Anna as Ralphie as Bunny.

Perils of cross stitch.

p37.mov Watch on Posterous

Courtesy Bad Robot / Ghost Protocol cross marketing video iPhone app. The true meaning of Christmas.

Angry birds IRL

See the full gallery on Posterous

Had a great afternoon giving Casey and Sam their early Christmas gifts - matching sets of irl angry birds!

Messiah in Petoskey

Realized tonight just how much of an ear worm Handel's Messiah is! Got to see Dad in the chorus with Carol and George and Sherry and Rick. Nice night bringing some beauty to this season which seems particularly dark this year. Mom would have loved this concert. - Carl

Rainbows in Detroit.

Moose pretzel

We realize that we only post about our dog. Our friends say that means its time to have kids...well, that will come soon enough (not that I am suggesting any current news).

Christmoose!

I rode this. Because this is AMERICA!

p112.mov Watch on Posterous

@acedeuceanna - Tree Hunter

Nice day at the zoo.

Monster Spoon Hanging w @haprock

Anna...no Moose...no Anna

Casey and Sam and Puss N Boots

See the full gallery on Posterous

Took the guys to see Puss N Boots last night - IN 3D! Mostly Casey watched and Sam found things to climb on until the important parts of the movie came on...the dance party parts! We had a great time and will have to make plans for more animated fun. Love ya guys!

Heading up Mt. Pisgah to place Letter Boxes.

Many of you may know that my mom, Terry Gladstone passed away last Sunday, November 6 due to a long fight with cancer.  Even in the midst of these two years we had some wonderful moments - like taking the four-wheeler up into the hills around Lake Louise to provide prayer stations for campers and hikers.

Lately we've been spending time with Dad, taking walks, and remembering my mom in every meal we eat and story we tell.  Today, we even thought about putting together a little dictionary of Terry-isms.  So here it is:

Fluffanated - when a dog destroys a chew toy, ripping it's stuffing out.

Kee-hoo - "Here Copper!" (to be used on walks to avoid dogs being near the main road)

'Puter - Computer

Japanese Pancakes - German pancakes

Murphy's Spaghetti - spaghetti made by Susan Murray who had no idea she was making "Murphy's Spaghetti"

BORK! - either "I'm in danger while in the woods or on a canoe trip" or "Pay attention to me because I'm the dean of this camp!"

Hold Your Licker - do not lick either me or that pillow anymore (usually in reference to a dog)

Stanley Thomas Picklebutt Niles - Uncle Tom

More to come as we think of them.  We miss you Mom.

Carl

Moose as Thriller zombie

We had more fun at Moose's expense the other night. He's a good guy for putting up with us.

Recapturing the 80s/90s one line shaved into my head and two shoulderpads in Anna's jacket at a time.

In another life when we are...

Goodnight TC

Dear traverse city,
Thanks for the great month. It was really nice of you to have two and a half weeks of summer weather while we were here...it made staying in the airstream that much more fun. But the rain was nice to listen to on our "tin" roof, too.
Thanks for having so many things to do and beautiful places to see. Thanks for housing our friends Jason and Becky who are pretty awesome. And thanks for being on the bay and right next the two beautiful penninsulas! Lots of great photo ops.
Thanks for being home to Carol, George and Jaden, Sarah and Owen...it was really nice to see them so much!
Oh and thanks for the great view from the top floor of the hospital. Makes it easier to be inside all day.
And thanks for great eats and drinks like TC pie co, Higher Grounds, Slabtown and Dish.
Oh! And for all the produce stands everywhere. Awesome.
Thanks for the awesome program faculty who were so nice and made me feel really liked and appreciated. and thanks for getting me thru my first interview!
Thanks for good Michigan grown musicians!
And I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but thanks for the sunsets.

Thanks for a great month,
Anna


- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Haunted Cass

Stopped by the office and got my annual surprise - finding the church getting all dressed up for Halloween!

