1 down, 5 to go (or 6 or 7)

Today is officially D's last day as an intern (woop, woop)! That means it is one year down and in the books. I can honestly say that it hasn't been the worst year ever (though times were really, really, really hard), but I also feel like we've been very blessed.

Things I won't miss about intern year:

1) The lowest paid year of D's life (hopefully the lowest) (if you don't count med school)-- we get a raise tomorrow!

2) The alarm clock going off at 4:00 A.M. because the intern is the first one in the hospital to 'pre-round' on all the patients.

3) The shocking first few months as an intern's wife-- you know, the ones where I realized this rotation isn't going to end any time soon and yes, my husband will be gone 80+ hours per week.

4) Watching the neighbors get in the car to drop their kids off for preschool-- while I prepare for preschool at my place (you know, trying to save money by not paying for preschool tuition x2)

5) Taking the kids trick-or-treating by myself and celebrating their birthday a day late.

6) Going to church husbandless for 8 weeks in a row-- at least one of which I did Sharing Time while holding my little guy in my arms (after that day I had really sore arms).

7) Getting really disappointed when at 6:15 D calls and says, "Sorry, I'm not getting out of here any time soon."

So there's my boo-hoo's but, on top of the rough days, we had some great experiences.

1) D had Thanksgiving and Christmas off (what a blessing!) by sheer luck and fortune.

2) When D was set apart as EQ President, he was blessed that his calling would not interfere in his career. I can truly say there have been so many days he has come home and said he know he was blessed that day because although he didn't study for a conference or case (due to a EQ meeting or activity) he was able to answer questions or remember how to perform a procedure.

3) I might even miss teaching preschool.

4) I've learned I can, indeed, survive-- even thrive?-- with my husband gone 80+ hours per week.

5) I've learned that when I make FHE a priority, my sanity level increases.

6) We've learned that D has found his life calling: he loves being a doctor and looks forward to advancing his surgical skills.

7) I've learned that even if my house is dirty and the laundry needs cleaning, sometimes I just need to leave to protect myself and the kids from my tempers.

8) I've learned to add at least an hour to my husbands expected arrival time (even when he says he'll be home in a half hour).

9) Basically, I've learned that when I expect something out of my husband, I am only disappointed, therefore I learned if it supposed to be done, do it yourself.

10) I've also learned my husband is very cheerful, even when he's tired--very, very tired.