Last few weeks of summer vacation

Yesterday, I began orientation for residency. The transition from being relatively "free" to working once again, got me thinking about the remainder of my brief and busy summer vacation.

After my last post, I was able visit both families in far away states, and spent the 4 days between the two trips crazy busy with errands and becoming legal residents of our new location!

The drive to visit my family was surprisingly beautiful, making the drive pretty easy. I spent Tuesday through Friday after Memorial Day there, and was able to see both of my sister's homes, the nieces and nephews that live there, my immediate family, and our extended families. It felt great to visit everyone.

Wednesday through Saturday of last week we were visiting Pete's family. It was a very enjoyable couple days, complete with lots of visiting both friends and family, having the opportunity to help with some of his sister's graduation things, and was productive time for Pete at work as well. We ended up coming home on Saturday because the weather started to look rainy/bad on forecast for Sunday (and we were moving many soft things back here in the back of an open pick-up truck), and in part because I needed to get back.

We spent Sunday unpacking a load of things from the truck, and taking care of many little things that needed to be done before beginning orientation. I started to worry about finding my work clothes and glasses because they were not easy to locate in the boxes we had taken back from Michigan... With a big sigh of relief, we located located these items late Sunday night intermixed in the recently moved boxes, as well as boxes that had been storing other items at our house! I was beginning to get nervous that I was going to have to show up my first day in shorts and a tee-shirt (so glad that this was not the case)!

Sorry for the paucity of pictures, I was enjoying my time visiting over the final weeks of break! Hope all of you are enjoying your Summer breaks! :) I apologize in advance, but life in the next couple weeks is going to again get crazy busy! Take care!

Graduation

This past weekend was graduation. After 4 years of studying, many examinations, and hours of patient care in the clinics and hospital carefully watched/guided/nurtured by caring and compassionate physician educators... there is now an MD following my name from here on out.

This was not a single person endeavor. It was something that took the love and support of my dear husband, our dogs, and family and friends. Without these other people and things in our lives, I would not have made it through intact, whole, and stronger/more resilient for this experience. So thank you all for this support and encouragement, because while I enjoyed the vast majority of this experience... there were times that were hard emotionally/mentally/physically, things that I had to miss, and times I just needed to just "feel human" for a couple hours and the coffee nights, saunas, attending church, etc really helped with that. So thank you all!

On that note...

My family arrived Thursday night -- even grandma came with my parents and 2 sisters! It was so fun to visit with everyone in our home, and have company this last weekend that we live in this apartment.

The party Friday night was so fun. Thank you to all that attended this graduation / going away shindig. It was nice to visit with everyone that was there. It was so nice that even some of my out of town family could come -- 2 of Pete's sister's from MN came with 2 of my nieces, and a sister came en route to home from a business trip despite some airport frustrations!

And Saturday... I don't know how quite to describe the feeling of walking into a crowded stadium with the people filled with those that myself and my classmates all love to celebrate the attainment of our new title of Doctor. I thought I had prepared for this experience -- felt that my excitement had peaked around the time my diploma came in the mail with the ceremony was mere formality and something I should attend/do. But, was I ever wrong. I think the ceremony made me realize that 1) finishing medical school was an accomplishment, and 2) I did earn my MD and should not feel bad/ashamed about using it. There was definitely a part that belittled the work that I put into getting this degree, and had a hard time as recognizing myself as one of "the doctor's" -- I think the ceremony served to make me realize that I truly have earned this degree and that have joined the ranks of the others that have earned this title that have gone before me. And even the speeches were meaningful and sweet... not verbose, fluffy addresses without any substance.

And Sunday, Mother's day was relatively quiet. Family left real early, we got a start on the packing/moving that will be going down this week, and were able to meet my in-laws for ice cream, coffee, sauna in the evening.

