Merry Christmas!

I've been a bit quiet...I'm out of town celebrating with my family, but I want to wish each and every one of you a very

Merry Christmas!

Processing...

God is moving in amazing ways. He always does. Why would I expect anything less? I'm still processing some of what He 's doing. I hope to write a post on it soon.

Shopping ideas???

I'm spending today finishing up my Christmas shopping. I have one problem. I don't know what to get. I don't even have an inkling of an idea. I need help. Any suggestions?

I'm laying down the law.

Gray and/or white hairs are no longer allowed to grow on my head. There it is. Now that it's written down, maybe they'll listen.

The highlight of my day

I studied while I received a pedicure. It was wonderful.

Study Back

I'm bringing study back.

They put cocoa powder where?

As I was making dinner tonight, I began reading the ingredients on the back of the taco seasoning packet. One of the ingredients is cocoa powder. I can't say that I expected that.

Prayers are being answered.

People are here to fix my apartment. They are removing drywall and plaster and everything. Then they're going to replace it and paint. My apartment is actually being fixed. It's actually being fixed correctly.

The saga continues...

I have a bad habit. Well, actually, I have many, but I'm only going to put one out in the open right now.

I go to Whataburger for breakfast before every exam. I always order the same thing...an egg sandwich and a medium diet coke. And every time, they get my order wrong.

An egg sandwich is on the menu. It's listed as egg and cheese on a 4" bun. Often they either put only egg or only cheese. Today the problem was the drink. The kind lady at the drive through handed me my drink and my orange and white striped sack. I checked the sandwich...wow, it was correct. I put my straw in my drink and drove off thinking, "wow, maybe they actually got my order right this time." Then I took a big swig...nope, Dr. Pepper. Now, Dr. Pepper isn't the worst thing in the world, but it definitely isn't diet coke.

Yeah, I think I might have to bail on the Dr. Pepper and stop in at Starbucks for a peppermint latte.

Saying "thank you" to the troops.

Go to this website to say thanks to the troops.

Say thanks

My gift to you...

For the past several hours, I've been singing this song...both in my head and out loud. I now present it as a gift to you, my readers.

My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Question to Ponder

I was recently asked the following question:

What do you struggle with the most: knowing who you are, knowing what to do with your life, or depending on God to guide you?

I have to admit that it took me a while to answer. I, mean, I know what I'm doing with my life. I'm becoming a doctor, right??? Or is it something more than that. I'm becoming a doctor so that I can serve God by serving His children...hmmm...that sounds a bit 'churchy'. Ahhh...

Alright then, so do I struggle with depending on God to guide me? Definitely. When I was a child, I had two favorite phrases: why? and I can do it myself. Being inquisitive will definitely be a plus as a physician. I won't want to stop looking until I have an answer. But then there's my independence. In today's culture, women are supposed to be independent. Society tells us that we aren't supposed to need anybody...that we can be full and complete all on our own. But can I? I don't think so. As much as I can take care of my own bills and my car and whatever else happens to come my way, I am called to be dependent...I am called to be in dependence on God. I can't be full and complete without Him, and I would definitely take wrong turns if I didn't look to Him for guidance. I already take enough of them...I, mean, sometimes the left turn appears so much prettier that then right turn He's calling me to.

The last one is knowing who I am. My identity. This is something I definitely struggle with. I've heard people talk of "going to find themselves." That sounds great, but what are they really going to find? That would scare me, but too, I know that apart from God, I am nothing. I can't separate knowing who I am from knowing whose I am. I am His child.

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance , being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of hem.
-- Psalm 139:13-16

So as I continue to ponder my identity, my activity, and my dependence on God, I'm content in knowing whose I am. I am HIS!

And magically...it's working again!

Blogger has once again decided to let me upload pictures. Here's a picture of me with Owen (closest to me) and Josiah. They're my cousins and look so handsome in their tuxes. They are both complete hams, but they were absolutely perfect during my brother's wedding.

Mmmmm.....

hot chocolate...with marshmallows!

God's love -- it's a gift!

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of he love he had for her. -- Genesis 29:20

This is one of my favorite verses. Actually, the story of Jacob and Rachel is one of my favorite stories in the bible. No, it's not because it's a "love story." Actually, Rachel reminds me of who I am.

Rachel is intensely loyal but also envious, competitive and even dishonest. However, one of her biggest weaknesses was failing to realize Jacob's love for her. Jacob served a total of 14 years for her and loved her more than Leah. Jacob's love for Rachel wasn't dependent on her giving him children or actually on any "work" she did for him. His love for her was based on God's will, commitment, and patience. Somehow though, Rachel lost sight of that and began competing for Jacob's love...something he had already given her.

How often do I forget that God doesn't love me because of what I can do for Him but simply because I am His child? God's love for me doesn't stop if I fall asleep while I'm praying or if I slip up and act like a jerk. I cannot earn His love. He has already given it to me freely.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -- Romans 5:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

"God loves us! His love had no beginning and is incredibly patient. All we need to do is respond, not try to earn what is freely offered. God has said in many ways, 'I love you. I have demonstrated that love to you by all I've done for you. I have even sacrificed my Son, Jesus, to pay the price for what is unacceptable about you -- your sin. Now, live because of my love. Respond to me; love me with your whole being; give yourself to me in thanksgiving, not as payment.' Live life fully, in the freedom of knowing you are loved." -- Life Application

You are loved!

Why won't it work???!!

