I can't count the number of times I've smiled in the last 18 hours. Getting to Silverthorne sooner than expected, seeing familiar streets, filling my tires and wiper fluid by myself, Eisenhower Tunnel (which is only Westbound by the way; Eastbound is Johnson Tunnel, completed 6 years later), coming out of the mountains and seeing flat land (and dry roads), blue sky, the skyline, a cyclist on the road, Rueben and his "prancing", Ms. B baking and me licking the bowl, my duck pillow, my alarm clock (instead of my phone alarm), "She's Gonna Hurt Somebody", etc.
I LOVE being home.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Week 2
I've said just enough about Tony Dungee retiring and how much I hate the Chargers for my coworkers to label me as a "fanatic", reading me every headline on their homepages that has anything to do with football (do I care that TO is leaving the Cowboys? no, but he definitely brought it on himself)
I watched the whole first season of "Pushing Daisies" which, granted was only 9 episodes, but it was nine episodes of brilliant-color-deadpan-humor-heart-fluttering fantasy. And it makes me want to eat pie all the time. That, and the fact that I drive by a Village Inn twice every day on the way to and from work.
I visited 3 of our patients in a nursing home, all ladies in their 90s. The one with severe dementia who doesn't talk kind of balanced out the one who answered "how's your ankle doing?" with her life's story. I was there for 2 1/2 hours. The first time my preceptor sent a student to interview Betty, she thought they slacked off and went skiing for the afternoon. Then she realized Betty just loves a captive audience. And I realized that balancing efficiency and good listening isn't one of my strengths.
Speaking of strengths, Millie, the PA, has admitted that we all have different skills, and one of her is the ability to have her throat swabbed for an hour. Too bad the little boy with a negative strep test didn't share that gift.
There's a store downtown called "Fuzziwig's" and walking inside, you are, literally, a kid in a candy store. Combine the Sweet Factory in the mall with Willy Wonka's Factory, and something out of your best dreams (or a "Pushing Daisies" episode) and you get the general idea. I had to go in once just to let it all overtake me, so that the next time I go in, with intent to buy, I don't end up with a wheelbarrow full of sugar.
Phil's home from Kuwait. Welcome home. And continued prayers for all those still serving.
I watched the whole first season of "Pushing Daisies" which, granted was only 9 episodes, but it was nine episodes of brilliant-color-deadpan-humor-heart-fluttering fantasy. And it makes me want to eat pie all the time. That, and the fact that I drive by a Village Inn twice every day on the way to and from work.
I visited 3 of our patients in a nursing home, all ladies in their 90s. The one with severe dementia who doesn't talk kind of balanced out the one who answered "how's your ankle doing?" with her life's story. I was there for 2 1/2 hours. The first time my preceptor sent a student to interview Betty, she thought they slacked off and went skiing for the afternoon. Then she realized Betty just loves a captive audience. And I realized that balancing efficiency and good listening isn't one of my strengths.
Speaking of strengths, Millie, the PA, has admitted that we all have different skills, and one of her is the ability to have her throat swabbed for an hour. Too bad the little boy with a negative strep test didn't share that gift.
There's a store downtown called "Fuzziwig's" and walking inside, you are, literally, a kid in a candy store. Combine the Sweet Factory in the mall with Willy Wonka's Factory, and something out of your best dreams (or a "Pushing Daisies" episode) and you get the general idea. I had to go in once just to let it all overtake me, so that the next time I go in, with intent to buy, I don't end up with a wheelbarrow full of sugar.
Phil's home from Kuwait. Welcome home. And continued prayers for all those still serving.
