School, Engagement and Kitty

16 weeks have gone by and I finally have the chance to sit down and catch up my blog. When I left off, I had just finished my surgery rotation (the first of my third year). I have since received word that I got an Honors grade.

I did five weeks of Pediatrics next; 2 weeks on the wards at Doernbecher and 3 weeks in the Mother Baby Unit at OHSU. I had a great time and especially enjoyed the MBU. I have always been a little nervous around newborn babies (especially when they cry), but two days into the rotation I had figured out how to examine the babies and then get them nice and bundled up so that they wouldn’t cry at all. Apparently my magic touch earned me another Honors grade. They were soooooo adorable. Speaking of adorable little bundles… we got a new one!!!

ZANE!!! He is our 2^nd little black kitty. We found him online through Cat Adoption Team and went to see him one day while him and his sister were at PetSmart. We fell in love with him and although we weren’t planning on adopting a kitty that day, we didn’t even make it to the car before we turned around and got him. He had been with his litter since birth so he wasn’t scared of Colbie. She, on the other hand, was terrified of him. There was a good week of hissing, swatting, and Ryan and I sleeping in separate rooms so that neither kitty needed to be alone. Eventually, though they got used to each other and now are best buddies. They chase each other all around play fight like crazy. He is such a little boy (meaning “trouble maker”) but we adore him.

Also while I was on my Pediatrics rotation, my family and I ran in Hood to Coast. We certainly didn’t win, but we had a great time. I was so proud of all the team members who really trained hard and completely the 197 mile race! In my van, it was myself, Dad, Christie, my dad’s law partner Bob, Gabe, and Mia. In the other van it was my Aunt Sue, Uncle Les, Aunt Kathie, cousin Kortney, cousin Jon, and second cousin Ryan. Many of us were pumped to do it again next year, but I just received word that we did not make it into the raffle for teams.

In between my Pediatric and Family Medicine rotations, Ryan and I traveled down to Eugene with my mom and Pete for the Utah State Duck game. We arrived in town a little early so Ryan and I walked around campus. We went and saw the remodeled Hayward Field and then went to see Willamette Hall (the building where we met in physics class). While we stood outside the doors and reminisced about our meeting, Ryan got down on one knee and pulled a diamond ring out of his pocket!!! I couldn’t believe it! Before answering yes, I asked him “Are you serious?” at least five times. I was happy that I started to cry, but tears barely came out because I was so surprised and the physiologic response of the tears wasn’t fast enough. We went back to the car before the game started where we drank mini bottles of champagne that Ryan had brought with him. Then we headed to the game, watched the Ducks kick butt, and found some friends and family to share the big news with. Ryan has often said he doesn't think it is fair that the girl gets an engagement ring and the guy doesn't get a gift.... he thought an engagement bike was fair. So, Ryan got his new bike. We have since decided that we are going to have a long engagement secondary mostly to our school schedules. We have decided on May 8, 2010 at Sunriver Resort. We haven’t made many other decisions yet, but I’m looking forward to winter break so I can have some quality time with bridal magazines.

Following the excitement of the engagement weekend, I started my Family Medicine rotation with Dr. Charles Webb, a Sports Medicine doctor. I really enjoyed myself and admittedly was quite tempted to change my mind about orthopedics. For the time being, I’m staying with my original goal, but have certainly made some decisions about the type of career I eventually want. Sometime during the rotation, Ryan and I moved into a new place. Our old apartment was going into foreclosure and we decided to move out before we were forced to move out. We found a great 3 story townhouse in the same building (Meriwether in South Waterfront). It is a beautiful, big place with lots of stairs for the kitties to run up and down.

Next up was my Psychiatry rotation. I was at the VA for 5 weeks and met all kinds of crazies! It was an eye opener to see how sick some people are and to see how little can often be done for them. I learned a lot, but know that I do not want to be a psychiatrist.

Other events that have come and gone are Halloween and Ryan’s 26^th birthday. For Halloween we went to the Tinkle’s place and Ryan and I dressed up as Colbie and Zane. Meanwhile, the kitties had their own costumes that my mom made for them. For Ryan’s bday we went out to an amazing dinner at Carlyle. The next day we went to Rogue Brewery with some friends for lunch and then watched football and played Wii Mariokart ALL EVENING at our place!

