Things I learned back then...

In my high school years I learned many things. Some I have found useful in "real-life," others have not been. I've also found some things I was NOT taught about that would have been useful.



One thing I was taught that has been exceptionally useful that last two nights is something I learned in good old 4-H. How to eat a formal dinner. With 3 forks, 2 glasses, a bread plate, and 4 courses. Only cut your meat one bite at a time. Only butter one bite of bread at a time, not the whole piece. When you are finished with the plate, placing your fork and knife across each other on the plate signals to the server that you are finished. I have used this the last two nights when eating with about a dozen physicians over the age of 50. They know how to eat a formal dinner because they are rich. I am not rich. I have never eaten a crab cake before tonight. I have never had crab before tonight, I was always afraid by some fluke I was allergic and I'd go into anaphylactic shock. I have not yet gone into anaphylactic shock, so I am assuming I am not allergic. They were good, but it just kind of tasted like fancy baked tuna. I'm such a hick. Oh well. Anyway, one thing 4-H did not teach us about formal dinners... What wine goes with what meal? White or red? I just picked white 'because I don't like red. I think that's right with chicken and/or fish? Is that right?

Two things drivers ed did not teach us are necessary to understand when driving in New Jersey. I still have not mastered the art of driving in New Jersey for these reasons. It's as disorienting as driving in another country sometimes. First, there's these things called "Jughandles" - the things that you have to turn right on before you can turn left... Confusing.

Oh yes, and the joy of traffic circles.

I guess when you live over a thousand miles from either... They just assume you'll never move so they don't teach you. East coast driving. Crazy.

Praying for snow...

Odd finding...

I went roaming around the Old City and around the Deleware River today... I came across an old cemetary at a church on Pine Street. I like the look of an old cemetary, so I went looking around taking a few pictures. I looked at one gravestone that said something about a Revolutinary War Hero... as I took the picture I relized this man had the unfortunate name that is often used on shows such as the Simpsons. I don't mean to disrespect the dead, especially a Revolutionary War hero... but come on... this guys name was, no kidding, Philip McCracken... Phil McCracken... poor guy. Here we go, legitimate picture of his gravesite.

Dogs...

I have wanted a dog as long as I can remember. If I were adopting a dog right now, at this moment... this is the one I would get from the shelter in my home town. His name is Koda. I guess I've never met him, but from the add at www.petfinder.com, this is the one I want.

My parents always said we couldn't have a dog because we lived in town and it wasn't nice to have a dog in town if you didn't have time to walk it all the time. And we didn't. Ok, fine, no dog. So, I've been waiting and waiting to get done with school and get 5+ acres so I can have a dog that can run free... and I AM getting closer to that goal...

Both my parents still live in town, the guy my mom is dating, Bruce, he has a dog that my mom watches sometimes on weekends. In town. And now my dad got a dalmation. In town. Don't get me wrong... I'm not mad at them... and I am happy that when I'm home I'll have a dog to play with... but what ever caused the change in how they felt about dogs? My mom, I admit, still dosen't seem to love the idea of there being a dog in her house... but she dosen't seem to complain much. Anyway... that's my random ranting of the day.

God and Me in the last year and a half...

This coming Sunday at my church back home is Student Sunday. My pastor asked me write a little something for them to read since I couldn't be there to give my own testimony on what God is doing in my life now. So, I sent him this. He said it was "awesome"... My writing isn't awesome, but what God has been doing in my life is. So, here it goes... (if you go to my church and would rather hear Pastor Buckley read this on Sunday, stop here. :) )


Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." -Isaiah 30:21-

People often ask me what brought me all the way from small town Minnesota to Philadelphia. I tell them, I'm not really sure, it just happened. I truly believe God led me to this place, even if I do not yet know exactly why. Perhaps it has been to teach me to appreciate "home" more, which has definitely happened. Perhaps it is to teach me that although it can be lonely at times, I can survive away from "home" because God is with me no matter where I am, whether it's very close to my family and friends, or halfway around the world.

When I was applying to Physician Assistant programs back in the fall of 2003, I had a few picked out that were where I really wanted to go; Augsburg was close to home, one in Denver was a specific pediatric program and I love kids, one in Pittsburgh was very similar to St. Scholastica and that seemed comfortable to me. I applied to 3 other schools, my only stipulations in picking them were that they were masters level programs, and that they were far enough north to have real seasons. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) being the most random of all, I pretty much added it to the application on a whim (which was most likely God telling me to apply there). I got interviews at only 2 of the 6 schools I applied to. The one in Pittsburgh and PCOM. I left to drive to Pennsylvania on a Saturday morning. I got as far as Black River Falls, WI - I ran over a chunk of ice and put a hole in the transmission fluid tray. No more driving my car. The one shop in town couldn't get the part until Wednesday at the earliest. My PCOM interview was Tuesday. While I was deciding what to do, the thought went through my mind to give up on the whole thing and just go home. But so many people were so helpful, one woman gave me the name of a small dealership in town that rented out cars. Another woman offered to drive me to LaCrosse so I could fly to Philadelphia in time for my interview. I had never met these people before. God definitely put them in my path to get me to Philadelphia. Ultimately, my mom and dad ended up delivering my mom's mini-van to me (a 6 hour drive) and driving back to Mora together. God also gave me awesome parents. So, after those occurrences, when I was accepted at PCOM, I knew that is where God wanted me.

