surgical patient on our family fridge- next to a copy of the above mentioned photo. And the recipient of said thank you was my husband. Also included were more adult presents---a card from the family and a super cute bottle of wine named The Doctor.

I am fairly certain this is the cutest gift my husband has ever gotten---

Just this year I spoke with my surgeon Dr. Karl and learned he still had the gift and picture...and I know in another 24 years, my husband will as well.

(side note: I swear this is my last doctor-related posting for a while!)

Dinner at Reagan.

“Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing”-Voltaire

Voltaire is usually one of my most trusted philosophers, and his writing are one of my most pleasured escapes, and yet I find myself thoroughly disturbed by the quote about. Interestingly, if you Google quotes about doctors, you rarely find a good one. Why?

As I sat at UCLA Ronald Reagan's cafeteria this evening grabbing dinner (I love hospitals- and particularly hospital food, don't ask, I am clearly weird) while my husband started work, I watched dozens of doctors quickly come in and out- grabbing food- and checking their pager- and then running off. My husband was one such doctor. I often wonder why it seems society is seemingly decreasing the amount of respect for said profession, when it requires more heart, and dedication, and sacrifice than its counterparts.

My husband often feels I am one who rarely respects physicians- and the medical profession as a whole- simply because I don't like going to the doctors for myself, that I rarely listen to my own doctors, and more importantly, him. But nothing could be further from the truth.

I love doctors. I have since I was a baby, because after all, I in particular wouldn't be here without them. Born with a severe congenital heart defect, it was only because of a group compiled of dedicated nurses, a caring pediatrician, a thorough cardiologist, and a brilliant surgeon that I get to hang out at a hospital like tonight----simply for fun.

People in the medical profession may not all be brilliant and caring, but when you think about the real sacrifices they make, you might be more sympathetic, and respectful...because they give up more than just dinner with their families at home...

On a lighter note, here is a picture of my dinner. Yep, that is a big chunk of cake :)

What being Catholic has taught me...

okay, this isn't intended to be a soapbox, but I thought I would blog about something very personal- more so than friendships or romantic relationships. It is my faith. And whilst it isn't perfect, it something I strive to protect and foster daily. Even if that means dragging myself to mass or overcoming the cringe of my tithe.

I love, love, love religion. I took religion courses all through elementary, middle and high school. I've studied at Catholic schools, Evangelical ones- and even did graduate work on Judaism. Yep, you read that right. My best friend growing up was Hindu. And two of my closet friends are Buddhist and Jewish respectively. I find religion interesting, to say the least. But, I should never be confused for anything but Roman Catholic. It isn't that I feel being Catholic makes me better, nor even more "right", either. Truth is, while I have faith- I do believe there is only one God, and the most important things in life is to be as good as you can, without judgement of others. I do sadly relish in the occasional "bitch" fest over coffee...and thankfully, there is confession for that ;)

I am not sure I remember my first mass. I have been going for as long as I can remember, and it is the only place where I can be in California, New York or even England and know that I belong. The words- the smells and feelings remain unchanged regardless of my geographical location. And that is a comfort that is priceless. But it isn't the amazing earthly building that I adore (have you been to the Vatican?). It is the beliefs and the identity that comes with it. And for all you Catholics out there, you know exactly what I am talking about. We almost always have a crucifix above our beds (and more importantly we know what INRI stands for). Our rosary belonged to our grandparents. We probably can trace our roots to Ireland. Ave Maria (in Latin) is on our iPod. We rocked the plaid school uniforms. We pray to Mary... nightly. And make no excuses for it.

Below is a picture of my July trip to Rome- and particularly The Vatican. It is one of the only few I have, but I think it does the trip justice...it was my "Birthright" trip of sorts...but of course, mine wasn't free ;) Typical Catholics.

Support for night float comes in all forms...

including sweets and dry erase board notes for his 7ish am return.

Yep. I am lame.

Night Float...how I loathe thee...

“The great secret of doctors, known only to their wives, but still hidden from the public, is that most things get better by themselves; most things, in fact, are better in the morning”- Lewis Thomas

Oh, if only the above were true my husband would be home!

I often hear stories about life inside the hospital- the kind that make your eyes well and your heart heavy-and recently these stories involve "night float". For those that whom are unfamiliar, night float is the joyous months when an intern (in this case my surgical intern husband) takes cross-cover (typically a 12-16 hr shift) in the early evening to early morning. Yesterday night was our first. Tonight, our second. While I don't have to be up- and probably shouldn't- I cannot imagine doing anything else. I want to be on the same sleep schedule as my husband. But it doesn't mean I do not loathe it.

Since we are still adjusting, I am fatigued but when I am about to complain I thank God I am home, in our beautiful quiet home, while my husband is in a dreary hospital working. I have found some slightly happy ways to pass the time, including excessive cleaning- writing- Facebook stalking and of course, prepping for about 7am when he does come home. I am making a habit of putting his favourite donuts, smoothies, fruit and bagels out on the table for when he comes home and I even include flowers (he might not appreciate them as much as me so perhaps they are after all for me). Life is bound to get easier. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and in 10-15 years I look forward to the day when we laugh about this time...and it is he giving orders to the interns and residents ;)

Until tomorrow-

Sunday night- date night!

I had a great weekend with my husband...and am bummed that I somewhat messed it up by fighting the other day. I hate that, you know the feeling when things are going really well and than a fight over something silly ruins it? Oh well, "forward ever, backward never" in the words of my beloved and brilliant grandmother, Baba.

My husband got off work on Saturday around 1AM. It is hard to get frustrated at his schedule- when you know he is helping people all day in a highly demanding job. I am selfish for missing him and making him aware of it. Anyway, we went to Norm's in LA around 2AM and it made me feel like a college student just finishing an evening of partying. On Sunday, after a meeting, we went to Korean BBQ...

