Ana's Blog

India

2011-01-23T01:55:00.000-08:00

In short, India was great. I had a lot of emotional ups and downs. It went something like ... India-I'm so excited to see you!....India-you are so dirty and you have too many people.

What is up with all the spitting, peeing and trash in the streets? What's up with all the smoke? No , I don't want more tea and why are you waking me up at 6 am to offer me some? So apparently there are NO TRAFFIC rules that apply here??

Dear Lord make the honking stop. I feel dirty. You don't have a CT or MRI in this hospital? I can't handle any more starch.

A big mac, I just want a big mac. I'm right here-why are you bumping into me? You think your child has what now?

I wish I knew what you were saying. You said you knew how to get to my hotel, why are you stopping to ask random people for directions?

Didn't I see that same dog in that other village? Dude, stop starring at me!

These kids are so cute....

Jesus, Mary and Joseph I can't get on that plane again. I have a lot to be thankful for.

What's a blog?

2010-12-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

Haven't blogged in many moons. I think I forgot how. The nice thing is coming back to this-there are finally nicer templates! Yeah.

So now I'm just talking to nobody since I haven't posted in so long, my fans are all gone :( . Big news people! (no I'm not pregnant) I'm going to India in 6 days!!! I've never been there but I have been itching to go on another international trip for a long time now. If you've never been to another country (a third world type) then you need to. You will seriously come back with a renewed outlook on life and your plot in life. I am so in need of this trip (hey, my life is great but as a resident it's easy to see the cup half empty at times....and I'm USUALLY a cup half full type of girl).

For the next few days I will be doing last minute packing. I'm all set with bug sprays, potions and lotions. All I need now is a mosquito net.

If I have internet access there I will try to keep a running update so you will know I'm alive since I don't think my iphone will work. (Caitie and Heather if you guys ever read my blog don't tell me about my many errors, I like to pretend that I have wonderful grammer with my commas and hyphens and everything else in perfect position and never any run on sentences never ever ever a run on sentence....ever).

Puerto Rico Summer 2009

2009-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Went to Puerto Rico with the Malones this Summer

Saw the rain forest at El Yunque

Visited the best beach I've ever been to - Flamenco beach

The cousins bonded...

It was a good time. Miss you already PR.

My Medical School Graduation

2009-05-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Me and Chris at the Marriott where my graduation was held.

Me and my classmate and now fellow pediatrician! Hoping we will be at the same training program in the future for fellowship. :)

Mom and Dad with me just after the ceremony. Their FIRST trip to Iowa!

At my graduation party that Chris put together. I didn't have to do a thing! I was so happy to have 4 of my tias come and celebrate with us. Wish all my tias could have come. It was nice to have them stay at our place, watching them play paco. And they cooked and cleaned with my mom too! It was awesome!

The parents with me and Chris.

Thank you Tia Rosa!

2009-05-15T13:40:00.001-07:00

Some guy came to my door this morning. I almost didn't answer because I didn't know who he was, but since I saw he was holding flowers-I opened the door anyway. Turned out to be a flower delivery man. Thank you Tia Rosa for the beautiful flowers! I feel your thoughts with me today on my graduation. :)

Just Because...

2009-05-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I came home and Chris had surprised me with these beautiful flowers. Pink tulips. My favorite flower and one of my favorite colors. He bought them "just because" which was so freakin awesome!

So today I bought him the new Mountain Dew throwback that just came out and is apparently only being sold for a few months. I know he's been wanting to try it. It's made with "natural sugar" instead of high fructose corn syrup. I don't know what it means by natural sugar-but whatever.

Grad Reception Chris is making for me.

2009-05-02T10:06:00.001-07:00

Ana's Graduating

In August of 2004 the long journey through medical school began. Ana had her ups and downs but with God's words ringing in her ears, unshakable determination and faithful dedication she has finally done it. 2009 has arrived and Ana can see the finish line.

On May 15th, Ana Alvarado-Cary will be graduating from the University of Iowa Medical School and will begin as a first-year resident doctor.

You are invited to celebrate this occasion with us at an informal dessert reception on:

Saturday May 16th

Time: 2pm

Location: Englert Theatre

2nd floor Gallery

221 E. Washington St.

Iowa City, IA 52240

Click here to RSVP for the reception

Match Day

2009-03-21T21:00:00.001-07:00

Match Day 3-19-09. Me and some of my closest medical school friends - I will miss them!!