Backyard
I went out snowshoeing in my "backyard" this morning. I'm poor at judging distances to tell you how big it is, but it reminds me of the fields out at Peace Huts--rolling hills, tall grass, occasional fences--only all covered with at least two feet of snow. Here's what's out there:
a perfect red barn, with an 'x' on the doors and a rooster weather vane, frosted in white
tiny strands of wheat, coated in tiny ice crystals, poking up from beneath the snowy blanket
a dilapidated shed, the roof covered in a foot of snow, making it want to cave in, and the floor covered with a foot of straw
an incredible sparkling field of diamonds, that shimmers as the sun hits it right
a tiny fox, running for cover from the big-footed monster, even though he could outrun me 10 times out of 10
the Two-Bit Ranch, on the other side of the county road, with a wrought-iron sign hanging at the front of the 1/4 mile gravel drive, just like it should be
and a bit closer to the house, a hot tub, perfect for soaking in 101 degree warmth below your chin while the snow falls on your hands and face. it's a striking contrast, exhilerating
a perfect red barn, with an 'x' on the doors and a rooster weather vane, frosted in white
tiny strands of wheat, coated in tiny ice crystals, poking up from beneath the snowy blanket
a dilapidated shed, the roof covered in a foot of snow, making it want to cave in, and the floor covered with a foot of straw
an incredible sparkling field of diamonds, that shimmers as the sun hits it right
a tiny fox, running for cover from the big-footed monster, even though he could outrun me 10 times out of 10
the Two-Bit Ranch, on the other side of the county road, with a wrought-iron sign hanging at the front of the 1/4 mile gravel drive, just like it should be
and a bit closer to the house, a hot tub, perfect for soaking in 101 degree warmth below your chin while the snow falls on your hands and face. it's a striking contrast, exhilerating
Friday, January 9, 2009
What am I doing here?
Here's what I think of Steamboat....I like snow, but not that much snow.
So far, it has been a lot of getting used to things. Things like getting stuck in the driveway and having to be towed out. Things like having my windshield wipers constantly on. Things like not having internet at my house. Or even a tv that I can figure out. Things like wearing snow boots to work. Things like the doctors in the office knowing every detail about their patients and their families.
But I think if you give me this weekend to get out and enjoy myself, I'll find myself much more settled, much more ready to give this my all. Much more ready to face another 3 weeks away from home.
And if anyone wants to come visit, I'll cook for you.
So far, it has been a lot of getting used to things. Things like getting stuck in the driveway and having to be towed out. Things like having my windshield wipers constantly on. Things like not having internet at my house. Or even a tv that I can figure out. Things like wearing snow boots to work. Things like the doctors in the office knowing every detail about their patients and their families.
But I think if you give me this weekend to get out and enjoy myself, I'll find myself much more settled, much more ready to give this my all. Much more ready to face another 3 weeks away from home.
And if anyone wants to come visit, I'll cook for you.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Year
Top moments of 2008 (I couldn't remember anything, so I just scoured my blog, figuring most notable things would be in there):
1. Marian group retreat--my first trip to St. Malo, beautiful weather, sliding around on the frozen pond, hiking the JPII trail, wonderful friends...glorious.
2. WSMRF--a big long acronym that means my first "business" trip to Carmel, CA to present my research at a conference. The actual presentation was terrifying, but I loved sightseeing and shopping and eating out and the beach...and especially that the school paid for it.
3. Getting Step 1 behind me--taking a month to study for my first set of boards was way less stressful than I planned on, and getting it behind me was a huge relief...now on to Step 2.
4. Call me doctor--Michelle's graduation in May. I was so proud to see her up there, and it was the first real reunion of everyone in the 2 years since my Creighton graduation. Translation: tons of laughter!
5. US WNT--holy cow, I love soccer! 2 big highlights this year: the WNT (women's national team) came to Denver to play Brazil in their pre-Beijing send-off tour, and we got fully decked out, made huge signs that made the jumbotron, yelled at HAO, and watched them check off another of their record-setting wins. Then there was the 3 am games of Beijing and wearing my jersey over my pajamas and watching the live broadcast in class, almost falling out of my chair when they scored in OT. Gold, baby!
6. I got to dust off the softball glove for the young adult tournament this year. It's easy to forget how much I miss being on the mound, chatting it up, organizing the defense, cheering every batter, etc. We didn't do too bad, either. Only lost to the eventual first- and second-place teams.
