Live from Dallas | Part II

So another couple of weeks have come and gone here in the good 'ol state of Texas.  If there was ever a moment I wished time would slow down, now might be one of those moments - only for the reason that I LOVE being in Dallas and yet again I am not looking forward to going back to St. Louis here in a few short weeks (although I absolutely can't wait to see Jen, my PA loves and float the river!!)  Working at a children's hospital has been just the experience I was hoping for.  I absolutely LOVE it, just as I thought I would.  Working in the emergency department has been the perfect mix of everything that I love - and the three 12 hour shift per week make the lifestyle pretty legit.  The only thing that would make it better right now would be to be receiving a pay check.  Working for free...and actually paying tuition to work is not cool.  Especially with the AMAZING shopping Dallas has.

Over the past several weeks I've seen a variety of things in the ED.  Some sadder than others.  I've seen fear in children's eyes relieved by a simple grip of the elbow and a twist of the forearm (Nursemaid's elbow).  I've sutured gashes so perfectly closed leaving childhood memories in the form of scars on almost every body part imaginable.  Ripped foreskin?  No problem - I'll just use Dermabond and glue that back together.  Broken arm?  I got it - I'll drug your child up, reduce the fracture, and put a cast on it...all under the close supervision of my preceptor of course...PA Fisher (also quickly becoming a great friend again).  Then there's the not so fun cases like telling a 13 year old girl she was infected with chlamydia from the first guy she ever had sex with.  And then having to report it to social work.  Thank God for social workers.  I'm pretty sure she instilled the fear of life in that child to never have sex again and gave her the guidance her mother never shared with her.  It makes me realize how truly blessed I was to have a mother who cared about me and every detail of my life SO much, even when I thought she was the meanest mom in the world.

The social scene in Dallas has continued to impress.  While I haven't been kicked out of any more bars, thankfully (as told in Part I), I have enjoyed every night I've gone out.  I'm sure a lot of it is because it's new to me.  But the people here are so friendly and every time I go out, I meet new people.  The social scene is ENDLESS.  There are so many places to go to.  And so many things to do.  Every single night.  I've been working on being a social drinker...and not a drunk.  I had dinner with two friends from Pittsburg (my home town) last week and we came to a conclusion that when you're from a small town, you never learn how to be a social drinker.  You only learn how to get wasted because there's really nothing better to do.  People in Dallas go out every night of the week.  But they don't necessarily get trashed every night of the week.  I plan to master this skill as well.

Yesterday I got my first REAL taste of a true Texas Honkey Tonk in the form of Ft. Worth, TX. Holy Texas! When I first told my uncle I was going to head to the stock yards for the Fourth of July he smirked and told me to get ready for an experience. He wasn't kidding. In terms of Dallas/Ft. Worth, he called Dallas "sophistication" and Ft. Worth "country." Now I won't go as far as to say Ft. Worth has no sophistication at all, but damn....it sure is night and day. Cowboys, Wranglers and shit kickers...with dried shit still on them. I saw a black cowboy (which apparently isn't too common) as well as an Asian Cowgirl (she was quite the two-stepper) and of course several, tattooed and toothless coming-out-of-the-cracks total W.T. wearing far too little clothing.




And on a final note - Classy With a Side of Sassy will be moving south as of December.  I've decided to make a change and a move in my life.  And there's no better time than now.  Don't get me wrong, KC - I love, love you dearly.  But I'm afraid if I move back, I'll always regret that I never gave Dallas a chance.  I'm afraid I'll get settled in to life in KC with the same circle of friends, the same bars, the same scenery and never meet anyone new.  Dating in KC hasn't been successful thus far, so I think it's time to give Dallas a chance.  I know it's going to be hard without my strong circle of friends.  But I also know, I'll meet new people in no time.  There are tons of Jayhawks down here...more than I probably realize.  And the added bonus - the medical community in Dallas is phenomenal!  PAs are in such a high demand I should have no problem finding a job.  And even better - they make bank!  It's time I face the challenge and take the plunge.  Bring it on Dallas.  I'm ready for you!

