I've Been A Bad Blogger

Hello World! I have been told by my friend that I needed to blog. So here it is. So I guess I should update everyone.

I spent February on my internal medicine sub-i rotation. I'll just say that it's over and that's that. I was with my good friend Dr. Anesthesiologist and back with my favorite Infectious Disease attending from last year. My residents were cool and the M3's weren't too shabby overall. I watched my first death declaration, saw agonal breathing, and looked into the eyes of a man dying of lung cancer and gasping for air. It was intense. And it's over.

I've spend this month on pediatric hematology/oncology clinics. It's been horrible. I think it's because 1. it's clinic 2. I don't get to spend as much time in the lab as I thought I could get away with 3. I only love 1 attending and there is 1 that I CAN.NOT.STAND. Like, extreeeeeeme personality conflict. On the up side I still get to see awesome pathology, the kids are CUTE, and I've gotten to do bone marrow biopsies and aspirations. So there is some redemption. Plus I get to do a presentation on Juvenile Xanthogranuloma and nerd out on it. Plus, it's my LAST ROTATION OF MED SCHOOL! woo!

So, with that I'll say a few words on the whole match day process. I got my email that monday saying that I matched. So the boy and I proceeded to eagerly await thursday. So after about the 20 or so people that got called before me I was so nervous I was going to puke. I think the boy was about to light a cigarette in the middle of the auditorium to try and calm his nerves as well. I don't remember much between hearing my name, REGISTERING that it was indeed my name that was called, then going and sitting back down in my seat. I remember getting my envelope, reading my institution, RE-reading it to make sure it was really on the paper and my mind wasn't just making it up, then walking to the microphone to read it out. I couldn't say it fast enough, almost fearing that if I didn't say it quickly it wouldn't be true. I re-read the envelope's contents AGAIN when I sat down just to make sure.

It is official. I'm going to be a pathologist. I got my #1 choice in programs. I'll be moving 700 miles away.

I am so.excited. I leave sunday to go up with my dad and look at houses. I'm hoping to physically move up there the first 2 weeks of May. I am really excited for all my friends who matched. It's going to be sad being so far away, but there will always be blog land! (and phone calls and texts haha).

Speaking of blogs, this one is tied to my old email address. I'm going to make a new one for residency that's linked to my new email address. Details on that to follow when I actually get around to making it.

I'm sure i'll have fun pictures when I return from my trip.

House hunting is FUN.

New Addition and The End of Interviews

So interviews are finally OVER! I'm glad because I was getting tired of airplanes (ahem, DELTA). I learned a lot of what not to do while traveling (ahem, FLY DELTA). I definitely have my favorites and it's going to be a very difficult decision. I just want that email on Monday that says "you matched". Any of the programs I put on my list will be a happy place to train. So at least I have that going for me. I'm ready to put in my rank list and be over and done with it.

I have big news. There is an addition to my little world. I'm sure everyone has scrolled to see the pics, but I have a dog! She's a stray my friend W found after one of the ice storms. He couldn't keep her, couldn't find anyone to respond to the lost dog ads, and didn't have the heart to take her to a shelter. So I took her. She's super sweet, really funny. I'm pretty sure she's 1/2 lab, which luckily I have no allergic reaction to her so that's good. We don't know what else. The vet estimated her at 2-3 years old (meaning NO housebreaking for me. whee!). She's staying with my sister right now until I move out and can take her with me. She's really great with kids and is really people friendly. She must have been someone's dog. So I really lucked out. I've decided to call her Macy so we're still trying to get her used to her new name. Other than that I can't wait to get my own place so she can come home with me.

Le pictures:

Already a spoiled couch potato

I couldn't get a good pic to show everyone her size. She's a medium lab size.

She's really cute.

That's 50lbs of cuteness right there.

Oh, and after I make up my rank list this weekend, match day needs to hurry up!

Speak Freely

As many of you have noticed, my blog had been on semi-lockdown due to a recent stink over blogs and being a "medical professional". With all of that I had to really sit down and think about whether to continue my blog or not. There is such a stink lately about medical, celebrity, and regular people and social networking sites. My personal opinion on all of this is that in a way, we are guaranteed freedom of speech and press. So really, we cannot be prosecuted over our opinions stated out loud or in print (by the federal government). Granted, privileged information such as patients names, conditions, etc should be protected. But what about our thoughts and opinions on subjects? Or our personal views on what is happening on a specific rotation? Why are we, as medical professionals, held to a standard where our thoughts and opinions must be censored because someone may get offended?

