One week in

I woke up this morning to a very chilly breeze that seems to be signaling the passing of summer. This summer seemed so short lived, thanks to lovely (?) days spent in class. I was able to get out this month and have a little time for fun. But, now I am a week into my second year of PA school. Already I feel like I have learned an overwhelming amount of valuable information. This time around, I have clinical rotations. I am currently working in Ob/Gyn. Before you cringe, I have to say I am really enjoying it. There is a lot of interesting medicine involved in this population (as well as emotions). Everyone keeps asking what area I want to go into. Unfortunately, it seems to change every week or so :). I can see myself in a lot places, so time will have to tell.

For now I get to spend four weeks in Sun Valley, studying, learning, and enjoying the scenery. I'm also trying to survive running at a generous altitude. So far...ok...:)

I think for now, a Sunday afternoon "nap" is in order.

Achille's Last Stand

So, I am sitting here with my foot on a bag of frozen peas. Why do such a silly thing? because the ice packs I had stored in the freezer are solid blocks of some unnatural chemical, that despite their design, is not conforming to my anatomy. I have instead decided to improvise. Peas seemed to be the closest match to crushed ice, which is by far the most superior form of antinflammatory treatment (unless you are crazy enough to consider an ice bath, or perhaps ibuprofen)
At any rate I found myself in a great deal of pain during a friendly game of basketball a couple days ago. I was quite convinced that if I ran or made any sudden moves my achilles tendon would jump out of my leg. That would have been very awkward. Luckily, it stayed in place, but it seems to be very angry at me. Apparently it forgot that we have a race to run in just under a week. Instead, it threw a fit all weekend, and made me hobble around. It absolutely refused to do any running. I'm hoping that if I baby it for a few days, we can be on good terms again and get back on track. Besides, Lefty's behavior is a horrible example for Righty.
At any rate, I sit here, listing to the Moldau, waiting for my 20 minutes to finish so I can get a move on it...

Just a Day for a Daydream...

Well, I made it back home today. I certainly enjoyed the sabbatical from routine. Last weekend I enjoyed the first of what I can only hope will be many bbqs of the season. Though brief, I managed to visit with all of my sisters at the same time, which is no small feat. During a run, a friendly runaway dog decided to join me. He was a nice company until we got a little too close to what I suspect was his home. Apparently we was also enjoying his vacation. We took some flowers to my Dad and Grandparents on Memorial Day. There was a general military service going on, so it was a little awkward trying to get to Grandpa (who is hanging out in the military section). We had to cross a table of cookies and a kilted bagpiper. I thought about using the flowers to lure the bagpiper away from the cookies...
I went on a few walks with my very pregnant sister, hoping it would induce labor. We got hit with a nice thunderstorm that poured rain and hail. There is something amusing and unsettling about watching a 9 month pregnant woman run down a hill to avoid lightning. We survived the storm, but the baby probably figured it would be warmer to stay put.
The week ended with a hiking excursion north of Ketchum. Its amazing how extreme the mountains can be, especially in May. We started with sun and 60's and quickly found ourselves waist deep in snow. Literally. I actually got a leg stuck in the snow. Luckily Erin was there to help dig me out. I almost lost a foot, she nearly sacrificed some fingers. Erin...I dedicate this blog to you.
It was an amazing hike, up some mountains that I used to admire from a distance when I was little. I would watch the thunderstorms roll in and wrap around the peaks of these giant boulders. The perfect storm for a daydream.
It was quite humbling, feeling so small and young in the midst of an ancient masterpiece. My very sore body post hike was also humbling.
All in all, a pleasant week.

Recreation

After yet another long week, some of us PA nerds decided to take Friday night away from the books. Crazy I know. We started with a round of golf. It felt so nice to be outside, the sun even appeared for a few minutes. I'm still struggling with seeing golf as recreation and not competition, but I'm hoping to go more often to get the rust out.
We continued the evening with shuffle board. This was my first time ever playing. Suffice it to say, I was a bit aggressive and went over the edge a couple times (not me literally, though its not inconceivable). It was fun, as was the trash talk.
Somewhere in the middle of this I got to talking with one of my classmates. We were both astounded at how quickly we are moving through the school year. The sad thing is there has been very little time to stop and reflect on what we have learned (I mean more universally than medicine). I'm sure there are some valuable life lessons I'll take away from my time here, but at the moment it feels more like I am riding the bench (oh believe me, I can crank out sports analogies all day long)
That's not entirely true, the bench part--I'm serious about the analogies, I have had some good times and conversations with the people here. And, can see more and more how vital faith is to helping me push through. I just hope when I look back, I can say I lived the fullest I possibly could...

Can spring actually be here?

I felt like school was a little rough on me this past week. I was exhausted and unmotivated to study for our Monday final. (final is a bit misleading considering they occur on a nearly weekly basis) I went to bed last night hoping for a change in attitude.
I woke up this morning determined to run outside (I have been avoiding outdoor running since we are still getting snow). A couple of my classmates and I have a half-marathon scheduled for June so slacking is not an option.
Surprisingly, it was light out when I woke up this morning. Not only that, I could see green grass, no snow, and no frost. Needless to say I had a great run (if you discount the hills of course)
I finished feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the day of studying. It was so nice, my study group even took a little frisbee break!
I'm not trying to bore you with my school schedule or over use of parenthesis, I just wanted to say how happy I was to welcome the first day of the year that actually resembled spring.

Well, as predicted I failed miserably with my blogging attempt. I guess I'll give it another go...
Spring break will sadly be coming to a close in the next couple of days. This vacation was nothing out of the ordinary, however, it came just in time. The semester started out fine, even better than the fall, but somehow February and March turned ugly. And by ugly I mean informative. So informative I think I failed to grasp how informed I was. Nonetheless, after studying more than I wanted to, I passed the cardiology and renal modules (I'm trying to savor the small victories).
Monday we jump into Gastrointestinal...uh...fun! Actually, I am hoping my previous lab life will come in handy...

4 more months of relentless cramming and then I start my clinical phase. I keep thinking about it as the light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm beginning to realize it won't be easier...just different. A good different I hope. A now-put-it-all-together different.
One thing school has done is keep my mind very distracted. Sometimes its difficult to remember there is a whole world outside of my classroom. I love hearing from everyone, and living vicariously through them. I can at least dream I'm starting fresh in Alaska...or...uh...Hawaii. I'm sure you all dream of living in Pocatello!

Actually, come fall Hannah and I will be moving to Boise. It should be interesting living with her and my mom. It will be nice to hang out with the family for a year, especially with a little niece on the way. We had a "baby shower" (aka bbq) last weekend for Melissa and Seth. It certainly was fun to have the anticipatory excitement of new life, especially this time of year.

Today Hannah and Mom left to spend the night in Twin Falls, leaving me to my own devices. Its actually the first day I have had to myself since break started. Its been quite refreshing. I went for a run that felt more like a battle with the wind. The wind won. I had a nice walk. I have missed walking since anyone without snow shoes is under house arrest here in the winter. I like how it helps me think through the different challenges and hopes in my life. I didn't solve anything today, but I did take time for acknowledgment. I suppose its a start...

Kt...this is for you...