October Road Trip :)

1544 miles, five cities, and eight states later, my October road trip added more smiles to what was one of the best months of my life. Who would pack up their entire life into a car too full for a passenger, and drive all over the Eastern part of the states? Someone with friends and family like I have.

I departed Warsaw a Saturday morning, hugged my beloved mom goodbye and headed for Pittsburgh, PA. There, I visited the grown up version of Emily Lottes (very similar to the Brockport version), had some great catch up time and got to tour her awesome, bridgey, city. Em is one of my most favorite people because of her ability to continuously call, and love me even when I used the lame excuse of medical school. Sadly, Em and I didn't take any pictures, so Ive stolen one from her of the view from Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh. It shows the entire city-and I did see this view!

Sunday, I left Pittsburgh in route to Nashville. I traveled through Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville, and finally arrived in Nashville at Choo's apartment. It was, great to hang out with her one on one and finally meet and see her side of Nashville-not the touristy stuff, the music industry. We went to a show, hung out with her friends, all except one of which I had never met before, I had my first (and last, sorry Choo) bushwhacker, and saw the inside of my first recording studio. I ate yummy dinners and got to go to bed next to my best friend for five days. I absolutely love my little sister.

Thursday, I departed Nashville for Greenville, SC to visit my beloved first semester roommate in Cayman, Sajitha Joseph. After seeing her almost every day for two years, it is amazing to me I could last since our tearful goodbye in April, which consisted of "how am I supposed to make it without yous." When I arrived in Greenville, she hugged me saying, "I didn't think I'd ever see you again!" I just laughed. It was great to see her three sisters again, tour her beautiful town, and meet her parents. There is something face time with favorite friends gives that phone calls or skype could never replace. I cannot wait for our next reunion. The picture below is a pretty waterfall in her town. We took some pictures together, but she still has them.

Friday, I left Greenville for Charlotte, NC where I stopped and had lunch with my friend Kunal. I'm sure I've mentioned him before, but Kunal is a good friend of mine from Cayman who I got to know because our last names placed us together, but became friends with because of how awesome and sweet he is. We still keep touch in the states, which I can't say for everyone, and hope that will be a trend for years to come. Our visit was too short, but still absolutely wonderful. I then traveled to Cary, NC where I met up with my angel, Katy Dorman and her boyfriend Paul. It was great to catch up with them on gossip from home, talk about our friend Val's upcoming wedding, and know I would have them less than an hour from me for the next six weeks. Kate and Paul were in Cayman on a cruise in April and we had a great day together, which I blogged about here.

I landed in Goldsboro, NC at Cherry Hospital Saturday around lunch time. I had, no idea what I was getting myself into! More on that in my next blog.
Have a great week everyone :)

Its about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Hi Family & Friends, I am close to being updated on this blog-just have my road trip, rotation, and my trip this past weekend to catch up on. However, today I got some sad news and was hoping you would share in my thoughts and prayers for my best friend, and her husband.

Chris Franks was away for three months on a submarine mission to the middle east, and returned just over four weeks ago. Unfortunately, he got word today that there was an emergency, and he has to leave for Somalia tomorrow morning at 7am for five weeks. This is, obviously unexpected and sad, because usually deployments are things people can plan for ahead of time. But, the Franks are awesome people and trying to look on the bright side.

Please keep Chris, and his wife Ruth in your thoughts and prayers this week. Also pray for the sailor coming home (the only time a sailor is excused from the sub is when there is a serious emergency in your immediate family). I am, sad anytime my best friend is, and today is another day I have trouble loving (or even liking) the Navy. I am hoping the next five weeks fly for my friends and that Chris is safe!

Timothy Paul Price

Life is filled with many unexpected twists, and I would be lying to say mine has been anything but crazy. If you would have told me that before I was twenty-five years old I would have lived in a different country for two years and had six addresses (none of which were permanent), I'd probably say you were crazy. After a bit of a difficult relationship ending at the beginning of the summer, if you had told me I would be in a relationship by Halloween, I'd say you were nuts. And yet, I've lived in a different country. I have had seven, counting 30 Park, addresses in the past seven years. And, I have a new, wonderful boyfriend in my life. So, I guess I'm nuts and crazy?

I'm not usually one to blog about relationships, especially new ones. But this guy isn't an every day relationship. I am hoping to play my cards right and keep him around for a really, long time. Tim, who goes by Othy Paul as his alias to prevent future employers from open access to facebook, and I met through a close friend in undergrad. When I got home from Baltimore this summer, we met up for a "catch me up on the last 2+ years of your life." That night turned into a few dates and meet the family, since his sister Dawn was married two days before Mary and Andy were. When I think back to the night I met his family, I think about how nervous I was. I was floored at how unbelievably natural it became almost instantaneously, and when the nervousness subsided I had an amazing time. The end of the night included his siblings (he is also 1 of 4, the baby), family, and friends sitting around playing games and our stomachs hurting from laughter. It was amazingly similar to nights in the kitchen at Utowanna, surrounded by the Schiraldi's.

Tim is an amazing guy who was a good friend and in one month has been an amazing boyfriend. He understands my dreams, and the difficulty that will come with the lifestyle I have chosen. And, he still thinks I'm worth it! I appreciate everything he has given me, and am so excited for what the future holds. We are getting to know each other more and more with distance, and the more I get to know the more I realize our beliefs, morals, and goals in life connect, I can't wait for him to meet my family and friends. He will be in North Carolina to visit and I am excited to meet more of his family and spend a weekend with my very best friends, Chris and Ruth Franks.

I am, very lucky and very happy.


Also just wanted to say happy 25th birthday to my young at heart, Emily Lottes. She has been a blog reader since the beginning, and one of my dearest friends. Hope it was wonderful Em!

Mrs. and Mr. Lee

April 30th, 13 days before the biggest test of my life, our family life changed forever. My older sister's long time boyfriend, Andy proposed and Mary had accepted. The next two weeks I fought the urge to look at bridal gowns and re-activate facebook. I forced myself to focus on Step1. I remember Mary telling mom and I, us all screeching, getting off the phone and crying. Mary would not be Miss Schiraldi anymore. I was getting a new brother. It was a feeling of overwhelming happiness.

The next months are a blurr, wedding dress shopping, trying on bridesmaid dresses with Ali on Long Island, and telling anyone and everyone who would listen about Mary & Andy's big day. I can't believe how fast it came, and how calm Mary always was. I'd always ask her if I could do anything, and she'd answer, "No, everything is under control." It always was.

Two years ago, my cousin Casey got married to her husband, Andrew. It was a blast. But I always knew this would be different. For 18 years of my life, Mary was always down the hall. Even after, she would rush home for proms and important events. While Mar lived almost three years of her life before me, I have never lived a day without her. Honestly, I don't think I ever could have.

The week before the wedding, I had the chance to drive out to Seneca Falls and stay with Mar and Andy in their new house. It was great to have down time with them, eat dinner, sit by the fire (ok, and clean and grade). I loved being there to help them out, and I honestly feel like I was only paying them both back for everything they have given me over the years.

Wedding weekend began with Mom, the four of us, Andy and Ali all sitting in the living room catching up, laughing, and snacking on something yummy. It was-perfect. I cannot say enough about how those moments with the seven of us will always mean the world to me. They come too far apart, but each time they happen, it was worth the wait.

