Trey is done with Boards!

As many of my close friends and family know, this has been an important season for Trey in school. While medical school in general has its fair share of challenges, the end of the second year is especially important because all the med students have to take USMLE Step 1 or "Boards."

Here's what Wikipedia (feel free to laugh at my inability to do reliable research) says about this major test. Maybe it will help those friends and families of med students to understand why they've all been locked in a studying cave for the entire year. Because let's face it, from the outside looking in, those med school students just seem nuts sometimes. :)

Yes, it's Wikipedia, but I think it gives a good general overview...

The USMLE Step 1 (more commonly just Step 1 or The Boards) is the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It assesses whether medical school students or graduates can apply important concepts of the sciences fundamental to the practice of medicine. US medical students typically take Step 1 at the end of the second year of medical school. Graduates of international medical schools must also take Step 1 if they want to practice in the US.[1]

Format

The exam used to be an eight-hour computer-based test taken in a single-day, composed of seven 50-question sections with a total of 350 multiple-choice questions.

Subjects

Step 1 is designed to test the knowledge learned during the basic science years of medical school. This includes anatomy, biochemistry, histology, physiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, genetics, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, immunology and statistics. Epidemiology, medical ethics and questions on empathy are also emphasized. Each exam is dynamically generated for each test taker; while the general proportion of questions derived from a particular subject is the same, some test takers report that certain subjects are either emphasized or deemphasized.

Effect on Residency Matching

The USMLE score is one of many factors considered by residency programs in selecting applicants. However, at present, this test is the only standardized measure of all applicants.

Uses of test

Students in American medical schools take this test at the end of their second year of medical school, usually required for progression into the clinical third year. The test is standardized and direct comparison between medical students nationally; although, the creators of the USMLE would like that test scores were not used for this purpose. Performance on this test is also one of the selection criteria used in the NRMP match program for residencies. A passing score on this test indicates that the medical student has grasped the core scientific knowledge taught during the 'basic sciences' years.

The end.

The most important part of all of this, however, is that Trey is DONE! I'm so proud of him for all the rigorous work he put in this year. And we're both so thankful to JESUS for the blessings he has poured out over us. We move forward trusting Him, knowing that He has something perfect in store for Trey and our family at the end of the medical school journey.

Bachelorette Party

I have the greatest friends. Seriously. I had so much fun.

Here's what went down...

We all met early in the evening to go over to Kam's Kookery for a cooking class/demonstration. I got a few tips on some fabulous appetizers and dessert, before we all were treated to an INCREDIBLE dinner by Kam herself. From salad, to beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, to the flourless chocolate torte and strawberry shortcakes, it was ALL incredible. And the coolest thing is that Kam, the cook, grows most of her fruits, vegetables, and herbs in her own backyard. So fun!

After our fabulous meal, we went back to Roni's grown-up home for a personal shower and a few games. I had so much fun and laughed REALLY hard (it's safe to give most of that credit to Sal and Tati). I'm so thankful to my friends for making the night so wonderful. I love you Steph, Roni, Emily H., Sheridan, Rachel, Katie, Katy, Jillian, Kayla, Sally, Tati, Allie C., Allie B/C, Emily B., Lindsey, and Momma.

Norman shower

Some of our dearest family friends hosted a shower for us in Norman on May 2nd. We had great food (and Amy Cakes cupcakes), and I was so blessed by all the friends that stopped by. I think one of the most fun aspects of getting married is that you get to bring all the people you love the most together at once. Whether it be showers, bachelorette parties, or the wedding itself, it's been SO fun to be surrounded by ALL of the people that have played a role in who I am today. I can only hope to make them feel as special as they've made me feel. I love you, all.

All of the generous hostesses

the Jones girls

Edmond Shower

Trey's parents' friends were to kind to host a Honey-Do shower for us in Edmond. I put Trey in charge of gift opening, although I had to explain to him what most of the gifts were. Of course, I loved EVERYTHING, but I think Trey was most excited about the waffle iron.

Surprise

Amidst Trey's hectic spring schedule, he's still made me feel so loved every day. With his demanding (to put it lightly) school requirements, our engagement season has been a little different than most. We learned to make the most out of the 5-min phone conversations and 15-min/week hangouts. And the Lord has given us so much grace amidst our unique circumstance. We may not have come out of this challenging year as successfully without the constant prayers and support of our family and friends.

Here's one of the sweet things that Trey did to surprise me a few weeks ago. :)

Sneak Peek

Of the rehearsal dinners that I've been blessed to be a part of, one of my favorite parts is when the families show a slideshow of the couple from the time they were babies to the present. The pictures of baby girls are always so sweet, and the pictures of the groom as a little boy are always inevitably HILARIOUS. Here's a sneak peek at some of the pictures that might appear in our rehearsal dinner slideshow.

Of course I'm biased, but I think Trey might have been the cutest little boy ever.

Where has the time gone?

After a friendly reminder from Sally Mitzner (whose blog is one of my favorites to read on the occasional "evening on the couch" nights), I realized I needed to update. Here's what has happened in the last few months.

Tax season - I can't imagine I would interest anyone by expounding upon that topic. In summary, I worked a lot and learned a lot, and it was not nearly as terrible as I expected. I'm thankful to my co-workers for helping me get through it, even when I complained and was "tired." I can only hope that I can be that kind of blessing to whomever becomes the next "newbie" in our office. Here's a brief look at my future...

