I Passed

Just thought I'd let everyone I got my Step I board scores back today and I passed! I am so happy. I feel I can move on now with life in general as the burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you everyone for the support. I couldn't have done it without all of you and that's the honest truth.

God Bless,
♥ Raquel

Sound of Pulling Heaven Down

Happy summer everyone. Ryan and I are about the same as the last update. We were able to attend Red, White, and Boom here in KC last weekend. The bands that played early in the day related to the "tween" population more but we went to see Blue October, David Cook, and Matt Nathanson. By far my new favorite band is Blue October. I never thought I would like their kind of music. As quoted on Rhapsody "this Texas band walks the line between post-grunge Pearl Jam influences and modern rock with Dave Matthews emotion". I think I have made a fan out of Ryan as well. At the end of the concert we were able to see a Fireworks show which always screams summer. There's nothing better than a good concert and good company.

I have recently gotten it into my head that I want to read the best novels of all time. I started with none other than "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë. By all listings, this is the number one love story of all time. However, I have yet to grasp that light from it. Every character in the story is fatally flawed somehow. In order for me to enjoy a love story, I must be able to sympathize with the character. In my mind Catherine Earnshaw was a selfish snob. A friend of mine pointed out that what makes it such a good love story is that their only redeeming quality IS their love for each other. Can you imagine your only redeeming quality in life is your love for another person? I consider myself a sappy person, but that's pushing it. Overall, I found the story depressing, though the writing brilliant and for that I appreciate the book. Now, the book "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger is a beautiful love story where I could relate to the characters somewhat. Any suggestions for my next read? It doesn't have to be a love story...

I feel like Ryan and I have bragging rights nine months of the year in regards to the weather living in KC. However, that is certainly not the case in the summer. We have endured 110 degree heat indices the past week. Its hard to even catch a breath. I love seeing pictures of the beautiful summer up North so if you have any please share. It finally started to cool down today so we got a refreshing walk in this morning, it was so nice to breathe some fresh air.

There are no new updates on my Board exam results. My patience is near full capacity. I will let you know when I do. I pray every day I can bring good news.

Below is a picture of me with the plant from Grandma Linda in a new pot because it was getting too big for the last one. I am very proud of keeping it healthy and thriving for almost two years now. It has grown even since this picture was taken. I read that if given the right amount of space it could potentially get ten feet tall, I'm not sure if I believe that or not.

Below, me and two of my medical school companions. We were out celebrating A's upcoming wedding in August (left).

Sorry I don't have more to blog about. I've been working on my Econ paper a lot this weekend on airline ticket pricing. It has been a lot of work so far but I'm learning a ton, very interesting. Well, I guess I'll get going. Thanks for reading.

♥ Raquel

Listening to: "Overweight" by Blue October - this song makes me want to groove...

Please Forgive Me

Sorry it has been a while since a blog update. I have been done with boards for over two weeks and have just been enjoying my time. The past three months tested me in ways I was unprepared for. I was incessantly somber, generally unhappy, and perhaps characteristically crabby. I was pleasantly surprised that the minute I walked out of my board exam, that aura that enveloped me for so long was gone. Amazing. I was back. I only have two months of "summer" before rotations start and Ryan and I have made a vow to have a lot of fun. Last summer felt a bit lame to both of us (at least when we were in KC). Maybe it was because Ryan worked night shift or we were still getting accustomed to KC, I don't know. Last weekend we watched movies, played Blokus, went golfing, read books, and organized the apartment we have recently signed another year lease for. We are happily filling up our schedule this summer and are thrilled about it.

This picture doesn't necessarily fit, but I couldn't resist, he's so cute. (Ryan on his birthday)

Right after my board exam Ryan and I headed to Wisconsin for the Memorial Day weekend. I discovered (of course in Wisconsin) my two new favorite drinks, New Moon with orange & cinnamon and Brandy slush's. The quintessential summer drinks. We got a lot of visiting and relaxing in. Nothing beats a bonfire at the VanderBloomen's up North in the summertime. As cliche as it may sound, I love spending time with my Wisconsin family and friends, regardless of their Packer loving habits. Sadly, we had to come back to KC to attend our responsibilities. It's no fun being a grown up sometimes. My summer courses are now in full swing. I also got my rotation schedule this week which I am psyched about. My first rotation is pediatrics in August. No, George Clooney will not be my preceptor. I was hoping though :)

Mom, Joey, and Grandpa C also came to KC early this week. Joey came down to see if he qualifies for a research study being done here for children with Type I diabetes. If he qualifies he may be spending some time here this summer. Joey, I'm so proud of you being such a trooper and never complaining. I love you!

This weekend has also been relaxing, which seems to be the new theme of our lives. No complaints from this girl. We went to a happy hour with some friends on Friday evening and I spent Saturday at the library with a good friend of mine. Last night Ryan and I also got to attend a Bryan Adams acoustic concert. Fabulous. I have been telling my fellow MBA'ers this week that Ryan and I were going to this concert and the most common response was, "what does he sing?". What?? I determined my classmates lack of enthusiasm over Bryan Adams when we got to the concert last night. Ryan and I were honestly the youngest people there. It fits me though, I have always had an older soul. I have never related to people my own age. Thank you everyone for the birthday money! I spent it on the concert and it did not disappoint. We had front row on the balcony which ended up being awesome seats. Ryan said it was the best concert he has ever been to, that's saying something. Bryan Adams talked a lot and sung with an acoustic guitar and at times a piano (and harmonica). His vocals are impressive. I do not think he missed a note. We had a good time.

Sorry I have been gone so long. Oh how I've missed thee. I hope to be blogging about our summer adventures periodically and to hear about yours. May the summer treat you well.

♥ Raquel and Ryan

PS. We just watched "New in Town" with Renee Zellwegger and it exaggerates winter in Minnesota, but we thought it was hilarious regardless.

PSS. Congratulations to the Leen family who will have another addition in December. I love you all!