What I've Been Up To...

...not much.

I have seen precious little of the world outside of Stroger/Cook County Hospital and it's every sanguinous Trauma Unit. I return there tomorrow for another 30 hours of attempting to save people from the ridiculous predicaments they get themselves into. Then again on Thursday for my very LAST trauma call. Hallelujah.

Most of my time away from the hospital has been spent sleeping. But I have managed to squeeze in a few lovely hubby excursions to the park and a fair amount of cooking (girl's gotta eat). I also managed to document these moments on film. With you in mind.

You're welcome.

I wish my life was more interesting.

For your sake.

Lincoln Park. Probably a weed. Albeit a pretty one.

A mysterious path. No idea where it goes.

Oz Park. I am waiting for the leaves to change colors before I reveal the statues of the characters from the Wizard of Oz. The Fearsome Foursome are all there. Not the witches.

Dinner party with our friends, the Swanks. Mr. Swank brews his own beer. I'm impressed. You should be too.

Food just looks better with this camera.

Confession: my husband was actually the brilliant chef behind this delicious Italian cuisine. Here we have a "peasant stew" made with farro (an Italian grain- kind of a cross between barley and rice), pancetta, black beans and rosemary. Also an arugula, pancetta, and parmesan salad with a lemon and olive oil dressing. And some crusty bread. 

What can I say? He's a catch.

This is a Tuscan Beef Stew, made with thyme and turnips. The sauce is like, 95% red wine, so naturally, I was in love. I served it over polenta. And lucky for me, I have leftovers to take to work tomorrow. It's the little things...

Come Friday morning, the smile on my face might be too big to fit through the door, as finally...trauma will be over. Don't get me wrong...I am indeed one of those people who gets very very excited by the words "open thoracotomy". But I also enjoy sleeping. In my own bed. With my new husband. So it will be with a smile that I bid farewell to the Trauma Service.