Living Life to the Fullest

I can't do this

2012-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Coffee Shop Etiquette

2011-12-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

1. Do not be obnoxiously loud. This includes overly loud talking, laughing, arguing, and rearranging. Whether I am studying or not is irrelevent.

2. Don't bring in take-out from other places. Especially if it smells.

3. PDA. Enough said. No one wants to see it.

4. If you bring your baby, don't ignore it while it screams in its stroller for 20 minutes. Furthermore, don't ignore your toddler while it runs around wild making a mess. This coming from someone who loves babies and has brought babies and toddlers to coffee shops, please consider those around you.

5. This is not an office. No one around you wants to hear you make dozens of business phone calls.

6. Don't take up multiple tables with massive amounts of stuff when the place is crowded. That is just rude.

7. If it looks like I am studying, I probably am. Therefore, I probably don't want to have a 30 minute conversation with some random person.

Protecting myself

2011-12-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have found myself saying things like "If I'm still in med school after Christmas...", "If I don't pass these exams the school of medicine may not let me continue..." and such more and more often, even to people who don't know my history. And I was realizing this evening that it's because I'm scared, and I'm trying to protect myself as much as I can from the pain that I know is inevitable if I don't make it. Now, unlike other years, I think that there is actually a fairly strong possibility that I will make it.

While the thought of failing is scary, I realized tonight that passing is just a little bit scary too. I have only been this far once before. And pretty soon I will be in completely uncharted territory. A little bit scary, yes, but also a little exciting. I do really really want to succeed. More than ever before.

Choices

2011-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Every day of my life is filled with choices, from the moment I wake up in the morning till the time I fall asleep at night...

Do I sleep for 10 more minutes or get up and take a shower?

Do I really want to be on time to class or can I sleep for 15 more minutes?

Do I listen actively during class and take good notes, or do I {chat with my neighbor/text/journal/facebook/email} during class?

What about lunch? The options are practically endless here...bring food (although that choice would have had to be made way earlier, like back when I was deciding how long to sleep in), buy food from the vending machine, go out (alone or with friends), go home and eat, skip lunch altogether...

The afternoon...nap, study, facebook, run errands, clean? Again, endless options.

And then, do I work out or not?

When do I start studying, where do I study, and for how long?

The most productive day in recent history

2011-11-26T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today I:
-Slept in
-Took a shower
-Went to church
-Patched 1 1/2 pairs of jeans
-Hung out with a friend
-Studied for 5 hours
-Took out the trash
-Cleaned the cat litter boxes
-Went to the gym
And am still going to bed at a decent hour. :)

Thankfulness, part 3

2011-11-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for...

11-17-11
The Centennial Complex study rooms.

11-18-11
My physician mentor, Amy.

11-19-11
The older sister that God picked just for me and the wonderful example that she is to me.

11-20-11
The rain.

11-21-11
My anatomy lab group. They are so hilarious and fun.

11-22-11
Margaret.

11-23-11
A fun afternoon and evening with Will.

11-24-11
The best Thanksgiving ever, thanks to the class of 2015.

Thankfulness, part 2

2011-11-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for…

11-9-11
Dr. Lewis. He is the reason that I am here and I love love love his lectures!

11-10-11
A fun study group and knowledgeable classmates.

11-11-11
Getting out of class one hour early (thank you Dr. Wilcox!).

11-12-11
Chris Adair, his amazing ability to explain heart sounds and murmurs, and his willingness to spend time helping me (in the midst of his very busy third year).

11-13-11
Getting to take a nap.

11-14-11
Dr. Oberg giving everyone credit for question #7 (meaning I am now passing embryo!).

11-15-11
A fun PDX cardio lab.

11-16-11
Dr. Shankel (she is so nice and encouraging!).

Thankfulness, part 1

2011-11-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for…

11-1-11
An amazing friend who was willing to spend the night at my crazy messy house last night and help me study for exams this morning!

11-2-11
All the absolutely wonderful and amazingly supportive friends I have in med school this year. Best.Class.Ever. (And I seriously thought I would never say that after the Class of ___).

The fact that I am still passing cell structure and function.

11-3-11
Med school friends who are willing to go over stuff multiple times for me.

11-4-11
Being done with exams.

11-5-11
For sleep and good friends to hang out with.

11-6-11
All the babies I got to snuggle in the nursery today.

11-7-11
Dr. Wilcox (and the fact that he just threw out three exam questions, all of which I had gotten wrong, raising my score by 4%).

