Let me preface this post in saying I am not bragging about anything. However, people ask me ALL THE TIME how I lost and kept off forty pounds since starting last June. So here are a few of the things I do and ways I do them now and then.
First Things First
I started with the classic Weight Watchers program, except Micah and I didn't want to pay their fees. So we googled the program, found a ton of info on messageboards online and recipes, and then the point calculator system. He put it in excel so we could measure all of our foods we eat and calculate the points. We figured out what we needed to do and we stuck with it.
Major Swaps
Instead of skim milk, we switched to almond milk and light soy milk. We tried to find subtle ways to cut calories out of our diet without losing the core of what we were eating.
Micah switched to Egg Beaters and made a breakfast sandwich every morning of spinach, egg beaters, bacon bits, and laughing cow cheese (low low fat cheese and calories) on whole wheat bread or English muffin.
We switched to 40-calorie whole wheat bread. It saves calories, and you still get some great complex carbs.
Good snacks like light yogurt, cereal, a turkey wrap (tortilla, turkey, laughing cow cheese and lettuce).
Packed lunches - no chips, but yogurt, applesauce, or a banana as sides with a healthy turkey/ham sandwich. No mayo - use mustard instead!
We count calories! Yes, we do. They DO matter. However, think about what you are using calories for that day when you eat. Don't not eat carbs. If you are a runner like me, this is most of my diet, but most of my carbs come from whole grains, apples and complex carb veggies, lean meats and some potatos, rice etc. also.
Popsicles are my secret weapon! Sometimes, you aren't really hungry. Have a 15 calorie popsicle. If you are still hungry, have a glass of Splenda iced tea. If you are still hungry 20 minutes later, then choose a piece of fruit, a bowl of cereal (measure that cereal) or a glass of almond milk. You'll find you'll eat less bad foods in a snack splurge, because sometimes you are just bored after all.
Diet Hot Chocolate (25 calories) is another secret weapon. Top with 5 calorie fat free whipped cream and you have an awesome treat.
Websites
www.hungrygirl.com
www.calorielab.com
Exercise
I run about 35 miles a week. I also do a combo of Pilates and Yoga. I have pretty well-defined muscles, and I don't weight train. It's unnecessary because of yoga, so if you like yoga, and you feel like you don't have time to hit the gym - try yoga at home.
www.yogatoday.com. Go to the upper right hand corner and you can watch full classes and do them along at home. It's what I do.
I take Pilates from a studio once a week. I love it. It's a great strength-building class and toning.
Also, you can download pilates and yoga podcasts (some video) from Itunes all for free. I also get great nutrition info from the Nutrition Diva podcasts on Itunes (again all podcasts are free).
Splurging
Choose wisely. I splurge with Weight Watchers brownies (2 pts), and I also have splurge nights or days. Occasionally I'll have a glass of red wine a few times a week. No biggie there either. However, splurge nights are nights for Mexican or Italian, because those are my favorites. Make sure you splurge on your favorites and not where they aren't necessary! Don't eat bad for no reason is my mantra. I'll eat healthy all week just so I can enjoy a meal of Mexican on the weekends. I generally never splurge during the week, and I don't eat fried foods or burgers (I eat veggie Boca burgers instead), because they aren't my favorites, and I have good swaps for that (see the Fiber One coating on foods I use to "faux fry" in hungry girl newsletter).
Monitoring my weight
I do monitor it, because it helped me figure out the effects of food. However, don't become manic over it. You can always take extra weight off if you put it back on, and you don't want to get OCD over it either. Just learn what food does, and use it as a teaching tool.
FAQ
How much weight did you lose?
40 pounds
I started at 160 and I am 120 right now. I wore a size ten, and now I wear a size 2. I also feel comfortable running in just a sports bra /top now, which is a huge accomplishment for me (as weird as it sounds). I am comfortable in my own skin.
How do you maintain it?
I eat healthy, and I am aware of the effects of food on my body. I also exercise regularly, because it is impossible to stay the weight you want without being active. Plus, you won't have any muscle tone if you don't maintain an active lifestyle.
What kinds of runs do you do a week?
I usually run 6-8 miles about 2-3 times during the week at a time. On the weekends, I do a long run usually 10+ with my running partner, Alicia. I highly suggest you find a friend to run with if you want to adopt this kind of lifestyle. We do races together, and we have a great time.
What is a typical lunch for you?
A turkey sandwhich (3 pieces of organic turkey deli cuts) with laughing cow cheese, lettuce, mustard on 40-calorie light wheat bread with a banana and a yogurt (light). Plus, a glass of Splenda iced tea. I usually have a snack of applesauce or yogurt in the morning also after a breakfast of cereal with almond milk or a turkey wrap (high-fiber tortilla (50 calories) with turkey, laughing cow cheese and lettuce).
What do you eat for dinner?
Tonight I had a baked potato with a ton of veggies topping it (cooked them in olive oil with a touch of nonstick pan spray) with fat-free sour cream and spray butter. Other nights I have chicken with veggies or salmon with veggies. We usually sautee the meats or we'll top the salmon with a homemade marinade and bake it. We also enjoy making whole-wheat pasta with chicken and broccoli. That is an awesome favorite of ours. We'll vary it up, but we think pretty carefully about what we make so that we can enjoy it and feel guiltless.
Do you drink alcohol?
Yes - within reason. Everything is a careful decision for me now. One every so often is just enough for me. Of course I go to parties and imbibe in that cucumber mojito wonder Suzy in the corner made for the girls to try. Within reason! Honestly, moderation is key, and once you get your metabolism in high gear and you are nearer your goal weight or you are merely trying to maintain - you can "cheat" and have that mojito more often.
What about when the weather sucks, you are tired, or you are on your period. Eek. ?
So what. Get your yoga mat out and pick out a workout and do it from home. Force yourself out on a run. Tell yourself you'll go slower than a constipated sloth, but that you'll still go. Once you are out there - you'll make it, and you'll thank yourself for it later. Just keep moving!
But what about when you are exhausted or tired?
You'll still have more energy if you go out for a walk or a very slow run and just move. Yes, it is counterintuitive, but just trust me.
Do you feel like you are on a diet?
No, I am now on a lifestyle. I feel better when I eat like this, and it is worth it to not have the heartburn, the extra weight or the guilt from eating something terrible for me. I choose my splurges carefully, so that I feel in control and satisfied after having a splurge dinner, but I still maintain my weight, becuase I don't eat like that every night. I don't miss the fried chicken, extra loads of mac-n-cheese, and full-fat Ranch dressing. Neither will you. I promise. Keep trying.
Post any questions if you have them. I've enjoyed helping people discover how it feels to become who they feel like they are on the inside - on the outside.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Another Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) done!
