Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
Not the righteous, not the righteous;
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus, ready, stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with power.
He is able, He is able;
He is willing; doubt no more

Gonna live it up!

After a few more e-mails and thank-you notes, I think I will be finished with the residency application process. I'm so thankful for every one who has been praying and putting up with me over the last few months. I think it has been the hardest time of my life so far...not only because of the residency application process, but some other junk has happened over the last year. But, I have learned a lot about myself and life in general. And now, a few precious months of fun and freedom are about to begin! Time to start planning vacations and fun times with friends and family!!!

coming together...i hope

blessings... Dr. F let me go at 9am this morning! I had a meeting at 11am, but now I have the rest of the day free. I have been able to get a few things done- ran to the bank, wrote a thank-you note, and I talked to Naomi for a long time about ranking programs. After talking to Dr. Catalana last week, Mom, Chandra, Naomi, Miranda, and a few other people I think I am finally coming to some decisions. I am home alone this afternoon so I am going to contemplate some more...I know that there are lots of people praying. Now, I am basically trying to discern whether portland or wichita should be first... it almost feels like a decision between the "best program" vs. the "best program for me." Also, trying to know what the best location will be...and what I might want five years from now when I am contemplating a fellowship! Whew, I can't think that far! And, after those two, there are 6-7 other programs that I would be happy at. Bottom line: I don't know what is best, I can only try to make the best decision that I can- and try to trust God for the rest. Its hard. I know that there a LOTS of medical students going through the same thing across the USA. Lots of stress and anxiety. Anyway, I think I will start up some music and get ready for my meeting with dr. s tomorrow to discuss my rank list... and perhaps do some cleaning, laundry, and thank-you notes as well.

thank you notes again

Ok, I'm writing thank-you notes again. I am so tired. I feel sick. And, this is one of my least favorite things. I'm trying to think positively, but some things have been getting me down lately. And nothing seems to help much.

I think it will get better soon... I'll accept it and move on.

One down, three to go.

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Ok, I really AM going to write thank-you notes RIGHT NOW.

:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:( :( :(:(

I think I have been overwhelmed since July...

I hope it stops soon.

In Charlotte

Well, after three weeks off from interviewing and rotations I am back to it! I started my Senior Medicine rotation in Gastroenterology (stomach/bowel stuff) today. I think it will be a good two weeks, the specialty is closely related to surgery so I will learn stuff that will be useful in my future career. Also, my attending doctor is nice and likes to teach so I should learn a lot.

However, right now I am in Charlotte, NC for an interview tomorrow. It is very nice to be able to drive instead of fly to an interview...and not to worry about shuttles and taxis, etc! It is a bright, sunny ~55F day in Charlotte and I think I will like the program here even if I am very tired of interviewing. I think I will try to take a nap before dinner!

On the way back to the South

I am leaving in an hour for the Seattle airport, this time to catch a plane back to Greenville. It is strange and exciting to be going back to South Carolina. I am mostly excited to see all of my friends again and to have my own room/house back! Its another big change, and it is hard to believe that my time in Washington is over. My life seems very surreal, especially at these moments of huge change. Anyway, I don't want to wish my life away, but I can't wait until I turn in my rank list of programs to the Match in February and all the craziness of interviewing, etc. is over! It has been one of the most difficult times in my life so far... but I bet that in July, when I am in my first month of residency, I will think differently!