11-8-11
Getting to snuggle and play with Baby Joseph.

Will it be like this every single time?

2011-10-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

I thought last time was the biggest deciding factor for my future in medical school and my career as a doctor. I passed all my exams last time, and now I feel like I am in the exact same spot I was in 5 weeks ago. Exept I haven't studied nearly as much for this set of exams. But I do have one entire set of passed exams behind me, so that's one positive thing I've got going for me. Even if I fail every single exam this round of tests, it won't be the end of the world. For me as a person (God still loves me regardless, and med school is not the most important thing in life, even if it feels like it sometimes) or for my career as a doctor (as in, my grades will technically all still be salvageable even if I fail everything). Not that I want to fail everything (or anything, for that matter), but it always helps me to put things in perspective.
This afternoon was the first time (maybe this entire school year?) that I really started feeling really anxious and kind of freaking out. But like I've realized before, anxiety and worry won't help one bit or change anything (unless it motivates me to study, and in my case it usually doesn't, it just paralyzes me with fear), so there's no reason to ruin this entire week by giving in to fear and anxiety.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

Multitasking Fail

2011-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

So yesterday afternoon I was babysitting and *planning* to study during the 7-month-old's long afternoon nap. When he flat out refused to nap, I improvised by studying on the day bed in his room while he played on the floor (I had tried studying on the floor with him but he was way too interested in my embryology book and notes). He was happy as long as I made eye contact and smiled at him every minute or so. All was going well until one of my regularly scheduled eye-contact-smiling moments...I went to look at him and he was gone. And seriously, this kid is barely mobile, not even crawling yet. I jumped up and started frantically looking for him (the room isn't that big!) and, after a few seconds of panic, found him under the bed - not just partway under, all the way under and back by the wall - playing with a surge protector. After I managed to drag him out from under there, I decided to forgo the studying...

The little trouble-maker

Embryology

2011-10-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

1. A time when two heads are not better than one.
2. Two tails do not help this guy swim fast.
3. Obvious problems.
4. Bigger is not better.
5. Clearly out of luck.

Somehow, I thought it would be easier

2011-10-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

I always thought that if only I could pass my first round of exams, I could get my confidence back and the rest of med school would be easy. Well, I passed everything (!!!), and while this makes me so happy and excited and relieved and thankful to God, it certainly hasn't made studying any easier. In fact, this past week has been my worst week of studying since school started (and I always thought I had trouble studying the week after exams because I had just failed everything). While I am feeling more confident (I can do this), I am still questioning myself...maybe I can only do the first set of material. The new material is harder, I'm not nearly as familiar with it, Anna isn't here anymore, etc. And I think more than anything, I'm just getting really tired/bored of studying. But I can do this...I just have to repeat what I did for the first quarter, right? :)

Threshold

2011-09-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

1 : the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door : sill
2a : gate, door
b (1) : end, boundary; specifically : the end of a runway (2) : the place or point of entering or beginning : outset
3a : the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced
b : a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not

The threshold is the potential that a cell must reach when depolarizing in order for an action potential to occur. The threshold is also the point or value that I must obtain on my exams this week in order for me to pass and for my career in medicine to continue...
I feel like I am kind of standing on a threshold, the threshold of my life, and that this week will determine a lot (but not everything, because, as Amy suggested, I'm giving myself till Christmas).
I didn't expect to like my med school class this much this year. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. I didn't expect to make this many friends. Last year I didn't really care. This year I do, for more reasons than just my future as a doctor.
But, like my fellow student said on the way to chapel a few weeks ago, there's not really any reason to worry or be anxious, because it won't accomplish anything. It will just make me miserable and make my studying less productive. So I'm just going to do my best to not worry, trust God, and do the best that I can on exams this week.

Facebook, part 2

2011-09-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

So I stayed off facebook completely for 6 days...I went back on because Friday the 26th was my sister's birthday and I wanted to wish her a happy birthday on fb. And the funny thing was, as I looked through all I had missed over the previous week (yes, I did indulge and let myself do more than just wish my sis a quick happy birthday) I found the whole experience to be incredibly anti-climactic. In fact, it was quite boring. No offense to any of my friends or anything, but all of the monumental things that I was imagining I must be missing all week just weren't happening. So all in all, I just confirmed that facebook is a huge time-waster filled with information that I really didn't need to know in the first place.

