The Metropolitan Museum of Art and....the codpiece!

Yesterday, Julie and I took the train into Manhattan to visit with my ex-roommate Morgan Williams and his wife Keara. They were in New York for job training and interviews. We met for breakfast and then meandered over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a quick sampling of the displays. I was particularly impressed by the Egyptian artifacts and art. In true New York fashion, they even had an entire Egyptian temple on display. Apparently, it was disassembled in Egypt and transported to New York, stone by stone. Although its presence is slightly disturbing (I mean, honestly, how does Egypt feel about this?), it was fun to stand next to it and feel like Julie and I were touring the desert west of Cairo. We even noticed some early 19th century graffitti carved into the stones of the temple. Apparently, people are the same today as they were two hundred years ago!





We also took the opportunity to view some authentic armor from the middle ages. Here is a picture of one that caught my interest.

Overall, this armor looks like a standard set of mid-16th century armor. However, if you look more closely at the middle of the picture, you will notice a piece of the outfit that protrudes in a rather interesting way. After some research, I discovered that this part of the armor is known as a "codpiece". As we all know, men in the middle ages wore tights as part of their daily garb. What I didn't know was that these tights were similar to modern chaps; they only covered the legs, leaving the rest of the lower body free and clear! This wasn't a problem for most of medieval history since the tunic extended well below the waist and provided the wearer with the required modesty. However, in the mid-16th century tunics became very short and, in order to maintain modesty, men began to wear the codpiece. Obviously, there were many styles of codpieces and the size was often dependent on how powerful the wearer wished to appear. Anyway, the armor of the mid-1500s mirrored the fashion of the royal courts and we now have this example of Emporer Ferdinand I's armor with a rather large, yet plain codpiece.

This is why I love New York. I learn new things every day!

The Hand of the Lord

As most of you know Patrick and I have recently found out some hard news. We were expecting a child in May, but it turns out that the fetus stopped growing at six weeks. Although 25 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, no expecting mother or father ever really wants to accept that their pregnancy could end up as part of that statistic.
I have felt torn with the desire to be a mother and my knowledge that it is all for the best both biologically and spiritually. Biologically, I know that the fetus was not a normal or healthy fetus; it probably lacked the correct number of chromosomes that we, as humans, need to live. I also know that a miscarriage doesn't prevent a person from having perfectly normal and healthy pregnancies in the future. Spiritually, I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my needs, that he knows what is best for me and any future children he may choose to send to Patrick and me. I know that His Son suffered for me and understands my pain and that he will comfort me the way I need to be comforted if I let him.
I have felt very comforted. My eyes have been truly open to the blessings that I have in my life. I am grateful to be able to see the Lord's hand in my life these past few days and I thought I would share a few even though I won't be able to name them all.

First, I have a wonderful and caring husband who worries about me and makes sure I take care of myself and do things like go to the hospital when needed.

Second, I am grateful that my sister Leta was in town this past weekend and although I wasn't able to play with her like I had hoped, her presence was a great comfort.

Third, Patrick and I have been blessed by caring and loving parents who are always there when needed.

Fourth, I am grateful for the teaching fellow (like a student teacher) in my room who was able to provide consistency for my students the last couple of days and relieve some of my school stress.

Fifith, I am grateful for Nurse Anna who took my hand, led me into a room, and gave me a hug just when I needed it.

Sixth, I don't know what I would do without good friends who have visited, made dinner, called, e-mailed, sent flowers, gave a blessing, and said prayers for us. It seems that I have always been blessed to be surrounded by good people and good friends.

I know that I have not mentioned everyone or every moment that has blessed our lives these past few days but I want every one to know that Patrick and I are grateful for you and all you have done for us. We love you all.

When the Cat's Away...

... the mice are lonely!