"After all, things change, so do cities.  People come into your life and they go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart...and if you're very lucky, a plane ride away." -SATC

-Stay sassy, xo  

Live from Dallas | Part I | Have You Missed Me?!

Week One

It's official - I'm a Texan.  And by "official" I mean only for the next 5 weeks, still with my Kansas DL, Kansas plates and an apartment sitting in St. Louis.  If you're feeling a little out of the loop - quick update - I'm dong an elective rotation at Children's Medical Center Dallas in the emergency department with my fabulous friend PA Fisher.  Last week was my "vacation week" which constitutes the only week during clinical rotation year that you get off - as in not work, not sexually.  While some of my fellow classmates spent theirs in Mexico and Florida, I spent mine moving down to Hot as Balls Dallas, TX.  My mom, Marley and I made the 7 hour trek last Tuesday in my jam packed TSX and spent the rest of the week running errands for my procrastinator Uncle - whom, bee-tee-dubs I adore...just sayin'.  Apparently men don't like to furniture shop and assume just because women love to shop, we must also love to shop for bedroom furniture...for someone else.  Wrong.  I enjoy shopping for myself and myself only...oh and for all my friends who have babies (that shit makes me teary eyed).   After two days of driving around Dallas/Plano searching for the perfect dresser, night stand and head board, he of course settled on the very first one we showed him (btw, my awesome single uncle is recently divorced from a nut job who took the guest bedroom furniture - hence the unfurnished bedroom).

So, as you probably have caught on to - you smart little cookie, you -  I am staying with my handsome and did I mention? fun and single uncle in North Dallas.  So far, so good.  We've done some grilling out and sipped on a few glasses of wine.  Even better, he let me bring Miss Marie who is adjusting rather well to the Texas heat with her butchered hair cut - no making fun.

Friday I dropped my mom off at the airport and spent the rest of the day lying by the pool working on my tan lines before heading to HH.  There, I met my first true Texan friend.  She's just precious...and I mean PRESH.  Picture Texas chick and you picture her.  Bubbly and blond.  Sarah and I were the first to arrive at the Mexican restaurant we decided to fancy for Skinny Bitch Margs and chips, salsa and guac.  All the sudden bubbly, blond Texan plops down in the booth and says, "Oh my God, y'all! It's so f*cking hot out there!"  I knew from then on we were going to be friends.  I died when I heard her Southern twang and then peed my pants a little when she said the f-word...because if you've ever had a convo with me (unless your an elder to me and I was doing my best to behave) I have quite the potty mouth at times.  We had great conversation the rest of the night - much of which I can't recall.

Then, just like that along came Saturday.  I again, woke up and plopped my ass by the pool for a little sun as I sobered up just in time to go out again.  Saturday night was spent in Uptown with a mutual friend from Kansas City who just made the big move down to Dallas.  I randomly ran in to Nathan in KC before I left and found out he was relocating.  From that moment on, it was decided we would be Kansas Partners in Crime.  And that we were.  We spent a few beers catching up on the last few years of our lives in KC.  I met him through my ex-boyfriend and you know how that goes - once you break up with the loser boyfriend, you break up with his friends too - so I hadn't seen him too much since then.

We hit up a few bars and after a few vodka drinks my sass started to come out.  Weird.  Imagine that.  We met some random guys and hung out with them for the rest of the night - mostly because we couldn't get rid of the little Cub Scout and his friends.  Cub Scout spent the entire night hitting on me.  I repeatedly thanked him for the compliments, but no thanks.  Clearly (hence the nickname), Cub Scout was a few years younger than me and I tried to explain to him that I wasn't interested in dating anyone who I potentially could have babysat as a child.

