Medical school is hard. The material itself hasn't been too terribly challenging (I mean, I understand most of it) what is killing me is the volume. I had a test 2 weeks in on stuff that took us 4 months to get through in undergrad. Each test is the equivalent of a final exam. The details, and the massive amount of memorization are the hardest part.
I have been having some crisis of faith the past couple of days. I realized I will graduate and be done with residency when I am 31 years old. That seems so old to me- I still view myself as the 19 year old kid- and 31 (while still young in the grand scheme of things) is suddenly a lot closer than I thought it was. I want to have kids sometime in the near future, and the timing is difficult to plan with school and residency. I know that this is where I am supposed to be- things fell into place so easily and perfectly for it not to be the right place- I am just afraid that life will be different than what I imagined. I didn't really understand what I was signing up for when I got into this. It is exciting and scary and totally overwhelming. I set out thinking that this would be a great challenge and I am discovering the mountain I picked is a lot taller up close.
I do enjoy it though- I am loving going to school and studying with friends. I have made some really good friends here and I am enjoying it. The stress is pretty constant, but I am learning how to deal with it and I know it is making me stronger. (Though the gray hairs are multiplying). I am motivated by the fact that so many doctors tell me that the first year is the worst and once I get through it, the school part is great. It keeps me motivated when I look forward at the nightmare barrage of tests in October. Oy.
Biochem test 3 on Monday and our first anatomy exam on Friday. At least amino acids just help the TCA cycle (my dreaded nemesis) so they aren't the bane of my existence (just friends with it). The brachial plexus is evil and nerves really should just innervate everything and not specific things. That would make life easier. :D (yeah yeah I know they are important)
Hopefully, I can pull these off- time to stop procrastinating and work on my study guides and flash cards.... If only I could get my notes a news feed on Facebook- then I would learn something every time I checked it.... I would know my notes in no time!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
European Honeymoon
First, I love my husband. He has been working so hard and is supporting me through moving, school, and general life transitions; in addition, he had to deal with my first attempt at overseas travel. The important things that I learned: 1. Look at the map before you book a hotel. 2. If you have the option of flying or the train- fly. 3. Stay in one city as much as possible. 4. Europeans don't pee even though they drink wine like water- that is why there are no bathrooms anywhere. 5. Europeans have no idea how to get through security. The reason you have to be there an hour before boarding time (instead of 45 mins in the US) is because they have no clue. 6. Paris drivers are nuts- I am never allowed to drive in Paris.
So here is the trip :D
Paris:
My husband arrived in Paris a day before me, so he stayed at The Kube Hotel. It is ice-cube themed with an ice bar, so everything is square with cold climate accents. He had a blast, so much so that we changed reservations to stay there later in the trip. I arrived the next day, and my wonderful Love met me at the airport. We rode the Roissy (pronounced Waussy) Bus to the Arc de Triomphe Hilton. All the Hiltons that we stayed at were a gift from my dad as he had lots of points to give us :) (Thanks Dad!) The hotel was nice (Orbitz charges around 500 Euro a night), but if you ever go to Paris, there are much nicer hotels for much less. It was all location-not the niceness of the hotel. That night we went to the Arc, and walked the Champs Elysees (and got everything we wanted- Dinner!).
Versailles:
The next day we stayed at the Palace of Triannon in Versailles. It was GORGEOUS. We walked the pleasure gardens of King Louis and walked by the palaces of the King and Marie Antoinette. There is a big man-made lake that we walked around looking at the baby swans (which Husband insisted on calling ugly ducklings...) There was a dog swimming in one of the small ponds- I am pretty sure King Louis was rolling in his grave....
That night we went on a dinner cruise down the Seine. We had a bottle of champagne and wine and took in the sites (The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Statue of Liberty, and more). We were right in the front of the boat, so we had spectacular views of everything.
Barcelona:
We took a plane in the morning to Barcelona. The city is beautiful and the Spanish are more friendly than the French. We stayed at the Hilton near the dock, and had an ocean view room:) We walked around the mall, and I got to speak real Spanish!
