I just received word that I have successfully completed all that is required from me as a third year medical student, which means...
...I am officially a 4th Year medical student!
To complete my final year, I take 2 national board exams. The first one is the PE, where they test my clinical skills and grade me on patient interactions. I take this on Thursday, July 22nd. The second is Step 2 COMLEX - another written, long, hard exam. I take this on Friday, August 13th! Hoping for reverse luck on that one.
I then complete ERAS, an online system that compiles all the information I will be sending to the residency programs for which I am applying. Then, hopefully, I get granted a few interviews that will take place from November thru January. Then, I wait patiently until the middle of March to find out if I matched anywhere. Nope, not a stressful process, whatsoever. Will I get an interview? Will I get ranked? Will I have to move in July? I take it a day at a time, really all that can be done for now.
Oh, and I am planning on becoming an OB/Gyn.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Weekender
WE DROVE
To and from St. Louis is about 4 hours, house to house. We can usually count on Brock to be fine for the first 20 minutes, then fight sleep for about 10 minutes, then sleep for 2 hours, leaving about and hour and a half to try and entertain and appease the confined child. These 1.5 hours can seem like a lifetime sometimes, but not this weekend! Brock behaved perfectly. Perhaps he is beginning to learn there is no use complaining while strapped in a car seat. Or maybe it was dumb luck - either way, it was nice.WE PLAYED
We visited Grant's Farm which is owned and run by the Busch family - creator's of the Budweiser empire. Here we enjoyed some train riding, animal watching, goat feeding, kettle corn & sno cone eating as well as beer sampling (Matt only). I, of course, was only interested in the Clydesdales. Wow. They are huge, magnificent, cute animals.
WE ATE
When I say we ate, we ate good. Imo's Pizza, Amighetti's, baked goods from the Hill, Ted Drew's and Pappy's Smokehouse BBQ. To give you an idea about how amazing these places are, we saw 2 wedding parties at Ted Drew's and the line was out the door of Pappy's.
WE TOURED
Of course we made a stop at the Arch. Brock hardly paid attention to the massive structure, he preferred the stairs to the river bank and pushing his own stroller.
WE STAYED
Matt's Aunt Mary Lynne was gracious enough to open her house to us for the weekend! We had a nice comfy bed to sleep in, and plenty of options for spots to park Brock's bed. Though Brock had a rough first night, he quickly caught up on sleep with a 12 hour night on Saturday. Which, I am not sure how he could sleep in so long with the scent of bacon wafting down the stairs. We woke up to fresh breakfast both mornings, I couldn't be more appreciative. And on top of great accomodations, we had fun with extended family we don't always get to see: Thomas & Claire, as well as, Tim & Kathy joined us on Friday.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Eye of the Beholder
My sister returned my son to me this afternoon, after a day at the zoo. I ask her how he behaved, and she replies, "I am really sorry Erin, I almost lost your son today." Perhaps this comment would upset most mothers, but me? Nope, I am not surprised, nor bothered by this statement in the least. He IS my son afterall, and I know how he is. In fact, I would have been utterly shocked if she said the excursion was uneventful. Apparently, while he was eating popcorn out of the wagon (as he had been doing all morning) she thought it safe to turn around and place a quarter in the machine to retrieve some goat feed. How long does that take? 15, 20 seconds, tops? Well, just long enough for a toddler, well-practiced in the art of running, to disappear from sight. She goes on to say, "I always thought those little backpack leash devices for children were just ridiculous, but Brock makes me rethink this invention."
In every mother's eyes, their child is perfect. I would change nothing about Brock, nothing. But I have come to realize, that had he been born to a "lazy" mother, she might describe him as a difficult child. I am defining a lazy mother, as one who would rather sit and play, or read, or whatnot. One who when outside would rather just stroll along, or when at the park, would prefer to sit on the bench and observe as their child plays. One who would like the option of letting the kid out of their sight for less than 30 seconds knowing their little one will not have strayed more than 3 feet. And if the toddler were to wander, they'd hope it would become worried and turn around within, I don't know, a house length/ 15 yards or so. This is a perfectly acceptable "mother type" to be differentiated from a neglectful mom - which is absolutely not tolerated.
