It finally happened...and I've been dreading this day for quite some time...my first student loan bill arrived in the mail. Now, if i were gainfully employed (permanently, cause a 12 week internship with no benefits doesnt count), or weren't paying an astronomical amount in daycare, or well... you know watching more money go out each month than comes in, maybe I wouldn't have had such severe heart palpitations. However, because we are poor students, we qualify for economic hardship deferment. THANK GOD. When I called the loan agency the guy actually laughed at me when I told him our cash flow stats coupled with the fact that Mr. F is still in medical school...and don't even get me started on those loans... It's days like this I question the intelligence of my decision to go to grad school, but then I remind myself that school is an investment and you've got to spend money to make money, right? right?! oh, I hope I'm right!
While we may be the stereo type of the "poor grad student" I know there are countless other people out there loosing their jobs, in debt up to their ears, and loosing their homes. This is why every night before I fall asleep I say a prayer of thanksgiving for a roof over our heads, food on the table, and the love of our family.
I heard on Oprah once about counting your blessings and you'll realize you are rich. I thought that was a bit odd at the time, but now I see the value in it and I hope you feel the same.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
opa!
This past weekend was gorgeous, which makes up for the crappy, rainy weather we've had this week, and we headed out to a Greek Festival down the street from us. It was fantastic, although the WHOLE lamb on a spit was enough to turn my stomach just a little. I am not, and could never be a vegetarian, but that was tough to look at. Mr. F and I indulged in some homemade baklava and mousaka, which is eggplant and mashed potatoes with ground beef. Its DELICIOUS!! And of course, Aidan was looking adorable in a blue and white seersucker outfit that shows off his delightfully chunky baby thighs and the old Greek ladies loved it :)
Its hard to believe my first week of work is over already...only 11 more to go till I become unemployed again, and that stinks! However, in the last few days I've had several experiences that affirm my career choice and I'm so excited to get into my field in a professional capacity. I can honestly say this is the first time I'm excited about my job, or at least future jobs (cause how much fun can an intern really have? :) Today I got to sit in on a committee meeting and not only did I understand all of the jargon, but I understood the legislation and theory behind the decisions being made. So I did learn something useful in school, after all! Plus the people I work with are very nice and most of us happen to be graduates of the same program in different years. Finally, taking the Little Man to day care has been super tough and I'm having mommy guilt like crazy. I mean, he was already going 3 days a week and that was good because I was able to get critical things, like grocery shopping, done. But now I miss him sooo much and feel bad that he's gone all day. I know he likes it and is getting great social interaction and we feel comfortable with the staff, but still... And to top off the working mom experience, I get to close the door twice a day and pump in the office! I bet they never had an intern with a breast pump before! Its a little awkward for me, but we're trying to keep Aidan on breast milk in addition to veggies and fruit and a little formula here and there until he's a year old. Plus, I'm just not ready to stop nursing.
This weekend we're heading to MD for some mini-family reunion fun and its Aidan's first overnight somewhere other than his grandparents. Keep your fingers crossed it goes well...this is a mini test for our upcoming TX trip for an other side of the family mini reunion!
Its hard to believe my first week of work is over already...only 11 more to go till I become unemployed again, and that stinks! However, in the last few days I've had several experiences that affirm my career choice and I'm so excited to get into my field in a professional capacity. I can honestly say this is the first time I'm excited about my job, or at least future jobs (cause how much fun can an intern really have? :) Today I got to sit in on a committee meeting and not only did I understand all of the jargon, but I understood the legislation and theory behind the decisions being made. So I did learn something useful in school, after all! Plus the people I work with are very nice and most of us happen to be graduates of the same program in different years. Finally, taking the Little Man to day care has been super tough and I'm having mommy guilt like crazy. I mean, he was already going 3 days a week and that was good because I was able to get critical things, like grocery shopping, done. But now I miss him sooo much and feel bad that he's gone all day. I know he likes it and is getting great social interaction and we feel comfortable with the staff, but still... And to top off the working mom experience, I get to close the door twice a day and pump in the office! I bet they never had an intern with a breast pump before! Its a little awkward for me, but we're trying to keep Aidan on breast milk in addition to veggies and fruit and a little formula here and there until he's a year old. Plus, I'm just not ready to stop nursing.