This was a challenge. Not for the endurance or the stamina, but the sheer fact that my IT band in my knee has some serious issues. It's super tight, it's in serious pain, and I am just going to have to go to the doctor. I have really done a number on this overuse injury by only taking a week off in trying to heal it. At the same time, I was really upset to not be running the original marathon I had planned today. What was amazing was in all of this, I learned a valuable lesson.
Alicia, my wonderful running partner, never left me. My knee started killing me after we stopped for literally 15 seconds to stretch. She encouraged me, told me to keep going, and she promised to not leave me. We dropped our pace, which was frustrating, because we were pacing pretty fast before, and I was handling it well. My stamina was good, but my knee was bad, so it was super frustrating to have that one limitation preventing me from reaching my peak racing pace. However, when she was injured during the Atlanta Half, and she ran like I did, I left her at the very end, because she was having to stop and stretch her hurt muscle out so much. I made sure she was ok with that when I did it, but looking back - what a bitch I was. I should never have done that. I learned a lesson on the road today that being a valuable friend to your partner involves more than just doing weekly long runs together. It's sacrificing minutes in order to help your friend get to finish. At one point, I was nearly crying, because I was so frustrated I was in pain and not doing the marathon today, and I was also frustrated that I was not able to run the pace I am able to, but was stuck running the pace my injured knee forced me into - it was all frustrating. Alicia encouraged me to never quit, and she never left me. In the end, we still beat my original time. Even injured. We didn't even do a serious push at the end like we normally do in races (this is my third with her). It was a lesson. The journey sometimes is worth more than the time at the end. Running is philosophical, and I'm not about to give it up. This is why I have consented to go to the doctor on Tuesday. I don't want to, and it took about five conversations with me protesting that I'd do more yoga, take another week off, do more Pilates, and it finally took a stern lecture from Alicia that I wouldn't be able to handle jumping to the full for the ING if I didn't go to the doctor to find out what was hurting my IT band and how to fix it. I listened. Sigh.
Doctors-to-be (and doctors in general) are probably the worst patients. Anyway - Birmingham was so much fun. We went to dinner last night, and I got a great black and bleu burger, we had fantastic bbq and Mich Ultra beer after the race, and Micah and I treated ourselves to Mexican tonight. I eat like a fat kid on days I run like this, and it is FANTASTIC! (Reason #46 I will never have an eating disorder even though I am a size 2). LOL.
We had an awesome room at the Sheraton Hotel. The bed was so comfortable, and we had a handicapped room, so our bathroom was huge. And the hotel even gave us a late checkout, so I was able to take a nice, hot shower after eating after the race. It was awesome. Alicia, Josh and Alayna and David and Micah and I had an awesome time. It was so much fun to have my non-running friends David and Alayna there too, because it was the first time friends have ever come to see me run. EVER. It was really honestly heartwarming, and it made me feel really good. I've never been an athelete in my life, and to have friends there to cheer me on - made me feel really great, and I know Alicia loved seeing Josh (her hubby) and Micah and my friends there too. It made us feel like we had a cheering section. They popped up several times along the course. It was awesome. Running is addicting, and I'm never quitting. They will have to pick my old lady body off the course one day. I guess I really better go to the doctor, then so I can fix whatever I'm doing to hurt my knee.
There's my update for the weekend. Oh, and I'm so tired - to hell with studying. I'm going to bed. My race started at 7:03 this morning, and I'm incredibly exhausting. I think with race adrenaline, even though 13.1 miles is not the farthest distance I've run by far (16 miles at once is) - your body tires itself out with serious endorphins and adrenaline to the point you still feel a bit hit by a truck. Although, I have to say - this was definitely not as exhausting as the first half I ran - the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving.
Alicia, my wonderful running partner, never left me. My knee started killing me after we stopped for literally 15 seconds to stretch. She encouraged me, told me to keep going, and she promised to not leave me. We dropped our pace, which was frustrating, because we were pacing pretty fast before, and I was handling it well. My stamina was good, but my knee was bad, so it was super frustrating to have that one limitation preventing me from reaching my peak racing pace. However, when she was injured during the Atlanta Half, and she ran like I did, I left her at the very end, because she was having to stop and stretch her hurt muscle out so much. I made sure she was ok with that when I did it, but looking back - what a bitch I was. I should never have done that. I learned a lesson on the road today that being a valuable friend to your partner involves more than just doing weekly long runs together. It's sacrificing minutes in order to help your friend get to finish. At one point, I was nearly crying, because I was so frustrated I was in pain and not doing the marathon today, and I was also frustrated that I was not able to run the pace I am able to, but was stuck running the pace my injured knee forced me into - it was all frustrating. Alicia encouraged me to never quit, and she never left me. In the end, we still beat my original time. Even injured. We didn't even do a serious push at the end like we normally do in races (this is my third with her). It was a lesson. The journey sometimes is worth more than the time at the end. Running is philosophical, and I'm not about to give it up. This is why I have consented to go to the doctor on Tuesday. I don't want to, and it took about five conversations with me protesting that I'd do more yoga, take another week off, do more Pilates, and it finally took a stern lecture from Alicia that I wouldn't be able to handle jumping to the full for the ING if I didn't go to the doctor to find out what was hurting my IT band and how to fix it. I listened. Sigh.
Doctors-to-be (and doctors in general) are probably the worst patients. Anyway - Birmingham was so much fun. We went to dinner last night, and I got a great black and bleu burger, we had fantastic bbq and Mich Ultra beer after the race, and Micah and I treated ourselves to Mexican tonight. I eat like a fat kid on days I run like this, and it is FANTASTIC! (Reason #46 I will never have an eating disorder even though I am a size 2). LOL.
We had an awesome room at the Sheraton Hotel. The bed was so comfortable, and we had a handicapped room, so our bathroom was huge. And the hotel even gave us a late checkout, so I was able to take a nice, hot shower after eating after the race. It was awesome. Alicia, Josh and Alayna and David and Micah and I had an awesome time. It was so much fun to have my non-running friends David and Alayna there too, because it was the first time friends have ever come to see me run. EVER. It was really honestly heartwarming, and it made me feel really good. I've never been an athelete in my life, and to have friends there to cheer me on - made me feel really great, and I know Alicia loved seeing Josh (her hubby) and Micah and my friends there too. It made us feel like we had a cheering section. They popped up several times along the course. It was awesome. Running is addicting, and I'm never quitting. They will have to pick my old lady body off the course one day. I guess I really better go to the doctor, then so I can fix whatever I'm doing to hurt my knee.
