Day 29
Yesterday the schedules for the clinical year were handed out. I was nauseous all day just thinking about it. I requested to be in TX the entire time and was very nervous to see if I got placed in the spots I wanted. *You should see my fingernails* I was so ready to know where my little #feet would be during the year to fancy my planning tendencies and get my housing situation tackled. [as if I dont already have a bajillion other things to be doing with my time right now]
3pm rolled around. Our clinical director was perched up on a tall chair awaiting to give us information we may or may not want to hear. All the girls around me were telling each other 'may the odds be ever in your favor' in attempt to mask our nervousness LOL [we are slightly obsessed with Hunger Games] Apparently, since 60-80 manpower hours had been put into making these, changes will not be taken very easily. When my name was called, I walked up to the front for a first look at where I would be for the next year of my life.
I grabbed the paper. *sigh* I had Houston first {which I had STRONGLY asked for}. I quickly skimmed over the rest of the assignments to make sure they were all in TX. *sighagain* They were! I didnt receive the exact order I wanted, but hey- they are all in Texas. PTL! I will be between Houston, Dallas, Sherman, and Dension during the year! It will be alot of moving, but so worth it. Of that, I'm positive.
Whew! What an adventure I have coming up! If it's even possible to be 1)scared to death and 2)extremely excited/ready all at the same time, that's my feelings right now.
Bring it on, rotations!
xoxokc
P.S. dont think you need to schedule an appt with your optometrist STAT ;)...the pic is blurred out for privacy reasons
Day 28
I returned from DC this morning. I predict the crick in my neck from the overnight bus ride will linger for a couple more days, unfortunately. I'm so glad my program cancelled classes today so we could rest, regroup, and reload for the next 18 days of class. YES, we only have 18 days of school left this semester. Glorious!
After unpacking my musty, metro-smelling luggage, I had the sudden urge to clean. I dusted and mopped most of my room, took out the #trash, separated laundry into darks and lights, showered, and laid down for the most restful sleep I have gotten in the past 4 days. I was definitely ready to be done with living out of a suitcase. After I woke, I was slapped in the face with PA school reality: taking a week and a half off means work piles up. And did I take the evening to get organized to tackle the massive study load that piled up: of course NO. Here's to a few more sleepless nights.
I hope you had a semi-productive Wednesday like myself.
Enjoy evidence of my cleaning spree: an empty trashcan. haha.
xoxokc
Day 18 & 19
As you know, I'm at Julie and Brandon's this week outside of St. Louis!
Below is a shot of a corner of their #home. I think their Boatner sign is adorable! Oh, and dont forget to look at the very top middle of the picture--that's Julie's WORLD SERIES game ticket when she went to a game IN St. Louis to root on the Rangers! How awesome is that!
Sunday was full of church, lunch at Qdoba, guided tours of the town, napping, kite flying, and relaxing. My mind feels out of place not having to think about school 24/7.
Today (3/19) was our first real day of sightseeing/experiencing the town. We headed towards downtown about 11am after brunch. Our first stop was the famous Arch [aka, The Gateway to the West]. We were able to snag some tickets to the top for a crazy view of the city. To get to the top, 5 people are shuttled up the side of the arch, smushed like raisins into a tiny egg shaped contraption for 4 whole minutes. At first I thought it was a #funny joke, but soon realized I was mistaken. Below was an attempt to snap a picture of it. {We were actually told NOT to take pictures of the eggmachine. Im a rebel, what can I say}
After the arch experience we toured a museum, drove around in Illinois for about 5 minutes, dined at Imo's Pizza, and blew purple and pink bubbles. The night ended over alfredo pasta and the 4 of us enjoying each other's company :) Of course, laughing at everything the boys say.
You should go up to the top of the arch sometime before you die. Great experience, unless you are clostrophobic or afraid of heights.
xoxokc
Day 17
Today goes down in the books as the most memorable days of 2012, by far.
To start things off, it was the first official day of Spring Break! People tell me I deserve a break from school, and I am glad to take one. Even when trying to write this blog, I was asked if I was doing school stuff to make sure I am really taking a break. :) {or atleast thats what I think Julie was making sure of}
To keep things exciting, my flight to St. Louis was the worst flight of my life. I didnt really keep up with the weather, so I had no idea what was in store for my flight. We took off fine, but about half way there it became a roller coaster. Literally felt like I was on the Titan. Oh, but with lightening all around us. You know its bad when you touch ground and the pilot says "Yeaa! I dont want to play anymore, I just want to go home." The airport was under a 'code red' because there was lightening in the area. After we landed we had to sit on the run way for 2.5 hours because there was a plane in the gate we were supposed to be unloading in.
To finish my night off, I GOT TO SEE DYLAN!!! After we picked up my luggage, we headed to eat at 54th Street Grill to grab some dinner with Brandon and Julie. I also gave Dylan his first silly present for the week. Sea Monkeys!!! We started the hatching process tonight and I cant wait to see them grow in a few days :) There is a picture of them below.
