New Years Eve- Dec 31, 2008

Since I had to work the next day, I kept things simple for New Years Eve. Cheryl, Katy, and I went to dinner and I went to bed early. It's actually a great way to start the new year, well-rested.

The Nutcracker- Dec 26, 2008

I can't remember if I've ever been to the Nutcracker before, so I was really excited to enjoy this holiday treat. Thomas had a good laugh, because Sharice, Cheryl, and I all fell asleep during the 2nd act. Such is the life we lead.

Christmas Eve at the Cudzilo's- Dec 24, 2008

Jess decided to make a big Christmas eve meal for her parents and a few of us and I was happy to oblige with my eating skills. It was quite delicious and nice to have some company after leaving friends in England and returning to Cincinnati.

Cambridge, England- Dec 23, 2008

Cambridge is a world-renowned university just northwest of London. For us, the draw was more the beauty of the campus. Each college has it's own flare, but the feel of the architecture is definitely scholarly and inspiring. Adele, one of Sarah's old housemates from uni, spent the day with us and drove us up.

Stratford-upon-Avon- Dec 22, 2008

Stratford-upon-Avon, famous as Shakespeare's birthplace, is one of England's most popular tourist destinations, even for the English themselves. There are plenty of shops, tudor architecture, and in the summer a bustling river scene on the banks of the Avon river. Sarah's parents were great enough to take us there for the day after driving us all the way out to the wedding.

Claire and Dan's Wedding- Dec 21, 2008

Claire and Dan's wedding was beautiful and more importantly, fit Claire perfectly. She looked gorgeous in her champagne-colored dress and the setting and size was warm and lovely. Best of all, I got to spend some time with the glowing bride.

The Cotswolds- Dec 21, 2008

Halfway between North Wales and Surrey is the Cotswolds where Claire and Dan got married. It's a beautiful area, quintessential England according to the website. It was really breathtaking and before the wedding, Sarah and I walked around the grounds.

Sarah and Northampton- Dec 20, 2008

Northampton is about 1h north of London and more importantly is Sarah's hometown. She teaches in a primary school there and it was the first stop on my short England trip.

Secret Santas and Ugly Sweaters- Dec 16, 2008

Our annual alphabet club secret santa was just as fun this year. We had several priceless "goodwill" gifts including an interesting wooden light thing with ceramic cowboy teddy bears and a whole set of 80's casette tapes. For real gifts, smartwool socks were all the rage. As far as the ugly holiday sweaters, Thomas won the prize big time with his women's beaded holiday extravaganza vest.

Med Peds Holiday Party- Dec 14, 2008

Med Peds is all about the kids and the kids were in full effect this holiday party. The girls had an exclusive club (secretary and everything) while the toddlers were entertaining us all.

Peds Holiday Party- Dec 12, 2008

The peds holiday party is about good food, open bar, and great company. It seemed that black was back at this holiday party as we all showed up in a wave of dark, with a sprinkling of red. Afterwards, we headed to Blackfin for a little more dancing.

Christmas Cookie Exchange- Dec 10, 2008

There is a lot of cookie making talent among the med-peds women, and I got to gorge on everything from buckeyes to rolo cookies at the annual cookie exchange.

Home Sweet Holidays- Dec 5, 3008

There's no fun in having a house if you don't decorate it for Christmas. Unfortunately, we don't have an exterior outlet-- so we couldn't make our house the flashiest North Pole transplant in Hyde Park-- but we did put up some indoor lights, stockings and a little tree to keep it festive.

Spa Day- Nov 2, 2008

Cathy, our leader in relaxation, scheduled for us to have a relaxing spa day to ease our stress and detox. Perfect timing for Kim and I after our night out. Cathy, Tara, Marian, Kim, and I all luxuriated in mud body wraps.

Halloween- Little league all-stars- Nov 1, 2008

This Halloween, Kim and I decided to go back in time as little league all-stars. She sported the baseball theme and I the more thugged-out basketball style. After the peds party we headed out to downtown Cincinnati, grateful that there were some others in holiday apparel the day after Halloween.

College Football Saturdays- Oct 25, 2008

Nothing's better than wings and big games on Saturdays...well a KU win would have been better. All in all, the Lee's and I came out losers when their Wolverines lost to rival Michigan State and Missy came out the lone winner when Texas remained undefeated in beating Oklahoma State.

TGI Fridays and Chief Ndidi- Oct 24, 2008

To celebrate Ndidi's new appointment as one of our future chief residents, we all went to TGI Friday's for a celebration meal of ribs and margaritas.

Who Dey! Bengals vs. Steelers- Oct 19, 2008

My first NFL game was quite an experience. Orange and yellow fanatics crowded downtown Cincinnati to catch the rivalry game between the Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite our now 0-7 record, it was a fun experience. Brats, beer, and 4th row endzone seats. Good times.

Boston and AAP- Oct 10-12, 2008

It's not often you get to travel with your residency pals, so we all took full advantage of the AAP conference in Boston to get out of Cincy and explore another city together. I love Boston and the weather was perfect. We learned a lot, did some touristy things like the duck tour, and got a taste of the night life too. A great time.

Hyde Park Art Show- Oct 5, 2008

Every year artists from around the country come to Cincinnati's Hyde Park square for a small outdoors art show. As it is just outside my front steps, Katie and I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and perused the art. Makes you want to buy real art, or paint some of your own.

Wichita and the Family- Sept 24-28, 2008

I got a little homesick, so I switched some ED shifts and spent the weekend with the fam. After my night shift, on first arrival, Mommy decided we should go to the Senior Expo and despite my sleepy stupor we toured the Exploration Place and botanical gardens. I also got to reminisce with fondue and good cooking at Casey's new pad.

Oktoberfest- Sept 20, 2008

Zincinnati, as the banner read, hosts the 2nd largest Octoberfest in the world (2nd to Germany of course). The city has deep German roots and flaunts Polka music, brats, and beer at this annual street festival downtown. Tara, Brandy, Marian, and I had a great time enjoying the food and drink.

Cincinnati Wind Storm- Sept 14, 2008

1 week after the wind storm that swept all the way across middle america from Hurricane Ike, 70,000 Cincinnatians are still without electricity. Luckily ours just went out for a day, but is has caused quite the havoc on the city.

Farmer's Market- Sept 14, 2008

Literally right outside my doorstep, I can see it from my porch, is the weekly Hyde Park Farmer's Market. A small affair, it's got scrumptious organic veggies, cheeses, breads, and other random delights. Dawn, Patty, and I decided to take advantage of our Sunday off and get some food.

Last day in Taiwan- Sept 12, 2008

I was horribly sad to be leaving Taiwan and my family, so the last day was bittersweet. I did enjoy the family-style meal at home to finish off the trip and everyone was there making it that much better. Plus, my aunt is a great cook. :)

National Cheng Kung University- Sept 9, 2008

National Cheng Kung University is the #2 university in Taiwan and is the alma mater and the place where my parents met, so it was interesting to see and imagine my parents young. Apparently it's changed quite a lot though in the last almost 40 years.