Cruise:
This was my favorite part of the trip. It was the best way to see Italy (especially because I don't speak Italian) and everyone on the ship spoke English, I didn't have to worry about food, unpacking, water, or activities.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: We docked with yachts. Multi-billion dollar yachts- Mel Gibson's yacht was there. Then we took the Bateaux Bus (Boat Bus) across the harbor, and walked up to Monte Carlo. We had drinks in the Hotel next to the casino, and then watched them filming "Casino Story" (working title) while we waited for the casino to open. We went in, and payed our 10 Euro to gamble (that is how ritzy this casino is- you have to be dressed up too!) We played black jack and roulette and felt like James Bond! It was awesome. Afterwords, we walked around the city and I looked at the cars. I have never seen so many nice cars ever. And not BMW or Mercedes nice- Lamborghini, Rolls Royce- AMAZING cars. And the even more amazing part- they were dirty because the people there actually drive them. That is true wealth, when you drive your $100,000+ car to run errands and don't mind that it is dirty.
Pisa: Husband took me to see the Leaning Tower and I took a ton of pictures. The buildings are so beautiful and easy to photograph. The white stones and Saints are gorgeous and we of course got the obligatory picture of Husband pushing the tower back up:) There are these amazing trees on the drive there and back- Pine Umbrella Trees. They are very unique looking, and are everywhere. It was a beautiful place. When we got back to the boat, Husband went and played poker. He had gotten third place in the tournament the night before, and was determined to get first. He did- and then cleaned up in a cash game after.
Rome: We took a tour into Rome. (It is a 1 hr 45 min bus ride inland) We saw the Colosseum (SO COOL), the Forum (where Julius was buried at one point), Trevi Fountain (yes I did throw in coins for a wish), and the Vatican. The Vatican was so ornate and stunning it almost made me want to be Catholic. Almost. :D Rome was such a beautiful city- so much to see and do. I was so glad to have a tour guide or I would have been ridiculously lost and I got to learn a ton.
Napoli: We climbed Mt. Vesuvius! They bused us up most of the way, but we climbed up the the top and looked down into the crater. The Valerian was in bloom, so the entire mountain and bus trip had this amazing sweet smell. Vesuvius is the world's most dangerous volcano right now, as it is set to go off any time now. It used to have a vent, but the last big eruption sealed it- which is bad because that means it will explode instead of just lava-ing- and there are 3 million people living near it. We could see the steam coming out of the rocks. Real Italian pizza for lunch and then we went down to Pompeii and walked around a city that is from 79AD. Amazing place- the art in the houses, on the walls, and even the streets was amazing. It was fascinating- and tragic- the people had horrible deaths. It was a beautiful place with so much to learn.
We had all-you-can-eat Sushi that night. Yum! And we went to the "White Hot Party" that night and boogied down because we could sleep in the next day!
Sea Day! This was such a nice relaxing day. We made friends with Amy from Canada (and her parents) and so we hung out with her and relaxed in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Yummy Italian food for dinner, with amazing Tiramisu for dessert.
Palma de Mallorca: This is part of the Balearic Islands (same chain as Ibiza) Amy and her family went with us to the beach. It is apparently a big German tourist destination, so everyone on the beach was speaking German. They had these buckets for sale. For 11 Euro, we got a big bucket, a bottle of coconut rum, orange juice mixer, ice, and straws. We also got one with vodka and lemon-lime mixer for a little more. It got all of us very happy. The boys were enjoying the European "scenery". Amy and I got tattoos. (Don't worry- they were just Henna!) and we all got a little sunburned- but it was a GREAT beach day! It was the perfect way to end the cruise.
Cannes: We took the train from Barcelona to Cannes (14 hours of it). It was a long day, but the countryside of France is beautiful. Tons of grapes, hay, and produce.
We stayed here for 2 nights, and did go to the beach. For being one of the most famous topless beaches- no one was topless. It was beautiful weather though, and we had fun walking around and eating lots of pizza. (I had pizza with smoked salmon on it!)
