Hello friends!
It's been a crazy month or so, which means much less posting than the intended 1+ post per week, but these things do happen. I feel like we've lived a lot of life and emotions over the past few short weeks and to sum them up may not do them justice, but I will do my best:- Residency Matching: Probably the biggest life-affecting event from the past month has been finding out our future via the Military Match (where all interns are told whether they get to go straight through to a residency program or are going to be out in the fleet for two years or so as general medical officers, etc). At first we were told that Brian was an alternate, which was rough news to hear. We had really been hoping to go straight through in order to stay in one place for a little while and to make it easier for me to finish up grad school. We accepted the news and were mentally preparing to travel to some far off place when Brian was told that a spot opened up and that we would be staying in San Diego for his residency. Whew! What a relief! Even though it would have been an adventure, I don't think I was fully ready to pack up and move again so soon. It's a huge blessing to be able to be in San Diego for another 2+ years and we're excited to continue cultivating our relationships out here. Also, now that I know that we're staying I can start looking for a teaching job for the fall. I really miss being in the classroom so it will be wonderful to return to teaching if, God willing, I can find a job in the area.
- Maureen's 10 year high school reunion: I can't believe that high school was already ten years ago... and yet I can. We've lived so much life since then and people have definitely evolved and changed, but in good ways from what I can tell. It was really nice to see everyone and to catch up, especially with those who aren't on Facebook. Social media has surely changed the 'need' for high school reunions to keep up with classmates' lives, but I think it also allows for more real conversation to happen rather than purely giving superficial facts over and over again. For example, I knew a classmate is currently active duty because of Facebook so we had a really great conversation about our experiences so far. Granted this conversation might have happened anyway, but it felt natural and was nice to have a little bit of background information to supplement people's stories as we talked. Overall, I had a great time (more fun than I had initially expected) and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next one will bring.
- End of USD grad semester #1: Going back to school full-time has been an adventure in itself. Time management, mass production of work, and not having students of my own have all been challenging to adjust to but I've really enjoyed the chance to really focus on my studies and have learned so much already. The end of the semester was a little rough with large final projects due for multiple classes, but I got through it--and thankfully did well in the process. USD is a great school and I feel very blessed that I have this opportunity to focus on learning and hopefully become a better educator in the process.
- Home to Michigan for the holidays: Since Brian had to work nights over Christmas and New Year's I took the opportunity to go home to see my family. It was great to celebrate Christmas the way we always have: Christmas Eve candlelight service, presents with family Christmas morning, Orange Ruffy dinner at Grandma Max's, a rowdy cribbage tournament, and a nice Christmas nap :) The rest of the visit was filled with family adventures and seeing local friends (but unfortunately no trips to Holland). I love that there are people in my life that have known me since my middle school years or before and still want to hang out! :) Even if it's been years since we've seen each other last, the friendship is still there and still strong. Definitely left feeling very blessed for having all of these wonderful people in my life!
- New Year's Eve in the hospital: After many years of elaborate NYE plans it was time for a more mellow one. Bri was still working nights on the pediatric wards so I went in to ring in the new year with him there. As to be expected in a pediatric unit, things were pretty quiet and calm since all of the children were already sleeping, but we still had a countdown and a sparkling cider toast at midnight. To encourage the lighthearted fun we brought a handfull of party favors (hats, glasses/masks, leis, etc) and I baked up some desserts for those that had to work overnight with him. I thought there was sure to be leftovers but Bri came home with empty containers so I guess it all turned out alright :) Even though I wasn't there long and they all had to go right back to work, it was nice to be able to start the new year off with my better half especially since we didn't get to celebrate Christmas together.
2012 was a pretty awesome year and 2013 is sure to be one of growth, change, and excitement. I can't wait to see what new adventures lie ahead and hope that you all will continue to be a part of the experience with us. We love your guys and wish you the Happiest of New Years!
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AHS 10-year High School Reunion
(Photo credit: Jenny Sanderson) |
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| Tigre helping me finish out the semester |
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| Family time over Christmas |
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| Ringing in the New Year |