So I have this adorable picture of two of my little cousins that I want to post, but blogger won't let me post it. I've gone to the help site, and it's really not helpful. It's a really cute picture, and yes, they are still young enough that I can refer to them as cute.

Change...

Have you ever realized something about yourself that you truly want to change, but you don't really know how?

Yeah...I'm so there right now.

A different time...a different place...

Have you ever wished that you were born in a different era? I know it's kind of random, but really, there are so many great periods in history.

Sometimes I imagine myself in a mobster family. I have closets full of pretty twenties-style dresses complete with shoes, hats, and jewelry. There are tommy guns and just the whole excitement of the prohibition era and doing something illegal.

Other times I think back to the Medieval times. Bathing wasn't too frequent, but castles were plentiful...or at least in my imagination they were. There were grand feasts and dungeons and jousting to win the heart of a fair maiden.

Or maybe I'm Anne Oakley or a Southern belle living on a plantation during the Civil War or a nurse on the front lines during WWI or...so many others.

Adventure...adventure is what I want.

What time period do you dream about?

Topic-less

Hmmm...so I really have nothing to post today. I've thought about a lot of things today, but none of the topics are interesting enough to blog about.

Topic anyone????

100 things about me

One of my friends inspired me by making a list of 100 things about herself. So...here's my attempt.

1. I love my iPOD.
2. I didn't change out of my pajamas on Saturday.
3. I TP'd my 7th grade history teacher's house.
4. I want to be a great doctor.
5. I like to teach.
6. I love medicine.
7. I really want to teach clinical medicine.
8. I cry very easily...especially if I feel comfortable with you.
9. I feel strong when I run.
10. I secretly hate my freckles.
11. I like my eyes.
12. I never wanted a cat, but now I can't imagine life without Miss Kitty.
13. I don't like brussel sprouts.
14. My favorite meal is breakfast.
15. I love tea...cold and hot.
16. I love coffee (good coffee), too.
17. I crave creamy jalapeno sauce from Chuy's.
18. This year feels weird since I'm not working the holidays.
19. My couch is one of the best investments I ever made.
20. I don't feel 27.
21. I can't believe I already have a 401K.
22. I couldn't handle not working, so I have a work study job.
23. I missed the babies, so I volunteer in two nurseries.
24. I try to be funny...most of the time I'm not.
25. I like to encourage others, but I don't know if I'm good at it.
26. I want someone to tell me I'm beautiful.
27. I want to go back to Romania.
28. I miss London.
29. Sometimes I wish I could do the whole college experience again.
30. I love shoes.
31. I'm beginning to love shopping for clothes.
32. I spend a lot of time day-dreaming in Jeanine-land.
33. I should probably spend more time in Realitopia.
34. I still miss my papa. He passed away when I was 12.
35. I find it difficult to stand up for myself but easy to stand up for others.
36. I should be studying right now.
37. I was the starting catcher on the 1st place little league softball team for 3 years in a row.
38. I have never dyed my hair.
39. I have had my jaw surgically broken and wired shut.
40. I have been told that I might have cancer, twice. Fortunately, I didn't either time.
41. I don't have my gallbladder.
42. I love to dance.
43. I love to sing in my car with my cell phone earpiece in. It makes me feel like a rockstar.
44. Sometimes I need to be alone.
45. Sometimes I don't.
46. I'd like to be married some day.
47. Writing in multiple colors makes me happy.
48. I like to make my own cards...birthday, Christmas, etc.
49. I fall more in love with Jesus every day.
50. My last speeding ticket was for going 24 mph over.
51. My friend Keri has known me since I was 6 and loves me anyway.
52. I hate "fakeness."
53. I love real flowers.
54. I often buy myself flowers.
55. I like barbeque sauce.
56. I like ketchup more.
57. I ran cross country in high school. I wasn't good at it.
58. I was on the math team in middle school.
59. I cried when I got my first B.
60. I did a cartwheel when I got a C+ in college.
61. I talk too much.
62. I am not perfect.
63. I miss my cousin, Sharon. She passed away when I was 20.
64. Fort William, Scotland is the most beautiful place I've ever been.
65. Self-centeredness is something I struggle with...a lot.
66. Sometimes I act like jerk.
67. I love to journal.
68. Refinishing furniture is therapeutic.
69. I prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate.
70. I like berries...blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries.
71. Fun socks make me happy.
72. I feel naked when my toenails aren't painted.
73. I love random voicemail messages from friends.
74. I like making new friends who feel like you've known them forever.
75. I like "Friends" reruns. There is an episode for every situation.
76. I am training for my first marathon.
77. I am a vegetarian.
78. I don't know that I want to be.
79. Trains are a fabulous way to travel
80. Lipgloss is the best thing ever.
81. Shopping for electronics is a lot more fun than actually using them.
82. I want to save the world.
83. I don't know how.
84. Museums fascinate me.
85. Parks are a little piece of heaven on earth.
86. I really didn't mind working nights.
87. People think I'm smarter than I am.
88. That scares me because one day they might realize the truth.
89. My plants are still alive.
90. I have never gone sky-diving, but I want to.
91. I like wearing fancy shirts with jeans.
92. Wearing pearls with jeans makes me feel fancy.
93. Wearing heels with jeans makes me feel sassy...err...another word.
94. I pay $14 to get my haircut.
95. Ann Taylor is my favorite store.
96. Target comes in a close second.
97. I love my apartment, even with it's problems.
98. I am thankful for my friends who aren't afraid to be real.
99. I wish I could play the guitar.
100. I firmly believe that God knows what He's doing far better than I do.