Paris (again): We took the train back to Paris, and stayed in the Kube. It is a unique place! Fake fur accents (curtains, upholstery, even the elevator!) and a fingerprint based key system so you never forget your key. We went to the ice bar and had vodka drinks. You get a coat and mittens, and then 4 different vodka cocktails and then one of your favorite. The drinks were: Bubblegum (tasted like grape bubble gum), Blueberry, Mint/Basil (my favorite), and Chocolate. I know, why wasn't the chocolate my favorite? It was dark chips with a shot of straight vodka. It was good, but brutal. The mint/basil one had a fresh sweet taste- I could have had that all night! Then we stayed at the Charles de Gaulle Hilton. We stayed in and just enjoyed our last two days together. We got room service (fun!). We also had the best meal of the trip. We went to a restaurant called "The Place". OH YUM. I had escargot (mmmmm) and Husband got a artichoke salad. I have never had a salad as good as this. (The chef wouldn't give us any hints on what the dressing was though) Then I had Sea Bass in a butter sauce (I think I died for a moment and went to heaven eating that) Husband had filet mignon. I also had the best mojito I have ever had in my life. It even had a sparkler in it! Creme brulee for dessert (lit on fire in front of me!) It was SO good.
The next day we had to return to reality. I missed my flight (oops) but I got home safe. Husband made it back safe too. Overall, it was an amazing trip. I can't believe it is over. At least I only have to wait 6 months for my Husband to come home!
So here is the trip :D
Paris:
My husband arrived in Paris a day before me, so he stayed at The Kube Hotel. It is ice-cube themed with an ice bar, so everything is square with cold climate accents. He had a blast, so much so that we changed reservations to stay there later in the trip. I arrived the next day, and my wonderful Love met me at the airport. We rode the Roissy (pronounced Waussy) Bus to the Arc de Triomphe Hilton. All the Hiltons that we stayed at were a gift from my dad as he had lots of points to give us :) (Thanks Dad!) The hotel was nice (Orbitz charges around 500 Euro a night), but if you ever go to Paris, there are much nicer hotels for much less. It was all location-not the niceness of the hotel. That night we went to the Arc, and walked the Champs Elysees (and got everything we wanted- Dinner!).
Versailles:
The next day we stayed at the Palace of Triannon in Versailles. It was GORGEOUS. We walked the pleasure gardens of King Louis and walked by the palaces of the King and Marie Antoinette. There is a big man-made lake that we walked around looking at the baby swans (which Husband insisted on calling ugly ducklings...) There was a dog swimming in one of the small ponds- I am pretty sure King Louis was rolling in his grave....
That night we went on a dinner cruise down the Seine. We had a bottle of champagne and wine and took in the sites (The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Statue of Liberty, and more). We were right in the front of the boat, so we had spectacular views of everything.
Barcelona:
We took a plane in the morning to Barcelona. The city is beautiful and the Spanish are more friendly than the French. We stayed at the Hilton near the dock, and had an ocean view room:) We walked around the mall, and I got to speak real Spanish!
Cruise:
This was my favorite part of the trip. It was the best way to see Italy (especially because I don't speak Italian) and everyone on the ship spoke English, I didn't have to worry about food, unpacking, water, or activities.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: We docked with yachts. Multi-billion dollar yachts- Mel Gibson's yacht was there. Then we took the Bateaux Bus (Boat Bus) across the harbor, and walked up to Monte Carlo. We had drinks in the Hotel next to the casino, and then watched them filming "Casino Story" (working title) while we waited for the casino to open. We went in, and payed our 10 Euro to gamble (that is how ritzy this casino is- you have to be dressed up too!) We played black jack and roulette and felt like James Bond! It was awesome. Afterwords, we walked around the city and I looked at the cars. I have never seen so many nice cars ever. And not BMW or Mercedes nice- Lamborghini, Rolls Royce- AMAZING cars. And the even more amazing part- they were dirty because the people there actually drive them. That is true wealth, when you drive your $100,000+ car to run errands and don't mind that it is dirty.
