sunshine...

The roses are starting to peak out here in Portland and we've had three beautiful sunny days in a row and it suits my mood perfectly. On the 11th I got an email from OHSU and I am ACCEPTED! Medical school here I come! I am so excited. What an answered prayer from the Lord. This year I have been up and down about whether medical school was the right idea. I have prayed about it and worked toward it and been unsure. I asked God this time to either throw open the door or close it firmly because I didn't think I could take another year long round of applications, tests and fees. And in his goodness he did. When I found out I literally cried and hopped down the street as I called my family and probably looked like a crazy person. It so apparent that it is by God's grace that I got in. Applications and Interviews are not my strong point and while I knew they went better this year than the last I still had big doubts about getting in. Knowing what I am actually going to be doing for the next few years instead of only 6 months out is such a blessing. Rachael and I are going to stay in our apartment and I will get to see my mom on weekend , meet my dad for lunch, watch Jackson play basketball and hang out with Christian. It still seems unreal, like something out of a dream. What will the next year hold? I know it is really far out but how awesome would it be if I was able to finish med school here and then do my residency in North Carolina. It would pretty much be perfect. My plate is full. What more could I possibly ask for? The Lord has come through for me time and time again. You would think I would have learned this by now have more patience and less anxiety.

I have to take two required classes, biochemistry and genetics, before I can start medical school in the fall. I am all registered and ready to go at Portland State University, which is literally outside my front door. I cannot wait to be in class again. Summer school starts June 21st and goes through the beginning of august then OHSU begins right after that. In order to make the best use of vacation now, Rach and I are headed to Montana for five days at the end of may to see my grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Hopefully it will involve lots of old stories and gardening:) Two days later I am off for North Carolina. I am going to spend ten days or so in Raleigh visiting friends and old favorite places. I am also hoping to go to the beach for a day or two to see megan. Then on the 14th or 15th of the month Gig and I are taking a road trip to see katie at her new apartment in Nashville and while there I want to spend a day in franklin to see TIm, Tracie, Matt and Amanda.

I cannot wait to see everyone! It has been such a blessing to have visitors here, makes everyone not seem so far away. I am excited to be the visitor this time and house hop and see everyone!

The unfortunate thing is that I will miss almost all of Richelle's vacation because she will be in Oregon while I am in North Carolina. Hopefully I will get to catch her for at least a few days in between.

In other news Rachael and I have been working on our garden. Our Tomato plant is now huge! and we are growing basil, thyme, lavendar and going to grow dill. We have some started edemame plants and our kale and lettuce are growing great. We have also planted lots of flowers and are hoping to still plant cucumbers, peppers and who knows what else. Our fire escape and coffee table are overgrown with greenery.

This saturday my mother, grandmother, two second cousins ( one of which is a is a precious cute little baby and the other an adorable little girl), two of my cousin, rachael and I are participating in Steps for life. Its a walk to raise money and support the pregnancy resources centers in Portland. I am excited to do something that combines supporting a worthwhile cause and spending time with family. Afterwords we are going to do some shopping and grab some Indian food, Yummy. Other than that I need to be hitting the grind stone hard as far as work goes for the next two weeks so that I can have enough money to pay my rent and tuition money when I get back from my three week vacation.

and on a funny note here are two incidents that definitely made me chuckle.

First I was leaving a meeting with my Census Team leader and I walked straight into a glass door. Yep like something out of a movie. And all the people in the lobby saw me. Lol

Then I was working at the check stand in the grocery store and an older man walked by me and stopped. He looked at me quizically and said " you have lovely EYEBROWS" huh. He then followed this compliment up with " The have a very elegant tweezed look" what every girl wants to hear right.

Love to each of you. I hope you are out somewhere enjoying the sunshine.