All in all, a very nice weekend! So happy to be done! :)

Tourist in my own town

This past weekend, my mom and sister came to visit me. It was so much fun to see them again -- and I totally enjoyed the time we spent together. The weekend was action packed... we did things such as explore the capitol, tour a local town and visit all the gifty-type shops that Pete won't tour with me, went on an airplane ride, emptied the house of furniture and belongings, visited with my aunt and uncle, went out to eat a couple times -- including once for pie, had cider and doughnuts from a local cider mill, among other things. It was fun -- and I believe they had a good time too! But today, its back to reality and I am sad to see them  go!

A few pics from the weekend (photo credits: my sister Emma): 

Welcome to Summer! :)

This past weekend, Pete and I made our first long trip -- home to MN to see family! It cut the trip in half -- even with fairly frequent stops! And... along the way we got to see some pretty neat scenery.

 

A Steel Mill - Gary, Indiana; something I found remarkable -- you can see the smoke settle along I-94, essentially forming a band directly above the highway.

Chicago-- absolutely amazing flying through/over Navy Pier at 2000 feet through the VFR corridor. We had to talk to O'Hare traffic control while traveling through this area, and were able to see big jets go above us and other little planes around us. A really neat experience! Also, we could see the backed up traffic from Chicago rush hour and I was reminded that we never would have been able to go out there for this last minute weekend trip had it not been for the ability to fly out there. It cut the travel time in about 1/2 even with frequent stops.

 Welcoming committee at the airport. This pic is a bit blurry, but makes me smile. Never have we ever had such a crew out to watch us land! :) It was so fun to see everyone both at the airport and at a little party at Mindy's afterward! :)

Outside of the gathering at Mindy's where we got to see family and friends, while in Minnesota...

• I went shopping with my mom and sister's to find a few new shirts for school (and make use of the no sales tax on clothing).
• Visited with most of my maternal aunts/uncles after a wedding.
• Went boating and water skiing on the below lake until the skies turned dark and twisting with fingers coming down from the clouds (and yes, tornado sirens were going off.

• Had my first grilled hamburger of summer at a cookout at my mom and dad's (along with all the sides -- scrumptious watermelon, baked beans, chips, among other good food). 
• Did a lot of visiting, and even managed to get some studying in.
• And Pete was able to share his hobby of flying with a few more people (i.e. he gave a few airplane rides to my siblings, parents and his brother).

It was a very fun weekend and great way to kick off summer! :) But, now it feels good to be home, be unpacked, and ready to return to some serious studying for the next couple weeks. Wishing all the best to you and yours! :)

A few more pics of Chicago (for good measure) -- taken on the way home.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 15

My shoes. Comfortable. Well worn. Water proof -- never had wet socks in them despite frequent walking through snow and the occasional puddle. Insulated and warm. I only wish they were a bit less slippery on ice, and perhaps a bit dressier. I wear these about every day in the cooler months. Since it is getting warmer now... its almost time to put them away and take out the more breathable tennis shoes.

Although I require my shoes to first and foremost must be comfortable, and I would not mind walking miles in my dress shoes... its hard to beat the worn-in feel of a still supportive pair of tennis. I am going to miss wearing these daily next year.

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Cute pie made by my sister-in-law Michelle! Perfect for pie day (and very tasty too)!

Last night we went and celebrated Pi day with my in-laws, Ed & Michelle and the boys, and the K and L grandparents. Such a fun, quirky holiday to celebrate that lets the inner-nerd of the guys shine. Lots of pie, fun conversation, and even got a sauna in out of the deal. The above pie was made by my sister-in-law, Michelle (photo taken by her as well) ~ so very perfect for pi(e) day! :)

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 14

Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but here... today is warm for March (60s, sunny) and beautiful. That being said, its still March and unfortunately flowers are not yet blooming. In lieu of snapping pictures in the floral department or purchasing flowers to get a current photo. I thought I would share some old pictures of flowers that make me smile. 

This picture was taken at my wedding -- oh, so many years ago. I still like the bouquets and colors. The flowers that were used in my wedding came directly off the shelf at Costco, as the flowers we ordered came in very pale, and I did not like the color. So, I was glad we had black dresses and could easily choose something else.