Pisa: Husband took me to see the Leaning Tower and I took a ton of pictures. The buildings are so beautiful and easy to photograph. The white stones and Saints are gorgeous and we of course got the obligatory picture of Husband pushing the tower back up:) There are these amazing trees on the drive there and back- Pine Umbrella Trees. They are very unique looking, and are everywhere. It was a beautiful place. When we got back to the boat, Husband went and played poker. He had gotten third place in the tournament the night before, and was determined to get first. He did- and then cleaned up in a cash game after.
Rome: We took a tour into Rome. (It is a 1 hr 45 min bus ride inland) We saw the Colosseum (SO COOL), the Forum (where Julius was buried at one point), Trevi Fountain (yes I did throw in coins for a wish), and the Vatican. The Vatican was so ornate and stunning it almost made me want to be Catholic. Almost. :D Rome was such a beautiful city- so much to see and do. I was so glad to have a tour guide or I would have been ridiculously lost and I got to learn a ton.
Napoli: We climbed Mt. Vesuvius! They bused us up most of the way, but we climbed up the the top and looked down into the crater. The Valerian was in bloom, so the entire mountain and bus trip had this amazing sweet smell. Vesuvius is the world's most dangerous volcano right now, as it is set to go off any time now. It used to have a vent, but the last big eruption sealed it- which is bad because that means it will explode instead of just lava-ing- and there are 3 million people living near it. We could see the steam coming out of the rocks. Real Italian pizza for lunch and then we went down to Pompeii and walked around a city that is from 79AD. Amazing place- the art in the houses, on the walls, and even the streets was amazing. It was fascinating- and tragic- the people had horrible deaths. It was a beautiful place with so much to learn.
We had all-you-can-eat Sushi that night. Yum! And we went to the "White Hot Party" that night and boogied down because we could sleep in the next day!
Sea Day! This was such a nice relaxing day. We made friends with Amy from Canada (and her parents) and so we hung out with her and relaxed in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Yummy Italian food for dinner, with amazing Tiramisu for dessert.
Palma de Mallorca: This is part of the Balearic Islands (same chain as Ibiza) Amy and her family went with us to the beach. It is apparently a big German tourist destination, so everyone on the beach was speaking German. They had these buckets for sale. For 11 Euro, we got a big bucket, a bottle of coconut rum, orange juice mixer, ice, and straws. We also got one with vodka and lemon-lime mixer for a little more. It got all of us very happy. The boys were enjoying the European "scenery". Amy and I got tattoos. (Don't worry- they were just Henna!) and we all got a little sunburned- but it was a GREAT beach day! It was the perfect way to end the cruise.
Cannes: We took the train from Barcelona to Cannes (14 hours of it). It was a long day, but the countryside of France is beautiful. Tons of grapes, hay, and produce.
We stayed here for 2 nights, and did go to the beach. For being one of the most famous topless beaches- no one was topless. It was beautiful weather though, and we had fun walking around and eating lots of pizza. (I had pizza with smoked salmon on it!)
Paris (again): We took the train back to Paris, and stayed in the Kube. It is a unique place! Fake fur accents (curtains, upholstery, even the elevator!) and a fingerprint based key system so you never forget your key. We went to the ice bar and had vodka drinks. You get a coat and mittens, and then 4 different vodka cocktails and then one of your favorite. The drinks were: Bubblegum (tasted like grape bubble gum), Blueberry, Mint/Basil (my favorite), and Chocolate. I know, why wasn't the chocolate my favorite? It was dark chips with a shot of straight vodka. It was good, but brutal. The mint/basil one had a fresh sweet taste- I could have had that all night! Then we stayed at the Charles de Gaulle Hilton. We stayed in and just enjoyed our last two days together. We got room service (fun!). We also had the best meal of the trip. We went to a restaurant called "The Place". OH YUM. I had escargot (mmmmm) and Husband got a artichoke salad. I have never had a salad as good as this. (The chef wouldn't give us any hints on what the dressing was though) Then I had Sea Bass in a butter sauce (I think I died for a moment and went to heaven eating that) Husband had filet mignon. I also had the best mojito I have ever had in my life. It even had a sparkler in it! Creme brulee for dessert (lit on fire in front of me!) It was SO good.