If you made it all the way to the end...congratulations!

What do I want for Christmas?

Now that Thanksgiving has ended, the questioning has started. What do I want for Christmas? Well, here it is...

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,
that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian

There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!

-- John Rox

So I think my natural hair color might be blonde...

A couple weeks ago, people witnessed me grab the handle of a pan that just came out of the oven. I burned all my fingers on that hand.

And now, I just took cookies out of the oven, and as I was taking them off the cookie sheet, without even thinking, I grabbed the pan with my hand.

Ouch!

I'm beginning to think that I might have issues with my left hand.

Miss Kitty fell off the bed last night!

Miss Kitty usually sleeps at the foot of my bed, and last night, she totally fell off the bed. I thought cats were supposed to have amazing balance. I don't think she landed on her feet either. She looked all dazed and confused when she hit the floor. It took her a minute to realize that she was okay and could jump back onto the bed.

Yes, I'm amused by the little things.

Frightening!

On Sunday night, I had one of the most frightening experiences of my life. Seriously...I freaked and panicked and all of those such things. I would write about the experience, but people would have nightmares. The experience has definitely given me nightmares.

God knows you.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations"
- Jeremiah 1:5

God knows you. He planned you. He sees you as valuable and has a purpose for your life.

I don't get it.

Last night a car alarm was going off in Target's parking lot. The car wasn't actually a car but a mini-van. Seriouly, why does a mini-van need an alarm? Who would want to steal a mini-van? I don't get it.

Ummm...if you have a mini-van or if your dream car is a mini-van, I'm sorry. I'm really not trying to be mean.

I met someone new last night.

Normally, I run outside. I've always claimed that I have a fear of falling off of treadmills, but I decided that maybe they're not so bad after Saturday's little 'spill.' Besides, I wanted to watch Gilmore Girls and run, and I couldn't decide which I wanted to do more. Alas, I came up with the idea of going to the gym and running on the treadmill while watching Gilmore Girls. All my problems were solved.

I made it to the gym, hooked in my headphones, turned the TV to the CW, and started up the treadmill to settle into a nice 6 mph pace (yes, I realize it's not lightening speed).

About ten minutes later, I noticed her. There was a confidence about her. Each foot fall was sure. Her leg muscles grew more powerful with each stride. Her quadriceps exploded into definition with each step. With each breath, I could tell that she was cleansing herself. It was as if each new breath gave her new life. The muscles in her arms and shoulders showed themselves with each swing. Her jaw was soft, and the look on her face was one of determination. She was ready. She was prepared. She was strong.

And then it hit me...I was looking into a mirror.

So often I think of myself as weak, but with Christ, my strength doesn't matter because His is more than enough.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
-- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Prematurity Awareness Month

November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

To visit the March of Dimes website, click here.

A documentary

Thin

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 8 PM, HBO will begin showing a documentary. The subject matter is very close to my heart. Above is a link to HBO's website about the documentary.

Medical school is interfering with my ability to take drugs!

No...not that kind. I'm talking about the legal, over-the-counter kind. Now, everytime I pop a couple of Tylenol, I think about my liver and how I'm damaging my zone 1 hepatocytes. When I take Advil, I worry about my kidneys...Advil inhibits prostaglandin synthesis which means that the arterioles in my kidneys aren't able to dilate as they normally would, so I'm decreasing my renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Yeah...I just want to take something to get rid of the aches and pains.

Reflections

That was the title of my high school yearbook my senior year. I pulled it out last night. It's odd..in the past couple of weeks, I've found out that two people I know now are friends with people that went to my high school. Actually, it's a little scary. With some of the people, I just know who they are or some little tidbit about their life. It's one of those things where they were older so I never had classes with them, but I knew who they were. More than likely...they don't know me. However, one person really does know me. We had many, many classes together from junior high forward. We weren't really friends, but when you spend that much time with someone it's hard not to know that person on some level. Yeah, so I was awkward in high school. I know I'm awkward now, but imagine my current awkwardness times like a million. Yeah, that was me in high school.

By the way...check out Kairos.

Transparency

How much transparency is appropriate for a blog? When does sharing become "too much information"? When are the ramblings of my heart too much for others to read...or are they ever? At church, we talk about authentic fellowship, but I think at our cores, many of us are scared for people to see our true hearts. Is that what makes me hesitant to be completely transparent? Ryan Riley's blog was titled "Panes of Glass - In Pursuit of Transparency." That's where I want to be...not in Ryan's blog...but in pursuit of transparency.

I'm so confused...

So, I've spent the last hour or so replying back to emails...some recent...and some regarding questions asked weeks ago. :} I'm sorry...I'm sometimes slow to respond.

Anyway, I just realized that at the end of most of the emails I typed "Have a wonderful Wednesday!" There's just one problem with that...it's not Wednesday. It's Thursday.

Yes, it's okay to laugh at me.

Places I like...

I've lived in Galveston for about 16 months now, and I've found many places I like in Galveston, Houston, and even in between. I've listed 16 (one for each month) of the places in no particular order. However, I've just listed them by the address, so you'll have to figure out the name of the location. And yes, I've been to each place at least once...some many, many times.

