Becoming Bionic

So much has happened in the past couple weeks, there's no way I can fit this into a FB status update.  May 31st Scott and I, with help from my dad and Scott's bro, loaded up a Penske with our belongings and left Minnesota for Washington.  After four days on the road, we arrived in Olympia, signed the lease to a townhouse we had physically seen, and moved in with our two cats, Chandler and Murph.  My dad and uncle actually did I great job of picking the place for us, I love it!  We decided to move to Olympia after Scott received a job offer from a large clinic there.  The area is beautiful, surrounded by dense forests, water inlets, deer, and dread-locked hoodlums.

You may remember this and this.  We are coming up on a year and a half now since I decided to forgo resurfacing surgery on my hip in favor of waiting for a total hip replacement.  We came to the conclusion that this transition period between jobs would be a good time for me to receive my much needed hip replacement.  Therefore, I have forgone job hunting until I know when I can return to work.  The move has been physically challenging for me - thank God for Scott, my dad, Uncle Lon, and Brian for doing the grunt work.  The surgery will take place in Medford, OR, where my parents live, so they can care for me during recovery while Scott starts his new job.

Planning a move halfway across the country is a challenge in itself, add planning for surgery on top of it.  Originally scheduled for June 10th, in the past week, the surgeon's office has changed that date from the 10th to 20th, to the 13th.  Our meticulously laid plans go out the window!  Then, yesterday, Murph goes missing.  Nowhere to be found.  No idea if he is inside or out.  We passed out fliers and took some to nearby clinics and shelters.  He made it this far, we really hope he comes home. 

This morning is my pre-op with the surgeon, Dr. Hadi.  I'm going to try and answer some of the questions I've been getting here, in case you are curious.

My current condition:
Rapidly deteriorating. I have daily, radiating/burning pain from my hip, even if I "take it easy".  I no longer like to climb stairs with my left leg.  Standing up from a sitting position is a slow process, I feel stiff, as though my leg doesn't want to straighten up.  Bending to tie shoes, etc., is uncomfortable.  Anything more strenuous than walking is out of the question.  The pain disrupts my sleep, it can be hard to find a comfortable position.

The implant:
I decided a ceramic-on-ceramic implant is the best for my situation because they can last up to 30 years before needing adjustments.  My surgeon warned me there is a 5-10% chance of it squeaking.  Yes, squeaking, like if you rub the bottom of two coffee mugs together.  You can look it up on YouTube. 

Surgery: 
Like I said, June 13th (Thursday), with probably two nights in the hospital.  The surgery I'm oddly calm about this because I know what great improvement is going to come from it.  Remind me of that when they start poking me with needles...I've heard from several people that they noticed immediately after surgery decreased joint pain.

Post-op/Recovery:
Following surgery, I will have some physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the implant, regain range of motion, and track my progress.  I will have exercises to do at home as well.  I plan to stay with my parents until I feel strong enough to get around on my own safely.  I was told the average THR patient returns to work after 8 weeks.  Since I'm younger, I could bounce back faster, but we'll see.  I hope to be back up in Olympia in a month.  Portugal.The Man concert July 18th....maybe with my walker - yeah!

I welcome any questions!  I want my buddies in Minnesota to know I MISS YOU and your support is my strength, even from far away.

Love,
Rachel

A weekend in Denver

Two years ago, I moved to the Twin Cities from Denver, CO.  After having lived there for 6.5 years, I was itching for change:  A new job, new faces, new places, and a new chapter with Mr. Scott, who was in his second year of vet school here in St. Paul.  It's been an eventful two years, with highs and lows, successes and curve balls.  I have to be thankful for the life lessons I have learned and the insight I have gained.

I also consider myself extremely blessed to have been quickly welcomed into the fold of Scott's peers.  Having witnessed countless hours of studying and cringe-worthy slide shows, I've been deemed an "honorary vet student."  Along with baking a cake, I could probably diagnose your horse with colic and give your cat a body condition score.

