Hey y'all,
It's an awful photo of me, but here is proof that I am getting my hair back! This photo was taken at my work Christmas party, so my hair's actually a little longer than this now. It's still curly, which takes some getting used to, but I'm definitely not complaining.
It seems as though I do nothing but complain lately, so I'm not going to bore anyone with the bad stuff that's been going on since I last posted. On the positive side, we were able to do a bit of travelling over the last few months, due to Dustin's residency interviews. We went all over the country:
Portland, Oregon: reminded me so much of Adelaide, which made me feel right at home. It's the same size city, very similar skyline (built right on a river) and the same humanitarian, left-wing mentality. I actually read a post the other day: some guy whining that if you're not a liberal, then you get questioned. Good grief! Is it not enough that the rest of the country considers calling someone a "liberal" an insult??
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: I was really looking forward to going to Philly for the first time, because I was really excited about seeing my all-time favourite painting (Nude Descending a Staircase, by Marcel Duchamp, see below). While I was thrilled to see this painting at last, I was not so thrilled by Philly. It was actually kinda scary. One of the hospitals that Dustin interviewed at is right in the heart of the ghetto, and the staff must park close to the entrance if they start or finish their shift out of daylight hours. Not something I want to worry about for the next three years...Charlottesville, Virginia: a very pretty little college town, but much too small.
Charlotte, North Carolina: one of the best emergency medicine programs in the country. Dustin is VERY excited about this place. Charlotte itself is growing very quickly, and is becoming the banking centre of the US.
New York City, New York: Dustin interviewed with four different hospitals in New York. While none of these hospitals are nationally renowned, he knows that I would LOVE to live in NYC. Obviously, they know the cost of living is a huge turn-off for most applicants, so they pay more and the Manhattan hospital has heavily subsidised accommodation, right on 57th Street!!
Salt Lake City, Utah: When we arrived in Salt Lake, there was snow everywhere. It was so beautiful!! We went cross-country skiing and hiked through the snow on our free days there. While we both really liked the amazing scenery, I don't think this city is going to be high on our list. There aren't really many job opportunities for me here.
Nashville, Tennesee: The favourite pick for the rest of Dustin's family, because it's the closest to them! Nashville is actually a pretty cool city (it's not just country music), and this hospital is tied with Charlotte for the best ER program in the country.
Lousville, Kentucky: I can't say anything about Louisville (the Kentucky Derby is held here every year) because my boss wouldn't give me a day off to go with Dustin. But I said I wouldn't complain, right?...
We'll find out on March 20th where Dustin will be offered a position. The students don't actually get to choose, once they submit their ranked list of programs. Wherever they're offered a position, that's where they have to go. Unless they aren't offered a position, and then it's known as "scrambling". Hopefully, we won't have to worry about that happening.
So, when it's the 20th, think of us and send us all your best thoughts and wishes...
V. x