7. Getting into the clinical years--seeing patients is SO much better than sitting in class.
8. Babies!!! I got to deliver babies and see many of my friends and cousins bring home babies of their own. I love babies!
9. Chuck--hard to believe that I've only been watching for a matter of months, but seriously, this has been a highlight of the year. I LOVE watching Chuck!
10. Christmas--two weeks of no school, walks on the beach, and my crazy family. Fun times.
A look forward...I wish I had taken the time to think of New Year's Resolutions, but for now, we'll settle for seeing what's in store for this year:
1. More school--finishing up with family medicine and surgery, and then all of my sub-internships and electives, not to mention studying for Step 2, applying for residency, and interviewing around the country. Lots of prayers, please.
2. Chi-town--there are 5 sites around the country to take the Step 2 CS exam. I'm taking a weekend in Chicago, hopefully with Hilary and complete with a Cubs game (and a Red Stars game?...see #3)
3. WPS--women's pro soccer is back, with the WPS debuting. I'm hoping to make it to one game this year and hopefully more next year.
4. Weddings and babies--so far, I have 2 cousins and a good friend set to take the plunge (I think I'll only make it to the friend's though) and probably more to come. And 2 pregnant cousins, and again, probably more to come. Yay!
That's all I know for now...thanks for taking a look back and a look forward with me. Many blessings in the new year.
1. Marian group retreat--my first trip to St. Malo, beautiful weather, sliding around on the frozen pond, hiking the JPII trail, wonderful friends...glorious.
2. WSMRF--a big long acronym that means my first "business" trip to Carmel, CA to present my research at a conference. The actual presentation was terrifying, but I loved sightseeing and shopping and eating out and the beach...and especially that the school paid for it.
3. Getting Step 1 behind me--taking a month to study for my first set of boards was way less stressful than I planned on, and getting it behind me was a huge relief...now on to Step 2.
4. Call me doctor--Michelle's graduation in May. I was so proud to see her up there, and it was the first real reunion of everyone in the 2 years since my Creighton graduation. Translation: tons of laughter!
5. US WNT--holy cow, I love soccer! 2 big highlights this year: the WNT (women's national team) came to Denver to play Brazil in their pre-Beijing send-off tour, and we got fully decked out, made huge signs that made the jumbotron, yelled at HAO, and watched them check off another of their record-setting wins. Then there was the 3 am games of Beijing and wearing my jersey over my pajamas and watching the live broadcast in class, almost falling out of my chair when they scored in OT. Gold, baby!
6. I got to dust off the softball glove for the young adult tournament this year. It's easy to forget how much I miss being on the mound, chatting it up, organizing the defense, cheering every batter, etc. We didn't do too bad, either. Only lost to the eventual first- and second-place teams.
7. Getting into the clinical years--seeing patients is SO much better than sitting in class.
8. Babies!!! I got to deliver babies and see many of my friends and cousins bring home babies of their own. I love babies!
9. Chuck--hard to believe that I've only been watching for a matter of months, but seriously, this has been a highlight of the year. I LOVE watching Chuck!
10. Christmas--two weeks of no school, walks on the beach, and my crazy family. Fun times.
A look forward...I wish I had taken the time to think of New Year's Resolutions, but for now, we'll settle for seeing what's in store for this year:
1. More school--finishing up with family medicine and surgery, and then all of my sub-internships and electives, not to mention studying for Step 2, applying for residency, and interviewing around the country. Lots of prayers, please.
2. Chi-town--there are 5 sites around the country to take the Step 2 CS exam. I'm taking a weekend in Chicago, hopefully with Hilary and complete with a Cubs game (and a Red Stars game?...see #3)
3. WPS--women's pro soccer is back, with the WPS debuting. I'm hoping to make it to one game this year and hopefully more next year.
4. Weddings and babies--so far, I have 2 cousins and a good friend set to take the plunge (I think I'll only make it to the friend's though) and probably more to come. And 2 pregnant cousins, and again, probably more to come. Yay!
That's all I know for now...thanks for taking a look back and a look forward with me. Many blessings in the new year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)