Happy St. Patricks Day!
xoxokc
Day 16
Today starts my SPRING BREAK! The past 11 weeks of school have been relentless and I have never wanted a spring break more than this one. Im burnt out yet excited about my semi-vacation :)
I was so occupied, studying and doing other assignments this past week, I wasnt able to pack until after we got out of class at 3pm today. I rushed home to start a load of laundry, stopped by Harrogate Oil and Lube to get my oil changed, switched out loads of laundry, and finished up at WalMart where I loaded up on some new Essie polish.
I got back home and proceeded to get everything out to pack. Below is a photo of some essential items I will not be able to survive in St. Louis without: #sunglasses, Essie polish, Paris lotion, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, Crest white strips, Smashbox liner, and of course a toothbrush. The only thing missing from this picture that's imperative to hygiene is deodorant. Dont worry, I packed some, it just didnt make it into the picture. ;)
Maybe your traveling essentials resemble mine. If so, you're awesome. Now go have a good night.
xoxokc
Day 15
Yesterday was full of mad studying for behavioral medicine. One test. 60% of our grade. No pressure.
It was so pretty, again, outside when we got out of class at 11am, but the weather soon got gloomy. I ran home to get out of businesscaz, grab some caffeine, and went to spend the night at the library. As the night went on, the rain and thunder were so soothing, I fell asleep for 30 minutes. [oh well]
I was semi-thankful for the rain, however, because my #car was in dire need of a wash. Free car wash, yipee!! :) {its the little things} Apparently the birds have thought my car was the toilet bowl the past couple of days.
Alisha and I were able to make it out the to car when it was only sprinkling, thankfully.
If it rained were you live yesterday, Im glad you got a free car wash too :)
xoxokc
Day 14
Today in Bible Study, we talked about clouds. Ironic that today's 'March Photo a Day' word is #cloud? I submit, it is not.
Riding in an airplane offers a unique view of earth. I always feel semi-disconnected from life, being able to see from a distance what is going on. I assume the role of a toymaker looking down on a mechanical city he has created.
While I normally imagine that laying on the clouds would feel like a feather comforter fit for a King, I was challenged today to think of being above the clouds in a spiritual way.
Christ can lift us out of our messy lives. He can make us righteous and whole. He can lift us out of the storms of life, above the clouds, and be our ultimate comforter.
I hope that you let Christ be your comforter tonight.
This is a stunning pic of the campus I may or may not have taken on my iphone while I was driving. YES- my iPHONE! Amazing quality. Amazing edit on Instagram. I want to give it to the marketing dept of DCOM.
xoxokc
Day 13
Papers papers everywhere. Papers papers I dont care.
This is my current attitude. Brain is as fried as Snooki's skin.
I am so ridiculously ready to be in St. Louis that I dont care as much to make A's B's but merely pass.
I have made outlines of all 12 lectures to study. Their presence all over my bed is a certain #sign of what's in the future {AKA a TEST}.
Back to studying about COD.. thats OCD, but in alphabetical order. **I dont take credit for that comical line, I stole it from Pinterest**
enjoy your night.
xoxokc
day 12
Oh, the many #forks we encounter in a day. Fork utensils. Forks in the road. Forklifts. Forked tongues. And my personal favorite Forks, Washington.
Speaking of Forks, Wash... Twilight is on FX44 right now and it has made my night absolutely splendid! I love that movie like a kitty loves warm milk. *meow* its makes me reminisce back to the days at DBU, making pallets with my lovely roomies :)
The other fork on my mind, at the moment, are forks in the road. This Saturday, I will be making the drive to Louisville KY to hop on a plane and fly off to St. Louis. I will be spending the week with Dylan, Brandon, and Julie at their home in Missouri. I am so excited to break away from the monotonous cycle of school. I plan to sleep until I wake up, cook for my Dylan, watch lots of movies, visit the zoo, and catch some sun. We'll see how that plan works out.
Until tomorrow, may the forks be with you!!
day 11
i spent most of my afternoon at the park, again, because the weather has been so lovely! there was the most darling 2 little boys that sat down next to me while i was studying and ate their happy meals. they had the cutest blonde hair and thick southern accents. it made me miss my brother when he was little.
every sunday night, i attend a bible study that a 2nd year DO student hosts at his house! i love the fellowship, encouragement, and #talking to those in the group. it is a refreshing way to start my week off in the word and put life back into perspective. it is so easy to get caught up in the powerpoints/exams/grades that a little help redirecting life is very helpful!
i hope you experience fellowship with others sometime during the week!
xoxo kc
day 10
Today I decided {after I finally got out of the bed at 2pm} to enjoy the sunshine at the City Park. Being at the park is relaxing for me. I spend time gazing at the landscape, feeling the sun rays hit my face, and listening to the park scene. At times, I feel like im listening to 'Park Track 4' off of a Soundscape album on my Iphone ;) An added bonus to the H-town park is a dainty stream that runs straight through. Although there's not always flowing water in the stream, there was today, and it added to the ambiance! [if you locate the building on the right of the pic, then look to its left, you will see a little bridge--the stream runs under it]
There was a large, out of the ordinary, number of people today: about 25 people on the basketball court, several people running/walking on the track, and 25 children on the playsets. The park was very #loud, to say the least. Pre-pubescent boys yelling over fouls in a pick-up game, children screaming as they try to hide from parents 'monsters', and feet pattering on the blacktop of those trying to lose a few pounds.
