What makes me feel alive? A few years ago I lived near an area called Humboldt Park and one day there was a Puerto Rican festival.  I remember walking down the street, surrounded by music, food, laughter and cheer. But one specific thing happened that day that changed my life, there was a circle of people in the middle of the street dancing to salsa music.  Coming from an era of hip hop, breakdancing and house music, salsa music was foreign to me, but I was absolutely drawn into the music. I couldn't explain how moved I was.  I knew one thing: I wanted to dance like that. And slowly, I learned to step out of my comfort zone. I think it took a couple years just to get into a dance class, then a couple more months to get onto a dance floor, and then, yes, finally auditioned for a student dance team where we performed this past year at the Salsa Congress. I have formed amazing friendships and I can't begin to describe how much it is now a part of my life. I feel truly blessed, dancing has filled my silence.

 Happy New Years Eve to my fellow Xangans!!!

Usually around this time of year, I tend to become very introspective.  I look inside and I re-evaluate what has happened over the last year.  What did I accomplish, what do I want to change, is there something I didn't get out of life or something I didn't make enough time for.  Then I start formulating a simple New Years Resolution list.  The funny thing is that over the course of at least five years, my list really hasn't changed. In short, I've come up with at least five things: to dance more, laugh more, spend less, give more, find peace and be comfortable in my own skin, whatever that means.  Okay, so may that's six things, but nonetheless, it never really changes.  I really would just like to simplify my life and be happy...who wouldn't? But the key is in finding happiness doing the things that make you feel better about yourself. So to ring in the New Years 2010 I challenge each of you to join me, step outside your comfort zone, and lets make each and every day count. 

Where did the summer go? I can't believe it's already September and I feel like the summer just passed me by!! The summertime in Chicago is definitely my favorite time of the year and there is so much to do from musical festivals to walking in the park, the gorgeous weather and the people romping around the city like every day is the last day before it starts snowing again.  

Usually I just find myself so unbelievably tired that I just crawl into bed and pass out for hours and I wish I had the energy to just give up sleep and spend time doing fun things.  But the days that I do that, I drag myself out of bed the next day and shuffle to work and I can hear my body being extremely upset at me. There are those people that get up and the break of dawn and run a mile.. or ten.  I'm just not one of those.  How on earth do I gather that type of energy?! Below are some fun shots I took of Chicago.  Beauutiful, eh?

Yes, there is a Light at the end of the tunnel.  

I just finished my first month of residency and I just feel this incredible sense of finally being on the right path.  Yes, I'm tired. I spend more time and the hospital and in clinic than I do at home. I've spent the last four weeks on labor and delivery, admitting patients, delivering babies, coaching women, educating teenagers, watching families come together, congratulating first-time parents--and of course the medical aspect, preeclampsia, IUGR, oligohydraminos, chorio, SGA, episiotomies, PIH, gestational diabetes, cholestasis, bedside ultrasounds, amniocentesis, AROMs, placing fetal scalp electrodes and IUPCs. 

But the best moment by far is hearing that first cry every time. God it's priceless. And yes, the photo above is a baby I delivered!! Precious, eh? 

One of the things i've been striving for is to make timeouts for Rose.  I think when you have a lot going on in life, it's important to take care of yourself and make time to do the things you love.  So basically this weekend I spent a few hours pampering myself and went to get my hair done.  Yay!!!!