We finally made a mad dash and ditched him and hit up another bar.  I'm just going to preface this with saying, I was NOT a hot mess.  A few cocktails - yes.  Drunk as a skunk on the forth of July - no.  So as we approached the last bar, I finagled in my Marc Jacobs bag to find my ID.  I'm not sure if the door guy was more pissed that he was 20-something and still just a door guy or if he just hates Kansas.  I flashed my DL and headed in to the bar.  As I was walking in...seriously like FIVE steps, I kind of rolled my ankle - any female who wears heels - especially a short little shit like me who wears at least 3 inch heels at the very least knows how easy it is to slightly stumble SOBER.  Apparently pissed off door guy thought I was wasted out of my mind and proceeded to stop me and tell me I was done and had to leave the bar.  Seriously?  SRSLY?!  I couldn't believe him!  I wasn't even that intoxicated - clearly because I can fully recall the story. I looked at him with disgust, spit in his face and left....KIDDING.  I did nothing of the sort.  I tried to explain that I had tripped over my own feet but he was not having it.  Whatever dude.  Sorry you hate life.

So with that being said - it took me less than one week to get kicked out of a bar.  Reallllll classy.

I think this post has gone on quite a bit - maybe too much.  But considering my uncle doesn't have internet at his house, my posts will probably be few and far between while I'm in Dallas at the local Starbucks.  Keep checking back and I'll let you in on the HOTTIE Southern gents (straight out of a Vineyard Vines or Polo catalog) and a few of my stories of working nights in the Emergency Department...kids do the darndest things!

-Stay Sassy, xo

Dear KC Part II

Dear KC -

I know I left you hanging with my last post, but I had some things to finish up.  I've loved, loved, LOVED being back in Kansas City.  Being back with friends has been more than amazing and so much fun, to say the very least.  With many of you, it was like I was never gone.  We immediately picked right back up where we left off and I feel like I was never gone.  Thanks to the many welcome back drinks and shots, I think I may have gained a small percentage of my tolerance back that I seemed to have lost over the past two years in PA School.  I wish I could individually thank each and every one of you, but I know I'd inadvertently miss someone and then, boom...I'm the bad guy.  Many of you I didn't get to hang out with nearly enough and some of you I didn't even get to see.  I wish I had more time.

Now on to the lessons in love/lust I've been taught and/or reminded of.

KC, over the past 6 weeks you taught me what it means to "hang out."  Last time I checked, when you asked someone if they wanted to hang out, that meant you wanted to spend time with them, get to know them better...and maybe stay sober.  Apparently, not anymore.  I felt like I was singing another verse in that stupid Tim McGraw song, Back When.  NEWS FLASH..."Hang out" is now code for, "Hey do you want to come over so I can have sex with you?"  Total letdown.  I actually kind of liked this guy - which is actually huge for me considering I've been anti-boys for the past year - until I realized he only wanted to "hang out" the second way and not the first.  Woof.  

You also reminded me meeting love interests happens when you least expect it.  Except, even when you least expect it, timing is still everything.  I met plaid shirt guy one random Thursday night at Kona Grill.  We had been eyeing each other all night and he was yet to approach me.  A few glasses of wine later and after a pep talk from a friend, I decided to make the first move and approach him.  We had wonderful conversation and plaid shirt was really impressing me.  Until I found out he was moving to Chicago.  Bummer.  

We went out on a date anyway and it was amazing.  Complete gentleman.  Smart. Successful.  Really seemed like he had his shit together.  So we hung out a second time before he left - and by that I mean the first definition of hanging out - what I thought hanging out was...sober.  He kept saying all these sweet things to me and acted like he was totally in to me asking about my life, my career, etc.  He even shared with me how he told his boss and his boss's wife all about me (I mean I am kind of a big deal).  Plans of a trip to Chicago were spoken of leading me to believe he wanted to continue talking after he left to see what could happen.  After all, STL is closer to Chicago than KC - which he actually pointed out.  Yea, right...I almost believed it.  Since, the only time I've heard from him was when I texted him to make sure he made it to Chicago okay.  Just as I expected.  Double woof.