Here are a few pictures from Sunday night :)

Our next car...soon!

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz"-Janis Joplin

Last weekend when the Mercedes was in the shop, the dealership gave us a C300 2011 rental. This is the picture. I was in heaven driving it over the few days and whilst Ryan didn't favour it per se, I did. When we move to Seattle we most likely will only have 1 car, so we will trade in ours for something like this (although if he has his way- which he probably will- it will be a 3 or 5 series BMW). I couldn't have loved a design of a car more than this c300 though.

Who wouldn't?

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake!

My book (The Beautiful and the Damned by Fitzgerald) currently has a cute pink bookmark that says the above, "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake", so I opted to yesterday.

Lately I have enjoyed countless sweets (courtesy of the holidays- a nice jump start of such). Yesterday my husband and I had lovely cupcakes from a Santa Monica bakery...with red velvet, vanilla bean, and then mint chocolate chip and it reminded me that I forget to post about the amazingly sweet gesture from my father. He went to my hometown of Santa Cruz on business, and bought me my favourite taffy from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I love it. It is the little things...sweet little things that bring sweet big smiles :)

It is official...2 months later!

after 26 years-for the first time ever- my legal name has changed :)

I am now DHW (Danielle H. Whitney). Yes, Mrs. Whitney. Or, Dr. and Mrs. Whitney (has a nice ring to it) if my title includes my swanky husband...jk. I am 10x swankier than he.

Our license:


Our wedding photo:

He operates with both...

“A good surgeon operates with his hand, not with his heart”
Alexandre Dumas Père


My husband is great with his hands (and no- not a sexual conotation) but he also follows his heart- and when I forget just how amazing he is, I find random surgical kits laying around our home.

Three cheers to physicians! And extra cheers for their dedicated wives!

The smell of Cartier is thankfully gone...

“What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course.” -
Marilyn Monroe


Today I went and did my first load of laundry in Santa Monica at the coin laundry. We had to- the comfort is usually done by the staff but since it is a Sunday AND a holiday NO WHERE was open---and the chocolate stains and the smell of my Cartier parfume became too much to bare :)

Here is a pic of my wash (courtesy of Instagram!)

A different NYE and NYD of sorts!

“New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” -Mark Twain

Twain was right, but alas I think I will make them anyway---after all---my NYE sent the new year off in a new style (no champagne. no party. just my husband and some sparkling cider in front of a tv---which it turned out to be his FIRST delayed new years countdown as he grew up in the city!). So I am hopeful for a different type of year. Last year I was "broken hearted" on a transatlantic flight and celebrated by being asleep. This year I was constantly talking to loved ones, and with someone. Cheers for that! Anyway, back to my resolutions:

1) Laugh more. I never laugh. Ever. It is a travesty, so this year, I am going to laugh more. How? I haven't the faintest of clues, but I think little things like "not sweating the small stuff" and even more active things like going to the comedy club a few miles away on Sunset Blvd are a step in the right direction.

2) Be a better friend (and maybe wife-sister-daughter). I have the GREATEST people around me. Whether it is you, my blogger friends, or my best friend Jenna, or my husband, I am constantly given so much support and yet I rarely seem to give it (or it feels that way) so this year I am going to make a better effort. The world doesn't revolve around me...

3) Continue my career. Having taken a leave of my PhD I was somewhat sent on a wild-goose chase as to what I was supposed to do...hmm...

4). Be a better wife. This goes with #2 but I really need to focus on being a better wife. I smoother my husband, not because I like tormenting him, but simply cause I cannot get enough of him. His schedule sucks though- think 80+ hour weeks at the hospital. His job is stressful (if I were to fuck up- we might lose a sale or two, if he fucks up people die). He comes home then after a morning of 4AM to finishing notes around 8 or 9PM to a wife who freaks when he doesn't smile enough. He doesn't need that. So I need to shift how I deal since he really can't(or so says all those blogs I have been reading written by other wives of doctors/surgeons). I need to give him time/space to unwind and be happy with the few moments I do get.

5) Clean up. Our BEAUTIFUL Wilshire Corridor condo is a mess. Despite working from home and having ample time to clean up, I don't. MUST. GET. BETTER. Imagine how stress free it would be if the granite and wood floors didn't have grime all over them? Or the large glass shower could actually be clear? Today I spent the afternoon organizing and cleaning the bathroom and moved into the walk-in closet (but gave up halfway through). Ugh.

6) Cook. Cook. Cook. First, it is healthier. Luckily for me my husband isn't a health-nut despite being a physician. I do spend, however, at least 4 meals at McDonalds a week. NO LIE. It is pathetic. I need to cook more. I have a fab kitchen waiting to get used---and an always hungry husband who doesn't mind my mediocre abilities in it. Plus, it saves money :)

7) BUDGET. Yep, I suck at this- this year has got to be different. I need to get my finances organized for 2012- because you just never know when life sends unexpected twists and turns (heck, I didn't for see getting married in 2011 so you really never know!). I do NOT need to spend hundreds and hundreds and hundreds a week. I literally should be able to get by with spending just a few thousand a month. So cheers to that!

8) Dance. Yoga. Golf. Dance some more. I love dancing- makes me smile (goes to #1). I get rejuvenated with yoga and finally I reminisce with golf. All good for me and my soul. So I need to do at least one of these a week. No ifs. No ands. No buts. However, with some of my health limits, I do these monitored, I don't carry a golf bag (for example), and lightly...but I need to...at least a little...


HAPPY NEW YEARS MY FRIENDS!