An Italian Holiday - Introduction

Waayyyyyyyyyyyy back in April of this year, Scott and I took a trip to Italy for 10 days. It was a celebratory and why the hell not sort of trip. It seems like ages ago. We left for Italy only a couple of days after Scott finished his fourth year rotations of medical school and since we got home, our life hasn't slowed down... until now.

We decided to go to Italy on March 1st and left on April 8th.  Let's just say I ate, drank, and slept trip planning. It was a whirlwind of preparation. Neither of us had traveled internationally (Canada and the Bahamas don't count) and therefore I had to do lots and lots of research. Research makes me feel better about life. What can I say, I'm a planner! Also, Rick Steves' books are awesome. I was basically in a relationship with him for the 5 weeks leading up to our trip.

Anyway, I'm going to break our trip up by day so that means a lot of posts but there will be pictures too!

Thankfully we had a travel journal with us and we wrote about the day's events before we went to bed each night. The details are still fresh four months later. I'll share our adventures over the next few weeks.

Here we go!

Italy here we come! 

Fourth Year

Oh hi there. Long time no see! I have lots of excuses why that is but the main one is:

it's Scott's fourth year of medical school.

I can't believe it! Anyway, I thought I would explain a little bit about what this year looks like for us. It's kind of complicated so bear with me. If I get something wrong you medical folks, forgive me.

Let's start with the basics. Scott is an osteopathic medical student (want to learn more about what that is? Go here). The other philosophy of medicine is allopathic which is what an M.D. trains in. After medical school both D.O. and M.D. go to residency. The length of residency varies depending on the field of medicine the student chooses. Once all is said and done Scott will be a fully licensed physician (same as any M.D.) but he will have D.O. after his name.

At both osteopathic and allopathic medical schools, there are 4 years of school. The first two years are in the classroom. The second two years are clinical rotations. There are differences depending on the school with how the 3rd and 4th year are laid out. For Scott, his 3rd year of medical school had 9 months of 1 month rotations in mostly primary care medicine (Family, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine). All of these month long rotations were set up by the school and all students had to complete the same rotations.

White Coat Ceremony 2011

4th year is a little different. At Scott's school and in the D.O. world (I don't know much about the M.D. process) the student schedules two week or month long clinical rotations in the first half of the year in the field of medicine they want to practice. Most of the time they schedule rotations at the residency programs they are applying to. These are called "audition rotations". The student spends two weeks to a month with doctors and residents at one of the residencies the students is applying to. This gives the student and the doctors/residents a chance to see if the student will be a good fit at the residency program. Often the audition rotation determines if the student is invited for an interview during interview season. Students typically schedule their audition rotations between July-November. Interviews begin in November and run through January.

Audition rotations can take you all over the country. Scott has audition rotations scheduled in Michigan and West Virginia. Because of the speciality Scott wants to do, we are limited to certain areas of the country. It's not like that for everyone.

Once the student is finished with audition rotations and interviews. It's time to rank the residency programs for the Match. The Match is what determines where you go to residency. The student ranks each program in numerical order starting with their first choice. The residency programs do the same thing to their applicants. Both the student and residency submit their rankings and some magical algorithm in a computer matches a student and a program based on the rankings both submitted.

At this time, there are two matches. The AOA Match (D.O.) and the ACGME Match (M.D.).  At this time a D.O. can participate in either match and can attend either a D.O. or M.D. residency. An M.D. can only apply to the ACGME Match because they have not been trained in osteopathic manipulation (Side note: in the next few years the Matches will be combined and there will only be one for both D.O. and M.D. students). The AOA Match is in February and the A.C.G.M.E. Match is in March. Scott is participating in the AOA Match this year so we will find out where we are going for residency in February 2015.

Mr. VCOM Pageant 2013

After the audition rotations, Scott will be back in the New River Valley completing the rest of his fourth year rotations in various fields of medicine. I can't remember all of them but I know Emergency Medicine is one of them.

Scott will finish rotations in April, graduates in May, and will most likely start residency in July.