I'm holding my letter stating that I matched in Iowa. My first choice.

Even though I was excited about match day-it turned out to be a shock when I opened my envelope and found myself not at all happy seeing I matched with my top choice. Then I was upset at myself for not feeling happy. Now that I've had a bit more time to let things simmer...I am still very sad for only 1 reason-I miss my family in California tremendously. But the reasons I put Iowa as #1 are numerous. So if all my family members would move to Iowa life would be perfect. I know this will turn out for the best-but even still, I am already looking into fellowships in California and I'm counting down the winters left to endure here. Much love to all my Iowa peeps-and you all should seriously consider moving to CA when Chris and I head back in 3 years!!!

Disneyland 12-27-08

2009-01-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Me and my husband

Mari and Fernando

Carlos and Patti as Goofy and Grumpy.

We mean business people.

Not quite sure what's going on here.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Chris made sweet potatoe casserole for Christmas eve dinner. Although it was green-nobody cared because it tasted so good.

Chris and Fernando ruff housing with Jordan and Jaylee.

Chowing down at Tia Rosa's ranch. Learned that I really like posole!

Chris and I finally got to paint some rocks!

My sisters and me-wishing Elisa was here with us. :(

Christmas Eve Dinner Prep

2008-12-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

Here's my mom showing Chris how to say "molcajete"

My mom helping Chris make his famous pumpkin pies

The finished product!

my birthday

2008-11-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

My birthday was this last week. I am staying with my sister and brother in law in CA so it was hard to be away from my husband on that day. That morning I woke up and walked into the bathroom to get ready for work and found a laptop in there with a post-it note on top that read "Ana, play me." I thought it was going to be a funny birthday video from the Chen's -it turned out to be this song from Chris. I cried...

Be With You from Chris on Vimeo.

Iowa to California

2008-11-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

I drove from Iowa to CA all by myself this past weekend. It was fun most of the time but other times it was extremely boring. By the third day I was very happy to be done. The total trip was 1900 miles, I drove 8 hours the first day going through Iowa and Nebraska, 12 the second day going through Colorado, Utah and Nevada and 6 the last day going from Vegas to Central CA. Here are some of the pictures I took with my phone while on the road.

JBeyer photography

2008-09-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chris and I were able to have professional pictures taken. It was so much fun. This video took me way to long to put together, it was my first time messing around with imovie so it's not very good-but at least the pics are. Check out John's site to see us and to find out how to hire our photographer. Thanks for working with us John-by far the best photographer we've worked with.

Patti and Mark Schultz

2008-08-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Went to a Mark Schultz concert tonight-here we are before the concert...can't see the sign I made very well.

This one is just for Pata!

Pedicures

2008-07-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Una and Evvy came over today. We got bored so I told them they could paint Chris's toenails...if they felt like it.

As Chris watched TV, the girls went to work. Evvy painted the left foot and Una did the right.

The finished product....lovely!

5-Year Anniversary

2008-07-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary yesterday Chris and I went to Des Moines for the day. We walked the mall, I shopped at Sephora (yipee!) and we watched Wanted and Hancock. Then we watched a few horse races, had a nice dinner and watched the fire works that night. It was a nice relaxing day.

These are the beautiful flowers Chris gave me for our anniversary. I have been telling him that I wish he would buy me flowers and he did, it made me so happy! I am very fortunate to have a husband who listens to me and gives me what I ask for-no matter how big or small my request. I am so blessed to be his wife.

Flooding 2.0

2008-06-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture Chris took yesterday of an area in Coralville, IA. We usually drive down this street numerous times a day. Because town roads and I-80 and 380 have been closed we are confined to staying put in a small area, luckily we can still make it to Walmart, Target and the mall :)

Flooding

2008-06-12T18:59:00.001-07:00

Save the kitties!!

Cedar Rapids- about a 15-20 minute drive North from our house.

I think this is a town further from Cedar Rapids, but Cedar Rapids is getting hit the hardest of all the places in Iowa.