Facebook

2011-08-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

On the eve of classes starting (Sunday night), I decided to give up Facebook for awhile, and that is the last time I logged in. It has only been three days, but it feels like a lot longer. I feel disconnected from everyone, and throughout the day I keep thinking of things that would be great for my fb status. But at the same time, FB had become a HUGE time-waster, plus I don't really need to know every time someone I barely even know anymore gets a haircut, goes to bed, has a bad day, makes dinner, etc. I guess the degree to which I am missing it just shows me how addicted I was.

It will be okay

2011-08-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I restarted school. And at my appointment with Dr. Mar in the afternoon, I realized that whatever happens, I'll be okay with it either way. I didn't exactly want to go back to MS, and while I will be a little sad if I fail exams and have to stop, at the same time it will be a huge relief and then I will just be done. So it will be okay. And if I pass exams, well then that will be what I've always wanted. So that will be okay too. So now all I have to do is do my best for the next four weeks and not let myself get too anxious or stressed.

Dear 21-year-old Me,

2011-08-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Don't go home every weekend - soak up every minute of time you can living in Santa Barbara. You will miss it terribly once you're gone.
Drinking isn't all it's cracked up to be. At its best you'll waste money, act silly, and make yourself sick, and at its worst you'll put yourself in dangerous situations, break the law, do things you'll regret later, and make yourself violently ill.
You think life sucks now...just wait a few years.
You have the best parents in the world.
It will always be harder for you than for most people, but you will eventually learn to interact and make friends with people. You won't always be alone.
Please don't starve yourself. I know it makes you feel better, but the consequences really aren't worth it.
Oh yeah, and you can skip the cutting too. It won't provide any real relief.
Even though all you want is to be accepted to medical school, it just may be the most difficult and painful thing to ever happen to you.
Jason is a total loser and he doesn't really love or care about you. Don't give him your time or heart.
You don't need to drive 90mph everywhere. Besides the fact that you WILL get a speeding ticket, it just isn't safe.
Dating really isn't all that great - you won't miss out on anything if you wait a while before trying it.
As much as it may seem to be true, your self-worth really isn't based on the grades you get.
God loves you and cares about you more than you can imagine. Even if it doesn't always feel like it.

"Made to Praise"

2011-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

LOVE this song!

Homemade Ice Cream in a bag

2011-07-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup half and half (whole milk works too)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup salt (The bigger the granules, the better. Kosher or rock salt works best, but table salt is fine.)
Ice cubes (enough to fill each gallon-size bag about half full)
1 pint-size ziplock bag
1 gallon-size ziplock bag
1. Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in the pint-size bag and seal it tightly.

2. Place the salt and ice in the gallon-size bag, then place the sealed smaller bag inside as well. Seal the larger bag. Now shake the bags until the mixture hardens (about 5 minutes). Feel the small bag to determine when it's done.

3. Take the smaller bag out of the larger one, add mix-ins, and eat the ice cream right out of the bag. Easy cleanup too! Serves 1.

~I used 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk and 1 tsp butter instead of the 1 cup half and half...only because I didn't have any cream or milk and didn't want to go to the grocery store. It worked just fine and turned out delicious. :)

2011 so far

2011-07-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Lost 20 pounds

Gave blood three times

Day thirty: a photo you find beautiful

2011-05-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Day twenty-nine: a photo of your favorite person from history

2011-05-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Day twenty-eight: a photo of something/somebody that made your day

2011-05-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Day twenty-seven: a photo of something you are looking forward to

2011-05-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Day twenty-six: a photo of your favorite subject in school

2011-05-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

PDX (Physical Diagnosis) is/was my favorite class in med school, and this was the best I could come up with for a picture...this is the textbook I have for the class.

Day twenty-five: a photo that inspires you

2011-05-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet Mia Amore'. This precious little girl has been on a ventilator since birth and fights so hard every day to make improvements and learn new things. She is such a joy to her family and everyone around her. Mia's Blog

Day twenty-four: a photo of what you want to be when you grow up

2011-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

A pediatrician specifically, but I just like the way this picture looks.

Day twenty-three: a photo of something you want to do someday

2011-05-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

More than anything in the world, I want to have a baby someday.

Day twenty-two: a photo that you associate a good memory with

2011-05-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with Adie, fall 2008. I have so many good memories of babysitting Adie and spending time with her and Brandi and Andrew. I miss them so much. I could take Adie anywhere and she and I would have fun. And Brandi and I would have a blast just spending time together, running errands, eating, watching a movie, or knitting. If only they hadn't moved so far away (North Carolina).

Day twenty-one: a photo of somebody you find attractive

2011-05-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

I'm going to skip this one for now...

