Time Flies

As the title of the post alludes to, I've just realized that I have under six weeks left in the semester. Usually that's a sign that you're having fun and whatnot. While I wouldn't say this year has been horrible, I wouldn't say it's been fun. I will say that I do like this semester's block exam schedule. Yeah, the time around exams blows hard, but at least I get most of my weekends back. Along those lines, if asked if I would do it again I don't know what I would say. That comes mostly from all the book stuff. Granted, some of the material's interesting and the end goal is pretty cool (imo). But I couldn't imagine having to repeat this year like some of last year's M1s have had to. Overall, I'm not regretting the med school decision, just wanting to get clinicals.

Having said that, I've never looked forward to a break as much this summer. I've got mixed feelings about this summer: it'll be nice after this year (especially after seven finals with two year long finals). But it's also my last summer :( The latter had to happen some time. Ah well, I've got some west coast travel plans brewing and maybe even a Hawaii trip. Oh, and I hear Chicago's not a bad town during the summer :) Hooray summer festivals and travelling :D

Chillin'

Having been severely behind in sleep (boo to six exams in seven days), I've spent most of this past week sleeping in, undergrad style. Waking up without an alarm and to four digits on the clock is pretty refreshing in itself. Between sleep deprivation and four insanely boring classes to start the day, I did not fare well as a class-goer coming back from "break." Also, since UIUC, I've had a standing policy of no class before 9:00...med school is not gonna be an exception of any sort. Combination of the above: sleep.

Instead of studying and whatnot, I've partaken in other assorted activities. Like Bulls vs. Jazz or some underground indie music place not even listed in metromix. The latter's not really my scene, but I figured I'd at least give it a shot. Some Al's Italian Beef (apparently of Esquire's Encyclopedia of Sandwiches fame) and some White Palace Grill. Hoorah for food. Watched a decent amount of college hoops, a semi-recent movie (Juno), and even partook in some Wrigleyville St. Patty's Day festivities. Maybe this week I'll get around to the work that most everyone else has been dealing with. But as far as my body and mind are concerned, I'm still on "break." And I'm inclined to listen to them.

Spring's A Comin'

Sure spring doesn't start until March 20. But combine the time change and the temperature swing around these parts, and it's starting to feel like spring.

Today was the first time in at least four months I've been able to step out of my apartment for the whole day without a jacket on. This week's also the first time it's been above freezing for an extended period of time. Heading out to clinic, my car told me it was 53°. Coming out of clinic it was 60°. Combine that with the later daylight, and the city just feels more alive. I've never really appreciated a season change as much I am now/will be. Midway (Airport) has gotten 58" of snow this winter, making it the snowiest winter in almost 30 years. And there have been more than a few days of single digit/subzero temps as well.

Now, I knew all of the above was going to happen to some extent when I moved here. So I'm not really complaining, just pointing out that winter is a bit longer and harsher up here. It's all that business that'll make me appreciate spring and summer when they roll around. Nice as it was today, I'm not packing away the winter gear just yet. I did do a quick 180° for my camera on the way out...it was that nice outside. I ended up snapping a few shots as I headed down to the South Side.

Inbound Ike Near the Circle

A midday commute wouldn't be complete without traffic at the Circle Interchange. Hooray for the country's third worst traffic bottleneck! Double hooray for getting to clinic on time!

Outbound Lake Shore Drive

Heading down to and coming up on Hyde Park. Got a craving for some Harold's chicken as clinic was winding down. Since I was already about halfway there, I figured I'd make the rest of the trip. Eight piece bucket of healthiness was awaiting at the end of this trip. Hyde Park's home to Harold's, yes. But it's also home to Senators Carol Moseley Braun and Barack Obama.

Inbound Lake Shore Drive

Getting back onto Lake Shore, with aforementioned bucket of chicken riding shotgun. Decent view of downtown from here.

Downtown from the Museum Campus

Figured since I already had the camera and it was around sunset, I'd head up to the Museum Campus and grab this pic.

Spring Break

So this past weekend was part of my "spring break." Spring break's in quotes because it really wasn't any such thing. The weekend was, in fact, half of my break. I prefer to think of it as a four day weekend. But it was actually a pretty good one...especially after six exams in seven days. Got the chance to head home for a day. Was able to hit up Champaign for a night (and gagged on smelling the "aroma" of one my old bars). Got to host some good friends in Chicago. Had fun doing all of the above, especially the latter...I'm a fan of the town and like showing people around - even got some good laughs from a sketch comedy.

Sure I may have had a final this morning. But as my stomach rumbles from too many cheap wings and probably too much beer for a weeknight, I feel refreshed going into the last two months of my first year of med school :D And I think that's what a break is supposed to do. Having said that though, I wouldn't mind a fast forward button directly to May 8.