Most of you were there the fall of 2003 when I talked about my mission trip to Jamaica and how much our group of 10 girls had grown together while we were there. One girl, Amy used to live in Philly as a missionary, so she gave me some hints about living there. I moved to Philly in June 2005. Christina, another from the Jamaica team, came in August. Sonja, another girl, came in November. And then Amy moved back to Philly for ministry this past summer. God definitely had a hand in that. We already had a relationship going among us, we were all in a new city needing good Christian friends, and God brought us to each other. Although we don't see each other too often, with the combination of all our busy schedules, it is still a comfort knowing that we're all here.

While I was here last year God also brought into my life another friend, Joannah, who was a year ahead of me in the program, and could give me advice and such about the program. But more than that, she brought me along every Sunday to an awesome church when I didn't have my car in the fall. Then when I brought it back after Christmas, we continued to go to church together and split the driving. We were able to support each other and pray for each other through the stresses of this program.

Even when I feel that I just got the biggest blow in the world, God is in control and knows what I need. That definitely happened when I failed a course over this past summer. I got a final grade of 68.5%, I needed 70% to pass the course. I would have had to answer 2, only 2, more questions right on exams to pass that course. I was devastated. Not only had I never failed anything before, but this was going to keep me from starting rotations on time and I was not going to graduate on my original graduation date. I studied for 2 weeks straight, and flew back to Philadelphia to take the remedial exam. If I got lower than 70% on the remedial exam, I would be a whole year behind because I would have to retake this course the following summer. If I passed, I would only be 6 weeks behind. That's a lot of pressure. I PASSED! By much more than I needed to. And then, I had 5 more weeks to relax before starting rotations. This turned out to be the best thing for me. I got to take a break, I got to visit friends I hadn't seen in awhile, I got to work at the state fair with my 4-H friends and re-connect with them. I was so re-energized to go back in September. Even though I originally thought this was the worst thing that could have happened. God knew I needed the break. And He found a way to give me that break. He does not always work in the ways we thing He should, but everything He does IS good.

Living in a big city, I have learned many things. I have learned to appreciate being able to see the stars and God's natural beauty. I have learned how easy it is to keep something as simple as a pack of graham crackers with you to give to a person who is hungry and homeless. I have learned how thankful a homeless person is to have your leftovers from a restaurant. I have learned to appreciate a slower pace of life. I have learned that God can work in unexpected ways.

I have awesome family and friends that God has blessed me with to make this experience easier. My mom who I talk to weekly, and forwards me mail and the Times, and who came to visit me in February. My dad who helped me move out here... and then move my stuff back to Minnesota 14 months later. My sister who made the trip out here with me for my interviews. The rest of my family who is supportive and encouraging when I'm not feeling to confident of my abilities.

Sad Day

Rest In Peace Chupie
(This picture is not actually Chupie - just a chinchilla)
November 20, 2005

Rose & Korey's chinchilla, their baby, died on November 20, 2005. He died doing something he loved, playing with his daddy. He will be missed greatly by his momma and dadda. He has been a great friend to them for the time he was with them.

Please Pray for Rose & Korey as they mourn the loss of their chinchilla, Chupie.

Growing up...

I no longer enjoy the stupid humor I used to love. Yesterday I watched Anger Managment and really didn't like it. Then, I went to see Walk The Line In the theater and LOVED it. Five years ago, that would have probably been the exact opposite.

I discovered one reason why I may be chronically single. Yesterday and today there has been a guy named Brian that has been flirting with me at the hospital. He's going to be a nurse anesthetist. I told my mom this. My mom pointed out that guys have been flirting with me for the last 10 years and this is the first one I've noticed. Ok, maybe third. But the first one without someone else pointing it out to me first. When we were 17 Rose had to point out to me that Jerry liked me. When I was 20, Jen had to point out to me that Bryan had been flirting with me. You guys out there... some advice on picking up when a guy is flirting... may be useful. I don't seem to be good at that. Although, I think I finally noticed one!

For the first time, I'm not really looking forward to my next birthday. I know it's still a half a year away... but 24 just seems so much older than 18, wasn't I just 18? Keep an eye on the car insurance rate drop at 25... something to look forward to...

I used to stay up until midnight and not want to get up until 10am or later. In the last 6 months this has all changed into what I considered an "adult" sleep schedule. I'm in bed usually by 10pm, 11pm at the latest. But no matter how much I want to sleep in, my body wakes me up first at 6:30am, then if I fall back to sleep for a bit, it's NEVER later than 8:30am. Crazy.

So, these are a few of the things that are proving that I am finally growing up or something.

If I am my favorite candy... does that mean I'm eating myself?

