December 1st

Will here.

I love Christmas - always have. The lights, the cold, the fires in fireplaces, the friends in town, the family visits, the awesome food, the fantastic music... It never gets old for me.

But this year, Christmas means something extra special. Yes, it will be the end of a long and demanding semester, and for that I am grateful. What I'm thinking of, though, is much bigger.

Clare and I will be celebrating our first Christmas as a married couple.

As I write this, the night is passing into morning and plenty of work remains to be done, but I am just overwhelmed by my situation at this very second. Clare and I are married. Still totally blows my mind. We live in a quaint little apartment in the heart of Belhaven. We went and picked out a Christmas tree for our place yesterday and had to ask the folks if they had anything smaller they could show us. It was fantastic! We really are at such a unique junction in our lives together, and I'm just thankful for it - for all its quirks, its bursts of laughter, its understandings that the important things in life don't cost a dime.

When Clare and I were early on in our courtship, we used to lament the fact that there were so many years separating us from where we were then to that ONE DAY when we would, in front of God and everyone, be married. After feeling sorry for ourselves for a little while, we finally realized how much fun we were having just being right where we were. 'Besides,' we said, 'What's six years in the span of sixty?' How true that's been, even with the little time we've had.

But yes, I am amazed and humbled to be at such a spot in my life. Clare, you are wonderful - thank you for agreeing to share your time on this planet with me. That is just too cool.

So, in sum: Med school = finite. Challenges / Obstacles = come and go. Getting to spend the first of many, many Christmas' with the woman you love = just no beating that.

Welcome, December! You are always a sight for sore eyes.

Best to all of you,
Will

PS - Found a neat quote that I think is worth sharing. It's a Serbian proverb: "Be humble for you are made of earth. Be noble for you are made of stars." Just excellent.

Mary Kay Beauty Consultant

I think that probably every woman out there has hard of Mary Kay, right? It is a line of make-up and skin care items for women, and they also have several items for men. A few weeks ago I went to a May Kay party for a friend of mine (her husband is also an M1 at UMMC, and we are in the Wives' auxiliary together!). I was listening to the beauty consultant talking about what Mary Kay was like for her and I was so inspired! Not only was she really able to boost her financial situation, but it gave her an opportunity to meet some really amazing woman and touch so many lives. I was inspired to look into becoming a consultant myself. So.....last week I signed up and I am now an official consultant!

I am so excited to be working with such a great group of women. They emphasize that our priorities should always be- God first, Family Second, and Career third. I was so impressed that from the very beginning they were emphasizing that a career should not be the most prominent thing in our lives. Of course we need jobs to survive and pay bills (etc etc etc), but a job or one's desire for money should never be the ultimate goal or our driving force. 

I think this is an especially hard concept in the world today, particularly in my generation. We are beginning to enter the work force now and it is hard sometimes to remember that all the benefits of life and work will come in due time. Our parents didn't have 3 story mansions and granite counter tops when they were our age. I believe there is a certain sweetness that comes with working hard at something and then enjoying the benefits. I've been thinking about this a lot lately because I think the timeline Will and I are looking at has become more apparent and 'real' to me. He's got at least 3 1/2 years of school left and then several years of residency, and soon (hopefully!) I'll be back in school. We've still got a long haul before we'll be in our careers and working. 

I know our time will come when we can work and enjoy the benefits. For now I am trying to enjoy all the small things that come with our lifestyle at this point, for I know this time will pass all too quickly. 

I love that I can vacuum the whole apartment without having to plug the vacuum into more than one outlet. 

I love that I can always hear where Will is in the apartment. 

I love that Will can ride his bike to the hospital.

I love that we are in the middle of a neighborhood and can go walking and visit with our neighbors. 

I love that we are almost equidistance from all 3 families. 

I love that this apartment has so many windows and we always get so much sunlight. 

I love that the small space means we are constantly bumping into each other. 

I love that our laundry is right in the kitchen. It makes me laugh now, but I know I'll miss it one day.

I love living in such an eccentric part of the city and seeing all of our weird neighbors walk around. 

I love that in the afternoon I can hear the local high school marching band playing. 

I love that we are right across from a park where they show free movies like ET and Indiana Jones. 

I love that we have two porches and a little patch of green space that I have reclaimed. 

Circa May 2011

There are so many things that I love about this apartment and this stage of life we are in now. I'm trying to enjoy everything about this moment because it's going to pass too quickly. So for the time, I am going to take too many pictures, stay up way too late with Will (every night this week), and try to enjoy all that this stage has to offer.

Go hug someone you love :)

Pardon Our Progress- We Are Under Construction

I think that title pretty much sums up this blog right now. Last week I got really into updating the blog and trying to give it 'the look' that accurately depicts the feeling we want to convey (....and I'm REALLY good at procrastinating....more on that later).

I spent several hours researching how to change the look of a blog, and how to add tabs. It would be really helpful right about now if I had taken had paid attention in my Computer Science class last Fall. Whelp. Ya see, I don't exactly understand HTML code. I know, I know....It's not that hard. I'll get it soon....but for now I'm on strike.

