National Doctors' Day

Today is "National Doctors' Day!"

I have witnessed first hand all of the blood, sweat and tears that go into becoming a great physician. By the time my husband completes residency/fellowship, he will have devoted ten years to the study of medicine. Can you believe that? TEN years.

I remember his "White Coat Ceremony," the induction into medical school, like it was yesterday. The road ahead was so exciting, yet seemed so long.

I remember the day he was assigned his cadaver. It would be the body he would work on for the first year of medical school, and he couldn't wait.

I remember the first day of his surgery rotation (in medical school). He called and said he was on call, and would have to spend the night in the hospital...... and wouldn't be coming home. He was stressed, tired and upset. I was on lunch, standing in Sam's Club when I got the call. I told him everything would be just fine, to hang in there. Then I hung up with him, and cried like a baby. I called my mom and told her I couldn't be a doctor's wife...... I wasn't cut out for it and would miss him too badly. I also remember me telling her that I was so worried because I hadn't packed much in his lunch that day and he wouldn't have anything to eat all night.

?????

As if they don't have food in hospitals.

I then called my mother in law..... and made her listen to my sad, sorry, irrational self.

I also remember when he fell asleep (due to going a couple of days without any) while holding a retractor during a vascular surgery. He had been standing....in one position.... for seven straight hours.

I remember when he delivered his first baby.... the night before Thanksgiving (2009). It was a baby girl, and he said he was so scared he would drop her because she was so "slippery." :)

I remember his "Match Day," and all of the stress and joy it entailed. Match Day is a ceremony in which medical students learn where they will do their residency. Their hope is that they have "matched" with their first pick. Together in front of their colleagues, all students open an envelope that states where they will spend the next four years of their life. Can you imagine? I have never been so nervous......and have never been so glad to see the name "University of Louisville" in print. What a memorable day!

I remember him preparing for his boards and waiting anxiously for the results to arrive. There would be no graduation without decent board scores.

I remember his very first page as an MD. We were laying in bed in our little apartment watching tv, and knew it could go off at any minute. Is was his first call night as a doctor (no longer a student!), and it was all of a sudden very real. The pager went off, we both jumped out of bed (I'm not sure what I thought I was going to do!?) and Troy grabbed the phone. I was SO excited for him, I couldn't stand it. He called the number back and I stood by waiting anxiously to listen. I heard him say "Hi, this is Dr. Davis....... I was paged."

My heart melted into a million pieces.

It was the first time I had heard him refer to himself as such.

It was at that very moment that all of his hard work, long hours, and preparation became acknowledged and worthy of his sacrifice. It was a moment I'll never forget.

I ran and got the camera so that I could take a picture of his "first page." There is more to this story that involves me knocking over something/causing a crashing noise (during his FIRST phone call!?) that my brother n laws still tease me about..... but we won't go into that. I waited up for him to get home that night, so that I could hear what the case was about. It was a twelve year old girl..... Troy was called in to rule out cancer. In which he did. Yes.... he was now a doctor.

I went down memory lane for a couple of reasons. One, I have never journaled about these things (something I love about blogging now!) and would like to remember them. Two, I think it shows a tiny glimpse of what physicians endure to earn the all important initials behind their name.

I sometimes forget about all of the hard work Troy has endured, mainly because he made it look so easy. Fortunately for him (and me!), he breezed through medical school and is now doing the same with residency. Things come very easy to him.....it blows my mind. Remember I said I was worried about being a doctor's wife, because I was afraid I wouldn't see him as much? That never happened. He has made it an honor, a privilege, and a JOY to be his wife. He has handled this long road with grace. With that being said, just the few memories I mentioned is a reminder of how much physical, mental, and emotional stress he endured to become a doctor. The stories are endless.

That is why I LOVE March 30th, and National Doctors' Day. ANY excuse I have to recognize our physicians, and what they have done so that they can serve others..... I'll do with bells on.

And while wearing my shirt....

I wanted so bad to wear this ALL day on National Doctor's Day, but knew it would embarrass my humble husband to death. So I just put in on for a photo :)

Before closing, I have to say Happy Doctors' Day to my brother-n-law too! Brian is BY FAR the hardest working physician that we know. Thank you Brian for encouraging, listening and "going first" .... you have helped Troy more than you will ever know. We love you!