End of Year 2 and Beginning of Year 3

Holy moly… to catch up I am going all the way back to May for Mia’s bachelorette party!!! A group of the bridesmaids (and the bride of course) headed to San Fran for a weekend of wine tasting and clubbing. It was loads of fun but we didn’t get much sleep and definitely came back to Portland tired. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the other bridesmaids before the wedding.

When I got back there was just a few more weeks of school. I managed to finish out the year with straight As (actually “Honors”)… but that didn’t mean that I felt very confident for the boards. I spent 3.5 weeks after school to study all day every day for the boards; it was EXHAUSTING. I set a goal for my score and by the end of my studying I was approaching that score on my practice tests. Somehow I made it through and took the test on June 10^th. After my test Ryan, Colbie and I celebrated with a bottle of Champagne and PIZZA. 4 weeks later I got my score and got exactly 1 point above my goal.

Right after the boards I went down to LA for Gabe and Mia’s wedding. There was a dinner at Mia’s parents’ house on Thursday night, the rehearsal and dinner on Friday night and the wedding on Saturday night. The whole event was so beautiful… from the people to the flowers to the food…. Everything was elegant and created a perfect wedding for my brother and new sister.

After coming back to Portland I had one week of summer break and was determined to make the most of it. I started things off by chopping off my long hair!!! Some Pi Phis and I headed out for Thirsty Thursday. Then I went to the Brown’s house to celebrate the last day of school for the dental students and participate in the drinking of a 5 liter bottle of wine. The next day we had the 3^RD FIRST ANNUAL NOB HILL PUB CRAWL!!!

The following Monday I started back to school… the first week was called “Transition to Clerkship” where we basically went through a whole bunch of lectures and workshops to prepare us for third year. To finish off that week, right before starting my surgery rotation, I headed to Bend for Andy and Sarah’s wedding (Ryan was the best man). It was a beautiful ceremony right on the river and then we danced the night away. And, Ryan caught the garter belt!!! Speaking of weddings... Jessica Addleman, Michelle Donovan, and Molly Diaz are all recently engaged!!! They're dropping like flies!

On June 30 I started my surgery rotation. I was assigned to the OHSU Emergency General Surgery Team. I got up everyday at 4:30am, started working on patient notes at home at 5, took the 5:30 tram up to school and saw my patients before meeting with the surgery team at 6am. We then discussed all our patients (we had 20-30 patients at a time) and rounded to see them. Around 8am surgeries would start and we would keep busy with surgeries, clinic, and rounding for the rest of the day. I got done between 6:30 and 7pm most days. I worked 6 days every week. Also, I took one day on call each week which meant that I would show up at work at 5:30 one morning and not go home until 11am the NEXT DAY. I really enjoyed the whole experience and learned a great deal… but I am TIRED!!! And, I really need to workout! It was so hard to get motivated to workout when I was barely making time for eating, showering and sleeping. Anyhow, my 5 weeks of surgery ended today with a test I took this morning. Next week I start my Pediatrics rotation. I will be at Doernbecher for 2 weeks and then in the Mother/Baby Unit at OHSU for 3 weeks.

As for my first weekend off in the past 5 weeks, I will be keeping busy over the next few days. I’m going out with classmates tonight to celebrate being done with rotation #1, I have a Hood to Coast Captain’s meeting tomorrow morning, Julie and Jason’s wedding is tomorrow night, and then on Sunday I’m going to see Chorus Line with my mom.

Oh, and last but not least, Colbie is doing great... she just turned 1 year old!!!

Almost done with Year 2!

Okay, okay, I’m a horrible blogger. Even though I should be studying right now, I’m going to take the time to attempt to write about everything that has happened since February!

On Valentine’s Day, Ryan and two guy friends (Neil and Aaron) made dinner for myself and the wives of the two boys (Lindsay and Amanda) at Ryan’s apartment complex. We ate, dranks lots of wine, and played board games. After being told that I wanted a romantic present (not something practical), Ryan gave me an electric toothbrush… but then he also gave me a beautiful pair of earrings.

A few weeks later, Jessica Addleman and I decided to have a joint birthday party. Some of the sorority girls and a few classmates came over to Jess’ apartment and then we went out to the Boiler Room. We had a great time, and a little too much to drink =) But what better way to celebrate becoming perfect squares (5² = 25)?!

