The week...

I did some real surgery this week (not just retracting and driving the camera)! It was awesome...although my arms are a little sore from being in the OR for about 8 hours yesterday! Anyway...I have the weekend off so I think I'll go do something. Don't know what. Laundry, I guess.

This is where I work... :)

Virginia Mason recognized for safety

P-I STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

Virginia Mason Medical Center is the only Washington hospital, and one of 41 in the nation, to be named a 2007 Leapfrog Top Hospital.

The title is based on the results of the Leapfrog Hospital Quality and Safety Survey. The voluntary survey was given to 1,285 hospitals nationwide.

According to the study, a quarter of the hospitals, including Virginia Mason, fully meet the standard for the Leapfrog Safe Practices Score, which includes implementing procedures to avoid wrong-site surgeries, addressing adequate hand washing for employees, and requiring a pharmacist to review all medication orders before medication is given to patients.

Made it...

I made it through night float...after the first week or so it wasn't that bad. Just got tired of some of the ridiculous calls! :) Now I am back to days and 1-2 nights of a call a month. I am doing a general/laparoscopic surgery rotation this month. So far it has been fun...lots of clinic! I went shopping yesterday to get some "professional" clothes to wear! Now, I just need to do some reading! My sleeping schedule is still messed up (I slept until 1pm today)... I hope y'all are having an excellent weekend!

Summer Logging

At the hospital again...

Today I am starting my last full week of night float- 12 nights done, 8 to go!!! And, it has been the quietest night yet. I might actually get some sleep. There isn't much else to say. I uploaded about 300 pictures this weekend to order prints during snapfish's 9 cent print sale. I'll try to post some more pictures from this summer soon. Unfortunately, I can't post pictures from the hospital computer. :( Anyway, I know you are all sleeping (except maybe for some early risers in SC!). Have a great Monday!

Lots of stories, lots of details- its been super busy.

As you probably know, a ton has happened since Jen's wedding in South Carolina... I moved all the way across the country, started dating Luke again, moved into my condo, began general surgery residency, got engaged to Luke, Luke moved half-way across the country. I apologize for not keeping you all up to date. I'll try to be better. Oh, Luke made us a blog- the link is in the right hand margin. Enjoy!

Jen is Married!!!

Graduation- May 11

Family Road Trip!

Tomorrow my family (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Forrest, Chandra, Jim) and I are going on a short road trip in a large 15-passenger van! We are traveling up through North Carolina into Tennessee to check out the sites and visit some relatives. Should be fun! Then, medical school graduation when I return! Its going to be a busy week and I haven't even started packing... so I'll see y'all when I get back! Thanks for the comments and encouragement! :)

Moving...

I've been packing up stuff for the last few days...times of transition are so interesting/emotional. It is sad to be leaving South Carolina, exciting to be moving to Washington, scary to be so close to starting residency, sad to be leaving my friends, and scary to be moving to Seattle.

Today my parents, brother, and grandma are flying into Greenville! So, I must get busy packing!

Move Me

Dry Bones,
Waiting for the winds to blow

Dry Bones
Waiting for an overflow

I know, I know you can save me

First on my knees
Then on my face
I can't find my feet again

Because I can't go on until You move me

So breathe life into these dry bones.

I won't go on if You don't move me.
No, I can't go on until You move me.
So, move me.

Beth Baxter

I learn the hard way.

I'm not sure what God is trying to teach me...or why my life has been so hard lately. Obviously I can't see the big picture, but perhaps I can see glimpses of God's purpose in my circumstances. I just want my life and circumstances to work out, but I always seem to end up taking the hard way. One small example-- buying a condo in Seattle. I prayed and prayed that it would be easy...that I would find a place quickly, buy it, and enjoy the rest of my time in Washington. But, it turned out to be a long, often painful process. I made several offers, backed out of my first contract, lost my second bid...changed my plane ticket and tried again. Then, finally, the third place worked out and I bought a great place that is just what I need [not more than I need (like the first place) or less than I need (like the second place). Why did God have me go through all of that? Why wasn't it easier? Why did I have to try and fail twice before getting it right? I don't know. I think God is teaching me to trust Him and to have faith...and that He is in control even when it seems like things are going all wrong. God is sovereign and gracious. He loves me and has a plan for me. I just have to keep trying, pray, make decisions, and trust Him.

"I ask you how many times will You pick me up
When I keep on letting You down
And each time I will fall short of Your glory
How far will forgiveness abound
And You answer "My child, I love you
And as long as you're seeking My face
You'll walk in the power
Of my daily sufficient grace."

The Aquarium!

Checking in...

I made it safely back to G-vegas and things are going pretty smoothly here. I am still working on a loan...but its coming along fine. It was great to be back at Mitchell Road for church today...and I am looking forward to the aquarium in Atlanta tomorrow. So, I could write more but I should head to bed so I can get a few hours of sleep before the drive to ATL!

Sick & Tired

yes, that's right... I have a cold- my nose is running, my head hurts, and I'm really, really tired. I'm not just extremely sleepy but I am emotionally beat down- this last year and the last few days has been rough. I am excited to have found a condo (after three tries), but now finding the "best loan" seems like a daunting task. I don't have the drive to call lots of banks and get good faith estimates and then fight for the best rate.

Third times the charm! :)

the courtyard

built in desk area
wood burning fireplace
murphy bed and built in bedstand (and my cousin, jessica)
the view


specs: 450 square foot studio, has one secure parking space in the garage (which is just a short ride down the elevator!), washer and dryer in the unit, a bathroom :), etc...

I bought a condo yesterday! :) It was a crazy day.

Now my computer adapter won't work.... so my laptop is going to die very soon...

Didn't get it. Oh well.