It is T minus 12 hours until the end of my second year in medical school. I have one final left tomorrow morning, then FREEDOM!!! I can't believe it's been two years. It seems like yesterday that I was studying for the MCAT and interviewing for medical school. The 2 year mark is stamped by Step 1 and the White Coat Ceremony. Needless to say, I am only looking forward to the latter...
This weekend, I'll be taking about 3 days off to travel with my husband to our hometown for my niece's baptism. I will be taking lots of pictures, so keep checking back to see them. She's adorable!
After this weekend, the month of H-E-double-hockey-sticks begins. I might as well just disappear off the face of the planet for that month because I will be incommunicado until Step 1 is over (June 11th). Please pray really hard for me on that day - I need it!!
I'm so excited about White Coat Ceremony! I get to wear a short white coat with my name monogrammed on it. I'll look so official. Hopefully not too official, though - I wouldn't want people in the hospital to think I'm a doctor or anything. That could be scary.
Stay posted for baptism photos!!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ahhh.....summer......
It's been a while since I've blogged, and I was so busy enjoying not having to think about school that I forgot to blog. We've been out of school for, I think, 3 weeks now. We have already gotten to go up to Huntsville to visit family, which was really nice. I would have to say the most exciting part of the visit was finding out that I am going to be an aunt!! My sister and her husband are about 6 weeks pregnant, and we're so excited!
Stephanie, Andy's younger sister, came down to Mobile with us to take a little vacation of her own. She was only here for a few days, but we definitely got in some good beach time - proven by my awesome uneven sunburn! Oh well, it's not that bad - in fact, it's almost gone now.
Well, Stephanie left a couple of days ago to go home, so now it's just me and the hubby, biding our time until we head for Honduras in two weeks. I'm really excited about the trip; I think it will be really great for both of us.
Nothing too exciting going on here yet. Hopefully something more blog-worthy will happen before we head to Honduras. Sorry it's not terribly exciting!
Stephanie, Andy's younger sister, came down to Mobile with us to take a little vacation of her own. She was only here for a few days, but we definitely got in some good beach time - proven by my awesome uneven sunburn! Oh well, it's not that bad - in fact, it's almost gone now.
Well, Stephanie left a couple of days ago to go home, so now it's just me and the hubby, biding our time until we head for Honduras in two weeks. I'm really excited about the trip; I think it will be really great for both of us.
Nothing too exciting going on here yet. Hopefully something more blog-worthy will happen before we head to Honduras. Sorry it's not terribly exciting!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
1 year anniversary!
So this past Saturday was our 1 year wedding anniversary. I honestly cannot believe that it has been a year since we walked down that aisle. And a year ago today, I was enjoying the beautiful sand and sun in HAWAII!!! Too bad that instead of being in Hawaii today, I'm stressing out about medical school finals. Thank goodness there are only 2 weeks left until the first year of medical school is over!!
Anyway, about our anniversary. Andy made reservations at Felix's, which is only the most amazing seafood restaurant there ever was. So, since we have 8:00 reservations, I decide to come home from the library (yes, I studied on our anniversary....i don't have a choice as a medical student) around 6:00. I walk in the door, where I am cheerfully greeted by my husband, and he seems to be blocking the way in...weird. But I was going to just keep walking in because I remembered that I needed to take our wedding cake topper out of the freezer so we can enjoy its deliciousness later! So I start walking toward the kitchen, when out of the corner of my eye, I see a vase of lilies!! They were so beautiful! Andy was so proud of himself. He bought me lilies, like 4 boxes of chocolates, a card with a lovely note in it, and also a candle. This is a candle that I'd never heard of before. The wick is made of wood, and when you light it, it's supposed to sound like a crackling fire. I love the sound and smell of fire in the fireplace, so I can't wait to light it! Anyway, the note in the card made me cry, yada yada yada.
I then got up to go get ready for our big date. I dressed up all sexy (and sophisticated, of course....I am a lady) for my man, he dressed very nicely, and we were on our way to the Causeway. We get there30 minutes early (I know, crazy! Andy is never on time, let alone early) and the table is already almost ready for us. We got seated at a table right by the window that overlooks the water. It was so beautiful. Anyway, we ordered our meal and ate our complimentary dessert. It was a mocha pie...DELICIOUS!!! If you ever go to Felix's, get it! It's only like $5, and totally worth it.