Since marrying the most amazing woman in the world, there are a few things I've learned. First, nothing that used to be mine is truly mine. This applies to my sweatshirts, t-shirts, pajama bottoms, hairbrush, and toothbrush. The "sharing" of personal items isn't a two way road, either. I can't use Julie's sweatshirts (too small), t-shirts (too tight), pajama bottoms (too pink and too short), hairbrush (she threw it away and now uses mine), or toothbrush (that's disgusting). Additionally, when the wife is gone I tend to revert to my days as a single student at BYU. This means that I spend the majority of my free time (which, thanks to attendance at a Jewish school, means a four day weekend right now) chugging Coke, playing video games, surviving on chips and salsa, avoiding the cleaning that really needs to be done, and generally doing things that would earn me a stern "Patrick Lloyd" if she were here. Finally, I have learned that I really miss her when she is gone. It's just not that much fun to laugh at your own jokes, eat junk food by yourself, watch TV alone, or misbehave if you're not going to get caught. In short, the times when Julie is away visiting her family (she is currently on her way to Salt Lake City to see her sister Laura before she enters the MTC) remind me that I was really happy when I married her and I don't enjoy being alone! I can't wait until she comes back home.

View from my Window

It used to be the when I looked out my window there was a beautiful mountain.

Now when I look out my window the view, though beautiful in it's own way, is quite different.

NYC!

Just thought that I would post some more pics of us in NYC. Julie and I took these while we were visiting with our friend Crystal and her family. New York is such an amazing city; there is always something to do. Seriously, people. You have to come and visit!

Something In The Water!

Shortly after arriving here in the Bronx the bottled water that Patrick had bought earlier ran out. Now because Patrick had his Coke, he saw no need to travel to the local supermarket (PathMark) to buy more bottled water. I, on the other hand, felt that water is a basic necessity so I began drinking from the faucet. After all, it was free and we're supposed to be trying to save money during medical school. Patrick looked at me like I was crazy and said that he would watch me for a week or so and see if I exhibited any ill effects before he would drink from the tap. For about the first week I was fine, but then I started to feel a little ill. After exhibiting fatigue and a general malaise for about two weeks, Patrick and I decided that I should get tested to see what exactly was afflicting me. Sure enough I have contracted a parasite. While we have yet to see a physician concerning the matter, we are both pretty sure that we will feel the effects of this parasite for the rest of our lives. Our research indicates that the pathogen will be expelled from my body in several months, however, so there is no cause for alarm. Below are the results of the test.

Since Patrick finally began drinking water from the faucet several days ago, he is now absolutely terrified that he will contract this same parasite! Personally, I think he will be just fine ;)

Julie's First New York Adventures

Patrick has been really good about posting his New York adventures I have not been so good. I thought I would share some of my first experiences. I came out a week before Patrick moved our stuff out to find a teaching position. My friend Crystal who lives in New Jersey was kind enough to let me stay with her for a week even though she had two other guests staying with her. It was a party with Crystal, her husband Joel,their baby Robert, Joel's cousin Edward, Crystal's friend Nicole and me in their one bedroom apartment. Luckily we are all good friends and enjoyed catching up and making new memories.

The next day I had a teachers fair to go to in the Bronx so Crystal, Robert, Nicole, another women with her kids and myself caught the train in New Jersey to New York City. Once at Penn station I got in line for a taxi and everyone else went to explore the city. I got in the cab and told the taxi driver where I wanted to go, which was in Throggs Neck area in the Bronx. He told me that he didn't know where that was so he pulled over to "look at the map"and then told me he could not guarantee that he could get me there. I asked if he could call someone for directions. He said "no." So I asked if I could see his map and he said that I would not be able to read it. He finally let me out and I had to call down another taxi who also told me he could not take me there. By the third taxi I was quite frustrated. So I got in, told him where I wanted to go and that if he could get me close I would figure the rest out. He did let me see the map and I was able to find where it was I wanted to go. I told him that I had already been through two other taxi's who were not willing to take me. He said that most drivers do not want to drive all the way to the Bronx. Anyway I called Patrick who looked the directions up on Mapquest. I then read them to the driver. After all that, the taxi driveer explained that he had been a taxi driver for years and didn't know all of New York. He was trying to explain to me why no one wanted to take me. Then he said that he liked my style. We had a good conversation the rest of the way.

Once at the teachers fair I signed in and sat in a room where they explained what was going to happen and how to make the most of it. They said it would be a lot like speed dating.....which it was!! We were then led to another room lined with tables with representatives of all the schools hiring in the Bronx. It was hot and crazy. I set a goal to at least mark five follow up interviews or demo lessons. I wandered the room looking for schools with science positions posted. I finally sat down at one and started the "speed dating process". We marked to meet another day. I then pushed through the crowds to another school's table and then another. I ended up with two follow up interviews and two demo lessons marked. But it was so hot and I had good feeling about the two demo lessons marked that I decided that four was good enough.

