this is... something: freedom.

View from Mark's roof

So this freedom is only theoretical, but it definitely feels good. Last weeks was our finals week for the first two classes of the semester. The way the semester works is that we took two classes (pediatrics and critical care) during the first two months and then finishing up with reproductive health for the last two months. Those first two months were trying and I'm glad they're over with. So yes, I'm still in school, but it feels much calmer and less chaotic.

Before I get into my life since my last post, here are two little things that have given me entertainment the past week.

#1. My Manong Marc is an amazing sports journalist who covers the New York Yankees. He also has a blog that sheds light on his world. Every now and then, he posts something that I would have never expected to see in my life and probably wouldn't have found had it not been for him. Case in point, a recent post of his spoke about two things most Filipinos love - Karaoke and Manny Pacquiao. If you're intrigued, follow this link to see what I'm talking about. http://carig.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/filipinos-and-the-scourge-known-as-karaoke/

#2. Google directions from Japan to China. Look at step #43.

Alright. October flew by while creeping slowly along at the same time. I couldn't wait until November 5th, the day of our last final. Assignments, exams, papers, clinicals, eat, sleep. That's all I did and focused on the entire month. Again, so glad its done with. As I always say, I'm so glad I have wonderful classmates to keep me going.

My Tatang had been staying with us since before the wedding in July, but he returned to the Philippines on the 15th of October. It was sad, but I'm hoping he'll be able to come back soon. He's hands down one of the sweetest people you will ever encounter - I'm so glad he's my uncle.

Due to school and clinicals, I wasn't able to do much in terms of Halloween celebrations. I did however take a quick break and went to a party at my friend's parents' house. I was there for a grand total of 30 minutes, but I'm so glad I went. It was good to decompress and talk to people. I even got a candied apple! Oh, I was Steve Urkel!

Last Friday, I was able to see one of my dearest friends from high school, Ariel. We went to dinner at Palomino with some other friends. It was great catch up on the past year. We've both been so busy, but I hope to visit her in Seattle where she works. We also got to see a lovely fireworks show that was occurring on the bay right in front of the restaurant.

Saturday night, I went to Mark's housewarming party in the city. I was thrilled because I was able to see Kim, Ariel (a different Ariel), Mindy, and Nicole. I haven't seen them in so long - Kim especially since she's moved to LA. It was a fun night of catching up and laughing.

Like I said earlier, I'm feeling much more relaxed now that the first half of the semester is done. So relaxed, in fact, that I baked pumpkin cream cheese muffins this evening. Yum!

Things with Dave are good. I miss him terribly, but BBM is definitely working for us. We're able to communicate throughout the majority of the day for free which is really nice. 44 days until I'm in SD with him. So excited!!

Here's a few photos from the past monthish.