It Takes an Ocean Not to Break

So, the afterglow of finals was ridiculously short-lived.  A few celebratory drinks were hoisted.  Then, it was off to the races to get to Valdosta, GA for Crazy Greg's (and, by marriage, "Crazy" Meg's) wedding.  Road construction had me miss the red-eye out on Friday night.  After taking the first-flight out on Saturday, I landed in ATL, dove into the car Winning Run had waiting, and sped toward south Georgia.  I arrived with enough time to put on my tux and rush to join the wedding party.  Seattle to Valdosta, GA with thirteen minutes to spare.  That's cutting it too close for comfort.

After the wedding, we hauled back to ATL.  I slept in my bed with my wife for a few hours before hopping a plane back to WA to begin the summer semester.  Now, I'm thoroughly embedded in the work of a few new classes and some remediation work for a few of the old ones.  And, for some reason, I thought that this semester might be a little more relaxing.  Evidently not.

To top off it all off, I came down with a horrible stomach flu shortly after arriving: up at 3am with projectile emissions from both ends for a few days.  Ah, what could be better?

Between all of the running around and stress and loose ends that I'm trying to tie, I've not had a true chance to reflect on the goings on from the year.  When the dust settles, if the dust settles, I share my thoughts.  Until then, some good news:  Winning Run was offered (and accepted) a job at her top choice of Seattle firms.  I'm really proud of her, my rock.

Ahhhh...

Yep, that's about right.

Now, for some celebratory libations and sleep before hopping a plane to GA for Crazy Greg's nuptials.

Well, That's a First....

Three finals left this morning and they're the biggies:
Physiology
Pathology
Gross Anatomy

Last night, got to bed around 1am.  Up at 4 to shower and make the final push. 

So effing stressed about these tests that, five minutes ago, I ran to the bathroom to wretch in the toilet.  WTF?

Living on Coffee and Flowers

Finals are in full effect.  So far this week, I've spent roughly 15 total hours at my apartment.  Rising around 5am, hitting the rack somewhere between 1am and 2am, and spending the hours between buried in books is taxing at the very least.  It sucks.  I'm exhausted.  I've miles to go before tomorrow's exams (and the remaining ones this afternoon).  This shit is medical school, is the best.

From "Conversation 16" by The National:

I think the kids are in trouble
Do not know what all the troubles are for
Give them ice for their fevers
You're the only thing I ever want anymore
Live on coffee and flowers
Try not to wonder what the weather will be
I figured out what we're missing
Tell you miserable things after you are asleep

Standing

Another day, I’ll sleep in a lonely, empty bed.  I won’t hear anyone breathing next to me, won’t move the covers to escape their body heat.  In the morning, I’ll wake at a ridiculous hour and will lumber unsteadily into the shower and let the warm water rouse me.  Standing in the kitchen alone, I’ll drink black coffee and eat eggs on toast.  The only sounds I’ll make will be the rattle of the dish in the metal sink, the resonance of the fork skipping around.  Before turning toward my desk, I'll take another long look out the kitchen window at the gray, wintry sky.  Perfectly, it displays how I feel: vast, uniformly barren, cold.

Still, I’ll take another sip of coffee, shrug my shoulders and sigh to slough off the loneliness, and bear down on another difficult day.  I do this for me.  I do this for us.