Fortunately, my high energy son, was provided with a high energy mother (all the time, except during pregnancy). For he does not turn around after 15 yards, nor 30, nor even 50 most of the time (further distances have yet to be tested...) And if he thinks you are following him, then it turns into a dead sprint to get away, and you have no option but to chase, because you never know when far is too far for him. And usually there is a street that hits before the limit of his comfort zone. He will generally play well at a playground, but eventually, curiosity gets the better of him, and off to wandering, or drinking from other mother's coffee mugs, or trying to open other people's car doors. He does have moments of "quiet play" but this usually just means he is tired. That child is either full steam ahead or down for the count. Being used to his antics, I consider him to be a very well-behaved, wonderful son. Even when his adventuresome attitude result in near heart attacks for mom.
While shopping in Gymboree one afternoon, I was waiting in the checkout line, as Brock played on the little chairs they have set up in front of a TV showing children's programs. I could only see his feet, but I watched them near continually. I sincerely don't remember ever turning my sight from him, but it must have happened, because I suddenly realized, those were not Brock's shoes. I hopped out of line, walked back to the area, saw him nowhere, adrenaline pumping, chest palpitations and all, then began to panic. The doors to the store were wide open, and lead straight to the street/parking lot. As I beeline it toward the doors, I see a woman holding Brock's hand attempting to guide him back into the store, she smiles and says, "Oh, is he yours? I found him about to step into the street." She might as well have said, "So, you're the irresponsible, unfit mother, letting your 18 month old wander on his own?" I apologetically admit to him being mine, and she adds, "I totally understand, my son does the same thing; my daughter won't leave my side, but he could care less." I was shocked and relieved. Shocked because I didn't know people like that still existed, especially in Johnson County. (My last visit to this shopping center, someone called the cops on a mom who left her van parked outside Gap with her 2 children in it while she ran into a store in the pouring rain - not that I think it's a good idea, nor would I ever do this, but it's not my business, why get authorities involved?) Relieved because I had found my son.
What I am trying to say, is the more I think about it, the more I realize that child-rearing is all in the eye of the beholder. What seems like an exhausting, ill-behaved child to one, can be considered just a curious, highly-active child to another.
In every mother's eyes, their child is perfect. I would change nothing about Brock, nothing. But I have come to realize, that had he been born to a "lazy" mother, she might describe him as a difficult child. I am defining a lazy mother, as one who would rather sit and play, or read, or whatnot. One who when outside would rather just stroll along, or when at the park, would prefer to sit on the bench and observe as their child plays. One who would like the option of letting the kid out of their sight for less than 30 seconds knowing their little one will not have strayed more than 3 feet. And if the toddler were to wander, they'd hope it would become worried and turn around within, I don't know, a house length/ 15 yards or so. This is a perfectly acceptable "mother type" to be differentiated from a neglectful mom - which is absolutely not tolerated.
Fortunately, my high energy son, was provided with a high energy mother (all the time, except during pregnancy). For he does not turn around after 15 yards, nor 30, nor even 50 most of the time (further distances have yet to be tested...) And if he thinks you are following him, then it turns into a dead sprint to get away, and you have no option but to chase, because you never know when far is too far for him. And usually there is a street that hits before the limit of his comfort zone. He will generally play well at a playground, but eventually, curiosity gets the better of him, and off to wandering, or drinking from other mother's coffee mugs, or trying to open other people's car doors. He does have moments of "quiet play" but this usually just means he is tired. That child is either full steam ahead or down for the count. Being used to his antics, I consider him to be a very well-behaved, wonderful son. Even when his adventuresome attitude result in near heart attacks for mom.