Ryan and I also spent a weekend in Newport at Lindsay and Neil’s beach house for Seafood and Wine weekend. Again, good food, good drinks, and lots of games…. Seeing a pattern when we hang out with the Browns?

When my real birthday arrived, Ryan surprised me with another party at Ken’s house on Mt. Scott. While only a few of the sorority girls could make it, a good crowd of Ryan’s classmates and other ‘random’ friends showed up and again… we ate, drank, and played games (including beer pong!).

Amidst all the partying and studying I managed to make it to a few dance team practices, competitions, and STATE. The Cavalettes’ show was called “Heartscape” and was based on the human heart, circulation (they were dressed like veins), and music that had to do with the heart and love. After winning at ALL of their competitions, they WON STATE FOR THE 2^ND YEAR IN A ROW!!!! As a Cavalette alumnus and coach, I was thrilled… what a great reward after all of their hard work! You can check out the performance on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Le3JHYvt2Fc

Eventually spring break arrived…. My dad, Christie and Michael headed off to California. Pete and my mom headed to Florida. I was not invited on either vacation and instead I had my wisdom teeth taken out. All four came out and sadly I am STILL numb on my lower right… although feeling is slowly coming back. I actually enjoyed the down time and watched many movies (including all of the Harry Potters). At the end of the vacation, Ryan and I headed to the beach to join Ashley, O’Neal, Addleman, Isaac, Julie O., and Jason for a fun weekend. We played Wii, board games, and cards. We also visited the Nehalem Bay Winery and Tillamook Cheese Factory. It was exactly what I needed to raise my spirits before heading back to school for the final stretch of the year.

The following week I did something that I have wanted to do for a long time but had previously been too scared… I did a TRIATHLON. It was at OSU and called the Beaver Freezer. It was a ‘sprint’ distance, meaning it was a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride, and 5K run. Having learned to lap swim just for this event, I didn’t care that I was slow; I was just happy to do it! I actually went pretty fast on the bike and run (fast for me, anyhow) and felt GREAT at the end. Ryan and his dad also participated. It was loads of fun, but I think I’ll stick to mostly running events from now on.

After the physical exertion of the race, Ryan and I headed back to Portland that afternoon and moved into our new apartment. We got a 2 bedroom place at the Meriwether West building down at the base of the tram. It has taken a few weeks to really get settled, but it finally feels like home. It is nice to be so close to school, but I’m missing the days of paying minimal rent to my landlord/dad. We haven’t had the time to have a ‘real’ housewarming, but please feel free to invite yourself to see the place (and me!). Colbie is adjusting and loves to watch the construction workers across the street while Ryan and I are at school. Also, she took a walk with us on the waterfront the other day (leash and all!).

As for school…. I finished out my Neuroscience course strong and added another Honors grade. I have always meant for this blog to serve as a diary of sorts and to update my family and friends on my life when I may be too busy with school to connect with everyone one on one. Thus, I like to include my test scores (especially when they are good) so you all know that me not hanging out and studying all the time is actually paying off. However, a few of my classmates have discovered that I write my scores here and think it is HILARIOUS. In fact, there is an event every year that is put on by the 2^nd year students to basically make fun of each other and I have a strong feeling that portions of my blog might make the show this year. Therefore, not to disappoint, I’ll share my scores from the class that followed Neuro; in our Pathophysiology of Blood course we had three tests on which I scored 100%, 97%, and 98%. We are now in our final class: Human Growth and Development. I got an 89% on the first test and now need to step-up the studying a little for the last two tests if I want to get above 90% (an Honors grade).

More importantly, however, is my studying for Step 1 of the National Boards. I have scheduled my test for June 10. While I have already started studying for the test, we will be done with school on May 16 and I will start studying all day, every day for the boards. I’m still interested in orthopaedics and because it is very competitive, I need to do well on my test if I want to be a competitive applicant.

I am, however, taking a break from studying this weekend to travel to San Francisco for Mia’s bachelorette party!!! I will get to meet the other girls in the wedding and hopefully have a relaxing vacation away from school! After I take the boards, I’ll have one free day before heading down to LA for Gabe and Mia’s wedding… I can’t wait!

Finally, I will include pictures of my adorable daughter: Colbie Kitty!