Writer's block

It's been a while. Sorry about that. Between summer vacation, where I boycotted doing anything that required any effort, and the beginning of second year, where I got sucked back into the all-consuming world of immunology, I somehow managed to not blog for over a month. I promise not to leave you hanging like this again. I fear I may lose all readership if I don't continually post, but then I remember that my blog isn't that exciting in the first place, so I snap back to the reality that no one really cares that I didn't blog once during August. I digress.

When one does not post an entry for an extended period of time, one starts to feel immense pressure for the next post. It has to be a hit, a real stinger, something to make up for your extended period of absence. So when something minute and infinitesimal comes up that one might blog about in a normal situation, one pushes it to the side in hopes of coming across the the big fish later. In the mean time, the readers are left starving. Give them the little fish, I proclaim. Little fish are better than no fish!

So that is what you will be getting here. I have nothing profound to explain to the world, but if I do not get my fingers warm again by writing about something trivial and insignificant, I may just never blog again. And what a shame that would be. The world deserves better.

Here are some topics that I have considered blogging about, but did not feel the impetus to do so at the time. But quit complaining and just eat the goldfish, ok?!

• I am now working out consistently. I run a 2.5 mile trail and then do abs about 5 times a week. I started doing it because SJ kicked my butt into gear a couple of months ago, making me get out of bed at 7:15am (during summer break, no less) to go run with her. I now go with my main squeeze almost every night, but he runs 3.5 miles in the time it takes me to run 2.5. I will catch him eventually, but I am currently content with my progress.
  
• While most people gain the "Freshman 15" during their undergrad years, I had a delayed onset. The only pounds I gained during my freshman year were due to lifting weights for the first time in my life. Muscle weights more than fat, as I am sure most people know. I gained ~10 lbs of pure, lean muscle that year, and thought I'd never go back. The muscles that used to grace my legs and abdomen, have since deteriorated and turned to flab. I gained my "M1 15" last year, but I am now on track to lose it all, so don't fret.
• I went to Spain for vacation the first week of August, and did not know what to expect. I took French in high school and college, so I knew nothing about the language or culture. I never took a Spanish history class, so I was ignorant of their days of old. Going in with no expectations ended up working out wonderfully. I would have probably been disappointed if I had, because Spanish food really isn't that good, their history is way too complex and not even their own (it's either Roman or Moorish invasion, time and time again), and everything is so expensive. But with that being said, it was beautiful. Perfect weather, unbelievable architecture, and friendly people. Sevilla was the highlight for me, although Granada's Alhambra was also incredible.
• I moved into a new apartment (my 6th residence in 6 years), and the good news is: it doesn't smell!!! But the bad news: my neighbors are extremely loud. The 3 guys above me own Rock Band, and they are very devout in their practicing to be the next star of "America's Got Talent". On top of that, I swear they either do step aerobics or have a dance party every night. I never knew 3 people could make so much noise. My neighbors to the right of me are usually quiet so I don't have much to complain about with them. Although the night they moved in, they decided to christen the place, giving me a front row seat (on the other side of the wall) to the sounds of love-making. It really does sound like the movies.
• I am going to COLLEGE STATION in 3 weekends!!! I finally am making the pilgrimage back to the Holy Land, 16 months after graduating. I get to catch the soccer game vs Portland Friday night, then the football game Saturday vs. Utah State. And Sunday will be spent in Houston with Alex (and hopefully some other friends). I don't know how I am going to fit in Layne's, Mi Cocina, Antonio's, Dixie Chicken, Freebirds, Sweet Eugene's, Rudy's, and Blue Baker into the schedule when I only get 4 meals in Aggieland, but when there is a will, there is a way. I am taking Ed with me, so he will get to experience heaven on earth for the first time. Whoop!
  
• Now that I am a seasoned veteran of medical school, and I know what to expect, I am declaring my goals for this year. I want straight A's (you really would have thought I learned my lesson last year with my multiple B's). I want to get back into shape and wear those size 6 jeans I haven't worn in 2 years. I want to eat in (which means cook) more than I eat out. And lastly, I want to grow in my relationship with the Lord and be a strong leader in CMDA.
• Following suit of every other second year medical student in the country, I am going to start diagnosing myself with random diseases anytime the smallest abnormality presents. Here is my first diagnosis: Post-Traumatic Test Disease (PTTD). This is a disorder that presents after a major examination, where one experiences depression, lack of appetite, and inability to sleep, no matter what the score achieved on the test. Typically symptoms lasts 32-48 hours post-exam experience, and results with a complete lack of productivity and happiness. PTTD is slightly contagious, and unfortunately there is no vaccine to prevent onset of disease or recurrences. The only treatments are watching movies, eating simple sugars, and working out extensively.
  

Thanks for reading, and see you soon. The drought is over.