That must have been outlined in the fine print where I signed away my rights when I entered medical school.

So with that, I've decided to continue my blog. Granted, I have now prevented people from typing me into a search engine and finding me. I will say this: if you read my blog and get offended you have one of two choices:
1. come to me personally and explain why you are offended. I'm all about people voicing their opinions.
2. Stop reading. If you don't like what I say, don't come back. This is me exercising my right to have opinions and post them freely. I abide by HIPAA protocols and never reveal patient names or any other identifying information. Names have been changed to protect privacy and unless you were there or know specifically who people are, you don't know who I'm talking about. If you think I may be talking about you and you get offended, see choice #1. if that is not an option, then reference section 1 of choice #2 : STOP READING.

Ok, with all that now said, I will update the blogworld with my doings.

I finished anesleesia. It was definitely not my cup of tea. By the 3rd mock "mega code" I resorted to being sarcastic and caustic. It was ridiculous. I understand that there is a time and place for such codes, and it's great practice, but I will never run a code. And those who will may need this, oh, first week of intern year. Because none of us will remember the things outlined in the past 3 mega codes. Just my opinion.

Now on review of histology. Pretty great so far. I have some blackboard modules and access to a slide box and the histo lab. I also have 4 interviews this month so I'll be sure to keep up with all that. First one is next week on the 10th and I am scared! I'm sure I'll become more comfortable once I get one interview under my belt, but I'm so worried I'll screw it up. I've set my limit at 15 but I don't think I'll want to do that many.

Things with the boy are going well. He even came to the Halloween party (and for all you losers that didn't go, you missed out on meeting him!). So far everyone seems to like him which is good. He's definitely turning out to be a keeper! We really don't talk about the whole interview and match day thing, except for we'll just deal with whatever comes when it comes.

Hope everyone else in blog land is doing well! Adios for now.

Total Pain

On pain clinic this week. Ugh. I'm really glad my partner is a slacker like me, because we totally just disappeared at 11 this morning. Love it. Talked to some other fellow M4's that are just doing a pain month, and they told me to not even worry about showing up to morning rounds. No one will notice. Sweet! So I get to sleep in and just show up to 8 am clinic. Booya. However, the African attending offended me within 5 minutes (first he called me a pharmacy student, then when I said I was in med school and pharmaceutics wasn't my "area" he proceeded to tell a condescending story about Jonah and the Whale. He basically was like "you're immature not stepping up" and I'm like "I'M NOT A FUCKING PHARMACIST!"). However, his accent is awesome and I like hearing him talk. Totally not paying attention to what he says, but his accent is pretty awesome.

Ok, so I will say I'm trying really really really hard to get the boy out to meet everyone. Down sides include 1. He's in starkville working all week 2. he has 3 younger sisters he frequently takes care of 3. All of the above prevents us from having a lot of alone time so I tend to get selfish with him. I think I may attack him with a camera and post some pics so everyone can at least see what he looks like. We became official sometime last week? (yeah, that whole anniversary thing isn't happening from my end haha). He is super sweet to me, seems to like my feisty in-your-face personality, has the cutest smile and makes me laugh. Apparently I can't stop smiling whenever I'm talking or thinking about him. I'm completely smitten. Any more than that, you'll have to ask. I hate sitting and gushing because I could go on and on (and I'll do it).

Got a lot of my interviews booked. Still haven't heard from UMC. Really getting nervous. I'm sure they are just one of the many programs that send out invites later, but I won't feel better until I get my invite. I"m getting kinda nervous and almost like "ugh, I don't want to do this" but it has to be done. I'm glad everyone else is getting a bunch of interviews and I absolutely cannot WAIT until match day. Woo!

Time for bed, went running tonight and i am pooped!

Well FML

Day two of anesleesia. And it's torture. I'm at the hospital at about 0645, and today didn't leave until 5. It's like freaking surgery or medicine hours. And then I just stood there for 2 hours during an ortho case that used fluoro. So that meant lead vest. When I asked the surgeons if they were using a stool that was set off in the corner they said "yeah, maybe, if we do something with the leg later" so that meant "no, you can't have it". Luckily my resident wasn't all about students so I just bounced and took a 1 1/2 hour lunch. Ugh, this month is NOT going to be fun. Not wanting to intubate or anything. I want to get my 3 checkoffs done and call it a month. I'm starting to realized I should have done an ICU month. At least that way I could get home by 12 and not have stupid simulations, ACLS every time I turn around, and have to sit through resident lectures that I could care less about but still have to stay awake. Yeah, that glazed over look is me picturing myself on a beach in Fiji.

