#1 - "Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas..." - Narrator, Monorail

I'm still alive - and it's been so long, that I'm not really sure where to start. Second year wasn't very blog-worthy on a day to day basis, and the not so fun stuff just wasn't worth sharing. But the good and the bad are both memories now.

I'm one STEP (USMLE Step 1) closer to licensing. Finals, the lead up and incessant studying, as well as the test itself - it's all still kind of a blur. And maybe it's supposed to be that way. I did what I could do, and I'm trusting God with the results.

On to more fun things, like Mickey Mouse. As I type I'm staring at a half-full "European" size suitcase (you know, the kind you take when you go to Europe for a month?). I haven't been on a real vacation in so long that I sort of forgot how to pack. Who am I kidding, I've always overpacked. We're (Me, M and N) are leaving for Disney World tomorrow. I'm looking forward to lots of good food, good friends and finding all the magic that's dribbled out of my life for the last couple of years.

Let's get this celebration/girls' trip started!!!

PS: Who's an M3? I'm an M3!

"One of the hardest lessons as a doctor is learning to prioritize"

Meredith [voiceover] One of the hardest lessons as a doctor is learning to prioritize. We're trained to do all we can to save life and limb, but, if cutting off a limb, means saving a life, we learn to do it without hesitation. It's not an easy lesson to learn, and it always comes down to one question, "what are the stakes?" What do we stand to gain or lose? At the end of the day, we're just gamblers trying not to bet the farm.

Somehow it's been a month since I've updated on the exciting goings on of my life (insert rolled eyes here). Honestly, the excitement is pretty dim these days. I'm going to skip all the day-by-day mumbo jumbo and hit on a couple highlights, just to let y'all know I'm still alive.

-Final Witnessed H&P - This is a complete history and physical exam done on a real patient, by me, and watched by a real doctor (my preceptor) that happened last week. It went better than I could've hoped, and I seriously cannot wait to be an M3 and doing these kind of things every day.

Suture Lab - Yup, I sewed a pig's foot back together. It was pretty cool. A challenge to begin with, but I got the hang of it. I'm hoping to get some good practice on OB/GYN so that I won't look like a complete idiot by the time surgery rolls around.

Other than these two "exciting" things, life is all about finishing the next 7 days of the classroom and 9 following tests... then that big one.

But on the other side..... Hellllllo Mickey Mouse! :)

"To a degree, medicine is a science...but I would argue that it's also an art."

"To a degree, medicine is a science...but I would argue that it's also an art. The doctors who see medicine as a science only, you don't want them by your side when you're bleeding won't stop or when your child is screaming in pain. The clinicians go by the book. The artists follow their guts. The artists feel your pain and they go to extremes to make it stop. Extreme measures. That's where science ends and art begins."

It's almost time to start practicing the "art" of medicine. I, for one, cannot wait. Making third year schedule requests was a little stressful and anxiety producing, but it absolutely could not have turned out better. I've always been excited about the clinical years of med school but now I just can't wait to get started!

Next year's schedule is as follows:
OB/GYN
IS/ACLS
Medicine
Psych
Elective 1
Elective 2
Peds
Surgery
Neuro
Family
Elective 3

We don't know electives yet, but my top choices were Genetics, Peds Palliative, Behavioral/Developmental Med, Peds GI, Peds Surg, Peds Allergy/Immuno, ENT, and SICU.

It's VERY exciting to finally be here. It's a struggle to continue studying... another block of tests are next week, then Spring Break - yay for STEP Study week instead of a real SB :(.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's the light of a penlight, and it's still at the end of the tunnel, but it is no longer a train!!

In non-med-school news, I've almost completed the Harry Potter series for the first time. That's pretty exciting as well. It's taking a while to finish 7 due to these upcoming exams, but I'm definitely a fan of the literary genius of JK Rowling.

I also found out last week that I'll be having a NEPHEW in July. We're super excited about Baby S's arrival, and I've already been shopping - that's going to be one spoiled little dude... and I can't wait!

"What's important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning..."

"What's important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning, but it's also important to remember amid all the crap are a few things really worth holding on to."

So, it's a new year. Practically February, and I'm just finding myself with the time (albeit in total procrastination) to update. It's really hard to blog this year.. primarily because I started this blog to be an insight into the parts of medical training that I may forget someday, and the little events that actually make things worth it. As we get closer and closer to May, wards are feeling farther and farther away. On the flip side, it feels like the fourletterword is coming up like a high-speed train. We've got exams starting again next week. It never ends. Some days are a drag just to get through. I am SO TIRED of the classroom. I'm tired of studying too much, sleeping too little, and feeling like it's never going to end. /endrant

In the midst of all my grumbling and complaining, I remind myself daily how blessed I am to be here, how much a difference my medschool friends have made in my life, and that we are truly only four full months away from being actual student doctors. Which leads me to the interesting topic of the week:

Monday we had something affectionately known as the "Male GU Demo". Now for those of you who are not in medical school or the medical professions, this is a time when we can all gather and learn what the male.... nether regions... are supposed to look like, as well as learn how to do the dreaded DRE (digital = finger, rectal = butt, exam = ...you get the picture). I really don't want to say much more about this, I just had to get it down so that one day I'll look back on it and laugh ;)

M's fiance finally came home from deployment, so I've managed to fit some fun hang out time in with them... other than that, it's just the usual school boredom. 3 more months in the classroom, then thefourletterword.