1. 6128 Broadway St. Galveston, Texas 77551
2. 628 14th Street Galveston, Texas 77550
3. 6411 Fannin Houston, Texas 77030 - helipad
4. 211 University Blvd. Galveston, Texas 77551 - 2nd floor
5. 4747 San Felipe Houston, Texas 77056
6. 19305 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas 77598
7. 501 Crawford Houston, Texas 77002
8. 6001 Fannin Houston, Texas 77030
9. 6501 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77001
10. 500 Baybrook Mall Friendswood, Texas 77546
11. 7401 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024
12. 4400 Avenue N #30 Galveston, Texas 77550
13. 307 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas 77006
14. 3515 Broadway St. Galveston, Texas 77550
15. 2800 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, Texas 77056
16. Seawall Blvd. Galveston, Texas

Where are some of the places you like to go?

Kids are great.

I was in the elevator with about a dozen first or second graders this morning and overheard a fun conversation.

Girl 1: I really want a pet to love, but I'm allergic to dogs and cats.

Girl 2: (picture a light bulb going off over her head) I've got it...you should get a fish.

Bull Riding

Well, I did it! I rode the mechanical bull at the Hoedown.

I'm not feeling very girly today :(

Since the weather is cooler and I was giving tours this morning, I donned pants, a sweater, and flats, but now, I just feel frumpy (although a professional frumpy). However, for whatever reason, my eyes are bright green today. Yay!

Oh...and I bought new pens, and I love them. They are the greatest, and they make me smile!

I love babies...part deux!

I just came back from the newborn nursery. Seriously...I love babies. I love the way they smell...the way they just fit in my arms. I love how peaceful they look when they are sleeping and how active they can be when they are awake. I love how just placing your hand on their head is sometimes all the reassurance they need to calm down and go back to sleep. I realize I still have just over 2 and a half years of medical school left, but I cannot imagine finishing and not working with babies.

"You Are Not Your Own"

This came from today's reading from My Utmost For His Highest.

Do you not know that . . . you are not your own? —1 Corinthians 6:19

There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block.

The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God’s purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, "Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine." If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours?

FYI

I don't like to be threatened. It leaves me feeling anxious.

Today is significant.

Let it be know that today, October 31, 2006...I, Jeanine L. Davis did not
1) run any red lights
2) speed (especially in school zones)
3) get upset with other drivers

And yes, I have left my apartment and driven my car several times.

TMI

So I just finished a post that I saved as a draft. I think it might be TMI. Let's just say that after watching a featured topic on the Today Show this morning...I'm a little bit depressed.

A song from my granny...

I love to read the programs that are handed out at musicals, ballets, plays, etc. One of the biographies in the most recent program I received really caught my eye. No, it wasn't because the person was famous or because I knew them. The actors biography ended with "I love you, a bushel and a peck!"

My granny used to sing me that song when I was little. No worries...I didn't bless those around me by singing for them that night, but the song is still playing in my mind, so here it goes...

I love you, a bushel and a peck!
A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!
A hug around the neck!
And a barrel and a heap!
A barrel and a heap!
And I'm talking in my sleep about you!

Laughter and Health

I received this in an email earlier this week and just thought I would share.

We've long known that the ability to laugh is helpful to those coping with major illness and the stress of life's problems. But researchers are now saying laughter can do a lot more—it can basically bring balance to all the components of the immune system, which helps us fight off diseases.

Laughter reduces levels of certain stress hormones. In doing this, laughter provides a safety valve that shuts off the flow of stress hormones and the fight-or-flight compounds that swing into action in our bodies when we experience stress, anger, or hostility. These stress hormones suppress the immune system, increase the number of blood platelets (which can cause obstructions in arteries) and raise blood pressure. When we're laughing, natural killer cells that destroy tumors and viruses increase, as do Gamma-interferon (a disease-fighting protein); T-cells, which are a major part of the immune response; and B-cells, which make disease-destroying antibodies.

Laughter may lead to hiccupping and coughing, which clears the respiratory tract by dislodging mucous plugs. Laughter also increases the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A, which defends against infectious organisms entering through the respiratory tract.

What may surprise you even more is the fact that researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. Laughing can be a total body workout! Blood pressure is lowered, and there is an increase in vascular blood flow and in oxygenation of the blood, which further assists healing. Laughter also gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a workout. That's why you often feel exhausted after a long bout of laughter—you've just had an aerobic workout!

The psychological benefits of humor are quite amazing, according to doctors and nurses who are members of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor. People often store negative emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear, rather than expressing them. Laughter provides a way for these emotions to be harmlessly released. Laughter is cathartic. That's why some people who are upset or stressed out go to a funny movie or a comedy club, so they can laugh the negative emotions away (these negative emotions, when held inside, can cause biochemical changes that can affect our bodies).

Increasingly, mental health professionals are suggesting "laughter therapy," which teaches people how to laugh—openly—at things that aren't usually funny and to cope in difficult situations by using humor. Following the lead of real-life funny doc Patch Adams (portrayed by Robin Williams in a movie by the same name), doctors and psychiatrists are becoming more aware of the therapeutic benefits of laughter and humor. This is due in part to the growing body of humor and laughter scholarship (500 academics from different disciplines belong to the International Society for Humor Studies). Here are some tips to help you put more laughter in your life:

Figure out what makes you laugh and do it (or read it or watch it) more often.
Surround yourself with funny people—be with them every chance you get.
Develop your own sense of humor. Maybe even take a class to learn how to be a better comic—or at least a better joke-teller at that next party. Be funny every chance you get—as long as it's not at someone else's expense!

Isn't it ironic?

Three weeks ago, I blogged about wanting to go sailing. One of my classmates and his wife have invited the class to go sailing with them this weekend, and I already have plans.

It's okay...I'm quite excited about my plans!

Happiness...

