Another page of life

The year gone by was a year of "firsts" and accomplishments. Last year I -

-- bought my first car, a 2005 Ford Focus
-- successfully passed the 8-hour PhD comprehensive exam
-- baked chocolate brownies from scratch (mmm....)
-- drove in New York City
-- attended my first conference, AMIA 2006 in Washington, DC
-- volunteered for the first time (for the Center Volunteers in Medicine)
-- ran my first 5K, the Runner's World Half Marathon and 5K in Allentown, PA
-- talked with 21 healthcare professionals from EMS and emergency departments
-- bought my first pair of high-heeled boots (we don't wear boots much back home)
-- ran a total of 45 miles
-- baked my first homemade apple pie
-- watched the musicals Footloose and The Rocky Horror Show
-- published my first academic paper (in press now)
-- drove in an underwater tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, for the first time
-- worked directly with 7 faculty members on research and teaching
-- went out on my first 'date' in 27 months
-- saw the "miracle" that led to someone being declared Saint by the Pope

But above all, felt grateful to be alive and to start another page of life in 2007