Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
It's Really Happening
After submitting my applications in May, beginning interviews in September, and waiting on pins and needles for November 15th to arrive, I am excited to announce that I have been accepted to medical school!
After comparing my schools and acceptances one last time, I have decided to attend UT Medical School at Houston in the fall. I knew the day I interviewed there that it was where I was meant to be, and to be lucky enough to be prematched there really just made my dream come true. There was just something about being in the heart of the Texas Medical Center that just really got me.
So, I soon begin my journey to becoming an M.D.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
BTHObama
No, my goal isn't to beat the hell out of Obama, if that's what you think the title implied. At Texas A&M, one of the yells (note: not cheers) is one where we yell "BEAT THE HELL OUTTA _____". Fill in the blank with the appropriate opponent.
Last weekend was the biggest hype game of our season: Texas A&M vs Alabama. After defeating Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year, we were ready to bring them home to Kyle Field. While we didn't end up victorious (we lost by a touchdown and made Nick Saban give up the most points in a game in many years) it was one of the most fun games I have been to. There is nothing like the 12th Man on a Saturday.
It was blazing hot, but we took a few pictures before we got too nasty!
Last weekend was the biggest hype game of our season: Texas A&M vs Alabama. After defeating Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year, we were ready to bring them home to Kyle Field. While we didn't end up victorious (we lost by a touchdown and made Nick Saban give up the most points in a game in many years) it was one of the most fun games I have been to. There is nothing like the 12th Man on a Saturday.
It was blazing hot, but we took a few pictures before we got too nasty!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Dreaming
I had my first medical school interview of the season yesterday.
I loved it.
Had you have talked to me merely 16 hours before, you would have heard doubts floating in my mind of "do I really want to be a doctor?" or "do I really want to go through with this?" But I am about 119% sure that this is where I am supposed to be after yesterday.
I interviewed at an osteopathic medical school (read: I would be Jillian Anderson, DO rather than Jillian Anderson, MD) in Fort Worth, unsure of what to expect. For one, I came out adoring the town of Fort Worth, including areas like 7th Street and the Arts District and so much else. Fort Worth seems like an incredible town to live in, within close proximity to Dallas without feeling like a huge city. I would really love living there!
Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I liked TCOM. I was unsure about osteopathic medicine entering application season, but the more I researched and especially after touring, the more I understood the atmosphere of the campus and what TCOM was all about. I don't think I expected [wanting] to go to an osteopathic school for medical school after interviewing. But now, I am confident to say that I would be overjoyed to be accepted into this program. The medical students had a genuine community, there was a sense of positivity throughout the school, the faculty genuinely cared for the students, it was catered to the type of physician I want to become.
I think the biggest piece of information I learned yesterday was to choose a medical school that aligns with your goals as a physician. Personally, I care about the patient interaction. I want to be in the trenches with my patients and to focus my energy on that aspect of my job. While I might pick up research along the way, going into medical school, that is not my priority. So maybe a school like UT Southwestern churning out research physicians wouldn't be the best fit for me. A place like Harvard equipping public health physicians to become policy makers isn't the niche I belong to. But a place like TCOM, interested in primary care and patient interaction--- that is a place I can see myself. Of course, each school is not defined by these ideas, nor am I uninterested in these different schools because of what has been their trend in their graduates. (Send my an interview invite, SW!) But I know wherever I end up I will thrive. Thinking these goals through when it comes to choosing a medical school, this is something I will chew on.
So all that being said, I am being a dreamer tonight. Looking up residencies in Texas (as well as Nashville... hello, Vanderbilt!) and dreaming of the time when that might become reality. I am excited to keep you posted on things happening in the medical school world and beyond. I have my next interview September 26 at Texas A&M. This is an allopathic school, so I am excited to dip my toes into this arena next! Pray for more interview invitations to come my way-- actually getting an interview is the biggest obstacle in getting accepted!
[Of course, I couldn't help stopping by the Aggie Barn on my way home from DFW last night!]
I loved it.
Had you have talked to me merely 16 hours before, you would have heard doubts floating in my mind of "do I really want to be a doctor?" or "do I really want to go through with this?" But I am about 119% sure that this is where I am supposed to be after yesterday.
