I'm a grownup!

Yup, I started my real-live job last week! Here's some photos to prove it.

The new sign

I got flowers from Mom and Dad on my first day at the office!

My new office.

Henry loves to cut the grass!

Our little family update.

So we did manage to close on our new house on Wednesday, woohoo! Which means we are now homeowners, again (at the same time, I mean). But we are hoping to do the closing on our old house this coming Wednesday.

The moving company sent 3 guys to pack our stuff Friday. I wasn't home for most of it, but apparently the Gipper supervised in my stead. He did an excellent job, from what I can tell. So we are currently surrounded by 8 foot piles of boxes and a few random toys. Loading will occur on Monday and unloading on Tuesday.

I graduate on Friday night, so this is my last week as a resident. Which is a little scary and exciting all at the same time. Does anyone ever really feel ready for the real world?

I'm taking a month off before starting at my new practice. Part of that month will be spent getting acquainted with the new office and town as well as taking the Family Medicine Boards (ginormous test that's taken at grad and then every 6-7 years to make me official). The other part will be a two-week trip to Germany! I hope Henry continues to be a good travelling baby, because we have a few long flights ahead of us.

Enjoy the pics below!

It's a girl!

My most recent obstetrical accomplishment:

Skiler Renee!

tired

I'm feeling a bit like this after working until 9 pm. This is getting old. Only 3 more days, I can do it...

Embracing the awkward.

Everyone has been in those situations at work when there's some unspoken awkwardness. When something has happened that is sort of hanging out there for a few days or weeks. No one really mentions it specifically, but it's the careful avoidance of the subject that becomes noticeable. I feel like I'm there right now. And I'm one of the awkward subjects, although I won't detail the story. Because I'm feeling a little bitter about it all, I decided it would be fun to make sure that everyone feels awkward, too. Not like I want to make a big issue of it, just having a little fun. Basically all I'm doing is bringing up the topic that everyone is hoping will be forgotten. Relishing my bad attitude. But in a cheerful way.

It will be over when I'm over it.

Dealing with the difficult patient.

That's the subject of the lecture I'm scheduled to give next week. Someone gave me the awesome idea to include the episode of Seinfeld in which Elaine is labeled as a difficult patient. I spent a while trying to figure out which episode it was, and then realized it's The Package from season 8, which hasn't been released yet. crap. that was a great plan. maybe I can find it somewhere to download... I'll give it a try at least.

If I don't do something interesting, this hour is totally going to blow, because who isn't freaking tired of hearing about communication skills and the somatasizing patient? ugh. So I'll have to come up with a gimmick somehow. Must brainstorm.

no pressure

Only 15 months until I enter the real world. So between now and then, all I need to do is figure out where I want to spend the rest of my life and exactly what kind of practice I want. Plus, who do I want to work with, and in what kind of office, for what hospital? Not that those are big decisions or anything. I know nothing has to be forever, but it's tough to think of re-starting again.

I'm not even sure where to begin. Looking at hospitals? Towns? I'd rather not use a recruiter, because (a) I don't believe that they're generally trustworthy, and (b) it kinda makes me feel slimy. Not positive why that is.

My strategy thus far has been denial. Always worked well in the past, so I think I'll stick with it a while longer. Or at least keep it in my back pocket to fall back on if I need it.

Maybe these guys can help:

Can't hurt to ask.

It's a boy!

I just got home from delivering a beautiful 6# 3.4oz baby boy! It's so awesome when everything with a delivery goes well--a few minutes of pushing, the baby comes right out, no tears, good-looking baby and momma. Love that.
Poor little guy, he's getting a circ tomorrow. But it's better than saving it for later, I guess.
Newborn pictures here.