There's my update for the weekend. Oh, and I'm so tired - to hell with studying. I'm going to bed. My race started at 7:03 this morning, and I'm incredibly exhausting. I think with race adrenaline, even though 13.1 miles is not the farthest distance I've run by far (16 miles at once is) - your body tires itself out with serious endorphins and adrenaline to the point you still feel a bit hit by a truck. Although, I have to say - this was definitely not as exhausting as the first half I ran - the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Selfish Vent
So ok, let me just be honest. Maybe you are pregnant. Congratulations you! And I get that you want to tell everyone on Facebook. I would do the same thing! However, when you announce you are pregnant, and someone else does, and someone else is giving birth, and someone else is trying to conceive, it's a little much for me. Yes, I'm extremely happy for all these people I see making these big life changes, but I'm so incredibly jealous I'm freaking green. J-E-A-L-O-U-S.
I can't have a baby right now. Period. The soonest we can feasibly start trying is September 2011, and even that is the craziest idea I've ever had (trumping becoming a doctor even). Apparently people do have babies in medical school. And they must be crazy people like me who have had to watch everybody and their mother's aunt give birth prior to them. I have a husband I love, hopefully the capability to conceive, and yet I am still waiting. At 28. It SUCKS!
I'm happy for all you out there who are pregnant, but hearing about it every time I pull my Facebook page up - is a little painful. Yes, I am a selfish b&#@$. I don't really care. I wish I could have a baby right now.
End of rant.
I can't have a baby right now. Period. The soonest we can feasibly start trying is September 2011, and even that is the craziest idea I've ever had (trumping becoming a doctor even). Apparently people do have babies in medical school. And they must be crazy people like me who have had to watch everybody and their mother's aunt give birth prior to them. I have a husband I love, hopefully the capability to conceive, and yet I am still waiting. At 28. It SUCKS!
I'm happy for all you out there who are pregnant, but hearing about it every time I pull my Facebook page up - is a little painful. Yes, I am a selfish b&#@$. I don't really care. I wish I could have a baby right now.
End of rant.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Vacation Time!
I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. Life is pretty uninteresting for me right now, which is a welcome change. I'm running the Birmingham Half Marathon this weekend, which is a downer since it was supposed to be the full marathon, but runner's knee prevented me from making those key long 20-ish mile runs I needed to feel comfortable running the full. So I'm going to do the ING Marathon instead on March 29, and I'm excited about that one. They have more pace groups anyway!
Micah and I are BOOKING our vacation as we speak. We are flying out on Saturday morning May 9 to Ft. Lauderdale to visit with one of his best friends and his wife, and then we fly out Monday morning for Eleuthera in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. I am so excited. We will be there until Friday, May 22 when we will fly back to Atlanta and hopefully drive to Macon the next day to pre-sign for an apartment. I am expecting to be in the May 26 - June 26 commissioned officer's training class (hopefully if I get a seat), so I will then go to Montgomery for that that next week. Very busy, but we need a vacation so badly - I think it will be good timing!
Eleuthera is GORGEOUS, and we are staying the first two nights in this little hotel directly on the beach while we wait for the beachhouse we are renting to be ready. The house we will stay the rest of the time in is right on one of the best beaches, has a pool and a large patio, and is very secluded. We are extremely excited. We plan to rent a car and explore the "elusive beaches of Eleuthera" as the locals say, kayak, play in the water, go surfing at the famous Surfer's Beach, and here's hoping we catch Lenny Kravitz somewhere in a dive bar, because he has a house on the island. It's a very quiet island with a lot of local Bahamian flavor - the island throws a fish fry complete with the local drink, Rum Bubba, every Friday night! We're so excited, and we haven't had time like that together in so long. I figure we might should get it in before med school takes up all of my time.
I've been thinking a lot about the close and beginnings of chapters in life, too. My chapter in undergrad that I began in January 2007 is about to close. It's hard to believe, because so many emotions and angst have taken place in the last two-plus years, but this chapter really is about to close. I feel like my life has progressed in segments. I wonder what will characterize the next segment. I'm nervous about it, but I'm also excited. I'm meeting some of my future classmates at Mercer out in a couple of weeks. Micah and I are going down to see some places to live (we already have one we really like, though), and we are going out with them that night. It's really cool that they are so welcoming, and I'm so excited about meeting them, but a part of me is a bit nostalgic that everything I have gotten comfortable with at UGA (again) and with how my life is now is about to change. Again. It feels like that is all I've done since - well, whenever. I know some people that seem to go to the same job, come home every night, take the same yearly vacation etc. etc. That isn't us at all - I hope I don't tire of this. There are a lot more "segments" coming up. After four years in Macon, I will begin residency somewhere in either OB/GYN or surgery (God-willing). Then after that, life will change again and I will start active duty with the Air Force for four years. And after that, hopefully I will move back to Georgia to fulfill the committment I have made in accepting my acceptance to Mercer by practicing in our state. Still - that's a lot of changes and segments. And we'll hopefully have kids during all of this. I'm glad we'll do most of the moving while they are young! Unless the Air Force keeps me longer!
I'm excited to see what God is going to do in Micah and my life. It's going to be an interesting and wild ride. One I never imagined would be filled with blood, guts, cadavers, the military and lots of moving, but it's our ride. I hope it's a gentle one!
Micah and I are BOOKING our vacation as we speak. We are flying out on Saturday morning May 9 to Ft. Lauderdale to visit with one of his best friends and his wife, and then we fly out Monday morning for Eleuthera in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. I am so excited. We will be there until Friday, May 22 when we will fly back to Atlanta and hopefully drive to Macon the next day to pre-sign for an apartment. I am expecting to be in the May 26 - June 26 commissioned officer's training class (hopefully if I get a seat), so I will then go to Montgomery for that that next week. Very busy, but we need a vacation so badly - I think it will be good timing!
Eleuthera is GORGEOUS, and we are staying the first two nights in this little hotel directly on the beach while we wait for the beachhouse we are renting to be ready. The house we will stay the rest of the time in is right on one of the best beaches, has a pool and a large patio, and is very secluded. We are extremely excited. We plan to rent a car and explore the "elusive beaches of Eleuthera" as the locals say, kayak, play in the water, go surfing at the famous Surfer's Beach, and here's hoping we catch Lenny Kravitz somewhere in a dive bar, because he has a house on the island. It's a very quiet island with a lot of local Bahamian flavor - the island throws a fish fry complete with the local drink, Rum Bubba, every Friday night! We're so excited, and we haven't had time like that together in so long. I figure we might should get it in before med school takes up all of my time.
