Lower Limb Musculoskeletal

I remember what the M2s were saying during orientation week-- about how if you get behind, you'll stay behind. Well, they were right. Having my aunt die during the cardiovascular section was not only incredibly sad, it has also proven very difficult to come back from at school.

So far, I've had to take my cardiovascular practical exam with less preparation than I would have liked. Then I took my pulmonary exam. Then, a week later, I took my cardiovascular exam, which I had to study for while sacrificing class time for the lower limb, which was started while I was taking a week to study for CV. Now I have the Lower Limb exam on Friday and am NOT prepared.

The majority of the information is going to be about blood and immunity for classroom topics. Then the practical will consist of the same things the upper limb included... so a whole bunch of vessels and muscles. Honestly, I would rather anything but musculoskeletal.

I guess what I'm really getting at is this is going to absolutely destroy me on Friday. I have faith that my studying these next few days will pick me up... but I don't know how much. I'm so behind with my personal problems that have interfered with school. It's very frustrating and time-consuming and makes me wonder if I'm going to pass at all. And, no, that's not whiny overdramatic Hayley. That's legitimate concern. And that's way scarier.

Guess I should get back to the review in which I'm sitting. I have no idea what they're talking about, but I should probably try to at least take something from it.

Creative Influx

I feel like I become the most creative when I have responsibilities that should be my main focus. I have a makeup exam tomorrow over the cardiovascular system. I have been studying since early this morning. I feel like the break I have been taking for the past couple hours is deserved... but deserving something and having it be a good idea are two completely different things.

Since I have been surfing the web in a procrastinating manner, I have found many things I want to do: make a puff quilt, start an etsy store for my illustrations, quit medical school and write children's books, apply for an Arkansas Governor's School faculty position to teach mathematics, bake various things for Christmas, write a novel, design my own home (again), improve my watercolor skills, and the list really goes on and on...

Sitting here, realizing one day I'll likely become a doctor, I'm seeing more and more how lacking in creativity the medical profession is. Creativity leads to lawsuits. The most I could hope for would be opening a pediatric clinic of my own and hanging my own artwork inside it. Hooray... not.

There was a time when I wanted the whimsy with which I see the world to be available to anyone who would look for it. And I still long for it. I wish more than anything I could share my visions with other people. I still want to write, illustrate, and publish a children's book in my lifetime. I still want to design my own home. I still want to save lives. Reconciling these desires is impossible, especially in the present. Maybe this summer I'll open my own etsy store, make some money painting more murals, do something amazingly creative with my life. Saving lives sounds fulfilling, but this artist inside me is going a little crazy.

Engaged

For anyone who knows me very well at all, I love a good project. And, more often than not, I like them as distractions from the things I actually need to be doing. Getting engaged was perfect for me during med school. Planning a wedding when I should be studying is seriously right up my alley.

Fortunately for my time management, Dad wants to do most of the planning. I am in charge of making it all cohesive. Putting that art degree to good use, I suppose. As of right now I have my wedding website set up through The Knot. We have a date set for June 2. We've chosen our colors (and an aesthetic), and I have my invitations designed (on draft 3 right now). I have a guest list going through preliminary checks with the parents. I have a photographer lined out (Drew's fabulous sister!). I have a venue-- my dad's land in Hot Springs. I have an idea for the Save-the-Date postcards, just waiting to get those going with Abbie.

Right now, the only things I haven't mentioned are the flowers and the cake. The flowers are going to be all made of paper (origami!!!), so I'll be my own florist, in a way. The cake is an issue though. I need to talk to the people at Ambrosia Bakery in Hot Springs to see if they can do what I'm wanting. If not, I'm afraid I'll have to go to the Blue Cake in Little Rock. They are really fabulous, but they charge a boatload for transporting cakes out of Little Rock. Hopefully Ambrosia will pull through *fingers crossed*

Okay, so, here's our wedding website:
http://hayleydrew.ourwedding.com/

That gives a pretty good idea of the theme and the colors. The invitations to a better job, but when you're working with only a few templates on a wedding website, it's really hard to get something exactly the way you want it. I toyed with some larger paid websites, but I was disappointed generally. And I lost my money on those, but oh well. The Knot is the way to go.

For now, I need to get back to studying. But... so far, so grand!

Ugh

I'm not sure how that's even relevant. My mind is going numb from studying pressure relationships in the lungs. Also, I realized how long it has been since I blogged and it has made me really sad.

