Tucson, AZ

One week ago (though it already feels like a world away) Jonny and I had a brief respite from reality in Tucson, Arizona. Jonathan was invited to present the research project he has been working on since last summer and I was happy to tag along for the ride. Thank you to both our parents who tag-teamed as Aaron's babysitters. We really appreciate you!

Before we left we explained to Aaron that we were leaving on a plane to Arizona and that he would be staying with Grand-patty, then Nana for a couple of days. He was a bit more clingy than usual at their homes that Sunday, but (from what I hear) he was good company, frequently searching the sky and pointing out the airplanes that were headed to Arizona.

Jonny and I had a good laugh at the airport when our boarding passes were printed out. I glanced at mine and said aloud, "TuC(K)son? Jonny my ticket is wrong, I'm not going to TuC(K)son!" He looked at me with a little, confused smile for a few seconds, then started laughing. I immediately recognized my error and was completely embarrassed, wondering how loud I said that and how long the airline workers would be laughing about the stupid blonde who didn't know how Tucson was pronounced. :) Apparently the Native Americans originally called the area "Chuckson," so I was actually closer to the correct pronunciation. We laughed and called it Tuckson for the reminder of the trip.

The ecology was beautiful and quite alien-like. One of the highlights of our time together was a hike through the saguaro forest. A saguaro cactus can grow three inches per year. Many of them were too large to fit inside my camera lens.

All of these prickly plants are amazing, and very resourceful. We had to watch our footing very carefully. One misstep and you can stumble into a bed of pin cushions. It was great to have a few hours to just talk with Jonny. We reminisce a little bit, dreamed about the future, planned and plotted our future careers and hobbies. I sure love my husband.

We also had a great time taking advantage of the Marriott Resort's restaurants and amenities. We've never stayed at a JW Marriot before and we felt pretty lucky to have been invited on the conference's tab. We made the most of it. I even ate a fresh jalapeno pepper (note the tear in my eye). I'm such a wimp, but sometimes I try to live life on the edge. My dad would have been proud.

Jonny wasn't up for the jalapeno taste test. He was probably protecting his presentation tongue, and for good reason. I would have been scared out of my mind to present my research to an audience of seasoned Ophthalmologists. But he approached it all pretty calmly. Then again, we did practice his presentation about 40 times, if you include the run-throughs in the hot tub. We probably looked pretty silly, a young couple lounging alone in the hot tub at night, contemplating blepharospasm and migraine patients with photophobia. It was quite romantic.

He did a great job. He was number 8 out of 10 presenters and the only med student, but he was cool as a cat until he took to the podium and stumbled across a few words before admitting to the audience, "I'm sorry, I'm a little nervous." A relaxing laugh swelled and the rest of his presentation went off without a hitch. He was very professional when answering the questions, even when a notorious doc challenged the premises of his conclusions. We were grateful that Dr. Digre stepped in to cite a few other similar studies that reinforced the conclusions.

We had a great time. I loved watching Jonny in his element, explaining all the angles of his research. He thought he had shot his chances of receiving an award when he was asked to present his partner's poster and was a bit sketchy on some of the details. But, he brought home the bread. Way to go, honey.

Maybe I dote a little too freely on this blog about my happy/proud motherly and wifely moments. I guess that's just what I want to remember most. After all, the other 95% of medical school isn't all that glamorous, or eventful. After a long day without him, I often struggle not to beg Jonny to skip his after-dinner study sessions, and I know that he's struggling to put off the same temptation. We both know what we've got to get through in order to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. But we might as well enjoy the tunnel while we're here. It's not that bad, after all (especially after a few days in Tuckson).