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!