This is a bridge in Cedar Rapids. The water levels are way too high and since this picture they have continued to rise so it's now closed. I use to take this bridge to get to my rotation every day last month, luckily that rotation is over so I don't have to go anywhere near it.

Our house is safe, although there are many people having to evacuate their homes in areas North of us (Cedar Rapids) and South-East of us (Iowa City) along with other cities. Other people and businesses are without power. Many are working day and night to fill sandbags to try and protect their homes. Shelters have opened up, free tetanus shots are being offered, one hospital is out of power that I know of....and it pours even now as I write this.

I thank God Chris and I are safe and I pray for those whose homes and businesses are being affected-may they find their comfort and security in Him.

For more pictures go to John's website at www.co2studio.net and click on "Flood 2008"

Severe Weather...again

2008-06-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

We are under a "severe weather warning" yet again today. Even in the summer months it continues to be crazy in Iowa. Other areas nearby are flooded and some roads are closed. Yikers.

Church Picture

2008-06-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

We took pictures after church a few weeks ago. Here's one.

I peed on a stick

2008-02-10T19:34:00.001-08:00

So, aunt flow is a bit late and...I was just wondering ya know. During the 3 minutes of waiting for the answer, I surprisingly was not completely freaked out at the fact that it might not have read what it did, but that's probably because I was pretty sure it was going to confirm the negative. I kept thinking of Rachel when she said "Well thats a tricky little game." Maybe another time I will post one that reads the other option...but don't hold your breath :)

BLIZZARD

2008-01-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

We are in a blizzard warning right now!! I had to stop and get gas before coming home and it was seriously the strongest, coldest wind I've ever felt. The forecast says it is currently 3 degrees out but feels like -23 due to the wind at 36-46mph. Crazy freakin Iowa.

Snow Day

2008-01-21T18:25:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning to snow falling-not sure if you can see it in this picture. Good thing I didn't have to drive to the hospital thanks to MLK!!

And here is Chris tonight clearing our walk way so that people could get to our house for music practice. Our association is suppose to do this...but they are lagging tonight.

Cary Sleep Over

2007-12-21T23:55:00.001-08:00

Chris's side of the family is at our place for 2 nights. Here are our nephews on our living room floor.

My sister-in-law and her husband in our basement.

Grandpa in the office...mom helping him with his mattress.

Mom and Ken in the guest room. It's a FULL house.

My belated birthday present

2007-12-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Chris got me the slippers I've been wanting for over a year for my b-day and a super soft blanket. Since I've been sick, these items have been my new best friends...along with garlic and Airborne. (the garlic hasn't been Chris's best friend)

Since I haven't left the house in a few days....they are all I wear. So, even though they are way over-priced, it's OK because I will wear them every day of my life (except when I'm pregnant because my feet will probably swell..oh, and not in the summer because they are way too warm for that).

This is Chris tonight putting together our basement bathroom. He just figured out that some of the adapters he bought are not adapting so well.

He Finally Read My Blog...

2007-12-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

I think he is in awww...and disbelief. At this moment as I type this he is tuning it and has hooked up an amp to it. He doesn't waste any time.

Merry Christmas...

2007-12-14T16:29:00.001-08:00

A little story about what I did tonight...

Today Chris worked all day helping to remodel a home for battered women and their children (check out The Elijah Project on my church website if that statement was at all confusing). And here he is in our garage tonight (and still is as I write this), building a box for the shelter to use to store stuff in. Sounds odd but they really do need a ginormous box (that word really is in the dictionary...so it's fair game in scrabble)

So uhhh...this package was delivered just now...it's for him. I ordered it last month and now it's finally here. I'm surprised he didn't hear the UPS guy ring our door bell.....guess it's cause he's in the garage using heavy machinery.

I must say it is a very light guitar. Maybe I should learn to play? I look kinda awkward cause it's odd to look into a camera that has no one standing behind it-it's like your very own photo shoot.

Well babe, this is for you. Merry Christmas...and Happy very early Birthday (cause this is counting for both k). I hope you check your google reader soon to see this post because I'm not sure how much longer I can keep quiet. I really do hope that you are surprised. I love you.

oh...it's in the guest shower.

Freezing Rain....