Come onnnnnnnnnnnn summer/Disney/June/wards/July/baby/therestofmylife...

"Buenas dias senorita, my siestas are getting shorter and shorter." - Jose, Tropical Serenade

A bit of a different quote this time - direct from Walt Disney World's Tropical Serenade (formerly known as the Tiki Room). Jump start to the exciting parts of the last month that can finally all be blogged:

1 - My sister and brother in law are expecting! I'm finally going to be an aunt in July!! As you can tell, I'm not excited AT ALL about this prospect.

2 - Another really good friend from college is also expecting, due in late April. Babies everywhere... I can't wait.

3 - Walt Disney World will be happening at the end of May/early June with my best med school buddies as we celebrate the end of an era/error (the culmination of two CRAZY years) and have some fun before wards start.

4 - Christmas, of course. I love spending time with my family :)

It continues to be a wild ride. I have set a date for the fourletterword - May 23. The only thing getting me there is what's coming after.... Disney, M3, and baby. In comes the quote of the title - my siestas must get shorter and shorter, and my study hours longer and longer. As usual, there's only One who can get me through the next few months. I rely fully and honestly on His grace, assurance, and comfort.

"When was the last time a stranger took off her clothes in front of you, pointed to a purple splotch on her back, and asked,"what the hell is this?"

"Question- when was the last time a complete stranger took off her clothes in front of you, pointed to a big purple splotch on her back, and asked,"what the hell is this thing?" If you're a normal person,the answer is hopefully never. If you're a doctor the answer is probably about five minutes ago." - Meredith Grey

So I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. In fact, I haven't even fallen out of the state. It's just been busy enough, and boring enough, that I've found myself with little to document. However, assuming the role of a true historian, I must break the silence and catch up - primarily with this week's events.

Thanksgiving at home was wonderful, I really enjoyed the family time and catching up with M and S. I miss her a lot some days... okay, most days. Having a sister, whether by blood or heart, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

As far as school goes, it's basically one and the same. I'm entering a period of extreme "M2-itis" (extreme loathing of the classroom, studying, and the fourletterword coupled with intense procrastination, lack of motivation, and lots of dreaming about being on wards). Thankfully, it's almost Christmas break - which means a few extra days away, and one more test block down. Leaving us with only three to go before M3. :D

In other school related news, I'm pretty sure M and I got THE best preceptor on the planet. We've had a good time with her both times we've met, felt very at ease and stress-less over the situation, and are learning bits and pieces to incorporate into our own clinical practices. With that said, yesterday I did my first completely solo H&P (emphasis on the "H") - as in, grabbed the chart and walked in the patient's room on my own. Dr. M had previously informed the patient I was coming, but there's a first time for everything right? I'd done history-taking before, but announcing my own arrival was a new step... and it still amazes me what the White Coat does. The experience went well (except for the fact that I've yet to actually write up the final) and I'm looking forward to next week :)

Last night I went to my first Christian concert - Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio. It was fabulous. Definitely helped me stay in the Christmas spirit with the reason for the season.

Tomorrow's going to be pretty crazy - Mississippi Children's Museum is opening, and I (and several PIG members/officers) am slotted to help with some of Batson's activities there. Should be a fun day. Tomorrow night is the Claus Ball, if I've got one iota of energy left. And then it's almost time to do it all again.

Lord, hold me... and help me cherish these (stressful) days before Christmas in the midst of the craziness.

"There are days that make the sacrifices seem worthwhile. And then there are the days where everything feels like a sacrifice.."

The key to being successful is what we give up: sleep, friends, a normal life. We sacrifice it all for that one amazing moment, that moment when you can legally call yourself a doctor. There are days that make the sacrifices seem worthwhile. And then there are the days where everything feels like a sacrifice. And then there are the sacrifices that you can’t even figure out why you're making. - Meredith

Test block two is complete. On average, this one was a little more stressful than the last. I'm not sure if that's because of the way the material was arranged (lots of classes didn't overlap very well, so it was literally like studying five weeks of material for five different tests in five days), the way the tests were arranged (with the big ones spaced out MWF), or that I just didn't pace myself quite as well during the block - but as usual, M and I made it through together, and I'm fairly happy with the results.

Things I learned this week: 1) Getting news of any great magnitude - be it good or bad - is not conducive to productive studying. 2) I can't cram for anything except Micro... but I'm an awesome Micro crammer. 3) My best friend and M2 "other half of my brain" is pretty much amazing - and I'm beyond glad that God put us in each other's lives at just the right moment... definitely couldn't make it without her.

The weekend was lovely. Friday night, I went to Mistletoe Marketplace for the first time... so much fun. I see a new annual tradition headed my way! Saturday, Mommy came up and we went shopping (Mistletoe again... and some other places). Yesterday, just football and lots of relaxation... followed by Girls' Night, the Grey's Anatomy we missed Thursday (stupid test block).

There were grand master plans to go to school today, but those fell through when the bed was just waaaaay too comfy. And after looking at the schedule for tomorrow, I'm calling a repeat. Four day weekends? Anytime. Thanks med school. It's nice of you to "play nice" after last week. :)