This weekend we're heading to MD for some mini-family reunion fun and its Aidan's first overnight somewhere other than his grandparents. Keep your fingers crossed it goes well...this is a mini test for our upcoming TX trip for an other side of the family mini reunion!
the meaning behind the name
it has recently come to my attention that "with wiz" seems like an odd blog title, so here's the explaination...
when you order a cheesesteak in philly you
a. NEVER call it a Philly cheesesteak, drop the Philly... we know where you are
b. order it with or with out cheese wiz and i ALWAYS order mine "with"
so there ya go:) with wiz it is!
when you order a cheesesteak in philly you
a. NEVER call it a Philly cheesesteak, drop the Philly... we know where you are
b. order it with or with out cheese wiz and i ALWAYS order mine "with"
so there ya go:) with wiz it is!
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Prince and the Peas
Aidan is growing by leaps and bounds and is really getting into eating veggies. Well, this morning he was working on some peas and discovered that by blowing air out while I spoon the peas into his mouth, they would spray them alllll over him and me and his tray and...well, you name it. This, apparently, was hilarious.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
6 months!!!
Today Aidan turns 6 months old! HOLY COW!! This has been the fastest 6 months of my life and I could never hope to chronicle every emotion or amazing moment, I can say I've never been happier, loved so much, or known how much joy one little person can bring. He's already sitting up on his own, eating veggies baby style, and showing us what a mischievous little personality he's got. Boy, do I love that kid!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Graduated!!
It has finally happened! GRADUATION DAY! We had a great weekend with my parents going to the Italian Market in South Philly for fresh canonlis, a beautiful day for graduation, although it was FREEZING, and a delicious dinner. I'm now enjoying my two weeks off before the internship starts in June :) It was incredibly special to have my husband and son at graduation and to know how much of a team victory it was for Mr. F and I to get me to this point. Next up, his graduation next year from med school! I hope everyone had a great weekend too!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ahhhh
well it finally happened... I finished my thesis, printed it, turned that bad boy in (in addition to all the other projects) and will be graduating on monday!! wahooooo!! the last few weeks have not been easy and I owe a great deal to my amazing husband for all of his support and really picking up the slack around here, including making me breakfast lunch and dinner several days in a row. I know I'm lucky to have his love and support and I appreciate the team we are.
I also celebrated by first mother's day! It was great! Mr. F made brioche french toast with fresh from the bakery brioche and of course, beautiful pink tulips! It was a beautiful day and I was dying to get outside, but... I stayed in and finished my thesis. Getting to bed at 2am after emailing in my last paper was sublime. But I'll admit I'm still recovering sleep wise. It doesnt help that Aidan isnt sleeping through the night anymore...but life is good. And of course, being done with school and my masters degree is amazing. So I've spent the last few days doing all the things I couldnt do before... 6 loads of laundry yesterday, grocery shopping, vacuuming etc. :) and it feels soooo good!
Finally, I also found out on monday I got the internship I applied for in Philly!!! I applied for the same one last year, but didnt even get an interview. Its only for the summer, but it is PAID!! and will give me some fantastic experience in my field!
Mom and dad are coming this weekend so I've gotta get this place in ship shape before we're in any position to have guests... and now I'll be able to post more frequently!
I also celebrated by first mother's day! It was great! Mr. F made brioche french toast with fresh from the bakery brioche and of course, beautiful pink tulips! It was a beautiful day and I was dying to get outside, but... I stayed in and finished my thesis. Getting to bed at 2am after emailing in my last paper was sublime. But I'll admit I'm still recovering sleep wise. It doesnt help that Aidan isnt sleeping through the night anymore...but life is good. And of course, being done with school and my masters degree is amazing. So I've spent the last few days doing all the things I couldnt do before... 6 loads of laundry yesterday, grocery shopping, vacuuming etc. :) and it feels soooo good!
Finally, I also found out on monday I got the internship I applied for in Philly!!! I applied for the same one last year, but didnt even get an interview. Its only for the summer, but it is PAID!! and will give me some fantastic experience in my field!
Mom and dad are coming this weekend so I've gotta get this place in ship shape before we're in any position to have guests... and now I'll be able to post more frequently!
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