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So, it's been a hectic couple weeks. I shouldn't even be typing this right now. I should be studying oxidative phosphorylation and all other types of biochemical pathways. But, it's been a long time, and I don't want anyone to think I've died or been maimed or something.

On Monday we had four tests again: a light histology test, developmental anatomy, and gross written and practicals. All the grades are in, and it was a complete victory! Getting a 100 on that histo test was the best reward for a week of studying, even if that particular test only counted for about 4% of my grade in a class worth not much more than that of my whole year. I take what I can get. That, combined with B's on developmental and gross written and an A on gross practical, equals a win.

Coming up on Monday are some biggies. Biochemistry and physiology, together covering about 30 lectures (more than a college midterm). If I can survive until Tuesday, I'll be home free. I'll have time to do things like shop for groceries, buy a dining room table, and maybe even spend time with friends that doesn't involve lying on the floor dramatically like on "Grey's Anatomy" because you think you're going to fail and don't know anything I'm talking to you Savannah.

Here are some things that have happened recently:

I got a skull to study now that we've moved on to head and neck in gross. It would cost me $3900 to replace should anything happen to it. Ken the lab master said that if I didn't have the money, they would replace it with mine. I said he could have it.

Our current physiology professor said, "To be a sword swallower, you have to have a strong desire to make a living without being productive." So true, so true.

I found a new appreciation for Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I bought some t-shirts celebrating Movember, my new favorite time of the year. If you're unfamiliar, apparently November is the month for men to grow a mustache in support of men's health awareness. This has brought so much joy to my life. Watching my classmates grow mustaches is hilarious and a little surreal, because it suddenly feels like I'm at school in the 1910s. Some of them look more mature, like I should take them seriously, and others look more like creepers. So far none of them look like Tom Selleck, though, which is a shame, a dang shame. I genuinely enjoy the 'staches, though. They make me happy. Plus, they're raising money for prostate cancer research, which is awesome (and the M1's are kicking tail, which is even more awesome). I'm hoping they all look like this:

A girl can dream...

On a completely unrelated note, today was one of my favorite days in med school so far. This afternoon I went on a visit to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU, pronounced "knee-cue"). It was awesome. A) We got to scrub in, which made me feel like a real doctor; B) I hadn't forgotten everything the geneticist had taught us and was able to have an intelligent conversation with the man; and C) the babies are super-duper, make-your-ovaries-hurt cute. Between this afternoon and hearing a family physician speak earlier today about his work in Honduras and during Katrina, I had a day full of reminders about why I'm doing this to myself. I got to talk to a couple M3s about life on the other side, and I was overwhelmed with how blessed I am to be able to do what I'm doing. Sometimes you just need a little perspective.

I promise I will blog again sooner, but it will probably be next week because I'll be living at the classroom wing with my study buddies, and the UMMC wireless won't let me use blogger. I hate being held down by the man.

Until then, peace, love, and prostates. Happy Movember, everybody.