So this weekend was Halloween! And Will's 5 year High School Reunion! And the UMMC Student Body Halloween party! And my tour for the UMMC School of Nursing! And game night with my sister Rachael and her hubby! and Will's only 'free' and relaxing weekend in a long time! woohoo!

It was a fabulous weekend, but I must say, I am sad that it went by so quickly. Will and I had some great time together and it felt like we were a married couple again- rather than two people occupying the same space.

I say this in jest, seriously. Ever heard the phrase "medical school widow"? I used to laugh when people said that (and cringe on the inside).  This past month has given that statement some credibility. Will has been a great husband with what little time he has, but let me say that I am so glad that Blacktober is over.

This too shall pass. 

Why, hello there, Movember. To raise awareness about Prostate Cancer, this month Will will be growing out his 'stache in support. We will be taking either daily or weekly pics to display in an effort to help raise funds for research. Did you know that Prostate Cancer affects 1 in 6 men? That's huge! My uncle was just diagnosed a few weeks ago and is now preparing to have the radical procedure of having his prostate removed. Let's get involved, ya'll.

In other news, I submitted my Nursing School Application. I am very excited and very nervous. I applied for two programs- they only differ in the amount of time. The Accelerated BSN program is 15 months, and the Traditional BSN program is 2 years. Both would begin next May. These programs are very competitive- but I know in my heart that I am meant to be a nurse. My fingers are crossed and I am praying that I find out soon! I applied Early Decision which would let me know of an acceptance in December, and if I'm not accepted into the first round or decision, then my application will be put back into the general admission pile and I will know more definitively in March. Please say a prayer for me!

For Halloween Will and I were "Black Eyed Peas". NOT The Black Eyed Peas. Just, Black Eyed peas. Pictures to come soon.

I'd love to know what your Halloween Costume was this year! Or was there a favorite one that you saw? Please leave me a comment and let me know!

Have a great week. Happy Movember.

P.S. You know those times when you feel absolutely certain that you have the best mom? Today is one of those days. I've been struggling the past few weeks with some personal stuff- mainly just normal life growing pains, and my mom went out of her way to get me a sweet happy- an electric wax melter scent diffuser thing-a-ma-bob from Scentsy. Thanks, Mom. I love it.

Isn't it beautiful? I love the angels. I think I know where Christmas gifts are coming from this year!

Fall Football and other Musings

I come from a large family, with my youngest brother on this earth is Joseph. There is an 18 year difference between the oldest biological, and the youngest. For the past 26 or so years, my parents have had children at both the local Catholic Elementary School and Catholic High School. Last year marked the first year that my parents would not have a child at the elementary school. It was bittersweet for certain, but these are life's changing stages.

Joseph is now in 7th grade at the junior high/ high school, while my other sister, Mollie, is a junior. I am glad that they have each other there. My oldest sister, Rachael, and I also work at St. Joe right now and so I find it so funny that there are 4 Gray-Lewis' at one school now! I am loving being around family so much, and I am so impressed by how much Mollie and JoJo are growing. They are becoming such independant, intelligent, and kind people. I thought JoJo would be embarrassed about seeing his older siblings at his new school, but he will still come up to me in the hallway and give me a hug! I love it! JoJo is playing football this season and he such a good athlete! I have been fortunate to attend a few games and get some pictures of him- no matter how much he protests- It's not cool to have to stop and smile while playing football, ya know?

I don't remember what my dad was doing here, but he sure was proud of himself! 

Joseph has decided he doesn't like to smile in pictures anymore. He's too cool for it.

When we were kids, if we were not smiling my dad would always say, "I can see that smile!" over and over again until we smiled. Works every time

Can you see the red hair? #17

We called his name for a while to try to get him to turn around- finally he acknowledged us!

 

This is my pitiful attempt at a picture of all of the Gray-Lewis men. They are such goofballs! Oh, and my mad photography skillz could use a little work. Any tips on working with low light?

Momma Mary's Birthday!

Back in September we celebrated my wonderful Mother-In-Love's birthday! Momma Mary is such a wonderful woman. She is an extremely hard working, and intelligent nurse. She is so generous and selfless towards Will and I, and is always trying to find new ways to help us out. We had her over for dinner and dessert that night and opened a few presents. Here are a few pictures of our party!

I had so much fun making her cake! 

I tried my hand at pop-up cards- and I am proud to say I will be making more of these!

MM is a lover of the National Parks and ourdoors just like Will and I. We got her this book that she had been wanting with pictures of all the US National Parks. It is such a great book!

I think she loved it!

Catch Up

At the beginning of August, Will started Medical School. We were very prepared for a difficult ride- and were pleasantly surprised when at first it wasn't really that bad. We still were able to find time to hang out and catch up, as well as finding enough time to study and feel good about school. Well, the past few weeks have become more difficult. His schedule has been more hectic, which translates to less time together, at home, or studying. The stress level has increased and we are both feeling it. Thankfully he now has an off weekend- meaning he doesn't have any major tests next week so we will get a breather. For this, I am thankful.