Got my first rejection today. At first I found it funny, but then I started freaking out because I still haven't gotten my UMC interview. Granted, one of the residents told me hers didn't come until later, but I'm still spazzing. Especially since I'm wanting to stay. What if UMC doesn't want me? Ugh, I need a hug.



Things with boy are still going well. Slowly introducing him to people. He's really cute (or at least I think so) and treats me better than I probably deserve. I'm pretty smitten.

Now with some pics of my cute nephew at his soccer game at which I got roasted. (he's the cute little blonde in the green)

Kicking the ball

Yeah, we may have to talk about how you can't use your hands in soccer

Trying to get the ball away from the team

Niece got bored and did head stands

 

 

And as always, KITTY ON TOP OF BOX TOWER

Free Friday

I feel like I'm playing hookie today. The anesthesia dept didn't want to start up their rotation on a friday I suppose, so Monday is orientation. I'm not looking forward to doing a month of something I have no interest in (especially since it'll mean early mornings) but I suppose anything is better than having to do surgery. Plus I know I'll get all my sign offs done, so that's good.

Things with boy are so far so good. Slowly introducing him to people. Still think we're in that "hang out and talk" mode. I'm trying to let go and enjoy instead of freaking out about impending Match Day and all that it entails.

All is well on the application front. Hopefully I'll just get to stay at UMC but we'll see. I'm going to try to do things in the cities I visit so there may be an interview trail picture post when the time comes.

Oh, and I'm also trying to decide what to dress up as for halloween. Unfortunately growing up halloween was "go dig through your closet and come up with something creative. I'm not buying you a costume" so I've never really gotten into the spirit. So maybe this year I'll actually go buy something. I'm going to try to tag along with the niece and nephew while they trick or treat (omg the cutest things you've ever seen kids do) and then maybe the halloween party at H&M's or out with friends? I dunno. we'll see.

Smitten

Hematopathology this week. Been working with one of the docs I asked for a rec letter. Hopefully I've stepped up my game and I'll get a good one. I'm even doing a presentation at end of the month conference on Hemoglobin SC disease (two letters, you'd appreciate this one!). I'm kinda pumped, and trying REALLY hard to make sure I don't have a really long talk. I want to go into sickle cell and just plain hemoglobin C disease, but that can't happen. They told me to keep it under 10 min. I think I can do that if I talk fast (which I usually do when I'm nervous). Right now it's looking like about 10-15 slides so I should make it. I believe I'm completely smitten with this idea of being a pathology professor one day. I've really enjoyed coming up with a presentation.

So I'm absolutely loving CP. Have I mentioned that lately? haha. Oh, and the interview invites have started, mainly with a lot of the East Coast programs (which is what I was told to suspect according to SDN) and a select few southern programs have sent me the email "we're reviewing your application and you should heard from us starting by this date". So it's exciting! Hopefully I'll have a job in path by March 17th!

I believe that I shall be jinxing myself, but you know how the minute you swear off guys, and plan to be single then start looking after "residency settles in a routine", is the minute you find someone?

Yeah, guess who that happened to.

But that's all I'm saying about that.

Off to look up some numbers and google photos for my presentation.

Coagulation/Chemistry has been what's up this week. It hasn't been bad, but not the most hoppin' service either. Mainly just wait around for consults. Plus, the dept is getting accredited this month, so everyone is in a tizzy to do all their paperwork and to makes sure everything is up to snuff.

Coag is the other part of path (besides cytopath) that has patient interaction. I went on 2 consults. One was straight forward, the other was a bit more complicated. For some reason the pt really liked to talk to me. Lucky me. I know his head hurt, and it's frustrating when nothing takes away the pain, but 1. I can't do anything for that, especially write for any painkillers seeing how I'm still a student 2. when you describe the pain occuring/worsening when looking INTO THE SUN, here's a novel idea: don't do that. ugh. he was nice tho, and I hope all goes well with him.