I interviewed at an osteopathic medical school (read: I would be Jillian Anderson, DO rather than Jillian Anderson, MD) in Fort Worth, unsure of what to expect. For one, I came out adoring the town of Fort Worth, including areas like 7th Street and the Arts District and so much else. Fort Worth seems like an incredible town to live in, within close proximity to Dallas without feeling like a huge city. I would really love living there!
I think the biggest piece of information I learned yesterday was to choose a medical school that aligns with your goals as a physician. Personally, I care about the patient interaction. I want to be in the trenches with my patients and to focus my energy on that aspect of my job. While I might pick up research along the way, going into medical school, that is not my priority. So maybe a school like UT Southwestern churning out research physicians wouldn't be the best fit for me. A place like Harvard equipping public health physicians to become policy makers isn't the niche I belong to. But a place like TCOM, interested in primary care and patient interaction--- that is a place I can see myself. Of course, each school is not defined by these ideas, nor am I uninterested in these different schools because of what has been their trend in their graduates. (Send my an interview invite, SW!) But I know wherever I end up I will thrive. Thinking these goals through when it comes to choosing a medical school, this is something I will chew on.
So all that being said, I am being a dreamer tonight. Looking up residencies in Texas (as well as Nashville... hello, Vanderbilt!) and dreaming of the time when that might become reality. I am excited to keep you posted on things happening in the medical school world and beyond. I have my next interview September 26 at Texas A&M. This is an allopathic school, so I am excited to dip my toes into this arena next! Pray for more interview invitations to come my way-- actually getting an interview is the biggest obstacle in getting accepted!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Back in Action
Hello, friends!
It's been quite some time since I have visited this spot on the interwebs... but I am glad to be back! I hope to become a little more steady with my posting (as I have said every blog post for about a year...) but I truly believe that my schedule this year will allow it.
I am excited to use this blog again to detail the stories and events that are going on in my life. I feel like my life is on the brink of change (in such a great way) right now, so I feel like there is no better way to chronicle these things than on my blog. I am currently in the high season of medical school interviews, I will graduate in three months, and I will be a real adult (ha!) in just a short time. Isn't that crazy to think about?
The past few months have been a time when I no longer see myself as a baby. My entire life I have viewed the people even just a year older than me as so wise, mature, and just, well, older. When I would get to that age in my life, I would still feel so little. Even my junior year of college I still saw myself as a 16 year old girl. However, my time at Pine Cove this summer really opened my eyes to the different season of life that I am in now in comparison with two to three years ago (and where others who are younger than me currently are). What I value, what I worry about, what occupies my thoughts--- these things are different now than they were before, and I think it's a sign that I truly am walking into my "early-twenties". And all I have to say to that is let's go!
I'll leave you with a few pictures as of recent, look forward to a new post soon! I am hoping to use this space for a little bit of goal planning for myself.
It's been quite some time since I have visited this spot on the interwebs... but I am glad to be back! I hope to become a little more steady with my posting (as I have said every blog post for about a year...) but I truly believe that my schedule this year will allow it.
I am excited to use this blog again to detail the stories and events that are going on in my life. I feel like my life is on the brink of change (in such a great way) right now, so I feel like there is no better way to chronicle these things than on my blog. I am currently in the high season of medical school interviews, I will graduate in three months, and I will be a real adult (ha!) in just a short time. Isn't that crazy to think about?
The past few months have been a time when I no longer see myself as a baby. My entire life I have viewed the people even just a year older than me as so wise, mature, and just, well, older. When I would get to that age in my life, I would still feel so little. Even my junior year of college I still saw myself as a 16 year old girl. However, my time at Pine Cove this summer really opened my eyes to the different season of life that I am in now in comparison with two to three years ago (and where others who are younger than me currently are). What I value, what I worry about, what occupies my thoughts--- these things are different now than they were before, and I think it's a sign that I truly am walking into my "early-twenties". And all I have to say to that is let's go!
I'll leave you with a few pictures as of recent, look forward to a new post soon! I am hoping to use this space for a little bit of goal planning for myself.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Good Ol' Ags
I was so happy to be a part of two of my oldest friends' engagement a few weeks ago. I got to document their engagement with pictures, and here is my favorite picture: their Aggie rings and Katie's new ring! If you know Katie and Matt, you know they LOVE Texas A&M, so a ring shot on Sul Ross with their rings was a must
Congratulations, Matt and Katie!