This pic was taken at the Como Zoo. I wish I lived closer -- they have this beautiful indoor flower garden that is nice to visit. This pic is of tulips -- my favorite flower.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Days 2-6, and a few extras from my trip to visit family

Day 2: What I wore to ride/drive ~700 miles to visit my family -- my jacket, a plaid shirt, sparkly T-shirt and jeans. Last minute trips are the best! :) Taken in a gas station bathroom en route.

Last Friday morning 2 minutes before class, I got a phone call asking if I wanted to go home for a few days over break. We had talked about maybe going -- but, for various reasons... heading into the end of the week, it did not look like the trip was going to happen. I, of course, said "Yes!" as I had spring break and was wanting to spend some time with my family. After class, packed up my bags -- taking clothes out of the washer and off the chair-where-things-are-held-prior-to-folding, said good-bye to Pete over lunch, and headed home. 12 hours later -- I said "hello" to my mom and dad, excited to be able to enjoy a week with them and other family.

Day 3: Clouds -- couldn't decide which I liked better... this?

Or this? You can see the moon through the trees. Both were taken while going on a walk around the block.

Day 4: Favorite color -- I love all colors -- they make me happy. Red, Green, yellow, blues, anything... without them the world would be very bland. I also love this saying. I saw this while I was down there and had to take a picture of it! :) I can think of many things I could look back on and wish I had done differently, be it starting school earlier or having a random fun job out West somewhere (never happened) when I was younger ~ but that would have taken some of the journey out of life.

Day 5: Someone I love. This pic was taken after a "lice scare" at my mom and dads (and actually was taken Saturday -- but thought it most appropriate for this day's pic).

Funny story: Saturday, after having a really nice lunch at a Japanese hibachi steakhouse. My dear sister, Jenna, saw white dots in another sister's hair. This girl is absolutely paranoid of getting lice, and checks her daughter's hair a few times a day. So, white dots = lice.

After saying that "(the littlest sister) has lice", she asked another one of my sisters (a nurse) to double-check. By this time, we were all scratching our heads -- suddenly finding them very itchy. So, she saw the white dots and was convinced -- the littlest sister had lice (by the way, my sister who is a nurse has never seen a case of lice). We swung through the pharmacy on the way home to pick up lice combs, shampoo, etc. and all started to get in the rhythm of scouring the house, bagging up brushes/hair stuff, etc. And treating hair with Permethrin cream rinse, and spraying fabric stuffs that can't be washed with Permethrin spray. (We treated the sister with "lice" and my hair. The Permethrin cream rinse kills eggs, bugs, etc. for 14 days and I was not going to be in down for > 14 days... so to me, treating my hair seemed like a good idea.)

My mom starts combing out the sister's hair where the "lice" was discovered. And... found that she has a bad case of dandruff. They were not able to find any eggs stuck to hair shafts, live bugs, or anything else suggestive of lice in her hair. Just lots of flaky dry scalp pieces. Everyone's hair got checked for lice, and though we found a few more cases of dandruff... we never found any lice.

We ran out that evening and bought dandruff shampoo, and lots of lice-repellent shampoos and sprays... not wanting a repeat of that scare! :)

Day 6: Childhood memory. Growing up here was magical. Setting sun through my parents window.

Petting sharks and sting-rays at the zoo. Jenna, Jaedon, Nolan.

 Thursday, my mom, grandma, Jenna, Jaedon and Nolan went to the zoo. So fun!

Komodo Dragon

Jaedon playing with the penguins -- this little guy would follow her hand up, down, and side to side when she ran in front of the glass. So cute! :)

Nolan -- king of the hill. He did not want to leave this rock ~5 feet higher than the ground. He liked looking at the penguins, and watching people walk by beneath him.

And, how can I not add this little smiling chica -- my sister Kristen's daughter. She loves dogs, and kept looking for my parent's dog, Tucker. She has 2 dogs of her own at home -- Kimber and Moose. She knows the dog's names and "puppy, puppy". Certainly takes after her mom -- loves animals!