The weekend went off without a hitch. It was great to have mom and dads family's together again and all there for Mar and Andy. It was so good to meet the Lee's family, and Andy's sister Karen. The weather was gorgeous, and when I think of the weekend, I can't think of anyone I saw without a huge smile on their face.

The biggest of those smiles, was Smush's. Not saying she isn't a happy person in general, but she has had a special glow since April 30th and it was absolutely amazing to see her all decked out and looking great on her big day. She had such a smile, something I will never forget-and pictures will always help me to remember.

Can't wait for the next one, but in the meantime and after still going to be smiling about the wedding of the year. Andy and Mar, I think I can speak for your entire family when I say how happy we are that you've found each other, and invited us to share in your big day. It was, unforgettable. Love you both!

Mrs. Reynolds

The morning after my sleepy drive from Baltimore to Warsaw, I woke up and got ready for one of my greatest friend's wedding. In junior high, I befriended Nichole Donahue, and my life is still so much better because of it. It started with soccer, basketball, and softball, but with time we hung out way more than just sports seasons.

With vehicles came trips to boys soccer games, pizza hut buffets, and shopping trips. Her family became mine, and Id argue Nichole, Jess, Jackie and I were inseparable, on and off the court. We came up with silly nicknames, some of which still stand, and have the hilarious ability to call each of us the same exact name, and sit together knowing exactly who we're talking about.

I remember really funny (ok and scary) nights in college with Nichole. One time in Buffalo with my dad, I went into her dorm room to get her. My dad told me after he was glad I came out, because not only did he not know which building I had entered, but he also didn't know her first or last name. To him, she was "woof".

One of my best memories of the four of us was two winters ago. It was my first Christmas back from Cayman, and the four of us sat around my kitchen table, laughing and drinking my favorite kind of wine. Afterwards, we all went out for my birthday.

We had an absolute blast dancing the night away with our families, and Nichole's new family at her big day, September 25. Well she is now "all grown up", she'll always been my ma, my woof, and one of the best friends a girl could hope for. Congratulations Mrs. Reynolds, I love you!


"..one of the most important things in life is showing up. I'm blown away by your ability to show up through everything.." ~Hardball

The End of Baltimore

Well, I'm a bit behind on blogs. So, I'll back up before I go forward. First, the end of IM.

As my first rotation came to an end, I could not wait for home, my friend Nichole & my sister's wedding, and the end to 12 hour 6 day work weeks. I learned, as my little sister says, a shit ton of material at that hospital. The interns, residents, director and staff were amazing. What I wasn't expecting, was to make some friends during the stay as well. I joked when I left for Cayman, I already have amazing friends-why make more? Well, we all know how good that worked. I can't imagine my life without a Sajitha, Shazia, etc. etc. But when I went to Baltimore, I was thinking-its 12 weeks with people I don't know. Well, as we all stood in our assembly room, where we had 3 lectures per day for 12 weeks, there were people having tears at the idea of leaving the place. While I didn't shed any tears, it was definitely much sadder than I was expecting, and I really do hope to run into some of my "Harbor Hotel" friends in the years to come. Because Caribbean students all do rotations at the same hospitals in the same major cities, there is a good chance for that to happen.

Our last night in Baltimore (Thursday), we all met out for dinner and drinks. The picture below is some of my friends from the rotation. The night ended around 2:30, and that 6:30am alarm was brutal the next morning. After a full days work, I traveled home. My fatigue caused me to make a wrong turn, adding 2 hours plus to my already long drive home, but I made it home around 12:30 to my mom and big brother. I went to sleep with a huge smile on my face that night.

I love my family

My family is absolutely fabulous. I have come to this recent realization over the years just how proud I am to be a Kowalczyk-Schiraldi. All of my friends know of, and many have met my family-if not, chances are they aren't very close friends. I have also noticed, especially since my time in Baltimore, how absolutely wonderful it is to have family so close. I can drive to my aunts for a night, or to my cousin's for a bbq. My sister and brother-to-be can stop down for a night, or I can have dinner with my cousin from the west coast.

This rotation is starting to kick my butt. I'm tired, and seem to be the one who gets the extra burdens placed on them, as student representative for the rotation. In the past two weekends, I will have worked 24 hours I wasn't originally schedule for. But, I came to this great realization today. Everyone always says, it may be tough, but it'll be worth it. With the end so far, it is easier to me to think that this whole ride is only worth it if I get to share days along the way with the people who make it all worthwhile.

I am so thankful for nights in Silver Spring with my aunt. She is always looking out for me, feeding me dinner, and giving me hugs (something you can't put a pricetag on, until its been so long since you had one). I had an awesome summer visiting Casey & Andrew in DC. I met their friends, laughed, and worked up quite the sweat playing the Wii. I feel so glad to have them as my cousins and my friends. This past week I got a surprise, when I found out my cousin Kate was in DC for a conference. Kate lives in Denver, so we don't get to see each other a lot, but it was so wonderful to sit and catch up, laugh, and talk about the good old days. It was evident that even though everything has changed, some things never will. I've had some great talks with my brother, sisters, and parents this week. A few weekends ago I got to visit my aunt and uncle on Long Island, and had a great phone call with my mom's older sister. I am constantly in awe at how absolutely fabulous my family is, and no matter how much they worry/say they are proud of me, I hope they know the feelings are coming back to them from Baltimore as well. October 10 will be a great day, as both sides of my unbelievably awesome family will be together celebrating my sisters big day! I am more excited than words can say.

For now, and for always, I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for their prayers, and kind words. I'm thankful that I have unbelievable people to share this crazy ride with, that make the craziness all worthwhile.

Remember the last time I blogged?

Me neither. I'm surprised I'm not getting reminders from miss Lottes (she must be busy or something!)

Anyway, I am doing well in Baltimore. Today I am 6 weeks done, with 6 weeks to go. The rest of the year into next spring has me traveling all over the states, and I'm tired just thinking of it. Anyway, an update on my life in Baltimore.

My days, are flying. A typical day in the life of an internal medicine student-I am at the hospital by 7:30am. I go visit with my patients, check their charts and the computer for overnight changes/attending recommendations. At 8am, we have morning report-where one of the approximately 20 interns presents a case, and discusses physical exam, lab, and imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment plans. After MR, I meet with my intern and update her on my patients. I write a progress note for their chart, we go see the patient together, and then she writes the assessment and plan portion of my note (something only an m.d. can do). We discuss future plans, medications, and possible complications. I have two patients, and the other student in my group has 2. If we have time after, we go see the rest of our interns patients (up to 6) before noon conference. Noon conference is a physician teaching us about anything and everything-sometimes interesting, and sometimes boring. After lunch, we do more of the same with our intern, and sometimes we have attending rounds, where a physician meets with us and asks us questions around a table-with more pressure on the interns but some on us as well. At 2pm we have student lecture. Once every 6 days I am on early call (7am-12pm), and once every 6 days I am on late call (4pm-9pm). Twice a week I am on afternoon call (12pm-4pm). During those hours, we admit patients from the ED who are too ill/unstable to go home, onto the hospital floor.

Needless to say, I'm really busy. On top of that, I am the student representative for our group of 32 students with one other guy. We organize presentations and student responsibilities throughout the day, set up the monthly schedules, and relay information from the director and chief residents.