I've been thinking a lot about the close and beginnings of chapters in life, too. My chapter in undergrad that I began in January 2007 is about to close. It's hard to believe, because so many emotions and angst have taken place in the last two-plus years, but this chapter really is about to close. I feel like my life has progressed in segments. I wonder what will characterize the next segment. I'm nervous about it, but I'm also excited. I'm meeting some of my future classmates at Mercer out in a couple of weeks. Micah and I are going down to see some places to live (we already have one we really like, though), and we are going out with them that night. It's really cool that they are so welcoming, and I'm so excited about meeting them, but a part of me is a bit nostalgic that everything I have gotten comfortable with at UGA (again) and with how my life is now is about to change. Again. It feels like that is all I've done since - well, whenever. I know some people that seem to go to the same job, come home every night, take the same yearly vacation etc. etc. That isn't us at all - I hope I don't tire of this. There are a lot more "segments" coming up. After four years in Macon, I will begin residency somewhere in either OB/GYN or surgery (God-willing). Then after that, life will change again and I will start active duty with the Air Force for four years. And after that, hopefully I will move back to Georgia to fulfill the committment I have made in accepting my acceptance to Mercer by practicing in our state. Still - that's a lot of changes and segments. And we'll hopefully have kids during all of this. I'm glad we'll do most of the moving while they are young! Unless the Air Force keeps me longer!
I'm excited to see what God is going to do in Micah and my life. It's going to be an interesting and wild ride. One I never imagined would be filled with blood, guts, cadavers, the military and lots of moving, but it's our ride. I hope it's a gentle one!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Running Community
Isn't it amazing how much of a community running as a sport can form between people? On my 12 mile run today at a nearby park with a trail around a lake, I encountered many different people. Some were walkers with their dogs, and they politely nodded to me. Others were clearly walkers for fitness, but they weren't running. They usually stared at me or some nodded too, but none seemed to resonate with what I was doing. Then there are the runners. Probably all levels, too, but it really doesn't matter. They knew. They understood why occasionally I might have to stop and stretch out my left knee. Why when I came to my car, I would guzzle a few ounzes of my G2, possibly hurridly rip a gel pack open while looking at my watch and suck it down while trying to take off again, and they knew why I had a pained expression on my face as I closed the last few meters of my last lap. The looks from the runners as you pass them are nods of "Yes, we get it, and we are running mileage today too." It's more than a nod or a polite stare of amazement - it's a nod, smile and a handwave, because you are in their club. Their community. It's really amazing, and I love it. You feel connected through terrifying amounts of mileage you do, as well as the sheer fact that what you are doing IS hard, and there are people out there who get it and do it too.
Not only is there community in running while you are running, but even when talking with friends about running - I feel like you are able to find ties to people you haven't talked to in a really long time. That is the coolest thing in my opinion about running! To have the opportunity to share what you love with someone else, and possibly even develop an old friendship or find a new common ground with someone you don't know well - that's the best thing about running. It's a shared sport, and you don't have to be good at it to participate. There is no try-out, no time limit to meet or fitness level to be at to do it. You simply just go out and run.
A running partner is the best thing also about this "community." It's extremely common to find someone to do your long runs with, because let's face it - on runs >12 miles - you are just bored. I know I can't seem to focus anymore, and it is very tempting to just go back to your car after whatever loop you just did and call it a day. A partner helps pass the time even if you aren't talking - it's that bond between you guys knowing she's suffering alongside you too, but you are going to beat this out together. There have been many times my partner and I don't talk for miles - because we are hurting, tired and ready to be done, but together we battle it out in silence knowing we aren't alone.
Marathon training is the best thing I've ever done in my life. I plan on doing this indefinitely until my knees, legs and muscles give out on me. Who knows who I'll meet in my little community next?
Not only is there community in running while you are running, but even when talking with friends about running - I feel like you are able to find ties to people you haven't talked to in a really long time. That is the coolest thing in my opinion about running! To have the opportunity to share what you love with someone else, and possibly even develop an old friendship or find a new common ground with someone you don't know well - that's the best thing about running. It's a shared sport, and you don't have to be good at it to participate. There is no try-out, no time limit to meet or fitness level to be at to do it. You simply just go out and run.
A running partner is the best thing also about this "community." It's extremely common to find someone to do your long runs with, because let's face it - on runs >12 miles - you are just bored. I know I can't seem to focus anymore, and it is very tempting to just go back to your car after whatever loop you just did and call it a day. A partner helps pass the time even if you aren't talking - it's that bond between you guys knowing she's suffering alongside you too, but you are going to beat this out together. There have been many times my partner and I don't talk for miles - because we are hurting, tired and ready to be done, but together we battle it out in silence knowing we aren't alone.
Marathon training is the best thing I've ever done in my life. I plan on doing this indefinitely until my knees, legs and muscles give out on me. Who knows who I'll meet in my little community next?
Friday, December 19, 2008
Rest of my grades are in
A in my service learning class (taught science twice a week in an elementary school), A in my microbiology lab techniques course, an A- in my pathogenic bacteria course, and of course the C- in Calculus. I have an indepedent study that is currently in progress, but I will probably not be finished with that until sometime around spring break of next semester. I just kind of work on it when I have time. It's not hard, and it is relatively interesting, and I am expecting an A there. I am hoping to make all A's next semester. I should still finish with >3.6.
Yay! I have never been so relieved that a semester was over in my life. Even the semester with Microbiology, Biochem and Ochem 2 seemed less painful than this one (well, and that semester I had straight A's too - weird).
Tonight some really good friends of mine who had moved to England are back in town, and my group of girls + their spouses are all meeting up at a happy hour and then going to dinner/coffee at Intermezzo afterwards. I can't wait to see my friends!
Tomorrow night is the big date night with Micah! None of my fancy dresses fit, though, so I'm going to have to dig around in my closet for the smallest dress I have to try to see if I can just wear that out. I have gone from around a 10 to a size 2, so even my size four's are too big now. Micah has asked me to not lose any more weight at this point, so I imagine I'll stay put right at 120 now. However, I'm really excited that I was able to get that part of my life under control again and learn to make healthier choices. I like being a size 2 -everything is either too big or it fits!
Yay! I have never been so relieved that a semester was over in my life. Even the semester with Microbiology, Biochem and Ochem 2 seemed less painful than this one (well, and that semester I had straight A's too - weird).
Tonight some really good friends of mine who had moved to England are back in town, and my group of girls + their spouses are all meeting up at a happy hour and then going to dinner/coffee at Intermezzo afterwards. I can't wait to see my friends!
Tomorrow night is the big date night with Micah! None of my fancy dresses fit, though, so I'm going to have to dig around in my closet for the smallest dress I have to try to see if I can just wear that out. I have gone from around a 10 to a size 2, so even my size four's are too big now. Micah has asked me to not lose any more weight at this point, so I imagine I'll stay put right at 120 now. However, I'm really excited that I was able to get that part of my life under control again and learn to make healthier choices. I like being a size 2 -everything is either too big or it fits!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
THEY DON'T CARE!!!!!
I called my school, and they said that they don't care that I earned a C- in that Calculus class. Thank goodness! She was really complimentary to me and my application they had on hand from me, and she said they are excited to have me next year, and they would never take my seat away over a C- in Calculus as it isn't a required course for them at all.
I feel like I can finally believe that I'm going to go to medical school next year. Ever since I got my acceptance, I had been so worried about Calculus and whether or not I would pass, and technically, I don't think I did, but I was given a C- anyway, but it is over!!!!!!!!!!! Forever!!!!!!!!!