Wedding planning - What are my mom and I going to do when it's over?! We have had so much fun doing it together. What has surprised me though, is that there are so many details and so much to remember! And of course, I'm at work, so my mom is the one going to all the appointments and making a lot of the "detailed" decisions. I'm so honored by all the time and resources my parents have put in to making the Big Day so special. I can't WAIT.

Why does Jordan oppose the health care bill?

Everyone knows the healthcare bill is all the talk in the news right now. And while I want to stay informed, the frustration I feel when I watch/read what's going on in Congress makes me wish I had just stayed oblivious and out of the loop. I'm going to list the reasons why I'm opposed government control of healthcare...and then I'm going to move on...and trust my family's future to Jesus, who operates above and beyond the ridiculousness that is going on right now... ;)

Why I don't like the healthcare bill...

1. In general, I'm not a fan of government's control of anything.

2. Of the however-many people that don't have health care, there are only like 3% of Americans who want it (who don't yet have it). To spend nearly a trillion dollars on legislation that affects such a small portion of Americans seems unwise. Also, most of the doctors I know presently serve those uninsured patients anyway, regardless of their ability to pay.

3. When I think of the government's involvement in healthcare, I typically think about Medicare. And this establishment doesn't even reimburse doctors enough to cover the cost of care. So, not only are doctors (who work for countless hours--trust me, COUNTLESS hours--to earn their degree) not getting reimbursed adequately by the government once they have their own practice...they can even be losing money. Which leads to #4...

4. The bill gives young adults a disincentive to become doctors, specifically those practicing family medicine. If there are going to be more people needing care and less doctors to provide that care, there are going to be problems...

5. The manner in which Congress is soliciting "Yes" votes is unacceptable.

6. No one knows what's even in the bill.

I could go on...

Basically, I agree that the health insurance industry is out of control and there are areas where changes need to be made. However, I think our federal government needs to get its nose out of areas in which it does not have expertise. This bill is not the solution to the healthcare problem.

1 down, 3 to go!

By the loving, sufficient grace of Jesus, I PASSED the first section of my CPA exam. A-wahoo! I'm so thankful because it was the hardest, longest part, and I won't have to think about it ever again! Thanks to my dear friends and family who prayed for and encouraged me. I truly believe I passed by Grace, knowing there is no way my sub-par study habits helped me succeed on my own, haha. Though being a CPA might not have a major kingdom impact, I'm reminded that the Lord WANTS to bless us, even in the areas of life where we don't necessarily think the Lord cares. Thank you, Jesus, for helping me pass that awful test. Only 3 sections more to go! :)

Katy's baby shower

Katy is one of my first friends to be pregnant. Reality check. Are we already to that stage? Haha. And since Katy was one of the first in our group to get married and the first to get pregnant, she has certainly become the guinea pig of all life's big moments. :) Katy is a dear friend and I can't wait to meet her little BOY (who should be here in May!). I know she and her husband, Chris, will be the most loving, caring parents. Katy and Chris are also moving to Atlanta soon. While we are thrilled for them, we're definitely going to miss them!

Below are a couple pictures from a shower we threw for Katy. :)

My little brother is married!!!

While I could go on and on and post a ton of pictures, I still don't think I could do this post justice. My brother's wedding was sooo special. I know my brother and Kayla are so happy and I'm thrilled to welcome her into the Geurkink family. This evening was also special because it was the first time (since I can remember) that my entire extended family came together at the same time and place. Every grandparent, aunt, uncle, and cousin was accounted for. So fun!

I also had a blast with all the sweet friends that I caught up with at the reception. I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by (hundreds of) people that I love. I can't wait to do it again on June 18th!

My wonderful parents

Best bud since forever

The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner

The happiest groom EVER

Roni's Wedding

BEAUTIFUL is the most appropriate, all-encompassing word to describe Roni's January wedding. She was one of the most stunning brides I have ever seen, and the Skirvin was the perfect venue for their fabulous reception. Roni also picked out some fun, purple suede pumps for the bridesmaids to wear, though I forgot to take a picture.

Roni has been one of my dearest friends since the beginning of our freshman year. I'm so excited for her and her new husband, Brandon, and wish them a lifetime of happiness! And I'm going to be very sad when they move to Tulsa in August...come back soon, guys!

Christmas break

While I don't officially have a Christmas break (on account of being a working woman, haha), it's been a great couple of weeks since Trey finished his finals! We managed to make it to every family's Christmas, despite the blizzard, and we've gotten to spend fun time with friends, as well. We went to Eishen's with a group from Trey's med school class. We also went to a Thunder game with one of my best friends Emily and her husband, Michael, who is also in Trey's class. And most recently, we spent a few days in Fort Worth to celebrate Allie and Mark's wedding on New Year's Eve! Trey got to catch up with the SigEp guys and I had a blast with all the girls. It was especially great to see Rachel, since she's been busy working in Dallas since she graduated.

Allison, the beautiful bride!

Trey, Zach, Matt

Rachel and me

Thunder game with the Hemphills

I'm an aunt! Sort of...

Introducing Duncan Geurkink! He's the newest addition to our family and is so full of joy and love. He's a silver lab that Jack and Kayla got a few months ago. Jack has already spent a lot of time training him...he's so smart and playful! You can't help but laugh at all the silly things he does--like crawling under the coffee table and pouncing on Woody, haha. He's already 4 times the size he is in the picture (above)! He's quite a mess, but we all love him so much.

My First Tree!

It's amazing how much joy can be found in the little things. Having a Christmas tree in my apartment over the holiday season has made me feel so at home. I'm so proud of my little 7-foot pre-lit tree. And I'm thankful for all the ornaments that have been given to me (mostly by my mom) over time. Each one is special to me.