This past Friday (April 23rd) was my last day of medical school. Unlike the last day of high school, college, and even the last day of M2 year, I had no trace of sadness or nostalgia as I exited the hospital for the last time. Instead, I was grinning from ear to ear, occasionally pausing for a brief "happy dance" on my way back to the car (much to the dismay of the M3 walking with me), and contemplating whether I should burn my short white coat or throw it under a bus. Upon arriving home, I immediately fell into bed for a 2.5 hour nap. Later that night, I celebrated with champagne, baguettes, French cheese, and a French movie with Stephen.
It wasn't until the next morning that it really hit me, though...I finished. I completed the requirements. Assuming I passed the last 2 clerkships, I'm pretty much an M.D.
And I have nothing to do until June 23rd.
What on EARTH am I going to do with myself for two months?!?

Well, this week, I decided to try baking. I got an awesome KitchenAid stand mixer from my mother-in-law, Cathy, for a wedding shower gift, and I decided that I need to use it more often. I also recently purchased an adorable pink apron that orders you to "Kiss the Cook" on the front pocket, and I love wearing it around the house. Even better, I have a brother in seminary and a husband who works with all guys, so I can find plenty of people willing to take the desserts off my hands so I am not tempted to overindulge (though, of course, I will allow myself to savor my fair share of the goods).

Project #1: M&M cookies. I got the recipe from Rachel Kelley, my aunt in Pulaski, TN. I'm still having trouble getting the baking time right on cookies; one batch of these was perfect, but the other was a little overdone. I have those AirBake cookie sheets, and they make the cookies look deceptively underdone ...hmmm... Still, these turned out pretty tasty. I sent a box of them to Trey, and I'll be curious to hear his verdict.


Project #2: (Almost) Fat-Free Cheesecake. Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Bridal Cookbook. While I have definitely eaten my fair share of cheesecake in my lifetime, I have never actually made one or watched one being made. So this was a little scary! I used Fat free cream cheese, but did use 3 real eggs rather than the egg substitute recommended in the fat-free recipe. I also couldn't get the crust (crushed graham crackers) to stick to the sides of my springform pan, so the crust is only on the bottom. Plus, I didn't really know what the cake was supposed to look like once it came out of the oven...so I think it's a little overdone. But I have yummy strawberries for a topping and a sweet (hungry) husband who will eat the cheesecake as long as it's edible. :)

Other thrilling events of week one of freedom? I bought a cute dress for graduation as well as a Crock-Pot...I got mah hair did and it looks fab...I went to my first church choir practice and even got Stephen to come with me...
Freedom...I'm lovin' it!