White Coat KIDnapping

A week ago during torrential rains, tornado- like winds, and terrifying lightening I got my white coat.  Basically after two purely academic skills, one horrible board exam there is a ceremony in which new third years receive their white coats in honor of finally making it to the clinical part of medical school.  I have to admit despite my reservations and grumpiness at only getting two tickets the evening was quite enjoyable.  It was at a fancy-smancy country club/wedding reception place with a nice, but long ceremony and then a sit down dinner.    
That night, and then looking at the hundreds of photos from it, has me reflecting on the last two years especially on all the support I have gotten. So bear with my for a few minutes while I give some thanks (in no particular order).  Thanks to my parents.  My mom had to deal with countless pre-exam panic attack phone calls to which she would always remind me that "no exam was the end of the world." ... I swear I always believed her.  Also my dad who the night before my board exams demanded that I stop studying, take a chill pill and get some sleep.  Best advice ever.  And of course a big thankfulness to Dan, who does not realize how much I owe my sanity to him.  I will always remember during my first year being super stressed and mentioning how I missed him (before he moved up here) and then the next day he was there!  I think he would have a million dollars if he got one penny for every time he heard "what if I failed" or "but this test was different."  And the fact that he moved to place he considers worse than Dante's 9th circle of hell (Long Island) for me is something I don't appreciate hardly enough.

 Also the cats... yes I would like to thank my cats even though they love destroying our blinds, sofas, and leave a trail of fur every where they go.  I am thanking them because they are loving no matter how bad or good of a day I am having.  They love me no matter what as long as I feed them, give them water, clean their box, and give them pets (okay, maybe they are a little demanding). I also want to thank all of my family, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandma and poppy tom.  There are many little ways in which I have felt supported by these people in the last two years, facebook comments of encouragement, phone calls, appreciation of my presence at family gatherings and understanding of my absence at them as well. 

And my NYCOM family.... I am forever grateful to my lecture pals... who made going to lecture almost every day bearable. Thanks for the birthday celebrations, the post-test brunches/ pedicures/ manicures, for the billions of comfort text messages sent back and forth, the library/Panera/Starbucks study days, the beach days (always need those), the attempted Zumba classes, the fro-yo dates, for surviving robotics, ICC, OMM, ACLS and pelvic exams together.  I have to admit moving to Long Island and going back to school has been one of the most challenging things I have ever had to do.  Our support for one another has made the journey over the last two years so much more tolerable, dare I say enjoyable (just speaking for myself).  
I feel like I should end my little/long entry with "Thank you and goodnight" like all those Hollywood peoples after getting an Oscar or whatever BUT the title did mention a KIDnapping.  When my parents came to visit for the white coat ceremony the left me....

My nephew Christopher... who Paws decided to kidnap for a few days by sleeping on his luggage.  So we had a few days to hang out.  We got to play mini-golf (more for my entertainment than his), go to the arcade, go see Batman at 9:00 am (yay), go to Barnes and Noble, play some board games and video games, and we did some crafts.

We learned how to make these super cool parachute cord bracelets and well anklet for me.  My dorky survivalist side loves these because they have dual uses, stylish anklet/bracelet and instant rope.  I think mine undone has about 9 yards of parachute cord... think of the uses. Useful in the zombie apocalypse or the next time Dan and I go camping... which ever.

 With some encouraging and a nasty look I got the boys to eat some fruit.







Before I knew it, I had to drop Chris back home in CT.  But first we made a detour to New Haven for some noodle heaven.  We stopped at my favorite, Ivy Noodle for some delicious curry noodle soup take out.  For those of you who don't know I love New Haven's food.  It is vast and delicious, I have yet to find Thai, Middle Eastern, Italian, Indian, or Malaysian food that compares in the least.  So to all of New Haven readers... eat and enjoy it :-). Needless to say our detour to New Haven was a treat...