Knowing myself, I'll end up posting things about my engagement and wedding planning on here. Should be interesting. For now, we'll stick with the funny video... and I'm going to get back to freaking out over medical school nonsense.

Lorax Mural : Day One

May 5

141

Mother's Day

Yesterday I celebrated Mother's Day with Drew's mom and nana. Drew, Nana, Mom, Samantha, Abbie, Greyson, and Brad met up with me at the soccer pitch by Lake Catherine Footwear out Malvern Avenue. Samantha's team was playing against the Hot Springs team. We ended up cheering her on to victory, 1-0. Go red! I looked like an awesome soccer mom out there, with my big sunglasses, denim capri pants, Sperry's, and white top. Only Drew's mom cheered louder than I did. I was SO proud. Sam is an awesome soccer player. She can really kick the fire out of the ball, and knows what she's doing. I wasn't proud without a reason! But I thought for a little while there Drew and I were going to absolutely die from allergies. We did the smart thing and sat RIGHT NEXT TO the honeysuckle. Luckily Tracie and I usually carry a small pharmacy's worth of allergy meds in our purses.

After soccer I got the joy of taking the fam to one of my favorite spots in Hot Springs-- Rod's Pizza Cellar! They were running the buffet, so I got to eat all the godfather pizza I wanted while everyone else sampled such tasty things as the chocolate chip dessert pizza and pepperoni and jalapeno (that was Brad's choice).

Garvan Woodland Gardens was our last stop for the Mother's Day activities. It was really beautiful. Drew's mom ended up taking some really cute pictures of Drew and me (all of which I also put on my facebook).

Drew and I next to some running water at Garvan Gardens.

After saying goodbye to my (hopefully) future in-laws in the parking lot, I went back to my dad's house and took a cat nap before my Mimi and Papa Miller arrived for a steak Mother's Day dinner. I was in a terrible mood... it probably had something to do with my allergies, overexposure to my family, and being in the sun all day. Regardless, the food was delightful and my awesome gift to Caroline made her *almost* cry. It was a super sweet metal sculpture of a rooster. And my mimi almost did too. She's not taking compliments too well these days, so our sweet scribbles on her card were too much for her to handle.

I ended up going to bed fairly early, since Drew sent me a txt that night saying that he was driving down from Little Rock to go to church with me and my mommy on Mother's Day (today!). I woke up, had Missy trim my hair, got dressed, and hopped in my car to drive Drew and myself downtown to First Presbyterian in downtown Hot Springs. The service was really great. The pastor talked about seeing things through a mom's eyes and the wisdom and virtue that mothers have to bestow upon their children. The best part was right before the children's sermon when they ask all the children to come to the front of the sanctuary. For whatever reason, the lady chose the phrase, "release the children!" So, naturally, in unison Drew, Mom, and I all say, "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!" I'm super happy we're all the same kind of inappropriate.

After church we went to Don Juan's... which wasn't super great because Drew and I had JUST been there on Cinco de Mayo just days earlier. Mom and I split some fajitas and I seriously had a blast. When I'm around my family I always have the best time cracking jokes and being ridiculous. With Drew there with me, it was even better. At one point Missy looked at Drew and said, "What's wrong with you?!" to which he replied, without missing a beat, "which thing?" Love him.

After lunch, Drew and I raced to my dad's house to look up showtimes for Thor at the local theater. Apparently neither of us is very good at looking that type of thing up on our respective smartphones. We were already 15 minutes late for the showing when we left the house... but when we got there we had conveniently JUST MISSED all the previews... which was super great because we sat down and got right to the feature. What wasn't super great was the fact that we were on the second row. Gross. But, on the bright side, it made it that much more epical! I'd give a full-on movie review here, but I'm just going to say it was awesome, exceeded my expectations, and revives my desire to get an Yggdrasil tattoo... someday.

Yggdrasil. Mine would, of course, be my own version!

After the movie, we were super stoked and called my mom. She met us at a gas station and got her Mother's Day gift of a terracotta turtle with a slate grey finish. It's a planter. I hope she plants ivy in it.

We came back to my dad's house and watched Despicable Me. Love that movie. Ended up crying... again. It's just so touching. When the movie was over, we helped my dad out in the yard a little with tiki torches. Then Drew left.

