Christmas season is here again. It seems it comes earlier and earlier each year. For stores it is probably about the money but for me I get excited because it means time with family. This year will be even more special because my dad will be home after over a month in Haiti (he is working there as a missionary) and my brother will be on leave from the marines (he was not able to take time off for Thanksgiving).
My dad asked if the hubby and I will do Christmas at our place so we will have a full house but I am sure everyone will have a great time.
We already have the tree set up and I am so excited because it is my first real tree! It smells so good and we only paid $35 for it. We always used artificially trees growing up which never bothered me but I am excited to have a real one this year, I just hope it lasts until Christmas! We have been trying to remember to water it everyday and so far so good.
The other night Eddie and I just sat in the living room looking at the tree and listening to Christmas music. It was really quiet and nice. We don't get to spend a ton of time together with me in school and him working so I really enjoy the times we do have.
Looking forward to all the good will that this time of year brings out in people. Hopefully people can remember to spread that around all year long as well!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
How do you measure a year?
I was looking back at some things I had written in years past trying to find some inspiration for a blog post. I found the following written on July 5, 2008. I would like to think that I try to remember this inspiration and live my life based on what I wrote so many years ago. However, I know that I can always strive to do better. Here is that original posting word for word because I think I said it so well back then and need to re-visit these thoughts and remember what makes my life worth living:
"Last night I was at the fireworks with some friends and as I sat there watching the colorful display I couldn't help but think about last 4th of July. Where I was, who I was with from last year to this was all different. This got me thinking about how fast a year has gone by and what I had done with my life in that year.
Later we watched Rent at my apartment and as I listened to the opening song I thought about this again but in a slightly different light. Here are the lyrics for those who aren't familiar with the movie:
Seasons of Love
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Moments so dear
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife
In - Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure
A Year In The Life?
How About Love?
How About Love?
How About Love?
Measure In Love
Seasons of Love.
Seasons of Love.
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Journeys To Plan
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure The Life
Of A Woman Or A Man
In Truths That She Learned
Or In Times That He Cried
In Bridges He Burned
Or The Way That She Died
It's Time Now - To Sing Out
Though The Story Never Ends
Let's Celebrate
Remember A Year In The Life Of Friends
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Measure In Love
Oh you got to you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.
Seasons Of Love(2x)
Measure your life, measure your life in love
Often I think we have a tendency to measure the success and worth of our lives in terms of accomplishments or who we associate ourselves with. While these things can be important I think people, myself included, sometimes forget that at times the smaller things in our lives speak at much higher volumes than the big things. We are more likely to be remembered and appreciated by others for how we treat those around us than the large goals we set and meet for ourselves.
That's not to say that goals aren't important. I myself am a very goal oriented person and will remain so for the rest of my life. However, what if I simply "measured my life in love?". Would that be such a bad thing? I don't think so.
One of my favorite Bible verses is 1st Corinthians 13:13 which says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
For Christians I think we often get caught up in the "rules and regulations" of our faith and begin to think that doing or not doing certain things is what makes our lives worthwhile. And for those of any religion we, as humans, may simply get caught up in what society defines as greatness. But if we each took time to simply look around and be receptive to the needs of others how much better would the world be? If we really did measure the bulk of our life in love and what we did to better the world and included our material goals and aspirations as a small addition to this I think maybe our lives would seem more complete. "
"Last night I was at the fireworks with some friends and as I sat there watching the colorful display I couldn't help but think about last 4th of July. Where I was, who I was with from last year to this was all different. This got me thinking about how fast a year has gone by and what I had done with my life in that year.
Later we watched Rent at my apartment and as I listened to the opening song I thought about this again but in a slightly different light. Here are the lyrics for those who aren't familiar with the movie:
Seasons of Love
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Moments so dear
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?
In Daylights - In Sunsets
In Midnights - In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches - In Miles
In Laughter - In Strife
In - Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure
A Year In The Life?
How About Love?
How About Love?
How About Love?
Measure In Love
Seasons of Love.
Seasons of Love.
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Journeys To Plan
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure The Life
Of A Woman Or A Man
In Truths That She Learned
Or In Times That He Cried
In Bridges He Burned
Or The Way That She Died
It's Time Now - To Sing Out
Though The Story Never Ends
Let's Celebrate
Remember A Year In The Life Of Friends
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Measure In Love
Oh you got to you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.
Seasons Of Love(2x)
Measure your life, measure your life in love
Often I think we have a tendency to measure the success and worth of our lives in terms of accomplishments or who we associate ourselves with. While these things can be important I think people, myself included, sometimes forget that at times the smaller things in our lives speak at much higher volumes than the big things. We are more likely to be remembered and appreciated by others for how we treat those around us than the large goals we set and meet for ourselves.
That's not to say that goals aren't important. I myself am a very goal oriented person and will remain so for the rest of my life. However, what if I simply "measured my life in love?". Would that be such a bad thing? I don't think so.