Trading places

So tonight, as Carl went home to Detroit for one night, my mom drove up with Moose in tow. It has been nearly three weeks since I'd seen my beloved pup and for a minute there he didn't even realize it was me...but when he did he stood up to give me a gigantic hug (the best he knows how) and made me feel loved.

When we came back to the trailer he didn't take long before he found his spot. I guess home is where the humans are...at least for Moose.



- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:U.S. 31,Traverse City,United States

2 - 0

Watermelon Bombs w David Gladstone

Had a nice visit with Mom and Dad at the cottage this past weekend. It was nice to see them spending this important time together. My mom continues to benefit from the comfort of that place - even amidst her continued struggle against cancer.

But the evening also gave us an opportunity to participate in another round of one of our favorite family traditions...throwing leftovers at trees! Check it out!

Morning commute.

State of Theater

Back and Forth

Well, I'll take a shot at bloggerating. Spending time in TC has been pretty cool. It's a bit of a break from our usual Detroit State of Mind - just enough I found out yesterday to really appreciate both places. While travelling South to spend some time with the Wayne State Catalyst cats, I had a cool "welcome home" moment when the Ren Cen finally appeared on the skyline. But then, later that night, heading back to the trailer, I had another moment of "this weekend, with it's music and trips to the shore and etc, will be fun!"

Anywho, we keep making these silly videos. So here's another.

TC day 3, wsg SUN!

So after two days of raining and a weather forecast of rain all week, the sun decided to peak its head out at us today. So we walked over to the edge of Silver Lake here in TC and watched a water skier do slalom. Very impressive. We realized though that our videos are not that interesting...or just that we don't have that much to say. But we'll keep it up. I got to see lots of newborns today which is always fun.

TC day 2, wsg RAIN

Day 2 and Annie has already claimed the mayorship of holiday RV park! Wahoo! And the rain is pretty unrelenting which makes leaving the building to pee and shower less appealing but we are adventurers and willing to "rough it" just a little. But with Carol and George's hospitality this is hardly roughing it! But Anna's hippie doctor was right, going back to conventional medicine is hard! I just hope I can make them like me enough to hire me..,if I so choose.


- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:U.S. 31,Traverse City,United States

TC day 1, airstream move in

- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Anna checks for the Internet - in 1972.

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Airstream 8-track. And it works.

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Weekend getaway

So as the fall continues to ramp up and as we are getting ready to travel lots this schoolyear, we got a nice chance to spend a weekend on Lake Michigan. For someone who spent most of the summer studying for boards (which I passed, btw) it seemed like when I finally got the chance to enjoy it, summer was over. But the view from the house on the lake and the music that was being made care of earphoria artists, a little weekend of no responsibility was nice. Halfway thru our Saturday Carl and I were somewhat baffled at what to even do with ourselves. We road bikes to the pier, sat on the beach and walked on the beach, ate a lot, read a little and hung out with Moose and some Chicagoans.



It's funny how when life is constantly taking you in different directions it sometimes takes a good bit of effort to slow down, but we eventually managed. And Sunday we saw a friend home from Boston.
This past month has been net living in Ann Arbor at my moms and learning from what Carl calls the Hippie Doctor. And starting this weekend we are heading up to TC to live in Carl's aunt and uncle's airstream trailer while rotating at Munson Hospital and trying to imagine what that life would be like. It has given us a real sense of our love for Detroit, being away. Luckily we got to be home for Dally in the Alley...but we will again miss the runners of the Marathon run by on our street this year. Makes me think we should stay in this house till I at least get to do that and cheer them all on! Detroit is one of a kind... Liberal enough to make us feel welcome but not too pompous to make us feel bad about being middle of the road sometimes. Anyway, we love this place.

- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Planting our four year anniversary flowers.

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Ten things to know before becoming an Amputee

#1 those athletes in the news were already Olympic level athletes

#2 you have to trust your prosthetist like a family member, even if they're good, if you can't get along it wont result in a good leg.

