Time On My Hands!

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on June 4 the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Class of 2011 laid down their well-worn pencils, shelved their extensively highlighted textbooks, and began caffeine detoxification programs in preparation for the last "free" summer of our lives. In true overachieving medical student fashion most of my classmates have committed to research projects during the next few months (China, Primary Children's, and NYU, to name a few). I, however, refused to spend my vacation locked away in a dark, dank research lab (actually, due to the vagaries of scheduling my Navy officer training, I was unable to firmly commit to any projects and was out of luck by the time I finally knew my summer schedule). I have therefore found myself with more time on my hands than I know what to do with. The first week-and-a-half has been rather slow. I just can't seem to fill the day, even though I sleep until 10 o'clock every morning and play video games for hours. So, what does a prospective Navy officer with nothing to occupy him do to while away the time? Why, build a model of the U.S.S. Constitution, of course! It is very complicated and time consuming; the perfect remedy for a pair of idle hands. The best part about it is that when all is said and done, I'll be the captain of my very own sail boat! Can it get any better than this?




P.S. - For those of you that want to see my cute, pregnant wife, rest assured that I have heard your pleas and will grant your request once she starts showing. It's just not that exciting to stare at a flat belly!

Hot As Hades!

It's been awhile since I last posted, and, since I have quite a bit of time on my hands now that the first year of medical school is behind me, I felt that it was time for a short, sweet post about what's been on my mind. It all BOILS down to this; it's freakin' hot here! For the past two days the temperatures have approached or exceeded 100 degrees. They won't even let the school children go outside to play. Every time I step outside, I feel like I'm swimming in a thick, hot haze. Only 21 more days until Julie and I are in California, where...it will be just as hot! When will it be winter again?

If At First You Don't Succeed...

...try, try again! As many of you already know, Julie and I have been trying to have a baby for over a year. Well, despite some bumps along the way, we can proudly proclaim that we are going to have a bright, fuzzy blob thing! We had the first ultrasound in mid-April. Initially, we thought that it resembled the creature from the Black Lagoon; after all, it had flippers.

The strong heartbeat reassured us, however, and we began to look forward to the first trimester check in mid-May. Julie's second ultrasound was today, and we can proudly say that the little parasite is developing normally and is due on November 23.

Julie is still quite sick in the mornings (and sometimes in the evenings), but we're so excited that we (meaning Pat) hardly care! Anyway, we are now taking guesses as to the sex of the baby...give us your opinion and we'll see who's right!

Mormons vs. Jews

Here at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine we have a fun tradition. Every spring, the first and second-year students put together a series of skits that pokes fun at our classes, instructors, and fellow students. Here is the Mormon contribution to the first-year student skit night. Enjoy!

Aye, Cap'n!

As many of you already know, I have been in the process of applying for acceptance into the United States Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. The gist of it is that, in return for a commitment of four years (after my residency training, so it will actually be closer to eight years), the Navy will pay for my tuition, books, fees, and equipment, in addition to a monthly stipend. Well, after four long months of physicals, paperwork, and eyesight waivers, I was sworn in today as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve. Needless to say, I am pretty excited. Not only am I now an officer and a gentleman, but I can talk to people in a salty pirate accent without feeling too embarrassed!



Now, I can hear what many of you are thinking. "Why in Hades, Patrick, are you going back into the military after you fought for an entire year to get out!?" While I could list many compelling reasons (the relative parity in salaries between the military and primary care specialties, exciting travel opportunities, my fascination with "Master and Commander", etc.), it really boils down to one reason. I want people to salute me. Arrogant? Yes. Self-centered? Probably. Pretty dang cool? Most definitely! Besides, Julie says that I'll look pretty hot in uniform, and that's reason enough for me.

The Ever Changing Facial Hair

My husband has always had the same or very similar hair cuts, almost always parted and combed to the same side. Although he is not adventureous with his hair do, he has become very experimental with his facial hair.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of his recent experiments as much as I do!

The "No officer, I swear I'm not trying to smuggle fingernail clippers on the airplane" look.

The "I proposed to my wife like this; it's no wonder she said yes" look.

The "This town ain't big enough for the both of us" look.

The "huh" look.

The "Of course I am always BYU approved" look.

The "I'm so glad my wife likes facial hair" look.

The "Doesn't a goatee make me look better in scrubs" look.

And the latest, "Honey, when I get out of medical school, can I buy a Harley to go with my fu-man-chu" look?

Please stay tuned for more facial hair updates. The next one is sure to be a keeper!!

TAGGED

Okay, I have been tagged and my loving husband keeps reminding me that I have been tagged and since I have not posted anything for a while here I go. This one is for you Vania!

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B: Each player answers the questions about themselves. C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago today:
Ten Years ago I was living in Sacramento working in Galt as a bank teller and going to school at American River. It was quite the commute. Other then that I don't remember much.

5 things on my to do list today:
1. Take my mom and sister to Manhattan
2. See the Statue of Liberty
3. Go to the top of the Empire State Building (or the NYC Eiffel Tower to some:) )
4. Start lesson plans for next week.
5. Make brownies or something for church tomorrow.

I enjoy (not in order of importance):
1. Spending time with Patrick (we don't see each other as much as I would like because work and school gets in the way.)
2. Dancing
3. Hiking with my dad, Bird watching, bug collecting or observing, just being in nature.
4. Spending time with my family.
5. Running or exercising (although I don't exercise as much as I would like to or should.)

3 bad habit:
1. Taking on more then I should.
2. Asking "Do you want to .... (house hold chore)?" instead of "Will you (do house hold chore)?" Pat always says "no" if I ask "Do you want to...?" and he responds "yes" when I ask "Will you...?"
3. Spend to much time on the computer when I have other things I need to do. ( Like I am doing now;))

5 places I've lived:
1. Boise- Idaho
2. Elk Grove, CA
3. Provo, UT
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5. Bronx, NY

Jobs I've had:
1. Receptionist
2. Bank Teller
3. BYU Biology 100 TA
4. Union Middle School- Science Teacher
5. Albert Einstein Intermediate School- Science Teacher

5 things people don't know about me
1. I like to draw, crochet and sew but don't have the time to develop these possible talents.
2. I think I have decided to not work next year and go back to school for a masters in ecology, But I am torn because I really do like teaching.
3. I am actually proud of my husband for wanting to join the Navy.
4. For the first time in my life I am not sure what the future holds for me, I hope motherhood, my masters and a PhD, but I don't have as much control over the first one as I would like.
5. I am excited about turning 30 this year.

I tag Malissa, My Mom , and Marcy