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an amazing encounter.

This week I've been doing double clinic shifts that have left me utterly exhausted...even falling asleep while in a room with a patient. Yes it's THAT bad. After sitting in traffic an hour and finally getting to my morning clinic shift at an inner city community clinic, I sit down and start to think of all the ways we can help these amazing people that have taken the initiative to better their lives by giving up their alcohol and drug addictions. We have limited but awesome resources to help with liver detox, support chronic diseases for different reasons, and just support their body in general. 

Being in the position that I am, I subconsciously tend to focus on HOW I can facilitate the healing process for the patient....HOW my role in their health will restore it....HOW they need me essentially...right? NO! The difference between being a Naturopathic physician for me is that there is a relationship that is built. The work has to come from both sides- we truly have a patient-doctor relationship. I don't just give a patient a script and walk away. There is counseling, learning from each other, reaching goals together, etc. That's the beauty of what I get to do. 

Well today, I had a different experience. A return patient came in to get some care for a complaint that he's been getting treated for. I asked him some questions, took his vitals, and right before I walked out, he stopped me. He told me that the Holy Spirit wanted him to tell me something and specifically addressed me while another intern was also in the room. Let me preface you, this patient does not know anything about me other than my name and what clinical program I am in. 

He shared with me his personal struggles that God has helped him work through including his drug, alcohol, and sexual addictions. I initially was uncomfortable at first with the content that he wanted to share with me but then he ended it by sincerely looking into my eyes and said this...

"God is able. I don't know why the Holy Spirit wanted me to talk to you about this but no matter what you're going through or what people around you are going through, He is able and He will provide. Trust that."

I was stunned. Almost speechless. I thanked him for his story and inspiration. It took me all day to really process that encounter. I called Ryan a couple hours later and told him about the encounter. I began really integrating it into my thoughts and reflecting on it. It couldn't have come at a better time. :)

long day!

This calls for a short blog again. This may be one of the longest three weeks of my life due to my double clinic shifts! Please pray for me! I am pooped. Goodnight! 

do something GOOD for someone!

I just donated $10 today to a GroupOn fund that will help give FRESH FRUIT to a family of four for one whole week in Chicago!!! 

There's FOUR hours left!! Jump on it folks!!

Do something GOOD! Click here!

it's been too long..

My momma with me & then years later, with Xander:) Probably why everyone thinks he's MY baby!

It's been about a month since I've seen my family. I miss them so much.
It's crazy how much life gets in the way. They are only a couple hours away! Hope to see them soon.

Cherish your loved ones! They make my world go 'round! <3

kitchen mishap

"Your success rate in the kitchen is like 99.96%"- Ryan

He had to tell me that today. I thought I bought the right "Black Soy Sauce" to make a traditional Laotian dish that I have made many times before. I proceeded with the whole process....veggies...meat...seasonings. As I was letting it brew and tenderize the meat, I finally took a taste.

BLEH! If I could take a picture of my face, you would really understand! I couldn't believe it! The soy sauce we bought was WRONG! It had a strong molasses flavor! When I have made a mistake in the kitchen, it's usually something simple that I could easily recover from. Dilution...add salt...add sugar...etc etc.

I did it all. I knew that there was no recovery...and there really wasn't...at least not with that dish. I took the meat out, poured the sauce down the drain, then proceeded to make a brand new dish with the remaining ingredients and it worked!

Ryan ate it. I ate it. It was good but not as good as the Laos dish would of been! Oh well. No one is perfect. Definitely not me!

I wanted to share this to encourage you all that mishaps happen all the time...even with good cooks! Don't be discouraged. Keep trying & you'll get better and better. You'll have days like I had today but according to Ryan my success rate is pretty high so don't beat yourself up over it. :D

not so thrifty but nifty! :D

Best way I describe my fashion sense is hobo-chic. I like the relaxed look (like you didn't have to try but you really did) with a bit of glam to dress it up. I like utilizing looser fitted clothing with tighter. The contrast of patterns, colors, fabrics, textures, fits, etc...to me that all compliments and matches. The look is never complete without hair and makeup to match. 

There is really no point dressing yourself up shoulder to toe then looking completely unfinished with your hair and makeup. It doesn't mean you have to doll everything up and put on layers of makeup and spend hours curling your hair. Just looking finished...clean...put together is what I mean. Honestly that can take minutes for both! A high messy bun or teased out ponytail goes with everything. A little base powder/foundation, with a line of eye liner, swoosh of blush, quick brush of mascara is really all you need! You can even take out the eyeliner and you're still good to go! 