The best part of Baltimore is when friends and family come to visit. I have been absolutely spoiled with visitors. I have had visits from Alissa Chaney (x2), Mary & Andy, Amy Winter, and Cassie Buckley & her friend Ann, whose last name I don't know. I have also been to D.C. to see Amy and my dear SMU friend Nirav, who was visiting from Atlanta. Not to mention a few visits to D.C. to see cousins Casey & Andrew, and the Schiraldi gang minus Nick-who is away working at a camp. My days filled with familiar faces keep me going on all the days I'm sucked up into this medical world.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, I will try to write more frequently!
Chances are if you're reading this, I'm missing you.
All my love-Laura

Also-I wanted to wish my wonderful cousin a happy birthday today. Can't wait to see you soon, Kris!

The ups and downs of Baltimore

I am, really lucky. Sometimes I think about being in Denver (where I thought I would be for these 12 weeks) and just cringe. Like my mom says, I was supposed to be in Baltimore.

I arrived here late last Monday night to Silver Spring, Maryland where my Aunt Grace, Uncle Vin, and cousins Tara and Nick live. I commuted for the first three days, until I finally found myself a one bedroom apartment in NW Baltimore. I am, very happy to be about 20 minutes from the hospital and 10 minutes from downtown in a very safe area. This Sunday, I went to DC for the day to visit my cousin Casey, and her husband Andrew. Tara came too. We watched the world cup and ate grandma schiraldi's famous meatballs which Andrew has mastered. Then he gave me leftover sauce and meatballs. He is definitely a keeper! It is great to have cousins an hour away.

My first day in Harbor Hospital, I had orientation. An intern (1st year doctor/resident) came in and talked to us about when he did his IM rotation at Harbor. He urged us to sign up to be a student representative. I reluctantly put my name into the hate to be read, and I was picked! Bummer. But, its a good way to meet other students and the chief residents. I have to relay emails to everyone, plus set up schedules for August and September. My first week of rotations I was on Night Float. Night float is from 9pm to 9am. We admitted patients in the ER who were too ill to go home that night, but doing a proper history, physical exam, assessment and plan. My team consists of myself, an intern, and a resident. I was usually let off by about 1:30 or 2:30 every night, but had to return to the hospital for a 8am meeting each morning. Needless to say, my sleeping schedule was a little off. Today when I got up onto the floor to meet my new team, I met my resident who immediately assigned me two patients, told me to do progress notes on them for the last 24 hours, and disappeared. Progress notes include looking through the chart for overnight changes, as well as talking to the patient and doing a physical exam.

It is nice to be trusted and on the floor with real, live patients. Its fun to wear a white coat and have it packed with books, papers, and notes. I am usually humbled right back down to earth when I realize how much more I have to learn before I can have those fantastic two letters after my name. Which is, TONS!

I will write more soon, but it is unfortunately after my bed time. I hope everyone is having a wonderful beginning of July! All my love from Maryland.

An Epic Weekend

This weekend, was one for the books. It reminded me just how much I will forever be in debt to Brockport, and my hometown for simply amazing friends.

Friday night I traveled to the famous city of Avon, NY. I shared a slice of pizza with the Lottes family, laughed at Warsaw wisecracks, and kidnapped their daughter Emily. We then traveled into the city of Rochester, where we met Alissa Chaney and Kim Becker for dinner. We ate a great sandwich and homemade beer cafe. We sat catching up, laughing, and reminiscing, until we realized that we were literally the last people in the restaurant, and all of the chairs were on the tables for closing all around us. We figured that was our key to leave. We then traveled to a bar where we met up with Jess Kovall, Val Parnell, and Andrea Mann. It was, Brockport heaven. Later that night, we said our goodbyes to a few and spent an hour or so dancing our hearts out at a night club. The next morning my friend Alissa reminded me just how fun my friends were, and I could do nothing but smile and agree.

Saturday morning after some shopping and diner food, Jess, Val, Ang, and I embarked on our surprise journey to South New Berlin, NY. This past Wednesday was our great friend Cassie's 24th Birthday. For weeks, if not a month, she has been inviting us down to her house, outside of Binghampton. Over, and over, and over, we have lied, saying we were busy, the whole time planning a surprise with her boyfriend, Derrick. Her face was absolutely priceless as we popped out behind some parked cars in her driveway Saturday afternoon. Even more priceless, was around 9 that evening when Jamie West and her boyfriend Justin showed up. Cass was, very happy-and I think we all felt the surprise may have been just as good for us.

Yesterday, I attended my friend Nichole's wedding shower. Sitting next to my mom, and being with my three best friends from high school was the best. It is crazy to think that a girl I have so many funny memories with for 6 years of high school, and a few years of college will be walking down the isle the day after I'm finished with my rotation in Baltimore. I can't wait!

It was, a wonderful weekend. I feel absolutely blessed to have the friends in my life I do. Next weekend will be scattered with friends and a large dose of family. Can't wait :)

The Best Day of My Life

As I am getting final plans set before my move to Baltimore in a few weeks, amidst the stress it is nice to take breaks and remember how far you've come, and why you keep going. I am, a cheese ball, and love watching A Baby Story on TLC, or Birth Day on Discovery. I can hardly watch any delivery without a tear or ten.

Last week, when I was watching Birth Day they told the story of an older mom having a child with her new husband-his first biological child. After the birth, the 40 year old man completely crumbs in happiness, saying how it was the best day of his life.

So I'm thinking, as people begin to ask me if I'm leaning towards any specialty, that my first instinct is still holding strong. I mean, on my resume under MD, OBGyn, I could describe the position as; I share the best days of my patients' lives with them.

You are awesome.

Well, I've been home two days from Georgia and thought I should update everyone on how amazing my best friend is. I know I'm a broken record when I talk about Ruth Franks, but my vacation with her pretty much proved my point and then some.

Friday night I flew into Atlanta airport, where I hugged my closest friend for the first time since March 2009. She actually cried and I didn't, and any of you who know me know that's pretty much impossible. She looks-great. She looks fit, thin, and really happy. We met my cousin Steph and Aunt Anna in Atlanta for dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. It was great to catch up with them, fill them in on the family up north, and start introducing Roo to my extremely large family.

We arrived at the Franks' new home in Grovetown, Georgia after midnight on Saturday. I had a quick tour, then was showed to the guest room. As I was changing to wind down for the night, I noticed a greeting card on the bedside table. It said, 'You are awesome' with an awesome message from Roo saying thanks for coming and how she couldn't wait for an awesome time. I went to sleep with the biggest smile ever on my face.

The rest of the vacation was spent meeting Roo and Chris's friends in Georgia, and seeing some of the other members of their wedding party in Oneonta last year. We laughed a lot, and got to talk about family and catch up on the recent news of Deemers, Franks, Kowalczyks & Schiraldis. My favorite moments include morning breakfast in PJs and movie night with Roo in the middle and Chris and I on both side as we watched Taken. (Don't let your 17 year old fly to Europe for the summer.)

Ruthie and I have this unspoken (and sometimes spoken) trust and admiration for each other and the friendship that means so much to us. We hate that the amount of days have to come between visits, and yet truly make the most of every second we have together. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to see my best friend, her husband, and their new home. I am so grateful and feel as if I pretty much hit the jackpot on best friends.

I passed!

Ok, maybe everyone else was expecting this to happen. But with my track record of standardized tests, I wasn't expecting anything.