I asked were the nearest bus stop was and headed in that direction. I did get turned around once but asked another woman on the street were Tremont St was. I got to a bus stop. I did go into a tile store to make sure I was on the correct side of the street to catch the bus to the subway. I got on the bus and tried to hand the bus driver two one dollar bills and asked if this bus would take me to the subway. I received a dirty look as he asked if I had a metro card. I didn't so he told me to just buy one at the subway station. I sat down not quite sure where my stop was. I asked a woman with two children who sat next to me. She was nice and told me that it was big and that I wouldn't miss it. We got to talking and I told her that I was looking for a teaching position. She told me how terrible the schools were and that she was moving to Florida soon. She also told me that I looked like a nice person and gave me a few pointers like not to smile or talk to people on the bus or subway, to keep my eyes down. Although she had a less optimistic view about the area then I wanted to hear I did appreciate her help and conversation. I caught the subway back to Penn station.

Once at Penn station I found where to buy the train tickets and asked for a ticket to Murray Hill, New Jersey. The lady took my money and gave me the ticket. When I asked where to go she sent me to the information booth. I asked where to catch the train to Murray Hill, New Jersey. The guy said "New Jersey? Murray Hill is in Queens." I said no I wanted to go to Murray Hill, New Jersey near the Summit station. Then he said almost yelling...."Why in the hell did you buy a ticket to Murray Hill, Queens." Anyway I found out that I was not on the New Jersey side of the station so I got to the correct place and bought a ticket to Murray Hill, New Jersey. I only had about 15 minutes before the train left so I ran back over to the Long Island side and did the runaround to get my money back for the ticket to Murray Hill, Queens. Which took me right back to the Lady who sold me the ticket, who was nice and apologized for the mistake. Then I ran back and heard that the 7:20 train was about to leave I quickly looked at the screen and did not see another 7:20 train (the name on my ticket and the name on the schedule were different) so I ran and jumped through the doors not even knowing if I was on the right train.

When the conductor came by I asked him...I was on the right train! I just needed to get off at the next station for a transfer. On my ticket there was a list of initials of all the stations I needed to get off and make a transfer at. Only two of which I could figure out what they stood for. I spent the next couple of hours hopping on and off trains and talking to conductors and other people hoping I was on the right path. I finally ended up at the Summit station, but the next train to Murray Hill was still an hour and a half wait. I called Crystal who was at a young women's activity and would not be able to pick me up, but then a mother at the activity offered to pick me up and take me to Crystal's. I was exhausted but at the same time I felt a sense of accomplishment. I had successfully got to Throgg's Neck, Bronx and back to New Jersey on my own. I also felt like I understood the New York transportation system a little better. This is what I learned:

1. Once you are in a cab and shut the door the cab driver must take you where ever you ask to go in New York, but it helps if you already have directions to where you want to go if it is out of Manhattan.

2. Don't be afraid to ask for directions, most people were nice enough to give me their help and advice even if it is in a manner a bit harsher then I was used to.

3. Make sure that you are carrying exact change for the buses; they only accept metro cards and two dollars in change. The DO NOT accept dollar bills.

4. Make sure you are on the correct side of the train station before you buy your ticket.

5. Once you buy the correct ticket, if there are transfers, do not leave until you have written down or understand which stations to transfer at and which trains to catch.

Crystal was kind enough to take me around the next two days so at least I wasn't alone in the city. I was offered two positions and decided to take the position at Albert Einstein Jr. High. I ran into some problems with my certificate not being accepted because I only taught one year in Utah, but I have found many helpful people to guide me through the process of getting my New York certificate as quickly as possible. I only have to take three four hour tests, and a 6 credit literacy in the classroom class online. Not much, but it will take me until the end of the year to complete it all. Howver, I will get to teach in the position I was hired for. I will start some time after Labor day.

If you made it to the end of this blog, I congratulate you! While this blog was quite long, it was an eventful trip. The next entry will be shorter and will have some pictures of Patrick and me enjoying New York.