Weekend in Mt. Ida

Aaron's Tahoe recently began making an unhealthy sound, which we were told would be fine for awhile but would eventually turn into a problem. Realizing that it would most likely turn into a problem during midterms or finals, we figured we should take care of it before things get too hectic this semester.
Aaron's parents live in Mt. Ida, Arkansas, which is about a 4 hour drive from Tulsa. We don't get to see them often, so we took the opportunity to get his Tahoe fixed by his family's mechanic and spent the weekend with his family.

Miss Rihanna, our beautiful niece!

Aaron and his youngest sister, Rachel. She just started her freshman year at the University of Arkansas.

"Don't touch my tea!" Kyrah loved my sweet tea - mixed with some baked potato pieces she threw into the glass.

Kyrah with Uncle Aaron

Aaron and his dad.

Aaron and his big brother, Brian

Sweet kisses for daddy

Kyrah loves her baby - it goes everywhere with her, even on a quick trike ride

We had a great time catching up with his relatives and playing with our sweet nieces. They've gotten so big since we last saw them! Although we didn't get to study near as much as we would have liked, we're glad we chose to spend some precious time with family. Life is all about relationships!

Aaron: Chuck Norris of Medicine

I'm sitting here in my study carrel, trying not to fall asleep, which is really hard. Micah and I sleep every night with a fan on for white noise. Here in the library, the air conditioner is out in the section I'm at, so fans are dispersed throughout the books, though it's actually quite cool without them. Couple this with the jasmine scented tea I'm brewing now and postprandial somnolence, and we've got a serious study problem. 

Other than that, I can't complain. Second year is terrific. Not only do I actually have time in the afternoons to study, I've got enough time to be a TA for Anatomy for about 5 hours a week. AND, we actually get to learn medicine. Dr. Goljan (Ghoul-yawn), our Pathology professor,  is as advertised, and definitely the best teacher I have ever had. He's the Chuck Norris of medicine. 

The Chuck Norris of Medicine

He truly is a great man, and I think the thing I love the most about him is his openness with his faith. In being taught by this man, I get to experience part of a true miracle first-hand. He was unequivocally diagnosed with ALS (some might know it as Lou Gehrig's disease) by neurologists. Most of you probably don't know, but if you get ALS, you die within five years. This is probably the best example I have seen of the power of healing through prayer, as it truly had to be through God. It lets me know that God had great plans  for him. If nothing else, he has provided the BEST medical education to countless physicians, and been incredibly outspoken with his faith. There is no telling how many people have been won to Christ because of the impact he has had upon medical students. I am truly blessed to be at Oklahoma State and to learn from Poppy.

Rainy Day Recipe

I'm not a fan of Mondays in general, but today was particularly gruesome. I'm still getting used to 8 o'clock lectures Monday through Friday, and it was raining this morning when my alarm clock began screeching. The only thing I want to do when it's raining is snuggle deeper into the sheets and sleep in blissful peace, especially when I don't feel well. So I really had to force my eyes open and will myself to throw aside the blanket at 6:45.
That lovely start was followed by six - that's right, six - hours of lecture. Thankfully Poppie, our amazing Pathology professor, taught 3 of those hours. Even with him speaking, however, I was struggling to keep focus by 2:30.
The only redeeming portion of the day was lunch. I played Susie Homemaker this weekend, whipping up some chocolate chip cookies for the hubs from scratch, preparing chicken pot pie filling to freeze for a hectic day later this semester, and trying out a new vinaigrette recipe I flagged in a magazine several months ago. Orange Poppy Seed Vinaigrette courtesy of Cooking Light is definitely a keeper. If you're a fan of salads like me, you'll want to give it a try.

Mix 1/2 cup of OJ, 1/4 cup each of honey and champagne vinegar, and an 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a blender. Add 1 tsp of poppy seeds and pulse once. Cover, refrigerate, and enjoy!
I accidentally wrote down "champagne vinaigrette" on the grocery list, so that's what my husband brought home. It worked just fine as a substitution.
I sliced up strawberries, mandarin oranges, and some grilled chicken and added them to a spring mix along with some feta cheese. The ingredients paired perfectly with the vinaigrette. Super easy and super delicious, and now I have lunch for the week! If only every part of my life could be this simple...