We both feel like we are on the right track right now, but the time commitment is still daunting at times. He's got a little more than 3 1/2 years of school, then roughly a 5 year residency, then more if he decides on a fellowship etc. We know it will be worth it, but still, that's a lot time, ya know?

Our mantra right now is One Day At A Time. We've been told the first year is the most difficult, and I feel that is mostly because of the adjustment period from undergrad. It's a lot of changes all at once, and the expectations are so high and there is very little 'me' time. Will is doing very, very well with all the changes- but there's only so much one person can do.

For all of these reasons, I am so glad that we decided to go ahead and get married before school started. We dated for 5 1/2 years before we got married, and throughout that time our plans changed a lot. For a while we were thinking of tying the knot after both of our schooling, but now I'm confident that this journey would be so much more difficult without him being right there with me. We are so blessed.

I read a quote the other day that I felt really spoke to me-

Source: imperfectionatbestt.tumblr.com via Clare on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday.

What's On My Mind Today.

It's Fall, Y'all!

....and it's been nearly forever since I've posted.

One day I will actually finish recounting our cross country trip, complete with pictures, but for now, updates of what we have been up to will suffice.

We have had several big milestones in the past few months-

First of all, Will started Medical School and got his White Coat!!

Pre- White Coat Ceremony!

He is now on his way to getting his MD!

He has done so well in school so far and I am so proud of him. He was even elected liaison of his class. This means that after any test, if someone has a problem with a question, he's the person they go to. Will will then decide if it is a legitimate claim, and then present it to the professor. This is turning out to be a great position for him because he is so good with words and being diplomatic. He is able to find ways to present the claim in such a way that it is valid, while not stepping on anyone's toes in the process.

Something I'm very happy about is that there is an active Medical Student Wives Auxiliary group at UMC. It is for any wives, fiances, girlfriends etc of medical students. It is primarily a support group and we have monthly meetings and get togethers. This was something I was really hoping that UMC had and I am just so happy to be apart of such a great group of girls that are involved!

On September 5th we celebrated our 6 year anniversary! We got married on April 9th, but the fifth has always held a special place in our heart. We began dating on September 5, 2005, and have celebrated the fifth every month since! We also celebrated our 6 month WEDDING anniversary on October 9th!

I think we just like to celebrate :)

To celebrate our wedding anniversary, we picked up some food for a picnic and went to the spot where we got engaged, Lakeshore Park.

It was perfect weather and it was so nice to take some time apart from studying and just reflect on our time together. Because we dated for so long before we got married, we spent a lot of time talking about "THE Day". Now that THE day has come and gone, and we are married, it's still hard to believe sometimes that it's all real!

A few weeks ago we went to the Mississippi State Fair. It was a lot of fun...apart from the bruises we got on the giant slide. It was am extra special time because exactly 6 years and one day earlier we went there for our first anniversary date. I know, I know. I'm very nostalgic. We rode the same rides we rode then and it was just so much fun. If someone had told us 6 years earlier that we would be in the same spot and married in just a few short years, I don't know if I would have believed them. Will, of course, said he always knew :)

Happy Friday!

Brevard, NC

Our trip started out with the 11 hour drive to Brevard, NC, home of Bret's grandparents, Nanny and BobBob. Papa, Mollie and Joseph, with accompanying friends, drove up on Monday, while Mama, Bret, Rachael, Will and I followed that Wednesday. Unlike the initial trip on Monday, our drive was uneventful :)

Our driving group.

While we were in NC, we went white water rafting on the Nantahala with my family and it was a blast! The little town it was in was so neat! It was such an outdoor community- everyone was either kayaking, running, or biking- it was such an energetic area. I'd love to live somewhere like that one day.

Mollie and Joseph on the Nantahala.

The neat cafe on the river! (I know, I'm a dork)

The "adults". Who are we kidding?

The next day, Will and I spent some time walking around in downtown Brevard, NC with Rachael and Bret. Brevard is a very cute, quaint town. There was an old fashioned soda shop and movie theatre, as well as several outdoor athletic stores.

After that, Will and I went and met my dad and Joseph at their campsite.

Joseph brought a few friends to NC, so we all decided to go canoeing. They were camping on a big lake which connected to a waterfall down stream, so we canoed to the waterfall. The water was very warm at first, but once we reached the waterfall- it was freezing! Of course the boys jumped right in, but Will and I creeped in- at first getting our toes wet, then our ankles, and eventually we jumped right in. Papa even got in with us! Behind the waterfall was hollowed out so you could climb behind it and then slide out on the slick right under the waterfall. Being behind the waterfall with Will and Joseph and hearing the water pounding down in front of us is one of my favorite memories. The water was so cold, and we were very timid about getting in, but I'm so glad that we did. The trip was about embracing each moment- and we definitely did that each step of the way.

We enjoyed a cookout with my family after our water adventures and got ready for our EARLY morning drive!