I got my application turned in (woo!) and even got an interview request (double woot!). So I'm pretty pumped. I spent all day yesterday suit shopping and may have even found one. I also had to order some nice and unfortunately very expensive shoes. They are much needed, but still. I never thought I'd pay that much for shoes. Since I have such small messed up hobbit feet, they had to special order me a small size. Yeah, i hate my feet.

I'm also out of the house for a while (yay!) as I house sit for my friend. Her dog is strange as it's petrified of people, but then will randomly come up to me and lick my feet/calves/hand. But don't you dare try to pet him! It's like you came at him with a baseball bat. Silly dog, he's a rescue so I dunno guess he had some traumatizing events as a young one.

This weekend has been fun. Random thing: Friday during lunch I thought I saw one of my old friends at the U (most random place EVER for him to be btw). Eventually we recognized each other. We even hung out Fri night and I saw another old friend as well. It was SO nice catching up with both of them. One just moved back to town, the other has been around and finally got a job he enjoys. We went out on a boat and spent a bunch of time catching up and just having fun. I always forget how much I miss people until I actually get to see them. It's so easy for me to get lost in school, responsibilities, and everything else that I just so easily lose touch with people. It's never on purpose, just happens when I get so focused on one thing (mainly my career) that unfortunately people just get lost in the wake. But I'm so happy I got to catch up and see them. I'll have to make it a point to make sure I keep my end up and stay in touch. I love both of those guys so much! It was definitely the highlight of my week (maybe a tie with my interview invitation).

So with that I'm going to hang out, perhaps watch another movie (genius here watched 2 scary movies then realized I'm in a house, by myself, with a dog that refuses to get in the bed with me and make me feel safe. I either 1. need to find a guy friend that's not opposed to coming and cuddling with me under such circumstances or 2. Steal Red or Blue from my fellow pathfriend.

Oh, and Two Letter: I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HOT DATE! :)

ERAS makes me have the sads

So for all of you outside the medicine world, it's Sept 3. Meaning I've had 3 full days to submit my residency application to various institutions. And I'm.Too.Chicken.  I've spent the last 4 years building up to this moment.. And it's like "this is it?". It's exciting and terrifying. I'm absolutely terrified at this moment. Mainly because it's stressful thinking that I could still get turned down. I thought we were done with that point in our lives! Why am I still having to compete and vie for a position now? I have a passion! I have a drive! I have the career that is perfect for me! Ugh, I think my hair may be falling out. I'm giving myself until Monday. Monday will be last day to submit. Of course not everyone is privy to the Path residency application issue this year. There is a possibility there will be 7 (SEVEN) people doing path this year. 1. I think this is GREAT. I think everyone should do path because it is the best specialty EVER 2. Oh s*@#& there are only 2 spots here. What if it's that competitive everywhere this year? What if I don't get in anywhere? What if I have to scramble? What if I scramble into anything BUT path.

See why I'm stressed?

Other than that I'm on my clinical path rotation. I'm loving it so far! I'm on blood bank this week, and I got to tour the local blood services place. it was amazing! I could see myself doing blood bank one day. Totally cool. When I get back from the long weekend I get to follow a bag of blood from collection to recipient (kinda, as much as the med school can do). HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I was honestly a little reserved about the clinical side, thinking I wouldn't enjoy it as much as anatomic. Now I'm sure I'm going to enjoy getting AP/CP trained.. woo!

I also enjoy being back at the "U". I've been away at the family medicine clinics doing my ambulatory rotation. I was so removed from everyone! I got lonely at times eating lunch by myself. Kinda sad. But now I have people to eat with. Even though I'm feeling a bit withdrawn, I think it'll be ok. I"m afraid that my neurosis about applications is coming off as "I'm rubbing it all in your face" instead of "I'm freaking out and need someone to tell me it's ok". Ugh, I hate this.

Ok, well, I'm going to go watch more of "I love the 80's"  (ok, seriously, best decade ever! I'm thinking of wearing my hair totally 80's from now on now that it's long enough) and maybe lay in bed and watch a movie. Tomorrow entails laundry and gym and sleeping. Yes. Perfect weekend.

Want

I have the oddest feeling my computer is about to crap out. If it can just hold on for about, oh, 6 months after I start my residency then I can buy the good stuff.

August is almost over. I will have to thank the FM dept for *nicely* trying to convince me to not do pathology. I can't wait to do my clinical path month, I still need 1 more letter of rec. The gym has been going well, although I'm still too chicken to do spin class just yet. Thought I need to work on some cardio/strength training for a while before jumping into spin. Don't want to make a total fool of myself in front of the entire class by going into cardiac arrest.

