My TWENTY FOURTH Year

TWENY FOUR MEMORABLE THINGS FROM MY TWENTY FOURTH YEAR

[in no particular order]

1. I traded in my short white coat for a full-length coat when I was accepted into the Primary Care Program

2. One of my rotations landed me in Grand Island for two months. Not only did I realize my future speciality, but I had an incredible time staying with T's grandparents. Two months away from T would have been completely miserable if it wasn't for all their love and stories over a home-cooked meal each night.

3. T and I snuck away to Kansas City over my Spring Break to celebrate his graduation - while were were there, we ate expensive steaks, saw a good movie, shopped the Plaza, and spent some time lounging by the pool

4. T bought me my first quality purse for our 3rd wedding anniversary. We first saw it at a store in Kansas City, but it was a few months later when it went on sale that we finally took the plunge. This sounds like a silly thing, but it felt like a fun benchmark into adulthood.

5. There were many memorable call nights in various hospitals taking care of a variety of patients. These nights are always "memorable" but I don't always appreciate them in the moment. Looking back, those long tedious hours are where I've learned the most about caring for patients. I've also never appreciated my comfortable mattress and nice bedding more than this year :)

6. During my 24th year is when T got to try his dream of flying. I'll never forget the joy on T's face as he prepared the plane for take off. I can't wait until we have the funds to further pursue T's dream of earning a pilot's license!

7. Again this year, T and I were able to bounce between both families for Christmas. We love love love our families and the excuse of spending extended periods of time together during the holidays. We introduced both families to the "tape ball" game and shared a lot of laughs. We always feel super fortunate when we have weather that allows us to travel between festivities. 

8. T cooked me many, many delicious (and healthy!) meals on our new grill. It was a total splurge but it really changed our diet compared to the previous summers when we mostly ate cold sandwiches to keep from heating up the house.

9.  This was the year of post cards and care packages sent between my group of friends from medical school. I was spoiled rotten by letters filled with kind thoughts and sometimes even chocolate :) They really showed how much they cared and I tried to occasionally return the favor. 

10. T and I learned to play polish horseshoes - another game that gives us an excuse to spend time outdoors. We are pretty easily entertained.. but this game is a keeper.

11.  We spent many days walking around at our cabin and many night nights sitting around a campfire dreaming about the future. I love that T is willing to listen to me talk through 1,000 different scenarios that could resemble our future. These last 12 months were pretty dense with these discussions.

12. T worked hard and earned yet another promotion at work. I'll look back on these years with so much gratitude for the perseverance he had to provide for us at this critical time. Being able to afford to live in our neighborhood and to take our fancy vacations has been a great balance to the stress of medical school. 

13. When T and I found out we each had Memorial day off work, we recruited my parents and spent time camping at the Calamus Reservoir at the suggestion of one of my patients. It was a loosely planned trip at best.. but we had a fabulous time.

14. This was the year I decided to stop wearing my 5-10 year old clothes and found a style that I was excited about. I started to own my image as part of my professional appearance and worked to quit looking like a student. You recently saw the piles of clothes that I donated to friends/charities.

15. In May, the majority of the family was able to meet in Hitchcock, IA to camp. T and I hiked the trails before the rest of my family arrived. We climbed the tall lookout tower and ate delicious campfire food.

16. Just a few weeks ago I scored a set of free Husker tickets and got to spend time with my younger brother back at my alma mater. Lincoln will always have a special place in my heart.

17. I have so many memories from continuing to volunteer with my friends in the leadership at church this year! We find a sliver of time each week to work together to care for women in North Omaha that desperately need our assistance. There is nothing better than taking time to shift your focus away from yourself and instead to helping someone else. It helps me keep the stress of medical school in perspective.

18. I may have been studying practice questions on my phone before the game began, but T and I found a night this summer to catch a CWS game in person. Every other year we have been away from home traveling and have only watched the games on TV. We made sure to change that this year.

19. I redesigned my office into the retreat I always imagined. It makes the time I have to spend at home working a little more enjoyable. It is so much more peaceful now that everything has a place instead of piles of clutter.

20. It was almost exactly 12 months ago when I cut my hair short, and in turn, allowed myself to sleep an extra 15 minutes each morning due to the simplified routine. A small thing.. but it makes a huge difference! 

21. This past year I also learned to play pickle ball and loved grabbing a quick game in the evening with my family. T was not thrilled with me as a player when we began playing doubles, but now I actually have some skills to contribute. 

22. T and I treated our mom's to the July 3rd Homerun Derby with the mega firework show afterwards. I will remember this night forever because it was an absolutely beautiful night - not hot and muggy like most July 4ths. 

23. T powered through and finished his MBA this past year. He is the best! When he sets his mind on something, there is nothing that can stop him.

24. And although not a super happy memory, this year was one when I had to make sacrifices and miss a variety of family events because there truly were not enough hours in the week. The most regrettable was T's family trip to Houston this past week to celebrate his uncle's 50th birthday. Luckily, we will be staying with them at the end of next month for one of my national exams!