For the first time in my life I prayed a Bible verse - 1 John 5:14-15 - and here it is:
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
—1 John 5:14-15
I asked God to help me make a grade that would pass me and keep my acceptance if it was what He wanted for my life. I feel like I can finally say with even more confidence that this is what I am supposed to be doing. God is ruling my life - and I truly do believe He gives us the desires of our heart. Especially after this experience!
Next semester I have a grad-level public health ethics course, an intro to public health undergrad course, genetics, bacterial symbiosis and prokaryotic biology. It's not going to be a cakewalk, but it will not be a math class. I know I can make all A's and B's without worries. Thank God that this all worked out. Literally.
I feel like I can finally believe that I'm going to go to medical school next year. Ever since I got my acceptance, I had been so worried about Calculus and whether or not I would pass, and technically, I don't think I did, but I was given a C- anyway, but it is over!!!!!!!!!!! Forever!!!!!!!!!
For the first time in my life I prayed a Bible verse - 1 John 5:14-15 - and here it is:
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
—1 John 5:14-15
I asked God to help me make a grade that would pass me and keep my acceptance if it was what He wanted for my life. I feel like I can finally say with even more confidence that this is what I am supposed to be doing. God is ruling my life - and I truly do believe He gives us the desires of our heart. Especially after this experience!
Next semester I have a grad-level public health ethics course, an intro to public health undergrad course, genetics, bacterial symbiosis and prokaryotic biology. It's not going to be a cakewalk, but it will not be a math class. I know I can make all A's and B's without worries. Thank God that this all worked out. Literally.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I got a C-
I got a C-, which isn't technically a C but it isn't failing. I'm not sure what this means to Mercer, but I found out this means to UGA that I don't have to retake the Calc class. It isn't in a certain area that dictates a C or higher in my degree requirements.
Andres - any thoughts on if Mercer will rake me over the coals on this? Will they take it if I make a bunch of A's next semester and no C's? I didn't fail, so that is what matters, right?
Obviously, I am still stressed out about this, but never in my life have I ever had a subject that I tried so hard in and yet failed so miserablely at conquering.
Andres - any thoughts on if Mercer will rake me over the coals on this? Will they take it if I make a bunch of A's next semester and no C's? I didn't fail, so that is what matters, right?
Obviously, I am still stressed out about this, but never in my life have I ever had a subject that I tried so hard in and yet failed so miserablely at conquering.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Things to do instead
Ok, so I'm waiting for my grade to post, and there is no way I passed that final. If I get below a C in this class - I will lose my acceptance to medical school.
So, other things I could do with my life is two years of hard work and a career change don't work out.
- Grad school in women's studies?
- Grad school in anthropology?
I don't think I could go to grad school in public health, because it would be too painful to be that near the health field without being a doctor.
- Have a baby? I definitely want a baby, and this would give me a chance to do that?
- Write a nove? I have lots of great ideas, but I've never had the time.
Hmmm...we'll see. I'm trying really hard to trust God, but knowing that my fate is going to be decided by Friday is a lot of pressure. I still have one very difficult final to go, so I'm trying not to think about it, but it is a lot to handle right now. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to trust God with. It's literally the rest of my life, because I can't imagine I would ever get into medical school again after having an acceptance revoked.
So, other things I could do with my life is two years of hard work and a career change don't work out.
- Grad school in women's studies?
- Grad school in anthropology?
I don't think I could go to grad school in public health, because it would be too painful to be that near the health field without being a doctor.
- Have a baby? I definitely want a baby, and this would give me a chance to do that?
- Write a nove? I have lots of great ideas, but I've never had the time.
Hmmm...we'll see. I'm trying really hard to trust God, but knowing that my fate is going to be decided by Friday is a lot of pressure. I still have one very difficult final to go, so I'm trying not to think about it, but it is a lot to handle right now. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to trust God with. It's literally the rest of my life, because I can't imagine I would ever get into medical school again after having an acceptance revoked.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Calculus Final
It happened. It was bad. 15 pages of equations that were downright wacky and really really strange compared the class notes I studied.
Suffice to say - I failed. Definitely. I am praying and praying that God grants me grace and a C in this class. I am not a math person, but that has not stopped me from trying with everything in me to earn a passing grade. The professor knows that if I don't pass his class, I lose my acceptance to medical school. But the kicker is -I have to trust that it is God's plan for me to go in order for me to sleep at night trusting that I will be "gifted" a C. Confused yet? Because I am still crying. Yeah - this is just another challenge in the life of Allison. Sorry to sound jaded, but sometimes I just want something to come easy. Everything I have done in the last two and a half years has been "the hardest thing I've ever done." I'm so so tired. Sometimes I just want something to come easy. Last semester I struggled in particles, electron movement, electricity and all things Physics 2. Not to mention I juggled taking the MCAT for the same time. I got a B in Physics and a 29 on my MCAT. Both feats I am proud of since my section totals for everything but the Physics and Gen Chem sections were off the charts (that Physical Sci section actually is the reason my score wasn't higher) and I got a near perfect writing score. (Yeah - I don't really try hard with this blog - sorry.) The Air Force thing has also been stressful, but exciting. I really really want a really long nap. I'm frankly exhausted. And I'm terrified. Terrifed and exhausted.
Geez, this is a fun post.
Suffice to say - I failed. Definitely. I am praying and praying that God grants me grace and a C in this class. I am not a math person, but that has not stopped me from trying with everything in me to earn a passing grade. The professor knows that if I don't pass his class, I lose my acceptance to medical school. But the kicker is -I have to trust that it is God's plan for me to go in order for me to sleep at night trusting that I will be "gifted" a C. Confused yet? Because I am still crying. Yeah - this is just another challenge in the life of Allison. Sorry to sound jaded, but sometimes I just want something to come easy. Everything I have done in the last two and a half years has been "the hardest thing I've ever done." I'm so so tired. Sometimes I just want something to come easy. Last semester I struggled in particles, electron movement, electricity and all things Physics 2. Not to mention I juggled taking the MCAT for the same time. I got a B in Physics and a 29 on my MCAT. Both feats I am proud of since my section totals for everything but the Physics and Gen Chem sections were off the charts (that Physical Sci section actually is the reason my score wasn't higher) and I got a near perfect writing score. (Yeah - I don't really try hard with this blog - sorry.) The Air Force thing has also been stressful, but exciting. I really really want a really long nap. I'm frankly exhausted. And I'm terrified. Terrifed and exhausted.
Geez, this is a fun post.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Passed Meps!
I passed the medical physical for the Air Force!!!! I'm submitting the rest of my paperwork with the recruiter next week. I'm really excited!
