The Match is over. Starting from square one again

So, as I predicted 2008 will be a year of challenges. Sure was in every aspect !! I did get to to pass my exams on first attempt though not as well as I had anticipated. Travelled to Chicago to do my cs exam and enjoyed a few days seeing the attractions of the city. Applied for the residency match on time and got to volunteer with local doctors. It was a tough year but rewarding in its own way. Learnt more on my limitations and developed new strengths. Made some good friends through this trial and got time to volunteer with the community and play an active role. I'm human so I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get to Match into an Internal Med or Family Med residency program but believe if I put some more effort in it...try some new venues e.g research God willing I will match next year.

Health wise except from a bad flu I picked up from NYC trip I was healthy as a horse, Mashallah. Been working out and dieting managed to lose the extra pounds I added while studying. I still love my chocolates but there is no harm with treats,, now and then !!! Having fun with cooking... been bedazzling friends with my talent. Hope I can keep it. I miss alot of things especially food and I try to fusion the different cultural experiences I have had and create a taster recipe. I love my Swahili-Turkish-Indian-Somali-western infused creations... there is so much you can make in the kitchen. And there is so much more to learn if only I had the extra time...

Friendship and relationships have prospered. Learnt alot from others and shared what I knew or had experienced. Ive learnt more of my own temperament and how I relate to others. Ive come to know who are my real friends and I appreciate who they are. As for my "false" friends I pray they will have patience and learn that giving or helping others isn't so hard. In life we all go through stages of giving or taking, life is dynamic we are supposed to adapt and change with the course. And make the most of the challenges we face either good or bad but still holding true to our core ideals and integrity. One idiom which has rung true to my trials and tribulations has been "actions speak more than words". It has helped me to differentiate friends from acquaintances.

I still managed to travel and have some fun :) Wonder where I will go next? Its always nice to get out of the routine and appreciate nature or the man made beauty around you. Experienced the tastes and flavors of pumpkins at the 101st Circleville Pumpkin festival, enjoyed the view from Sears towers and from the top of the rock, had some great pizza in NYC, enjoyed the beauty of African sunset in Tanga & the busy streets with bicycles . Enjoyed the walks in the various parks in Columbus in fall and the beautiful picturesque change of the seasons. Winter as usual was cold and white but beautiful in its own unique way. And now we are in spring again can hear the chirping of birds all around me. Life is beautiful... there is so much to see and experience. I'm grateful to be alive and breathing. Thank you God, I will be patient, I know you have greater plans for me. After pain and tribulations comes ease. I will actively try to achieve it. Amin.

A little reminder of Home... Taarabu Music Titled Najiamini - I beleive or trust in myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEIa-b5qpeo

Enjoy!!!