Can we hit the "easy" button and just have match day magically appear?

August is almost over. Yay! I'm one more month closer to being done, being out of the house, and being on my second path month! Clinic has been very challenging for me, especially since I don't like clinic. There was one couple this past week that literally talked for about 20 straight minutes. After that I was so drained I just wanted to go home, shut myself into my room, and not talk to anyone. One more week, I can do it!

Speaking of clinic, seems like I've either caught some stomach bug or eaten an egg full of Salmonella. Which is why I'm unfortunately missing High Energy's reception :( I was really looking forward to it, but I feel like poo and my stomach cannot be trusted. I'm sure she and her new hubby will have a wonderful time! I'm totally pumped for her. That also means I didn't go to free clinic and now I HAVE to go next weekend to make my FM requirement.

So, did anyone realize it's going to be September in about another week? Yikes! I still have to get 2 more letters. Kinda freaking. GOT to get those done next week. Will probably miss another morning of clinic. Blah.

Hope everyone's rotations are going well.

And I run

I run so far awaaaaay.

I'm doing better after my little rant. I think people just get too wound up with stereotypes and their own personal opinions and don't see the forest for the trees. I'm sorry for anyone who was in the wake of my rage. No worries, I'm still doing pathology no doubts.

Anywhoo, clinic has been entertaining this week. My favorite was the Dilaudid druggie who ran (literally RAN) out of clinic when security was called. We just wanted him to leave, but I suppose he thought he was going to be arrested. his story as to why he's had multiple doctors write him Rx's and had them filled at multiple pharmacies was that his identical twin brother stole his identity. Priceless. I have a deep, seething hate for drug addicts. At the same time I have a pity for them as well. Mainly, we'll get you help, but I don't appreciate your crap. Give it up. I also have the power of a very confrontational personality on my side.

I'm looking forward to next month. I'll be back in the path dept. i'm not looking forward to sending my application (it's almost Sept ALREADY?!) and asking for the last few rec letters. My meeting with the dept chair went well, and he enthusiastically agreed to write me a letter. I really do love the path chair. He's an amazing teacher and so supportive. I wanted to give him a hug, but I feel that it would have made the whole meeting awkward. I'll be getting my second path letter sometime next week, and I need to find someone to get me a letter from another dept. My medicine attending hasn't answered back, but I may get one from the family medicine people. I've got 26 places on my list right now. I think I exhausted all the places where I'd be ok living for the next 4 years.

Enough of talking about things that make me want to drink.

Joined a local gym (again) today because 1. the school gym stinks and 2. school gym parking stinks worse. I didn't like the fact I had to wait until 5 pm every day in order to park by the gym. Or anywhere near the gym. I'm pretty disgruntled by the parking situation at UMC anyway. Although, I'm excited about Spin class. I've always wanted to try it, and they have one at 530 pm on weekdays. I'm definitely going to try to go tomorrow. Hopefully I'll survive! haha. I gotta get more serious about my whole new year's resolution to run a 5k this year. Maybe the Blues 5k in December?

Catch you on the flip side.

Pity Party

I'm just going to take a minute and whine about my life. Why is it that the ONE year I'm applying for residency everyone and their mother wants to freaking do path? I mean, NO ONE did it last year. Now there's a guaranteed FOUR people doing it. WHY ME? And I'm getting pretty fed up with people telling me that I'm too not socially retarded to do path. I should do medicine. Ugh. Fine. I'll tell patients how I really feel, sit and look at you with a "you're an idiot" face and then fail to respond appropriately to any questions. Will that make everyone ELSE feel better about me doing path? ugh. And don't get me started on my residency application. My CV is as fluffed as it's going to be. No, I didn't win who's who for medical school, or get some fancy award. I'm a vanilla (literally) average run of the mill student. I'm sure the same 5 people are getting all the awards, just like it was in high school and undergrad. And I'm sorry I didn't make a 270 on Step 1. And  score still isn't good enough and puts me below average for pathology. Meaning I should apply for 30 or so programs, to make sure I can rank no less than 8 (preferably 11) programs. Which, if EVERYONE didn't decide to do path, I wouldn't be in this situation anyway.

F my life.

Can you tell my dean's meeting wasn't what I expected?