Ok, now that you're all bored after reading the details of our anniversary, I will stop talking. I have been told that I am lame because I haven't posted in forever, so this is for you! You know who you are...
Anyway, about our anniversary. Andy made reservations at Felix's, which is only the most amazing seafood restaurant there ever was. So, since we have 8:00 reservations, I decide to come home from the library (yes, I studied on our anniversary....i don't have a choice as a medical student) around 6:00. I walk in the door, where I am cheerfully greeted by my husband, and he seems to be blocking the way in...weird. But I was going to just keep walking in because I remembered that I needed to take our wedding cake topper out of the freezer so we can enjoy its deliciousness later! So I start walking toward the kitchen, when out of the corner of my eye, I see a vase of lilies!! They were so beautiful! Andy was so proud of himself. He bought me lilies, like 4 boxes of chocolates, a card with a lovely note in it, and also a candle. This is a candle that I'd never heard of before. The wick is made of wood, and when you light it, it's supposed to sound like a crackling fire. I love the sound and smell of fire in the fireplace, so I can't wait to light it! Anyway, the note in the card made me cry, yada yada yada.
I then got up to go get ready for our big date. I dressed up all sexy (and sophisticated, of course....I am a lady) for my man, he dressed very nicely, and we were on our way to the Causeway. We get there30 minutes early (I know, crazy! Andy is never on time, let alone early) and the table is already almost ready for us. We got seated at a table right by the window that overlooks the water. It was so beautiful. Anyway, we ordered our meal and ate our complimentary dessert. It was a mocha pie...DELICIOUS!!! If you ever go to Felix's, get it! It's only like $5, and totally worth it.
Ok, now that you're all bored after reading the details of our anniversary, I will stop talking. I have been told that I am lame because I haven't posted in forever, so this is for you! You know who you are...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
things I am not so good at
I have been thinking about myself a lot lately. I know that sounds really vain, but bear with me. I have been contemplating my strengths and weaknesses. For some reason, medical school makes me very introspective. Being married tends to bring that out, too. I am constantly thinking about what I can do better and what I should just forget about because it's just not going to change. So I have compiled a list of things that I'm not very good at but that I want to and think that I can change about myself.
1. I'm quite anal. I mean, I guess that makes sense because I majored in engineering, and engineers are very particular. For example, when doing the ECG homework, most people in our class just counted the boxes under the curve to approximate the area. Did I do that? No, it's too easy and definitely not precise enough. In fact I used geometry and a little calculus to approximate the area with more accuracy. Needless to say, I did it three different ways, and I got the same answer as the people who just counted boxes...
2. I tend to be really hard on myself. I know everybody says that they are, but how bad is it when I am not satisfied with a B on a test.....in medical school? I mean, a B is really good, and yet...I'm not satisfied without an A. Maybe I'll just never be satisfied. I think I need a new study strategy or something.
3. I have lofty goals, and then I don't typically achieve them at quite the level I expect of myself. Even if I achieve the goal, somehow it's just not right. I either achieved it the 'wrong' way or it was too easy or something like that. I'm so ridiculous.
4. Finally, I tend to freak out and overreact to things. I'm not really sure how to explain this, so I'll just leave it at that.
I think I need to stop being so introspective. It's not always good. I'm depressing myself...
Off to study physiology!!
1. I'm quite anal. I mean, I guess that makes sense because I majored in engineering, and engineers are very particular. For example, when doing the ECG homework, most people in our class just counted the boxes under the curve to approximate the area. Did I do that? No, it's too easy and definitely not precise enough. In fact I used geometry and a little calculus to approximate the area with more accuracy. Needless to say, I did it three different ways, and I got the same answer as the people who just counted boxes...
2. I tend to be really hard on myself. I know everybody says that they are, but how bad is it when I am not satisfied with a B on a test.....in medical school? I mean, a B is really good, and yet...I'm not satisfied without an A. Maybe I'll just never be satisfied. I think I need a new study strategy or something.