Second Time Around

Aaron and I began our second year of medical school yesterday; the experience couldn't have been more different from our first day last August. There was no anxiety, as we knew exactly what was expected of us. There was no second-guessing if we were mentally capable of performing, as we had the the most difficult academic year behind us. And for me, there was no fretting about what to wear. :)
We watched the new first years arrive in the afternoon in brand new matching scrubs for their first official Anatomy lab. I couldn't help but smile while thinking how quickly appearance (and in some cases hygiene) becomes a medical student's last priority. They have about two weeks before those scrubs are beyond saving with any detergent - I can still smell the sting of the formaldehyde in my nose now.
I remember how unbelievably overwhelmed I felt after the first full day of lectures, much to the intimidation tactics of Dr. Meek, the Histology professor, who students concur is one of the best teachers at our school...after first semester is over. The information students in medical school are expected to learn and retain the first year is often likened to trying to swallow as much water as possible from a firehose spraying directly in your face.

Several professors actually included this analogy and picture in our slide shows last year

The amount of information is still overwhelming, but now we know how to chug!
The view is much nicer from this vantage point, and I'm looking forward to this year, because we'll be learning actual medicine. It's about time!

Princess Party

Last Monday evening was my third and final birthday celebration - birthdays are a big deal in my family! As I've mentioned before, we have an intimate home-cooked family dinner for each person's birthday. The guest of honor picks the menu, and the table and gifts are always decorated according to a theme.
This year, I chose chicken enchiladas, guacamole and salsa, with blueberry cobbler for dessert. We stuffed ourselves over a "princess" table scape. I may be deemed by some to be too old to have a princess party (I am officially 26), but there will always be a (big) part of me that still loves pink and purple and sparkles. That part of me shone through this year.

Didn't my sister do a fabulous job decorating? I loved the wands and crystals!

 Macee took the time to make a mini-album of pictures of me as a little girl, including one of my first birthday party. It was one of my favorite details.

 I wore my crown during presents and the Happy Birthday song!

The tutu above has been around for over 20 years. I wore it nearly daily for a good chunk of my "princess"  years, after which it was passed down to Macee. We spent many an hour twirling and waving for our daddy, as is evident by the missing sequins, tulle, and several small holes. I loved that Macee adorned my chair with such a cherished childhood item.
My parents, sister, and husband certainly made me feel like a princess, just as they always do. The food, fellowship, and gifts these past few weeks created some amazing memories. However, what I treasure the most from my birthday festivities are the cards I received. I best express myself verbally, and thus it means so very much when someone takes the time to do the same. Those words and emotions, felt specifically at that point in their lives, are inscribed upon a lovely card for me to revisit at any time I wish. And what was said by each loved one this year will be revisited time and time again.

The Big Event & White Coat

Our school prides itself on its connections to the community. From organizing rural health fairs to adopting a local underprivileged grade school, our students frequently commit themselves to service. This year, we wanted the first years to experience that aspect of our student dynamic firsthand during their orientation. Our Senate Vice President, John Lukeman, coordinated an afternoon of volunteering on Student Life Day last Saturday. Groups were placed at OKDHS, the Tulsa Hope Center, the Visiting Nurses' Association, and a variety of other organizations in Tulsa. Coined "Dr. Pete's Big Event," we hope it continues to grow to encompass other OSU campuses as well.

One of the benefits to organizing the clothes? You might find a gem or two.

 Aaron and I headed up a group for the project. We were really happy with the number of second years that gave up one of their last few summer afternoons to help out. Our group spent our time at Goodwill a few blocks away from the school.

Organizing the book section

Changing inventory in the shoe section

Dusting the clothing racks

Our amazing group! Plus a trash can...

