My Birthday Weekend in Florida!

So good! Gluten free with strawberry jelly and fresh fruit

This weekend was so much fun!  We flew to Florida for Mike's friend's wedding and then extended our trip last minute to see his family in Tampa.

First, the weather is perfect down here! 80's and sunny with a nice breeze.

Second, the wedding was beautiful.  The ceremony was outdoors on a golf course.  The sun broke through the clouds in the afternoon and added just the right atmosphere for the ceremony.

Third, I got to celebrate my birthday with Mike's family.  And his mom made this delicious gluten free cake with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries.  I love strawberries and fruit with my desserts.  I am not a fan of super sweet icing or cream, so the fresh berries were PERFECT!

Fourth, I did a cross fit work out at MouseTrap in Tampa and did well!  I did crossfit for about a year during my second year of medical school and really liked it.  I could not afford it anymore with loans, so I had to stop.  I still lift at the gym, but not like I did at crossfit.  But, thank goodness for muscle memory and staying generally fit, because I did well!  The coach there even compliment my hang cleans :)!!!  But, even more than that- I was able to run 2 miles without my knee hurting!!!!!!!!  My knee has been bothering me since 2012.  Mainly a tight IT (iliotibial) band on the outside of my knee.  It got worse when I got sick.  I was definitely bummed back then because I loved running.  I know, no one says they love running, but I did.  I mean I used to swim 2-4 hours a day looking at the bottom a of pool- boring.  Running, at least there is scenery and the outdoors.  Anyways.... I tried everything.  Physical therapy, foam rolling my IT band and more.  Lately though, I started band training to strength my gluts and butt... believe it or not it is working!!!!!!

Lastly, even though I am turning 29... which feels old to me, I finally feel like I am in the right place at the right time.  I am finishing medical school and reaching my life goal to become a physician.  I met the love of my life and we are excited to plan our life together.  I also finally got over fearing everything.

I have always been a little insecure.  Insecure in the sense that I cannot do it.  Like, I was not fastest enough to swim in college, or not smart enough to make it through medical school, or not healthy enough to keep pushing myself so hard, or not pretty enough to meet someone.  But, after all I have been through, I am no longer fearful or insecure.  I know I can handle anything and that Mike will be by my side through it all!

Now, I just can't wait to match and enjoy all our vacations before residency!  I wish everyone the strength to reach for their goals.  To be happy with themselves.  To love themselves and to never give up!  You can do it!

almost have abbs haha

working with bands to help strengthen my knee