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It's a good day. I sure didn't think it would start that way though. Today was the day we learned to conduct psych interviews for suicide patients. For those who don't know, that's a touchy subject for me. Just about 7 years ago exactly I had an incredibly difficult and life changing experience with suicide. Not long after that I decided to pursue medicine, and I've been dreading this lecture/small group ever since. But, I got throught it. And no,they didn't throw us into an interview with an obviously suicidal patient (would that even be ethical - to know a patient was suicidal and send in the med students?). Instead we interviewed kidney patients. It turns out that those with kidney disease are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. But our patient was not suicidal, just an all around great guy coming in to share his story and plug the Donor Dash as well. He had a great attitude all things considered and I'm happy I got to meet him. I also felt so much better knowing I could get through this morning and not be a basket case. I think maybe a few years ago that wouldn't have been the case.

The day got better from there. I had my preceptor this afternoon and did an entire annual exam by myself. I know this sounds less than pleasant, but it makes me proud, especially knowing how uncomfortable a lot of people would feel even trying it. And even after this morning, my hands stayed steady. And it's always awesome to spend some time with Dr. B. He makes me laugh and he's a great mentor. He answers a lot of questions for me and I learn a lot, and he treats me like a colleague and not just a student. I appreciate it. I think this summer I'm still going to meet with him and the goal is to deliver my first baby (you know, for someone else). Very cool.

Tonight J is out on the town at a Rockies game and I'm at home watching one of my favorite movies (Saved!) eating Brinner and having a Blue Moon. I should probably be studying, but the test on Monday went exceptionally well (after all the time that went into it, I'd be worried if it didn't) so I don't feel a lot of pressure to do much of anything right now. Cheers to that!