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Heather, we get to hang out next to eachother in the box on the gas statison's candy shelf! That is unless someone buys and eats you first. Or, someone buys you first but you get left sitting in the car window and you melt... and then someone buys me, and I get eaten first... oh, the possibilities are endless!

Books made into movies

I just watched the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I read the book earlier this fall. From the first 15 minutes of the movie I was mad 'cuz the movie changed major parts of the book. I finished it mad 'cuz it changed lots of parts of the book. Grrr... definately just BASED on the book. I hate when they do that.

I watched Pride & Predjudice yesterday and LOVE LOVE LOVED it... but I am ashamed to admit, I have yet to read the book. So, I had no basis of comparison. But, my friend Heather, who HAS read the book, also LOVED the movie... so it must be an Ok rendition.

I am PRAYING that The Chronicles of Narnia, which looks amazing in previews, is as awesome as the books and they don't change anything major... how can you change a C.S. Lewis classic?

More randomness

I think I finally impressed my preceptor (the doctor I'm working under) enough that she's no longer treating me like I'm a total idiot.

The shower in this apartment could double as a car wash. You know how when you drive through car washes and you're in your car and you swear the pressure from the water could very well flip your car over? I think this shower could do that. I usually love to shower, but this one, I swear it knocks the wind out of me, besides the fact that there's no circulation in that room, it becomes a sauna... so I take very quick showers and subsequently rush into the other room so I can breathe. I think God is teaching me to conserve water...

As of today, nobody can worry about me working out alone outside anymore. I got road safety stuff. I got an ID thing that attaches via velcro to my shoe that states my name, home town, and 3 emergency contact numbers. And because it's velcro, it can be transfered between shoes (e.g. running shoes, hiking boots, cycling shoes)... it's a good deal for people like me who can't just afford to buy 3 of them. I also got glow in the dark reflective shoe laces. AND, last but surely not least, a flashing green light that clips to your waistband that can been seen for a whole mile and one battery lasts 250 hours. How cool. :)

I found a second reason to like New Jersey (even though there's many more reasons not to...). Number one was that it is my gateway to the ocean. Number two is that currently gas in Philly is $2.29 and it's self-serve. It is illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey (soemthing about supplying jobs for it's residents) and gas is only $1.97. And someone else pumps it for you, you don't have to get out of your car. Two points for New Jersey.

Randomness

I like to sleep.

Tonight's wonderful cure for lonliness was... A trip to Barnes & Noble, a grande non-fat caramel steamer, pumpkin cheesecake, and a couple new books. Yay. :)

It is too early for Christmas music. No matter what. It is before Thanksgiving. No Christmas music. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music. It's just too early. Plus, I discovered last year that Christmas music makes me remember that I'm halfway across the country from my family and it's almost Christmas time. Even though I will be home for Christmas. I'm not for Thanksgiving and that whole pre-Christmas season. Makes me realize more and more that I need to move back near home when I'm done with school.

Internal medicine is hard.

I buy books, even though I have about 5 more sitting on the shelf that I haven't read. I'm a read-a-holic.

Beware...

Random Thoughts & Comments

Some people have cool license plates.
There needs to be cheap hotels that don't have all the fancy extras for people that just need somewhere to sleep for a few hours when driving cross country.
War movies, need to not watch them... Makes me worry about my military friends.
Philly is WAY more crowded than Mora or Rochester, MN.
I made some good time from Rochester to Philly, 18 hours on the road.
Carrying boxes up 3 flights of stairs in 70 degree weather in November makes you get really sweaty.
This apartment smells like something I can't quite decide what it is...
Why do well-meaning guys who are already married keep trying to set me up with their friends that I really don't think are the right people for me? (i.e. "friend from the bar," or Mormon friend)
The northern applicant are really pretty with leaves in the beginning of November.
Why does our program like to withhold test grades as long as possible just to torture us?
I love that someone in this building has wireless internet that is not password protected.
For the 2nd time in a row... I don't have to start my rotation until Wednesday, when technically we're supposed to start Monday.
I had a hard enough time entertaining myself today, how am I going to entertain myself for 3 more days until I start my rotation.
Back in Philly... Back to driving 35 minutes each way to go to the church I like. (at least that will entertain me for 2.5 to 3 hours tomorrow...
My contacts are really dry, my eyes itch.
Kelsy (the girl who's room I'm living in) has a really nice desk chair... the only problem is that it rolls backwards because it's a wood floor and I think it has a slight slant to it... old building.
I'm tired... I think I'll watch another movie.

And off agian...

Finished at Mayo clinic today.
In the morning, off driving to Philadelphia.
Thursday night staying with Sonja.
Senior Friday.
Not sure where I'm sleeping Friday night.
Saturday I'm moving into my home for the next 6 weeks.

PS-I just got Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 with the GPS sensor... it's the coolest thing ever. I love it. It will be awesome for all my road trips this year.

If anyone wants to call me Wednesday or Thursday to entertain me as I drive, I have a headset, so both hands will be on the wheel, I promise.