Heading home -- part of me will always be in this city. Lots of fun memories here! :)

We came home yesterday. Getting back about 11:30 PM. 10.5 hours -- very good time with two 17 month olds! :) They were really good in the car, and enjoyed getting treats, water and playing with toys.

Outside of going to the Japanese steakhouse for hibachi and subsequent lice scare, and making it to the Minnesota zoo... we went boutiquing one day, shopping another day, hit up Applebee's for half-priced appetizers, and had many lovely meals together.  I met my sister-in-law for coffee at a cute local coffee shop, and made it to Kristen and Jenna's houses -- to have some really fabulous sourkraut pizza and watch the bachelor-tells-all Monday night as a group. I went to a wedding shower and was able to catch up with a few people. I was thankful to be able to spend so much time at home -- getting to know some of my younger siblings and neices and nephews; and talking with mom, dad, Grandma D., siblings, and others. I did get in some studying... but like the above quote, could regret that it was not enough nor near as much studying as I would have gotten if I had stayed home or look at it as perfect because it got me to where I am today.

Catch-up with my life

So, as the semester is winding to a close... I figured I would post what we've been doing these last couple of weeks -- which have been a whirlwind.

Monday, November 21st -- I finished my heme-onc domain. This is one of the hardest domains (classes) that we have this year, so it felt like a minor victory to complete it well.

After packing and readying the car, we left for Minnesota on Wednesday -- with the driver (Pete) muttering as we were stuck in traffic in Chicago -- "look, there's no traffic back-up 1000 feet above us" or "if we would have flown, we would have been there by now". It certainly did not help that the weather that day was beautiful blue skies and well above freezing. Other than the usual Chicago delay, the ride there was nice and we made good time. It was fun to be able to visit family for a few hours before heading North Thursday morning for Thanksgiving at the Town Hall with the S**** family.

Thanksgiving at the Town Hall was very nice! Most of my cousins, all of my aunts/uncles and Grandma were there, with total attendance >100. It was so much fun to catch up with many people I have not seen in years, and meet my cousins little kids! I was really glad we were able to be there for this event, as this side of my family does not get together like this often and has only rented out the Town Hall a handful of times in the past (each time I remember quite fondly). I will have to post pictures once I figure out how to get them off of my phone.

After enjoying Thanksgiving, we went back to my parents home. My mom, sisters and I went Black Friday shopping early Friday morning -- making it to the Mall of America, and a few other stores. I was surprised that the MOA was not packed with people, but it was fun to visit this old stomping ground and get a few of the Friday deals (as well as a few things that we actually needed). Such a fun day! :)

Saturday was spent visiting a myriad of people -- my husbands family in the morning, and my aunt's and a few others at a wedding that evening. Sunday we left in the morning thinking that the weekend was fun and enjoyable, but passed by too quickly.

That brings us to this week... catching up with studies, laundry, house-work, decorating for Christmas, and the many other chores that come with spending time away.

We also were able to take a short flight this evening -- this was Pete's 1st time up with a passenger since getting his license. And I thought it was fun to sit in the front seat of the plane, and play a bit with the wheel. The setting sun is certainly beautiful at 3000 feet up, as are the street lamps reflecting off the brilliant white snow appearing like strands of pearls.

So what have you been doing? How was your Thanksgiving? I hope you were able to share the holiday with ones that you love, and had much laughter and good food. Merry Christmas!

U.P. ~ Summer Vacation 2011

This past week, Pete and I spent some time relaxing in the UP... the pics below are a few memories from our week off...

Campfire/Wiffleball on the beach with family...




Doing the scenic tour of the UP, including Eagle Harbor... Copper Harbor... Brockway Mountain... and a few other stops with my family...

Spending some time on the water... I noticed these trees from the water and they reminded me of something from a Dr.Seuss book... little tufts of branches at the top.

Outside of the above... we were able to spend quite a bit of time sauna/swimming at the camp where my mom & dad were staying, reading (I got through 8 novels... nothing with any remotely any educational value), and saw a few of our friends too. :) There is nothing quite like the U.P. summer ~ and we felt fortunate to be able to enjoy a whole week of it this year! :)