One of my favorite Bible verses is 1st Corinthians 13:13 which says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
For Christians I think we often get caught up in the "rules and regulations" of our faith and begin to think that doing or not doing certain things is what makes our lives worthwhile. And for those of any religion we, as humans, may simply get caught up in what society defines as greatness. But if we each took time to simply look around and be receptive to the needs of others how much better would the world be? If we really did measure the bulk of our life in love and what we did to better the world and included our material goals and aspirations as a small addition to this I think maybe our lives would seem more complete. "
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Post 3: Medical School
With all the stress that has been going on finishing up this last unit of Anatomy I never thought I would be making a post about how I am thankful, truely thankful, for medical school.
However, this morning I have been printing out the last of my summaries and planning on what I want to study this last day before my exam and it hit me: I am almost done with my first semester/quarter/whatever they call it of medical school. It is amazing to think I am about to take this step. A small one on this long journey, but a step none the less and one I have worked very hard for.
Sometimes I have to take a moment to realize how truely lucky I am to be here. A lot of people apply to medical school, a lot don't get in. I have been given a chance to fulfill my dreams and it is not something I should take lightly. Sometimes I am stressed to the max and sometimes I don't have time for all the things I want to do, but at the end of the day I know I am working towards a goal and it will all be worth it.
Sound cheesy? Maybe. But that doesn't stop it from being true.
I am hoping that once I have these first classes out of the way and am confident in my abilities to pass I will be able to explore other opportunities Wayne State has to offer. I have volunteered at the student-run clinic and helped to feed the homeless, but I am hoping to find the time to do these things more often. I am volunteering at the end of the month to do STI/HIV education in a local high school. Just being a student opens so many doors for me, I just have to be willing to try new things.
So while Detroit may not be the most safe or beautiful city, I am truely thankful to be a medical student in this city!
However, this morning I have been printing out the last of my summaries and planning on what I want to study this last day before my exam and it hit me: I am almost done with my first semester/quarter/whatever they call it of medical school. It is amazing to think I am about to take this step. A small one on this long journey, but a step none the less and one I have worked very hard for.
Sometimes I have to take a moment to realize how truely lucky I am to be here. A lot of people apply to medical school, a lot don't get in. I have been given a chance to fulfill my dreams and it is not something I should take lightly. Sometimes I am stressed to the max and sometimes I don't have time for all the things I want to do, but at the end of the day I know I am working towards a goal and it will all be worth it.
Sound cheesy? Maybe. But that doesn't stop it from being true.
I am hoping that once I have these first classes out of the way and am confident in my abilities to pass I will be able to explore other opportunities Wayne State has to offer. I have volunteered at the student-run clinic and helped to feed the homeless, but I am hoping to find the time to do these things more often. I am volunteering at the end of the month to do STI/HIV education in a local high school. Just being a student opens so many doors for me, I just have to be willing to try new things.
So while Detroit may not be the most safe or beautiful city, I am truely thankful to be a medical student in this city!
Monday, November 14, 2011
What I am Thankful For, Post 2: Pets
I love my pets!
I don't want to sound like a crazy person but for a two bedroom apartment we have a full house: two people, two cats, one conure and one fish. I would even have more pets if we could but I am aware that would classify me as crazy. For now we have reached our capacity and while my pets do drive me crazy at times (well, all except the fish), I would not give them up for the world.
There is something special about animals that I think only pet owners understand. They each have such a unique personality and a way of providing such great companionship. I can no longer eat, sleep or even shower without one or more furry/feathered creatures wanting to be with me.
It is hard to stay grumpy in our household as one of the cats always manages to make a toy out of something in the garbage and go running around like something possesed. The bird likes to randomly fly from his cage to the bedroom and while he has not learned any words, he makes sounds that sound exactly like a chicken to let us know when he is happy. No matter what kind of day I have had I know that when I come home I will have my pets there to greet me and sit in my lap. Wanted to be petted and played with all while purring and chirping (sometimes meowing and squaking instead).
I consider them a blessing and always will!
I don't want to sound like a crazy person but for a two bedroom apartment we have a full house: two people, two cats, one conure and one fish. I would even have more pets if we could but I am aware that would classify me as crazy. For now we have reached our capacity and while my pets do drive me crazy at times (well, all except the fish), I would not give them up for the world.
There is something special about animals that I think only pet owners understand. They each have such a unique personality and a way of providing such great companionship. I can no longer eat, sleep or even shower without one or more furry/feathered creatures wanting to be with me.
It is hard to stay grumpy in our household as one of the cats always manages to make a toy out of something in the garbage and go running around like something possesed. The bird likes to randomly fly from his cage to the bedroom and while he has not learned any words, he makes sounds that sound exactly like a chicken to let us know when he is happy. No matter what kind of day I have had I know that when I come home I will have my pets there to greet me and sit in my lap. Wanted to be petted and played with all while purring and chirping (sometimes meowing and squaking instead).
I consider them a blessing and always will!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Picture Post
Photography has been a hobby of mine for a few years now. I have not had much time for it since starting medical school though! Just thought I would post a few of my favorites from years past (kind of a cop out since I don't have time to write a long post today!!)
