I ended up having a lot of stress in Neuro- it was actually the first time I've experienced true test anxiety. Now, most of my peers would scoff at this. We've taken tests to get into medical school, to make it to second year, to have gotten this far. But- I have to say that most of those tests have not caused me to feel anxious. I'm not sure if I just didnt feel prepared or what but needless to say, it wasn't pleasant. I ended up doing pretty well- and I'm happy to say that it is completely over and I'm into the next step in Year 2 of medical school.
In celebration of Neuro ending, I went to go visit my dear friend Liz. I've known Lizzy since 3rd grade. We were lucky enough to have each other through the long after school hours of our mom's both being elementary school teachers, years of Tae Kwon Do class and tournaments, growing apart in high school, then finding each other to be great friends again during college. I've literally known Liz for most of my life (and I consider this a good thing :)). She recently moved to Chicago for graduate school- she's so strong/intelligent... I look up to her a great deal. Not only did I get to see her, I was able to get a glimpse into her life- her friends, her home, etc. To compare the Liz from 3rd grade to the Liz of now is just a fun memory exercise, as well as an interesting look into the human ability to grow. Basically, I loves her.
I also loved Chicago. It was a big culture shock going from Lubbock to Chicago... flat, dry, and brown to city parks, 40+ story buildings, and - my personal favorite - public transit!
The first night was spent with friends celebrating my favorite holiday, Halloween. Between the apple cider, pumpkin beer, jack-o-lantern carving, and toasted pumpkin seeds... I was in heaven (the company was great as well!).
Liz and I spent some quality time on Sunday- shopping in Wicker Park... a very Austiny part of Chicago. We went to bookstores, clothes shopping, Indian food for dinner, and a healthy dose of street art! We also went to the "Not a Spy" shop, I bought new boots, and we thoroughly enjoyed walking around pretty much everywhere, something that rarely happens in TX. I miss big city.
On Monday I was on my own... I started the morning with an amazing cup of coffee and a stroll through the well known Lincoln Park! Liz lives about a block from the actual park- so I was able so spend some time going to the conservatory, the zoo (polar bears and jaguars!!), and walking around the park. Some of Liz's friends- two wonderful people- came to pick me up and go to Millenium Park (the shiny thing!) and The Art Institute of Chicago. Let's just say, I've officially seen Monet and Van Gogh - and it was AMAZING. Highly recommend. We met up with Liz and her man Steve to do walk down the Chicago riverwalk, to see a giant Marilyn Monroe, and a building studded with stones from around the world- Notre Dame, The Great Wall, The Alamo! It was quite fantastic.
On my last day there- I had a decision to make- Planetarium or Aquarium. For those of you who know me well, this was a VERY tough decision for me... I ended up going to the Aquarium (surprise!) and saw beluga wales and dolphins and it was a lovely aquarium! As per my usual, I still love aquariums. I got to touch a starfish... me and the other 6 year olds.
Anyways- it was a great trip. I love Chicago. I took public transit from the airport to Liz's. Loved it.
Back to Lubbock:
-The Public Health Dept will not be split up- this was a big win for us- but they challenged us to find funding/a new building/and a few other vital things to the PHD's unity. I personally don't think it's our job, but if we dont- it wont get done. So- we're going to keep working with the City Council to attempt to maintain what we've won thus far. Score!
-Systems has started- I got sick for a full week. I was a witch for Halloween for the Pediatric unit carnival... this ended in me catching Viral Gastroenteritis from one of the kids. This = me sick for 24 hours and then 3 days of sleeping on my couch. Rescheduled my test... then got sick the night before retaking the test that I rescheduled because I was sick. Ugh. I ended up just taking it and did fine. I so rarely get sick... this is a look into my new life. Constant exposure to pathogens. Time to get my immune system in high gear!
Happy note - I LEAVE FOR NEW ORLEANS tomorrow morning for medical student section of American Medical Association... I'm VP of Texas Medical Association and AMA so we're going to vote on resolutions that other students have put together for AMA to pick up as lobbying positions. And- we're staying an extra day to explore New Orleans a little bit... wish I could stay there longer also. I'm in the mood to travel. Too bad I'm poor.
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