3. I have lofty goals, and then I don't typically achieve them at quite the level I expect of myself. Even if I achieve the goal, somehow it's just not right. I either achieved it the 'wrong' way or it was too easy or something like that. I'm so ridiculous.
4. Finally, I tend to freak out and overreact to things. I'm not really sure how to explain this, so I'll just leave it at that.
I think I need to stop being so introspective. It's not always good. I'm depressing myself...
Off to study physiology!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
pondering a purpose
As I progress into my second semester of medical school, I am beginning to think more about what my future holds. I have no idea what kind of doctor I want to be, and everytime I tell someone I'm a medical student, that is inevitably the first question they ask me. So I've been thinking a lot about it. The more I think about it, the more I have to keep telling myself that this is not about what I want, it's about what I am meant to do. Do I want to do surgery? emergency medicine? neurology? radiology? anesthesiology? There are so many options...do I want to work forever as a physician or do I maybe want to be a professor later? If anybody has any insight as to what they think I would be good at, it would be much appreciated.
As I study histology and physiology for hours on end, I can't help but wonder how much of this information I will even have to think about after this May. Last semester's classes won't even be but a small part of our board exams at the end of 2nd year.....so I begin to wonder, is this first year merely futile? Why do I work so hard if I don't need to know it in the future? I guess it's just one of those things that life throws out you that you have to deal with, and you have no say-so in it. It's just something you have to endure to get where you want. The thing that is getting me through right now is the thought of 3rd and 4th year in the hospital, on externships, etc. My OB/GYN offered to let me do an externship with her in my 4th year, and I could just work half-days. I wonder if that will work out....??
Meanwhile, back at the ranch....my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. In fact, this year it is on Superbowl Sunday. I sure hope someone in our class will be throwing a Superbowl party and invite me so I can celebrate my birthday with everyone....hint, hint. The last time my birthday was on Superbowl Sunday was my first year of undergrad while I was in New York at RPI. I remember spending the evening in Jeri's apartment with all the girls. It was so much fun! In case any of you just happen to remember, that was also the year that Janet Jackson's mammary popped out of her outfit. I'm so glad I can have birthday memories that are just that good...we'll have to see if this year beats that one! I suppose it depends on who is there...(I won't name names).
As I study histology and physiology for hours on end, I can't help but wonder how much of this information I will even have to think about after this May. Last semester's classes won't even be but a small part of our board exams at the end of 2nd year.....so I begin to wonder, is this first year merely futile? Why do I work so hard if I don't need to know it in the future? I guess it's just one of those things that life throws out you that you have to deal with, and you have no say-so in it. It's just something you have to endure to get where you want. The thing that is getting me through right now is the thought of 3rd and 4th year in the hospital, on externships, etc. My OB/GYN offered to let me do an externship with her in my 4th year, and I could just work half-days. I wonder if that will work out....??
Meanwhile, back at the ranch....my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. In fact, this year it is on Superbowl Sunday. I sure hope someone in our class will be throwing a Superbowl party and invite me so I can celebrate my birthday with everyone....hint, hint. The last time my birthday was on Superbowl Sunday was my first year of undergrad while I was in New York at RPI. I remember spending the evening in Jeri's apartment with all the girls. It was so much fun! In case any of you just happen to remember, that was also the year that Janet Jackson's mammary popped out of her outfit. I'm so glad I can have birthday memories that are just that good...we'll have to see if this year beats that one! I suppose it depends on who is there...(I won't name names).
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Vaca
So I'm sitting here, the day after Christmas, when all the bustle and chaos of the holiday comes to a screaming halt the moment you wake up on December 26th. The tree in the living room is lit, but there are no presents under the tree. My dad, husband, brother-in-law, and I are sitting in the living room watching Harry Potter on the HBO HD channel. I can't help but think about what we were all doing at this time yesterday. We had finished opening presents and Andy and I were on our way to his parents' house to spend a little time with the in-laws. Later yesterday afternoon, we and the in-laws headed to my family's house for a fun-filled Christmas dinner. It's nice when the two sets of in-laws get along with each other. We all had a really great time, and we played Wii after dinner. It was roundly enjoyed by all (Thank you, Dr. Wilson!).
