One of the most important things I have done for myself through medical school is have a life. I know that sounds pretty straight forward, but it actually was a times a choice I had to decide to make. Get a better grade on this test, or do something I really love? Unlike some of my classmates, I chose to have a life. I'm not saying that was always the right choice. Sometimes I probably should have studied more. But, I didn't. And I've done fine. And I've had a life. This weekend was an excellent example of life, so I thought I would share!

On Friday, my friend Betsy's parents were down visitng from Michigan for mothers day weekend, so we all went out for a nice dinner at Old Salem Tavern downtown. It was a FANTASTIC meal with good company. Excellent start to the weekend.

Saturday morning I woke up early to drive to Boone with a friend and go hiking. There is this fantastic 5 mile trail near the Blue Ridge Parkway with beautiful scenery, varying terrain, and the weather was PERFECT! After the hike, we had some Chic-Fil-A for lunch (for those of you who haven't had it before, try it. It's delish), then went shopping for some work clothes. I always have great success at the Banana Republic outlet, and this was no different. Too much money and a big bag of clothes later, we forewent (is that a word) other outlets to get to the General Store in downtown Boone, where you can buy crogs, penny candy, and home made soap all in the same store... if you want. Except this was App State graduation weekend! Plan foiled. So we just went home instead.

Then I went back over to Betsy's to cook dinner for her parents. We made the classic favorite meal of cajun shrimp, sweet potato fries, and wilted spinach salad, with apple tarts for dessert. Again, delish. Then we watched The Time Travelers Wife... well, I watched about 20 minutes before falling asleep, but everyone else loved it! I woke up as it ended, went home, and went back to sleep.

Sunday... ohhh Sunday. It was MOTHER'S DAY!!!! So we made a Mother's Day breakfast of french toast with fresh berries and whipped cream, and coffee. Then Betsy's family had to leave so we waved goodbye, then went for a run to work off all the food we'd eaten in the last 48 hours. Then it was off to Salisbury for, you guessed it, more eating. We met a friend of mine at Catawba College for lunch, then drove back to Winston so I could get a new cell phone, and then it was off to Reynolda Gardens for some picture taking and general awesome-weather basking. Then we watched The Hurt Locker (excellent, I highly recommend it), and it was time for some sleep before starting another week in the PICU.

Nothing too spectacular... which is exactly why it was a fantastic weekend. Good friends, good food, good weather, and no studying. If only every weekend could be like that.....