Congratulations, Matt and Katie!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
A Semester Down
Well. Here we are, a mere 4 months after my last blog post. This might be my longest hiatus I have taken from my blog. Time this semester has been limited, and unfortunately this area of free-thinking flew way down deep under the radar. Fortunately, I finished finals this afternoon and am already antsy to be busy with my next "task". The problem? I don't have any. Maybe it's a good thing.
So again I say, he we are. I am excited to recap what has been happening over the past few months of my life! Albeit brief and long overdue, I think it will be good for me to rummage through the mass of memories and happenings that are floating freely through my mind.
For now, I leave you with a goal I have made for myself over the break. The number of books I have read in the past year is absolutely pitiful. For something I enjoy doing so much, I surely have not allotted time for myself to do so. My goal is to read at least one book a week during my winter break, and hopefully continue into my spring semester. With all the time I will have, this should be so very doable! And now a shameless admission to you, Molly Cook. I may have scoured your Goodreads for the past bit forming my reading list. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed! So here is your chance, dear readers (&Molly), to give me some input. Give me your best recommendations, as many as you want!
The books I have been itching to read:
A few books out of my C.S. Lewis collection
Love Does
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Pride and Prejudice (reread)
The Hobbit
I love everything from classics to Christian literature. Hit me with your best!
I cannot wait to tell you more about life and the best friends I have in these girls.
Until next time!
So again I say, he we are. I am excited to recap what has been happening over the past few months of my life! Albeit brief and long overdue, I think it will be good for me to rummage through the mass of memories and happenings that are floating freely through my mind.
For now, I leave you with a goal I have made for myself over the break. The number of books I have read in the past year is absolutely pitiful. For something I enjoy doing so much, I surely have not allotted time for myself to do so. My goal is to read at least one book a week during my winter break, and hopefully continue into my spring semester. With all the time I will have, this should be so very doable! And now a shameless admission to you, Molly Cook. I may have scoured your Goodreads for the past bit forming my reading list. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed! So here is your chance, dear readers (&Molly), to give me some input. Give me your best recommendations, as many as you want!
The books I have been itching to read:
A few books out of my C.S. Lewis collection
Love Does
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Pride and Prejudice (reread)
The Hobbit
I love everything from classics to Christian literature. Hit me with your best!
I cannot wait to tell you more about life and the best friends I have in these girls.
Until next time!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Post Pine Cove
Welp, it's been a while, blog land. I got home two nights ago from camp, and have spent the last couple of days rejuvenating and just being still. Tomorrow (hopefully) I am going to start my first post on what I learned while at camp. I am still sorting through this myself, but I want to be able to share how my life has been impacted. I am alive, I am well, and I am thanking sweet Jesus for what He did in my life these past six weeks. You'll be hearing from me soon!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Rooted
A quick update before camp starts this afternoon:
My cabin assignment for week 6 is to be a Rooted counselor. Rooted is a 2 week overnight program, the first half just regular "camp" and the second week, a type of discipleship program. I was very surprised to get this cabin for my first week, but I know the Lord has placed me where will be best! As we get closer to opening the gates, my heart gets more and more pumped to meet my girls! Prayers for me for wisdom, strength, joy, and creating intentional relationships with my girls are most needed. Also pray for the other Rooted counselor, Penguins, that we together might give these girls a glimpse of the kingdom of Heaven by our words and actions.
I am beyond excited to get my first cabin and I cannot wait to tell you guys about my first two weeks.
Because I am Rooted, I will not have a night off on Saturday like a normal cabin. So, if I don't respond to a text or Facebook or any other form of communication, that is why! Of course, I would love to write and receive some letters these next two weeks. Just a hint :)
Onto the beginning of my journey!
My cabin assignment for week 6 is to be a Rooted counselor. Rooted is a 2 week overnight program, the first half just regular "camp" and the second week, a type of discipleship program. I was very surprised to get this cabin for my first week, but I know the Lord has placed me where will be best! As we get closer to opening the gates, my heart gets more and more pumped to meet my girls! Prayers for me for wisdom, strength, joy, and creating intentional relationships with my girls are most needed. Also pray for the other Rooted counselor, Penguins, that we together might give these girls a glimpse of the kingdom of Heaven by our words and actions.