So if possible, thank a doctor today! The road between the day they took the MCAT, to the day they serve YOU as a patient is a long one!

Happy Doctors' Day Sweet Husband!

Love,

Wife

What I'm Loving Wednesday

A few things I'm loving right now...

Are you watching "Smash" on NBC? I can't get enough! It's a musical drama series that revolves around the creation of a Broadway show.

It stars Kathryn McPhee (American Idol), who plays a talented, but often overlooked singer/actress who is trying to break into the business. She is wonderful in this!

Megan Hilty (who I heard played Glenda in Broadway's "Wicked") stars opposite McPhee and is so talented! As with pretty much every show on television these days, it can be a little racey- but not enough to where I can't still enjoy it. If you like musicals, Broadway, or just a good drama (it has a solid story line/characters even if you aren't into the music) I highly recommend it!

Something else I'm loving right now is a new accessory store (opened this winter) called "Versona." It's located at The Summit (next to Banana Republic) and it is fabulous!

The store is gorgeous and has everything from jewelry, shoes, handbags and even clothing. Everything is arranged by color/style and is nicely displayed.

The best part is that everything is DIRT CHEAP! I was shocked at how low the prices were. Keep in mind that it is costume-ish jewelry, so it's not necessarily top quality, but I found it to be better than most. They are only a few doors down from "Francesca's," which kind of concerns me because they are so similar. I love both stores and hope they stay. Next time you are at The Summit, definitely check out, Versona!

I'm also loving the touches of Spring in and around our home......

And a little touch of Easter....

I'm loving my new Steve Madden taupe flats that are so comfortable and go with everything....

I'm loving the new book I started, and pulling this month's Southern Living out of the mailbox....

And because Troy is sitting next to me as I type this, I asked him to give me a couple of things that he is loving right now.

He said he is loving the game "Battlefield" (specifically crashing helicopters with John.....it was important that I note the helicopters) and the show "Spartacus."

I told him he needs to start loving prettier things.... his monster pictures are messing up my blog.

What are you loving this Wednesday?

Love,

Kristin

Happy Birthday Mom

I credit so much of who I am, and what I've become to this woman.

So much of what I do, say, feel and think is a reflection of her. The phrase "I am my mother's daughter," could not be more true for me. We are two peas in a pod....... and I love it.

My mother is the most selfless person I know.

She radiates goodness and love.

She is as beautiful on the inside as she is the out.

I strive to be more like her.

Her birthday is a reminder of how special she made all of our birthdays, holidays, first days of school, etc. Growing up, we didn't just have birthday celebrations/cakes. We had cakes that said anything from "Yay for Kristin & Kandice, no more diapers!".....to "Matthew, today marks 13 days until you turn the big 13!" Yes..... we got small surprises everyday, for 13 days, to celebrate becoming a teenager. The list goes on and on...

The fact that it is her special day, and all I can think of is what she's done for us, is a testimony to the love and dedication she has given.

Happy Birthday Mom! Your love has done more for me than you'll ever know. If I end up to be half the woman you are, I will be blessed.

I love you so very much.

P.S. Mom now has the plague too. :( We had to cancel her birthday brunch, so that dad could take her to the doctor's office instead :( Hopefully we will be able to celebrate her birthday next Sunday!

Sinusitis & Shamrocks

The viral plague, otherwise known as a sinus infection and bronchitis has taken over my life. I know of several people that have this right now. If you are one of them- I'm so sorry for you. If you are healthy- stay home and away from all mankind. This yucky virus is miserable!! I am on day #6 and just now starting to feel a little better.

I wish I had fun pictures from this weekend. But no..... all I have is this:

A week ago, I had fun plans in mind for St. Patrick's Day weekend. I was going to wear my pretty green polka dot scarf, and my new green ballet flats. Troy was going to be equally as festive in his pale green button up (he can do pale, it doesn't go moo-moo on him, for those of you who read "Fashion Friday"). Instead, we stayed in pajamas all weekend..... no green polka dot scarf....no makeup :(

We did at least manage to wear festive pajamas. Troy even wore a green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle t-shirt. He would not let me take his picture, and I was too sick to beg him :)

I must be crazy for posting this awful picture....