According to my recruiter, I should be directly commissioned in the spring as a 2nd Lt., and then I'll attend the May-June commissioned officer's training. This is the training camp for lawyers, lawyers-to-be, doctors and dentists (and the to-be's) and the chaplains. It's still pretty fierce, though!
I can't wait! My life has changed about 180 degrees in the last ten years. Who I was is still who I am, but who I am today is just a better version of myself. I think a lot of that has to do with finding the right partner for life. Micah just inspires me to be the best person I can be. He's the ultimate helpmate. I have no complaints.
Oh, but my calc final is tomorrow - and I have to pass that! I'm looking at straight A's and a freaking C. I just cannot do math. How pathetic am I?
According to my recruiter, I should be directly commissioned in the spring as a 2nd Lt., and then I'll attend the May-June commissioned officer's training. This is the training camp for lawyers, lawyers-to-be, doctors and dentists (and the to-be's) and the chaplains. It's still pretty fierce, though!
I can't wait! My life has changed about 180 degrees in the last ten years. Who I was is still who I am, but who I am today is just a better version of myself. I think a lot of that has to do with finding the right partner for life. Micah just inspires me to be the best person I can be. He's the ultimate helpmate. I have no complaints.
Oh, but my calc final is tomorrow - and I have to pass that! I'm looking at straight A's and a freaking C. I just cannot do math. How pathetic am I?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
so Saturday will suck
And maybe this is a little too much info, but I am really really nervous about the Air Force physical. We are supposedly treated better and with more respect than enlisted, since we are officer candidates, but I am supposed to also "let my recruiter know if I am treated badly." WTF? Seriously? Why is anyone treated badly?
And I've already been told that the doctor on duty doing the physical is not really all that nice. Terrific. Not to mention this is a comprehensive physical. COMPREHENSIVE. Meaning - just like going to my annual exam, but without the sugar coated sweetness of my usual gynecologist. This really is scaring the crap out of me, but I know I'll get through it.
I have a Calc test today that I have to do really really well on. I'm so nervous about that. I'm basically going to be a ball of nerves until Saturday sometime around 2pm. Ugh.
And then I get to stress over finals. Yay. I really can't wait til this semester is over, my Air Force paperwork is all through and I get my commission as an officer, and I am finally able to enjoy the Christmas season. We don't even have a tree up yet! :(
And I've already been told that the doctor on duty doing the physical is not really all that nice. Terrific. Not to mention this is a comprehensive physical. COMPREHENSIVE. Meaning - just like going to my annual exam, but without the sugar coated sweetness of my usual gynecologist. This really is scaring the crap out of me, but I know I'll get through it.
I have a Calc test today that I have to do really really well on. I'm so nervous about that. I'm basically going to be a ball of nerves until Saturday sometime around 2pm. Ugh.
And then I get to stress over finals. Yay. I really can't wait til this semester is over, my Air Force paperwork is all through and I get my commission as an officer, and I am finally able to enjoy the Christmas season. We don't even have a tree up yet! :(
Monday, December 1, 2008
Big decisions and big events
So I ran the half marathon on Thanksgiving! It was awesome!!!! Running 13.1 miles never felt so good. I love running so much, and this event was a great decision as it gave me a goal to work for throughout wondering about getting into medical school, and even after I got into school - it gave me something to do other than obsess about next year! Type A much? Definitely. I sure am, and it drives my husband crazy!
I am now going to run the Feb 15 full marathon - yes, all 26.2 miles - in Birmingham. I'm so excited. I'm actually running in honor of my friend Alayna Wier. She lost her brother to suicide a few months ago, and this devastating event left behind his beautiful wife and precious newborn son, Owen. I'm going to send some letters out to hopefully publicize this situation and raise awareness about suicide, as well as hopefully raise donations to Owen's trust fund for college. Everything changes when something like suicide happens, but what shouldn't change are the plans Jeff and Wendi had and have for their son, Owen's, college. I'm hoping other people agree and donate even just five dollars to this family.
Another big decision - I am joining the Air Force! Yes, it is exciting! The Air Force will pay for my medical school, as well as give me and my husband a stipend to live on. I automatically qualify for the scholarship due to my MCAT and GPA, and this gives me peace of mind as I put all my paperwork through - and it is a lot of paperwork! I will hopefully be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. officer in March or April, and then I will go to commissioned officer's training this summer for a month. Then the Air Force leaves me alone during medical school for the most part (there are a few things I still have to do), and then I enter military match for my residency. The rule still applies there - they won't pull me out of school or residency for any reason whatsoever. After I finish my residency, I then pay back to the Air Force in four years of active service. The cool thing is - when I graduate from medical school - I'm actually promoted to a Captain, so I will not only serve as an officer, but I'll serve as a rather high-ranking officer and doctor. What an honor and cool opportunity!!! I'm so excited! I actually have a friend through my husband who is serving as a Captain and doctor in her residency right now, and she seems very happy with her choice. This is very encouraging, and of course, it is an honor to serve in our armed forces. I've always gravitated towards positions of leadership, and this is the ultimate opportunity for me! Then after my fours years of active duty, I will then be listed as inactive reserve (do whatever I want, but let the Air Force know where I am so that in the event of a catastrophe - they can call me up) for four years. And I'll be debt free. No debt from medical school! I can then focus on nonprofit work in Georgia, as well as some things abroad I want to work with. I'm really really excited, and Micah and I feel really blessed that this opportunity exists.
Big changes are coming, and with these changes comes stress and a lot of prayer. We're hoping all of these transitions come smoothly. I can't even believe it is December. In a mere 9 months, I'll be starting school things at Mercer. I can't wait. I've already "met" some classmates through Facebook, and I'm really really happy with who I'm going to school with. Every single person I've communicated with has come off as a really cool person to study with and be classmates with. God really did put me in the right place for medical school. I am meeting today with another friend of mine at UGA who has an interview tomorrow with Mercer. I am really pulling for her, because it would be a complete joy to go to school with her next year. Not only is she quality, but she's one of the strongest Christians I know, a solid person, and I would really feel even more comfortable starting school with a friend like her in my class.
I don't finish this semester until December 17. Yes, you read that right. This is the longest semester of my life! My senior year in my journalism degree was full of project turn-ins for my finals. My senior year of my microbiology degree is full of horrific tests and finals that really suck the very life out of me. Ok, not so extreme, but I have senioritis like the best of them. I just want to go to medical school. It is so hard to concentrate, but I know I will feel so proud when I conquer this degree too.
I am now going to run the Feb 15 full marathon - yes, all 26.2 miles - in Birmingham. I'm so excited. I'm actually running in honor of my friend Alayna Wier. She lost her brother to suicide a few months ago, and this devastating event left behind his beautiful wife and precious newborn son, Owen. I'm going to send some letters out to hopefully publicize this situation and raise awareness about suicide, as well as hopefully raise donations to Owen's trust fund for college. Everything changes when something like suicide happens, but what shouldn't change are the plans Jeff and Wendi had and have for their son, Owen's, college. I'm hoping other people agree and donate even just five dollars to this family.
