Fireworks from the RenCen

Anna and I had the pleasure of attending the fireworks party/benefit for Cass Community last night. Once the show got started we realized what great seats we had there at the top of Detroit!

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Jersey Shore: Gladstone Edition

So this week I had the opportunity, well...really it was compulsory to go to Conshohoken (sp?), PA for my step 2 physical exam boards exam. It was really more of a marathon. Seeing 12 "standardized patients" in 6 hours with one thirty minute break and one fifteen minute break. Just another step towards doctorhood. It feels good to have it done with.
While I was there I had the privilege of some free time. So I drove myself all over. The first day I was there I visited Valley Forge, an important part of the revolutionary war...too bad I couldn't stay until Sunday when they had a reenactment scheduled. It is a beautiful National Park and if you are ever near by I highly recommend it. The runners and walkers and bikers were out on the trail, as was a small doe minding her own business.

After my exam I had an extra day to drive to the Jersey shore. I drove to Atlantic City, just to say that I had been there and seen it. I spent all of about five minutes out of my car before I jumped back in and headed down the coast to Cape May. Needless to say, cities that are glorified malls/casinos are not my style...too many people and too much extravagance and apathy.

So I took Ocean St. all the way down to the cape. It was a beautiful drive over bridges and through smaller versions of Atlantic City (with many attractions to boot). And I finally made it to the peaceful and less built up Cape May Point State Park and St. Mary's by the Sea (Summer Convent for St. Joseph Nuns). I read a chapter of my book, called Carl to share the moment and had dinner at the Sunset Grill. I think I will try to go back there sometime.

When I got to the airport in Philadelphia this morning the "Computer system was down" and no one was able to check in. Luckily I had my netbook and phone to upload my boarding pass but that'll teach me to check in at home and print my ticket before getting to the airport! Ahh, it was a hectic trip but I am now super glad to be done with traveling for a little while. Now it is on to studying for the Step 2 written portion of the boards exam, oh yeah and my Peds shelf exam. Why I chose a life of standardized exams I have no idea, but hopefully it will keep me sharp. Peace to all.

Aging

As I have a little time to think lately I've been pondering all my life milestones. Here I am coming home from a weekend of celebrating my nephew's graduation from high school. The same nephew who I remember holding a week after he was born. It was an important moment for me to be a part of as I know my father, his grandfather, would've tried his hardest to get us all there. And I've been thinking a lot about Dad (*grandpa) lately. 2012 will mark the tenth anniversary of his death.
2012 and my 29th year also marks a few other milestones: graduation from medical school, five years of living as an amputee, five years of marriage, my ten year high school reunion, five year Albion reunion and my brother Jon will be getting married, as well. It is exciting and scary at the same time. I am pretty sure high school graduate me would've never guessed the way my life has turned out so far. Never thought of medical school or that I would live the majority (God willing) of my life as an amputee.
Many friends are getting married or having babies this year as well. I, myself am starting to get a stitch of the baby fever...but all in good time.
So overall, I can't complain. I am blessed with loving family and moderately good health, a future career and a partner who I adore, living in a city that I love. I wish that my nephew Pete, even if life in ten years is not as he guessed it, is blessed and content in life. Good Luck next year Pete! We are so proud!!! - Posted using BlogPress from my Phone

Location:Chimney Oak Dr,San Antonio,United States

Rafety Rirst!

Had a great weekend with friends up at Otsego Lake near Gaylord, MI. Lots of impromptu singing of Disney songs led by Greg Martin, drinking of Four Loko led by Ryan French, and a dual early-morning-yoga-threat/sleep-till-1pm combination from Nick and Trysta Dymond.

Moose had a great time pontooning and canoeing. But he'd still rather be on the beach chewing rocks.

Looking forward to TITOSALP 2012!

Carl and Anna

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