Things that have made me happy so far today:
1. German chocolate coffee with coconut cream creamer
2. being finished with the week's first exam
3. diet coke
4. my iPOD
5. the weather
6. wearing my favorite orange sweater
7. UpToDate
8. wearing my denim jacket (it's from my dad's college days)
9. knowing that I'll get to bed at a decent hour tonight
10. knowing that God is soverign and He sustains

Just call me...Grace.

Yesterday was an interesting day. There was lots of rain...which means lots of water...and well...that's a story for another day. Anyway, in the midst of everything, I somehow managed to slam my arm in the door...yes...my arm...my right arm just above the elbow. I still don't know how I did it, but it hurts. I mean...it still really hurts. In fact, I have bruises on both sides of my arm. Seriously, do normal people accidently slam doors on their own arm hard enough to cause extended pain and bruising?

Lavender

Lavender scented shampoo $0.99

Lavender scented body wash $0.99
Lavender scented lotion $0.99

Dreaming of fields of lavender - PRICELESS

My little friend

I had 4 hours of lectures this afternoon, and I have to admit that I wasn't so excited about sitting still for that long. However, about halfway through the lectures, a little friend came to visit me. A ladybug landed on my notes. Really! I know this may not seem like a big deal to many people, but the auditorium where my lectures occur is on the third floor of the hospital. The little ladybug had to come into the building, go up the stairs or the elevator, and come find me. It made me smile and made the lectures not seem so long.

My shoes :(

I bought my favorite pair of work clogs during my first year of work. I wore them most days over the 4 years I worked as a nurse. Over the past year and a half, I've worn them many, many times outside of the hospital.

Today, the lining came out of my right shoe. It's a sad day. My brown leather clogs are on their way downhill, but I'm not yet ready to give them up. My footprint is in the bottom. They completely mold to my feet. I know I can run in them when a code is called. I know they can stand up to an 18+ hour shift without killing my feet. Plus, they look really cute with fun socks.

Ah...I think I'll keep them until they really fall apart.

I love babies!

So after spending 45 (or so) minutes cracking myself up with my dancing skills (or lack thereof) and face-making abilities in front of the mirror, I'm finally ready. I'm so excited. Really...it doesn't take much to get me excited. But anyway, I start volunteering in the newborn nursery today.

I'll try to contain myself.

Nope...I can't. I'm too excited. I love babies...other people's babies.

It's time to do the happy dance.

I'd rather be sailing!

I had an exam yesterday, so today I really just want to take a break...I really want to go sailing. But I do have one small problem, I don't own a boat. Agh!

I haven't been sailing since the summer of 1999. Wow...it really has been a long time. I worked at a sailing camp that summer and spent my time on the lake with kids in Optimists, Lasers, and 420s. Actually, I've never been on a sailboat that will hold more than 2. I learned in a Sunfish at Baylor. Yep, I knew the marina well.

So, yeah, I still really want to go sailing, and I want to try something new...so my specific want is to go sailing in a larger boat on the ocean.

Today's Pei Wei Fortune

"You are direct, and others often appreciate this quality in you."

Seriously?...direct is not a word I would use to describe myself. More often than not, I think I beat around the bush.

Have you ever been called 'limey'?

Did you know that historically British sailors would keep limes in their pockets to eat during voyages to prevent scurvy? (Limes are high in vitamin C.) Yep, this is where we get 'limey' from.

This is what it's all about!

So I originally took this picture as proof that I was at the Baylor vs. KSU game and that Baylor won. However, the picture turned out much better than I thought it would. I got the bonus picture of the coaches hugging. It is really just a game.

I can't sleep...

I'm too excited!

In just a few short hours, I'll be on the medicine wards for the day. Yes, I realize that I am a lowly second year medical student, but I am so excited that I can't sleep. I actually get to work with patients. I love patients. I probably won't get to do a whole lot, but at least I'll be out of the classroom.

Yep, I'm still definitely excited.

I got a new pager!

The only page I've received other than from myself was a wrong number. Yes, I realize that's kind of sad, but I only page myself when I can't find my pager...I'm required to have it for school. Anyway, I lost my old pager, and when I went in to get a new one, I got a nifty alpha numeric one. Yay, I'm catching up with the times.

Now, if I could just get a real page...

My...that's a good lookin' group!

Saturday night, we went to see the Houston Ballet's performance of
Dracula. The performance was captivating, and we were, too!

My favorite quote from yesterday

"You smell...edible!"

Thank you, Bath & Body Works French Vanilla.

A Happy Baby!

A happy baby is a good thing! Baby smiles and laughter are the best. The cutie in this picture is Morgan, the beautiful daughter of Josh and Michelle Newton.

Ah, it's a good thing!

Yesterday I bought Coffeemate's Special Edition Vanilla Chai Spice Creamer, and yeah, I can already tell that it's here to stay.

Coffee and my computer

Well, it happened this morning. I spilled coffee in the keyboard of my laptop. Fortunately, everything still seems to be working...and my computer now has the fragrant aroma of French vanilla coffee. Hmmm...maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

I am a hypocrite.

While on my way to school the other day, I witnessed a woman completely run a red light. I thought to myself, "I can't believe she did that. I mean we're only going 30 mph and seriously...did she not see the big, glowing red light in front of her." Then as I waited out the rest of the light, I noticed the man in the truck next to me was singing his heart out and car, or rather truck, dancing. That made me chuckle, and I started thinking about all the times I've been caught singing and car dancing (it's often). Yep, you guessed it. I was so preoccupied with thoughts of car dancing that I completely ran the next light. I didn't even pause until I was over halfway across the intersection. Fortunately, everyone else was paying attention so a wreck did not occur.

Matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

The lungs...

If I were an ode writer, I'd write an ode to the lungs. However, I am not, so you get a fun fact.

The surface area of the alveoli in the lungs of a human is about equal to the size of a tennis court.

Wow! All of that is inside your chest. God is amazing!

My Life as a Medical Student...

Many people ask me what my typical day is like, so for your reading enjoyment...here is an outline of last Thursday, August 3, 2006.

I had a leisurely breakfast of Chic-fil-a with a diet coke.
Class started at 1 pm.
Class finished at 2 pm.
I went to the beach with several girlfriends for a few hours.
I drove into Houston for the last night of MetroLive.
I went dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
I came home to find that I did a really poor job of putting on sunblock...oh well.

Yep, I think that's it in a nutshell.

Okay, so maybe that's not a "typical" day, but it definitely would be nice if it was.

Have a marvelous Monday, everyone!

The Butterfly

I was sent this in an email.

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

Interesting...

"A full-time nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will change an average of 1,872 diapers in one year."

Hmmm...I worked in the NICU for a little over 4 years. That means that I've changed close to 7500 diapers.

Empathy...

I have a small group discussion on empathy tomorrow...Enjoy!

Fred Astaire: What's empathicalism?
Audrey Hepburn: Is the most sensible approach to true understanding and peace of mind.
Astaire: But what is it?
Hepburn: It's based on empathy. Do you know that empathy means?
Astaire: No, I'll have to have the beginner's course on that one. Empathy...is it something like sympathy?
Hepburn: Oh, it goes beyond sympathy. Sympathy is to understand what someone feels. Empathy is to project your imagination so that you actually feel what the other person is feeling. You put yourself in the other person's place. Do I make myself clear?
[Astaire kisses Hepburn and she, outraged, demands to know why.]
Astaire: Empathy. I put myself in your place and felt you wanted to be kissed.
Hepburn: You were in the wrong place.

Funny Face (1957)

Today is going to be fabulous!

Here are my top 10 reasons why today is going to be fabulous.

10. I had McDonald's hashbrowns for breakfast.
9. I stuck with the first outfit I put on this morning.
8. I accidently set my alarm wrong last night. When it went off this morning, I realized that I still had another hour to sleep.
7. I'm actually at school early.
6. I've already been told that I look cute and adorable today.
5. While I was searching for something to bring for lunch, I remembered that I have a lunch meeting, so not only do I get to go out to lunch, but someone else (school) is paying.
4. The majority of the lights were green this morning.
3. I'm wearing my fun black heels.
2. I talked to my mommy this morning...I love her.

and...
1. God loves me, and that's all I need to know today.

I missed a meeting...

I had to miss a meeting. I had a very good excuse and allowed Joe (a guy in my class) to make my apologies and "explain". Yeah...his explaination went something like this...

"Jeanine had a big diet coke. Jeanine had an accident, so her pants are wet. Jeanine can't be here because she had to go home to change."

Thank you, Joe! Leaving out little details seems to change the story entirely.

Oh, Happy Day!

Today is Monday! Monday is macaroni and cheese day at the hospital cafeteria! That's means that TODAY is macaroni and cheese day at the hospital cafeteria!

I'm so excited. On the whole, hospital cafeteria food isn't the most spectacular, but they do make a mean macaroni and cheese, and I love macaroni and cheese!

What are you having for lunch today?

Ugh!

So I had this great post for today, but my computer decided to eat it, and I don't have time to rewrite it now...maybe some other time. It might make you laugh. It might make you cry. It might make you laugh so hard you pee your pants or cry.

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone!

Dust Bunnies!

I like to have a clean home. I like to look through crystal clean glass. I like to walk in and enjoy the freshness. Sitting in a clean home somehow make me feel like my life is a little less chaotic.

But then...I found it...dust.

I reached up to the top of my bookshelf for something, and it was covered with dust. It's not a place people see. It's too high up...so I haven't bothered dusting it in a while.

How often am I like that in my spiritual life? I come before the Lord to do some "cleaning," but neglect some or several areas because I think that no one sees them. But God sees. God sees that my heart needs cleaning. He sees my hidden dust bunnies.

"You have set our iniquities before you,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance."
- Psalm 90:8

The Heart

As I opened my books to study this morning, I found this quote:

"Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable."
-The Wizard of Oz

It's fitting since I'm studying the cardiovascular system.

The real me

Today is one fo those days where I feel like I need to reveal a little bit more about myself. I feel the need to be real. Some of these things you may already know, some of them may surprise you, and some may make you laugh. However, all of these things come together to make up part of me.

So here it goes, in no particular order...
-- I have a Father in heaven who loves me so much that He sent His Son to die in my place.
-- I like to wear pink. It makes me feel girly.
-- I like how I feel at the end of a run. I feel strong. I feel capable. I feel...sweaty.
-- My favorite place to do my quiet time is on my roof.
-- I know how to clog.
-- I've walked into a pole in the middle of the sidewalk. Seriously, it jumped right out in front of me.
-- I'm happiest when I am completely resting in the Lord.
-- In 5th grade, I was on an episode of The Children's Hour discussing how I dealt with the stress of school.
-- I don't like brussel sprouts.
-- I was sent to the principal's office in the 2nd grade.
-- In 3rd grade, I was sent into the hallway for "having the giggles."
-- I wish I knew how to play the guitar.
-- I love to go camping.
-- I enjoy wine and fruity mixed drinks, but hands down, my favorite alcoholic beverage is Highland Park Whiskey.
-- I want nothing more than to be in God's will.
-- I'm okay with being a geek. I really do enjoy studying the depolarization/repolarization of cardiac muscle cells.
-- Currently, my favorite song is "Where You Lead Me" by Mercy Me.
-- I was thrown off a horse while on a field trip at a dude ranch my junior year of high school.

