Black Monday....and then some

Black Monday.  You might think of the year 1987 (no, not just because my sister Kelli was born, forever ridding me of the only child label only 16 short months after my birth) when in October, the stock market tumbled and men jumped from buildings after learning of their fortunes gone missing.  Or another Monday in October, this time in 1929, when the same sort of event occurred.  Or the Monday that claimed the life of Harvey Milk in 1979.  Or maybe, if you're a fan of the NFL, you know that Black Monday can refer to the day after the final game of the season, when coaches can lose their positions.  These are all important, but definitely not the Black Monday I'm blogging about now.

Black Monday is the Monday before Match Day, when fourth year medical students all over the country find out if they matched to a residency position.  It's a bit of a tease, really.  You learn if you matched or not, not where, or to what position on your list.  Of course, it is a huge relief.  For many months prior to this day, medical students spend hours and LOTS of money filling out applications to programs, interviewing, and sending thank you notes by the dozen.  You then spend hours trying to organize the programs into a rank list.  The programs do the same.  In February, you submit your rank list, and some magical computer in the sky "matches" medical students and programs.  It is a lot like sorority rush; you must play the game if you want to have a job next year.  

Then you wait.  And wait and wait.  As a good friend of mine said today, it's a lot like being a child right before Christmas.  You can't WAIT, but yes, you have to patiently wait before your fate is announced on Match Day.  It is hard to make plans for the next four years of your life without knowing where you will be spending them.  Sure, you can gamble and sign a lease or buy a huge dog that most apartment complexes won't accept (oops).  But you have to do that knowing you could end up at any number of places throughout the country.

Then Black Monday comes, with a glimmer of hope (or despair).  Most medical students receive the standard, "You matched."  Unfortunately, some do not.  That is when they must decide whether to scramble into an unfilled position or wait it out until next year.  There are many more unmatched students than unfilled positions.  Scramble is a nightmare, and I can only cross my fingers and toes and send up many prayers that it does not happen to me or any of my fellow classmates.  Three long days later, you receive the envelope containing your fate.  In front of your class, you open it and read off your match.  (I'm actually surprised this hasn't resulted in cardiac arrest for some medical students).  Then, your wait is over, and it is off to celebrate.

Tomorrow is Black Monday.  I am so excited but also nervous.  I'm glad I had many things to think about this weekend instead of the upcoming Match.  My uncle Jim is deploying for Afghanistan, and my aunt Tracy threw him a great party to send him off.  Dann and I also had our hands very full with our furry friends.  Finley is starting to become less timid, and is growing so quickly (her collar has already had to be adjusted twice because it's gotten too small)!  Without further adieu, pictures from this weekend:

Dann and his sweet babies (note Carson's head size vs. Finley's).

Sweet little sleeper

....who was annoyed that I was taking her picture.

Involved in an epic game of tug of war.  Check out Carson's teeth!

Our pretty little lady.

Dann and Grady playing ping pong (and Dann doing his best to teach him beer pong).

Rock Chalk!

Looks like Dann is tired out!

This is our "wedding picture" with Jimmy since he will be deployed on our wedding.  Good luck and stay safe, Jimmy!  We'll miss you but we are very proud of you.

Caught playing in the kitchen

First bath and a wrinkly face!

My little loves.