Several shoppers commented on how nice it was to see us in the store, and the staff was very appreciative. Overall, the event was a huge success!
The White Coat Ceremony, which is our introduction into the medical profession, took place on Sunday afternoon. I was so proud as I watched my husband shake hands with the entering class on stage, representing our class as president. I saw the same expressions of nervousness and excitement on their faces as they entered the auditorium to the applause of their friends and family. Aaron and I shared our disbelief over the fact that our White Coat was one year ago. It's surreal, but most importantly it gives us hope that this upcoming year will fly by just as quickly! Welcome to OSU-COM, and congratulations, Class of 2015!

Birthday Week

I turned 26 this week, and I've already managed to have three celebrations with one more on the way. My sister and I are birthday professionals in that sense.

Great family movie! I'm in love with this era.

Last Saturday, my parents and sister came to town to spend the day with me since they had to work on my actual birthday. We ate lunch at Dilly Deli downtown, explored J. Spencer Jewelry and Gifts in Utica Square for the first time (fabulous!), and watched Captain America in 3D before eating dinner at Fish Daddy's. It was a full day of fun! I came home with a new silver necklace and gorgeous studs to match - my mom and I decided J. Spencer is a must-stop on our holiday shopping trip list.
Aaron went shopping late last week for my birthday presents, and his typical behavior ensued. He says he is not a gift giver, but he undoubtedly becomes one for me. As soon as the gifts are bought and wrapped, I am pleaded daily to open at least one present. I am and have always been a stickler for waiting until the actual holiday to open presents, but he makes it so hard to resist the temptation! I love that he gets so excited to see my reaction when I unveil his gifts - I know that I'm the apple of his eye.

This is what I was forced to say "No" to for 4 days! Torture!

I went on a Dillard's Sale shopping spree courtesy of my husband as part of my birthday. I snagged a pair of red patent wedges, black peep-toe pumps, a one-shoulder dress and a picture frame for a little over $100 - the full retail total was $300! If that's not a shopping score, I don't know what is.

I squealed when these goodies arrived on my front porch!

On my actual birthday, I awoke to the smell of biscuits baking in the oven. Aaron had arisen early and gone to the store so that he could make me breakfast. OJ, biscuits, and my favorite - hashbrowns - were the perfect start to my day. He also brought me a cream cheese brownie from the bakery down the street for later in the day. Delicious!

We saw a matinee of Cowboys and Aliens, which was a great action flick; there wasn't a dull moment. As a special treat, we bought buttered popcorn and a Dr. Pepper to share. It was the first time in quite a while that we'd seen a movie alone as a couple. I had forgotten how much I love movie dates with my hubs!
We ate dinner with a few of our closest friends at Charleston's, where I got one of my favorite entrees, the Walt's Champagne Chicken Salad. If you haven't tried it, do! We all split a yummy Lemon Drop Cheesecake slice for dessert, complete with the Happy Birthday song and a candle, and then headed to an old favorite, McNellie's, to visit afterwards. We finished the evening at Arnie's patio, where Sean and Jason spent well over 30 minutes discussing the superiority of OU and OSU, respectively. Macee and I chatted about puppies, school, and miscellaneous subjects during that time period. When the patio lights went out, we knew to call it a night.
It was one of the best birthdays I've ever had thanks to family and friends. The only thing missing? My mom and dad, and hearing my 'birthday story'. I get to celebrate with them again on Monday evening, so I'll just have to pretend it's my birthday again. I think I can manage. ;)

Above are the presents I resisted opening (except for the Papyrus note cards) for nearly a week. Will power! Aaron got me a new set of white antiqued dinnerware and 2 more frames. And, of course, I had a pair of birthday panties from my mommy!
The biggest surprise of the day? I got the purse I previously blogged about that I wanted to use as a doctor bag! I was hoping to save up gift cards and money to buy the beauty, but Aaron's parents generously called and had it wrapped here in Tulsa. Needles to say, there was screaming, giggling, and jumping after opening that package. I'm in love with the craftsmanship and leather, and can't wait for our first Clinical Skills exam! Well, maybe I can...
Am I still spoiled if I truly appreciate the effort and thought behind every act and gift? I am blessed beyond measure. 26 is off to a great start!