This morning Mom and I got the good news that I passed my Step1 exam. When I think about the sad days of getting SAT and MCAT scores, today becomes even happier. I am in fact one step closer to the end goal!

I'm looking forward to celebrating with mom and Grandma tonight, and maybe some friends on Thursday before the weekend long party in Georgia with the Franks! Ruth and I were talking, and we haven't had face to face unrushed time together since she was at Brockport. (She left in 2006). It will be the perfect vacation and way to start my new step-free life!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Thanks for sticking by me in this crazy ride, we are only half way there, but still this was a big hill. All my love

A wonderful week

How quickly 8 days can go! The past eight days were action packed, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I figured I should blog today, since tomorrow has potential to be life changing.

Sunday evening my brother picked me up on a random street corner in Manhattan. He took me back to his place, and out to eat. Monday morning he took a few hours off from work to take me up to Valhalla, NY for an interview. The interview went well, and will hear news in the next few weeks. After my interview, my boyfriend Prash picked me up and took me to lunch in NYC & back to long island to my grandparents. It was great to catch up with someone from SMU again and talk about med school and step1. (weird, but somehow you miss being around the people you suffer with!) Monday night I had a Chinese take-out feast with my grandparents, and my beloved godparents, Aunt Laura & Uncle Tim.

Tuesday evening I spent with the Cella family. My friend Michele played soccer with me at Brockport and is the friend that keeps calling over and over even when life is too busy for me to call back. It was great to catch up with her. Sometimes you want to believe nothing has changed since undergrad for a night, and with bella, I find it easy to believe.

Wednesday was busy. I went thrift store shopping with my Grandma and cousin in the morning. We met my aunt and other cousin for lunch at their office. Afterward, my brother's girlfriend Ali came to pick me up and we went bridesmaid dress shopping. After work, Dan picked us up and we went to Queens and I had my first trip to Citi Field with my bro and Uncle Vin. Citi Field is amazing, and so are those Mets who swept the Phillies! I was there for the 5-0 win and Reyes' first home run of the season.

Thursday I spent shopping in New York with Ali, who then took me out for lunch to celebrate my end to basic sciences. Thursday night I was finally able to attend dinner at the infamous Regina's, an Italian restaurant near my grandparents' home that serves $8.99 all you can eat buffet on Thursday night. Afterward, every week, they go to dunkin' donuts, which I learned was attached to Baskin Robbins. I vetoed the doughnut for a butter pecan waffle cone.

Late Thursday night my dad arrived on long island with many of his friends from Syracuse. Friday we went into Brooklyn to his old stomping grounds. Its always neat to hang out with people who have never seen the new york skyline in person, and it was great to see my dad. Friday night I met Prash and his friend from undergrad in the upper east side for dinner for his 25th birthday.

Saturday, after some minor set backs, I made it out to eastern long island to visit my cousins Carey and Kris, and their 20 month old Abby. I know many parents think they have the cutest baby, but I honestly think my cousins could win that battle. Abby was shy at first, but warmed up quickly and is so vocal! It was great to spend time with her, and have grown-up time (strange, when my whole life memory is sitting at the kids table with my cousins) after she went to bed.

Sunday I spent walking around Central Park, something I can't remember doing for years. I laid down next to probably 100s of thousands of other new yorkers in the grass and took a great nap. Sunday night we traveled back to long island for dinner with my grandparents. They are, at 87 and 89 still getting by and I loved my time with them. The love they have for each other and their family is tangible, and almost overwhelming.

and now I'm home, to the wonderful 30 Park and my mom. I am excited for what the week has in store, but am taking the days one at a time and enjoying the slow pace and familiar faces of home.

Relaxation

Some people, are very good at relaxing. I think of, my brother. No matter how crazy work/city life is, when work ends he can call and say, oh everything's good and just escape for the weekend or even the night. Me, I didn't get those genes, that's for sure.

I can't believe it has only been one week since my exam. How am I supposed to wait 2.5 more? At mass yesterday, our Priest talked about patience, and that the church has been waiting for thousands of years for the return of Jesus which was promised to us. When I put that into prospective, I can do a few weeks.

I do, however, have some plans for my time off. I am, unsure of how long my time off spans. It could span from the end of June, to the end of August (in which case, this to do list will lengthen!) Memorial Day weekend I am going to New York with my Dad. It will be great to see my grandparents, extended family, and hopefully a friend or two in there too. The first weekend in June, I am going to Augusta, GA to visit my best friend Ruthie and her husband Chris. They are new home owners and I cannot wait to share some quality face to face time with them and laugh. I'm also hoping to stop by and visit with my cousin, aunt and uncle who live in Georgia as well.

By the end of that, I should have my score and a little better of an idea of when and where I'll be next!

In my days since the test, I have gotten numerous emails and thoughtful messages from family, friends, and classmates. I have relaxed, I have helped mom, and I even snuck in a night with Jess Stackhouse and Jackie Murphy, and a night in Avon with the infamous Emily Lottes. I am thankful for nights with mom, and wedding shopping days with Mar. Although they tire me out, I can't imagine not being here with her during her crazy days leading up to the big one, especially after I feel like I've missed so much in the past 2 years. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Have a wonderful start to your week!

Free at Last

I sort of know what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was thinking when he wrote his speech. Except for the fact that I'm one person, and I forced myself into this one instead of being forced. So, maybe this analogy doesn't really fit at all?!

It is honestly, a ridiculous feeling to think I have been doing one thing for the past 21 months. I moved out of the country, attended three semesters a year, and it was all over in 7 hours and 45 minutes. I don't even know what else I'm good at, because my entire day and life has been centered around that exam. And yet, it feels very good to have accomplished taken the exam, but honestly until that score comes, it will only be a partial accomplishment. I should find out some time in the beginning of June, but I am hoping for the best.

As I'm sure many of you read this have heard, my older sister Mary got engaged to her long time boyfriend, Andy a few weeks ago. It obviously super exciting for our family and we can't wait to have Andy be a permanent part of it, because he has definitely been part of it for a long time now. I'm lucky because with very little to do, I can help with wedding planning! We saw her on Mother's day and she is very, very happy. Which, is most important!

Woo, what are you doing?

Some mornings, my little sister calls me from Nashville on her drive in to work. She always starts with the same question, "Woo, what are you doing?" I laugh, because she's funny, and respond, "Studying, I'm always studying."

The truth is, I am. Minus a few much needed breaks with Jess Stackhouse, meals with my mama, mass on Sundays, and trips to Bergen, there is a great chance that if you call the house, I'll be studying. I went to the gym in the afternoon today, and I was thinking about what I'd say to Em in two weeks. First, who knows if I'll be up when she's driving to work, but how weird (and wonderful) it will be to NOT be studying.

My exam is scheduled for May 10. The day after Mother's day, because really who is more lucky to me than my mom, and frankly all of the moms in my life. It is an 8 hour exam, so at about 5pm on Monday I'll be on cloud nine! (And probably really exhausted.) So, I will write after my exam but until then think happy thoughts and have a wonderful week and a half!

End of Cayman..

Because the fact that I'm taking Step1 is stressing the crap out of me, I thought I'd take a break to update on my last Cayman days. It has not hit me that I won't be back to the island for a long time.

