Trick?

Well, it certainly wasn't a treat.

Not two hours ago, I had two police officers, with guns drawn, at my apartment door asking me to come out with my hands up.

What's your name?

DC Med Student--I'm the tenant in this apartment.

Is there anyone else in there with you?

No.

Were you aware that your door was open?

No.

At this point, my landlord shows up from upstairs and confirms my identity. Apparently, he had heard movement and something drop upstairs when he arrived home from work. He called the police and had them come over to check things out. It doesn't look like anyone was in the house, and there certainly wasn't anyone in my apartment (on the ground floor), though it was kinda weird that my door wasn't locked and fully closed. Needless to say, I haven't been able to fully concentrate on studying since the police were here, but I can't find fault with my landlord's actions.

I live in a neighborhood that is experiencing growing pains from gentrification. And, as has happened in other neighborhoods (and there are many in DC) that have or are going through gentrification, there has been an increase in crime. For example, just last month, the new corner-store across the street which I frequent, was held up at gunpoint -- the two gunmen clearly taking advantage of the fact that this corner-store didn't have bulletproof plexiglass around the counter.

I love my apartment, but lately I've been thinking that it will probably be better to move to a safer area once my lease expires next year. This time, no windows or doors with security bars.

Hope you had a happy and safe Halloween.

Order

I need some order in my life.

While studying this past week, I felt like I was scrambling up a gravel slope, slipping two steps back with every step forward. I had an insane amount of material to go over for my three examinations. It was impossible for me to get through all of it since I had taken some time off (mental health days) to have some fun. My preparation strategy was to first get through the "big lectures," those in a series with multiple parts, and, if I had time, I quickly reviewed the small topic lectures. I also hit First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 HARD.

I didn't like feeling so behind on my studying. The stress was too much. At times, it was paralyzing. I would just look at my long "To Do" list and my stomach would turn. Life became so disorganized. My eating habits were horrible (I haven't had so much McDonald's in years) my sleep schedule was all messed up, and I took to studying in bed, which I'd rarely, if ever, done before. But, that's how bad it was. The stress and panic had lead me to believe that staying in bed would somehow save me valuable time. I slept very little, and when I would wake up, surrounded by my laptop and books and notes, I would just continue working. Insane.

Although I didn't get through all of the material, I still think I came out with a descent grade on these exams (knock-on-wood). It's not that they were easy, but I knew enough of the major diseases and concepts to work my way through the exam. I should get my grades by the end of the week. No matter what, it was worth the good times in NYC.

For this next unit, however, I think I'm going to take the advice of the education counselors and stick to a schedule. Every day, I'll either be in class or studying from 8AM to 5PM, I'll take an hour break for dinner, then continue studying until 10PM, and finally break for the rest of the night. After 10PM, I'll either exercise or prepare meals or catch up on my favorite TV shows. Or-- I almost forgot -- I'll post a new reflection.

We'll see how well I can stick to this schedule. I'm hoping it will lessen some of the stress and cramming that comes along with studying in the days leading up to exams. I'm also hoping that it will allow for guilt-free mental health days when I need them.

NYC

As you know, I was feeling a bit stir-crazy the past couple of weeks, so I decided to take a little trip to the Big Apple. It was the best thing I could have done for myself.

A friend from college met me at Penn Station around 1PM on Saturday, we dropped off my bags at her place, and then hit the city. We spent the majority of the afternoon and evening at the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center). The sunset and views from the observation decks are gorgeous! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, but my friend had her camera and took over 100 beautiful pictures (two shown in this post).

At 8PM, we met up with another friend from college, who treated us to dinner and a night of bar hopping with his friends. We started off at Coffee Shop (Union Square) for dinner and drinks, made our way to Merc Bar (SoHo) for more drinks, and ended the night at Pegu Club (Village/SoHo) for some of the best cocktails I've ever had.

Without realizing it, we stayed out really late. It was past 4AM by the time we left the last bar. NYC is crazy like that. There are tons of people out and about at all hours. You can't help but lose track of time. I can see how it would be very easy to stay up all night. I love New York City!

Now that I'm back in DC, the stress level is slowing rising once again. I have an exam this week and two on Monday. Yes, I've come back to reality -- I'm a med student -- and it's not pretty.

The good news is that I don't think I'm going to be as stressed as I would be had I not made the trip to see my friends. Instead of feeling like I never get to go out and have fun, I have great memories and pictures from this weekend to look back on. I can't help but smile when I think of all the great moments. It makes it easier for me to now focus my energy on studying.

I played hard all weekend and now it's time to work hard.

SNAP!

[WARNING: Grey's Anatomy spoiler ahead]

OK, I just finished watching last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy: The Heart of the Matter. Callie (played by Sara Ramirez) was AWESOME!! She finally let Izzie have it. It was a beautiful thing. Seriously.

You feel terrible? You took advantage -- He was your best friend -- I tried to trust you. So much, I'd convinced myself that it was all in my head -- that I was crazy -- but I wasn't, was I? And then you pulled that thing in the cafeteria today -- It's not bad enough that you humiliate me by getting in bed with my husband, you have to humiliate me at work too. George may be the one who broke his vows, but you. . . We're women, Izzie; you did this to another woman. You took something from me. You stole something from me like a petty little thief. You are the one who should be humiliated. You are the one who should be ashamed. You are the one who should. . .


[Wait for it]


Don't you dare come to me for forgiveness, you traitorous bitch.

Shots

I could have used a couple shots (lemon drops, preferably) before going to the student health center for Tdap and Hep B vaccinations today. I'm such a baby when it comes to shots! I get all nervous and sweaty, and I feel like I have to get to know the nurse a little better before I let her stick me.

I'm sorry, What was your name again?

Oh! Are those pictures of your family?

Those eyeglass frames are great! Are they new?

Oh, yes, I'm sorry, I'm sure you're very busy.

OK, so my arm is going to be sore for a few days with the Tdap?

I'm right-handed, so, yes, let's put that one in my left arm.

OK. . . Yes, I'm ready.

That wasn't so ba-- The other arm, right.

It's so embarrassing, but I can't help it. I can't even look at the injections! I wonder how this is going to play out when I have to administer a shot. I've yet to be in that situation, but I don't think I have a problem giving other people shots. Just keep the needles away from me.

What can I say, I like my shots in a one ounce glass, not a syringe.