Holiday Festivities

And I'm going alllllll the way back to Thanksgiving, because I never got a chance to showcase the amazing meal I prepared for Clark and myself.  I spent Thanksgiving day alone (Clark worked 7am-7pm), which was  absolutely delightful. Many of you may believe that a Thanksgiving not spent with family is a wasted and dull holiday.  I personally found this not to be the case.  It was an entirely stress-free day that consisted of running, cleaning and cooking. Ahhhh, bliss.

Early December arrived a little elf we like to call Candy. At first we didn't know if it was a he or a she but luckily the box clarified her gender identity.

Candy happens to be a preteen elf and in keeping with the average age of maturation, she surprised us with her very first menstrual cycle! Thanks for allowing us to be part of your growth and maturation, Candy!

Truant Minds (Clark's band) played a show in Atlantic City, and it totally rocked! Seriously, they're a lot of fun to watch. I recorded a couple of songs but I can't seem to load them properly...

We were able to see this little cutie for a short period; she has grown so much since we last saw her in October. Georgie loves to be held and is such a snuggle-bug.

And her siblings love her so much!

Our kitchen table got all decorated with this impressively beautiful gingerbread wreath created by my sister-in-law.  She also made us ornaments (the round balls) to go on our tree as well.  As much as I wanted to eat these decorations, I have refrained from doing so so that I can enjoy them in Christmases to come.

And our house got all decorated, too. Well, our living room did anyway. Next year, we'll get a real tree. Maybe.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! Somehow, we seem to be evading the cold, winter weather that is hitting other parts of the U.S. so hard.  I was hoping for a white Christmas but it just may not be in the cards this year...

Rachel Tobler, MSN

Wow, it's been nearly a month since my last post!!!??!?! 

So much has happened in the past month.  Gosh, where do I even begin? 

I guess I'll start off by exclaiming that I'm officially done with my master's degree!  I just submitted my final paper of graduate school this afternoon, and I am so excited to begin my new life as a stay at home wife for the next few months while I look for employment.  Ahhhh, it just feels so good to be done.  This program has been nothing short of challenging but I feel prepared (as much as I can be as a new grad) for what the future holds for me as a nurse practitioner.

Unfortunately, I don't graduate until May.  Apparently Penn invests so much money on it's graduation ceremony each spring that the school can only really afford one graduation a year. Or at least that's how our course directer explained it to us.  Right before she started crying and told us how proud she was of us and that we all better come back for graduation...so, I think I'll have to attend graduation. I was so touched by her heartfelt words and all the support she (and the other faculty) provided us with throughout the program.  

I must thank Clark for his unconditional support while I completed this program.  There is NO WAY I could have finished this program if I had to work and go to school full-time. He cooked countless meals, provided financial support so that we could live comfortably and listened patiently when I'd have a breakdown every other week.  Today when I told him I just submitted my last paper, his response was: many tears, frustrations, and bad words later, you are done!!!  Ahhh, the things this man has to put up with. Thank you Clark for working at a job you hate to provide for us. I love you so much and think you are the best.  You are forever my favorite.

Welp, I guess it's time to start celebrating!

 (I'll post more on recent events later, don't you worry!)

Birthday SWAG

Clark's birthday has come and gone.  Another year older, another year wiser. 

But take a look at the real cool swag he received:

Hat: courtesy of Mom  and Dad Ellison. Can't believe my Mom remembered Clark wanted one of these hats--I didn't even remember!  He will be the coolest dude wandering the Southeast Asian beaches and streets for sure. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Mug: courtesy of Scott and Dagmara.  His and Hers mugs in black and white. You guys are so sneaky and we love you for it!  They purchased these for us when we all visited the caverns in Virginia together. Thanks so much! 

Gosh, I can't get over the hat.  He looks so cool in it, not ridiculous at all.

What a relief. Honest people still do exist!

I know that people are innately good. I know this. In spite of how damn awful people act sometimes. The following story is actually not one about what someone has done to upset me, but about what someone has done for me.  And it made me so happy.

*************

Welp, the other day, ELECTION DAY (aka the day my hopes for America all came crashing down...just kidding...kind of...), I woke up all early to get to the polls before heading to the clinic in Murder City, USA . I was all sorts of prepared and organized.  I attached my badge to a loophole on my pants as per usual, and headed out the door with my 2 ton book bag and lunchbox.  Voting took longer than usual, but I'm in Philly so I should have just assumed that the line would be 40 people deep at 7:30 am.  I thought I'd be late to the clinic but I got there right on time.  As I was heading into a room to see my first patient of the day, I realized that my badge had fallen out of it's plastic case.  Ugghhhh.  So much for being prepared. But my day went on without a hitch, and though I couldn't find my ID card in the car or at home, I decided I would just get another one on Wednesday. 