CRAZY! 

Anyway, to sum all this up. Scott has been gone since the beginning of July and will be back at the end of November. We trade off who visits who and we Facetime A LOT. (What did we do before iPhones?). Because 4th year is so expensive with all the traveling, we downsized. I am living with my parents while Scott is gone and we have rented our townhouse to another VCOM couple. We will relocate in January to live with Scott's mom so Scott will be closer to the hospitals he will be working at in the New River Valley. We are so incredibly thankful for our families' willingness to let us mooch. Love y'all.

So, yeah, we are basically nomads with two cats in tow.

the happiest place on earth

At age 26, I can say I've been to Disney World! It was an experience, let me tell you. It MIGHT have been because we went on New Year's Eve. It was insanely packed and I thought I was going to punch a few moms in the face who insisted on trying to bulldoze me over with their child's stroller. We had longer wait times for rides and trying to get back to our car after midnight? It took us 2 1/2 hours! I felt like a cow being herded to my death! Yet, it was still a magical place. Cinderella's castle? loved it! Fireworks? It was like it went from night to day in 0.5 seconds! We met several really nice Canadians (who actually said aye!). Most of all Scott and I made some pretty awesome memories. Take a look!    

Top left is my "I feel self conscious and awkward face" 

Bottom left was before take off on the Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland. 1.) Scariest ride ever 2.) I don't know how we both fit in that spaceship! 

I'm kinda lame, I know, but I love carousels! 

No visit to Disney is complete without some Minnie Mouse ears. Sequins make them even more awesome!

Can I be Cinderella? 

We will definitely go back someday. Next time not on New Years Eve! At least not unless we stay on the resort. We only made it to the Magic Kingdom this time so there is still a lot left to explore!

What's your favorite memory of Disney World?

Christmas Card 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL! 

Our year in review: 

Scott started his third year of medical school and Sarah helped over 40 couples get married as an event coordinator at the War Memorial Chapel. It was an EVENTful year! Get it? Ahem. Moving on. We added a new (feline) addition to the family. Her name is Rory and she is Mia's best friend. We also took a mini vacation to Asheville, NC this fall. It was gorgeous and we are currently devising a plan on how to live at the Biltmore Estate. (We know we aren't Vanderbilts, but that's a minor detail!)

What does 2014 hold? Some big decisions. We will be making those over the next few months regarding Scott's choice of specialty and where we'd like to pursue the next chapter of this journey. We would appreciate your thoughts & prayers. We definitely couldn't do this without all of our friends & family's love and support. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

What being married to a medical student has taught me....

It's okay to be alone

I can't say I'm the best at this. Growing up with 2 sisters, sharing a bedroom, being homschooled, taking dance classes, I was never really alone. That carried over into college, and into our first year of marriage. Then medical school started and it all changed. That was a tough transition. I also graduated college that spring so I  had to adjust to a new job, all my friends leaving but me staying in the area, and of course, Scott being gone. When I got off from work I sat on the couch by myself, stuffing my face with oreos, watching every crime TV show I could find. Yeah, that was a tough year.

Somewhere along the way though, I picked myself up and started being industrious around the house. (I'm sure this had to do with my mother's gentle nudging).  I cooked, I crafted, I sewed, I read. I came to realize that being alone wasn't that bad. I had always relied on another person to fill my time and it was rather freeing not having to rely on someone else. I still have bouts from time to time of self pity and comparing my life to others, but I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to cultivate myself on my own.

How to say crazy medical terminology

Hepatosplenomegaly. Nuff said.

It's the little things

There were so many moments I used to take for granted but I savor now. I love to sit on the couch with Scott and just watch TV (dare I say, football!), to take a walk in our neighborhood, hold hands at dinner, the list could go on and on. Our time was/is so limited that we choose to savor the little things instead of dwelling on the "big things" we can't do right now, like actually spending the entire evening together or taking weekend trips.

