The holidays are quickly approaching and somehow I seem to have snow on my brains. Have you ever gotten that feeling where you seem to be missing something? I'm pretty sure I've bought gifts for people, but somehow have that feeling ... who knows, it'll probably go away.

I've finished my medical externship and what an experience! The physicians and medical staff were truly wonderful. They went above and beyond to teach me, took the time to set me aside and educate me on medical practices and pharmacology. As the eager student, I was always available to assist in procedures ... everything from spider bites, boils and ear irrigations. I loved it!! I wanted to be in every room, to see every illness and to hear every patient's chief complaint.

One thing for sure about medicine, is that when you are taking H & P's and vital signs, it is very important to listen with your ears wide open so you don't mistake why a patient is here. Take a few moment to ask how their day was and really LISTEN. let them know that you care and you are here for them. Give your patients your undivided attention as they are looking to you for answers and help. I am believe that I really am meant to be in medicine.

The winter quarter of school is going relatively smooth. I have four classes: ENG 225, FIN 125, HUM 230 (online) and SCI 140, but do admit I've come down with the case of "senioritis" where I've taken a more laid back approach towards my classes. When I started, I wrote everything down, carried my books everywhere and was always 2 weeks ahead of assignments, but now ... not so much. No worries, though, I will not allow myself to slip.

I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and future in-laws ... can't wait for everyone to open their gifts. I'm a HUGE picture-taker and will take lots of them for sure, on Christmas day.

Until next year ... Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Plan A was to enter pre-med at Loyola University, that didn't work (waaaaaaaaaaay TOO expensive). Plan B was to enter nursing school, which I have applied to about half a dozen colleges/universities in the Chicagoland area and for those looking, the field is very competitive ... you really got to know your QRS vs. P waves.

I was in a situation where I didn't know where to go after graduation. Find a job, continue school, or find a job while furthering my education. I believe that the stars where in my favor because my a weeks into my BUS 101 class, I realized that I do really do enjoy getting to know the business aspect of healthcare and whatnot. I decided to pursue a degree (yes, another degree ... just imagine what my student loans must look like!!!) in business administration with a concentration in health management. I honestly do know where this will take me, but I know I will succeed because I am determined and motivated and RMC is a great school to get that degree.

Over the weekend, Chris and I moved into our new townhome. I was also fighting a cold/flu but again, was determined to get everything organized and into their proper room/space, because I am anal when it comes to organization. You might even say that I have OCD ... heck, I admit to it =)

We are close to unpacking, just have to buy a bookcase for our office, which will house ALL my books, seriously. Our dog loves the house and the freedom of an open space in the backyard. We have to be careful because Sunnie (our dog) weighs 5lbs. and the dogs in our subdivision are huge ... think Mastifs, German Shepards and Boxers, but the big dogs don't seem to mind a small Chihuahua, thank goodness.

I'm also getting use to the area, as this is all new to me. Our first night was totally weird because there were no ambulances, police sirens or trains nearby ... it's total silence. First night wasn't so great as I woke up the next morning with a painfully sinus headahce and pretty stayed in, while Chris did all the errands.

That is my exciting news ... having the "American Dream" of homeowning and continuing school at RMC.

Hope you all had a wonderful Spring quarter thus far ...