THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR

My post tonight is more of a motivational post to myself. I'm still not even sure if I have an audience out there in cyberspace, but hopefully you (and I) find this uplifting. I've had somewhat of an internal struggle the past month or so. I've been emotionally labile (more so than usual) and I've felt vunerable. I'd like to blame these feelings on Steve's rigorous study schedule but it's more than that. I'm nearing the halfway point in my rotations and I'm feeling mixed emotions about what lies ahead...close friends moving away, finding a job, the mountain of student debt about to crash on my head, etc. This should come as no surprise to those that know me..I always have and always will be a planner. So it's fitting that I would start to worry about things are that aren't going to happen for over half a year. Tonight I've decided to stop and take a minute to reflect on a few of the things I am thankful for...

Number 1 - For my husband - for his patience when I call him 10 times a day cause I'm bored, for his determination to succeed so that he can get a residency spot closer to Idaho because he knows how much I want it, for his "smothering" when he comes home because he missed me, and for telling me that I'm beautiful every day even if I don't feel like it.

Number 2 - For my family - I feel blessed to have a mom who always answers her phone when I need to talk (no matter what time it is), a relationship with my dad unlike any other father-daughter relationship I know and siblings who are also amazing friends. I'm also blessed to be a part of the Johnson family - I was lucky enough to marry into a family that I comfortably spend hours chatting, laughing, cooking, shopping, hiking, and canoeing with.

Number 3 - For friends both old and new - I'm blessed to still have friendships that date back to grade school (I guess I should be thankful for cell phones at this point for these friendships wouldn't be possible without frequent conversations) and I couldn't be more thankful for the close friends I have made in Toledo...I can't imagine going through PA school without them.

Number 4 - For the physical ability to run, jump, dance, walk, and everything else that I probably take for granted - I've been running a lot the past month to keep myself occupied and I love the feeling after a really tough run.

Number 5 - For the Toledo Metroparks - Toledo has a dozen or so parks scattered throughout the city with trails and trees and furry woodland creatures and lots of open space to run.

Number 6 - For a cerebrum (and I guess cerebellum, pons and medulla) that have developed over the last 25 years so that I can achieve a level of education that I am incredibly proud of and still be humbled by all that I have to learn.

Guess that's enough for tonight as the aforementioned brain is telling me it's time to head to bed. One last thing - ONLY 6 DAYS UNTIL I GO TO IDAHO!

Update Time

I haven't posted anything for a couple of weeks now, mostly because I left my camera in the back of The Cadmus mobile in New York. I'm anxiously awaiting its return in 2 weeks (Caroline - I'm also anxiously awaiting your return as well) The lack of posting is also due to the lack of activity at the Johnson house. Steve is elbows deep into board studying and only comes out of the dungeon (aka our 2nd bedroom turned office) for food, coffee and necessary bathroom breaks. When I'm not whining about Steve's studying habits, I'm doing my internal medicine rotation at an outpatient office just a few blocks from our place (the proximity has been tremendously helpful with the recent hike in gas prices -- $4.19/gal in Ohio). The physician I'm working with is a great teacher and asks me tons of questions. He makes sure to ask the toughest questions in front of the patients, which was very intimidating at first but I learning to cope. On my first day, he asked me to tell him and my patient the 11 diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. For those that aren't familar with the 11 diagnostic criteria for lupus (including myself), that's quite a question. I've probably only see 1 or 2 patients with lupus ever. So like the dutiful student that I am, I went home that night and memorized the 11 diagnostic criteria for lupus planning to impress him the next day with my new knowledge...unfortunately by 5pm the next day I couldn't remember them. I've reviewed them so many times now, they are forever ingrained in my overfilled brain. I have 2 more weeks of internal med and then it's off to Pocatello for OB/GYN.

If I had my camera, you'd be seeing a picture of my chalkboard that says "DAYS TIL IDAHO = 13" Yea!! I'm in need of some family time!!

The sun is finally shining in Ohio so it's time to get outside and enjoy it!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!

The unfortunate part about living across the country from your family is that you miss spending important days like today with them. I am lucky to have such a wonderful mom who has always been there for me and who is just as much my friend as she is my mom. My mom is an incredibly strong woman and has helped me to become the person that I am today. Sorry I can't be there today but I am very much looking forward to spending June in Pocatello. I love you and hope you have a great day today!!!

THANK YOU!!

I got back from New York last night and wanted to say thank you to the Cadmuses (Cadmi? haha) for everything while I was there. Caroline is an avid blog reader so I know she will relay this message to her parents. I had a great time and came back to Ohio pleasantly plump! (Caroline's mom is an awesome cook and we had a big Italian meal every night). THANKS AGAIN! Hopefully I can return the favor if Caroline comes to the 'HO!!!

TWO YEARS TO GO!

Since we don't have kids to brag about yet, I'm going to have to spend this post bragging about my husband. Last week Steve finished his medical school classes and today was his last actual class exam. Then he takes Step 1 of the boards in June and starts his rotations in July. I am so incredibly proud of him!! He has worked so hard the past 2 years and is close to the top of his class. I am excited for him to start his rotations and to be able to apply everything he has learned. He is going to make an amazing physician. Love you babe!!

The Big Apple, Part 2

We covered some serious ground in the city yesterday (our feet are still hurting today). After leaving Ground Zero, we headed to Central Park. The park was so beautiful in full spring bloom.




The Park was just one stop on our long hike to Serendipity for their famous frozen hot chocolate. Seredipity is one of my favorite movies and I have been wanting to go there since I saw that movie.



The frozen hot chocolate was so rich and yummy!!!


We ended the perfect day by going to see Grease. Caroline and I loved the NBC show "Grease, you're the one that I want" and felt partially responsible for the picking of Danny and Sandy. The show was awesome! "Grease is the word!"

THE BIG APPLE, part 1

Caroline and I took the train into the city yesterday and made sure to take lots of pictures. After arriving at Grand Central Station, we took the subway to Canal St. (aka Chinatown) for some "completely legal" purchases. Don't worry...no drugs....only Coach purses.



On the train. Caroline lives about an hour North of NYC

After Canal Street, we went to little Italy for lunch.




This picture is from the cute place we had lunch. The name of the place meant small buffalo in Italian. There was no buffalo involved in the meal, only very good 'za.

After leaving little Italy, we walked to Ground Zero. We weren't able to see much because they have started construction on the new towers and have a fence around the entire block. However, the large empty hole in the middle of the city is somewhat erie and leaves a strange feeling in your stomach.