Game. Set. MATCHED.

Well, kids, it's official. I'm headed off to Kansas City for my pediatrics residency. It was my top choice, so of course I'm excited, but much more than that, I'm relieved that I finally know, and a little overwhelmed with everything that's in store for me. Like up and moving to a brand new city, on top of becoming a doctor and starting residency. And having to live in Chiefs territory. Yikes.

Match Day yesterday was intense. You can read a little about it and watch a decent video HERE. I'm so glad Michelle and my parents were able to join me. It really did feel like quite the historic occasion.

So, THANK YOU for your prayers to this point, but don't stop now. I need them more than ever as I finish out and embark on this new journey. I will probably be moving in early to mid-June. I'll keep you posted.

Here's the program I will be at if you're curious.

Dare to Dream: The Story of My Childhood Heroes

So, a couple years ago, I got Michelle this video, "Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team", an HBO documentary chronicling the rise of the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) from the inception before the 1991 World Cup through Gold in Athens in 2004. The story focused on the Fab Five: Mia Hamm (joined the USWNT at 15), Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly (most international games of any soccer player, male or female, EVER), Joy Fawcett (called "Mama Joy" because she had 3--THREE!--kids while playing for the USWNT), and Brandi Chastain. These women, along with a few others, like Michelle Akers and Carla Overbeck, basically carried women's soccer for 17 years, playing together and experiencing triumph and heartache. They took their sport from utter obscurity to the spotlight, when more than 90,000 people watched them win the World Cup in the Rose Bowl in 1999--the most attended women's sporting event in history.

Fab Five win Olympic Gold in Athens

So, yesterday, with some time to kill, I finally sat down and watched it. Best. Decision. Ever. Having followed these women from probably 1994 until their final game together on December 8, 2004, and even since then, I knew most of the story, but was inspired nonetheless by their endless dedication, competitive spirit, groundedness, and friendship. To quote a very famous cucumber, "I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob."

If you ever want to borrow the movie, or have me talk your ear off about my heroes, I'd be happy to oblige. I'm a firm believer that everyone should know the story of those who proved to the world that women athletes were, in fact, just athletes.

Everybody's Irish

Lots of green. Free beer. Exercise. Oh yeah, and snow. Well, not quite your typical Runnin' of the Green, but we made it, and we had fun. Happy St. Patty's Day, everyone.

Real Chicks do Colorado

This past weekend, I went up to Snow Mountain Ranch for some high-quality mountain fun. Real Chicks--a women's outdoor adventure group from Omaha--let me and Michelle tag along for their first out-of-state excursion.

Sunday morning we had our own personal "Winter Survival" course, taught by one of the YMCA guides. We learned how to build snow caves, dig snow trenches, and go sledding on shovels (very important). Said shovels are also useful for snow baseball. Then we were off for the sledding hill, complete with girly screams, wipeouts, and Flat Stanley rock climbing.

After "clean out the fridge" lunch, we were off for the "Intermediate Snowshoe" hike in RMNP. Our 64-year-old guide had blazed the trail for us the day before, and so we galavanted all over the mountain near Grand Lake, also complete with girly screams, wipeouts, and Flat Stanley.

Dinner in Grand Lake was well-earned, and a great end to a great day. We sampled some of the Grand Lake Brewery ales (yes, it was called "Wooly Booger"), the best chili fries I've ever had, and made our own red carpet commentary to the Oscars.

Thanks, Chicks, for letting us crash your party. What a wonderful day to enjoy Colorado! Now I just have to recover in time for the Running of the Green next weekend.