Monday, November 7, 2011
What I am Thankful For: Day 1
Yes, I am going to be one of those people. I know we should all reflect about what we are thankful for throughout the year but November seems to bring that out in people with Thanksgiving just around the corner. I am not going to make every blog this month about what I am thankful for but am going to try to make a handful of them.
Today I am thankful for our house. Well, our condo/apartment. I am truely thankful that as a newly wed couple my husband and I are able to live on our own fairly comfortably. I know many are not so lucky with the current state of the economy. While I love my family I am glad we do not have to live with them. I know this would put undue stress on all relationships involved. It is nice to visit my family when I have the time but to be the independent adult that I want to be.
I have a special soft spot for the homeless. I can not imagine what it is like to not have a place to call home and it saddens me to see people on the side of the road, cold and hungry. It does not matter to me how they got there, I feel bad for them and always wish I could help. On Thursday I am going with a campus group to feed lunch to some homeless around our Detroit campus. I hope it will be a fullfilling experience and make me more thankful for all I have in my life.
Today I am thankful for our house. Well, our condo/apartment. I am truely thankful that as a newly wed couple my husband and I are able to live on our own fairly comfortably. I know many are not so lucky with the current state of the economy. While I love my family I am glad we do not have to live with them. I know this would put undue stress on all relationships involved. It is nice to visit my family when I have the time but to be the independent adult that I want to be.
I have a special soft spot for the homeless. I can not imagine what it is like to not have a place to call home and it saddens me to see people on the side of the road, cold and hungry. It does not matter to me how they got there, I feel bad for them and always wish I could help. On Thursday I am going with a campus group to feed lunch to some homeless around our Detroit campus. I hope it will be a fullfilling experience and make me more thankful for all I have in my life.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Honeymoon Envy
I don't consider myself a jealous person. For the most part I really enjoy my life and the direction it is taking. I don't want for much. Sure, having some more money might be nice but I am in school and my husband and I make due with what we have and that is that. There is one thing I am insanely and irrationally jealous of though: people who get nice honeymoon's.
It seems like everyone I know who has gotten married recently got to go somewhere warm and fun. Even my friend who has a baby managed to save up the money and vacation time to take a week long honeymoon to St. Lucia. My husband and I: went camping for three nights in Holly, MI. This included a trip to the Flint, MI mall where our car keys were stollen while we enjoyed the arcade. My dad had to come and take me to our apartment in Detroit to get the extra set of keys while my new husband sat by our car in the parking lot for 2+ hours. On top of this, it rained most of the weekend and our cabin had no heat and a door that did not lock. The whole experience was unromantic to say the least. And yet, we still managed to have fun (and to even laugh about the whole thing later).
I feel blessed to be with someone who makes me laugh everyday and who laughs at my jokes and antics as unfunny as they may be at times. We had a beautiful wedding and have a family who loves us and supports our union. We are able to afford to live on our own while I go to graduate school and he works two part time jobs. Our life is good and we are good for each other. I am grateful. And yet.....
I find myself staring at my friend's honeymoon pictures with jealousy. How I wish we could have had that fairy tale experience. I keep telling myself that maybe we can do it for an anniversary trip but seeing as we live paycheck to paycheck right now and want to have kids once I am out of school I don't know if it will ever happen. I am sure I will get over it eventually. And to be honest, I am fond of our strange mini-moon story in a way only my husband (and maybe father who rescued us) can understand. I am lucky enough to have found that person who I am still happy to wake up next to everyday and I hope that feeling lasts for many, many years to come. I know deep down a fancy honeymoon would not have changed anything, but who doesn't like warm weather and room service?
It seems like everyone I know who has gotten married recently got to go somewhere warm and fun. Even my friend who has a baby managed to save up the money and vacation time to take a week long honeymoon to St. Lucia. My husband and I: went camping for three nights in Holly, MI. This included a trip to the Flint, MI mall where our car keys were stollen while we enjoyed the arcade. My dad had to come and take me to our apartment in Detroit to get the extra set of keys while my new husband sat by our car in the parking lot for 2+ hours. On top of this, it rained most of the weekend and our cabin had no heat and a door that did not lock. The whole experience was unromantic to say the least. And yet, we still managed to have fun (and to even laugh about the whole thing later).
I feel blessed to be with someone who makes me laugh everyday and who laughs at my jokes and antics as unfunny as they may be at times. We had a beautiful wedding and have a family who loves us and supports our union. We are able to afford to live on our own while I go to graduate school and he works two part time jobs. Our life is good and we are good for each other. I am grateful. And yet.....
I find myself staring at my friend's honeymoon pictures with jealousy. How I wish we could have had that fairy tale experience. I keep telling myself that maybe we can do it for an anniversary trip but seeing as we live paycheck to paycheck right now and want to have kids once I am out of school I don't know if it will ever happen. I am sure I will get over it eventually. And to be honest, I am fond of our strange mini-moon story in a way only my husband (and maybe father who rescued us) can understand. I am lucky enough to have found that person who I am still happy to wake up next to everyday and I hope that feeling lasts for many, many years to come. I know deep down a fancy honeymoon would not have changed anything, but who doesn't like warm weather and room service?
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