Hearing all the different conversations/interactions/noises at the park this afternoon reminded of God's beauty! He designed each blade of grass, each animal, each PERSON beautiful and for His glory!
I hope you recognize your beauty.
xoxo kc
day 09
have you ever had dinner at an AUTHENTIC drive-in restaurant? Within about a 10 mile radius of Harrogate, there are three--yes, count 'em, 1-2-3! They are owned by brothers {I think} and operate out of trailors.
The one closest to me is called Frosty Mug, and of course, is decorated with the stereotypical #red neon lights, 50s music, and faded Chevrolet signs. They have an extensive variety of food/drink/dessert options from bacon cheesburgers to taco salads to funnelcake fries to malts. I recommend the Philly Cheesesteak and vanilla milkshake//like manna from heaven!
you should search out the closest drive-in to your home {Sonic doesnt count}, load up in the Griswold family station wagon, and enjoy an old-fashioned meal sometime soon :) you are guaranteed to enjoy it!
xoxo kc
day 08
it's a rainy night here in my littletown. My entire day has been filled with poo...literally! I have been furiously studying for my gastrointestinal exam tomorrow afternoon. I thought I wouldnt like the subject, but the more I study it, I could see myself working in GI someday. If you remember, please say a little prayer around 1pm EST.
hopefully when you looked outside a window today, you saw more beautiful things than darkness and rain <3
xoxo kc
day 07
I experienced my first behavioral medicine OSCE today! I was so nervous that I would have to manhandle a patient in a manic episode, and had decided i would scream/run out of the room if that happened. Luckily it didnt, and i sailed through the encounter like I was a psych PA.
I got to wear the respected white coat & stethoscope :) These 2 items make me feel so important that I almost wore them to lunch in the undergraduate cafeteria. I got a hold on my bighead though and didnt actually do it. {you're welcome, friends, for not embarrassing you}
Whatever you wore today, just remember you would be nowhere without Jesus in your life. 'Here in My Life' -Hillsong
xoxo kc
Day 06
its 5pm and im not sure where my brain is.. do you?
if i can survive the the next 8 school days and not loose any sleep or brain matter, it will be a straight miracle {bread and fish style}. if [and when] friday march 16 10am arrives, i will have suffered through 4 exams, 2 OSCES, 1 reasearch assignment, and 3 quizzes in a 10-school-day span. PTL.
@5pm in lilliputian harrogate, i find myself stuck in a reverse-peninsula-ish cubby for medical kiddies at DCOM--trying not to have the crazy DOs look at me every time i crinkle all 87 of my Now-N-Later wrappers in this House of Silence [rawr]. ("what are you looking at-it's candy-turn around")
Labels, pen, and highlighter in hand to mark every word the most important words from my gastrointestinal lectures.
I started a new way of studying today--which probably should have been started in august of last year. {shoulda/woulda/coulda}. 1 card for each disease, outlining those annoying 5W's+1H you learned in primary school.
and of course, the most nutritious of diets as food to my puny brain so its not off in 'draw something' land.
i hope your 5pm was filled with more exciting things than mine. xoxo
Day 05
Of the many things that crack a smile of my lipicles, these are 4 of the top picks
Dylan: even though im tired/cranky/rude at times, its my love for him {and his for me} that makes me smile
Claire and Cade: never fail to make me smile with their witty humor, tight hugs, crazy faces, and love for others
Effiel Tower: how could the city lights, baguettes, lush garden parks, and the language of love not make EVERYone smile. gawsh.
Pride and Prejudice: every girls dream to have the romantic tension of Darcy and Elizabeth. 'nuff said.
No excuses- other than PA school has control over my life right now.
Sleep, Study, Eat, Study, Sleep, repeat.
I started a photo a day challenge on the Instagram app and decided I will post my pics every day on here.
Clearly, its the 4th of March--so 4 pics will you see today.
Day 01
As i was strolling out of unsaid grocery store, i heard angels singing ;) i turned to view these babies below. in my head i said 'THATS WUT UP!!!' i proceeded to buy 'caramel delights' {apparently they arnt called simoas up here: Kentucky problems}
Day 02
Guess which boy in my life is the apple of my eye, plum 'pear'fect, and makes me go bananas?? *ding* you guessed it! its Dylan Ross!!
Day 03
If you channeled your inner weatherwoman and kept up with the weather the past few days around the US, you saw there were some tornados in my area. This is part of a neighborhood near my apartment. Homes are destroyed and people are devastated. Pray.
Day 04
Bedside essentials in TN: Nivea chapstick, MicroCell tower, Camelbak, Kate Spade Nook, Mentholatum, lamp, and some tissues. without these, i would never be able to sleep.
