9.1.10

Bring in the new year- with a stethoscope and a brand new blog....


It has been over a year since my last post and it is indeed time for this page of my life to be updated.
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances-at least not in their ability to determine one's potential. The people who get on in this world are the ones who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them.
It is amazing that one's entire life can be changed so drastically in a years time. I am a living testimony of what hard work, faith, and determination can amount to in a very short period of time.
I remember laying in bed next to my husband a little over two years ago. This was around the time I decided that my love for spunky designs and pretty creations was not quite where I wanted to devote my career endeavors. We spent hours in the cozy room in the 'house upon the hill' brainstorming about the possibilities ahead of me. I decided to take it slow and sign up for some pre-health care classes at the community college in Traverse City, MI. I could never forget my first Microbiology class. I remember thinking to myself that I wished I could grow some cilia of my own and get out of there. I was intimidated to say the least. Up until this point I had always been in situations where I new I would excel. This was the first time where I was completely clueless and knew I had a lot of work ahead of me. As time passed I began to understand the science world. It is a language different than any I have learned before. It is a study based on a creation so magnificent that I could not be anything but amazed. The human body is artwork to me and its design is so spectacular that I can only believe the artist to be God Himself. There is no doubt in my mind that our Heavenly Father is the only One capable of such intricacy and beauty. This being said- I had a quick and new found love. SCIENCE!
This was the beginning of a gigantic push because I was determined to get where I was going fast. Without the support and mini tutor sessions I would probably never have made it this far without Reilly ! I didn't tell many people my intentions simply because it seemed unrealistic that I would actually accomplish my goal. I just kept taking my classes and looking for health care experience. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by a great Doctor who took the risk of hiring me as his personal medical assistant. He knew I was not trained,
un-certified, and basically blind to the inner workings of a doctor's office. I guess he believed in me! What an amazing opportunity and what a way for me to awaken to an undiscovered strength. I am in love with serving the world- one little old lady at a time. This all culminates in the exciting news that I applied and have been accepted to PA (physicians assistant for those that don't know) school. I have made my final decision between two schools and I will be attending CMU this May to begin my 27 month program. In the end (if I pass my boards) I will be a licensed practitioner.
With this new and exciting change in my life, I have decided to move away from House Upon the Hill blog. I have spent the better part of this past year learning about and loving the world of medicine and health care. It is an interest that I want to share with my friends and family. I am starting a new blog for both Reilly and I to share our journey of becoming medical professionals.
Our new blog will be a place that we will post interesting facts and tidbits that we find worthy of sharing. Don't worry we will still keep up with pictures of our life and LUCY. Thanks for following and I look forward to seeing you at hobbsmedicinecabinet.blogspot.com
"The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing." ~Larry Dossey

11.8.08

The House on Beaconsfield Avenue












Moving and MED SCHOOL!



The whole gang on moving day!
Mama Hobbs Unloading Rachael's treasures



Now this is one proud Dad!
First Day of School!
The House Upon the Hill is no more. It was very sad to leave such a beautiful place after a wonderful year. I never thought the time would actually come, but it sure did- With a BANG!
Reilly had to move down (to Grosse Pointe Michigan- right outside of Detroit) one week before I was able to. He began orientation at Wayne State Medical School while I finished working the Cherry Harvest.
Thankfully, we had many little helping Scott hands to load the amazing 24' trailer that was lent to us by our dear friends, the Sheffers. Reilly, Mama Hobbs and Devon schlepped all of our life down to our adorable new little home and unpacked in a day. They are amazing!
I finally arrived, excitedly, this past Friday and couldn't wait to dig in and make 1**7 Beaconsfield Avenue ours.
Saturday afternoon Reilly was officially inducted into Medical School through the traditional White Coat Ceremony. Of course it was incredibly special and I cried through most of it. Reilly was really excited that his Dad made it! He was chartered in on a private plane from Marinette just to see his son begin the long, arduous journey through the next 7 years of our life.
We are SO happy in Grosse Pointe. As Reilly says, "Rachael is just about ready to run for Mayor of the town after only 2 days". I guess living in such a community oriented town has been incredibly appealing for me. I have met all the neighbors and already have 2 babysitting jobs lined up- along with a very good connection through St. John's Hospital. Lucy and I walk up and down the beautiful tree lined streets just in awe over the spectacular homes and quaint little shops. We stopped and had lunch at the Sprout House- (a vegetarian little cafe right on the corner of my block!)
The nearest shopping center is about a 20 mile drive. The residents of the community opt to keep it that way in order to promote local business and agriculture. Having Lucy is always the reason people want to stop and talk. I realized today that I probably spent 5 hours of my day conversing with the new folk. I will take more pictures of our apartment and Grosse Pointe tomorrow to post.
I found myself walking down the sidewalk humming Annie's song in my head; "I know I'm gonna like it here"!

18.7.08

A Night in the Life of a Cherry Picker


Reilly and I started work at Cherry Bay Orchards this week. We have been working the night shift and amazingly it has been way more fun than I ever imagined it would be. Here is a brief illustration of events throughout the 12 hour shift. Enjoy!! and be thankful you are sleeping right now.


The Cooling Pad


Reilly doing routine maintenance on the trucks- What a HUNK!





The trucks come from the orchard with 8 tanks full of
beautiful cherries... Now the REAL work begins.




Flushing water to clean the cherries



Weighing and Grading Cherries




Yes folks, Rachael drives a forklift... Bet you thought pigs would fly before this day would come.



When we aren't busy, the real fun begins 'behind the scenes'



Things get a little loopy around 3 a.m.



28.6.08

Shenandoah National Park


























Reilly and I have been planning a backpacking trip for our 2 year anniversary. We couldn't have imagined a better way to spend our time together. 4 days unshowered, Hail Storms in a tent, every meal out of a saucepan, bears, treacherous, waterfall hikes,rock climbing, dachshund puppies in the campground that made me miss Lucy, up hill climbs that last for MILES!!! and, an unbelievable amount of quality time together. Praise God for His beautiful creation and the opportunity that we had to explore just a small little bit of it. Enjoy just a few of our pictures.