No Place Like Home

My time home in northern Idaho was amazing. With the perfect combination of great weather, unbeatable company, and a clear mind, I savored every moment of my peaceful vacation.I'm glad that my brother Sam was able to sneak over from Spokane for some R&R as well. Keeping busy with his firm Witherspoon Kelley, Sam seems to be enjoying life as a lawyer in the Pacific Northwest. I have to admit that I am a bit jealous of his close proximity to Coeur d'Alene and our parents.This trip home reminded me yet again how I lucked out with those folks I call Mom and Dad. Mom's cooking is always top notch. She certainly deserves the new kitchen remodel out at the lake cabin. My stomach approves!

Idahome

On Tuesday, July 19th, college roomie Teresa, her boyfriend Dane, and Idaho friend Max joined me for a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. We saw the musical production of Urban Cowboy, which was quite the Texan spectacle. The score was comprised of very familiar tunes fit for humming along. It sure was nice to lounge on the grassy hill while snacking on a variety of fruit, cheese, and crackers.On Friday morning, I embarked on my long-awaited trip home to North Idaho. With a warm welcome from my parents at the airport, I knew this trip home was just what the student doctor ordered! For our first event of the weekend, we headed to the Coeur d'Alene Resort golf course for a special Rotary luncheon.Capitalizing on the gorgeous views of Lake Coeur d'Alene, the Resort built a multi-million dollar events center on the manicured greens. We enjoyed a tasty meal in the roomy space (and, for the first time since Girls State, I sang our state song). After the lengthy introductions (everyone seemed to have brought a guest), the program highlighted the uses of the venue.Once we were fed up, we took a stroll around the grounds. I could see how guests or wedding parties would enjoy the infinity pool, vivid gardens, scenic altar, and the events center itself. However, even the views paled in comparison to the sore-eye-soothing sight of my parents. As future posts will reveal, it was the start of a perfectly majestic four-day weekend.

Taking in a Picture Show

After a great week of work in the emergency department, I took Saturday off for some R&R. On Friday night I saw Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris. Apparently, I need to beef up on the authors and artists of the 1920s! The movie reminded me how nice it would be to take a trip to the City of Lights again. Afterward, Sarah and I went to Down House in the Heights for a couple drinks.Saturday was a busy, friend-filled day. I met up with Revathi for a free cherry cupcake from Sprinkles. Then I went straight to the gym to work it off. Then Sarah and I met up for another movie. This time, we saw the final installment of Harry Potter at Studio Movie Grill. While at City Centre, I enjoyed some free Red Mango frozen yogurt for my second Twitter prize redemption of the day.Sarah and I did some people watching in the bustling central courtyard as cute little kids played catch and tripped over themselves. As the sun began to set, I met up with some med school/Rice friends for some delicious pulled pork barbecue. By the time my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.

Over the Moon

It has been back to business with the start of my four-week emergency medicine elective. So far, this long-awaited rotation has lived up to and exceeded all expectations. Time flies when you are having fun and keeping busy, so my 8-12 hour shifts pass quickly. Not only do I love the work in the EC (emergency center) at Ben Taub, but I enjoy the people with whom I'm working. I'm on the rotation with friend and fellow future EM doc Revathi. We also have become gym buddies and indulged in a yummy post-workout lunch at Black Walnut in the Village (above). Friday, July 8th marked the return of the cow costumes! Brandi and I suited up yet again for our traditional Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. Our get-ups were a big hit last year, but this year we had strength in numbers with a whole herd of folks. Brandi's parents, Peter, Peter's mom and sister were all there for the spotted spectacle. Most notably, we were joined by costumed MD/PhD friend Nya and little Thomas in his first public appearance. He was udder-ly adorable.While digesting my free chicken nuggets and lemonade, I met up with Sarah for a show. We saw the AD Players' production of the play Emma. As a big Jane Austen fan, I loved the stage adaptation. The set work was especially clever, and the intimate theater was just the right setting. Now that all of my big tests have wrapped up, it's time to crack open another novel or two to get back in touch with my inner English major!

Going Fourth

In my final week of Step 2CK studying, I took a much-needed brunch study break with Rice friend Sarah at Canopy. The french toast was AMAZING! Just writing about it makes me crave some of the perfectly moist, vanilla+orange infused goodness.I also saw newborn Thomas Michael twice since he settled in at home. Getting to hold and burp the little guy was the highlight of my pre-test period! Now Brandi and I are both in the anxious wait period for our Step scores (1 for her, 2CK for me).Over my two weeks of dedicated study time, I hopped the following places: Black Hole, Agora, Starbucks, Panera, Coffee Groundz, and more! One of my favorite lunch breaks involved going to Cafe Brasil for a beet and goat cheese sandwich on focaccia.Finally, after my nine hour exam on Sunday, I was able to unwind. I spent the evening in the pool with friends and the night at Guava Lamp for karaoke with more friends. As for the actual Fourth of July, I'm keeping it pretty low key- weeks of laundry and piles of papers await me. Nonetheless, happy Independence Day to all!