The End of the World As I Know It

 

We did it! Oral Surgeons Ryan, Erin, and Ryan

After five years I finally completed my residency in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery! 

 





 

Funny how 5 years can fit into 2 little boxes!

My last day, holding gifts received from a patient

I can't quite believe that it is over. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday at the hospital and it felt so weird wandering the halls as a patient instead of with my big yellow "DOCTOR" badge telling everyone I deserved to be there. I almost stopped by my department to say hi until I realized that would look desperate and strange--she can't stay away a single day?!

 

So instead, I am home sorting through pictures and emails; finalizing (I hope) some new job paperwork and a last few lingering old job paperwork tasks as well. I am hoping to do something productive like clean my garage and maybe something fun, too. Oh, and I guess I am getting caught up on blogging.

 

* * *

 

June 20. 2014

 

I've been lucky to have such a supportive and wonderful husband during the rigorous hours of my training. It has been nice in a lot of ways to have the shared experience of residency. It is easier to be patient when he isn't home and to understand I sometimes just need to do my own thing. I can commiserate over difficult patients, frustrating paperwork, and interdepartmental political foibles. I hope I don't forget some of this over the next few years while he finishes his training so I can be as supportive to him as he was for me.

 

I was lucky to have my parents come visit us for the event. I don't get to see my family nearly as much as I would like so this was an extra special event. As Ryan said in his speech, "I wouldn't be here without you. No really, I wouldn't."

 

And Abe's wonderful family who has been very supportive and helpful over the years. Lots of meals, favors, errands (letting the plumber in or taking the car to the shop, etc), have been provided for us by them! Not to mention emotional support.

The Jackson clan

 So glad my brother and his girlfriend could make the trip as well.

My gnome was abducted the night before but luckily returned to me

 

I've been lucky to make some lovely friends along the way. I am going to miss seeing them every day.

Our department sponsors a nice banquet for everyone. This year the banquet occurred on my last day of residency. It was a highlight to end on.

I'm going to miss my friends Ryan and Ryan. Four years of jokes and friendship. I think my life will definitely be much calmer without them around. I'm not sure that is necessarily a good thing.

I really think doing an extra year of residency was worth it to be able to spend that time with them.

Congrats doctors and hope to stay in touch forever!

 

 

 

*It is a little strange as I write to realize this will be probably the last time I choose the label "residency" to describe a post. 

Dirty Trick Bad Picture Monday

My friend Tawnya keeps hassling me about the bad photos I've been posting of myself on Mondays. She states they simply aren't "bad enough." Every time I see her we have this same discussion, "Did you see that picture I posted? You need to post some pictures that actually are bad." I guess she maybe feels a little betrayed I encouraged her to be brave and then I didn't hold up my end of the bargain. I now feel like we are in competition to have the worst actual bad picture online.

I think this is a perfect example of being hard on yourself because I thought I was posting legitimate ugly pictures. My rebuttal is, "I can't help it if I am so beautiful even my ugly pictures are great." Sadly, I don't really believe that.

But in way of placating a friend (and moving on to more interesting future conversations), I will try yet again. In doing so I am taking a big risk --

I am posting said actual "bad picture" of Tawnya.

These are my reasons.

1. Objective comparison. The scientist in me needs to SEE the raw data.
2. Competitive spirit. If I have to look this bad, you should too.
3. Moral support. Isn't that the whole idea of these bad pictures, anyway? To take ourselves a little less seriously, and see others do the same.

And if that isn't good enough,

4. Tawnya, remember you were the original poster to put it out into internet land for all to see and repost? (And wouldn't it be funny if I ended here and didn't put my picture too...so tempting.)


This is a particularly risky venture as she did not give me permission to repost the picture and she did not confirm to me which picture was indeed the said bad one.

I really am hoping for that reason that this is the one you meant! Wouldn't that be awkward if this was one of your faves.

So as promised above, here is mine for comparison. Should we start taking votes? Would anyone else like to join the competition for the title of "Actually Ugly" bad picture?

I sure hope this meets the criteria Tawnya! I don't think I can do much better (or would it be worse!). What can I say, I like Taco Bell.
Or we could say I am trying out to be on The Walking Dead. Don't I look like a zombie about to bite into someone?

Thanks for being brave Tawnya! I hope you realize I love that picture above as it gave me a good laugh and reminds me what a fun person you are (and probably a good cook, too). It doesn't make me think you are any less beautiful. (Hopefully you can return the favor!)

And a picture to prove it.