The last week was filled with three exams, which I managed to pull off well and Friday at 3pm was a very odd feeling. There was, no more Cayman studying? I walked out of the lecture hall that I have had class in since my first day in September 2008. I said goodbye to a few classmates, and I headed home. I called my mom, for her to inform me it was snowing at home. I was less than ecstatic.

Friday night I went to dinner with some close friends to celebrate. It was great to relax, and pretty hard to think about "outside of med school" things to talk about. There was a great Caribbean band. Saturday morning I spent shopping for souvenirs with miss Sajitha Joseph. By then, I was soaking up every second with my beloved 1st semester roommate and wonderful friend. Saturday night I went on a catamaran trip to Rum Point, one of Cayman's hottest tourist spots with a panoramic view of the ocean and the sunset. We ate another delicious dinner, then went back to my friends place and played charades and laughed. Sunday was weird, I packed almost everything, had lunch with some 4th semester students, and made dinner for my roommates. Then, the goodbyes came. Some of my closest smu friends stopped over with ice cream cake, and when it was time for them to leave the tears were falling. It wasn't like we won't see each other again, it was just that I had seen them almost every day for the past two years. Change is sad, even when its happy. Here are some pictures:


Nirav and I at one of our favorite restaurants, Deckers.


Some of the best medical school friends a girl could wish for, Sajitha Joseph and Shazia Siddiqui.


The gang at Rum Point.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week, an update on life back in Warsaw during my next freak out moment :)

Last Cayman post!

I have what I feel like is a lifetime to catch up on, but for now I just wanted to say goodbye from Cayman, and a soon to be hello from 30 Park. While it seems like I've been counting the seconds to home since I've been here, the last few days have certainly humbled me to my environment here.

The emails from home saying how proud everyone is of me warm my heart, but the truth is I couldn't have made it here without all of you, and all the crazy people I met here. Don't get me wrong, they drive me nuts sometimes, but my friends here have survived the last 20 months of hell with me, and I can't imagine a better group of people to laugh about it at the end. It was a tearful day to say the least. And I'm sure tomorrow night, around 10pm when I hug my mama the tears will pour again for really happy reasons. Hope everyone has a wonderful week...I will email soon!

All my love, and goodbye from down south.

Happy Birthday Roo :)

I think about as lame as you can get is to call your best friend at 11:20pm on her birthday to wish her happy birthday. No card, no mail, and tons of excuses. So what if you're across the ocean in a different country with medical exams? Luckily, she understands, our friendship has been defined by understanding distance.

But, with distance comes the understanding that we're better together, and we're better people because of the friendship we share. Today my very best turned 23, and I wish her all the best in the next year of her life. I still joke with her that at 23 she has lived lessons of a lifetime, and she'll be saving the world by 25. I hope this year brings happiness, good health, safety, and hopefully best friend hugs! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Franks. I love you and appreciate you so much :)

April Update!

The last week...and still deciding how I feel about it. Ready or not, I have 1 suitcase packed and could be completely packed in about 30 minutes if need be. However, two exams stand between me and western NY. Monday, I had a test where I walk in to a patient, take their history, decide which physical examination to perform (abdominal, heart, respiratory, etc.). The exam went well, and I only missed two minor portions so I was happy with that, and happy to have 1/3 of the stress behind me. Thursday and Friday I have two more written exams.

Today, I was lucky enough to get a visit from my friend Katy, and her boyfriend Paul. They went on a cruise together, and one of their stops was Grand Cayman! This morning we walked on the beach, catching up (even though we email about 3 times a week) and chatted about our beloved friends, the angels. We laid on rafts in the ocean, and Paul's sister and her fiancee met up with us for some lounging and burgers for lunch. It was short, too short, but the perfect breath of fresh air I needed to survive my last island days. The truth is, I'm a mainland girl. I'm happy with a distant drive to my family and close friends, the $400 plane drive is a little much. Katy and Paul's sister Jen took some great pics of us, but I only took a few so below is Kate and Paul lounging in the clear Caribbean water for the first time. So glad I go to share it with them. Yay for best friends visiting, even if its only for 6 hour stints!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! This post will be short, since I started today over 16 hours ago. I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with family, or at least friends who felt like it. I am missing the days mom would dress us up in dresses and socks with ruffles and take us to the front pew of Saint Michael's. Easter without family definitely feels like something is missing.

This week, I'm so thankful for my family. April 1st was Grandma Schiraldi's birthday, and hearing her voice and her thanking me for calling was more of a present to me. I am, so thankful for her spirit, her health, and her chicken soup. Just kidding gram, but seriously. I also got to talk to my brother, my aunt laura, and am just constantly overwhelmed at how much family can mean to someone. I was glad to talk to both my parents, and get some sort of contact w/all three of my wonderful siblings, as well as my best friend. Kind of puts perspective to the saying, you don't have to be there to be there.

Tomorrow I have an exam, and Tuesday a day off with one of my favorite friends (and angel), Katy Dorman. And the best news of Easter is, its one week to 30 Park :)

In all seriousness though, Happy Easter. I am in awe always at how much the Lord has given me and how He really is what keeps me going. I cannot underestimate the feeling of calm and relaxation that I get from mass.

Two weeks, are you serious?

Right now, in two weeks, I'll be driving through Pavilion in a gold van with my favorite lady on earth. The weirdest part, I won't be leaving anytime soon, and I won't be going back to Cayman! It is starting to be very, very bittersweet. I am choked up about leaving the people that have helped me to survive the craziest 18 months of my life. And I'm choked up to be hugging my mom, my family, and friends in the next month.
This week, I'm thankful for so much.

I'm thankful for emails. Emails from my mother, my brother, and his amazing girlfriend and my friend Ali. Some days you want to quit, and emails from your favorites saying they are proud, means more than words can say.

I'm thankful for friends. For gchats, for phone calls from Augusta, for angel updates, and roc girls saying hi and asking when my welcome home party can be. I am, so thankful.

I'm really thankful for family and friends at home. I am/probably will be an emotional wreck for the next weeks, even going into my board exams. I found a birth announcement from my cousin Kris, because when I got here, it was only a week later that our favorite little toddler was brought into the world! I found cards from my sisters, my mom, and photo albums from friends. I am, amazed at how much contact I can not have with people from home and how much you all still love me. For that, I am most thankful.

I'll be home so soon! Miss you all.
(Below is a picture of myself and my bws girls I blogged about last week, from Left-me, Natalie, Jess [eddie], Abby. needless to say, they loved my backyard!)

Happy Anniversary to my best :)

Strange to some, I'm sure, but March 21, 2009 will always be one of my favorite days. On that day, in Oneonta, NY, my best friend Ruth, married her husband, Chris. I was lucky to be asked to stand beside her as her maid of honor, and even luckier to get all the way to central New York from the Cayman Islands. It was an entire family process, with my parents helping with the dress and flight, sisters helping with shoes, and my brother giving me his car for the weekend. I was even lucky enough to sneak in some NY pizza with my godparents, Aunt Lu & Uncle Tim.

There is an unspoken trust, admiration, and absolute love I have for Roo as my best friend. She is an unbelievable friend, and has been there (even without physically being here) for me for so much of the crazy past few years. As we have perfected relationships based off boot camp letters, emails from the middle east, and phone calls, I long for the day that it isn't a year between visits. With time permitting, I would love nothing more than to finish my step and travel to Georgia to see my favorite friend, and her husband, a bit after their 1st anniversary.

