Zoo on Ice

Just call me Dorothy Hamill; I'm a skating superstar!

(well, um, maybe not quite . . . but I'm on my way.)

Today I took some of my favorite kiddos to Zoo on Ice at the Memphis Zoo!

The boys had never been ice skating before, and I had not been since the Mall of Memphis's rink was open (15+ years?) . . . oh boy, this outing was just a perfect opportunity for lots of laughs.  (and a broken wrist or two, but I really, truly cannot afford that right now, so we were praying hard on that one!)

"mrslaurabowen", aka my mom, came along as our fab photographer!  Thanks, Mom!

(And yes, that's "mrslaurabowen" all strung together.  These guys call her nothing else.  It's fantastic.)

After about, oh, 90 seconds of somewhat questionable coaching from me, they were de-ter-mined to set out on their own.

Questionable, questionable coaching, I said.

We saw this stance a lot.  

Lots of slow-motion falls, too.

Big spills.

No broken bones

(Whew.)

Way to go!  Thank goodness my coaching had no adverse effects.

After we skated, we checked out the Zoo's newest exhibit, Teton Trek.

We saw wolves, grizzly bears, elk, swans, and anything else that you might associate with Yellowstone.  It was so cool.  

(I know, I know, I am such a nerd.  I love the zoo, the animals, all of it. So fun.)

(Wow, Sooie does this too!  Allllllmost makes me think this guy would be cuddly.  Then, back to reality.)

Then, of course, we had to go see the polar bears and sea lions at the Northwest Passage.

I think this guy is lonely; they are waiting to see if the girl polar bear is pregnant, so she is off exhibit. :(  He was shoving all of his toys into the pool skimmer to occupy time.

And, of course, the sea lions were enjoying a little time in the sun after their morning show.

After such a fun morning, we had lunch at Huey's.  Of course, J got his toothpick into the ceiling - first try, straight shot.  Love those guys.

Celebrating Christmas

Happy, relaxing, joyful day.

Thankful.

Blessed.

Giving.

Sharing.

Celebrating.

Gifts galore.

A surprise for you.

one new camera . . .

. . . and a Sooie, too.

Oh, and one verrry hopeful old girl at the dinner table.

We had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of Christ as a family.  I hope you and yours did, too!

Christmas Cheer

Well hello, blog friends!  It's time to catch up.

After a verrry long two days of boards (nope, still don't know if I passed . . . hoping, waiting, hoping . . .) I was ready to leave Memphis for a few days!

Thursday night we celebrated with my Grandma and my uncle's family.  It was great to catch up with the Bowen clan!

the men:

Derek, Freddy (baby of the family), Dad (the oldest), and Wade

We missed Greg (middle brother) and his family, but I was glad to have my one sweet girl there - I can't believe Valerie is so old!

Grandma and me

(please pardon the I've-been-running-errands-and-cooking-all-day ickyness!)

Oh, and so it began . . . the spoiling of Sooie.  She spent most of the week in Mom's lap.  :)

The Customer Is Always Right ... for $1000!

Has anyone else noticed the trend of customer satisfaction survey/sweepstakes combos on receipts in recent years?

More importantly, am I the only one that actually participates in them (and truthfully)?  Somewhere in the back of my mind I really am convinced that Kroger, Walgreens, whoever really is going to pick me.  (I really could use that $1000; don't they know that?)  

I realized that this is probably never going to happen as I answered ridiculously long questions about the quality of my oil change (yes, oil change) yesterday.  

*sigh*

Perhaps I'd have better luck with the lottery.

Ruth, and other verses

The Memphis life has been pretty dull lately, what with the endless studying.

(I did go to the Sunday school Christmas party last night, but alas, my camera had a dead battery.  Sooooo me.  Never fear, I will make those double-chocolate sugar cookies again over the holidays!)

Speaking of Sunday School ...

Lately we've been delving into the story of Ruth.  There are so many amazing life lessons that can be gleaned from that woman, but one has really been speaking to me - the way she, as Mitchell phrases it, "leans into God's plan for her life".  (not to put words in his mouth, but I think the word is "submits".  Yes, I know some of us 21st-century women think this is a dirty word, but it sure seems like the most amazing, Godly love comes to those who submit!  anywho ...)

I absolutely love this verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Isn't that so reassuring?  Goodness, if God had everything so perfectly orchestrated for the exiles, I know He has a plan for my life.  That is not where I get hung up.

This is:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him

and He will make your paths straight."  

(Proverbs 3:5-6, NASV)

Of course, my human understanding (or lack thereof, inability thereof, etc) just gets in the way. Does anyone else try to rationalize and sort out every teensey little thing?  Or maybe that's just me.  Goodness sometimes I just wish I could understand (or maybe have some prophetic handwriting on the wall...)  Okay, so obviously my human brain is never going to fully grasp it, thus the beauty of trusting Him.

