Happy Birthday to me!

I did it.

and it really did help. I think it just helps relieve some of the pressure to remind myself why I came here in the first place. It's not about making a certain grade. It's about learning information that will help me take care of patients. It's not about competition and being better or smarter than the people in my class. It's about doing the very best that I can regardless of how well everyone else does and making friends so that I can have people to collaborate with on difficult cases and to have people to share my life with who will understand the pressures and stresses of this profession. It's not about having fun all the time while I'm here. It's about being a living sacrifice so that I can learn the skills I need to help other people. Of course, I can't forget my best friend. I can't forget about Korey. It can't always be about my life and my school and my needs. I need balance in my life.

So last week wasn't very balanced. It was mostly work and very little play...and very little sleep...and very little patience. It happens. It was just one of those weeks and I hate that it was. Last weekend was swallowed up by studying except for a short break for a birthday cookout that Korey planned for me.  The cookout was so much fun and a much needed study break. Two of our friends from home, Adam and Erika, came to the cookout and stayed the night with us, so it was even more special because I got to spend some time with them. 

Monday was my actual birthday (I turned 27 in case anyone was wondering) and about 10 hours of it was either spent studying or taking a test. I won't say that I wasn't disappointed that I didn't really get to relax more on my birthday, but as I scroll back up, I realize that the "to celebrate my birthday" sign is most certainly missing. I will say that after those 10 very difficult and trying hours were over, I came home to a very loving man and a very special birthday present. Korey had bought me the camera of my dreams. Overall it was a very blessed birthday and I am so thankful for everyone who wished me happiness and loved on me. I am a very lucky girl, and it was a tough week for everyone, so the thoughtfulness meant even more to me. We all had so many other things to do.  

 The camera Korey bought me was the Nikon D90, and it came with a kit 35-105mm zoom lens. I love it. I wish it could take pictures of itself. Such a sweet surprise. So friday, after the next test day of doom was over, and the sun came out and started shining down on me,  I was tempted to go home and take a nap. Instead, I forced myself to get out into the sunshine and I'm so glad I did! Korey took me to the Rapids Pavillion to take pictures of the canal and river with my new camera and then we went to the fresh market and bought bruschetta and random sodas and dessert. 

 

I love this man.

Even when he refuses to let me take his picture.

This sign cracks me up.

After that first sign, who would even THINK of swimming?

Lisa, I hope someone still loves you.

Michelle and Edgar, I hope you made it past '98.

Claire, I'm glad you weren't here anymore. I would have felt awkward asking you to move so I could take this picture. 

Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle, face it, ’tis God’s gift.

Be strong!

Say not the days are evil—who’s to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce—O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s Name.

Be strong!

It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day, how long;
Faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.
Be strong!

And on that note, it's time to get back to studying. I've got a huge midterm and a practical this week. 26 days until Spring Break.