So KC, I guess it comes down to this.  We have a love-hate relationship with one another.  I love you for my friends and being close to my family.  I love you for the Plaza and the Falloon.  I love you for First Fridays and Sol Cantina.  I love you for Prairie Village, Mission Hills and the Zinn's.  I love you for reminding me how far I've come over the past two years. But I hate you for my love life - or lack there of.  So that leaves me with this... 

...Bring it on Dallas.  Show me the sweet southern gentleman I deserve.  I'm ready.

-Stay Sassy, xo

This has gotta be the good life...

My weekend was full of pure happiness. Friday night I spent the evening with my kiddos Otto, Greta, Liesl and Gunnar. Not many things make me happier than to see their faces and their smiles. Saturday morning I had the pleasure of making the drive home to participate in the Get Busy Livin' | Dylan Meier Foundation | 5K run...which I unexpectedly placed 3rd in my age group among women and set a new personal record for myself. I then returned to KC to spend a fabulous afternoon in the sun, wearing my derby hat and hanging out with two great friends, Susannah and Dan. We then ventured to our good friend Raph's house whose brother was celebrating his graduation from UMKC School of Law. Such an amazing family. After that I ventured yet again to Bside surrounding myself by my favorites. Sunday was spent enjoying the weather with Miss Marie and reflecting on how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful mother. How do you define happiness?

Happiness is my life. 

Happiness is a warm spring day with the sun shining down on my back.
Happiness is taking my little one on a walk and smelling fresh cut grass.
Happiness is waking up at 6:30 to start getting ready for the day, calling my doctor and him telling me I don't need to come in until 10:00.
Happiness is lying in bed for an extra hour and cuddling with my snuggle bunny, Marley.
Happiness is lying in bed listening to Pandora and discovering amazing new artists.
Happiness is being surrounded by friends and family.
Happiness is being back home surrounded by a wondrous community to remember DQM.
Happiness is seeing his family smile knowing he would be so proud.
Happiness is unexpectedly winning an award.
Happiness is being welcomed in to someone else's family and being treated as one of their own.
Happiness is seeing a mother so proud of her child.
Happiness is being back in KC.
Happiness is a wearing big derby hat.
Happiness is sitting on the deck in the sun sipping on Sangria and catching up with old friends.
Happiness is hearing the birds chirp outside my window.
Happiness is a run outside.
Happiness is seeing my kiddos and being greeted with a big hug and a kiss.
Happiness is making them laugh.
Happiness is reading them a book before bed.
Happiness is the smell of fresh, clean sheets.
Happiness is owning and loving my singleness and independence.
Happiness is looking in the mirror and feeling beautiful.
Happiness is being thankful for what God has given me.
Happiness is me being me.

This has gotta be THE GOOD LIFE.

-Stay Sassy, xo

ASA: Only the good die young

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right

I hope you had the time of your life...

-Green Day

Today marks another anniversary. But the significance of this day is a little bit different than some of the anniversaries I’ve blogged about. Eleven years ago today marks the start of a trend I wish would have never begun. Eleven years ago today I was 16 years old enjoying life being a typical boy-crazed teenager. I don’t think I’ll ever forget April 13, 2000. 

My best friends at the time (Tara, Ashley C. and Ashley R.) were over at my house making our own personalized Sophomore Tanks to wear the next day at school because we were having class competitions.  We were super excited for the events, specifically because we were going up against the senior girls who weren’t exactly fond of us (and for the record – we beat them in tug-of-war, yes I remember). 

Then came the phone call that changed everything. I answered the phone and it was another classmate calling me whose father had a scanner. The convo went something like, “Melissa, have you heard about Abby?” I responded no and she said, “I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I think she’s been in an accident and didn’t make it.” I didn’t believe the words she had just said. I hung up the phone and raced to my dad and told him the rumor. At about that same time, my sister-in-law at the time, Teresa came by the house. She busted through the front door and confirmed the most tragic news to my 16-year-old self. I dropped to the ground and began sobbing. 