But then it started snowing/raining on Wednesday while I was sitting in class and I thought to myself: there is no way I'm walking over to 35th and Walnut for an ID card in this weather.  

So I decided I would do it Friday. To my great surprise, our door buzzed just before 8 am Friday morning.  I hurried to the door because if you don't answer within 3 buzzes, the UPS dude will just take off.  I'm sure he doesn't take into account that most people don't hang out right by their door all day.  Anywho, I answered the phone:

Me: Hello.

Dude: Yeah, is this Rachel?

Me: Yes...

Dude: Hey, I found your Penncard in the gutter.

Me: What!? Really?  That's awesome, I'll be right down!? I answered him with a question for some reason. 

I threw some pants and a sweater on and raced downstairs.  And there it was, a glistening hologrammed ID card in the hand of a very nice looking fellow.  His name was Kevin.  Or Hot Kevin, as I now refer to him. I thanked him profusely.  He apologized for stopping by so early.  He probably noticed that I had pillow lines in my face.  

I don't know why he didn't just bring my card to the facility that distributes cards on campus, but I was so thankful he woke me up at 8 am to personally deliver my ID card to me.  Thank you, Hot Kevin. You have restored some of my faith in mankind.
This was the first thing I told Clark when he got home from work that morning.  I was so excited about a stranger's kind gesture that I couldn't even fall back to sleep.

One of my favorite places in Philly

Autumn colors are one of my favorite things.  Every year I tell Clark that we have to go around and take photos of the changing seasons, wherever we may be.  This year, I wanted to take photos inside the Woodland Cemetery.  I've blogged about this cemetery before.  It's so beautiful and serene.  I hardly feel like I'm in the city when I walk around or run here.

I got a little carried away with Picasa on some of these.  I apologize, but at the same time I don't because the colors POP even more with certain image processing features.

Clark got to be my model for the day.  He wasn't too thrilled about it, but hey, he had to oblige my wishes because I'm his wife and this was an outing I had been looking forward to for days.

I just love this one.

Me: ohhhh Clark! Go stand under that tree branch!

Clark: *sigh*

Rachel: You should just be happy you have a wife who wants to take pictures of you.

Clark: *sigh*

And his face shows his enthusiasm so well.  What a good sport.

I went overboard.  But with gorgeous autumn colors, I really couldn't help myself.  

Frankenstorm 2012

We're safe and sound. Whew, I'll bet you were worried.  Or maybe you have no idea what is going on over here on the East coast.  Apparently my brother and sister-in-law down in Alexandria just lost power.  I'm sure we'll face similar circumstances here in Philly in a couple of hours.  It's been pretty windy and rainy, but nothing majorly disconcerting. I'm just praying our windows don't blow out.  That would ruin my October.  Now that we finally have a sofa (we're grown ups!), I could see it getting destroyed by shards of glass.   There I go, letting my pessimistic mind get the best of me!

  I'm now behind on clinical hours due to Frankenstorm trying to roll her big ass through Philly.  Thanks, Sandy. Clinic was closed today and it's closed tomorrow.  Classes have also been cancelled for today and tomorrow. Bridges are now closed. Officials are keeping this city safe, that's for sure.

Poor Mr. Clark had to walk to work tonight.  He had the misfortune of being scheduled tonight, and he wouldn't allow me to drive him.  The winds weren't that bad, but he felt walking would be the safer than driving or biking.  He's planning on sleeping at the hospital in the morning when his shift ends.  I guess last year when the hurricane rolled through, cots were available at the hospital for employees. Chances are, he'll probably have to sleep in a room with 20 other people.  He was smart and brought ear plugs along, though.    

Welp, we finally had reason to tear the plastic off these containers and fill them up!  Yay for being prepared! To answer your question: no, we don't keep them filled because they are heavy and really hard to store when filled.  I realize it's probably the smart thing to do...

 Our tub is now filled just in case the water supply is disrupted and we even filled up some of our empty milk bottles.  Frozen containers of water in the freezer, too. Gosh, we done got all prepared up in here.  

Here's to hoping Sandy won't wreak havoc on this city.  For completely selfish reasons, I don't want to miss more clinical time and have to make up hours at the end of the semester! I also want our couch to remain in almost pristine condition!  

Here's to hoping this storm isn't as great and terrible as she's been made out to be.  I really hope everyone has a safe place to stay as she makes her way through.