Still, I have missed my girlfriends in Denver since the day I left.  It took longer than I had ever expected, but two weeks ago I was finally able to fly back and spend a long weekend visiting my college and work buddies and their families.  It was wonderful, glorious, and full of sunshine.

Elle and I met as freshman at Johnson & Wales.  We didn't bond until the second trimester, as I slept through our academic classes {but still pulled A's, thank you very much}.  But once we got in the kitchen, she made me laugh, and we've been fast friends ever since.  A couple years later, I got her a job working with me at Gateaux Bakery.  She is an INCREDIBLE cake artist with an eye for whimsy and style for miles.  I've told Elle before that she is the voice in my head that coaches me through decorating.

Audrey was a fellow pastry student and Gateaux employee as well.  I adore her for being so sweet and silly.  She and her husband Rob "adopted" me, and spending time with them showed me what true love should look like.  I can't wait for a Baby Jones, as these two will be the most devoted parents.  

Miss Kelly infiltrated Gateaux after relocating from Charlotte, NC, where she also attended Johnson & Wales.  Honestly, she's too cool to be my friend.  I am Screech and she is Kelly Kapowski.  But somehow our opposites attract and made for some of the most memorable Denver nights to go down in history.  Thank you, Kelly, for helping me find my inner badass.  I would walk 10,000 miles for you.

My darling Elle, my faux-hawk and I, enjoying a night on the town.

Sunday: A Rockies game.  My first grand slam!

What hangover?

Audrey's dad, Stephan, Audrey, myself and Audrey's "roommate" Rob, who she happens to be married to ;).  Audrey makes THE BEST spanikopita you will ever eat. 

The Trifecta!  Me, Kelly, and Elle

Elle's dad, Steven, and her FIANCE! Chris.  Elle's family hosted a BBQ on Monday.

Love this one of Chris and I.  You know you missed me!

One of my many mommies, Donna, and Elle

I wish I could hop on a plane and visit every month, but my heart is full to the brim for a little bit having seen these great people again.  Elle and Chris are planning to wed in 2014 in New York, so I will for sure be seeing this bunch again then, if not sooner {please, oh please}.  Kelly and I are collaborating on her cake!

Love,
Rachel

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Korean Vacation

Sanrio store at Coex, the largest mall in Korea that is also underground.

I spent last week in South Korea visiting my brother Richard and his wife, Katy.  It was my last chance to visit them before they relocate to another Air Force base in Belgium.  This trip couldn't have come at a better time - I was getting burnt out at work and in desperate need of a change of scenery.  I also hadn't seen my brother since October of last year.  I have to say it right now: Thank you, Richard and Katy.  This trip was eye-opening, fascinating, inspiring, rejuvenating, FUN and it wouldn't have been possible with out you.

Before landing in Seoul, I wasn't really sure what to expect.  Obviously, I would be in the minority, being American and speaking only English.  I had seen pictures and done a little bit of research, but I was prepared to do most of my learning once I got there.  The flight from Chicago was 12 hours, and I slept most of the time, waking up to eat and read (which put  me back to sleep).  I credit this hibernation period for my lack of jet lag.

The view from R. and K.'s apartment, Singtan.              Main road in Singtan.

When traveling abroad, I like to spend just as much time off the beaten path as sightseeing tourist spots.  This trip was that glorious mix, between visiting cultural sites, mall shopping as well as small shops and street vendors, trying traditional and nontraditional meals, skeezy local bars, and enough down time to relax reading The Island.  We had a daily drive down narrow side streets, hardly avoiding collisions and pedestrians.  Most taxi drivers/cashiers/clerks don't speak English, so you point  directions or on a menu.  I found it interesting that even if a menu had English translations, that doesn't mean the employees will understand it.

Katy and I on a tour bus in Seoul.