Day twenty: a photo of something you ate today

2011-05-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Tuscan Chicken that I technically made (from Dream Dinners).

Day nineteen: a photo of your favorite thing from school

2011-05-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

In medical school, I enjoyed ward experience the most (getting to do peds endocrinology, general surgery, plastics, and cardiothoracic surgery). And I always liked getting to wear my white coat. :)

Day eighteen: a photo of your town

2011-05-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Day seventeen: a photo from a trip you'll never forget

2011-05-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

July/August 2007, Machu Picchu, trip to Peru with the Loma Linda School of Public Health. Definitely an unforgettable 3 weeks.

Day sixteen: a photo from your childhood

2011-05-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

[I'll have to come back to this one too]

Day fifteen: a photo of you and a family member

2011-05-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2010. My family at Anna's graduation from West Valley College.

Day fourteen: a photo of your best friend(s)

2011-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Tahoe, July 18, 2010. I have a lot of really good friends, but David and Julie are some of my very best.

Day thirteen: a photo of one of your favorite movies

2011-05-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Elf. I love this movie because no matter how many times I watch it it always makes me laugh.

Day twelve: a photo of when you were happy

2011-05-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

January 7, 2006 - the day I got Butterscotch and Caramel. One of the best days of my life. :)

Day eleven: a photo of a night you loved

2011-05-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2009. Dinner with David and Julie, the first time I went to visit them at their new house in Sacramento. I always love spending time with David and Julie, and miss them a lot!

Day ten: any photo you like for any reason

2011-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2009, making Gingerbread houses with my whole family, at home in San Jose. I love my family and I love spending time together. And I love Christmas.

Day nine: a photo of yourself when you were a baby

2011-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

[I'll have to come back to this one, I don't have any baby pictures of me on the computer]

Day eight: a photo of something you enjoy doing

2011-05-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

What I love doing almost more than anything else...holding a baby.
8/1/2010, Will - 3 months old

Day seven: a photo of something you stand for

2011-05-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

Day six: a photo of someone you love

2011-05-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

My family, 5/28/2010

Day five: a photo that makes you laugh

2011-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

4/15/2011, Grace and Faith pointing to their sock that was stuck on the sun hanging on the wall.

Day four: a photo of a place you'd like to visit

2011-05-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

Quebec, Canada
I've always wanted to go to Canada.

Day Three: a photo that makes you happy

2011-05-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Caramel
1/8/2011

Day Two: a photo of yourself from at least a year ago

2011-05-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

4/28/2010

Day One: a photo of you

2011-05-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-04-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Day one: a photo of you.
Day two: a photo of yourself at least a year ago.
Day three: a photo that makes you happy.
Day four: a photo of a place you'd like to visit.
Day five: a photo that makes you laugh.
Day six: a photo of someone you love.
Day seven: a photo of something you stand for.
Day eight: a photo of something you enjoy doing.
Day nine: a photo of yourself when you were a baby.
Day ten: any photo you like for any reason.
Day eleven: a photo of a night you loved.
Day twelve: a photo of when you were happy.
Day thirteen: a photo of one of your favorite movies.
Day fourteen: a photo of your best friend (s).
Day fifteen: a photo of you and a family member.
Day sixteen: a photo from your childhood.
Day seventeen: a photo from a trip you'll never forget.
Day eighteen: a photo of your town.
Day nineteen: a photo of your favorite thing from school.
Day twenty: a photo of something you ate today.
Day twenty-one: a photo of somebody you find attractive.
Day twenty-two: a photo that you associate a good memory with.
Day twenty-three: a photo of something you want to do someday.
Day twenty-four: a photo of what you want to be when you grow up.
Day twenty-five: a photo that inspires you.
Day twenty-six: a photo of your favorite subject in school.
Day twenty-seven: a photo of something you are looking forward to.
Day twenty-eight: a photo of something/somebody that made your day.
Day twenty-nine: a photo of your favorite person from history.
Day thirty: a photo you find beautiful.

Easiest Baby Ever

2011-04-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've been babysitting Alana since she was 8 months old, and she'll be 3 next month.

I always thought she was a pretty easy going baby (she was). Today I met and babysat her little brother Alan "A.J." for the first time. He is 7 weeks old.

During the almost six hours that I was there, he did not cry or even fuss once. He was perfectly content to sit in his swing or bouncer (and be moved from one to the other as his sister and I moved from one room to another as we switched from one activity to the next). I of course love holding babies so I held him for awhile too, but seriously, I think he is the easiest baby I have ever taken care of!

