2011

I know. I don't post on here a lot but, I wanted to recap 2011 so that I can (hopefully) forever remember the ups and downs of the year.  I know my closest friends know what a tough year it has been and how much stronger I am because of it.

First Highlights of 2011

My trip to Ghana!
It was a credibly eye-opening and humbling experience to say the least.  The trip made me realize that I want to be defined by the people that surround me and not the items that I own.  I was happy to be fully supported by my family and friends to take this trip.  I did become a pin cushion to prep for it and I got a GI tract infection while I was there but those kids were worth it.

Istanbul and Germany
I was very fortunate to travel with OT people to these awesome countries. I have a new appreciation for grandiose mosques and market places. I love all the details with Turkish art and the color combinations.  

My fieldwork experience at St. Joseph Medical Center...
Renewed my passion to work with the elderly.  Sometimes I think that I love old people because I miss my grandparents.  The acute rehabilitation physician was not able to interact with the patients as much and  I was glad that I was able bring humanity into the hospital and make even the most senile and depressed patients smile.

Happiness!!

My good friend's Kristy's engagement to the love of her life! Better photo coming soon...

(Ok my friend Kristy is on the right and she's not a lesbian but this is seriously the only photo I could find on my computer) We need to take more photos!  

Bittersweet

Having my amiga/good friend leave for Seattle! It was sad to see her go however I'm happy that she's living her life to the fullest...leaving no stone unturned (sorry for the cliche).  I hope I have supported her as much as she has supported me.  All her hand written letters have gotten me through tough times.  One of my new years resolution is to make her a very effective dream catcher. 

The Lowest Low 

Letting my grandmother go...
I remember whispering into my grandpas ear as he was passing away that I would be strong in life for him because that was his piece of advice to me.  I know why he told me to be strong...for times like these when all of my emotions and irritations would be tested and I would have to think straight for the sake of my family and for my future career. I figured out quickly the friends and family that I could count on during this crisis.  Although it was tough, I was able to cut people out of my life that simply could not "handle" me  during this tribulation.

The Sun After The Storm 

The sun is in human form and he is currently my boyfriend.  He helps me float away into outer space to forget what I have lost this year.  I'm very fortunate that my good friend Hanna introduced us and that we grew into something more than what everyone expected.

This picture is Hanna! Haha I'm really horrible at remembering to take pictures during events. I still need a picture of Arshad and I.  

The End.

I'm still feeling the effects of 2011 but I started 2012 with the best family gathering.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my studies that I think it's the most important thing but NO! My family is.  I'm very fortunate to have lots of cousins and crazy aunts and uncles that fart in my face and make fun out of any situation. 

Please be good to me 2012 and don't listen to the Mayans.

Mainz and Istanbul!

Here's my trip to Germany and Istanbul in a nut shell!  I definitely want to go back and spend more time in these countries, 4 days is NOT ENOUGH :( There's so much to see in the world and so little money and time that I have.  Hopefully my next adventure will be in east Asia.  It's funny how I'm slowly making my way around the world. I'm hoping to end up in Japan one day.  

Mainz, Germany

This guy was so welcoming :)

 We found a safe place just in case it might rain haha

Say this 10 times, it will make your head turn

 Reminded me of SF (just a little bit)

 So sad there wasn't enough time to eat dessert here.

 Where is the water coming from?????

 It seemed like I was walking through disneyland 

Were ready for Istanbul!

The BLUE MOSQUE

 Tivo!

 It was so enchanting inside

Hagia Sophia

 It tasted yummy

I found Jasmine's father

 So detailed and ornate

Such a mysterious place...I loved it

 medusas head

 traditional turkish dessert with pistachios 

 they had like 40 different kinds of baklava 

 I loved the lamps!! I would decorate my whole house with turkish decor

 shopping central

 bars galore!! we couldn't choose! 

 The view from our hotel

The sultans palace

 spices!

 I really liked all the designs, especially with the gold etched in

 water closet time

 No words can describe this moment

coffee with the cutest dishes

 yummy tea!!

 The best meal I had in Turkey, eggplant with...

 Hagia Sophia at night

 SHOPPING! AT THE GRAND BAZAR, biggest shopping center I've ever seen 

 the scarfs were so beautiful, I wanted to buy 10 of them

 Turkish drink that tasted like hot rice pudding with cinnamon, it was soooooo goood. I would go back for just this :)

 Our residence, such a difference from Ghana

 Gotta go home :(

Turkey is truly an amazing place if you like to shop and see the beautiful side of the middle east.  I enjoyed being there with my OT friends.  I can't wait to go back! WHO'S DOWN?!