The next day we had to return to reality. I missed my flight (oops) but I got home safe. Husband made it back safe too. Overall, it was an amazing trip. I can't believe it is over. At least I only have to wait 6 months for my Husband to come home!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Waiting for the Speeding Freight Train to Hit
I am suddenly on the down slope of waiting for the summer.
Waiting is a funny thing- you think that you will be waiting forever, and then suddenly you look up and the thing you were waiting for is suddenly so close and you have no time. Right after the panic attack is finishing, you realize you actually have a little bit more time to wait, and the next thing you know, the thing you were waiting for has passed.
I finished EMT school at the beginning of May, and the 12 hours I thought I might get back a week, have never really returned. My house seriously looks like a disaster area- FEMA has stopped by twice actually. It doesn't help that I don't really have furniture right now- I have sold most of it so I don't have to ship it to Iowa. I will still have to ship some of it, but I am hoping to fit it all into a tag along or a small U-haul. Still lots of work left before I move though- I am in the awkward state where you should start packing, but if you can pack it you don't need it and should get rid of it, so everything is just waiting to be packed...
So, for now, I am waiting. I can see the freight train barreling down towards me, but I am still far enough away to think I have time before it gets to me. That's the thing about trains though- they come up faster on you than you thought they were*. I have all this fun for summer, and then I am hoping to have enough momentum to get through my first semester of medical school. I have a little more than a month before I am in Europe and need to have everything done. I can't believe how much I need to do, and how much I still need to wait to do.
I have definitely learned something in my life from this. Life is about waiting. I work in a waiting room, where people's lives change (or don't) in the space of hours, but those hours seem like days to the people waiting. But the time that isn't spent waiting, flies by without waiting for you to catch it. Waiting makes things feel like they last forever, but the not waiting, never waits. There is meaning in that, but you have to wait to find it. ;p
*True fact- people are used to judging distance and speed based on cars- the narrowness of the train tracks tricks people into thinking the train is farther away than it really is- so they try to outrun the train and fail
Waiting is a funny thing- you think that you will be waiting forever, and then suddenly you look up and the thing you were waiting for is suddenly so close and you have no time. Right after the panic attack is finishing, you realize you actually have a little bit more time to wait, and the next thing you know, the thing you were waiting for has passed.
I finished EMT school at the beginning of May, and the 12 hours I thought I might get back a week, have never really returned. My house seriously looks like a disaster area- FEMA has stopped by twice actually. It doesn't help that I don't really have furniture right now- I have sold most of it so I don't have to ship it to Iowa. I will still have to ship some of it, but I am hoping to fit it all into a tag along or a small U-haul. Still lots of work left before I move though- I am in the awkward state where you should start packing, but if you can pack it you don't need it and should get rid of it, so everything is just waiting to be packed...
So, for now, I am waiting. I can see the freight train barreling down towards me, but I am still far enough away to think I have time before it gets to me. That's the thing about trains though- they come up faster on you than you thought they were*. I have all this fun for summer, and then I am hoping to have enough momentum to get through my first semester of medical school. I have a little more than a month before I am in Europe and need to have everything done. I can't believe how much I need to do, and how much I still need to wait to do.
I have definitely learned something in my life from this. Life is about waiting. I work in a waiting room, where people's lives change (or don't) in the space of hours, but those hours seem like days to the people waiting. But the time that isn't spent waiting, flies by without waiting for you to catch it. Waiting makes things feel like they last forever, but the not waiting, never waits. There is meaning in that, but you have to wait to find it. ;p
*True fact- people are used to judging distance and speed based on cars- the narrowness of the train tracks tricks people into thinking the train is farther away than it really is- so they try to outrun the train and fail
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Beginning
So.... Blogging....
Beginnings are hard. Transitions are hard. Transitions are really just beginnings in disguise.