 In general my trip home was short but very sweet.  I stocked up on vegetables at the local farm stand near my parents home.  Then I visited my grandma and Poppy Tom where I was given another bag of veggies (I am thinking veggie recipe blog post in the very near future).  Love all the fresh veggies, I am in veggie heaven.    I also got to hang out with my dad for a bit.  We played some cards, I had a Guinness <3, Chris and I made my dad a red parachute bracelet, cause he likes to be prepared too. He also showed me the sunflowers... including the gigantic one they have.   As it got dark I prepared to head home, but made yet another detour to visit my mom at work.  It just didn't feel right to be in CT and home without at least getting a hug from my mom.  Even though it was a quick visit with her, it made the trip feel complete.  I came home feeling renewed and ready for my week of rotations preparation (details to follow). 

Return from Boards and Our New Truck

I will admit it. I fell into the boards trap: studying intensely until June 7th, taking the extremely long 8 hr exam, and then spending an entire month keeping my mind off of the results of that fateful day.  During my month of mental purgatory I enjoyed camping with my parents, including one night of indoor camping at their house (not only was it raining but my tent would not stay closed, I swear we are hard core campers).  I also celebrated the fourth of July and thoroughly soaked in some much needed family time.  I had a fantastic mother-daughter day in which I believe I doubled my wardrobe in "preparation" for rotations.  And to top it all off I had a fantastic birthday, aside from the fact that 8 hrs of it were spent in a lecture hall listening to the worst "welcome to third year" lectures.    Despite the tedious school day, I was showered in tons of birthday love by Dan, friends, and family.  I have to admit, ashamedly, much of my other spare time was spent on the couch watching crap TV shows keeping my mind off the Nightmare of June 7th.  Watching five seasons of Psych, a few seasons of Say Yes to the Dress (yes that show, crawling into a hole), and various horrible chick flicks in the coarse of a month.... impossible? I think not.  Forgetting the bad TV, the last few weeks have been fantastic, except for that dark horrible ugly mean voice in the back of my head telling me that I had failed on June 7th.  Well miraculously, luckily, joyously somehow that voice was wrong... and I passed.  And with the doom filled month behind me I am back here... blogging.
So big BIG news... we have a new truck! 

When I say we, I mean technically we, but as far as feeling confident and comfortable in driving it I mean Dan has a new truck.  We got a fantastic deal but did have to settle on a few things.  There is no power windows or locks... she has a few miles on her, needs a few repairs and the previous owner used it as his dogs' secondary dog house (really I wish I was kidding).
After driving it home, Dan said it smelled like "wet dying dog" so as my mother's child I did some scrubbing... and then more scrubbing.  The results...

The dog also liked digging... in the truck.  So while I was scrubbing (I feel I should mention Dan scrubbed too) Dan patched the giant hole in the seat.

He also covered it in matching vinyl.  We both decided this plan was good in theory but in actuality with extremely hot temperatures and glue we are having some difficulties.  On a random side note... who likes/loves the green skull shifter?  I do!!! I am hoping with enough support I can convince Dan not to change it to the traditional boring one. 
And now its time for random CUTE cat photo...

Kittie <3 Bacon.

The bees aren't the only ones busy....

Alright, I realize that was a lame title but after 5 hours of class and 4 hours of boards studying you can't expect much more form me.  April has been both a busy and relaxing month... I know it seems paradoxical but its because I had a week of vacation before Easter during which Dan and I did many things..... like nap and play video games.... and did I mention play video games?  It all started with a late night decision to download Borderlands for the X-box... which we beat in about three days and was followed by a download of Splinter Cell Conviction. Last night we officially beat the last chapter of that and to my happy surprise today, Dan E-Bayed a used copy of Call of Duty Modern Warefare 3 which I have been drooling over since it came out.  For those of you questioning my dedication to school... it should be noted that the majority of my mornings during vacation were spent as shown in the above picture... at my desk.  There is nothing better than killing some virtual bad guys after turning your brain into medical school soup. 
When we got sick of beating up virtual bad guys we did some other things....

