Christmas countdown, life and reflections of an intern year almost half over!

Hi all,

I am still here. Sorry if you have been looking for me and I've been MIA. You know, this thing called residency is happening. Doesn't leave too much time for other stuff.

Although my parents did visit Houston for 10 days in October, poor Dr Boyfriend had to do most of the entertaining as I was pulled to MDA (oncology) at the last minute. MDA is suppose to be our hardest month and it was not fun but I survived so I do have that going for me.

Also, Christmas is in 6 days and I am unbelievably excited this year. I have decorated the resident lounge and bought mini stockings for each of us to hang. It makes me very happy. Also (a word I'm using way too much this blog post, sorry about that) I have decided it is okay to wear corny holiday themed antlers and headbands and scarves and hats and all things tacky since I am a pediatrican after all. And I want others to as well so I have declared December 24th, the official wear your tacky Christmas sweater (to work) day! You can participate too, I'd love pictures if you do. If you have to work the holiday you may as well have fun while doing it, that it my motto anyhow.


I'm up early this morning. Presents are wrapped. Cookies are baked. I do have some clinic notes to complete though..... but blogging is more fun.

Oh and random links, just because:

1. interesting, my future research is going to do with this i think:
EverythingHealth: The Microbiome

2. fun gift ideas for the last minute hard to shop for person on your list: http://gifts.rescue.org

3. just because: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/72057662761780782/

Merry Christmas!!!!

P.S. Don't forget- tacky sweater on 12/24. And the best way to spread Christmas cheer? Singing loud for all to hear!

a very special mermaid

Once upon a time a little girl was born to excited and newly expectant parents. They named her Sophie and for three months she was a perfectly normal baby. But then one day she had a seizure and another and another. Fast forward many years and hundreds of seizures despite numerous medications, diets, etc. Eventually Sophie was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy and she continues to have uncontrolled seizures to this day...

Love is central to this story and her parents loved her as parents do. Along came two brothers and they shared a life with Sophie and loved her as well. Sophie has grown up to become a beautiful young lady. I "met" Sophie and her family via Elizabeths' blog- a moon, worn as if it had been a shell and am not exaggerating when I say she has shaped who I want to be, as a clinician, as a doctor, as a person.

I have followed along over the past several years and I have learned so much about epilepsy and family and love from Elizabeth and her blog community. As a medical student I once left a comment and she turned it into a post where I received numerous pieces of advice and encouragement. I had long ago decided to enter the field of Child Neurology but if I needed another reason than Sophie is it.

I am posting this here because I think this is the best possible cause and because I consider Sophie and Elizabeth my blog family. Donate if you have something to spare or simply read the comments, look at the pictures and feel the love.

To read about a tradition of love-
http://elizabethaquino.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-long-distance-casserole-brigade.html

To donate, comment or see pics-
http://www.youcaring.com/other/a-bicycle-built-for-two-elizabeth-aquino-and-sophie-/60783