Okay, I think that's 18. Yeah, I really can't claim to be a trend setter. Any questions? I'm an open book.

Pop Rocks!

After an amazing first day of class, I ran by Target to purchase fancy new school supplies. I got all the essentials...paper, folders, colored pens, etc...and I found Pop Rocks. I haven't had Pop Rocks in years. I'm eating them as I'm sitting here writing this. They're entertainment for my whole mouth!

Geeky stuff: If someone's pulse is irregularly irregular, think atrial fibrillation.

I'm giddy today!

So, I'm a huge nerd. It's okay. I've accepted it.

I'm so excited about school starting again today. I'm now officially starting my second year of medical school. Giddy-up!

Question #3

If you could only have one dessert for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

And it continues...

Questions #2

If you could live any one day of your life over again exactly as it happened, which one would it be?

The "If" Game

One of my favorite games is the "If" game. A person's answer can speak volumes.

Here's question #1:

If you could witness any one miracle in the Bible, which one would it be?

What are these?

These plants were all over Mexico. They aren't banana trees or birds of paradise. Can someone help?

My cat ate my homework!!!

This is Miss Kitty. She's 8 years old. She doesn't like other cats. She doesn't like dogs. She pretty much doesn't like other animals. However, she does love humans...she wants to be the center of attention.

As beautiful and cuddly as she is, Miss Kitty also has a bit of an annoying habit. She likes to eat paper. Yep! I can't tell you the number of times I've had to reprint school work because, ahem, "my cat ate it!"

Pei Wei Fortune

Today's Pei Wei Fortune: One good turn deserves another.


I realize that it's more of a proverb, but what exactly does it mean?

Warning: This post is a bit geeky!

Most of you know that I've been in the lab doing research for the past couple of weeks. I have a new found appreciation for people who enjoy research and desire to make it their life's work because I definitely don't. I'm a clinician at heart. I see the benefits of research and think that it is very necessary but...please just tell me how to apply the new information to my patients.

Anyway, this is a picture of what I've been looking at through the microscope for the past two weeks. It's typhus group Rickettsia inside infected cells. Rickettsia is a small gram negative obligate intracellular bacterium. It uses so much of a cell's own machinery to live that it's almost a virus. Before 1900, outbreaks of typhus caused by Rickettsia determined most major wars. Anne Frank died of typhus. Interestingly enough, the major signs/symptoms are fever and a headache. How vague is that???!!!

My brother...

This is my brother, Kyle (and me). He's a senior kinesiology major at the University of North Texas. Yep, that's right...he's a screaming eagle. He's also getting married on Oct. 28 to Miss Jessica Leech. Oh my gosh! It's hard to believe that my brother is growing up. He's grown into a mature, responsible, godly man. I love him and miss him, so I thought I would share him with the world.

Has this ever happened to you?

I am now wide awake. I should not be wide awake at 11:40 on a Monday night, but yet, I am. "Why?" you ask. That's a good question. I was sound asleep, but my neighbor's car alarm decided to go off. So, now I'm awake...wide awake. Stupid car alarms.

I love going to the dentist.

Yes...yes...I know I'm weird, but I really do. I love going to have my teeth cleaned. I feel like my smile is bigger and brighter.

I'm becoming a q-tip.

As of late, I have been finding an ever increasing number of oddly colored hairs on my head. No, they aren't gray. They're white. I'm going to be a q-tip when I grow up.

Shotgun

It's been brought to my attention that some of my posts are a bit girly, thus...I'm going to attempt to man-it-up a bit.

Definition
Shotgun - the front passenger seat of an automobile
Calling Shotgun - act of claiming said seat

History of Calling Shotgun
This goes back to the days of covered wagons when someone actually sat beside the driver with a shotgun in hand to defend against bandits if necessary.

The Rules for Calling Shotgun
1. You must say the word "Shotgun" and another occupant of the vehicle must hear you
2. The task must be done before "Shotgun" can be called
3. You must be outside to call "Shotgun" - if you re-enter the building, you must recall

Miscellaneous Details
1. Putting your hand on the door handle works the same way as calling "Shotgun"
2. Sitting "Shotgun" before anyone has called it also works the same
3. If you lift the handle while doors are being unlocked causing the "Shotgun" door to remain locked, your privileges are voided for that ride
4. If the car is inside the garage, "Shotgun" cannot be called until you enter the garage
5. If multiple cars are involved, you must specify which car you are calling
6. The "Shotgun" position is considered abandoned if the occupant leaves the seat to perform a task unless it is at the drivers request

Exceptions
1. Significant others get automatic "Shotgun" privileges
2. Multiple calls must be solved with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors
3. If there is an owner-driver switch, the owner assumes automatic "Shotgun" privileges
4. For long journeys, "Shotgun" should be divided among all who wish to sit there

For further information on "Shotgun" rules, please consult www.shotgunrules.com

Then a miracle occurs...

This is my favorite explaination of how things work.

A is for Astros!

I’m so excited!!! I’m going to my first Astros’ game. I get to watch baseball indoors. I get to ‘Rock the Juicebox!’ Oh, the joy!!!