I am beyond excited to get my first cabin and I cannot wait to tell you guys about my first two weeks.
Because I am Rooted, I will not have a night off on Saturday like a normal cabin. So, if I don't respond to a text or Facebook or any other form of communication, that is why! Of course, I would love to write and receive some letters these next two weeks. Just a hint :)
Onto the beginning of my journey!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
What I'm Diggin'
Here are a few things I am loving around the interwebs this week!
I am in love with this stenciled cake. It's simple yet so wonderful! A slew of us will be turning 21 in my college house over the next few months. How fun would it be to start a birthday tradition with a fun cake like this?
I am so very excited about the Fourth this year. I have seen so many fun 4th of July food ideas around the internet, but this one might be my favorite. Maybe it's the red sprinkles? Or how simple it would be to recreate this idea. Pair it with a neighborhood parade and you've got yourself one festive holiday!
Oh my hippo. I want this beauty and I want it now. It's pretty weird and pretty quirky, but I think this little lady looks pretty glamourous atop her marble pedestal, don't you?
I have always liked interesting ways to preserve vacation memories. I am very fond of this idea because of how much it resembles a scientific specimen chart. Now, I just need more adventures!
Oh, Wes Anderson. Some of my favorite movies come from this director (such as The Royal Tenenbaums and Fantastic Mr. Fox). I am longing to see Moonrise Kingdom, but Tyler isn't really the epicenter for all things cinema, so here's to waiting for the DVD!
One more day until the weekend! I am having a garage sale tomorrow morning. It'll be interesting, that's for sure. Have a great Thursday afternoon!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Beignets, Beads, and Bourbon Street
Here's a picture recap of our trip to NOLA! I only have the pictures from Sunday. Emily should be putting up more pictures later! We had such a great time in the Big Easy exploring as a big family. It was short, but it sure was sweet!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The Big Easy
This weekend I am in New Orleans with my family (including Em+Shep+Aaron). We are going to have a good ol' time eating beignets, antique browsing, city exploring, and lots more eating!
Have a wonderful weekend! I will leave you with a few pictures from our exploring last night.
Have a wonderful weekend! I will leave you with a few pictures from our exploring last night.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday Wishlist: Summer Outdoor Essentials
Here's my [small] list of my favorite summer outdoor gear. Some of these things have made my wishlist, some are things I already own and love. The first item on my list is my dream bike, a Trek Lexa bike. One day! Chacos are definitely my footwear of choice. You can splash through water, hike mountains, or just wear them day to day. They really are my very favorite shoe I own, and I think you could guess that by how much I wear them. Moosejaw has this Patagonia sling in their Rewards program. I have enough rewards points to get it, but haven't taken the plunge. It's light and easily squishes into any bag. It would be perfect for camp this summer with all the little things I will have to lug around. And then we have my namesake, my favorite, my baggies. These are my favorite article of clothing ever, and they come in lots of fun patterns, too! (Psst-- I never spend more than $20 on a pair of baggies... if you know where to look, you can find them cheap!) I like them so much because of their length (Nike shorts seem so short to me) and because they dry instantly. Despite my entire family thinking they are goofy, they are my number one clothing necessity. Lastly is the trusty Timex watch. I choose the Timex Expedition collection because you can easily change out the watch band. (I've worn a Chums watch band for many years, but I hear Kavu bands are great, too!) I have worn my watch since 10th grade and cannot imagine not having one on my wrist. It's another big necessity.
This is my go-to outfit during the summers, so I thought I would share it with you guys, too!
Back in the Saddle
Last summer, I biked about 100 miles a week through Tyler streets. I tried to keep it up when school started, but failed miserably. The only riding I saw was to and from class every day. Well, I finally got a new helmet and tuned my bike up, and now I am back in the saddle! I am starting slow and steady (emphasis on the slow) and am definitely feeling the effects of not riding since school let out in May. But I am so excited. Biking really is one of my favorite things. Running has become a chore to me, but biking is something I look forward to doing every morning.
[source]
As always, I have set some goals for myself. Within the year I hope to ride in a few tours, including Tyler's own Beauty and the Beast. I want to find a few to ride in around College Station, too. A century ride is also on the list, but that will take a lot of dedication. Eventually, I would love to ride in the MS150, but because I know I will have to do fundraising for other things (Wyldlife, possibly missions) I do not think I will be able to ride this year. Someday soon!
