RTS Graduation Ceremony 2007

Steve graduated last night from RTS. The ceremony lasted a little over an hour, but it had guest speakers from different countries, live classical music (vocals, trumpets, and an organist), and it packed out a very large church in downtown Orlando. Steve said goodbye to some of his classmates and friends with whom he'd traveled on a mission trip overseas.

Steve receives his diploma on stage

Steve with me (20 weeks pregnant) and his parents

The Class of 2007's banner for the RTS auditorium

Steve's Graduation

Steve graduates tonight from Reformed Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies. His parents are in town for the ceremony and to help us pack and move. I got Steve a Mrs. Fields' cookie cake to commemorate the event.

Last Adjustment

Today, I delivered my last adjustment on my last patient for the last time at Palmer FL. I'm sad to say goodbye to the many amazing people who helped me grow as an intern and as a doctor. However, I'm super thrilled to soon leave this place chock-full of red tape mazes and subsequent headaches of frustration.

I leave on Sunday for Dallas for a week of Part IV board review and exams. At least there will be some relaxation time when Steve flies out to join me at my father and step-mom's house. It'll be good to spend the week in a familiar place and to be among family during a stressful exam, so I can more easily de-stress and not over-study (my tendency).

I've been posting lately about lasts, which also reminds me about a lot of chiropractic school firsts. I had a first chiropractic adjustment (probably low back, maybe thoracics). I remember when I accomplished my first Gonstead atlas adjustment on cervical chair. For none of these firsts do I remember whom I adjusted, I just know it happened, and it was awesome. I also remember when my philosophical paradigm of chiropractic, wellness care, and health completely shifted. It started the day I went to hear a guest speaker on Pettibon Technique . . . and I haven't looked back since.

The first time I heard Dr. Woggon speak about scoliosis correction--it completely stirred me to make a change, if ever so small, on my campus. It's cool how something so powerful and impacting can affect so many people in such a short amount of time, and it's been incredible to be a part of a new change in the chiropractic profession that benefits the patients immensely.

My first chiropractic college club was the Upper Cervical Club. Hey, it sounded cool. They were concerned with correcting the entire spine and that it all rested with the atlas, occiput, and axis. I still believe that, and I take from my experiences in upper cervical and apply them to what I now know about scoliosis, and it's awesome.

My first job in chiropractic school was working as an assistant in the Palmer FL library. OK, that wasn't altogether a milestone or anything, but it did help pay the bills, and I met some fantastic people.

While in chiropractic college, I also competed in my first swim meet for Chiro Games 2005 (more info here, here, here, and here). Thanks to my friend & classmate Andrew, I was able to surf for the first and possibly the LAST time (too many sharks in Ponce Inlet for my comfort level!).

I also had a first pregnancy, and this time, I hope I have our first baby in October. But, you can read more about that on our Baby Blog.

Throughout life, we hit these major milestones, high school graduation, college graduation, marriage, first baby, first house, etc. They're supposed to be these etched-forever-in-your-memory events or life-changing events. I think it's all part of the life journey. I'm not the same person I was in high school, definitely not the same person I was in undergrad. I become a completely different person in the military (more to survive the harsh structure and expectation). And now, I'm not the same chiropractor that I thought I would be when I first started chiropractic college. Based on this track record, I suspect, and hope, I'm not the same person 5, 10, 50 years from now. I want to continue to learn, grow, and develop into the woman God has designed for me to be: follower of Christ, wife, mom, friend, daughter, sister, neighbor, doctor . . . I want to look back and say that I'm not the same person I was when I graduated from Chiropractic college, but that my experiences and the grace of God has changed me and shaped me more into who I am meant to become.

Rocks

Take a close look at this beautiful collection of butterflies. They're not preserved insects, rather they're polished rock carvings. Grandpa Ken's father was a rock hound on top of his daily job in a factory in Walla Walla, Washington. He made the butterflies by carving the outer edges of the wings. Then, he sliced the rock into 2 halves, similar to how he'd make symmetrical book ends...and that's how the wings came out with symmetrical colorations.

