Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

First of all, here's a big THANK YOU to all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for America.  I can't say I always agree with your missions, but I 100% support and respect your contribution. 

Fourth of July 2011 was a great weekend.  I interviewed for a job on Friday morning that I think would be really beneficially to me- responsibilities I want to be accountable for, a team with really impressive resumes to work with, and the opportunity for a LOT of growth.  I am hoping to hear back from them today, which would be really great.

After my interview, Jenners (one of the general surgery interns at UCI) and I went down to the Balboa Peninsula to rent paddle boards.  I had the opportunity to try out stand up paddling over Christmas break in Hawaii.  My aunt and uncle own two boards, and Carina and I gave it a shot.  Between the rough surf in the open ocean and the secret service trying to clear the water in front of President Obama's beach house, it was more than challenging.  This time, in Balboa, we were inside the harbor and the water was f-l-a-t.  I loved it!  I am thinking about heading down there this afternoon and giving it another go.  

Saturday morning Sam rounded on his patients at the VA, and in the afternoon we went over to the Nageotte's house to have a 2nd of July BBQ.  Not only did I get to meet some of the anesthesia residents (the oldest Nageotte is a 3rd year resident at UCI) but I also got to meet one of the 3rd year orthopedic residents.  He promised me that 2nd year will be the hardest of all Sam's years, but that it will get significantly better after that.  Here's to hoping I survive next year!

Flip Cup during at the Nageotte's house

On Sunday, Sam and I met up with the Dwyers to go bowling.  During the course of the game, Seany-D tells us he just purchased a Maserati.  Say what?!?  He then tells us that he decided to leave his current company and is enjoying some unemployment time just as I am.  (We're going to hit the batting cages sometime this week.)  So we decide to take a cruise down to Laguna Beach in the Maz and check out what that puppy can do.  Let me tell you what, it's one smooth operator.  Over appetizers and margaritas at Las Brisas, Sean helped me figure out how to handle negotiating compensation during the interview process.  He is incredibly articulate and very good at his job- sales.  By the end of the evening, Sam and I were trying to get him to be my broker.  :-)

Silly names aside, please notice that we are some pretty decent bowlers!

Cruisin' PCH in the Maz

Yesterday I had the opportunity to make my very first potato salad for the Engelstad/Grant 4th of July BBQ that Sam and I attended.  Having never made one before, I hopped on the weight watchers website and found an "American Potato Salad" recipe that substituted non-fat greek yogurt for a large portion of mayonnaise.  Two things went in my favor- there was SO much food that if my salad sucked we would still be plenty set for dinner, and also, turns out my salad wasn't half bad!  We had a wonderful time with Matt & Emily's family and it was great to catch up with Matt's sister and brother-in-law, and Emily's sister.  

Here's to hoping everyone had a fun & safe Independence Day!