I also love this verse, which to me sort of explains why I will never fully grasp the ways and means of God:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

(Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

Isn't that absolutely a-mazing? What He is thinking, planning, and doing in our lives we could not even imagine. Pretty incredible.  

So back to Ruth ... with promises like these, I can only pray to be a woman who submits to leans into God's design like she did.

Happy work week, everyone!

I'm in print!

. . . and you can click here to see it!

(super-awful iPhone photo ... of the actual article!!)

Yep, that's right, the Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association has included a paper that I co-authored with a faculty member in their Fall 2010 journal.


Here's a quick run-down if you don't want to muddle through all of the dental speak:
-that thing (Cemento-osseous Dysplasia) is fairly common in African-American women (ie, if a dentist sees it on a radiograph, or x-ray, in that group of patients, it's pretty easy to figure out what it is)
-two MALE patients presented with this same condition in the span of a few months.  (I know this doesn't sound like a big thing, but anomalies like this really excite health care people ... obviously)
-Anomalies throw a wrench into how we diagnose things as doctors.  That's why you may think that "one random" vitamin you take every day is insignificant and leave it off of that ridiculously long health history form we make you fill out every time (I know, I know, I don't like them, either), but you never know what "one random" vitamin is the key that sticks you in some magic group that tells your doctor what ails you.  (goodness I love diagnosis.  It's like a giant puzzle.)


Okay, I'll stop with the medical ramblings, but that's the long and short of it, to educate dentists and other dental professionals on abnormal presentations of a somewhat common condition.

Even though we've known for months that they were going to print it, it's still fun to see on paper! (especially since, to this day 1.5 years later, I still have not seen a print version of my only other 'professional' publication ... I should look into that, right?)

Even though I'm sure he doesn't read this, many, many thanks to Dr. DiFiore, the primary author.

Now, back to boards studying.  Because the next thing I need from those awesome people at the TDA is a license.  :)

The 12 days of Christmas Blog Challenge - day 14

This is the last day of the blog challenge! And a fun topic to wrap things up, I think:

Oprah's Favorite Things (what I would want!)

Here's the thing about Oprah (and other rich-and-famous-types); they know about and have things that I would not even know existed if it weren't for, well, shows like Oprah's Favorite Things.  (or the Internet listing of items, as the case may be.)  That is what sort of baffles me; I don't think I could even dream some of that stuff up!  (exclusive access to the new VW 2012 design??  I mean, really, who lives that life but Oprah?)  Baffling.  Truly, truly baffling.

So after perusing this year's list to find out cool things what the [non-jet-setter] me has missed out on over the past year, this is what I would like, dear Oprah!

(for some reason I'm having trouble with uploading the pictures  - check out Oprah's at www.oprah.com!)


1.  The Sophia Satchel by Coach (I have been looking for a new purse - this one is oh-so-pretty!)
2.  Five-year Netflix Membership (because, hey, what am I going to do with all of this free time after dental school?)
3.  Le Creuset cookware (Okay, I must admit I already have 5 pieces of this ... but I would lo-oo-ove to round out my set!  I wonder if she would let me pick my color?)
4.  Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera (I've been thinking about taking a photography class this summer, and I think this would be just the addition, don't you?)


(*sigh*)


Well, a girl can dream, right?


I hope everyone had a great Monday!

The 12 days of Christmas Blog Challenge - day 13

Okay, okay, so I never came back to write about the day 12 topic last night, which was Christmas Decorations.  (Maybe this was a little intentional.  I still don't have my tree up. So embarrassing.)

I will have to write on that later.  Moving on to Day 13 in the blog challenge is Favorite Cookie Recipe.  Yay!

Check out these lovelies from Southern Living's All-Time Favorite Cookie Recipes, published in 1995.  (I had to order this cookbook used on eBay a few years ago because it's out of print, and this recipe is so old that you can't even find it on their online database.  wowza.)

Double-Chocolate Sugar Cookies

(from Southern Living)

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels, divided

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

Melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels in a heavy saucepan over low heat, reserving remaining morsels.  Set aside.

Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy; gradually adding 1 cup sugar, beating well.  Add egg, milk, and vanilla, mixing well.  Add melted morsels, mixing until blended.

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well.  Stir in remaining chocolate morsels.

Shape dough into balls, 1 tablespoon at a time; roll balls in 1/2 cup sugar (I love to use colored sanding sugar for different holidays, parties, etc!  Makes it a little more festive, I think!).  Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.  (Cookies will be soft and will firm up as they cool.)  Remove to wire racks to cool.  

Yield:  4 1/2 dozen.