#3 you will be stared at, mostly by children which is okay cuz they are just curious but sometimes it's adults who should know better.

#4 two legs are most always better than one

#5 expect back pain

#6 the fit of the socket is the most important feature

#7 strangers will ask you very personal questions or interrupt you during the middle of your workout often

#8 amputation will have a harsh effect on self image

#9 if you are young/fit, everyone will assume you were in the armed services

#10 life is hard, it's harder with only one leg.

- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

10 things you should know before going to medical school

#1 the MCAT is only the beginning. You will have standardized tests every few years for the rest of your career.

#2 Someone else will be dictating your life schedule for the next 7 years, at least. And your patients won't want you to leave for long once you are in practice.

#3 There are no bad doctors (*Sarcasm).

#4 The process is like a boulder on a large hill- it gets harder to stop the further into it you get.

#5 No more summer Vacation, or much vacation at all for that matter...

#6 As a medical student on rotations, you don’t matter. In fact, you get in the way and impede productivity.

#7 Your family members will ask you for medical advice, even after your first week of first year.

#8 Sometimes it is like Grey's Anatomy, ER or ____(insert fav medical Drama) but mostly it's like Scrubs where you feel like hiding in the broom closet. #mostaccuratemedicalshow

#9 It's hard to not become cynical.

#10 The first time someone let's you, close/insert a central line/start an IV/stitch someone's laceration, etc... is the most fun ever! What a thrill! So enjoy it!! Take it all in and don't forget to relax!

So all in all it's a masochistic world, medicine. But it can be really awesome as well. I cried both times I had the opportunity to help deliver babies on my birthday two years in a row. But it's hard, really hard, too. Make sure you really want to do this. And if you are doing it for the money, there are other professions where you will make a lot more for your time so I suggest looking into hospital administration or something non-medical related. Medicine is not for the faint of heart.




- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:Surfside Dr,Shelby Township,United States

City Tax

Well, we did it. Carl and I payed our first (and hopefully last) installment of our "City tax" as some friends like to call it. For those of you who don't know what I means, well...we got our bikes stolen. It is amazing how when some object is taken from you, you immediately suspect everyone around you as the culprit. We try not to but sometimes those feelings seep through. Maybe it was the nun who lives downstairs;)

It becomes easy to see how residents who have lived through the 80s and 90s in Detroit and dealt with numerous "City taxes" can get jaded. My sister, just this year has dealt with a break in and a stolen vehicle.

It also just made us sad. Because now that stereotype that we try so hard to fight is right back front and center. Detroit is a place where people steel things. Mind you, we didn't get mugged at gun point and have our bikes stolen out from under us. No, someone just hopped the fence of our backyard (which was locked) and grabbed our two bikes (which were not locked, silly us) and threw them back over the fence...in broad daylight.

So we are no longer the new residents of Detroit that assume that bad things will never happen to us. But hopefully we can still maintain the faith in the city that things can and are getting better. Although, why does a bike being stolen mean the city is so bad?

Just the other day I was telling a new intern at MCRMC that our bikes were stolen. He's from NYC. He was like, yeah...and then went on to tell me the numerous times his bike was stolen. One time he came back to his bike, which was still there, got on and road for a second, which felt funny...and he looked down and someone had replaced his minimally nicer bike handle with a cheaper one. Well...at least they replaced it. Even trade?

So why do stories like this make Detroit so notorious, yet NYC can still claim it's habitability. Ah well, no use in getting mad about it. Luckily we got a good claim on our renter's insurance (hopefully they don't boot us now).

My bike was getting kinda old anyway I guess. Hopefully whoever has it now is making the best of it. Maybe they gave it to their kid who otherwise would not have ever had a bike. Or maybe they just used it as the getaway vehicle...God bless them and I pray that they are sustained and fed.

Fireworks from the RenCen

Anna and I had the pleasure of attending the fireworks party/benefit for Cass Community last night. Once the show got started we realized what great seats we had there at the top of Detroit!