Flexibility 

Scott's schedule can change at the drop of a hat. He can get off early from the clinic one day and then be hours late the next. It makes planning difficult. If you know me, you'll know I don't deal with my plans changing well. I get all moody and pouty. Being in a medical marriage has taught me to check my attitude... most of the time. I've learned that my attitude isn't going to change the outcome except make myself miserable.

Sacrificial Love

Marriage is supposed to be a life long lesson on sacrificial love but sometimes I believe we took an accelerated course the past few years. I've put things on hold, at times I've taken the back seat to school, I've worked jobs I've hated to pay the bills, and more. It was/is hard. These years are about us but with a concentration on Scott. It bothers him and he wishes things were different. I have days where I get wrapped up in ME, totally selfish and self serving. Forgetting what Scott is doing is for us and our future. He is sacrificing BIG TIME to go to school for us. I try to bring those things to the forefront of my mind but what really helps is when I think of Jesus. When I compare my measly sacrifices to His and it flips my perspective upside down. I realize I am blessed to have the opportunity daily to emulate Jesus' sacrificial love in my marriage.

Support is Crucial  

Neither one of us could have gotten this far without the support of family and friends. Y'all are amazing! We are incredibly blessed to have family close by but I also got involved early on with a ministry for medical wives. It has blessed me beyond measure. If you take anything out of this post, please take the steps to become involved in a supportive community!

We are a team, it's not just his success it's ours  

This summer, while making small talk to a friend of a friend, they asked Scott what he did and he said "I'm in medical school" (He most likely didn't come right out and say it. He is very humble and unassuming.) They asked how much longer he had left, and I chimed in with " We only have two years left, thank goodness!" The person had a surprised look on their face and said "Oh, your in medical school too?". I laughed and cleared that up really quick. I realized a little while later that my answer was pretty indicative of our mentality though. It's not just Scott, it's us. This journey is ours, even though I'm not in the classroom or clinic with him. We see this as a team effort and we couldn't do it without each other.

I don't think any of these things are learned just through being in a medical marriage. Everyone will have challenges that can teach them the same thing. This is just my reflections of the last few years. I hope it's encouraging for someone, medical marriage or not. 

i'll cross that bridge

Let me tell you a story...

There once was a guy who really liked this girl. The girl didn't like the guy. Well, not like THAT. She thought he was a nice guy and liked being friends with him, but that was it. They would hang out from time to time, always with one of the girl's sisters in tow (much to the guy's chagrin). One of those times, they were all hanging out in her living room. During one of their conversations, they got onto the subject of weddings (much to the girl's chagrin). While they were talking they guy asked the girl, "What kind of wedding do you want?" The girl not wanting to give the guy any ideas, blurts out,  "I'LL cross that bridge when I get there!" Emphasis on the "I". The guy got the picture loud and clear. Not for the first time did he leave the house with his dreams crushed.

Would you like to know the end of the story? Well, the girl ate her words.


They crossed that bridge together. 

Ice Ice Baby

I have officially checked off one thing from my 30 before 30 list! Of course, I haven't listed 30 things yet but that is besides the point! A couple of weeks ago Scott decided we were going on a date. At first, he said it would be a surprise. I don't like surprises. Well, that's not completely true. I like surprises when I don't know there is going to be a surprise. Like a birthday party or gift. I don't particularly like the type of surprise where you know you are going somewhere or doing something but the what is a surprise. It gives me anxiety and, more importantly, I don't know what to wear. Anyway, I digress. Scott told me our date destination when I reasoned with him (probably because he knew I wouldn't dress appropriately without knowing!) and off we went to Roanoke Civic Center to ice skate. Some might think my background with dance would help me on the ice. False. I was a hot mess. There were kids flying by me!  BUT I never fell once (I can't say the same for the kids whizzing by me)! That was my only goal for the outing and I am quite pleased with myself for fulfilling it. Scott took some embarrassing footage of me attempting to skate, which unfortunately for you I will not be sharing. I know, I know, you really wanted a good laugh today. Sorry! To lessen the blow, I have included some pictures from our ice skating extravaganza. Check them out!!!