They are so delicious!  And you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already, which is always a plus in my book.  :)

I plan on making these for my Sunday School Christmas party on Saturday, so check back for pictures then!

Happy Sunday, everyone!

The 12 days of Christmas Blog Challenge - day 11

What's the saying?  "A day late and a dollar short?"  That must be me today, because here I am playing catch-up!

Yesterday's blog challenge was about New Year's Resolutions.  I must admit that I am not really a new year's resolution type of gal; I guess I would consider myself more of an always resolution girl.  (Is that even a thing?)  I would like to think that I am always growing as a person, first and foremost as a child of God and in my walk with Him, but also as a daughter, friend, sister, dentist, communicator, leader, group member, etc.  I don't ever want to say, "oh, geez, I'll just do that next week" when there is an opportunity to do it now!  


I suppose I also avoid the "traditional" New Year's Resolutions because I am maybe a bit cynical about them.  Truly, I could say "I am going to keep my desk organized!! (la-de-da!)", but goodness knows that would never happen; I know myself!  I love to spreeeeeeeeeeeead out to study on the kitchen table, and I know where every single folder is (quite a feat - you have seen my piles).  It just doesn't work for me.  Not since Jr. High.  So I suppose at this point I don't even attempt something that I know I will break by February (isn't that the statistic?).  


Anywho, if you have a New Year's resolution, I say, go for it!  But start today.  Come January One you'll be a month fitter, more organized, or more whateverelse than all of those other resolution-ers!

Happy Birthday . . . to Me!

I took a little blog break yesterday to celebrate my birthday!  YAY!  (well, and to take mock boards at school, but that is a totally different issue, and NO celebrating was involved.)

That's right, we all know I have a slight, ahem, obsession with birthdays.

Luckily, I have awesome friends that are willing to give up some of their precious study time to help me celebrate!

After the dreaded event that was Mock Boards 2010 (listen, you haven't had it handed to you until someone has gone over your work with a digital caliper and judged you to the 0.1mm.  ick.) I had a job interview!  I will keep the details confidential, but let's just say this whole "finally entering the real world" thing became a whole lot more "real" yesterday.

After that, it was time to celebrate at one of my favorite places - Bhan Thai.  We were in our own room upstairs, which gave us plenty of latitude to eat, drink, catch up, and laugh a lot.

Megan and me at dinner

Of course, there was cake.  Everyone laughed because I made my own.  (Don't be distressed, my precious friend Jeni offered, but I had to share my Mimi's Chocolate Swirl cake with my friends ... I have it as my birthday cake every year!)

(Coincidentally, it was my breakfast this morning, too.  yes, I know I went overboard on the glaze.  That's your prerogative on your birthday.  :)  And sorry, folks, this recipe is a family secret.  Some things can't be shared, right?)

As we left we asked the bartender to take our picture.  After the first one he said, "wow, that was really good!"  I honestly thought he was lying. (they all say that, you know?)

NO!  He was telling the honest-to-goodness truth!!  What a great picture!  (This one is a framer, I do believe!)  It doesn't hurt that I have GORGEOUS friends!  (I do, don't I?)  Jeni missed the picture.  :(  She snuck off without us knowing!!

PS - Take a look a what my two bffs mailed me for my birthday:  

(sadly, they both live hours away.)

Cookbooks!  Do they know me well, or what??  I told one of them that this is called enabling.  Looks like lots of fun (and new recipes to post!) in my future!

PPS - the St. Jude Marathon is today!

(Please please PLEASE visit their website and learn more about this awesome hospital if you aren't familiar with it!)

What is especially cool about the marathon is that it ends right by my apartment.  Literally, the last turn of mile 26, as seen right here:

The half marathon finishes on the other side of our building.  There are signs everywhere that say, "Be a hero for Hanna!" and "Run for Devon!" I could go on and on.  

I have been listening to the 'cheerleaders' for the last few hours as the runners are finishing -- not conducive to studying at all but so so heartwarming.  They are clapping, yelling "YOU'RE A HERO!" (St. Jude is all about being a hero for their kids!) and being so encouraging!  There is one lady in particular who has been here for the past hour (they come in shifts).  She has the sweetest Southern voice and her "Woo" is more of a "whuu-ooo"; you know, she sliiiides into it!  And it's two short "woos" before a long one.  "Whu-oo, whu-oo, whu-oooooooo!"  (Goodness, I wish I had a video camera so everyone could hear.  Typing does not do it justice.)  I don't even know this lady, but I love her.  She is giving 100% for every single person that comes by!!  

Now that her shift is over, I guess I will have to get out the earplugs for the rest of the day and actually get some studying done.  

Back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge later today!

Happy Weekend, everyone!

The 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge - day 10

Yaaaaay!

