An ice cube in each hand...

So it's been another great week or two in the world of relaxation. Still hard to believe that there's no reason to study, and just now beginning to not feel guilty about that. I haven't updated because, well, honestly, I haven't done much of anything. And that has been heaven!

I did spend a little time with the family post-vacation, and spent the past weekend with M and S (ok, S mainly, we made M find things to do so we could have girl time). Best friends are forever... its awesome how so much time can go by and nothing changes between us. We literally talked so much on Saturday that I was hoarse by bedtime. Good times. Growing up isn't all that bad when you have amazing people walking beside you for all the transitions :)

Also in that light, I had the opportunity to spend some amazing time with a special family member over the first week of break. Caught in the battle for his life, he still astonishes me with his perseverance and faith every day. Little story: he started a new chemo drug a couple weeks ago that is well known to cause cold intolerance. Upon leaving the doctor's office, he returned to work and went directly to the kitchen freezer. He grabbed an ice cube in each hand and held on. To some of you, this might seem silly... even crazy. After all, the doctor had just informed him that he may no longer be able to go to the frozen food section in the grocery store. For him, it was just another moment of strength and faith. Knowing that he wouldn't have the same reaction everyone else did. Knowing that every moment is a gift straight from God. In his hope and strength, I find my own. I cherish the days we have together and the lifetime of memories I look to pass on to my children and grandchildren.

Went home for a few days to make the doctor rounds: eyes, teeth, etc. Doctor appts are much more fun these days. I found myself unable to separate from the med school world during the eye doctor visit as I realized what he was doing with every test. Annoying sometimes, but super cool other times. I also managed to upgrade to an ACTUAL smartphone while I was home. After three years, I sent the Treo to the happy hunting ground. I am now the proud owner of a Droid... and what a difference three years of technology makes! This one walks the dog, takes out the trash, and goes to work for me. (Just kidding. I wish!!).

I've got a few more days before I head back to Jackson to begin the best summer job ever. I'm getting very excited. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor or position, and it's absolutely amazing to watch God's blessings come through in my life on a daily basis. He didn't ever say the journey would be easy, but He promised it would be worth it... and it is. Every single day.

Keep enjoying the free time and living life to the fullest, y'all. And get to your nearest theater for SATC2 today!!!!

The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand.. with no bottom (OK, so it's a diet coke)

Hello everyone! Checking in on the other side of a nice, relaxing vacation to the beach. It was definitely a blessing to catch up with the family and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of normal life. It was very laid back, we didn't do a whole lot of anything - but just what I needed.

Friday night, or the "M1 'graduation' party" at P's was a blast. M and I didn't stay too late, and from what I've heard, a lot of others followed suit. After a long year we were all just exhausted. But it was a fun evening. Thanks P for the awesome food and location!!

I did a very good job of not checking grades, email, etc for most of vacation - but I did log into MYU today. It seems as though Neuro grades are up a little early (boards are back already?? Maybe my neuro grade should be my histo grade..ha) but I'm tentatively VERY excited with what I accomplished this semester.

Thanks, God, for a wonderful week of family. Keep M & N safe as they travel and help them have an AMAZING time on their vacation :):):)

...Done, finished, complete....

This year, I fought a beast. Or two. Or three. Okay, Okay, 37 weeks worth. It was hard, but it was worth it.

As of 1:15 this afternoon, I'm an M2. It hasn't sunk in. At all. I keep thinking it's a dream and I'll wake up Monday morning and have to go back....

Instead, I'll be waking up Monday morning (or Monday afternoon) on the beach. Hello, summer. How I've longed for you... and how much fun is going to be had.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do first (OK - first I'm going to the M1-transitiontoM2 party), but it sure as heck won't involve studying. My brain is screaming "Freedom"!

Five more days of M1 year...

And here we have it. The final "study weekend" of M1 year. Just like any other grand study weekend, it started off with a good meal with the girls and lots of giggles. We've all grown so much these year - as professionals, people, and friends. It's amazing to look back at the trials and tribulations and how far we've come. There's still so far to go, much road to travel.. but we're there. At the end of the beginning of the journey.

This was a pretty good week. I made a point to really go to class and enjoy learning, soaking up every moment possible. Another good thing that happened this week? L came back to class! He's doing great!!

Thursday was incredible. It was a super long day, but I got to hang out in the NICU from 10-1 with Dr. K and meet a lot of the residents and NNP's that'll be around this summer. She handed me over a resident notebook and sent a very happy M1.9ish out the door for ALMOST vacation. I actually got to put my hands on some patients, feel some trills, help change a dressing... Little things, but in the midst of M1 world, amazing. I can't wait for June 7th.

Next week we have three days of class and two additional days of tests - there are five tests sprinkled throughout Wednesday through Friday. Wednesday we have class, then the Psych final, then class again. Way to piss those of us who SOMEWHAT still liked Psych off, guys. Way to go. A final sandwiched between two neuro classes? Awesome.

Next week WILL end. Vacation will come. As thus will begin the best - and last - summer of my life. Welcome to the real world... someone else is looking up to me now. I have an M1 buddy!!!

Hang in there, guys! It's almost over!!!

last full week of classes...

So tomorrow begins our last full week of classes. How weird. But not a MOMENT too soon. I'm definitely feeling the burnout. Wish I wasn't, and know I've got to get my butt in gear to push through for the final two weeks and five test, but I'm soooooo ready for a break.

Last week was probably the worst of med school yet. Monday's tests were awful, the funeral was really nice but very emotional, and Thursday was just... ugh. Anyway, we made it - somehow. I wish there was some exciting "I love med school" news to report, but really the most exciting thing is this:

8 class days
10 school days (including finals)
13 days in full
5 tests

SUMMMMMMMERRRR!!
God, please hold us close and keep us sane!