 Scott insists he was looking at the camera. Uh, no! 

 Oh the eagerness of children...

 Don't be fooled, I was faking it for the camera.

Ice skates are surprisingly uncomfortable but they make for cute photo ops.

In case you were wondering, Scott was a natural. Typical.

christmas songs + favorite part of married life

 I was sitting listening to Pandora at work yesterday and on pops "Baby it's Cold Outside". I love that song!  It's one of my favorite Christmas tunes. (Is it really Christmas though? I guess it's a winter song.) It made me think about when Scott and I were dating. You know way back in 2007.  The worst part EVER was when we had to go our separate ways for the night. But in the winter time it was even worse! We'd be all snuggled up and warm watching a movie (we were TOTALLY watching the movie) and then it would be time to go home. I don't know how many failed attempts happened on average but eventually one of us would muster up the courage to face the cold night (and car) to head home. Once we got married and our first winter came upon us, I'm pretty sure Scott asked me what my favorite part of marriage was so far. My answer? My house being his house! He totally agreed and to this day it's still one of my favorite parts of being married to Scott. I get to stay snug as a bug in a rug with my hubby! No cold car involved.

Oh, and just in case you were dying to know my favorite Christmas songs, here they are:

1. Baby It's Cold Outside
2. All I want for Christmas is You
3. Santa Baby
4. White Christmas (Specifically by The Drifters)
5. White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
6. It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
8. The Christmas Song
9. Twelve Days of Christmas
10. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Christmas Tree Hunting

On a whim this past Sunday, we decided to go pick out our Christmas tree. My parents and sister, Annalee, wanted to get a tree too so we went together. We headed to Spruce Ridge Christmas Tree Farm in Newport, VA. This was the first year Scott and I actually cut down our tree. I don't think we'll ever go back to buying them from a roadside vendor. We had a lot of fun wandering among the trees and finally picking "the one"!

And I'll leave you with this jewel....

 

(i) never stop improving

It is inevitable. Whenever Scott has a break, one of the two of us initiates some kind of home improvement project. I'll fess up and say it was me this time (It's probably always me). I have issues with being content with our house. It is ever changing and evolving... and I like it that way. The issue is, I don't always have the husband power available to make the changes I want. I'm all about DIY and if I could I would do it everything by myself. But less face it, I do not have the upper body strength to move a piece of furniture up or the down the stairs and if I tried I'd do more damage than good! Somethings you have to save for the beefier sex.

This break I want to rearrange our living room. Our living room is an awkward shape, at least to me. It's basically a rectangle and I cannot make it feel cozy. Our TV has dictated the layout because the cable hookup was on one wall. Now the cable is gone. (Scott is kind of mourning the loss because of football but he NEVER watches television, like ever. I guess he liked to know that he could if had time. Oh well!) I want to put the loveseat where the TV is and the TV where the amoire is, and use a chest for a coffee table, and use a bench from parents over where the loveseat was. Oh and don't get me started on the walls... I have big plans but I'm not sure when that will come to fruition. Also, I'm going to try my hand at making curtains. I can do all that without Scott's help, I have to make the most of his time off, i.e. move furniture.

As of today this is what the living room looks like...

 Hopefully, I'll be posting some after pictures soon.

Next item on the list will be fixing the hole in the drywall in our guest bathroom. It's been there for too long. It was there when we moved in over two years ago. The main reason we haven't tackled the bathroom is, EVERY -SINGLE -TIME Scott wants to just rip the whole thing out and make it all fancy. We a.) do no have the money for it or time (let me rephrase... he does not have time) and b.) I don't think we would get a great return on that investment for where we live. I think it would make the bathroom(s) too nice for the neighborhood. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love that he is a dreamer but in this case I have to bring him down earth. The next house he can gut the bathrooms. Anyway, once we (fingers crossed) fix the hole I want to slap on a fresh coat of paint (leftover from our dining room/kitchen) and put some more flooring down (I think we have leftovers of what is there now).