He knows my name

2011-03-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

6 months

2011-02-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Exactly 6 months ago I was sitting through the first day of medical school orientation...And now, 6 months later, I find myself eerily in almost the exact same spot I was in at this time last year. Nannying again, waiting, planning to go back to medical school next year. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined 6 months ago where I would be today. (Well okay, to be completely honest, I did know that it was a possibility that things wouldn't work out the way I wanted them to, yet again, but I didn't really think that would happen).

So now, instead of spending my days going to lectures, dissecting cadavers, locating cells in histo lab, and studying nearly every waking minute, I find myself spending my days changing diapers, reading stories, watching Veggie Tales and Tinkerbell, playing at the park, going to the zoo, potty training, making sandwiches, preparing bottles and sippy cups, and taking a stroller and diaper bag with me everywhere I go. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE babies and want nothing more than to have one of my own...this just isn't how I imagined I'd be spending my time this year.
Still waiting and trying to figure out what your plan for my life is Lord...

Giving people the benefit of the doubt

2011-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

On my way home from work today, I came very close to getting into a car accident when a lady pulled out right in front of me on a busy street (hence I was going about 40 mph). As I slammed on the brakes and honked the horn simultaneously, the lady quickly realized and pulled into the other lane. And then she slowed down her car, and mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to me. I nodded and smiled and said "It's okay" and we continued on our way. And it made me realize, so often when someone cuts us off or nearly causes an accident, we are quick to think "What an idiot!" or at the very least "What a terrible driver!" When in reality most of the time those kinds of things are a mistake. I make mistakes too, I've unintentionally cut people off or pulled in front of someone before. So from now I (and I already try to do this a lot anyway) I'm just going to assume it was a mistake and not think badly of the other driver or get mad. We all make mistakes.

Meeting blog friends

2010-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

I first began following a blog and praying for people I had never met through Luke's blog back in September 2004, shortly after his near-drowning accident. And in June of 2006, when Luke's family was vacationing in California at a campground about 30 minutes from where I live, I got to meet sweet Luke and his family. I still have fond memories of the afternoon I spent visiting with Luke and his family, and remember vividly holding him in my arms. Praying for his healing became even more tangible. Join me in following Luke's journey and praying for him!

Then this last fall I got to meet Bella's wonderful family: Tim & Angelique, and big sister Ali (4½). Anabella was born with a rare genetic skin disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and underwent a bone marrow transplant during the summer. Bella died on October 11, at the age of 16 months. I had the privilege of attending her memorial service...her parents and big sister are truly amazing. Bella was a blessing to all during her life and continues to touch people through the legacy she left.

Then just yesterday, while home in Northern California for Christmas break, I was able to visit sweet Elijah's family: his mom, Marie, brother Josiah, 5, and baby sister Haliah, 8 months (Dad Steve was at work and big sister Kayla, 12, was at a sleepover). I have been following Elijah's blog since Marie's pregnancy with him in 2008, and this past year Marie and I have gotten to know each other through facebook and texts. Marie is a wonderful prayer warrior and has blessed me numerous times. And we got to know each other all because of precious Lijah's short life and the impact he has had on so many. It was fantastic getting to meet them and spend the day together yesterday.

One Last Christmas

2010-12-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Being Healthy

2010-11-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, for whatever reason, I got really motivated to start exercising regularly, eating better, and losing weight. And I found this super fun (I think) website to keep track of everything (and it's free). http://www.fitday.com/ And the funniest part? Well, today I went to the gym for the first time in forever, so afterward I was logging my "activities" on the website and looking for "elliptical". I couldn't find it, so I was looking under every category trying to find something similar. And under "walking" one of the choices is "walking to and from an outhouse"! Yes, seriously. And according to the site, one minute of walking to an outhouse burns 2 calories. Definitely a type of exercise I'll have to consider in the future. lol

God's plan

2010-09-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

"Just think, you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing.
His hand formed you and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else - you are one of a kind.
You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to

fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
-Roy Lessin

Things I am thankful for (in no particular order)

2010-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

1. A God who loves me no matter what
2. Worship music
3. Amazing friends who always support me
4. A great church
5. My car (it is 12 years old and has seriously never broken down or left me stranded)
6. Butterscotch (cat one)
7. Caramel (cat two)
8. My condo
9. Coffee Bean
10. The opportunity to do med school again
11. My Bible
12. Journaling
13. Amazing parents
14. Wonderful sisters and brother
15. My digital camera
16. My laptop (even though it's huge it works)
17. My physician mentor
18. My iPod
19. My med school tutor
20. Prayer
21. My cell phone
22. Christ's death on the cross for ME!
23. Yoga
24. The joy of the Lord
25. Pictures
(more to come)

