Happy holidays

It sounds so cliche, but it's true. Christmas really is about family. It isn't about presents, it isn't about decorations. It isn't even about the "Christmas Feast of roast beast". Family is what counts. I was blessed this year to have almost my whole family with me for Christmas this year. We hosted early, as we are leaving for Cuba with, again, almost my whole family tomorrow. Despite the fact that I seem to have absolutely no clue how long it takes to cook a turkey, everyone still had a good time. Thank goodness that I remembered to have snacks. A little bit of shrimp ring can tide almost anyone over. I was proud of my family. Usually we are a bit dysfunctional around the holidays, and everyone was fairly well behaved. It was a lovely evening. I hope that we can continue the festive feeling for the next week in Cuba.
To anyone who still reads this...
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year....
And God bless us, everyone.

Worry makes me Work

It has always been that way (at least since I have been in Post-Secondary), if I didn't worry (or freak out as my hubby calls it), I didn't care. At least no enough to work really hard and accomplish something. When I worry, I work hard, and then I do OK. Yes, Jennie, another defence mechanism (but one that works!).

My oral exam was on Friday. It was just a practice one (the realy one is 18 months away), but I really wanted to do well. I thought last time I had done really poorly, so it as important to me to do OK. I had the most awesome examiners (two attendings I actually consider friends), so that helped. One of them gave me the hugest compliment, she said that she thought I was at now where she was at the beginning of her final year!

So, in my mind, worrying, freaking out, and just plain putting it in high gear really helped. I think it also helps to have something to look forward to. This time it was a massage at Riverstone (I highly recommend it if you are in S'toon). For the real one, it will be a trip. I am going to see if maybe I can convince Jurgen to plan it.

Now, I just need to keep this up for 18 more months.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.......

Izzy's muffins

I have just realized that I am "Izzy" from Grey's Anatomy. I, like her, find baking/cooking very calming. I am feeling a little calmer about my upcoming exam for a couple of reasons: I have kicked it into high gear and I have really been studying, Jurgen has been asking me mock questions and I am getting better, I am starting to remember/realize that this is just Practice, and I just made a great batch of cornmeal cranberry muffins.
Today helped me to not be so nearsighted as well. I worked with Jurgen today and we did procedures in the radiology department. We had a minor complication with one of our techniques that could have turned into a major disaster. That puts things into perspective: Someone's health (and worrying about that) is much more important than one silly exam.
Another lesson from today's experience that will help with the exams and life; Constant vigilance. Never let your guard down. Keep on top of things, no matter what.
AAAhhh, if only life were that simple. Alas, that is what keeps it all so interesting.