Happy Anniversary, my favorite. One year between hugs with your best friend is one year too many. Love you both, and hope there are many, many more celebrations to come.

Cute grandparents

So, I think I'm a little biased but I've never really understood the importance of St. Patrick's day. I should probably read up on St. Patrick, but the fact that the Irish have turned it into a drink beer and celebrate us day makes me wish there was a day to celebrate my polish and Italian heritage. And yet, I realized I can do that every time I think of my grandparents.

I am lucky enough once a month to call Florida, or now New York and catch up with my grandma. She is always telling me how they're praying and worried about me, and I laugh, because I am the same for both her and my grandpa. They seem to be doing well, and even offered me any of 3 bedrooms if I do my rotations in the city. My mom is constantly telling me how grandma Kowalczyk knows how many days until I'm back in the states. When I was at school in Brockport, I usually saw her once a week, maybe every 2 weeks during busy times. It was a big adjustment to leave that cute little lady, and I think we are both surprised how fast it went. I can't wait for that tough little hug in a few weeks.

Today is March 20, and my Grandpa Kowalczyk would have been 92 today. I still remember all the events leading up to the horrible day we lost him, but even better is that I remember so many good times. I remember him always sitting at the same chair in the dining room on watch out the window, I remember him always using the same coffee cup, the fact that he wouldn't drink a drop of anything with his meals, and so much more. I wish he was here, scratching lotto cards and eating cherry pie. We still miss you every day grandpa, and love you very, very much.

Anyone who questions how I have motivation to keep going and take on all the obstacles I have in the last 2 years, needs only to look at my amazing grandparents.

Twenty-five

Its the number of cents you need to make a call from a pay phone, how old you need to be to rent a car, the number of years I'll turn in 2010, and the number of days before I'm home at 30 Park. I am starting to get very, excited.

This week I'm thankful for so much.
1. Tuesday, my old teammates from Brockport stopped in Cayman on the cruise ship they were on for spring break. While the girls are a few years younger than me, it was great to see them, reminisce about the fun brockport life, and see familiar faces here in Cayman. They couldn't believe where I lived, but promised them that I'd trade many times.
2. Yesterday, I came home after a crappy day to mail from my little sister. It was, exactly what the doctor ordered and I am soo thankful to her. Our gchats or phone calls leave me cracking up and cannot wait to be together with my siblings again.
3. Earlier this week, we got news that my brothers girlfriend, Ali, got into Columbia for her MBA program. Ali moved to Philadelphia last year for work, and it is great news for her, my brother, and my family that we will see more of her in New York again starting in the fall! Plus we're really proud of her.

Hope everyone had a great week, and a big thanks to all my pick me ups this week!
All my love, see you soon!

Another week down!

I can't believe how fast the weekends come and go. Daylight savings didn't mean any extra hours of sleep (Cayman does not participate in daylight savings), although I did get almost 10 hours both nights! I spent a lot of time (almost 11 hours) getting a lot of great studying done yesterday, and spent a good chunk of today studying for my exams coming up this week and next. Studying has been exhausting, but I still feel lucky to be so close to home, and even better, to my board exams. I am hoping by May 1st to be Step1 free.

While leaving is beginning to creep in, there are bittersweet parts. Thursday night, I took a study break for ice cream with my friend Sajitha. While the ice cream was good, her company is irreplaceable, and I will never be able to underestimate the happiness a great conversation can bring. Friday night, I watched the sunset with miss Shazia Siddiqui. Both these girls, and many of my closest friends have been set back by difficult classes and family circumstances, and won't be leaving the island in April. It is hard to think of life here, or home, without them an ice cream cone or sunset away. I am forever grateful to God for giving me these girls to keep me going through two of the craziest years of my life.

Happy Birthday Mar!

Every girl wants the older sister to follow, to come home from college and do her and her best friend's make up for prom, and call to check in when shes thousands of miles away. Sorry Mar, you just got me and em ;)

I am soo blessed to have such a wonderful role model and older sister in Mary. My smush, and I have had many laughs this year even though we've been apart for so much. And the motivated, hard working, never settling sister is 27 today! I hope her day was wonderful, and cannot wait for belated birthday hugs soon.

Love you smush, Happy Birthday :)

motivational people

I have had the amazing opportunity in my life to meet people whose work ethic and commitment to paying it forward have always meant more to me than I could ever express. You know, not your family (who are perfect and beyond), but maybe your 8th grade basketball and high school softball coach, the honors program director in undergrad, or the PhD student who took you under her wing during your first experience in the job field.

In medical school, I have found that person once again. Dr. Eugiene Granger is a internist specializing in Women's Health who is awesome enough to work part time as a professor in our patient-doctor department. Because of her, I can intubate a person and perform a pap smear (should come in handy for my hopeful occupation). But, her talents are way beyond teaching technique. I remember the first day I met her, I wanted to ask her a question but didn't know her name. When I politely asked, she introduced herself as Eugiene, with a huge smile and handshake. I cannot overestimate how great it feels to be treated like an adult and future colleague. Today, she sat with myself and a classmate, discussing possible cases, differential diagnosis', and treatments of each for about an hour over the allotted time. I'm sure, she is not getting overtime.

While I still can't wait to be home, (5 weeks mama!), I walked to my home here from school with a little pep in my step. I am very grateful to Dr. Granger for her time, her knowledge, and her probably unknown pick-me-up for a measly little medical student.

getting close to home!

Well, after a relaxing weekend one plans all these "things" and books they're going to read through, and I'm here to report, that did not happen. But, an update on my week.

I'm back to getting up at 6:30. I find I get my best work done from 8-12:30 every day. Then, I have class from 1-3, and things sort of dwindle after that. I'm going to try to get another good amount of work done from 4-9 or so this week. I got my scores back on the difficult NBME exam I took at the end of February. I actually, somehow improved slightly from January, although still have some work to put in before I'm ready for my exam.

This week also started shadowing. I shadowed radiology for two hours on Thursday, and emergency Saturday morning for 4.5 hours. I can tell I have come leaps and bounds since last semester. And still, its strange trying to retrain your brain to not think of text books, but of people. While on our exams, a certain disease may present with three definitive symptoms, a patient in reality may present completely different. Go figure. I have only completed 6.5 hours, and need to do 20 for ICM before the end of the semester.

This weekend brought my roommate Dana's mom to the island. There is something about the hug of a mother, that is so comforting. Her mom has had some health problems that have delayed her visit, and it was great to see Dana so happy and finally get to meet her mom. Friday, my friend Sajitha's two sisters surprised her and showed up on the island (we knew they were coming, though!) She was, obviously, shocked and it was definitely one of my top moments on the island. I decided, if any of you want to surprise me and just, show up, common over!

Tomorrow is 5 weeks until 30 park. I'm going to sleep, so I can wake up to that comforting reality. Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

missing them..

I remember screaming at each of my siblings before, being grounded, fighting, etc. Now, they are my very definition of home and everything I'm excited for after this crazy ride through medicine.