Please pray for Baby Ava

2010-09-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

A friend and former coworker of mine has a 6.5 week old baby who is very sick. At one month old sweet Ava was discovered to have transposition of the great arteries (congenital heart defect) and due to her poor oxygen levels she has suffered severe brain damage. At this point heart surgery would be too risky because of the increased risk of more brain bleeds. The doctors have sent her home and told her parents to enjoy the time they have with her, but they are praying and believing God for a miracle for this precious baby. Please join me in prayer for Ava Rose.

"Let the little children come"

2010-08-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

Ward Experience

2010-08-24T02:58:00.000-07:00

So for the past two weeks I've gotten to do ward experience, my favorite part of first year. :) The first week I was on Plastics and last week I was on Cardio-thoracic surgery. Both were amazing experiences. On Plastics I got to see cleft lip repairs, ear reconstructions, cosmetic procedures, etc. On CT I got to scrub in on a number of heart surgeries, the last one being a heart transplant on a little baby. That was truly amazing. Getting to hold the tiny defective heart in my hands was a priceless moment.
Yesterday classes officially started. So far so good for the most part. I am feeling a little overwhelmed, but hopefully I'll get a good study routine established.

Medical School

2010-08-05T21:46:00.001-07:00

Today I re-started medical school. It was a good day, just orientation and our white coat ceremony. Tomorrow is more orientation and then next week we start our ward experience, which should be really interesting and fun.

Please pray for Daisy Love

2010-07-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sweet Daisy is a 6-year-old girl with neuroblastoma who just recently relapsed. Her father is the pastor at the church that I used to go to when I lived in Santa Barbara. They have given her a 30-50% cure rate with chemo. Please pray for this sweet girl. We serve a mighty God who is able to do anything!

{Post under construction}

2010-07-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

{Post under construction}

One month from today

2010-07-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

One month from today I restart medical school. One month from today I will be sitting in orientation. August 5.

Being healthy

2010-06-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

After thinking back over my day today, this is what I've eaten:
Breakfast - cereal with milk
Lunch - red licorice
Snack - a few crackers
1st dinner - Chocolate twist and an ice blended mocha from Coffee Bean
2nd dinner - Squash rice (which is really mostly just rice with very little squash in it)
And I wonder why I've gained 5 pounds in the last month or so...
On the brighter side, I did go to power yoga last night and I think I'll go again tomorrow.

Favorites (Last Foto Friday)

2010-06-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the last photo challenge over at Rebecca's blog. Head on over to see some more great photos!

Paul Wesley Green

2010-05-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet Paul went to be with Jesus this morning. Please pray for his family.

My Baptism ~ March 21, 2010, Centerpoint Church

2010-05-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

Clouds (Foto Friday)

2010-05-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you.
-Job 35:5

Visit Rebecca's blog to see more clouds and sky!

Before the Morning

2010-05-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

New babies

2010-05-09T21:31:00.001-07:00

Two of my good friends have had new babies in the past couple weeks and I've enjoyed getting to meet both of them.

First, my good friend and physician mentor, Amy, had her third baby, William David "Will" on April 29. Her now 20-month-old twins , Grace and Faith, are the sweetest girls ever and are great big sisters to Baby Will.

Then my friend Robyn had her third baby, sweet Ellie Grace, on May 6. Ellie already has two great big sisters, Keira (3) and Claire (19 months).

Signs! (Foto Friday)

2010-04-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

This one is from California Adventure (no I didn't take it this week)

I love this street sign because one of my kittens is named Butterscotch, and I call her Scotch or Scotchly for short. :)

To see more SIGNS, visit Rebecca's blog!

Red! (Foto Friday)

2010-04-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't been feeling too creative or had much extra time lately, so this is the best I could do for red. :)

To participate in Foto Friday or see others' representations of RED, visit Rebecca's blog!

Blue! (Foto Friday)

2010-04-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Kittens on their bunkbed

Story-bookish house

To participate in Foto Friday, visit Rebecca's blog.

Lots of Lines (Foto Friday)

2010-03-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

This week's photo challenge was "Lines". To participate in this week's Foto Friday and see others' photos of lines, visit Rebecca's blog!