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Jersey Shore: Gladstone Edition

So this week I had the opportunity, well...really it was compulsory to go to Conshohoken (sp?), PA for my step 2 physical exam boards exam. It was really more of a marathon. Seeing 12 "standardized patients" in 6 hours with one thirty minute break and one fifteen minute break. Just another step towards doctorhood. It feels good to have it done with.
While I was there I had the privilege of some free time. So I drove myself all over. The first day I was there I visited Valley Forge, an important part of the revolutionary war...too bad I couldn't stay until Sunday when they had a reenactment scheduled. It is a beautiful National Park and if you are ever near by I highly recommend it. The runners and walkers and bikers were out on the trail, as was a small doe minding her own business.

After my exam I had an extra day to drive to the Jersey shore. I drove to Atlantic City, just to say that I had been there and seen it. I spent all of about five minutes out of my car before I jumped back in and headed down the coast to Cape May. Needless to say, cities that are glorified malls/casinos are not my style...too many people and too much extravagance and apathy.

So I took Ocean St. all the way down to the cape. It was a beautiful drive over bridges and through smaller versions of Atlantic City (with many attractions to boot). And I finally made it to the peaceful and less built up Cape May Point State Park and St. Mary's by the Sea (Summer Convent for St. Joseph Nuns). I read a chapter of my book, called Carl to share the moment and had dinner at the Sunset Grill. I think I will try to go back there sometime.

When I got to the airport in Philadelphia this morning the "Computer system was down" and no one was able to check in. Luckily I had my netbook and phone to upload my boarding pass but that'll teach me to check in at home and print my ticket before getting to the airport! Ahh, it was a hectic trip but I am now super glad to be done with traveling for a little while. Now it is on to studying for the Step 2 written portion of the boards exam, oh yeah and my Peds shelf exam. Why I chose a life of standardized exams I have no idea, but hopefully it will keep me sharp. Peace to all.

Aging

As I have a little time to think lately I've been pondering all my life milestones. Here I am coming home from a weekend of celebrating my nephew's graduation from high school. The same nephew who I remember holding a week after he was born. It was an important moment for me to be a part of as I know my father, his grandfather, would've tried his hardest to get us all there. And I've been thinking a lot about Dad (*grandpa) lately. 2012 will mark the tenth anniversary of his death.
2012 and my 29th year also marks a few other milestones: graduation from medical school, five years of living as an amputee, five years of marriage, my ten year high school reunion, five year Albion reunion and my brother Jon will be getting married, as well. It is exciting and scary at the same time. I am pretty sure high school graduate me would've never guessed the way my life has turned out so far. Never thought of medical school or that I would live the majority (God willing) of my life as an amputee.
Many friends are getting married or having babies this year as well. I, myself am starting to get a stitch of the baby fever...but all in good time.
So overall, I can't complain. I am blessed with loving family and moderately good health, a future career and a partner who I adore, living in a city that I love. I wish that my nephew Pete, even if life in ten years is not as he guessed it, is blessed and content in life. Good Luck next year Pete! We are so proud!!! - Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:Chimney Oak Dr,San Antonio,United States

Rafety Rirst!

Had a great weekend with friends up at Otsego Lake near Gaylord, MI. Lots of impromptu singing of Disney songs led by Greg Martin, drinking of Four Loko led by Ryan French, and a dual early-morning-yoga-threat/sleep-till-1pm combination from Nick and Trysta Dymond.

Moose had a great time pontooning and canoeing. But he'd still rather be on the beach chewing rocks.

Looking forward to TITOSALP 2012!

Carl and Anna

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Detroit, WHAT?