After Drew left I didn't do much, really. Hung out with Missy a little, ate a PBJ, that sort of thing. Dad and I talked a little about me moving to Little Rock ASAP versus later in the summer... which I love. He said to me, "I mean, you're going to be driving back and forth anyway..." Oh yeah, also, he told Missy he likes Drew. THAT was the part that made my day. A Dad-approved boyfriend I'm head-over-heels in love with and can joke around with my family. Winning!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Ingredients:
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1"-chunks
1/2 diced white onion
1 package sliced white mushrooms
1 package frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
2 diced roma tomatoes
2 Tbsp butter
2 jars alfredo sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 package fettucine noodles

Directions:
Boil pasta as directed, rinse and set aside. Over medium heat in a large pot, cook mushrooms, onions, and chicken in butter, garlic salt, and black pepper. Once chicken is nearly cooked through, add tomatoes and broccoli on top. Let simmer for 5 minutes. At this point, the chicken should be done and the broccoli and tomatoes should be warm. Add both jars of alfredo sauce and cooked pasta to pot. Serve hot!

Serves, like, 8 hungry people...

Friday Recap!

Slept in (aaah!), but alas nightmares (booo!)

Mimi's Cafe in west Little Rock with Drew for lunch. Amazing turkey sandwich and french onion soup. Drew had some sort of medium rare burger with french fries. And much to his (pleasant) surprise, they served him actual half and half with his coffee. Benjamin was our server and he was super duper.

After lunch we headed to his mom's house. I took a nap while Drew helped finish up the lawn furniture assembly. My sinus infection has really been doing a number on me. Luckily while at Tracie's house I managed to take Excedrin, several cough drops, a shot of Chartreuse, and some cough medicine whose bottle was written in scribbly Asian letters, so who knows about what was in that (it did, however, taste like pancake syrup and felt like lidocaine on my lips... amazing). Got to hang out with Drew's mom and nana before finally leaving Little Rock. They made me feel so special, telling me how pretty I am and how well I take care of their Drew. I think they probably understand how much we really do love each other, and it truly brings me joy that they can see it.

Went back over to Drew's and I loaded up Sassy and braved rush hour traffic in Little Rock back to Hot Springs. Lucky for me, my "Judas" Pandora radio station was being super fabulous with its picks for me. Jammed the whole way home, while popping more cough drops and feeling the effects of the questionable Asian remedy I downed earlier.

Stopped by the grocery store and picked up ingredients for alfredo pasta. Got home and gave my dad a big ole hug. He had been in California most of the week. I started dinner while he and Caroline worked on the yard, mowing and whatnot.

Now it's after dinner and Dad and Caroline are tag-teaming the yard, racing to finish mowing before the sun completely sets. Drew is out with the guys in Conway tonight, seeing Thor and probably drinking a bit. I'm sitting on the front porch enjoying the sunset, reflecting on how good I really have it. I have a wonderful boyfriend who treats me right, loves me, and respects me. I have a family generous enough to let me live my last free summer before medical school with them. I have fuel on my car's tank. I have delicious food in my stomach. I have a future so bright I need to wear shades. What more could I ask for?

Sassy's Spot

Drew jokes that Sassy has an innate ability to find the best blanket in the house. Looks like she did it again!

Punki pink

More like rave child dayglo orange.

Hot Springs is an Oasis... my dad's yard at least

I spent 1.5 hours in my dad's backyard soaking up rays early this afternoon. I can ready see a difference in my skin. I haven't been tan in years, so this is pretty exciting for me.

Also, I have managed to lose ten pounds already living in Hot Springs. My goal is to lose a total of twenty and keep it off. It is only early May, so I think I am making great progress. The real trick is going to be toning up my body by swimming my body fat off once the pool is warm enough to tolerate. I made goals this summer!

I really don't think looking healthy and feeling great is out of reach or inappropriate to strive for before I start medical school. I have always come up with excuses not to get back in shape-- being too busy with school, being too tired, not having motivation. Excuses are over. I'm ready to look (and feel) soooo good.

I have decided to weigh myself at the same time everyday and post it to keep myself on track. Nothing to be ashamed of if I plan on losing it!

May 4th: 143 lbs.

Easter 2011

Here's a picture of Drew and me on Easter at Nana's house.

I adore this man.

Lady Gaga - Judas

Judas by Lady Gaga... Seriously stuck in my head since I heard it the first time this past Thursday.

Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:
2 lb ground beef
1 diced white onion
2 eggs
1/2-1 c breadcrumbs
2-3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients well and put in meatloaf pan. Bake for 1 hour.

Today in Pictures

Very Happy :)

NPMC Visiting Papa

He fell and fractured his hip and femur the day before Easter. He is in rehab now. Doing great and talking up a storm!

Cathartic Dream

I was in an aquarium with Drew and someone I know came up to me smiling and gave me a hug. She started conversation and it quickly went to gossip about mutual friends. I didn't take part and made a comment about how it isn't very friendly to speak negatively about friends, especially if they aren't around.

She sort of rolled her eyes at me. Then we had some argument about the contents of the fish tank.

I had a pitcher of KoolAid in my hands. I was exiting the aquarium with Drew because I was exasperated with the encounter. I turn to her and tell her I never liked her and that she is false and self-centered. I pour the KoolAid over her head, smile at her, call her the c word, hand her the pitcher, and walk hand-in-hand with Drew out of the building.

/dream

Drew says it sounds like I have some aggression there. Personally, I found the dream cathartic and refreshing.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:
Meat from 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 can chicken broth
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3 cups broken, uncooked spaghetti
4 oz jar pimentos
1 diced green bell pepper
1 diced medium white onion
1 diced medium tomato
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3 cups shredded medium cheddar
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Boil pasta in water with bouillon cubes. Do not cook all the way; leave very al dente (this dish has a lot of cooking left). Drain and rinse pasta in cold water. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, chicken broth, pimentos, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheese in casserole dish. Be sure to mix very well. Sprinkle remaining cup of shredded cheese over top. Bake 35-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

UAMS Student Housing & Financial Services

New and improved student housing

I still don't know what I'm going to do about a living situation this fall at UAMS. I don't know anyone with whom I could be roommates and am sorta terrified to live with someone I don't know at all. I have talked to Housing about maybe living in student housing, but they don't sound optimistic that I will have a spot. It's a pretty sweet deal though. The new residence hall is pretty sweet with three different floor plans. They are all furnished, so that would keep me from having to move all my furniture back into an apartment. Plus, I wouldn't have to worry about utilities and whatnot, since it's all included. Here are the three floorplans:

Studio (two units shown)

Duplex Dorm (Rooms with Adjoining Bath)

Apartments

These are my options, but by the looks of things I won't get much of a choice if I get in at all. Of course the apartments would be my first choice, then the studio, then the duplex dorm. Honestly, it's a really good deal. Living on campus makes it super easy to get to class without worrying about parking. Apparently the atmosphere isn't really like that of a dorm, but more of an apartment situation... which is great. I'm really hoping to hear good news about that.

I tried calling Housing earlier, but the dogs jumped up on my bed, hit me in the face, and disconnected my call. I called them right back and they didn't take my call. I guess they like being hung up on about as much as I do.

I also talked to Student Financial Services earlier this morning. I was just curious what I needed to do next about financial aid and knowing how much money I will be getting and when I will be getting it. Apparently I have taken all the steps I need to at this point by filling out my FAFSA and returning my Student Data Sheet to them. At the present they are awarding students who take summer classes (like nursing students and the like). Here in a couple weeks I should be receiving a packet with all my options for taking out loans.

Honestly, I've been waiting for the part of taking out loans for a long time. I'm really excited about it. I know going into ridiculous amounts of debt shouldn't sound exciting, but they are MY loans. After I lost my full scholarship for my undergraduate studies, my dad ended up paying my way to finish my BA... and I am eternally grateful for him doing that. However, I am very excited for this debt to be my debt. I'll be taking my first steps as an independent adult, making choices about my own money. And I will be able to pay them back after I'm a doctor anyway. It's just an exciting time, really. I feel like a grown up... or at least I will when I'm out of my parents' house at the end of the summer and using my loan money to pay for my own place to live. /facepalm.

The only things I really have left to worry about this summer for medical school are my CPR class (which is TBA for some time this summer) and purchasing a super cute outfit for my white coat ceremony held at the end of orientation week the first week of August. Honestly, I just need to relax and enjoy my summer. I have to get a job after my little sister Missy's high school graduation party at the end of this month, but that's not even on my mind really right now. After waiting tables for almost three years at Pizza Hut, finding a job right away isn't ultra pressing. After I get Housing's opinion on my living situation (given that they will call me back) and after the rain stops coming down like crazy, I'm going to work on my tan.