Seize the Day

2010-03-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

My hands were busy through the day
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to,
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And asked me please to share your fun,
I'd say,"A little later, Son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to!

Random Survey

2010-03-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:30ish maybe? I couldn't sleep.

2. How do you like your steak? Very well done if I eat it at all.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? New Moon maybe? I don't see a lot of theatre movies.

4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy. Or Bones.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Here (Colton/Loma Linda). I don't like change.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Oatmeal. Plain.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Honestly? American. But I do like Thai, Mexican, and Chinese.

8. What foods do you dislike? Any seafood/fish other than canned tuna and fish sticks

9. Favorite Place to Eat? I'm not sure...I'm always so indecisive.

10. Favorite dressing? Italian or ranch.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? 1999 Green Ford Escort and I love it.

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and tennis shoes. Although sometimes I do like dressing up.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Canada, Europe, Hawaii

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? The cup usually isn't even half empty...it's completely empty!

15. Where would you want to retire? Here I guess. But I don't really feel like retiring right now.

16. Favorite time of day? Nap time?

17. Where were you born? At Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Baseball.

19. Bird watcher? What? No, not except when I was taking a zoology class.

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Neither.

21. Do you have any pets? Two cats and a fish.

22. What did you want to be when you were little? A mom.

23. What is your best childhood memory? Going fun places with my family and playing with my siblings.

24. Are you a cat or dog person? Cat.

25. Are you married? No.

26. Always wear your seat belt? Yes...me and anyone else who's in my car.

27. Been in a car accident? A few, but none of them were very major or my fault.

28. Any pet peeves? Spelling and grammatical errors. People who smoke.

29. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Cheese.

30. Favorite Flower? Anything pretty.

31. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate Chip

32. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway

33. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero

34. From whom did you get your last email? Petsmart or facebook...

35. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? The idea of maxing out my credit card at any store is not very appealing.

36. Do anything spontaneous lately? I'm really more of a planner.

37. Like your job? Working with autistic kids? Yes, it's challenging but very rewarding. Babysitting? Of course, all I've ever wanted is a baby of my own.

38. Broccoli? Sure, if someone else fixes it for me.

39. What was your favorite vacation? Going to Yosemite with my family

40. Last person you went out to dinner with? The young adult group at my church

41. What are you listening to right now? Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall

42. What is your favorite color? Green

43. How many tattoos do you have? None

Loving (Foto Friday)

2010-02-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

This week's photo challenge was "Loving". And what more perfect form of love is there than Christ's death on the cross for us! To participate in this and other Foto Fridays (and see some others' cool representations of "Loving"), check out Rebecca's blog.

Emma

2010-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

A week ago sweet Emma finished her race and entered the presence of her Heavenly Father. She is whole and perfect and basking in the presence of Jesus Christ. Please pray for her family - while we rejoice for Emma, we grieve for those left behind to miss her.

God knows

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16
I came across this verse today, and it just encouraged me to think of how God knows everything that has and will happen in my life...nothing in my life surprises him. He has a perfect plan for my life and knows exactly what is best for me.

Paul Wesley Green

2009-12-20T13:36:00.001-08:00

Please pray for this little guy and his family during this difficult time!

35 comments for $35

2009-12-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I may or may not make it back on here today for Foto Friday, but meanwhile, this blogger is donating $35 to World Vision to provide needed medicines to children in poor countries for every 35 comments she receives on this post! Head over and leave a comment sometime today to help her reach her goal and you'll also be entered in a fun giveaway!

Little Feet (Foto Friday)

2009-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Kitten Feet

Baby Feet (Footprints)

Big feet (slightly sunburned from wearing flip flops)

Visit Rebecca's blog to see lots more little feet!

"Oh I Want To Know You More" (Steve Green)

2009-11-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Oh Lord, let this be the constant prayer of my heart

I pray for life

2009-10-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Water (Foto Friday)

2009-10-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Visit Rebecca's Blog to see other pictures of water from this week's Foto Friday, or for details on how to participate in next week's challenge!

Black and White (Foto Friday)

2009-10-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Visit Rebecca's blog to see other "Black and White" pictures from this week's challenge or to participate in next week's Foto Friday!

A Slight Breeze (Foto Friday)

2009-09-25T13:53:00.001-07:00

I am a novice photographer, and was hard-pressed to find wind with the 100+ degree temperatures we've been having, but did manage to to catch a little breeze. :)

To participate in Foto Friday, visit Rebecca at Renaissance.