2007-12-11T07:04:00.001-08:00

We had freezing rain last night. Here is the view out my front door this morning...don't walk there! We are in a severe weather alert with instructions to not drive unless it's an emergency and to keep blankets and bottled water around....but I still see people driving to work this morning so...go figure. Iowa- a cold and wet place. I miss Kauai.

more ice

and more ice...

2007-11-30T20:51:00.001-08:00

Our first Christmas tree...it's 4.5 feet tall and it came with the lights already on it.

Funny Video

2007-11-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

Prayer Wars...

My 30th Birthday!

2007-11-25T20:49:00.001-08:00

Chris took me to the Olive Garden for dinner and invited some friends.

We shared the Tour of Italy....I was stuffed!

He surprised me with my favorite cake-heath bar ice cream cake from Cold Stone.

Kauai -November 22nd, 2007

2007-11-25T13:06:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day at the Polihale State Park. This is the furthest north you can go on the west side of the island. Behind us is the start of the Na Pali Coast. This beach was crazy to get to but awesome oncethere. It's 17 miles of uninterrupted beach! No one was around and later Chris and Tom swam with OUT their shorts....guess it's a guy thing.

Me and Beth making sandwiches for lunch. Tom and Beth planned out the whole day for us and even though I wasn't sure if I would like the day (since I am a picky kind of person) it was perfect from the moment they picked us up until we went to bed that evening.

Chris wanted me to bury him.....so I did.

Me and Beth at Hukilau Lanai Restaurant. The Malone's made the reservations and the place was perfect, it was open so the breeze touched us every now and then and we could stare out at the ocean. I had the Opah Picatta and Chris had the Traditional Turkey Dinner. I liked his dinner more but for dessert Tom and I split the "Incredible Mocha Cheesecake" which was soooo good and I think we both could have eaten one separately. Beth and Chris shared the Pumpkin Tiramisu.

Here we are all together-our last evening in Hawaii. If it wasn't night time you'd see the ocean out there. We later sat in the hammock's that they had out near the beach. The waves were loud and the moon was full, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving! Good job Malones!

Kauai-November 21st, 2007

2007-11-25T12:22:00.001-08:00

Spent the morning driving to the North Shore and looking at the sites. The waves here at Haena State Park were too big so we couldn't get in :(

I got the best frozen drink ever here at Banana Joe's. It was just bananas and pineapple with no added sugar or anything and it was amazing! Joe himself even made it. I also bought a bag of Kona coffee beans, Chris made me coffee from it yesterday and it really is the best coffee I've ever had....I should have bought 2 bags!

At the Hyatt (our neighbors) before heading to the Luau.

Fernando and Mari at Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau...there last evening here

At the luau...I like the colorful plant

Us girls at the luau. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing...but Beth and Mari look good.

Kauai-November 20th, 2007

2007-11-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

We spent the morning with Tom and Beth and played in the ocean.

Here's Chris...this is how he shows his excitement to being in Hawaii.

Waiting to be seated at Kintaro's Restaurant....don't worry, these are virgin drinks :) we had massages just before this at the Anara Spa so we were feeling good already.

Our very yummy sushi before the teppan yaki fun. We had the filet mignon. I was ready to burst after this meal....I think I should become a vegetarian...

yeah...I don't know what to tell you, he's a strange guy.

Kauai-November 19th, 2007

2007-11-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

5 mile Kayaking excursion in the Wailua River.

Nice view during the 2 mile hike to the waterfall.

Lunch time...we had turkey wraps, pasta salad, cookies, juice and water.

Chris and Fernando enjoying the 160 foot waterfall.

Kayaking back...

Me and Mari with Karina-our super cool tour guide.

Kauai-November 18th, 2007

2007-11-24T21:21:00.001-08:00

Snorkeling at Lydgate Park

Lookin for fishy's...

The guys found a sea turtle while snorkeling in Anini.

Hangin out before dinner.

Chris finishing off Fernando's dinner.

Tom and Beth with their chocolate molten souffle!

Chocolate molten souffle at Roy's...it doesn't get any better than this.

Kauai-November 17th, 2007

2007-11-24T20:52:00.002-08:00

ATV excursion at Kipu Ranch.

Swinging on the rope like Indiana Jones

Chris jumping off the 60 foot waterfall at Kipu Falls

Me and Chris outside the Kauai Coffee store.

Dinner at Brick Oven.....yummy!!!