Abby, my dad/her grandpa, Me 

Up until April 13, 2000 I had never dealt with death. Sure three of my grandparents had passed away but that was years ago and before I understood the concept of losing a loved one. On April 13, 2000 not only did I lose a family member, but I also lost two more friends in the blink of an eye. On April 13, 2000 life and my concept of life, living, death and dying would be changed forever. On April 13, 2000 we lost Abby Brunetti, Salem Hayden and Ashley Harry. 

Growing up in a “smaller” town and living in Frontenac (while I went to Pittsburg schools) I was frequently around the Frontenac girls. My best friend and neighbor, Sarah went to Frontenac and we frequently played together when we were younger. Because of this, I was invited to her parties and knew several of the Frontenac girls my age. Also, my niece Abby was the same grade as me (don’t even ask me to explain that one) and I spent a lot of time with her, including the same Frontenac girls. Additionally, I spent several summers with Ashley. My babysitter Jill was best friends with her older sister Tiffany so we were around each other quite a lot.

Of course with growing up and starting high school, we weren’t as close as we once were. Abby and I still spent all holidays together and were even working together at Chicken Annie’s on the weekend to support our teenage lifestyles. I remember when she got her car and she took me for a ride. I remember when I finally got mine and taking her for a ride. We were growing up so fast. I can still hear her laugh.

Abby & Me before braces...eeks!

I didn’t know it at the time, but April 13, 2000 marked the first of many deaths I would be faced with over the next several years of my life. At 16 years old, no one should have to lose a friend; let alone 3 in one day. At 16 years old, no one should have to attend three funerals within two days, one of which being a family member. It’s so hard to understand why and each passing year doesn’t make it any easier.

It’s hard not to think about where each of them would have been today. It’s hard to not wonder why God chose them. One other girl was also in the car that day and thankfully survived. I often wonder if she remembers what they were talking about minutes before the accident happened. Who were they gossiping about? What song was on the radio? Were they singing along?

It doesn’t make it any easier to think about those things. All I can hope is that once the accident happened they each went fast and in peace. I can only hope that they rose to heaven, hand in hand, in no pain.

I still dream about Abby. She still looks the same as she did when she was 16. Giggly. Bubbly. Just as I remember her. I often have dreams that it was all a big mistake. That she just disappeared for a brief period of time. Then she comes back and life is just as it was. Finally, I wake up and realize it was all a dream even though for a brief moment it felt so real.

It may be eleven years later, but time doesn’t always heal all the pain.  Today we remember Abby Brunetti, the bubbly track star, Salem Haden the basketball star and Ashley Harry, the beautiful red-headed cheerleader.  Today as we remember, I ask that you share your favorite memories of the girls in the comments section below.  They all brought joy to our lives in their own unique way and those memories we will treasure and remember forever.

I love you girls.

-Stay Sassy, xo

True Life: It's MY BIRTHDAY

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." - Chili Davis

I'm special.  Campus was closed for me.  I'm snowed/iced in my apartment with my puppy and my mom in the midst of Winter Blast 2011. With all the weather predictions, it better get a lot worse than this and be gone by Friday for my Wiggin' Out Celebration.  But for today, my "Wine Cellar" is stocked.  And my toes are cold.  What better way to celebrate than to look back on my "younger years"...

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

-Stay Sassy, xo

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to all my friends, family and blog readers*.  May your bells get jingled and your stockings stuffed. 

*Happy Holidays to those whom this does not apply (hope your dreidel gets spun and your menorah lit).

I wish I could claim this creativity and wittiness, but I stole it from a facebook friend.  Either way, I hope that you all enjoy the holiday season, how ever you choose to celebrate.  I will be celebrating with my obnoxious family whom I love dearly drinking strong bloodys until the vodka runs out...then switcheroo to world famous Dago Red.  If you don't know what Dago Red is, I feel sorry for you.  Love me some Italians...for more reasons than their wine.  After that I'll probably watch Home Alone or Christmas Vacation again for the tenth time until the shitter is full (Pittsburg is entertaining).  