You never know when you start with a beginning where you are actually going to end up. As Bilbo Baggins once said, “ It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
This is a blog about my life. As I am embarking on a new journey, this will be a good way for me to keep in touch with my friends who I don't get to see as often as I would like- especially as I head off. It is also a good venting ground for me to get my thoughts out and get opinions without forcing everyone to deal with me:)
My life as it currently stands:
1. My husband and best friend is currently deployed with the army to Afghanistan. He is doing construction stuff according to the army- but good luck getting a straight answer out of them. He should be coming home sometime near February.
2. I will be attending Des Moines University in the Fall for their Podiatry program. It is a four year program with 2-3 years of residency, at the end of which I will be able to fix feet, do surgeries, and get to say, "Trust me- I'm a doctor!"
3. I am currently working at Medical Center of the Rockies in the Peri-op Dept. (Pre and post surgery) We just hired for my position as I will be leaving in June to get ready to go to school. I work with literally the best people in the world. I go to work for them- they keep me from losing my marbles most days (or at least distract me with shiny objects so I don't realize I have lost them!)
4. I will be going to Europe to see my Handsome Husband the last week of June. Two weeks won't nearly be enough, but it will get me through for a little while. Besides- it will be a great trip:)
5. I have to move myself to Iowa.
6. I have two cats (Athena and Shiva) who drive me bonkers, but give the best cuddles. They make my apartment home.
7. I started going to a yoga class at my gym and I am hooked. I wish they had yoga class everyday. I wish I could go to a gym class everyday.
8. I am just finishing my EMT class. I got to spend 10 hours on a fire truck, an ambulance, and in the ER. It was so much fun and it makes me want to do more- emergencies are fun when you are the one getting to fix them.
9. I am a bridesmaid this summer:) So excited- it will be a blast!
10. I love life. It keeps changing and never stops. It is like a stream- always changing and always constant and capable of flash flooding you into a new place at any time. Life is never boring unless you make it that way.
So, here goes!
Beginnings are hard. Transitions are hard. Transitions are really just beginnings in disguise.
You never know when you start with a beginning where you are actually going to end up. As Bilbo Baggins once said, “ It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
This is a blog about my life. As I am embarking on a new journey, this will be a good way for me to keep in touch with my friends who I don't get to see as often as I would like- especially as I head off. It is also a good venting ground for me to get my thoughts out and get opinions without forcing everyone to deal with me:)
My life as it currently stands:
1. My husband and best friend is currently deployed with the army to Afghanistan. He is doing construction stuff according to the army- but good luck getting a straight answer out of them. He should be coming home sometime near February.
2. I will be attending Des Moines University in the Fall for their Podiatry program. It is a four year program with 2-3 years of residency, at the end of which I will be able to fix feet, do surgeries, and get to say, "Trust me- I'm a doctor!"
3. I am currently working at Medical Center of the Rockies in the Peri-op Dept. (Pre and post surgery) We just hired for my position as I will be leaving in June to get ready to go to school. I work with literally the best people in the world. I go to work for them- they keep me from losing my marbles most days (or at least distract me with shiny objects so I don't realize I have lost them!)
4. I will be going to Europe to see my Handsome Husband the last week of June. Two weeks won't nearly be enough, but it will get me through for a little while. Besides- it will be a great trip:)
5. I have to move myself to Iowa.
6. I have two cats (Athena and Shiva) who drive me bonkers, but give the best cuddles. They make my apartment home.
7. I started going to a yoga class at my gym and I am hooked. I wish they had yoga class everyday. I wish I could go to a gym class everyday.
8. I am just finishing my EMT class. I got to spend 10 hours on a fire truck, an ambulance, and in the ER. It was so much fun and it makes me want to do more- emergencies are fun when you are the one getting to fix them.
9. I am a bridesmaid this summer:) So excited- it will be a blast!
10. I love life. It keeps changing and never stops. It is like a stream- always changing and always constant and capable of flash flooding you into a new place at any time. Life is never boring unless you make it that way.
So, here goes!
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