Take My Life and Let It Be

2009-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

We sang this song at church a few weeks ago, and the first part really struck me...
"Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise."
As I sang these words, I really started to think...what would my moments and days truly look like if they were flowing in ceaseless praise to my Savior and King? Yes, I do try to live my life for Christ, but I don't think I am really that conscious of how I am living my life moment by moment. In the little decisions I make throughout my day, is my life honoring Christ?
"In everything I say and do, let my life honor you, here I am living for your glory"

Rain

2009-06-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Happy mother's day to all the mothers out there!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered his words.
-Luke 24:1-8

And the winner is...

2009-03-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.

Using this random interger generator, I selected a winner for my baby hat giveaway. And the winner is...
Result: 4
Beth!!!
Congratulations Beth, please contact me at anb1122@live.com and let me know what hat you would like!

Baby Hat giveaway!

2009-03-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

I make knit baby hats, and am giving one away as a prize through 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party. The hat is prize number 124, but there are a bunch of other great prizes, so be sure to check it out! If I win a prize, I'd love to win (in order) number 19, 21, 22, 58, 7, or 118, or, in no particular order, number 27, 26, 13, 5, 1, 23, 102, 51, 52, 45, or 77. But really, I think it would be fun to win any prize! I will also be giving away a baby hat separately from the blog party, so leave a comment below stating why you would like to win one, and I'll choose a winner on March 28.

Prayers for a little baby

2009-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

A childhood friend of mine had her second baby, Mia Amore, on February 4. And this precious baby girl has been in the NICU struggling to breathe on her own and fighting for her life ever since. Please pray for baby Mia, and visit her family's website to learn more about her and see the latest prayer requests.

It's a good thing...

2009-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

...he wasn't president when he was born, or he just might not have been!

I have never...

2009-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

Or rather, I have done the things in bold below:

Started your own blog (more than one, actually)

Slept under the stars

Played in a band

Visited Hawaii

Watched a meteor shower

Given more than you can afford to charity

Been to Disneyland/world

Climbed a mountain

Held a praying mantis

Sang a solo

Bungee jumped

Visited Paris

Watched a lightning storm at sea

Taught yourself an art from scratch

Adopted a child

Had food poisoning (probably)

Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

Seen the Mona Lisa in France

Slept on an overnight train

Had a pillow fight

Hitchhiked

Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

Built a snow fort

Held a lamb (in Peru)

Gone skinny dipping (does it count if I had my suit on?)

Been to a Broadway show in NY

Ran a Marathon

Been in three states at once

Ridden in a gondola in Venice

Seen a total eclipse

Watched a sunrise or sunset

Hit a home run

Been on a Cruise

Seen Niagra Falls in Person

Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors (I wouldn't know where that is, but I have been to Bristow, Oklahoma)

Seen an Amish community

Taught yourself a new language

Had enough money to be truly satisfied (if only money would truly satisfy...)

Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

Gone rock climbing

Seen Michelangelo’s David

Sung karaoke

Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

Visited Africa

Walked on a beach by moonlight (sort of...we didn't walk far)

Been transported in an ambulance

Had your portrait painted

Gone deep sea fishing

Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (and I was so terrified I almost wouldn't get out of the boat!)

Kissed in the rain

Played in the mud (my favorite childhood pastime!)

Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco

Gone to a drive-in theater

Been in a movie

Visited the Great Wall of China

Started a business

Taken a martial arts class

Swam in the Mediterranean Sea

Visited Russia

Served at a soup kitchen (homeless shelter?)

Sold Girl Scout cookies (I've bought them)

Gone whale watching

Gotten flowers for no reason

Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I do it every 8 weeks)

Gone sky diving

Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

Bounced a check

Saved a favorite childhood toy (I saved nearly all of them, actually)

Visited the Lincoln Memorial

Eaten Caviar

Pieced a quilt

Stood in Times Square

Toured the Everglades

Been fired from a job

Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

Broken a bone (my 2nd toe)

Been on a speeding motorcycle

Seen the Grand Canyon in person

Published a book

Visited the Vatican

Bought a brand new car

Walked in Jerusalem

Had your picture in the newspaper

Read the entire Bible

Visited the White House

Killed and prepared my own meat

Had chickenpox

Saved someone’s life

Sat on a jury

Met someone famous

Joined a book club

Lost a loved one

Had a baby

Seen the Alamo in person

Swam in the Great Salt Lake

Been involved in a law suit

Owned a cell phone

Been stung by a bee