Summer. The season of everything that's bright
and cheerful. For many, it's the time to whip out the most daring bikinis and
flaunt the figures they've been working on for months. It's the perfect
opportunity to dress up once more in those loveable sundresses, wide-brimmed
hats, and perfect pair of sunglasses. For others, the grueling sun and humid
outdoors is just too much for the day to even be bearable. For everyone, aircon
and sunblock are two things you absolutely can't
do without.
Being
a medical student, summer for me is all about relaxation. Doesn't even matter
if it's indoors or out. As long as I get to release the tension my mind and
body accumulated over the past ten months of exams, practicals, recitations,
and daily quizzes. I have another month to savor it before it all ends, so here
is a list of things I've been doing and should continue to do until June.
1.
Read a good book.
Or two. Or 20. :) Right now I'm reading Young Miles by
Lois McMaster Bujold. It's science fiction, one of my favorite genres. It sets
my mind flying and many sci-fi books I've read really kept me at the edge of my
seat while I flipped through their pages. So far, Young Miles is enjoyable with a
far-from-perfect hero who makes me thank God for blessing me with a better, yet
less exciting, fate.
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| Doesn't look exciting. But it's a Hugo and Nebula Award winner, and in the world of sci-fi , that's a big deal. :) |
2.
Go for a swim.
A
few weeks ago, my sister came home from Poland for a two-week visit. While she
was here, we went on a trip to the Waterfront Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan.
Beaches have always remained close to my heart since as a child, I spent my
summers at my grandparents' beach hideaway in Taft, Eastern Samar. So when we
got to Morong, even my husband couldn't tear me away from the water. It
took four hours for us to get there, but it was so worth it.
3.
Download and watch all sorts of stuff.
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So
far, I've downloaded everything from books to music to movies and episodes of
my favorite TV shows. I can't watch them during the school year since I have to
read my med books every night (boo!)
4. Shop!
One
of the disadvantages of summer is that there's NO ALLOWANCE!:( So if you're
family isn't filthy rich or you weren't smart enough to save up before the
season started, then you're stuck at home, like me.haha! Don't worry though. It's not as bad as it seems. There's tons of fun stuff that you can do that doesn't require money! Trust me...:) I only included this
item on this list for those who have the means. For many medical students, you don't really get to do much shopping while you're studying for exams so this is the perfect opportunity.
5.
Have a blast with the family.
I'm
married. That means, I don't get to spend as much time with my family as
before. I still get homesick sometimes but that's just normal. Still, I make it
a point to visit my family at least once a week. Usually this falls on a
Saturday or Sunday when we do our weekly family devotion. It's a good practice
that I recommend for all families since it brings the members together and
gives each a chance to speak up about any private issues that should be
discussed.
6.
Plan for the new school year.
Yes,
I plan out all my activities to the minute. I don't always follow the schedule
since I get pretty lazy most of the time but it gives me a sense of control
over my actions.haha OC much. Since I only have about a month left, it feels
right to me that I should start planning on which books and medical equipment
to buy, where to look for good deals for them, decide on the theme for my
school supplies (yes, I really do this), blah blah...
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Remembering caffeine-loaded days. And looking forward to more of them. :)
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7.
Finally, enjoy it while it lasts!
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This
should be a no-brainer, but for me, being the nerd that I am, I sometimes
actually miss school. Many of my classmates would probably tut-tut at this, but
it's true. I have to constantly remind myself that this is my last summer
vacation. This time next year, I will be a medical clerk at Ospital ng Maynila
and all the fun in the world wouldn't be able to squeeze in to my hectic
lifestyle.
Soon,
I'll be starting a countdown until June 4, when all (or rather, most) of the
fun ends and work begins. Until then, I'll be doing all of the above with as
much gusto as I can muster. :))) I hope you enjoyed this list and maybe make
one of your own! HAPPY SUMMER!