I lo-oo-ove Christmas carols, Christmas music, any holiday ditty or anything musical at all, really!  Need I remind you of my obsession with the baby grand back on day 3?

(ps - only a true southerner can take a one syllable word and make it three.  talent, friends, true talent.)

I'm sure you have guessed that today's topic is Favorite Christmas Songs.  Where, oh where to begin.

Of course, I grew up singing carols, all the time: at church, school, home, everywhere!  I still love them and love (in a little-girl-giddy kind of way) when I see them in the worship bulletin at church!


A few (other, non-carol) songs I love are:


- The Virgin's Lullaby from The Nativity Story Soundtrack.  Josh Gracin, the country artist, has also recorded this as a single.  I love the lyrics to this song:  "Sleep tonight; close your eyes.  Oh, child of mine, you bring the world love, glory divine!"  I cannot imagine how Mary felt holding her newborn and comforting him, yet at the same time knowing he never was and never truly, fully would be hers.  I am not a mother, but can only imagine the thousands of directions her thoughts must have been running.  The lyricist does a great job of capturing what I'm sure was the utter amazement of Joseph, the Magi, the angels, and Mary's gift.


- Born to Die by Shane and Shane.  These guys always have the coolest harmonies.  Tight and discordant, then dissolving perfectly.  Perfectly folksy.  All encompassing a perfect message.


- Go Tell it on the Mountain specifically as recorded by James Taylor.  Really, anything on his Christmas album, At Christmas.  I know, I know.  I'm such a nerd, but I could listen to him alllll day.


Okay, I just realized I could go on and on (and on and on . . . you get the idea!).  Therefore, I'm going to cut the list at three.  Essentially, any Christmas music is my favorite, my trick is just to avoid it until December.  Take it off the iPod, remove it from the "shuffle", whatever it takes!  That way, I'm not burnt out when Christmas comes.  Then, any and all is fair game (to the point of making my family crazy, but that is a story for another day.)


Happy Thursday!

The 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge - day 9

On the 9th day of Christmas . . .

okay, no, just kidding, but I really did love singing that song when I was little!  Now I wish I knew all of the things.  I need to google that!  boy, do I digress.

Today's challenge is Favorite Holiday Recipe! Woo woo!  Riiiight up my alley!  


Boy, that just makes it hard, though.  What's a girl to bake on a holiday?  If you're me, and it's Christmas, probably 4 pies, 3 kinds of cookies, and 2 cakes.  (and I only wish I was kidding.)


Okay, to avoid having to choose a favorite dessert (which, if you've read for any length of time, you know would be impossible, since I have 4,732), I am opting for the "main dish" category.  Be prepared to wow your family and friends.


Our family skips the obligatory Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham.  Yep, go ahead and tar and feather us now.  We have beef tenderloin prepared like this twice a year - those two days.  It is deee-lish, my friends!  And soooo easy.  A nice change of pace when your budget limits you to cheerios and a turkey sandwich 363 days a year.  :)

Ridiculously Simple and Delicious Beef Tenderloin

(sorry I don't have pictures, I'll try to remember to take some at Christmas!)

You need:

1 beef tenderloin (you can buy it pretty inexpensively at Sam's, Costco, or at your grocery store if they have a discount card! Also a great way to save on filets - buy the whole thing and portion the filets yourself.)

Yellow Mustard

Cavender's All-Purpose Greek Seasoning

Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

instant-read meat thermometer

butter

1.  Preheat oven to 475.

2.  Trim the tenderloin.  (remove excess fat and the silverskin - the cartilaginous tissue that runs the length of the meat - it will not break down in cooking)  Weigh the tenderloin after trimming or give it a good eyeball guesstimate.

3.  Coat the tenderloin with yellow mustard.

4.  Coat tenderloin with Cavendar's and lemon-pepper seasonsings, forming a crust.

5.  Place on broiler pan.  (if you don't have one, fashion your own with a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and a cooling rack - works like a charm!)

6.  Pat top of tenderloin with butter - to your liking - there is no set amount on this, but try to do it evenly; the butter makes the crust oh-so-yummy!

7.  Bake until instant-read thermometer reads 135 for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.  (Approximately 10 minutes per pound - which is why you weighed it after trimming!)

8.  Tent tenderloin with foil and let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

9.  Slice very thinly just prior to serving. (an electric knife is the way to go for this!)

Yum!  I am getting hungry just thinking about this.  So delicious and feeds a crowd - or just your family with lots of fabulous leftover steak sandwiches the few days following.

Let me know if you try it!

Studying, Studying

My kitchen table is a mess right now.

I suspect it will stay that way for a few more weeks.

The papers are even spilling over into the chairs.

Goodness, I have a long way to go between now and the 16th!

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