Another big decision - I am joining the Air Force! Yes, it is exciting! The Air Force will pay for my medical school, as well as give me and my husband a stipend to live on. I automatically qualify for the scholarship due to my MCAT and GPA, and this gives me peace of mind as I put all my paperwork through - and it is a lot of paperwork! I will hopefully be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. officer in March or April, and then I will go to commissioned officer's training this summer for a month. Then the Air Force leaves me alone during medical school for the most part (there are a few things I still have to do), and then I enter military match for my residency. The rule still applies there - they won't pull me out of school or residency for any reason whatsoever. After I finish my residency, I then pay back to the Air Force in four years of active service. The cool thing is - when I graduate from medical school - I'm actually promoted to a Captain, so I will not only serve as an officer, but I'll serve as a rather high-ranking officer and doctor. What an honor and cool opportunity!!! I'm so excited! I actually have a friend through my husband who is serving as a Captain and doctor in her residency right now, and she seems very happy with her choice. This is very encouraging, and of course, it is an honor to serve in our armed forces. I've always gravitated towards positions of leadership, and this is the ultimate opportunity for me! Then after my fours years of active duty, I will then be listed as inactive reserve (do whatever I want, but let the Air Force know where I am so that in the event of a catastrophe - they can call me up) for four years. And I'll be debt free. No debt from medical school! I can then focus on nonprofit work in Georgia, as well as some things abroad I want to work with. I'm really really excited, and Micah and I feel really blessed that this opportunity exists.
Big changes are coming, and with these changes comes stress and a lot of prayer. We're hoping all of these transitions come smoothly. I can't even believe it is December. In a mere 9 months, I'll be starting school things at Mercer. I can't wait. I've already "met" some classmates through Facebook, and I'm really really happy with who I'm going to school with. Every single person I've communicated with has come off as a really cool person to study with and be classmates with. God really did put me in the right place for medical school. I am meeting today with another friend of mine at UGA who has an interview tomorrow with Mercer. I am really pulling for her, because it would be a complete joy to go to school with her next year. Not only is she quality, but she's one of the strongest Christians I know, a solid person, and I would really feel even more comfortable starting school with a friend like her in my class.
I don't finish this semester until December 17. Yes, you read that right. This is the longest semester of my life! My senior year in my journalism degree was full of project turn-ins for my finals. My senior year of my microbiology degree is full of horrific tests and finals that really suck the very life out of me. Ok, not so extreme, but I have senioritis like the best of them. I just want to go to medical school. It is so hard to concentrate, but I know I will feel so proud when I conquer this degree too.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Love this Picture!
A bit of strong language, but honestly, I've heard my chosen specialty of OB/GYN described time and time again this way. Apparently, really intense people go into it, Type A, a little obsessive-compulsive etc.
In fact, at an AED meeting (Pre-med Honor Society), a doctor came in and someone asked him about specialty choice and personality, and when he described OB/GYN in a comical fashion, he had one of my really close UGA friends hysterically laughing nearly falling out of her chair. She told me that I really just had to become an OB/GYN. There was no other sector for me that fit so well. Ha! Anyway - it is really funny, and I don't mind being a crazy, intense person that thrives on adrenaline and stress. Someone has to. Might as well be me!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sick Sucks!
There is nothing more miserable than being sick. I have been sick since Thursday, and this is completely miserable. Not only have I not been able to run, because I have some weird respiratory virus and cough thing, but it is definitely impacting my ability to stay focused and learn, which is unfortunate, since I have so much studying to do.
On the plus side, not running has not impacted my eating lifestyle. I am still 128 pounds and a size four, and this also means I've lost 20 percent of my body weight since June. So exciting! I really want to get to around 120, which at my height (5'6" or 5'7" depending on who is measuring) is about as lean as I want to take it.
I can't wait to exercise again, and I am still hoping to make it to my 10K this weekend at Callaway Gardens. They are lighting up their Fantasy in Lights early and doing a 10K straight through it. I've looked forward to this for about a month, and I am going to be so disappointed if I have to miss it. Plus, I've been invited along to a Halloween party on Friday night, and I'd love to go to that since so little my time is ever free for parties. It's just Murphy's Law that I am sick through all this!
Even last weekend on Friday night, I was so sick but still trying to find a way to have a date night with my husband. He even got in the shower to get ready to take me out, but by the time he was out and dressed, I was huddled in bed coughing and with a terrible sore throat asking for a few more minutes - then I'd for sure be able to get up and go. He just looked at my sad, pathetic face and got in bed with me. Yeah, I was sick through our date night.
I am still thinking that I should have taken my grad student friend, Karen, up on letting her swab my throat and streak some plates with it to culture it. I am in the major that does have all these crazy agar plates around that will select for certain bacteria present. I'm still not convinced this is a stupid virus!
On the plus side, not running has not impacted my eating lifestyle. I am still 128 pounds and a size four, and this also means I've lost 20 percent of my body weight since June. So exciting! I really want to get to around 120, which at my height (5'6" or 5'7" depending on who is measuring) is about as lean as I want to take it.
I can't wait to exercise again, and I am still hoping to make it to my 10K this weekend at Callaway Gardens. They are lighting up their Fantasy in Lights early and doing a 10K straight through it. I've looked forward to this for about a month, and I am going to be so disappointed if I have to miss it. Plus, I've been invited along to a Halloween party on Friday night, and I'd love to go to that since so little my time is ever free for parties. It's just Murphy's Law that I am sick through all this!
Even last weekend on Friday night, I was so sick but still trying to find a way to have a date night with my husband. He even got in the shower to get ready to take me out, but by the time he was out and dressed, I was huddled in bed coughing and with a terrible sore throat asking for a few more minutes - then I'd for sure be able to get up and go. He just looked at my sad, pathetic face and got in bed with me. Yeah, I was sick through our date night.
I am still thinking that I should have taken my grad student friend, Karen, up on letting her swab my throat and streak some plates with it to culture it. I am in the major that does have all these crazy agar plates around that will select for certain bacteria present. I'm still not convinced this is a stupid virus!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Next Summer...hmmm
Ok, so a big discussion around the Overmon house has been where are we going to go for our big trip. Big trip i.e. - last hoorah before Micah and I live separately for medical school except for the weekends.
We finally found a trip with Intrepid Travel for an Active Turkey vacation complete with exploring, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking - all right up our alley. I'm a runner, Micah's a biker, together - we are super active people. Well, except for this weekend. I have some kind of weird virus, but I am finally going to get to run again tomorrow.
