Big announcement

A big thanks to everyone who wished me luck on my exams and sent birthday wishes my way! It's all finally over, but I think I'm suffering from some kind of post-exam depression (you know, like postpartum depression, the affliction that Tom Cruise believes doesn't exist, because you know, he's been a pregnant woman and everything). I guess it's partly because it will be a while before I know how I did on my exams and I'm just so terribly tired. In addition, it will be sad to not see everyone for a while, I will miss our study and sushi pig-out sessions.

Nevertheless, there are many things to celebrate, such as the most awesome gifts that were sent my way. My sisters and brother-in-law purchased three very lovely coveted items from my Amazon wishlist (I was soooo happy!!) and I am very much enjoying Scrubs season 2, Stephen Lewis' "Race Against Time" (the first chapter is already amazing) and I'm just loving all the anecdotes from my very own copy of "This Side of Doctoring: Reflections from Women in Medicine". Also, Mike did the most amazing wrapping job ever on my gifts, with no tape showing and beautiful paper and ribbons (for a girl, presentation is everything) and he definitely one-upped me in the gift wrapping department. I used to have mad skills but now I'm just lazy. I've given up my dreams of being hired during the Christmas season as a shopping mall gift wrapper, but I think Mike should go for it! He even sent me a sneak preview before my birthday:

These boxes were filled with wonderful gifts, including Gumby and Pokey! Now I can carry mini-Mike in my pocket, because I swear that when Mike wears green clothing, I think he has an uncanny resemblance to Gumby (and hence his joke gift). In fact, here is a picture of Mike imitating his new love, Johnny Cash:

Yet another amazing gift I received was a very special announcement - I will be joining three of my classmates for a summer elective in KENYA!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited, because it's one of my greatest dreams to visit Africa. I'm very much looking forward to discovering a new culture and making a contribution, even though it will be probably be an infinitesimal one. I will be working at the Matangwe health clinic in rural Kenya for the month of May, and the best part is that there will be a school next door where I can volunteer my time. On Wednesdays there will be well baby visits and I will get the chance to administer vaccinations! As well, the closest city is Bondo, where there is also a hospital I might be able to work at. I am also hoping to a go on a safari and discover new wildlife!!!! I can't wait to see gazelles, antelope, hippos and what the squirrels of Africa look like. The clinic is run by Caring Partners International and the work they've done so far is amazing. I know I will be truly inspired by this experience and as my departure date nears, I will be sure to have updates!

Until then, I wish everyone a very happy, warm and safe holiday!!!

In my medical opinion, the best white wine out there that you should try this holiday season: Mike and I are officially in love with Niagara's very own Featherstone 2004 Gewürztraminer-Reisling. It is delicious! "This is a zesty and refreshing semi-sweet blend of Gewurztraminer and Riesling. Citrus and grapefruit flavours give the wine and energizing quality like breezes out of a tropical garden. Delightful as an aperitif but see what it can do for a plate of calamari, a BBQ'ed chicken breast or a bowl of Pad Thai."