For now, I am focusing on my endurance and my form, and trying to get into a normal routine. Being gone at Pine Cove is going to throw me for a loop, but my goal for the year is to continue riding into the school year. Possible reward for this? Upgrading to a bike that is a WSD, specifically a bike I can grow into, not grow out of! I am excited at this possibility and have been researching to my heart's content.
I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! Check back later for my Wednesday wishlist!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Handful of Sunshine
I love coming home for the summer because I get to enjoy my parent's immaculate gardens. We have enough zinnias in the front gardens to fill the vases in our house weekly, which is such a sweet treat. I don't think there is anything nicer than fresh flowers scattered throughout a home. These a just a few of the flowers I clipped this morning.
My favorite flowers are hydrangeas, peonies, and ranunculus. Unfortunately, only hydrangeas are grown in my mom's garden. What are you favorite flowers?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Desk Space, Revisited
A few months ago I shared with you guys my desire to find an old, weathered farm table to use as my desk in my room this upcoming year. Since then I have scoured countless antique stores, coming out empty handed due to limited availability or hefty price tags.
Here's the inspiration:
Two weekends ago my mom and I ventured out to Canton Trades Days (our favorite) in search of some good finds. I have a long list on my iPhone notes of all the things I am hunting for at flea markets, but a desk was at the top of the list. One of the first booths we walked up to (and these are the outdoor booths, mind you-- don't venture into the Arbors unless you are prepared to be bewildered by bedazzles!) had the most perfect green desk sitting in the grass. Too good to be true, right? Wrong-o. Walk up to it, price= $45. Three times less that the average tables I had been seeing. The vendor walks up to my mom within seconds and whispers he will take $30. I mean, really, I didn't even have to try for this one. It was perfect, and it was mine. (Other finds of the day: vintage strainer, a pair of sewing scissors, sewing shears, and a headband to replace a lost favorite.)
Isn't the patina beautiful? My dad and I spent a few hours a day or two ago sanding, cleaning, and strengthening the table by replacing screws and fixing stripped holes. (The back leaf is missing in this picture- it had been taken off to be worked on.) Sanding the top brought out a beautiful blue undercoat, which was a nice surprise.
I am excited to bring this into my new room once I move back into the College Station house.
Here's the inspiration:
Two weekends ago my mom and I ventured out to Canton Trades Days (our favorite) in search of some good finds. I have a long list on my iPhone notes of all the things I am hunting for at flea markets, but a desk was at the top of the list. One of the first booths we walked up to (and these are the outdoor booths, mind you-- don't venture into the Arbors unless you are prepared to be bewildered by bedazzles!) had the most perfect green desk sitting in the grass. Too good to be true, right? Wrong-o. Walk up to it, price= $45. Three times less that the average tables I had been seeing. The vendor walks up to my mom within seconds and whispers he will take $30. I mean, really, I didn't even have to try for this one. It was perfect, and it was mine. (Other finds of the day: vintage strainer, a pair of sewing scissors, sewing shears, and a headband to replace a lost favorite.)
Isn't the patina beautiful? My dad and I spent a few hours a day or two ago sanding, cleaning, and strengthening the table by replacing screws and fixing stripped holes. (The back leaf is missing in this picture- it had been taken off to be worked on.) Sanding the top brought out a beautiful blue undercoat, which was a nice surprise.
I am excited to bring this into my new room once I move back into the College Station house.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wishlist Wednesday: Chambray
I am a big fan on the chambray trend. I think this dress is the perfect start to a comfy outfit. I wear a necklace similar to this almost daily, and it has become my outfit staple. Nothing beats a pair of bold sandals. These have been on my wishlist for ages, so here's to hoping their sale price will just keep decreasing! A headband would be the perfect addition to this outfit for messy-bun days. And what better to use than an Emi-Jay hair tie? I'm a big fan of how they look. Polish off your look (literally) with this season's biggest color, a minty seafoam green.
I can see this as the perfect excursion outfit. Excellent for the oversea adventures or the morning walks through the farmer's market.
Anything I am missing? What is your one wardrobe staple?
I can see this as the perfect excursion outfit. Excellent for the oversea adventures or the morning walks through the farmer's market.
Anything I am missing? What is your one wardrobe staple?
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