My roommates are busy studying for upcoming exams, but this weekend laying on the beach I couldn't help but wish that Em and Mar were there with me. Usually, the waves in Cayman are nonexistent. Its almost like a never ending lake. For some reason, Sunday the waves in Cayman were huge. They were the kind I used to swim in on long island with boogie boards, and there were definitely times I wished my brother was there (not to pretend drown me so he could save me like he used to in Aunt Jadwiga's pool), but I know he would have loved it. Its only been a little over two months since I've seen my siblings, and we've been together, but there are so many times when I wish we all had little dreams and stayed at home bumming off mom. (Ok, just kidding, but seriously, how fun would that be?) I'm very proud of them, and am constantly missing them.

Update, 5 weeks!

I remember when I left home, Rochester, and Brockport for Cayman, I was convinced I'd be gone forever. Somehow, I'm 5 weeks away from being back? This semester has been a crazy ride.

Last Sunday, I completed my 8 week rapid review course with Kaplan. It was a crazy, weekendless, gut check, that I knew I could survive and am so happy to be done with. I learned a lot of great tricks for the exam, what to focus on, and what I still need more time to review. This past Friday, we took our second exam, worth 80% of our grade. It was-an exam that most of my class walked out of wondering what we had learned the past 8 weeks, and the past 2 years. I decided that so much of medicine is being told you can't, or just don't get it-and you have to keep standing up again, and again, and again. I'm awaiting a score, hoping for the best but expecting something much less.

Today begins ICM-Intro to Clinical Medicine. Clinical medicine is the next two years of medical school, or rotations. Our school has a 5 week intro course so that we kind of know what we're talking about when we head into the hospital this summer. It will be a refreshing change to be in the classroom 2 hours, instead of eight, and to have Saturdays and Sundays off!

This past weekend, I relaxed. While its a forced relax, I did many wonderful things and actually enjoyed Cayman a bit. I slept in. I went out with friends. I watched Syracuse beat Villanova. I talked to family and friends. I went to the beach twice (and unfortunately, my skin is mad at me today for that). I cleaned our apartment. And my little sister would be most proud-I didn't study.

Today, I was up at 6:30 again, putting on my study face until this Step1 exam some time in May. I am excited to be so close to home, and sad to see some of my friends here for only such a short time. I can almost feel 30 Park, my mama, and my favorite 94 year old's tough little hug.

Hope everyone is safe, happy, and warm at home in the states. I'll be home soon!

Groundhog day!

But even better. Whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow, I have 6 weeks left of Cayman. In fact, about 6 weeks from now I'll be wrapping my arms around my mom, and saying the words she is ecstatic to hear, "I'm home!" (a little sarcasm, a little seriousness)

I can't believe its February already. And I know, its almost not February. Sunday, I finished my Kaplan course, which means no more 8-5 classes, weekends literally fall on Saturday and Sunday again, back to semi-normalcy. I will update more on my crazy life at the end of the week. This time, I'm thankful for

1. My family. About a week ago, I got a pick me up call from who I consider the world's best big brother. It was great to catch up with him. Then, I got a chance to talk to my older sister a few times and hear about how well she and Em are both doing career wise in their prospective jobs. I am super proud of them. Last night, I talked to Dad and while his February was no fun, it is always great to catch up with him and know I have a place in Syracuse whenever I need! Last week, I got a valentines card in the mail saying how proud she was of me. Tonight, I got to catch up with my mom. I love hearing about our little town, and I haven't gone months without tearing every time I think about 30 Park and how much that lady means to me.
2. My best friend sent me an email yesterday, saying "If I could, I'd make you funfetti cupcakes for your last day!" the fact that she remembers silly dates and keeps me sane is something I can never be thankful for enough. I miss her so.
3. I finally caught up with Jessica Stackhouse this past week twice, and it was great to hear about life at home, and that she is happy. I couldn't ask for anything more, and cannot wait to see her and her family in April.
4. For making it to church on Ash Wednesday. My friend Abby and I decided that skipping two hours of Kaplan was worth making it to mass for the first time this year. There is something about being around a community of faith that eases me more than any anxiolytic ever could. I am glad I got to share in that special day of mass with my two friends, and the Lord.

I hope everyone is well. I will write at the end of the week :)

Belated update...

Wow, remember when I was going to be thankful? I still am every day. Some days, I forget to write about it.

1. I'm thankful for my best friend. A phone call at 5:30 today still has my cheeks hurting from smiling at 10:30.
2. For video chats to Ohio. They keep me sane, grounded, and remembering where I come from.
3. For phone calls with my little sister. She is one of the funniest people I know and that girl makes me laugh for days without knowing it.
4. That syracuse keeps winning. It keeps lunch breaks fun, and I'm also thankful my last exam is February 26th and I'll be able to watch the Nova game with my feet up and no book in my hand.
5. My first day off from studying this semester was February 7, to watch the superbowl with friends. Chicken wing dip (in honor of my angels) and not having my head in a kaplan book was the greatest break a girl could hope for.
6. Friends from home. I talked to my dear friend Saturday and she begged me to touch the ocean for her for her birthday. Considering I haven't touched the beach since I've been here, it was a great present for me too!
7. My cousin's blog. Without knowing it, pictures of the cutest little toddler, and her wonderful parents make me smile constantly before bed.
8. Sajitha Joseph and Shazia Siddiqui. While I have few friends in school, it is absolutely reassuring to have people to stand next to in this chaos we call life. They are life long friends for liking me through this process.
9. My health. Some days, my anxiety kicks my ass. There's no better way to say it. But I wake up in the morning feeling happy and ready to do what I love, medicine.
10. My mom's Christmas cookies. I cannot underestimate the power of eating something your mom made during stress. Cookies fix everything.

I am doing well. I am in the home stretch, having 10 more days of Kaplan (not consecutive) before I am officially done. I will breathe so much easier February 26th. I hope everyone at home is well, and knowing how much I miss the states and all of you.

Identification

Its a defense mechanism many of us have. Its when you say, "I hate it when my mom does this, I'm never going to be like that." Then you grow up, and its exactly how you are. I feel like over the past about 10 days, I've noticed many things I do, that is like many of my family members. Thought I'd share a few examples.

1. Over a week ago now, I decided to turn in early for bed. Instead of washing up, I laid in bed. Then I decided I should get up, so half asleep, I open my bedroom door to find a giant frog looking back at me. I obvious, freaked out and closed the door. I then called my roommate, who was in her room, on the phone, and we screamed together. Long story short, I got the frog in my garbage can, shimmied him to the door, and let him free. I was not about to kill it and have frog guts everywhere. I screamed like a baby, and thought-and I'm the least likely Schiraldi sister to freak out. I laugh thinking about what Em and Mar would do with mr frog looking at them.

2. For some reason lately, I open my dishwasher to put away a dish and decide to rearrange the dishwasher. My roommates will put little plates and big plates intertwined. Or spread the cups out on top so only half fit. I rearrange the whole thing. That, is my grandpa Schiraldi in me.

3. My roommate's friend from home was in town for vacation with his family. She told me he stopped by one night, and I said, "oh I'm so embarrassed he came by our place is such a mess." That night, I laid in bed and laughed about how we always used to have friends over and mom would be like, "did they like the pig sty too?" We always used to have this stack of paper on the counter, made up of papers, mail, who knows what?! And while I kind of miss it, I don't think mom has that coming back anytime soon. That, is my mother in me.