In addition to Troy's cookie I had for him, Mom and Dad delivered goodies from "Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen." If you are reading......are sick....and have my parents' number... you need to let them know of your illness. If you're not sick, just fake a cough or something. You will not be disappointed when they visit.

Jen H: Yes....that small container is what you think it is. I'm SO sorry! I considered sharing, but it was late... and pouring down rain... and you have the viral plague too... and, well.... I ate it.

Earlier this week while working, a 20 something, carefree, patient asked me if Troy and I were going "out" on St. Patrick's Day. She named several places that her and her posey would most likely "go out" to. I told her no, that I didn't think we had really ever gone "out".... as in, ever. She laughed and said that St. Patrick's Day was one of the best days of the year to go out, that I had to do it. So we did... we went out. And I didn't even have to change out of my pajamas....

She will be very disappointed.

I have watched more tv in the past few days then I have in the past few months. I guess it's the only good thing to having the plague. Troy rented "I Don't Know How She Does It" for me at the RedBox. It was a very cute movie, I think all of you working moms out there would really appreciate it!

And last but not least, did you know that Mexican restaurants have chicken soup on their menus? I guess I'm usually too distracted by the chimichangas to notice, but I had a bowl last night and it was so delicious. I'm afraid it may be my new kick.... I do that... get on kicks, and want the same thing for dinner every night for 2-3 weeks. My mom does the same thing, so I blame her for my weirdness. I just came off a three week kick of ham and swiss sandwiches with potato soup. Before that it was spicy chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A. Mom's last thing was "Brach's Chocolate Bridge Mix." ?? Anyways, this is another post for another day- but try the soup. Especially if you're sick. It hit the spot.

Hope everyone had a fun St. Patrick's Day weekend!

Love,

Kristin

"Just a Spoonful of Sugar..."

Last night, Troy took me to see "Mary Poppins," at The Kentucky Center. It was wonderful. Before we get to the show, I have to make a side note. I started this blog as an online scrapbook for myself, so I want to note this so that I will remember..... I was S-I-C-K, sick!

There is nothing more I'd rather do than get all dolled up and go to dinner and a show. But I laid in bed all day wondering how I would get a shower...how I would get dressed.... and what sweat pants did I have that would pass for dress pants? The thought of going out when feeling bad was not appealing. Luckily, I was able to get dressed and get there and I'm SO glad I did. It was a wonderful evening!

Before the show, we went to dinner at Bistro 301.

I know people think I'm nuts taking pictures in restaurants. Years ago when I had my first cell phone with a camera, I would take pictures of us in restaurants (or wherever) and Troy would turn three shades of red. He is so used to it now that last night during dinner he asked "why don't you have the flash on?" I told him that I didn't want to embarrass him or draw attention to our table when the bright flash went off. He said that was nonsense, to turn it on if I wanted. I have ruined him :)

After dinner, we walked over to the theater. It was beautiful outside, the perfect evening for a walk downtown.

Before the show, we stopped by the souvenir table to buy my ornament. I like to get a Christmas ornament anytime we go somewhere like this, to hang on our "memory" tree during the holidays. Would you believe they were sold out? It was opening night!? They gave me the website of where it can be ordered. Aren't they sweet? The perfect memory ornament from this Broadway show...
We snapped a few pictures before going into the theater..

This was the view from our seats. We were in row B, which was so nice.

Photography wasn't allowed, but I found these photos on the Broadway Across America site and from the Courier Journal.

I don't want to put too many photos of the actual show in case someone reading is going. It's better to be surprised!

I absolutely loved the performance. I'm a fan of any musical, but when it's Disney....oh....I just can't take it. I enjoy a live show so much, that I always get emotional during the final applause when the cast is taking their bow. ??? It's down right embarrassing. Troy is used to it, but I try my best not to let the person sitting next to me see. God help me if I ever had a child on the stage :)

To my sweet husband- thank you for taking me tonight! I know you had to have been tired after working all day and appreciate you being so good to me. I love you.