Grandpa Ken's father had an expansive rock collection. He made a mallard duck that used over 50 different pieces of rock and stone for the various colorations of the feathers. He also carved intricate mini tables, chairs, plates, utensils, axes, and other similar hand tools for a doll-sized user. Below is a clock. He carved each individual piece then glued it together to form the clock. The clockface is just an old pocketwatch that was set inside.Below is a sampling of symmetrical bookends--utilizing the same techniques he used for the butterflies. The rock hound and artist is visible in the photograph in the background.

Washington Photologue II

Today, for the first time in over a week, it was sunny and calm. I was in such a good mood due to the pleasant weather that I cooked turkey enchiladas for the family. I also did a 20 minute hilly route run, followed by a 3 mile hilly walk/climb with my aunt. I wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous sun, because who knows what the weather will be like tomorrow.

I forced myself to run in the windy cold yesterday. It wasn't raining, sleeting, nor snowing, but it wasn't pleasant weather at all. Steve ran with me along a scenic road that overlooks the valley at sunset. It was great to run downhill for the first leg of the run, but the uphill jaunt with a strong crosswind made the return trip very tough. Steve kept telling me to run each and every hill, but I took a couple of short walk breaks. This Florida girl isn't used to the steep hills. The locals call the mountains "hills" which is quite an understatement. But, I'll take the burning workout in stride as I prep for the race that will burn a lot more for a lot longer.

We watched The Nativity Story in the theater as a family . . . taking up more than a whole row. We enjoyed the movie: great acting from mostly little known actors, except for 2002 best actress nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes who played Mary. There was definitely some story-telling liberty that got thrown in the mix to flesh out some details, but overall, it was excellent and captivating with fantastic desert and Mediterranean footage. Finally, Hollywood got some things right and didn't make the angels female. The soundtrack features several Christmas hymns and carols set as background music. It's a beautiful movie for the holiday season. So, check it out!

And now, more fun photos from Christmas in Washington:

Family tradition is that whomever receives the gift with the nativity scene reads the story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2. I knew that Steve would be dubbed the gospel narrator this year, since he's the one in seminary. Bill got a couple of pairs of snowshoes . . . for all 4 feet. I got the warmest and cutest new bathrobe!
Abe & Lily zonked out waiting to unwrap gifts. Abe got a t-shirt that said "Dogfather" as a play on the Godfather movie poster. He is Italian, afterall.

Bill got Heather & Lily some appropriate signage.
Bill tortures Blazer with a reindeer costume. Keeping Lily snuggly warm.

Christmas Photologue

My grandparentsCarrot cake, my weakness
Candle & tree

Little Lily & Big Blazer

Aaron & Blazer

Tree ornaments with a glimpse of the hills and Snake River valley

My cousin Heather has an adorable 5 month old Maltese purse puppy named Lily. Everyone loves her, especially Steve. He's a huge fan of big dogs, until he met Lily.My grandpa loves Lily, too.I adore the little snowball with legs, too. She's so sweet! And, she doesn't even bark. Who could ask for a more perfect little dog?

My grandparents' backyard complete with a light-up tower, waterfalls, and a couple of fish ponds.

Everyone huddled around the punch bowl for Christmas Eve party. My aunt & uncle hosted around 30 people for food and a white elephant gift exchange.

Fun with photos

Taiwanese Heartbreaker

2 photos of my adorable second-cousin Eric. He's got the greatest smile!

6 years

We said "I do" 6 years ago, today . . . on a Sunday afternoon in an outdoor chapel in the woods in Pennsylvania. It feels like 6 years has flown by, and it just gets more fun every year going through life with my best friend.
Our anniversary always falls on Labor Day weekend, so we usually take the entire weekend to celebrate. Yesterday, we watched the Georgia vs. Western Kentucky first game of the season with our friends. They made delicious and naughty foods: pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, and peach cobbler! Then, we enjoyed dinner at Stonewood Grill: ahi tuna appetizer, swordfish bruschetta, filet mignon, cesar salad, creamed spinach, and the brie, asparagus, prosciotto salad. Since it was our anniversary, Courtney (classmate and exceptional server) provided us with complimentary desserts: creme brulee cheesecake and key lime pie, which we took to-go. Afterward, we played a round of mini-golf at Pirate's Island and we tied in scores (both of us were 2 below par). We came home for even more pirate fun and watched Pirates of the Carribean: the Curse of the Black Pearl on DVD.