I'm not writing this blog encouraging a focus on the exterior alone. But no matter what you say or how carefree you want to feel, we all get judged immediately on our outer appearance. Sometimes (and unfortunately) it hinders the ability for people to take us seriously in professional settings! Plus if you exude confidence, people will feel it and appreciate it. Caring about yourself internally doesn't just have to be internal. It can show in the way you carry yourself, your morals, and how you well take care of yourself...externally. Trust me...people know when I'm not feeling good or having a bad day. They can SEE it. 

thrifty!

Believe it or not, my entire outfit in this picture is $20! 

Thrift Store purchases:

Mini-dress- $5.00

Navy belt- $1.00

Shorts (legging material-that you can't see)- $2.00 

Store purchases:

Shoes- $10.00 

(DSW- Sam Edelman so HUGE deal if you know your designers!)

Black nylons- $2.00 (Walgreens!) 

I like the look of mini dresses but wearing little shorts & nylons really helps keeps it modest and slims you down! (And it's comfy!) it also helps that I had a good hair day :) 

a pinterest recipe!

So everyone's obsessed with PINTEREST by now right? I love this amazing unique website...especially ALL the amazing recipes that you come across. Well I couldn't help myself one day & had to take a bite of this recipe...LITERALLY. I altered it a little bit from the actual recipe but...here is the actual recipe: Full recipe! (Looks much more delicious than mine! hehe)

Eggplant Involtini

Serves: 2     Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate 

Prep time: 45 mins   Total time: 1 hr 15 mins

My homemade tomato sauce with tons of veggies & fresh herbs! :)

Ingredients:

Involtini-

1 eggplant 

2 c Tomato sauce (Homemade)

Fresh parmigiano reggiano  

Heavy cream 

Sea salt 

Olive oil (for frying)

Stuffing-

1 c ricotta cheese (I made my own!)

1 tbsp fresh Basil 

1/4 tsp Sea Salt 

My homemade ricotta! 

new series debuts in March!

I know my blogs have been lacking..for good reason I promise. I have been very consumed in a lot of projects, family get togethers, and sleep! (haha)

I thank you for being so patient with me as I am transitioning into a new series that I have been working on! I promise you that it will be as exciting as my love stories that were such a big hit! 

As for now, I must get back to my presentation for school! I will try to post a recipe tomorrow! 

fierce!

My cousin, Rosie, & I. Totally fierce! :) 

At a post-Valentine's Day party in the city.

Love him!

sorry for being a bad blogger. no time for a post today. boooooo

cereal is the best midnight snack. maybe tomorrow i will actually post a recipe finally. goodnight.

so tired. wishing everyone a very good night. muah

happy LOVE day.

This was our first Valentine's Day together. 

It was only a month after we started dating & we both already fell so hard in love. 

Can't believe that since then, I've had a 24/7 Valentine's Day...and now we are celebrating our 4th year anniversary of that! :) I love you baby!

This story I read on facebook and it struck my heart & hopes that it also engraves something in your heart. Love everyone...everyday! 

Make it Valentine's Day everyday. Whether it's flowers...chocolate..kisses...or an impromptu slow dance in the kitchen...love LOVE love <3 

Here is the story: 

an impromptu slow dance in the kitchen made my day all better. love him.

Whitney.

A life taken so young. 48 years old. I am still in shock. 

Walking onto a karaoke stage...what song was I going to sing? "I will always love you..." She's epic. Her voice & presence on stage was breathtaking. 

We can dwell on the downfalls she had or we can remember her for the legacy she left. 

She changed music forever. Every little girl and even some little boys wish they could SANG like her. Including me! 

Rest in peace Whitney. 

Your voice was a force to be reckon with. Can't believe you're gone. 

so shocked at the news of whitney. cant post too much today, spending time with friends and family...

bandwagon

"LIN-sanity"

I don't even care for all the hype with sports..other than food at Super Bowl. However, I love supporting my fellow asians succeeding in areas other than education! (haha) 

Join in on the craze! 

He's pretty amazing!

My husband will be proud I am actually writing about an athlete that isn't married to a celebrity. 

:)

Sorry!

feb has been interesting...stressful...exciting...exhausting...everything and we are only nine days in. oh gosh. sorry again...too tired to dedicate more than a couple sentences. once i recuperate...i will be better. gooodnight

so sweet

Source: nadjaseale.com via Miravone on Pinterest

staying positive!