Food is never hard to find, as there are food carts, convenience stores, and restaurants around every corner.  For some reason I had it in my head we'd be eating rice at every meal, but international cuisine is prominent, and one of my favorite meals was a simple but expertly prepared pasta dish in Songtan.  Besides the common cabbage kimchi, I enjoyed the cucumber and zucchini varieties.  I also just had to try the Sweet Potato Latte (Koreans like their coffee shops, too).  It's Thanksgiving in a cup! 

These fancy cakes are available at your local Baskin Robbins in Korea!

Shopping in Korea is a dream....for me, at least.  Everything is made for little people!  In the metropolis of Seoul, women's fashions trend on the very ladylike side - ruffled skirts, sheer blouses, Peter Pan collars, bows everywhere, muted colors, and tailored dresses, with dainty accessories.  Men are well dressed, and Katy informed me "macho" isn't part of their vocabulary.  State-side, their style may be referred to as "metro".  Nerd glasses were in abundance.

Outside the Korean War Memorial Museum.

Inside.

On Thursday we visited the Korean War Memorial Museum.  It's no secret I'm behind on my world history (Cuban Missile Crisis?  Yep, I failed that test), but I was completely in awe of Korea's war-torn past.  The country has seen more crisis than peace.  Just 50 years ago, Seoul and the surrounding areas lay in rubble and famine.  Without allied assistance, they would currently be under the communist rule of North Korea.  Katy and I were blessed to have a conversation with a volunteer at the museum, Mr. Moon, who shared his memories of being 5 years old during the Korean War and his pride in how the country has recuperated.  He emphasized several times how grateful he is for the help the United States has provided and considers us friends.

Food was a topic that came up in conversation.  After the war, his family of five was given minimal rations. They survived mainly on a daily diet of noodles they had to roll by hand with only salt to flavor them with.  "Pastry Chef" didn't translate well for Mr. Moon, but he lit up at the mention of chocolate.  He recalled American soldiers handing Hershey's out to children.  Today he enjoys it in moderation, along with flour, to avoid weight gain.  Such a charming little man and conversation I won't soon forget!



And finally, experiencing the off-base nightlife in Songtan...

 

Richard and I.

This dance club was run by a bunch of older ladies, and the grandson of one of them was going to town on the dance floor when we arrived.  It was early still (9 pm), so the rest of the club was empty.  We were entirely entertained watching him sing and dance, then after finishing our "African Slushies," Jen, my brother's coworker, led the way and we were all dancing with him!   

Jen, Master Flow, and Katy working the dance floor.

Glow-in-the-dark shots consisting of Soju, Sprite, and an energy drink.

Katy serves up a "Kettle" drink that tastes like Creamcicle.

Such a great time!  I feel so blessed!

xoxo,

Rachel

The Cider Chronicles: Part 1- The Story Begins

Here's the deal:  A couple years ago, my uncle, Uncle Steve, aka "Unka Steve" took me as his travel companion to London.  Yes, London, England, silly.  Apart from the fabulous museums, historical sights, Paris, shopping, and double-decker bus rides, there is one distinct and special memory that stands out in my mind from the trip.

We were staying at a relatively nice hostel in Notting Hill on the edge of a large, public park.  I think that day we had gone to Kensington Palace and seen evening gowns worn by Princess Diana, among other things.  Unka had mentioned finding some hard cider for me to taste for the first time, and while wondering the streets in search of dinner, we came upon a quaint wine and spirits shop.  There we procured a bottle of Weston's hard cider.

Now, alcohol is not allowed at the hostel, as is drinking on the streets.  But that's not an issue when you have a brown paper sack and the cover of night to hide your liquor.  Unka and I meandered through the park like a couple of vagabonds, and took in the quiet of the evening.  The cider was crisp and refreshing, a light, sweet finish to the meal we just had.  Upon our return, I slept like a kitten in my hostel bunk.

Thus began my fascination with hard ciders.  This series will highlight some common brands of cider to be found in the US and their varying flavor nuances, Mr. Scott and I's adventures in making cider at home (it's easier than you think!), recipes, and more!

At the top of St. Paul's Cathedral, overlooking London.  Boring brown hair.

Love,
Rachel