Partners in Medcine

Since we moved out here, the Partners in Medicine (PIM) club has been my lifesaver. The club is a support group for residents and their spouses. Through it, I have found some of my closest friends. Plus, it provides lots of social activities like ladies night out, bunco, supper club, wine club, etc. I don't think I would have survived out here without it.

I have just accepted the position as President of PIM. I am really excited. I believe in the purpose of this club and I know I will be able to add a little Anna pizazz. Check out the website www.utahpim.com.

Below are some recent pictures from some PIM events. I am not in any of them because I took the pics.


Pedicure party!


Bunco club! There was a serious roll off going on in this photo.


Money! Bunco winnings flying.

2 hours and 13 minutes later...

...I finished my first half marathon. It took 12 weeks and 193 miles of training to get me in shape for the half marathon.

We left late on Friday evening to make the 5 hour drive to southern Utah where the race was being held. We didn't get to the hotel until midnight and I had to be up by 4:30 a.m. to get ready for the race. It was definitely a rough night. But once that morning alarm went off, the adrenaline started to kick in and I was set.

Grant woke up with me and we headed to the race start. I sort of forgot that it was in the desert and wasn't prepared for how cold it was in the morning. It was in the 50's when we got to the starting line. I was in my shorts and shirt and was freezing.

The race started and I was on top of the world. I felt good the entire race. I was prepared and ready for the distance and heat. Grant drove to the end of the race to capture the footage of me crossing the finish line. Here is a video of me sprinting at the end.



My goal was to run the race in 2:20 and I did it in 2:13. Again, that adrenaline is amazing stuff. Grant was there to cheer me on and was a good support. It was definitely not easy, but I am so glad I did it. I think I am hooked now. What half marathon should I run next? Any suggestions?



I was representing my company so I have a shirt my boss had made for me on.



All for the glory of the shirt!



After the race I took at LONG nap. Then it was off to hike in the National Park and see the famous hoodoo rock formations.









That is Grant down on the rock below.



When I saw this descent, my legs started to cry out in pain! But somehow I did it.

Tripoley game night

We started up a monthly Tripoley game night group. We meet for dinner and some game playing. This past month it was at Drew and Su-Wen's house. They cooked an authentic Taiwanese meal that was super amazing.

Here is Drew serving me wine they brought back from New Zealand.



After our bellies were full, it was time for Tripoley. It is a great game that combines poker, rummy, and hearts. (Rachel Johnson - if you read this, you would love this game!)

Bad Mamma Jammaz

My work held a 3-on-3 double elimination basketball tournament for staff. I was on a fabulous team of women and we were able to pull of a championship. Man my work is fun.

The downside was going to a meeting with an executive team member all sweaty. All for the love of the game!

This image is a little hard to make out, but I am in the top photo with the pink shorts.

Boom day

We spent the fourth of July over at Annie and Nate's house. They grilled out and made some killer chicken bratwurst. We took advantage of the afternoon and taught the Utahns how to play washers. Part of playing washers includes drinking beer, and you can see that Grant is abiding by the official rules. The girls had margaritas and chatted under the umbrella.







We walked down to Sugarhouse park to watch the fireworks. They lasted a good 20 minutes.

Little Rock Trip: Family, Friends, and Gambling

Family, friends, and gambling...all the elements you need for a great vacation.

Grant officially finished his intern year on June 23 (praise the Lord) and the next day we flew to Little Rock for a week of much needed vacation.

We were greeted by family, Mexican food, and oh yeah...humidity! We had sort of forgotten what it felt like to be sticky. Of course we picked one of the hottest times of the year to visit, but we quickly adjusted to being sticky Southerners again.



It didn't take us long to enter vacation mode.



The hardest part about living far away from family is seeing nieces and nephews grow up. Growing kids definitely make you realize how much time passes. We tried to get lots of play time in with Lucas and Elayna.

We squeezed in a lot of family time with the adults as well.



Jennifer and Michael cooked us a fabulous dinner and provided hours of entertainment with a new game called Partini. It is hilarious. We laughed so hard our sides hurt.



Ali and Sherry hosted a party for the whole family.

We celebrated Jennifer's 25th b-day and Father's day.



We got to see Jan as well.



The boys played some golf.



And then it was time for Tunica. About 10 months ago, Areta and I started to plan a friend reunion trip to Tunica Mississippi. Oh yes, Tunica; home of the best people watching on earth! We had a great group of friends meet up to relive the good old days. We gambled, drank, talked, and ate a lot of buffet food. And a few of us even won some money.

Anna and Allison having a blast catching up on life.



The lovely ladies.



An illegal shot of Areta in the casino.



So happy to see friends.



Trip organizers extraordinaire.



The guys with a celebratory drink.



Post Tunica Sonic stop was a must.



Now we are back home and Grant has started his second year of residency. And the good news is from here on out it is only ophthalmology! No more distractions.