On another note, we are staying in Virginia for Thanksgiving. Our first with Scott's family since we have been married. I'm looking forward to some down time (not sure how much we'll have if the above happens) but I'm definitely going to miss my family in Georgia. It helps to know I'll be down in a little more than a month. I'm going to make desserts for Thanksgiving. I'll hopefully post the finished products.

Oh and Mia says good night!

gifts from the west

Scott just got back from San Diego yesterday. He was out there for OMED, an osteopathic convention. He had a great time but didn't forget about his wifey on the east coast. He brought back the cutest present! 

 Some lose leaf tea from Teavana, a tea cup that looks like Miss Mia, and a honey spoon.  

 Cutest part, the cup has a tail! 

I have yet to try the tea but I'm so looking forward to it. What I'm looking forward to even more is spending time with Scott this week. He is on block break (His year is divided into four blocks and he gets a week off in between) and I have the rest of the week off!

we are not hikers

A couple of weeks ago, I decided Scott and I were boring. I felt like our date nights were comprised of: go out to eat, rent a movie, and be in bed by 11pm. I brought this up with Scott. He seemed satisfied with the arrangement. I obviously was not. He asked what else I had in mind. I said I don't know.... why don't we go hiking? His reply: "We are NOT hikers." Ok then. Moving on. haha! I left it at that.

Our next date night, Scott tells me we are going to hike the Cascades. Even though that wasn't necessarily his idea of fun, we were going because he knew I wanted to go. He is so thoughtful and selfless. Anyway, we hiked to the Cascades and it was beautiful. We kind of booked it because we got a late start and I was paranoid about being there after dark, so we didn't get to really enjoy the actual hike. Afterwards, we went to the Palisades in Eggleston, Va to eat. I also had been wanting to go there (Go Scott!). The food was amazing and if you are ever in this neck of the woods I would highly recommend it. We had homemade pomegranate ice cream for dessert, which was to die for! Sincewe ate the ice cream before the end of summer I got to check that off my summer fun list. I love to check things off lists!

yup.

Fast forward a couple of weeks. Scott and I hiked to McAfee's Knob in Catawba, Va. We had a great time but it kicked our out of shape butts! It was right under eight miles round trip but worth the view. As with our last hiking outing, we decided to follow our exertion with food. Duh. We planned on eating at the Homeplace in Catawba but it was packed and we didn't want to wait. Instead, we heading to Pine Tavern in Floyd, Va. It is similar to the Homeplace, it is a family style dining experience with southern food. Floyd and Catawba are not very close together though. I'm sure we would have gotten a seat sooner at the Homeplace but we were impatient. When we finally got to the Pine Tavern, we ate SO much food and it was amazing!

Two hikes just over two weeks. We are totally hikers.  

{ three years }

Today marks the beginning of our journey together as man and wife. It's funny to look back three years and see how much we've changed. We were just kids! I know, I know, it's only been three years not thirty but seriously. We had no idea what we were really getting into, and I mean that in the best way possible. When you get married you hear all these things like, you are marrying your best friend, your soul mate, but you really have no idea what that means until you get in there. I thought I knew how it would look but I was wrong. In the most awesome way possible! My best friend is the guy that farts in his sleep (I'm sure I do too), loves male genitalia (in a strictly medical sense, of course.), picking me and slamming me on the bed yelling "WELCOME TO VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL!", loves drinking an inordinate amount of Diet Coke, gives the best hugs and kisses, does the dishes when I cook (and even when I don't), plays hide and go seek with our kitten, works harder than I know to reach his dream, is the BEST snuggler, makes me laugh, and loves Jesus. That is just the tip of the iceberg! He is literally the man of my dreams, everything I hoped and prayed for. Well, maybe I didn't pray for a Diet Coke addicted aspiring Urologist but God, in his infinite wisdom, gave him to me!

Happy Anniversary Scott! You are my rock, my clown, my teddy bear. Here's to infinity and beyond!

Here are few pictures of what went down three years ago today...

Photography by Dennis King (no relation! haha)