Kayla and Dan did some reading!

Kasarah, Mini, Chris and I played some JUMBO scrabble on the scrabble board I got for Christmas.

 AND one night we got empanadas!  A lot of them.  Ever since our family friend made empanadas for a 4th of July party Dan and I have been hooked.  Last year when I moved to Long Island we found Mama's Empanadas which has the best and widest variety.  Apparently, people buy them, freeze them and ship them all over the country!  We do not get to go there very often, cause its a good 45 minute drive into Queens and they are incredibly unhealthy... but when we do we get a little crazy.  Our last order consisted of 20 empanadas and that was a light order for us!  Even eating them over a few days we have learned that our stomachs can only take so many.  My personal favorites are the broccoli and cheese and the hot dog and cheese (do not cringe, its super yummy) while Dan prefers the ham and cheese and the chorizo.  They also have amazing dessert ones filled with apple (Dan's pick) and banana and peanut butter (my pick).  Needless to say, I did not weight watcher's track that day.

Then there was Easter!  It was complete with Pre-Easter potato pancake dinner and egg dying and Easter day egg hunt, delicious ham, perogees, Easter pie, and tons more food that my stomach is still recovering from!  It was great to get to see my two brothers' kids playing, it always reminds me of how excited I was for my cousins to come over for the holidays.  It was also nice cause my aunt, uncle and cousins from Philly came to visit as well.  

And as if all this wasn't enough Easter Monday Dan and I went to the highly anticipated International Car Show, which was a ton of fun!  We both were excited and surprised that a lot of the cars were open to sit in.  

 I got to sit in my next and future car the Jeep Rubion.  Since I was in college I have always loved the height and turning radius of Jeeps.  I also like the fact that most are hardtop with soft-top as an option for warmer weather.  While it will be a few years, and getting off Long Island (where gas is over 4 dollars a gallon) before we have one.... one day one will be MINE.

We took like a billion photos which I will spare everyone from but I do have to share.....

The Bugatti It was not for sitting in, but that was probably cause its worth over an insane 2 million dollars! 

We've got spring fever, how about you?

I think it can officially be said that Dan and I (and the cats) have already jumped into spring thinking.  Please focus on this horrible photo taken this morning, from our front stoop because I did not want to get my socks wet.  There are a few things to be noted: 1.) Dan has reseeded our lawn/dirt, hopefully this year we will have some grass as opposed to 50% dirt, 50% moss.  2.) We cleaned our table and got our chairs out.  Yesterday I did a few hours of work outside enjoying the 60 degree sunny day!  3.) Tucked behind the grill I have compiled all of my "gardening" supplies.  Gardening is in quotes because I am not sure having a bunch of vegetable pots counts as real gardening. 4.) I finally took our Christmas lights down...  I know I am a little slow on it, but better late than never. 

The beyond gorgeous day yesterday also inspired last nights dinner: hamburgers (for Dan), grilled veggies (for me), grilled potato slices, and BBQ chicken.  It was delicious.  My favorite grilled food is vegetables, they are so flavorful with just a smidge of olive oil and salt and pepper.  The other great thing about grilling is the lack of dishes...  So glad my dad taught me the art of grilling and Vasana taught me the art of how NOT to turn on the grill.  (Sorry Vas, I couldn't help myself)


In addition to the patio, something else got a make over.... the Camry

For years my dad has been telling me that I need new shocks, struts, and whatsa-callits and for years I have been putting it off.  Well this weekend all that changed, my reliable 160,000 mile Camry got an overhaul with some new parts.  I have to admit I forgot what driving is supposed to feel like.  I think my car gained a full foot more from the ground.  We put a ginormous bag of potting soil ($2 at garage sale) in the trunk and she didn't even drop an inch!  In addition to her lift, her insides got all snazzed up with a new stereo with satellite radio! 

