Looking Back on Med School Year 1

Dear 2012 Sarah,
As soon as Matt was accepted into medical school, you scoured the internet for blogs that would give you a hint as to what life would be like as a "med school wife." Blogs are great. You still love them. But everyone's experience is different (and you work full time and don't have a baby so all of those blogs you found are irrelevant anyway). Here are a few things you should know about your experience:

• Moving is expensive. You can cut all the corners you want, but moving across the country = $$$. Deal with it, budget for it as much as possible, then just let it be. Obsessing over finances only makes you cranky.
• Medical school is a full time job plus nights and weekends; however, so is teaching. Staying busy and working hard is the second-best way for you to support Matt. Waiting around for him to be "done" will only frustrate you both. He's never done, but he will always have time for you. He really is the best.
• First and foremost, the BEST way for you to support Matt is to make sure the time you are able to spend together is quality time. If he can turn the med student off, you can turn the teacher off. Those essays can wait until Wednesday (I know you told the kids you would have them graded by Monday, but odds are no one was even listening when you said that).
• Friends are everywhere. Reach out to others, be confident, and friendships will develop naturally. Don't stress about it!
• It's OK to splurge on expensive restaurants from time to time. Houston has some seriously good food. Take advantage of it!
• Food trucks. Forget everything Dad ever said about "roach coaches." You love them.
• Make an effort to keep in touch with old friends. You may be 1,000 miles away, but you need them! Get a hands free device for your phone and go crazy. Your daily commute is 1.5 hrs. Use it.
• Have fun! Your life is so stinkin' good right now. You married the perfect guy for you, the good days of teaching will make up for the bad ones, and you picked an awesome place to live. ENJOY IT.

Love,

2013 Sarah