Winter Wonderland

As the snow turns to rain and the trees start to bloom, no one can deny the fact that Spring will officially start tomorrow, and not a moment too soon. Winter felt like it lasted for almost an eternity this year. We had a lot of cold days. We had a lot of gray days. We had a lot of snow days. Winter is not my season, and some of us would rather just hibernate through it.

It wasn't all bad though. On a surprisingly warm December night, K and I found ourselves at Holiday Gala, aka Dental Prom, for the last time. There was dancing. There was laughter. There was fun. Not too long after that, we found ourselves at a tacky sweater party; eating, drinking, exchanging gifts, and being merry. Holiday parties are amazing, and going out for a night on the town doesn't happen that often for us. Not because marriage has made us a boring, old couple (honestly, we've always been one of those), but simply because we enjoy each other's company no matter where we are-- even if that's at home. Of course, getting dressed up and enjoying a night among friends doesn't hurt!

Since we decided to spend the holidays with my parents this year (we did spend the last two in California, after all), K's parents came to visit for an early Texas Christmas at the end of the semester. It was nice that it also coincided with K's graduation following the defense of his Master's Thesis. It seems there's always something worth celebrating. This was the third trip to Dallas for our in-laws since K and I moved in together 3 year ago, but it was the first time my new sister got to make the journey to the Lone Star State. In classic Texas winter fashion, the weather was dreary and wet, but that didn't stop the LaRosa clan from enjoying a getaway to Austin, walks through Deep Ellum, a trolley ride through Uptown, and a stop at the Bush Library. It was a short trip, but it was sweet nonetheless.


New Year's Eve was wet. And cold. And while an early bed time and a pair of sweat pants sounded oh-so-sweet, K and I got our butts up and out of the apartment to ring in the new year with others. As the clock struck midnight, we watched the fireworks at Victory Park from the rooftop. Sparklers in hand, we kissed in the rain, ready to tackle another year.

Before we new it, K was starting full time at Texas Instruments and I was back at school. Being a real adult has meant that K often leaves before me in the mornings. He also works late, but he is so much happier working than he ever was doing research. I'm sure the pay check doesn't hurt making those long days more bearable. For me though, this last semester of dental school has been a bit of a nightmare. It is a sprint to the finish line, and it is absolutely exhausting. I did manage to study for, and pass, part two of the National Board exam in January. I also managed to find patients, and pass, mock WREB in February. But, with only 7 weeks and 1 day left in the last semester of dental school, I find myself losing sleep over all the little things that still need to be done. Sometimes, I don't feel like there's simply enough time to do everything. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way, though; dental students aren't the only people working hard out there!

As March snuck in, the northern polar vortex made it's way down to Dallas not once, not twice... but FOUR times in a two week period, giving us some much deserved days off of school. At times it was like a blizzard out there! As lovely as the winter wonderland is from the window, there is nothing that Rosalind and I care for less. Even when we're looking cute in our winter scarves, all that ice and snow is cold. It's wet. And it's just plain dangerous!

My mom can personally attest to the dangers of ice and snow-- while sledding down a hill she managed to break her right thumb. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the treacherous winter weather to blame for her most recent injury; two weeks to the day, long after everything had melted, she fell and broke her left patella on the side walk. She's currently at home recovering from surgery, but knowing her, the next 4-6 weeks off from work (doctor's orders) are going to give her [Spring] Cabin Fever!