Have I ever mentioned that I have the best mechanic. 

After Licking My Post- Exam Wounds, It Is Time For An Update.

Is anyone else looking at the calendar going where did February go?  For me at least it seems that we just started February, I feel I just mentally noted the 3rd of February cause I had four months left till the boards.  Now, I am down to three months left...  Like my new way of marking the passage of time?  I am sure I am not the only 2nd year medical student who basically lists all events according to the boards timeline.  

While going on a month long road trip, or a weekend gateway, or leaving my desk for more than a day recently has not been on the agenda, February was a nice month.

To start I had a wonderful Valentines Day!   On my way home from my OMM exam I stopped at the store and picked up a few treaties (aka two cakes: ice cream and red velvet, I was covering my bases and a bunch of candy) to add to Dan's gift of tickets to the International Car Show in NYC.   While technically his gift, I think I am just as pumped as he is to go in April!  (I think this fact alone gets me to the list of top ten coolest girlfriends).  When I got home I was happily surprised with the yummy smelling house and to find a giant heart shaped rice-krispie treat on my desk complete with card and a bunch of jewelery that Dan had fixed for me!  It was the perfect gift, especially since lately I have been obsessed with Cake Boss.  For those of you who are not obsessed with the show (weirdos) everything Buddy does involves rice krispie treats, and I am always drooling.   We had a wonderful night of binging on pizza and sweets (Weight Watchers be damned, at least for that night).  Mental note though, ice-cream cake, red velvet cake, and rice krispies= way too much for two people.

A few weeks ago my parents ventured into NYC to see a musical so I got to meet them for dinner!  It was so nice seeing them, even though my mom was recovering from that stomach bug everyone seems to get, and my dad lost his appetite after getting served some bad veal, and I was just plain old tired.  It was Fat Tuesday, but rather than stay up and party, I feel asleep at 9pm....  Even though it was not the most extravagant evening, it was so wonderful getting to see them.  I have to admit I miss my parents and family a lot (especially the little ones).  The past few months have been really hard with school and studying for the boards and trying to work out more often, that I have not made the trip to CT in a bit.  One weekend though very soon I will be making that drive!  And look out Mamouns here I come...  even though a felafel sandwich is 13 points it will be so worth it!

Well I guess that is also a new thing going on.  I am not going to make a big deal out of it on here, but I joined Weight Watchers and so far I have lost four pound.  Since beginning medical school I have gained a bit and it is my goal to be back to my pre-med school weight before rotations start in August.  Wish me luck! 

And to make February even more fabulous I got to see my best friend and like the dorks that we are we did some decoupaging!  My friend Dri wanted to make a super cool collage for her mom using bingo boards and so we got arts and crafty with our bad selves and lots and lots of glue....  I am still working on mine (right now it looks more like a science project than a piece of art).  My theme was fish, using photos from National Geographic Magazines that Dan's dad had collected.  I know its not done yet, but at the moment I am having artist's (term being used loosely here) block.....

As it is 9:30 at night and I do not have another exam for a few weeks... I am going to do something wild and crazy and embrace my  bed! 

Firsts: amaryllis, baby steps (not mine), LI snow and hummus

Presenting yet another very delayed blog post... 

We have had a few "firsts" recently.

1.) I grew THIS! Introducing our Amaryllis!

 It started like this.... Well in actuality it started as a bulb, then a bulb with a giant stalk and then this...

And then I got one bloom!  

which got bigger

And then there were two...

And three!

And finally four blossoms!  Apologies to my mother, who right now, as reading this is drooling with envy.  I do not have the best "green thumb" or any "green thumb" at all so I am quite proud of our amaryllis success.  In fairness, without Dan giving it massive amounts of water, I am not sure it would have survived under my care alone at all. 

2.) Kasarah, my youngest niece, took her first steps! And you know we had to take pictures of it.

I think she likes it!

She made it... 