Had a celebratory dinner tonight with my love while I vented about things in my life...including the stupid exam I just took & I feel so much better. Ryan is amazing & is so unbelievably supportive. I am so blessed. 

Tomorrow I will finally post more recipes...etc! I can't wait to get back into blogging. Thank you for being patient with me! <3

eek

tomorrow is the day. wish me luck. goodnight.

YOU fail us not.

2005- Mission trip to Laos

Church today was absolutely what we needed. Our marriage has experienced so much change over the years with much more change to come. Many days we feel so insecure in our future. Our hope seems to waiver as much as the midwest weather. Having security in financial security is a yearning we are consumed with all too often. 

This worship song today brought me to tears. My knees actually felt weak. Church is always great..it's a great revival for the week to come. But this week was different. Maybe because I am almost dreading the future right now..not a bad dread..but an insecure one. We walked out feeling more convicted than ever. Our hope shouldn't rely on our bank statement or our desires for material things. We know this. But today we were reminded of that. 

God knows our deepest desires. He hasn't failed us yet...it's foolish for us to think He would start now. Bring it on! :)

"Transformation is about reflection...not perfection." our pastor. 

Hope this song warms your heart & brings you to a place of reflection. Rather than focusing on all the things we did right, it's good to focus on the things we fell short of to really understand the motives behind our decisions and desires...then to utilize that to transform into what He intends for us...not be apart of "The Walking Dead." 

God ALWAYS has PERFECT timing. 

Doesn't He?! :)

my cutie

Doesn't his big smile just warm your heart??
I love him!

a love 33 years long & strong.

Remember when I told you how Ryan opened the door for me on our first date? & has been opening every door since then?

Remember when I told you that he actually can cook! Not just peanut butter & jelly sandwiches but healthy home cooked meals!

Remember when I shared with you how amazing he is? How he handles tough situations and always tries to rise to the top?

Well where do you think he learned all that from? 

You are right if you guessed- HIS PARENTS.

Meet Al & Moe Dorough:) 

I became acquainted with them before I even met them. Ryan always spoke so highly of both his parents. He mentioned that his dad taught him to ALWAYS open doors for a woman...especially his mom & his significant other. He said his dad also was the chef of the household so he would make me his dad's specialities. The food made me fall in love....with his parents. ((haha))

Look at that smile on Ryan's face. So cute!

On our first date (if you remember), Ryan mentioned that his mom is basically his best friend. He went on and on about her sacrificial nature in everything she did. She always put lots of love and heart into her passion- work (Special Education Director for a school district), her family, and her community. We can't go around their community without someone recognizing her!

Both of his parents hold such amazing reputations in their community. They are both hard working- they literally have built three homes from the ground up and you can see their hard work in every 'nook & cranny' of their home. They are both loving- they take care of everyone in their lives on so many different levels, including us!

Before meeting them, I was so intimidated. Ryan is so proud to call them his parents. I wanted them to be proud to call me their daughter-in-law one day. Meeting them was one of the easiest things I had to do. They were so open & willing to reserve a spot for me in their lives.

Watching their love be displayed over the years that I've known them has been phenomenal. They are truly meant to be together and have been through many rough times but have always overcome them with pride & dignity.

In our crazy world of 72 day marriages, sky rocket divorce rates, and failed relationship after failed relationship, it is so refreshing to see, feel, and be apart of this love that has surpassed so much & still manage to raise two amazing men, build a beautiful home, and most importantly an exceptional life together.


Today is their 33rd year together- so Happy Anniversary to my amazing mother and father in law! May you be blessed for more and more years to come! Can't wait to share more LOVE with you guys! Thank you for loving me as one of your own! I love you both so much! <3

Do you think you will still love me as much as your dad loves your mom after 30 or so years?

...Baby I will love you for infinity...


**Edit**

Also I forgot to add that Ryan spoke with his dad over the phone yesterday to wish them a Happy Anniversary. Ryan's dad bought his mom multiple personal massages at home by a professional masseuse! Can you believe it? That's so sweet! She doesn't even have to leave home! :) So sweet!

this is how I feel

This is how I feel.
Boards on Tuesday. Keeping the blog short!

happy ((black)) history month.

Something I read today on FB. "History belongs to everyone. Happy Black History Month." It states it so well. We should all take pride and responsibility for the history that has shaped our society today.

"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise." Maya Angelou 

A great place to visit in Chicago that I went to when I was in high school that really changed my viewpoint on Black history in general is the DuSable Museum of African American History. 

Be blessed. Take time to appreciate & remember. <3 md