4 years later...

Remembering 4.26.06. Please be lifting up the families of those lost.

The Year is Coming to an End... Sort of

It's true... It's the end of the year for many people. My freshman from Thailand are posting about there only being 12 more days in their senior year; I helped out with the Ace the OSCE last week, which is that last test of 1st year; 2nd years are finishing up and starting to freak out about boards; and all my 4th year friends are on vacation courtesy of residency relocation loans; Today is the Detroit Medical Orchestra concert (I play the violin). Even some of my friends at other medical schools are starting to finish up their 3rd year experience.

Then there's me, and the rest of my class. We start our last 2 month block of 3rd year tomorrow. And while that does mean that the end of the year is near, I still have the behemoth that is Internal Medicine. This is both good and bad... it's good in more senses than not; I've already learned a handful of it through my other rotation; it's put me in good position for my second board exams (Step 2 CK). But it's bad in the sense that this is the rotation that counts (outside of surgery).... so NO slacking off for me. Instead of enjoying the wonderful end of the year and the wonderful spring weather, I will be stuck in my office studying after work, trying to remember everything I learned during the past 2 years. (The only bright side is Kansas on the 14th of May...)

Enough of the negativity though... today is a happy day. I'm going to church, I get to see my parents, and there's an amazing drizzle coming down from the sky. And I rearranged my rooms yesterday, giving me a sense of starting anew.

So here's to starting something new...

Free Lonely Planet Guides!

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to travel. Which makes me SO exciting about the following: Right now on iTunes, for a limited time, Lonely Planet is having a "Volcano Relief Sale." This means that most of the European cities' guides are FREE! Check it out now!

The ones that I could find are:
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin,Budapest, Copenhagen, Istanbul, London, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, and Vienna

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEST FRIEND!

My best friend is probably one of the most amazing people I know. And she's ALWAYS been that way; I can say that because she's been my best friend since she was born 2 weeks after me... So, I think outside her mom and brother, and possibly her boyfriend, that I can say this on good authority.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEST FRIEND!!! I miss you and wish you were somewhere near me so we could celebrate together!

The Internet Just Made My Day

I have to tell you all that the internet just made me insanely happy. For the past 1 1/2 years I've refused to give into making ringtones on iTunes... and then I heard a rumor you can make them in Garageband... AND YOU CAN! I just made 3!!! Addicting? I'd say yes!

Just had to share my elation!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to you all! I hope it was full of spring cheer, family time, and remembrance.

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Today I had Alice in Wonderland in my Easter basket (yes, I still get and Easter basket). I can't tell you how happy this makes me. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorites. I've loved the Disney movie since I was a little girl. I read Through the Looking Glass in high school and college. And was in line the first weekend the new movie came out. I don't really know what it is about this story that I love so much, but I do... I can't explain it but I'll try in part...

In true Sunday fashion, my mother and I went to Barnes and Noble today after church.. and there was a book on the philosophy of Alice in Wonderland. There was a line in the first part of the book that talked about how 2 women in a class described Alice as their favorite fairytale girl because she accomplishes everything through her own means, no prince or fairy godmother necessary. And during that her journey she becomes what everyone else needs her to be, only to discover who she is... and when she does she's accepted. I loved this description.

I don't know if that explains everything about why I love this story... but at least it's a start.


And now I need to get back to my movie. :)

the ladybug

as i was driving home today i noticed a ladybug on my window. as i continued down the highway it maintained it's determination to not be thrown off in the wind. at one point both of it's wings were forced out from his shell, threatening his stronghold. however, he not only held on but also got his wings back under him. a testament to his resilience.

i admire this little ladybug.