3.) We had our first Long Island snow of 2012!  While I had an exam we still had to explore a little bit.

 #4 And while exploring the snow we got into our first LI accident.  It was not our fault, but not a fun way to end our snow adventure.  

 We got hit on the side trying to be good Samaritans (something no one should try when living in Long Island) by helping someone who had slide into a tree.  Thankfully no one is injured and luckily my hero and love is on damage control! 

#5 I made hummus.  

It is something I have wanted to do for a very long time. Now that I have done it and tasted it, I am never buying hummus ever ever again! 

 

 

Capturing Making Bread

Some years ago a friend of the family started making this amazing bread and she was kind enough to pass the recipe around the family.  This recipe is fantastic when you are feeling lazy and slacking on grocery shopping because it requires a grand total of 6 ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar, butter, sugar and water).  The only odd ball necessity is a baguette pan,  well worth the 15 bucks.  In addition to being yummy, easy even for the non-kitchen inclined, the bread is impressive to dinner guests and a scientifically interesting process, which I decided to photograph extensively (can you say "dork"?).

 To start in a small bowel mix one package of dried yeast in 1 cup lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar.  Mix and let sit for 20 minutes.  In a few minutes you will begin to see bubbles.  That is the yeast breaking out of its inactive state and begining to digest the sugar making BUBBLES (or carbon dioxide) and alcohol (baked off in the oven).

Hint about the yeast packages.  Store the extras in the refrigerator (normally sold in sets of three).

In another, bigger bowel combine 4 cups of white all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt.  Recently, if it is for us, and I want something a little healthier I will use 2 cups white flour and 2 cups whole wheat.  If you are trying it your first time, stick to the white.  The mixture pictured above has some whole wheat flour in it.

 Next, mix the dry flour mixture with the yeast/water mixture and ADD an additional 1 cup of lukewarm water.  At this point you will definitely notice the doughy texture.  Place the bowel in a semi warm area, I like to use our sunny kitchen counters.  Also place a towel over the bowel to help keep the heat in.  Leave this mixture for 2-3 hours.  Apparently this allows the yeast to digest the starch in the flour yielding sugar (yum) and release more CO2. 

For my next exam I have to memorize like a billion biochemistry/metabolic pathways; including ones on carbohydrate metabolism.... You know the breaking down of glucose, glycolosis, Kreb's cycle.  Also the whole gluconeogenesis, triglyceride break down, bilirubin formation.  It is going to be a chemtastic weekend... All I have to say about that is baking bread much more enjoyable.

Okay, getting back to the bread.  After a few hours of sitting it will magically look like this... 

Punch it down a few times (not too much) and re-cover it with the towel. 

 

 I usually leave the bread for another hour or so so that it can rise a second time.  

Now melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush half of it on the baguette pan.  Also add salt a bit of salt on the bottom of the pan.  Divide the dough in half and place on the pan.  Brush the rest of the butter on the dough and sprinkle a little more salt on the top.  Now its ready for the oven...  

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  The bread should look like...

THIS!  Dan and I got a little overzealous before I snapped the photo.  We enjoyed the bread with some yummy meatballs.

AND!  Photo of the week:

 My mother is not holding up this Monster can just because she is addicted to Monster, but she needed it to do some explaining to the Jamaica, Queens train conductor.  After boarding the train to New York from Glen Cove the conductor handed my mother back her ticket and before registering that she needed it for the transfer in Jamaica she folded it up and threw it in her can to be thrown away!  And so we prepared ourselves for the explaining we were going to have to do in Jamaica, keeping the can as proof.  My mother maybe got one sentence into the story when the conductor interrupted with "where did you get on?" while tucking the seat check into place.  My conclusion is that he really must have heard it all before.  

To conclude the picture of the week, it was fantastic having my mom visit.  We ordered take-out, played lots of scrabble, and greatly enjoyed seeing Memphis.  The music was fantastic!