Virginia, Christmas Trees and Wieners

The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind of excitement and activity. On Thursday 12/16/10 I set off for Salem, Virginia to interview at the Salem Veteran Hospitals. I've never really spent much time in the south before, and though folks fiercely claimed that they "...ain't nah southna'", it seemed pretty southern to me. The brochure for the Jerry Fallwell museum definitely tipped me off that I wasn't in the People's Republic of Iowa City anymore.
My flights were remarkably uneventful despite the freezing rain and snow that had just blanketed the state. And while I had to wait a torturous 3 hours for my canadian bacon/pineapple pizza to be delivered, I was happy to get settled in at the Comfort Inn for my first interview.
Thanks to some inspiring texts from family and friends (I lerve you Jo!), I woke up feeling pretty excited on interview day. After a lovely continental breakfast, I threw on my suit and headed out to the VA. The south, as Alex always says, is "beautiful but full of crazies." (I apologize to those of you from the south and realize that this is an unfair generalization...for the most part). And he's right. As I was in the cab headed toward the VA, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains, the peaks outlined by white fresh snow. The VA itself had incredible views!

The interview day itself was lovely, and while I insisted I would not comment on my feelings of each site, I left very impressed with all they had to offer, including a number of exciting rotations, as well as the sincerity and authenticity of the staff.
The VA itself sits on acres, upon acres, upon acres of land, and is easily the largest VA I have ever seen. In fact, it's so large that it requires a shuttle to go from building to building, and on the "campus" there is a greenhouse, post office, barber shop, cafeteria, and miniature golf course!! (Free putt-putt!) They had a model set up in the main building of how large the campus is. It was so large I had to take a video to get it all in!

I was also able to find a nice drawing of the VA campus. 

Following the interview I decided to take some time to tour downtown Roanoke. It was an adorable quaint town, and it just so happened I was there on a Friday in December. And Friday in December in Roanoke = Christmas party! Each Friday they have parades, vendors, carolers, the shops stay open late in the main square, and people dress up like characters from Dickens classics! It was totally my style!

So,  I took my time, went through the antique stores, the cute little shops, ate kettle corn and drank hot cocoa, and chatted with folks in the town who were more than willing to tell me how charming the area was. I left shortly before the Pet Costume Parade which was apparently a huge highlight of the season where "...Folks bring they goats and they sheep and they dogs and cats. Last yea a big 'ol poodle got painted green and paraded around like that 'ol Grinch." An adorable town, and one I could easily see myself living in.

Following my stroll around town I headed back to my hotel to finish the remains of my pizza and settled in for a nice sleep before getting up at 2:45 am for my flight back home. BUT, instead I got a phone call from another VA asking me to interview, bringing the grand total up to 15 interviews. Whoops. Just when I thought I was done. 

Though I enjoyed my time in Virginia, I was very happy to be coming home to Iowa and my husband. And despite getting very little sleep the night before, Alex had big plans for us. You see, I LOVE Christmas. REALLY love it. And Alex, well, he's kind of my Santa. :) 

We went straight from the airport to the Amanas to eat some fried chicken and pickled ham (hey, that's Christmas-y) and then took a tour through the Tannebaum Forest. And who should be there but SANTA!! (I definitely had an Elf moment as I screamed "SANTA!"  

He asked us what we wanted for Christmas and we said we'd really appreciate him making our student loan debt disappear...(or another kitty I whispered to him). He laughed and said he'd work on the kitty. 

We then walked through the rest of the Tannenbaum Forest, which was absolutely wonderful. Each little shop in the Amanas decorates a tree to represent their store. Some of our favorites were the brewery (a bunch of beer stacked in the shape of a tree)

The toy store

The woolen mill tree

and the Kitchen store. 

Then TODAY we made a pilgrimage to the Hy-Vee to see the Wienermobile in all of its glory. Alex was particularly excited. 

Because if there's one thing the Woods love, it's hot dogs! 

We then enjoyed a healthy breakfast of chili-cheese dogs for only $1! 

Today I'll be making arrangements for the remaining 14 interviews. It's going to be a long January, but hopefully one full of fun trips and good food!