Residency Match

I think that most programs have matched for residency--podiatry possibly being the last! Today, we found out our match and are thrilled. 

Congratulations to all 4th years students who matched to residencies the past few weeks! If you did match, please comment and tell us where you are going! 

Those Months I Dreaded

***This post was originally on my personal blog, but I felt the need to share it here today.***

Before Derek left for his audition rotations, I could barely utter the phrase "clerkship". I hated the thought of not being able to see Derek everyday. Even though his schedule is hectic and crazy, we always had mornings and late nights together, no matter the time. If he had to be up at 4:00 am, I was up at 4:00 am with him; making him breakfast, reading scriptures, and seeing him off for his day. If he got home after midnight from a late surgery, I waited up for him. Even if all I did was re-heat leftovers, pour a bowl of cereal, or climb right into bed with him, it was still time. 

Flash forward to today. The audition rotations are over & we made it. We managed 6 full weeks apart (plus smaller increments of 2-4 in between) which doesn't seem that long, but it was challenging in it's own way. Sometimes it was the time difference. Other times it was extreme exhaustion. It was that time I was crying my eyes out because someone broke into our car, busted the window, and stole Derek's backpack. Then, these little things seemed like the most horrible things in the world. Today, we look back and laugh. We did something hard, but it made us stronger. 

Stronger in the fact that we appreciate each other a little more. In the fact that after the long time apart, we still found the time for the things that were important in our relationship and life. Those things that we took for granite before like a date night or a trip to the temple. 

We realized that we can do hard things together and I know now that I don't have to be afraid. 

Clerkship Letter Bundle

Hi all you strong med wives! Hope school or rotations are underway for all of you and you're finding time to spend with your sweeties! My husband has his first of four clerkships this month, he is actually heading to his second tomorrow, which means we are not together right now. As hard it it seems, it hasn't been bad at all. He is clocking 18-20 hour days, and barely having time to sleep with journal club, presentations, and too many surgeries to count. I'm here to share with you an idea for when your sweetie goes off on any/all clerkships. 

1. Find cute stationary

2. Decide what would be best for your sweetie & title each letter. Remember there will be good days & bad days. Here are some examples below:

{for when you rock a surgery, for when you're missing me, for when you need a hug/snuggle, for (insert holiday here), for your long drive, for when you need to laugh} 

3. Write thoughtful & positive words. Use your own language and semantics so it feels personal.

4. Add treats, photos, cd's, or anything you believe will be of use.

5. Bundle them all up and give them before they leave to travel. 

It's as simple as that. It was every sweeter when I gave them to him the night before his first clerkship in Washington D.C. I would be leaving the next day and it was just a quiet moment that we could share together.

On a happier note, I am flying to Denver (his second rotation location) in a week and couldn't be more excited to get some time in with my man! 

As always, feel free to check out, read, or follow our blog. We love visitors! 

www.head2toesmith.blogspot.com 

New Girl

Hi Fellow Med Wives! So glad to be here. Kinda nervous, but what new kid isn't. Before I write my little fingers to the bone with ALL the questions I have, here is a little about us! 

My husband Derek is a 4th year podiatry student (PMIV) currently in his CORE rotation block here in Michigan. We made the 2,000 mile journey by moving truck from where the school was located in Phoenix, Arizona. (Midwestern University) So far, we are LOVING it  here! 

I am a certified elementary school teacher & finished off the year with my kiddos to enjoy a year free from school & work. I know, sounds like a dream! I needed it! I also write & maintain our blog. Feel free to check it out here. We're here for the next 3 months before Derek leaves & starts his clerkship's from coast to coast-literally. 

So here's where I want advice & help! All you long distance wives- how do you do it?! I'm going to be living with my parents in San Diego during those months & will visit Derek briefly at each location. 

1. How do you support your spouse long distance?

2. How do you stay busy & active?

3. How should I act on the phone/video chats we will have?

4. How the heck will I stay sane.

I will take any & all advice! I literally read this blog from start to finish and had tears in my eyes from over half of the posts....hormones, guys.