Anyway, after deciding we would go there, it just didn't sit well. We have both always felt called to missions, but we've never had to chance to go anywhere. I told him that it wasn't feeling right, and that really what I wanted to do was serve in Africa - where my heart has always been. In fact, African women immigrants are who I directly want to work with when I become a doctor. I intend to specialize in gyn surgery and heal female genital mutilation difficulties. We talked about it extensively, and he said if that is where my heart is it doesn't make any sense in spending a lot of money to go anywhere else. So now, we are praying. I think we are going to spend two weeks in Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan or Kenya. I'm leaning towards Uganda. We're going to see where God leads us, but I'm feeling led to do work at an orphanage. Although it sounds cliche, there is no way to describe how incredibly high the orphan numbers are in Uganda especially. I know we're going to do this, but now it is a matter of where. We are both adamant we volunteer at a Christian orphanage, so we're going to start praying and looking into them. I also want to build my own trip not travel with an organization. I don't want to pay their overhead when I can manage my own travel for the trip myself.
I'm excited about it! We'll see where this goes, but this is the first step towards what we eventually want to do. I intend to start a nonprofit clinic in Atlanta for immigrant women needing GYN surgery here, but I also want to set up a partner clinic in Africa for them there. Although this is an unrelated area, I want to go over and experience and learn more about the culture. I also know for sure Micah and I are going to be adopting at some point, so I'd like to work in that environment. We'll see what happens!
We finally found a trip with Intrepid Travel for an Active Turkey vacation complete with exploring, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking - all right up our alley. I'm a runner, Micah's a biker, together - we are super active people. Well, except for this weekend. I have some kind of weird virus, but I am finally going to get to run again tomorrow.
Anyway, after deciding we would go there, it just didn't sit well. We have both always felt called to missions, but we've never had to chance to go anywhere. I told him that it wasn't feeling right, and that really what I wanted to do was serve in Africa - where my heart has always been. In fact, African women immigrants are who I directly want to work with when I become a doctor. I intend to specialize in gyn surgery and heal female genital mutilation difficulties. We talked about it extensively, and he said if that is where my heart is it doesn't make any sense in spending a lot of money to go anywhere else. So now, we are praying. I think we are going to spend two weeks in Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan or Kenya. I'm leaning towards Uganda. We're going to see where God leads us, but I'm feeling led to do work at an orphanage. Although it sounds cliche, there is no way to describe how incredibly high the orphan numbers are in Uganda especially. I know we're going to do this, but now it is a matter of where. We are both adamant we volunteer at a Christian orphanage, so we're going to start praying and looking into them. I also want to build my own trip not travel with an organization. I don't want to pay their overhead when I can manage my own travel for the trip myself.
I'm excited about it! We'll see where this goes, but this is the first step towards what we eventually want to do. I intend to start a nonprofit clinic in Atlanta for immigrant women needing GYN surgery here, but I also want to set up a partner clinic in Africa for them there. Although this is an unrelated area, I want to go over and experience and learn more about the culture. I also know for sure Micah and I are going to be adopting at some point, so I'd like to work in that environment. We'll see what happens!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I got a B!
So it's not an A...however, a B on my Calc test is an achievement for me. If I can work hard and get an A on my next test and a B on the final - my B is definitely earned in the class. I should be able to pull a C out no problem. I don't know why math is so hard for me, but I am glad I don't have to withdraw or retake this class. I'm pretty thrilled actually. Ugh - the pressure is on for sure - I'm just hoping I can cut it. There is a whole lot on the line for me.
Anyway - if you are reading this - keep me in your prayers.
Tonight, I'm drinking a little red wine, watching some really bad B TV, and I plan on maybe studying something that I actually don't hate - maybe Pathogenic Bacteria. And yes, I really do like that class! Come on, I'm a future doctor! Let's hope I like it!
:)
Anyway - if you are reading this - keep me in your prayers.
Tonight, I'm drinking a little red wine, watching some really bad B TV, and I plan on maybe studying something that I actually don't hate - maybe Pathogenic Bacteria. And yes, I really do like that class! Come on, I'm a future doctor! Let's hope I like it!
:)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Running
This has quickly become my favorite activity. Not only do I most enjoy running about six miles on average - my favorite distance, but I really enjoy even longer runs. My body gets into a comfortable pace that seems to keep going even when your head says to sit down. It's really empowering in a lot of ways. Not only is my weight finally under control and at a healthy BMI, I am finally down to a size four, and I am also able to handle a lot of physical activity that I normally wouldn't be able to - it's so great!
The half marathon is rapidly approaching, and Thanskgiving Day will be here before I know it. I had to run without my running partner last weekend, and I will have to do it again this weekend. It is so much harder without Alicia! It's really nice to have someone there with you as you add distance, and 11 miles this Sunday morning will be so much harder without her. As I add distance, I am sure I am going to be showing up more and more with wet hair and no make-up running in five minutes late to the last church service too! Kind of funny, but I refuse to give up my schedule. I just really like doing my long runs on Sunday mornings. It's almost a reverent time for me anyway.
I'm projecting doing the Snicker's Energy Marathon Bar marathon in Albany in March of 2009. I"m pretty excited about it. I'm waiting til I finish the half so I'll know what pace to estimate my final time with, but I'm averaging about a 10 to 10:30 pace right now for my longest runs (10 etc.), so I'm hoping that I'll finish with a 4 hour 30 min pace group or so for the marathon in the spring. We'll see!
Micah and I are also trying to plan our big trip. We always said we would go somewhere big if I got into medical school, and we are definitely still doing that. I'm torn between doing a marathon on the Australia cost and seeing things there, or taking Micah backpacking through Europe for a few weeks. He's never been, and I would love to show him around. I loved my time there. Anybody have any good ideas?
The half marathon is rapidly approaching, and Thanskgiving Day will be here before I know it. I had to run without my running partner last weekend, and I will have to do it again this weekend. It is so much harder without Alicia! It's really nice to have someone there with you as you add distance, and 11 miles this Sunday morning will be so much harder without her. As I add distance, I am sure I am going to be showing up more and more with wet hair and no make-up running in five minutes late to the last church service too! Kind of funny, but I refuse to give up my schedule. I just really like doing my long runs on Sunday mornings. It's almost a reverent time for me anyway.
I'm projecting doing the Snicker's Energy Marathon Bar marathon in Albany in March of 2009. I"m pretty excited about it. I'm waiting til I finish the half so I'll know what pace to estimate my final time with, but I'm averaging about a 10 to 10:30 pace right now for my longest runs (10 etc.), so I'm hoping that I'll finish with a 4 hour 30 min pace group or so for the marathon in the spring. We'll see!
Micah and I are also trying to plan our big trip. We always said we would go somewhere big if I got into medical school, and we are definitely still doing that. I'm torn between doing a marathon on the Australia cost and seeing things there, or taking Micah backpacking through Europe for a few weeks. He's never been, and I would love to show him around. I loved my time there. Anybody have any good ideas?
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