{Photos from January of 2010}
While shopping in Gymboree one afternoon, I was waiting in the checkout line, as Brock played on the little chairs they have set up in front of a TV showing children's programs. I could only see his feet, but I watched them near continually. I sincerely don't remember ever turning my sight from him, but it must have happened, because I suddenly realized, those were not Brock's shoes. I hopped out of line, walked back to the area, saw him nowhere, adrenaline pumping, chest palpitations and all, then began to panic. The doors to the store were wide open, and lead straight to the street/parking lot. As I beeline it toward the doors, I see a woman holding Brock's hand attempting to guide him back into the store, she smiles and says, "Oh, is he yours? I found him about to step into the street." She might as well have said, "So, you're the irresponsible, unfit mother, letting your 18 month old wander on his own?" I apologetically admit to him being mine, and she adds, "I totally understand, my son does the same thing; my daughter won't leave my side, but he could care less." I was shocked and relieved. Shocked because I didn't know people like that still existed, especially in Johnson County. (My last visit to this shopping center, someone called the cops on a mom who left her van parked outside Gap with her 2 children in it while she ran into a store in the pouring rain - not that I think it's a good idea, nor would I ever do this, but it's not my business, why get authorities involved?) Relieved because I had found my son.What I am trying to say, is the more I think about it, the more I realize that child-rearing is all in the eye of the beholder. What seems like an exhausting, ill-behaved child to one, can be considered just a curious, highly-active child to another.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Four for the 4th.
The pond where we set up camp for the day is surrounded by acre, upon acre, upon acre, upon acre of open fields of 3 foot grass which eventually opens up to a highway that, as evidenced by the road kill every quarter mile or so, is no place for a little rat dog. So, Brock, Tali and I set off to walk the path back to the farmhouse, in case our dim-witted canine friend, had a moment of logic and chose to travel in the correct direction toward safety. Matt was driving back to the farmhouse, as this errand was the reason we even noticed Tater's disappearance, so he would be checking the highway. As I walk with Brock on my shoulder's calling Tater's name and making kissing noises, Tali leaps through the grass seeming to understand our mission and Brock just continually asks with upturned hands "where's Tater" and attempts to make kissing sounds himself.
After walking a good 1/3rd of a mile, my sister pulls up next to us with the car and offers her services. We get in, and decide it best to drive back to the house, then work our way backwards. Well, we arrive, and there you have it. We find Tater comfortably curled up in the backseat of the 4runner, as if nothing out of the ordinary has transpired. Apparently, about a mile or so down the road, Matt discovered our panicked, little greyhound running in the middle of the highway! Guess he figured his best odds of being seen for a tiny, black dog, is running on a black road. Yet again, Tater amazes us that he has survived these 5 years on earth. And thank goodness this little fiasco did not put a damper in any of the daily activities:
Never again will that animal be joining us for fireworks. But let's hope the mullets, coveralls, hillbilly golf, horseshoes, fishing, food, fireworks, family, fun and various facial hair styles make a regular appearance.
Friday, July 2, 2010
It's a....
...BABY!
We had our 2nd sonogram today, exactly 22 weeks. This is the one where you can potentially find out whether "it" is actually a "he" or "she", but for now, 2.O will remain an "it". Though, the fact that the baby was measuring with a normal size head, in roughly the 40% for size (almost 1 lbs) and had a heart rate of 133 - I am going girl. So, according to my mother's intuition will be having a girl on November 5th, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz. Though, that undeniable trend of boys puts a damper in my confidence, this it my story and I am sticking to it.
The baby never stopped moving for the Sono, and is waving hello! It is always so fun to put a face to all those spastic movements. And also quite a relief put to rest any concerns about deformities, hernias, missing or dysfunctional organs, missing limbs, fingers, toes, etc. Baby 2.O is as healthy as a horse. Just the way I like it.
Look out world (but mainly, Brock, Tali & Tater) - appears we've got another wild one on our hands!
We had our 2nd sonogram today, exactly 22 weeks. This is the one where you can potentially find out whether "it" is actually a "he" or "she", but for now, 2.O will remain an "it". Though, the fact that the baby was measuring with a normal size head, in roughly the 40% for size (almost 1 lbs) and had a heart rate of 133 - I am going girl. So, according to my mother's intuition will be having a girl on November 5th, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz. Though, that undeniable trend of boys puts a damper in my confidence, this it my story and I am sticking to it.The baby never stopped moving for the Sono, and is waving hello! It is always so fun to put a face to all those spastic movements. And also quite a relief put to rest any concerns about deformities, hernias, missing or dysfunctional organs, missing limbs, fingers, toes, etc. Baby 2.O is as healthy as a horse. Just the way I like it.
Look out world (but mainly, Brock, Tali & Tater) - appears we've got another wild one on our hands!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)