Blog Fail

Sorry, blog, I totally ignored you. I will try to be better, but let's get real, I make no promises. My glorious fantastic vacation came and went. I did a lot of hanging out with friends, watching TV, and a ridiculous amount of napping.

Orientation has officially started. I have not one, not two, but three white coats. I have a pager. I have fancy name tags with MD by my name. I feel like I'm in some sort of Halloween costume walking around the hospital. And yes, the fear of God is quickly sneaking up on me.

Tomorrow we learn how to defend ourselves from violent attacking psych patients. Intern karate camp or something...I'll let you know how that goes! I'm eating, it just hasn't been anywhere near photo worthy. You might have to just bear with a paucity of posts involving recipes. I'll do my best, or something.


Sweet running song...




Ok. Let's get back on track with a little 10 on tuesday. A little warm up lap so to speak, gotta get back in the game.

1. If you could trade lives with another blogger for a day, who would it be and why?
Hmm. Probably my Mom. I could be retired, instead of gearing up for intern year. AHHHHHH.

2. Do you prefer receiving handmade or store bought gifts? Be honest!
I prefer a handmade gifts. I don't turn down sparkly store bought gifts though!

3. Would you rather camp or stay in a hotel?
It totally depends on the occasion. In general I would rather camp. But, if for example, I am supposed to attend a wedding I would much rather be in a hotel. With nice water pressure. Thanks.

4. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Ice cream probably. Or cheese. I guess I'm a dairy queen!

5. You’re having a really bad day at work. How do you unwind when you come home?
I call my mom usually on the way home. Then I would go for a run, take a shower and sit in my pajamas watching BRAVO. Wait, I do that everyday..

6. What’s your favorite chore? (Or, the chore you hate the least)
Dusting. I also like to vacuum and make sweet vacuum marks on the carpet. I then try really hard to be careful walking to preserve the lines. No, that's not abnormal.

7. What got you interested in blogging?
I wanted to record and organize my gluten free explorations. I love love love Karina! Trust me that was the original intent. Due to busyness and lack of sufficient time management, I tend to eat a lot of salads. Yes, I realize in the time I spent typing this post I could have whipped up a hot dish. Bite me.

8. Are you currently reading a book? What is it?
I am reading Stiff. Why? I have no idea. I guess I want to relive the trauma that was anatomy.

9. Do you have a favorite artist?

Like, Lisa I'm a Monet freak.

I've had many a Monet hanging in my various bedrooms over the years.

My MIA favorites!

Jean-Léon Gérôme, The Carpet Merchant,

Rembrant Lucretia

10. Have you ever met someone famous?
Hmm. Weathermen? Chuck Klosterman. Not really... I'll get back to you.

Graduation!

I graduated!! Yes, that's right! Strange but true, with snazzy outfits to prove it. I will miss these ladies, about half of them are headed out into the great wild world! The rest will be close by at trusty HCMC!

The great Rondino! Ronda and I spent COUNTLESS hours studying in my apt, traveled to Europe together, and in general just made it through. She is amazing, and matched in dermatology!

My Body Buddies! Yes, that's a slightly brash term, but literally we shared a cadaver...thus we were body buddies. Me (Psych U of Mn), Chad (Ortho NC), Joe (Diagnostic Radiology RI), Sancia (Internal Med, Tulane)

Flashback! 4 years ago at our white coat ceremony!

And, my fantastic family. I could NEVER have made it through without them. Especially my Mom. Thank you Mom. I can't even tell you how much your support means to me! Dad and Nick, you are alright too:)

Jayne and Elizabeth came!

And my uncle Al! He also had reason to celebrate...

My cousin Vanessa graduated the next day from MNSU!

And the lovely Ellen also attended!

After the ceremony we had lunch at Ecopolitan, my favorite restaurant! I was so lucky that Mike, Beth and Gary all joined for lunch. The fun continued the next night as Lisa joined us for a sushi dinner...And I got one of the long coveted Anthro aprons! Thank you everyone for making my graduation so special!

The Inca Trail

And it began. 4 days of hiking to reach Machu Piccu via the Inca trail. Day 1.

 The top of dead woman's pass, day 2

The woman, see her?

The top of the second mountain, day 2

The first ruins, late afternoon day 2

Still had to hike all the way over there for camp!

The view from my tent, morning of day 3

The ruins, end of day 3

The almost there.

Finally, 7:30 am day 4

 

 

Hasta Luego

Cusco

After sleeping overnight in the Lima Airport and a 5 am flight into Cusco, everyone should hold a baby lamb! Welcome to Cusco!

Que bonita. At 11,200 ft you can really feel the alt alt altitude. Every hotel offers coca tea to help with the adjustment. Coca tea is delicious. Chewing coca leaf...mmm...not so much.

Plaza de Armas. Cusco is derived from the Quechua word Qusqu. Quechua is a completly phonetic language, and Qusqu sounds like two rocks slowly rubbed against each other.

 Half Incan, half spanish. This city is amazing. It was also chilly. Note my baby alpaca get up!

I ate one million times better in Peru. Quinoa tabouli..YES PLEASE!

Palta rellena-stuffed avacado. Here continues my love affair with mayonesa!

There was also a little sampling of the local fare-Cuy!

Which turns into this. Not GF. I had to live vicariously through this one, as can you...

A little protein before hitting the inca trail!

Intra Ecuadorian Travel

Cuenca! I was able to attend Easter mass at this gorgeous cathedral. Shortest mass of my life. Less than 30 minutes, including full communion! I could have easily lasted another 30 minutes just staring at the amazing alter piece.

The cathedral. The weather in Cuenca was amazing. The cool mountain air was a delightful break from the humidity of Milagro.

The 3 blue domes that make this cathedral so famous!

Plus a Panama hat factory! Yes indeed, Panama hats are actually from Ecuador. Sounds like a trivial pursuit question to me!

Onto Ruta del Sol. First stop, Salinas.

Good ceviche...still using prophylactic pepto just in case...

Nasty ceviche, with mayonesa! Thank God for the pepto!

Amazing seafood spread! Lobster, langostinos, shrimp, mussels, squid, octopus and patacones!! I may or may not have needed a refill on that garlic butter too :)

Ruta del Sol finished up in Montanita. What a crazy cool town, and not for anyone over 30! Beautiful beaches, wild horses, and a serious rasta attitude!

Ahh. Soaking up the beach before heading to the Montañas!