Wonder what his yule
log looks like?

If you live here in shitsburg, I'll see you tonight...most likely at McCarthy's.  Hopefully this man will be there to stuff my stocking and jingle my bells!  After a few strong cocktails, I'm sure I can find someone who looks remotely close.  (And for those of you out there who jump on any chance to harass me...that was a joke).  Merry Christmas to you too, you filthy animal. I must get back to my family, my bloody, our pajama party and the love that fills my house.  I love the holidays...it took me several years to appreciate the quirkiness of each of my family members, and now I wouldn't have it any other way! I am truly blessed!  Happy Holidays to you all and your families!  I hope you have a joyous holiday!

-Stay Sassy, xo

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Turkey Day is finally here!  To most Americans that means a day with family eating hoards and hoards of turkey, stuffing, mashers, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie.  Today I am prepared.  I have chosen to wear leggings and a puffer vest for two practical reasons.  One, I don't have to worry about jeans cutting off my circulation at my waist, loosening my belt or unbuttoning my pants.  And secondly, big puffer vest will cover my exploding belly that is soon to begin growing with a food baby.  It will be a day of food, family, wine...and of course falling asleep watching football.

Growing up we were taught about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving harvest with the Native Americans at Plymouth Rock.  We were also taught to reflect on our lives and be thankful for the life we've been given. So, as I was taught in pre-school or kindergarten, I will continue the tradition.

First and for most, I am thankful for my wonderful family.  I am thankful we are able to travel from St. Louis, Dallas and Kansas City to spend the holiday together here in Pittsburg.  I am thankful for the love and support my family has always given me throughout some of the hardest times in my life.  I have truly been blessed with a loving and caring family (including my fabulous dog, Marley).  

Secondly, I am so very thankful for my FABULOUS FRIENDS!  I have the most amazing group of girlfriends a girl could ask for.  I love each and every one of you dearly!  I am so blessed to still be in touch with some of my oldest friends from elementary school through high school.  You girls keep me grounded and have truly shown me the meaning of friendship.  I have the hottest college Jayhawk babes who brighten my life more and more each and every time we get together.  I only wish we could be together more often.  I am also so thankful for my fabulous group of friends, male and female, in Kansas City.  It is you who keeps me coming back to KC and makes me miss KC so much!  Finally, I am extremely thankful for the future PAs of America I have grown to love in STL.  My girls in St. Louis have kept me sane.  Most people know how much I hate STL and I couldn't have survived this long without the love and support of my fabulous friends whom I've become very close to throughout PA School.  P.S. My PA Boys - I love you too....in a friendly way...you know who you are.

Next, I am thankful for YOU....yes, YOU...reading this right now!  I couldn't be happier or more thankful so many of you have supported me and my blog.  I thank you for continuing to read my posts and praise me.  I cannot tell you how much I LOVE making people laugh and smile.  When someone sends me a message saying I made their day or helped them sort through emotions, my heart sinks and smiles.  I hope I can continue to bring happiness in to each and every one of your lives.  

Finally, I am thankful God has blessed me with a warm home, a happy heart, food, faith and hope.  I am so grateful for all I've been able to do in my life including traveling the world, getting a top notch education and pursuing my love for medicine.  It has long been my passion to help others and I am so thankful in a little over a year I will FINALLY be able to pursue my career...and actually get paid (after I pay off all my school loans of course)!!!

There are so many other things I am truly thankful for, but I've got a turkey to tend to and I'd rather not bore you to death.  I hope you all have a blessed holiday and are able to spend it with family and friends.  Don't forget to take a moment to reflect on your life and give thanks!!  If you feel like, let me know what you're thankful for...I'd love to hear from you!  

-Stay Sassy, xo

Good luck to all of you taking on
Black Friday tomorrow!!!