Life on the Edge

So I thought I would take a moment to blog. This is the busiest yet. I am comforted that my boss (who has been a genetic counselor for many years) told me that grad school will not be this busy! (yay!). It also makes me feel good that I don't have to worry about grades as much as interviews and just passing my classes this quarter. So what makes it so hard?

I'm not used to giving less than 100% on everything. I am the type of girl that goes to class after being sick in the morning just so that I don't miss anything. I am the type of girl that sacrifices sleep because I know the benefit of studying for a few extra hours. By doing any less than 100% I am not sure how much to do. So I look at my schedule freaking out that I won't have enough time, because I am trying to fit in 100%.

Anyhow... I having been doing everything in my power to stay upbeat, positive, happy, and well rested. Thank goodness! Most moments push me to the edge of sanity... but then I pull back. Stop and think about what I need to do for myself. Interviews certainly add to the stress, but they keep me in check. They are the priority, so that means being happy and confident are priorities. I suppose they typically are, but this quarter is making me focus on ensuring this.

Nothing about this quarter is easy. Wait, that's a lie. Dave makes lots of things easier for me! But still, many everyday things just are not running as smoothly as I wish they would. My tooth started hurting the other day... so I had to find a new dentist in Columbus... they could fit me in that day... but then we had insurance issues, and I was on and off the phone for an hour before my appointment. Then I had to make an appointment for fillings on my one day in Columbus between interviews. You know, things like that!

Now I'm trying to plan what to bring with me to do on the plane/ in the airport/ and other places this weekend. I got a laptop case that looks like a purse-- for cheap! That should help with the packing. Instead of a purse and a laptop case I just have 1 bag!

As far as interviews have been going... so far I've had my first 3. They went really well. There are always things I would have done differently, but hindsight is always 20-20 right?

I got to spend a weekend in Philadelphia with Giselle, Jeff, Andrew, and Lily! We had a blast! Andrew really warmed up to me, which made me feel great!! I arrived on a Friday night, and the next morning Andrew woke me up to read him a dinosaur book. As I read it to him I struggle to pronounce the names only to find later that they are listed in the back of the book! What else did we do?... We went to the zoo! Which was lots of fun. I lifted Andrew and Lily up to see some of the animals. Lily left dirt on my jeans, and my back was in shock from lifting Andrew-- but it was worth it!.

Some of my favorite moments:
-Lily shaking her arm when she didn't want me to hold her hand in the zoo.
-Playing baseball and soccer with Andrew in the yard for over an hour, and watching his face light up in giggles when I would kick the ball in a zig-zag.
-Reading Andrew a book before he went to bed (per his request!)
-LOTS of hugs and kisses from both Andrew and Lily
-Cuddles from Andrew
-Getting to see "Trey" moving in Giselle's belly, and feeling his little butt!
-Spending time with Giselle and Jeff, just discussing life and enjoying a quiet evening.
-Helping Jeff finish a bottle of wine
-Andrew telling me he loved me! :)
-I know there were many more... but I just can't think of them right now!

Giselle, this doesn't emphasize enough how much I appreciated spending time with YOU and just getting to see you... but you had to have cute kids! Thank you so much for letting me stay with you and taking me to the interview!!