My parents bought Andy and me a Wii Fit for Christmas. It's actually a lot of fun. It's quite unlikely that it could possibly be a subsititute for actually going to the gym, but it's good for telling you your BMI (Body Mass Index = how chubby you are for your height) and telling you that you have crappy posture....surprise! The Yoga is fun and so are some of the other games. We played hula-hoop!! We did that late last night after the parental units ascended to bed.
The more I think about how nice it has been to relax so far, the more it makes me think about the beginning of school again. I'm really not looking forward to it at all...I hope I can get more excited about it within the next few days. Anyway, enough about that. School is lame, and relaxing in a Stressless recliner and blogging are far more exciting right now. I'm off to continue relaxing and enjoying my vaca....
My parents bought Andy and me a Wii Fit for Christmas. It's actually a lot of fun. It's quite unlikely that it could possibly be a subsititute for actually going to the gym, but it's good for telling you your BMI (Body Mass Index = how chubby you are for your height) and telling you that you have crappy posture....surprise! The Yoga is fun and so are some of the other games. We played hula-hoop!! We did that late last night after the parental units ascended to bed.
The more I think about how nice it has been to relax so far, the more it makes me think about the beginning of school again. I'm really not looking forward to it at all...I hope I can get more excited about it within the next few days. Anyway, enough about that. School is lame, and relaxing in a Stressless recliner and blogging are far more exciting right now. I'm off to continue relaxing and enjoying my vaca....
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
the beginning
So, I always seem to have a lot of things on my mind all at once, and I was never one to keep a journal, but I've been told that it can be refreshing to get your thoughts out on paper. Today I was inspired by one of my fellow classmates to start a blog. It seems to be the new thing to do to let people know what's on your mind and so people can stay posted on your latest shenanigans if, say, you're in medical school, and you have no actual contact with the outside world. So this is for my friends and family as much as it is for me. (Feel free to check this to find out what's going on with me, or you're welcome to call...a study break is almost always welcome.)
Medical school is almost stronger than me, and I need a way to express all the crazy things going on in my head so I don't let it beat me. I must say that I have done some challenging things in my life, but medical school definitely takes the cake. It's honestly more demanding that I had ever expected, and I expected a lot just because of all the horror stories I had heard before getting here. The only thing keeping me going is knowing and trusting that this is where I am supposed to be, and that reason alone will get me through it.
Sidenote:
~I'm sitting here in the library, looking at the other dutiful students that spend more time here than at their actual home, and I realize that I have become one of them. I am a medical student...that's actually a much more profound statement than I ever thought it would be. (At this point, it is the definition of my life.)
As I approach the third test block with far less gusto than the first two, I wonder if I stress myself out more than necessary. Well, I don't really wonder...I do. I'm learning to work harder and smarter. There's no need to put in more hours than necessary. It's really a balancing act.
Well, that's about all I have to say for now. I should probably get back to studying the dreaded biochemistry. Since I have no other form of creative outlet, I'm hoping I keep up with this blog. So stay posted...many a' crazy things happen to me, so maybe you can come here for a good laugh from time to time.
Lata!
Medical school is almost stronger than me, and I need a way to express all the crazy things going on in my head so I don't let it beat me. I must say that I have done some challenging things in my life, but medical school definitely takes the cake. It's honestly more demanding that I had ever expected, and I expected a lot just because of all the horror stories I had heard before getting here. The only thing keeping me going is knowing and trusting that this is where I am supposed to be, and that reason alone will get me through it.
Sidenote:
~I'm sitting here in the library, looking at the other dutiful students that spend more time here than at their actual home, and I realize that I have become one of them. I am a medical student...that's actually a much more profound statement than I ever thought it would be. (At this point, it is the definition of my life.)
As I approach the third test block with far less gusto than the first two, I wonder if I stress myself out more than necessary. Well, I don't really wonder...I do. I'm learning to work harder and smarter. There's no need to put in more hours than necessary. It's really a balancing act.
Well, that's about all I have to say for now. I should probably get back to studying the dreaded biochemistry. Since I have no other form of creative outlet, I'm hoping I keep up with this blog. So stay posted...many a' crazy things happen to me, so maybe you can come here for a good laugh from time to time.
Lata!
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