UPDATE 10/30 am: the storm eased it's way through Philly.  Very anticlimactic (in a good way, of course). Pray for those affected by this storm, those that have been injured, the families who have lost loved ones.  We still have power unlike many on the East coast...

A Weekend Visit

The Boston Toblers came to visit us a couple of weekends ago and it was so much fun!  I couldn't hang out with them on Friday due to academic purposes, but we were able to spend the entire day Saturday touring Philly and seeing all the main attractions. Unfortunately, I didn't take too many photos but please head over to Janet and Chad's blog for a more complete description of their visit!

Violet celebrating at Game Pieces Plaza!

Aw, look at cute little Lucia strolling around the rook.

Welp, obviously the girls didn't really want to cooperate on demand.

We're so happy you guys kept your word and paid us a visit! We're sure going to miss you guys when you move to Houston!

Virginia is for Lovers...but I'm pretty sure that every other state is, too.

A couple of weekends ago we went down to Alexandria and Baltimore to see Scott and Dagmara and meet our newest niece Georgianna Tobler (and to see Kyle, Kim, Charlie and Greta, of course).  Wilst staying with my brother in Alexandria, we took an afternoon trip an hour away to explore some caverns.  I almost bought this mug at the gift shop...but my thrifty side talked me down. Can't I get a mug that says Pennsylvania is for Lovers? Can't Pennsylvania have this slogan, too?

I can't even tell you what I'm talking a photo of.  Some baby stalactites, I think. 

Clark and Dagmara were so excited about the controlled cavern exploration, but Scott was just too in love with his wife to even feign interest.

Hooray for caves, even if the stalactites and stalagmites I've seen in a cavern in AZ were bigger. (Just sayin', not hatin'.)   

I told Clark to pucker up to this bad boy.  He started talking as the point and shoot flashed, and thus our photo opportunity was spoiled forever.

Thank you, Mom Tobler for suggesting the updated Picasa.  I just love me some 1960's era looking photos. Outside of the cavern, where they were getting all into the autumn spirit.

After our lovely visit with Scott and Dagmara, we drove up to Kyle and Kim's and were finally able to meet Georgie!  She is so sweet and little and beautiful and all that being a baby entails.  

Awwwwwwwww

Such a sweet, cuddly baby. 

Charlie and Greta sure love their baby sister and Kyle and Kim are adapting like seasoned pros.  

We're so glad we were able to get away for the weekend and see family! We can't wait until our next opportunity to visit you Virginia and Maryland folk again!  

And the winner is!....

The tufted taupe sofa from Macy's! Her name is Claudia.  She arrives on the 25th.  (this picture was stolen from the Sugar Blossom Boutique blog.  I've never actually viewed the site, but I am so thankful for this blogger who allows her photos to be searchable on google. This photo is much better quality than the blurry image below.)

Thank you all for your input.  I think we've made the right decision, and we'll accent the room with a bright rug, coordinating pillows, and a couple of brown chairs.  So excited! 

My current motivation

We'll be needing these in a few months!

Decisions, decisions...

I need some feedback.  We are in the process of selecting a sofa. (YESSSSSSSSS! HELLS YESSSSS IT'S ABOUT TIME!)  But we're having difficulty deciding since the sofa we really love doesn't come in a color we really love...follow me?  So please, be part of our process and help us decide! Keep in mind these are all leather selections. My better half likes the finer things in life, apparently.

Couch #1 our current fave. Color selections are pearl (directly below) and taupe (which is actually more gray than brown in real life)

Couch #2 Chocolate brown

Couch #3 Also dark brown leather. Pictures don't do it justice and it looks like black fabric in this image. But you get the idea.

So, let's have it. We'd love to hear what you think. Even if we don't use your advice, we'll still appreciate your input and perspective.  I promise.

UGLY CREATURES

Somebody at MSN photos must have a personal vendetta against Kirsten Dunst.  Personally, I think she's very attractive. And, she has an envious rack.  I've seen it. Topless. In movies.  

TMI? Nahhhh.
 My chest never developed out of the prepubescent stage, so I CAN'T HELP my envy of women with lovely racks. 

Please still be my friends and not ostracize me for the above comments.  I'm only human.

nostalgic and heavenly

His and hers. This might just be the best stuff on earth. Or in the heavens. Or anywhere, for that matter.

Dark chocolate taste, thick, and creamy. There's something so nostalgic about drinking milk from a glass bottle; it allows me to pretend for a few moments that I'm living in a different era. Until I gaze out our North kitchen window and see graffiti covering the back walls of several abandoned buildings close by.  And then I remember it's 2012 and I live in Philadelphia. 

Happy hump day, it sure has been a helluva week thus far.