For many of my friends who grew up in Ann Arbor with me, it's hard to explain why my Husband Carl and I moved to Detroit. Maybe these shoes will explain a little bit of the City Pride. It has been hard the past couple of weeks because I have found myself in numerous conversations defending the city and still reading more national news sites stating Detroit has the second highest violent crime rate in the country...next to Flint. It's hard to believe that 310 people were killed in Detroit in 2010 when I have never heard a gunshot or been a victim of a hold up. It just goes to show that privilege shelters you from many of life's most devastating realities. I am privileged enough to have had an education, live in a safe neighborhood in the city away from most of those violent crimes. I am privileged enough to have an alarm system on my house and my car...where many could not afford such luxuries. It is also amazing to read such articles and see how much racism still exists in the world because often times those polls are riddled with comments from "Anonymous" stating how it's obviously the fault of "the blacks" because all the cities on the top ten list have a large black population. Well shit. That makes me angry. Cities like Detroit and their problems are more due to that exact racism... I wish their was an easier way to talk about the City but it always seems I have to be an advocate and defend the place I call home. No one questions my friends who have moved to San Diego, or Chicago, or Amsterdam for that matter...but when I say I live in Detroit, most peoples response is "Really? Why?" Well, I didn't want to turn into a Detroit snob that scoffs at others' uninformed opinions about the city but *scoff* I guess I have. It must be an insider thing. You'd have to live here to understand:)

Sam and Casey turn 8!

p109.mov Watch on Posterous

Ok, so that's a total of years, but we were so excited to be at their 3rd and 5th birthdays party at Jungle Java tonight. Lots of great playing in the climbing place, friends with presents, and even a couple of lightsabers to top it off! Happy birthday guys.

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Detroit All-Stars

My wife is awesome. She is currently making custom designed, hand crafted, Detroit themed sneakers for me. I feel like I won't want to wear them outside at all for fear of messing them up. It's like having two paintings wrapped around my feet. Thanks Annie!

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Greeeeeen + Awesome

Had a fun time visiting the Plymouth Green Street Fair last week. Here's Anna at the fountain, decorated for the day. Then had an awesome first week of Motown Mission and some good friends got married in their garden in Detroit. All in all a great series of reminders of why we love living here and being awesome in the Motor City.

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

Awesome Spring Picnic

See the full gallery on Posterous

We took the evening of sunshine in down at Lake Erie Metropark. Not before we grabbed some Slows To-Go for a beautiful outdoor dinner overlooking Lake Erie. Just a week ago we were on the other side of it (more on our trip later). But tonight was a perfect spring evening spent in Moderately manufactured nature. Anna's goal this summer is to get a metropark pass and make it worth the money by going at least like 15-20 times!! Classic rock tunes on the way home made our evening complete!

Posted via email from Carl's posterous

The Full Monty

This weekend turned out to be both fun and productive. Carl spent Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the Ann Arbor District Library where his favorite podcast "Jordan, Jesse, Go!" was being recorded. He also enjoyed the improv class they led on Saturday but realized that dorky guys who listen to podcasts may not be the best candidates for good improv. He definitely enjoyed himself!
While Carl was improv-ing, Anna got some super Sabath at home and even cleaned up that jam stain on the fridge shelf.
When Carl got home we went on an outing around midtown to the cool stores like City Bird and Bureau of Urban Living, we even stopped into People's Records who were celebrating record store day with goodies, keg and listening! On our way around town we saw that The Full Monty was playing at the Bonstelle Theatre and decided it would be fun to go see.
We came back at eight for the show and were met with many groups of silver haired ladies ready for some fun;) Carl's face was visibly red, even in the dark theatre and his nervous laughter and half covering of his face made the performance even funnier.
Sunday we rode bikes to church which was a crazy idea cuz at times on our way home the wind was so strong it felt like we were peddling full speed and standing still. But we were glad to spend Sunday night with Carl's parents in out of the cold, wind and yes snow...can you believe it?
- Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:The Bonstelle Theatre, Detroit

Babooshka Moose

He really puts up with so much from us. Thanks buddy. BTW, does this remind anyone else of the creatures fro The Dark Crystal?

Posted via email from Carl's posterous