Did she really just ask that?

On my way to class this morning, I decided to swing by Whataburger for a diet coke. I pulled up behind a lady in a truck just in time to hear her say (as she was handing the worker the cup),

"I got coffee earlier this morning at McDonald's. Can I get a refill here?"

Odd. Really. Quite odd.

#2 Someone thinks I'm beautiful. (also #11)

Someone recently said to me, "There's something different aboout you. What have you been doing?"

I smiled and commented about being in Mexico for 10 days. I really wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, "Someone thinks I'm beautiful and that makes me feel all lit up inside."

It's an amazing thing when scriptures that I know in my head somehow make their way to my heart. While I was in Mexico, one of the local guys followed me around. He never said anything to me, but every time I turned around, he was right there. One of my fellow classmates decided to talk to him and, of course, ask him what was going on. The guy said that he thought I was beautiful but that he couldn't talk to me. My thought was, "Awe, that's sweet. He thinks I'm some sort of exotic foreigner," as I chuckled at myself.

Later that night, it hit me. This guy, this person, who didn't even know me...he didn't know my heart...thought I was beautiful and was so captivated by my beauty that he couldn't talk to me. How much more is my Heavenly Father captivate by me?! He formed me. He holds my heart. He has spent my entire life romancing me and calling me to Him. My King is enthralled with my beauty (Psalm 45:11). My King lights me up inside.

So, if the question on your heart is "Do you think I'm beautiful?"...the answer is yes. Yes, I think you are beautiful, but even more, your Heavenly Father is completely captivated by your beauty.

"The God who slung the stars across the heavens...the same One who shaped the mountains and valleys with the palm of His hand...the God whose very breath gives life...that God, the King, has always been taken with you. You have been noticed, He thinks you are beautiful, the glass slipper fits, the music is playing, and He's asking you to dance." (Thomas, 2003)

Fortune Cookie

Today's Pei Wei fortune: Words must be weighed and not counted.

Heaven is...

...having lunch with a dear friend that involves blueberry iced tea and Triple Chocolate Decadence cake.

#10 I really love to laugh.

This is Farron Hunt, my wonderfully witty roommate for 10 days while I was in Mexico. (She's with one of the girls we met.) She's a beautiful, caring, compassionate woman who...loves to laugh. This is a great thing for me because...(I'm going to let you in on a little secret)...I'm really goofy. I love to skip or jump or dance a jig when people don't expect it. I don't necessarily love my inability to be graceful, but I've learned to live with it and actually laugh at myself. It was so nice to spend 10 days with someone who laughed with me as I laughed at myself and just enjoyed life and being in God's creation.

So, a question to my readers out there...what's the goofiest thing you've done lately?

Today's Pei Wei fortune: Be generous, and the favor will be returned.

#18 Some pigs have rhythm.

Bathrooms in small towns in Mexico are hard to come by...so several times a day I would make a trek up to the outhouse at the elementary school. On my way I passed several houses. For the most part, the houses looked about the same...made of bamboo-type wood or adobe with a rusted metal roof. One of the houses always had several pigs standing in the front yard and Tejano music blaring. Every time I passed by, the pigs tails moved back and forth to the rhythm of the music. A couple of times, I stopped to watch. The pigs never missed a beat. I was amazed...the pigs had more rhythm than I do.

This experience only solidified my yearning to take dance lessons to help cure my rhythm problem. SSQQ...expect me every week starting June 4th.

# 7 Cheese Ice Cream

Last weekend while walking in Poza Rica, I saw a street ice cream vendor. Since it was hot, I decided to take a gander at the offerings. There were 5 flavors: vanilla, coffee, strawberry, guava-melon, and cheese. Seriously...cheese. I really couldn't figure that one out, so I questioned further.

Me: What kind of cheese?
The ice cream lady: Fresh cheese.
Me: Really?
The ice cream lady: yes

I had already experienced fresh cheese at a restaurant. In Mexico, fresh cheese refers to a white cheese that is made daily...hence the name fresh. This white cheese has the texture of feta but has a very, very mild flavor.

I figured that since I was in Mexico I should try something new. I asked for a bite. It was actually really good. It tasted a lot like soft frozen cheesecake. Then it came to me...I got a scoop of the cheese ice cream and a scoop of the strawberry. It was like eating strawberry cheesecake...pure heaven.

So the moral of the story is:
If you are ever in Mexico, give cheese ice cream a chance.

I'm back!

I'm back from Mexico. We ended up finish our research early, and so after spending 3 hours in a van, 5 hours in a bus, and another 2.5 hours on a plane, I landed at IAH this morning around 9:30.

I learned so much while I was in Mexico. I think the best way to begin relaying the stories is with a list...so here it is. Over the next several days, I'll expand on some of the items with pictures.

18 things I learned while in Mexico

1. Sometimes you've just gotta twirl.
2. Someone thinks I'm beautiful.
3. I like toilet seats.
4. I do not like fresh coconut.
5. Little girls like to be tickled.
6. When a white girl draws blood in rural Mexico, the whole town watches.
7. I like cheese ice cream.
8. Pizza doesn't taste quite the same in Mexico.
9. I need to learn flexiblility.
10. I really love to laugh.
11. The same question is on every girl's heart.
12. Lizzards and air conditioners do not go well together.
13. I don't get car sick in Mexico.
14. I really need to learn Spanish.
15. I am so blessed.
16. Just chilling is a great thing.
17. If you don't have a barn, the animals come in the house when it rains.
18. Some pigs have rhythm.