Steve surprised me with mint chocolate chip ice cream from Bruster's. Yes, we ate so much stuff that is both sugary and high in the glycemic index, but it's one of the very few days out of the year when we treat ourselves to our favorite foods. Steve surprised me with some books by a couple of my favorite authors, and he got me some of my favorite tea from the Republic.

Tonight, we're going to the local Barnes & Noble to browse books and to relax. Steve loves his new Jack Johnson CD, and we listened to Bill Cosby's original live recorded album today. Unfortunately, tomorrow is a study day, but I hope Steve & I can find time to enjoy the sunset on the beach.

Beach photos for tardy Christmas cards

Katie took these sweet pix of us on the beach. The colors and waves were perfect, although the sun was in our eyes. We're delinquent in mailing photos with Christmas cards which we haven't done in 5 years. It's about time for another photo mailing. Vote on your favorite. These are my faves among an album which I'll post next month. I've already exceeded my flickr upload limit for the month.

My Mom's Birthday trip to Florida

My mom visited for a week in January before classes began for 3rd Q. We took her to Animal Kingdom for a day, the exquisite Mall at Millenia (her favorite central FL attraction), and of course, the world's most famous beach. She collected shells for her future aquarium. We also checked out a few good eats while mom was in town, and all were instant hits. Now, we will make the 45 min drive to Jade Bistro for succulent Chinese-Japanese and the freshest sushi in the area! Another favorite we discovered was McCormick & Schmick's also located at the Mall at Millenia--this seafood restaurant changes its menu twice daily, and everything is incredible. We can't wait for another special occasion to visit once again.

Steve's Birthday

Steve's chose to spend his birthday at the Restaurant Akershus in the pavilion of Norway at Disney's Epcot. This restaurant was one of the best dinner buys, all you can eat only $20 per person. The cold buffet included select cheeses, seafood salads, various types of shrimp, salmon, and pickled cod & herring. Then, the hot menu included venison, lamb, grilled salmon, and other tasty dishes. We had fun trying the different flavors. We left the park soon after dinner since it was one of the 3 days during the year when temperatures in central FL fell below freezing, with a harsh wind chill making a day in the park slightly unpleasant. But, we enjoyed dinner, which is the reason we made the hour-long drive!

Pollyanna & Greg Bayman's Wedding in Indianapolis

Steve and I traveled to Indianapolis for the weekend for my sister's wedding. My aunt and grandmother flew all the way from Taiwan for the event. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception which included a traditional 10-course chinese dinner. Indiana was icy cold and windy compared to our temperate Florida, but we could "weather" it for the weekend.

Bride deep in thought

This is one of my favorite photos because Polly's face is filled with anticipation and perplexion. This shot was taken just prior to the ceremony.

To view more photos from the wedding goto Polly and Greg's photo album

Bayman Wedding Part II

Polly hand-picked her lovely gown from a boutique in Taiwan--it's made from Japanese silk.

Bridal march

Bayman Wedding Part III

Polly asked me to be her sole attendant, the matron of honor. At least I got to pick out my own dress! Any chance to wear my qi pao!

Bayman Wedding Part IV

Steve and I with Mollie and Dan Dimke

Wedding Reception

Polly also had a traditional wedding-red qi pao custom-made for her in Taiwan. She looked stunning at the reception.


Pollyanna feeding Greg cake

Delayed 4 Year Anniversary

Celebrating our 4 year anniversary a month late at Texas de Brazil. They sent us home with a dessert on the house in honor of our anniversary. The carrot cake was scrumptious!