In other news, I'm still chugging along with my Family Medicine clinic rotation. It's my last week at one clinic, then i'll be switching and going to the other. I'm also in the business of trying to get rec letters. I have a meeting with the dept chair tomorrow, and I'm kinda freaking out about it (and not in the good way). I still have to decide who all I want to ask within the path and other depts. My personal statement is crap and my personal life is crap.

More importantly, I need a vacation.

Hope all is well with everyone else. About to head to preggo's shower then out with some friends for mexican. Margaritas fix everything.

And, before I leave, let me just share something with you all that never fails to leave me smiling:

KITTY ALMOST IN A BAG!

KITTY IN A CAVE!

KITTY IN A CHAIR! (about to attack)

On Fire

It's hot. Like, you walk outside and burst into flames type of hot. I think I'll pull up weather channel and apply to every program in any state where the temp is below 90 degrees. This is ridiculous. Heat index was 113 with an actual temp of 105. Seriously? ugh.

However, I finished my anatomic pathology month. Freaking loved it! I only got to see 1 autopsy, which was disappointing, and didn't get to see any limbs grossed in the lab but it was amazing. I seriously miss it. I was so sad I didn't get to go today. Instead I went to family medicine clinic. It was ok, just clinic. And not path. However, I told them if they could get me some quick stains and a microscope I'd read all paps in house. They just thought I was kidding....

This week will be full of meetings. I have my dean's letter meeting (um, still gotta do that personal statement) and a meeting with the chair of the path dept. I need to start asking people for recommendation letters, so I'm sure I'll have to miss a bit of clinic here and there. Hopefully it won't be a big deal.

I also got to see my amazing friends this past weekend. It was kinda lacking since one of the original gang is all married and living elsewhere and couldn't come :( She was there in our thoughts, however. we did stupid stuff like watch Jurassic Park and made dinner and went to the pool. It was a "boys are crap" weekend as well, as me and a friend of mine got screwed over. We didn't let that ruin our fun! And my friend M has two kittens. Tiny tiny, probably 4 weeks old! One of them even peed on me (too young to hold it for long) which caused a very long laughing fit by the 3 of us. Good times, I miss my girls! I'll be going  back and seeing them soon.

Anywhoo, everyone seems to be chugging along with rotations and such. I'm sure I'll have great stories. My story of the day was a 16 yo with chronic pain, needing lortab, who mysteriously disappeared (along with his mother) when we asked for some urine for a drug screen. At first he "couldn't pee" and when they realized he'd be given all the water he could stomach, they systematically disappeared. Ahh, life of direct patient interaction.

I'm Home

I take my Step2 CS on Monday and there's a mixed feeling of anticipation and excitement. I'm so terrified of failing this stupid thing, mainly because it's another grand I don't have. I'm excited to get it over with and not have to think about it ever again and have it behind me. I'm jealous of those who have already completed the exam, mainly because I've been having to study during my rotation.

All I have to say about my Path rotation is that I now know, with 100% conviction, that THIS is what I'm supposed to do with my life. I don't think anyone has seen a student squeal in excitement when a limb gets brought in fresh from one of the OR's. I of course cannot do what any of the residents do (what happened to all that histology I used to know? alas), but I just get so excited over everything. I love tumor board. I love unknown conference. I love biopsies. Just so awesome. I haven't done any autopsy or surg path yet (they organized us all it's funny) but I will after this week. So far I've had cytology and hemepath. I haven't enjoyed heme path quite as much as I wanted, but it still is fun. Such a fun game! "is this a blast, mono, or gran?" hahaha. yes. I have found my niche. Finally. Everyone keeps remarking on the stupid happy smile that has permanently adhered to my face. I just can't wait when I get to do it all day, every day. AND get paid.

Well, suppose I'm off to go and study some stupid cases. Can't wait for Monday to be over with.
Hope everyone is as happy as I am :)

Drumroll

The number one reason why to NEVER move in with your parents:

I am 25 years old and just got a "because I said so" as a reason to why I can't have a dog "in our my house".

I mean, seriously?

Take it from someone who knows. Move out as soon as you can, and NEVER go back. I don't care if you have to live out of your car. You'll forever be 10 in any decisions you make. You have to do what they tell you. Because they said so.

Happy point? I get to go back to the path lab tomorrow. Absolutely loving every minute of it. Now to just get apps, interview, and match day over with. So I can get a goddamn dog.