I saw one of my second semester professors in passing two days ago. She said, you look so pale! When she met my mom last October, she told me I had the most color and happiness in my face that she'd ever seen. I laughed, but its true. My family, brings out the very best in me.

high hopes

I think I've written millions of times before about the girls who lived down the hall from me freshman year, the angels. Now, they are anything but the girls down the hall. One of my beloved angels and her family are going through a difficult time, as her father is battling a terminal cancer. It is difficult to be far away, when a very close friend is so sad. Through emails, and video chats, we're trying to send smiles and hugs. I hope there are many happy times for her and her family with her dad in the coming months, through all the hard times. Please keep them in your prayers.

New Years Resolution!

So, I'm a bit behind but I've decided on my second new years resolution. First, I decided to floss every day. Its silly not to, it prolongs your life, and it takes 2 minutes. Plus, my teeth feel so much happier!

Next, I decided (to try) once a week to list a few things I'm thankful for. Life is hard for everyone, not just me, and I don't want my blog to turn into a pitty party. Especially when I have so many good things in my life.

So, this week I'm thankful for..
-surprise emails from friends and coaches
-a webchat with my favorite Ohio girl
-happiness that comes with engagements of high school friends
-6-way skype chats with angels
-coming out relatively untouched after our earthquake, and the safety of my professors and classmates
-a phone call from my big (tiny) sister
-a day off today

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and last week of January! Didn't the ball just drop?

Earthquake!

As you may have, or might not have heard, Grand Cayman experienced an earthquake with a 5.8 magnitude around 9:30 this morning. It was, interesting. I was in class, and the projector began to shake. A moment later, everything stopped. I figured, my eyes were playing tricks on me. Before I could think much of anything else, the desks all began to shake, then I noticed the floor was shaking. I basically dove under my desk. The first tremor was probably 2 seconds, and the second 5. Afterwards, my professor goes, "should we continue?"

Our building was evacuated, and once there wasn't any more signs of aftershock, we went back to class for 6 hours. The rest of the school was canceled, with a day off. But, since our class has our professor flow in from the states (this one, from Colorado) we continued on. I joked with underclassman about how they had to become doctors because we were going to die in the building.

Sleep is precious, so I'm off to get mine. Just wanted to let everyone know I am ok :)
miss you all, and miss the world i used to live in with much less chance of natural disaster.

update: still breathing!

Hi Friends and Family. An update on my busy time on the island, can't believe it hasn't been two weeks yet.

Our schedule was changed up a bit. Instead of having class every day, they have lengthened our program a week and a half, so we do have a day off here and there. Its nice to sleep in an extra 30 minutes and have a whole day to catch up! We are two weeks from our midterm, and I can't believe the time between me and my boards.

Today is January 14, which makes it the birthday of one of my very dear friends, Jackie Murphy. "Murph" or "Sue", as many of you might know from name, or maybe you know her as the 6 foot girl that stood by me on the soccer field (in goal) and many, many basketball games. I love that no matter how much time goes between our visits, Sue is always the same. Happy 23 :)

Yesterday was January 13, and that date is forever engraved in my head. On January 13, 1998 I lost my classmate to a MVA. I believe it is a testament to her memory the amount of that day, the feelings, and memories that come back when I think of her, and of January 13. She was 12, which means she would have been twice that age now. When applying to medical schools, I had to write an essay about life changing experience affecting my decision to join the medical field. Unfortunately, and fortunately, I wrote about the loss of her, and of so many friends under 20 I had lost already in my life. Losing young lives is always heartbreaking, it never gets easier. And yet, the only way to keep their memory is to keep living on, paying it forward. Yesterday, I felt happier that I was part of the class of 2004 than ever, and missed my dear high school friends.

On a funny note, grandmas never seem to make me smile. Yesterday, I received a letter in the mail with the cursive hand writing of my grandma Schiraldi. (I knew she was sending a birthday card she had forgotten to give me.) The funny part, was that she forgot to write in it! It was a perfect chuckle after a long day. Grandmas are one of my favorite gifts from God.

Hope everyone is well! I'm still kicking, and officially home in less than 3 months. <3

day 1 down :)

Well, the first day is in the books.

This morning started with an hour introduction followed by a three hour diagnostic exam. It was, hard to concentrate but not an impossible exam. Kaplan now goes back and assesses what each individual subject and subset of that subject each of us needs to work on, and gives us an online database quizzing us on those subjects first, and moving towards the ones we did better on.

In the afternoon, we did test taking strategies. Our professor tried to convince us that we were "lucky to be taking the step1" not that we "had to". I think he almost had me for a minute, then I was like wait a second, I want to do this to myself?! He then told us that we need to forget our family, because calling/contacting makes people emotional and all we should be doing is eating and dreaming about the USMLE. (He obviously, never met mine!)

All in all, its ok to be back in Cayman. It is nice to see the people going through this process with me, they get where I've been and where we're going. The reality that I'm home in four months is ridiculous and really refreshing. It is cold here, and I have yet to the see the sun. It is 70, but with the wind feels like 64! I'm hoping the sunshine will break through so that Kaplan is a bit less depressing. Plus, you feel bad for the tourists on the beach pretending its warm because they're on vacation.

Last, I want to wish my big brother a very happy 29th birthday! I have had a wonderful role model and friend in him for many years (even through all the torturing!), and I'm so grateful to have someone to look up and to protect me, mar and em. Happy Birthday Old!

Happy New Year :)

I write today sitting in my toasty living room, next to the fireplace, in a bitter cold western NY. While, its never "fun" to be back in Cayman, when I hit the 90s in about 18 hours, I'll be torn between what to miss. And still, no matter how big dreams get, home is always best.

It was, a wonderful vacation. I have been abundantly blessed, and have so many special people in my life. I got to visit with many of them, and it is always hard to miss out on others. It is great to have gotten to spend two weeks with my younger sister, who I haven't seen since May. I spent a week with Mary, and I was with the world's best big brother for over a week. While its always hard to not see friends, it is reassuring to know that when this craziness is over, they will still be by my side. I got to visit with all three of my grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and even my favorite 15 month old too. My mom spoils me rotten when I'm home, and I was glad to spend so many nights asleep with her by the fire. When I stop believing in myself, I have the best family to think of; their support is overwhelming.

2009 was quite the year. Highlights include my best friend's wedding in March, my sister's graduation in May, a trip back to the the Adirondack's with the Schiraldi family in August, my Mom's visit to Cayman in October, and this break. (The best parts are always with family and friends!) And, this year took a lot out of me. My once healthy, happy body seemed to get the best of me. While being away from home for the first time is quite the challenge on your hormones, adding medical school to it is even worse and I'm constantly fighting to keep the 'old me' or at least a less stressful version of the 'new' one.

I return to Cayman in the morning, for the biggest task yet, but the end of my time in Cayman and the end of basic sciences. January 5th-February 26th I take a Kaplan course to prepare me for my licensing exam this Spring. The course is intense, 8-5 or 11-7 Sunday through Saturday. During the course, I will take two practice boards and if/hopefully when I pass those, I will be okayed by my school to take the licensing exam. Afterwords, it is up to me whether I wait a week or 5 months to take it. I hope to be ready as soon as possible. To completely focus for the next months, I decided to inactivate my facebook account. I will blog when possible, and I am always checking email (laura.k.schiraldi@gmail.com) and would love to hear about your exciting or maybe not so exciting lives. I can't say enough how much hearing from the states keeps me going. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy start to 2010. All my love.