It's a big week for everyone. People find out if they get matched on Monday and then on Friday, they find out exactly where they're going to spend the next 3-4 years. Since I'll be heading to Illinois in a little more than a month, Ben and I are hoping he gets matched into a school in the Midwest or as close to me as possible. I don't know what the envelope will say but I've come to a decision that no matter what it says, we will make it work.



To kick the week off, we went on a camping trip with fellow classmates to Meridian State Park. Our driving route was the same one we used to take for college; which sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. We stopped by the grocery store for food: sausages, vegetables, bread, nutella smores, chips, and soda! Since we had eaten a large brunch, we decided to take a hike around the park before setting up camp and cooking. We chose a 3 mile hike that is NOT intended for children as there were a lot of steep spots moving up and soft ground moving down. Despite having to pick our way through the forest, it was simply beautiful. We couldn't pass five minutes without hearing some rustling near us or birds flying above us. The weather was on our side for this outing because the cool breeze kept us from getting overheated. At one point in our hike, we climbed straight up to an outcrop of rock that gave us a wide view of the lake and surrounding trees.



We divvied up the work with the more experienced campers setting up the tent while Ben and I took over preparing the food. I took over grilling the sausages and Ben grilled the vegetables. We devoured most of the food; based on everyone's satisfied faces and full stomachs, Ben and I did a good job grilling the food. Even though we couldn't fit any more food into our bellies, the thought of nutella with roasted, gooey marshmallow was too big of a temptation to pass up. 




Later in the week we attended a dinner hosted by Compass bank at Fisherman's Wharf. It was an informative dinner that covered loans and repayment plans. The food was pretty good but the dessert, especially the carrot cake, was the standout item. On a whim, a large group of us headed to Board Game Island to finally play Munchkins. Like Hao said, it is a FUN game!



The next day, Ben's school set up bowling and games at Main Event so we met up with the same group for ramen at Jinya Ramen before heading over. I ordered the chef's special (pictured below) called the Spicy Miso Tonkatsu Ramen. It was delicious and spicy! I would definitely order it again. With very full, satisfied stomachs, we headed to Main Event. There was some concern about finding a lane since we arrived 30 minutes after the suggested time but turns out, it was the perfect time. We got a lane to share among 10+ people; plus, Ben and I got to pull out our own bowling shoes and bowl a good game.




Finally the day of finding out where everyone matched was upon us. I was jittery though I tried my best to hide it. We walked to Smooth Tony's for breakfast and found breakfast burritos, donuts, and assorted pastries. Other than water, the only beverages being served were Mimosas and Sangrias. Talk about breakfast of champions!



There was some downtime for family while the class reconvened for a class photo. I hung out at the library before walking over to the hall. The last time I was in Levin Hall, I was sitting with Ben's family for his white coat ceremony. I can't believe it's been 4 years since that day. So much has happened in the interim that I can appreciate how far we have come. The hall was practically brimming with excitement and tension. Music was blaring, there were balloons, and a projector was setup flashing students' names one by one.



When the time came to hand out envelopes, I thought it would be similar to graduating from college. It wasn't. Lots of cheering, screaming, running down the stairs; even people forming arches with their arms for people to run underneath. Despite my nervousness, the happiness in that room was contagious. Ben's name was called very early in because they were calling out names in alphabetical order based on first names. By the time Ben had the envelope in his hand, I felt as though he was holding a burning coal. A few words would decide his new home for the next three years.



Ben will be completing his emergency medicine residency in Louisiana. It was one of the places he really liked during his interview trail so we can be thankful for that! Unfortunately, this means we will be trying a real long distance relationship. Tears were shed. But at the end of it, we promised to work hard to keep communications open, no matter how busy it would get. It is the best we can do and, like so many other things, we will just have to try our best. We decided to head out on our own after the ceremony and grabbed lunch at Eatcetera. We ordered the Roasted Red Pepper Soup for appetizers. Ben ordered a Smoked chicken, fontina cheese, arugula, and shitake mushroom panini while I ordered my number one favorite, a Tartine consisting of smoked salmon, dill cream, and hard boiled egg on toasted multigrain bread, topped with citrus cured onion and fresh dill. Served with a side of mixed field greens in a light vinaigrette!



And thus concludes match week! Next post will be feature a spontaneous trip to the Rodeo and the Match Week Formal! Yay!