Vacation Garbage

I've got a confession to make, and I'm pretty ashamed to do it. Actually, a few confessions. Not to be complaining about time off (time off is always great) but it's seriously reduced the substance of my life to, well, pretty much garbage.

I would say that it started on the 2.5 week epic journey. I read the first Twilight book just to keep me busy. But, like a fast-growing cancer, I couldn't get the next one in my hands and read fast enough. So, I blew through all of them as quickly as possible. I'm trying to keep some of my dignity by NOT going and seeing the movie--I'll keep you posted.

During the week days, I've slept and sat at home. Daytime TV leaves much to be desired, especially the 2:00-3:00 time slot, oh, and the 10:00 time slot as well. I've resorted to Judge Mathis and The People's Court, as well as Matlock in the a.m. I've even caught myself contemplating watching all of the paternity tests on Maury, but am so disgusted by the people who take procreation so lightly that I have to turn it.

Tonight, I'm sitting here watching Momma's Boys...completely horrible. Do you see the slippery slope? I still have a month of vacation left, oh lord, by the end, I might end up as a guest on the Jerry Springer Show if I don't watch out!

Christmas Card Guilt

Well, I'm so so so happy to be home after my huge interviewing trip. But, there was a pile of guilt waiting for me when I got home. More specifically, Christmas cards.

Everybody ranging from the insurance agent, to residency programs, to very good friends from church have sent us cards--there are 12 of them, and I'm sure more will come.

In years past, I have sent cards out...but I didn't this year or last year due to medical school interference.

I'd really like to return the favor to people, and show that I appreciate that they took time to send me a holiday greeting, but I just don't have the energy to do it, so I feel guilty.

Does anybody else out there feel guilty due to unrequited Christmas card greetings?

Completely Random

So, I've been so absent lately because I'm on my epic 2.5 week interviewing journey. It's been crazy. One thing I have learned though is how to be a Hampton Inn connoisseur. As such, I must say I'm a bit confused by the various Hampton Inns' randomness evidenced in their elevators.

In each of the elevators, there is a different graphic with a "cute"? saying...and I'm not sure what the sayings are supposed to impart as far as deeper meaning. (If there is anyone out there who knows the key to all of this randomness, please drop me a line.) Here are the examples:

• "If the shoe fits..." --- with a woman's feet pictured in high heels which are clearly too big
• "With a 'baa baa' here...." --- with just a sheep standing around
• "petal pusher" ---with a kid in one of those like, Tyco plastic buggy/car things
• "Singing in the rain" ---with a little boy in a rain jacket, but no rain
• "Walking the dog" ---with a little girl holding a yo-yo, walking the dog
• "Can you hear me now?" ---with a little girl holding a tin-can telephone

I really am tempted to ask a person at the front desk about all of this, even at the risk of them looking at me as if I'm insane. Who knows, maybe they have a special prize awaiting anybody who has the intellectual curiosity to ask....