Race for the Cure

Two weeks ago Jon and I ran in the Susan G. Komen 5k Race for the Cure. Several of my classmates got together and we decorated shirts and ran together. This for me made it official that I was over my ankle break in June as I trained and ran in this race. We had a great time and helped raise money for a good cause.

My grandma is 50 year survivor of breast cancer and has lived with the damage it did ever since. She not only lost one breast, but she also lost the use of her right arm. Being the medically minded person I am I have never found the direct cause of her arm being paralyzed. It developed over a two year period after the surgery and radiation treatments she received. My grandma lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 15 y/o. She still gets teary when talking about going to Salt Lake City for treatments. Her children were 6, 9, and 12 and she just wanted to live long enough to raise them. She is a survivor and learned how to write with her left hand and to do everything with one hand. She taught piano lessons well into her 80's. I can remember watching her slice vegetables and open jars in her own creative fashion. She was the best rolls and cinnamon roll maker I know. My grandma has also been a widow almost as long as I have been alive. As kids we stayed in Panguitch for almost a month every summer, both my parents are from there and grew up on the same block. I loved staying at my grandma's house because we spent the mornings outside gardening and I got to sleep in her bed with her and stay up past the news and watch Mash. Grandma lived independently until she was 90, but now due to some bad falls, one of which she broke her good arm, and being almost blind to macular degeneration, she lives with each of her 3 children for a part of the year. She has always been my hero and continues to amaze me. I know she as lived such a long life to be able to teach her children, grandchildren and those who have the privilege to know her faith in God and how to endure to the end.

Two years and counting

Tuesday Jon and I celebrated our two year anniversary. It is crazy how time flies, yet I look back and so much has changed since we got married. Choosing to marry Jon in the temple is the best decision I've ever made. I have never been very good at expressing how great he is to me and for how well he puts up with me through the ups and downs of life. He always makes me feel beautiful, smart and important. He is ultra supportive of my educational efforts and other goals. I could not have picked a better friend to spend life and eternity with. He constantly amazes me with his creativity, spirituality, smarts, and sociability. Needless to say I am in love with Jon.

Unfortunately Jon had to catch a flight to Omaha Tuesday night, however he came with me to work that morning and he worked via some downtown hotel buildings. We ended up being able to spend alot of time together via the commute, lunch, and dinner. We got to explore some of downtown while we looked for a place to eat dinner. All in all it was a great anniversary. Friday after I pick Jon up from the airport we are going for a little get away in Scottsdale for the weekend, so the celebration isn't over yet.

Jon writes me sweet poems, and this time he wrote it on the bathroom mirror, it was fun to wake up to, I almost missed it before I got in the shower. He is so sweet.

Movin' on Up

So I have already finished my first rotation. It is really hard to believe that my 6 weeks in Surgery have come and gone. I had a really great time working with Cardiothoracic Surgeons, so I saw alot of heart and lung surgeries. Needless to say I am constantly amazed by the human body and its ability to function and heal as well as the advancement of medicine in aiding the human body. While I was limited by hospital regulations on performing technical skills in surgery, I got to scrub in and put my hands in and touch everything(beating hearts, lungs, intestines, etc.) While I enjoyed surgery, it is not for me the hours are horrible, everything is late, and standing for 5-6 hours with all the sterile dress is hard.
Now I am in Women's Health in downtown Phoenix, so I get the inner city population as well as a long commute to work. But I am learning tons, prenatal visits, annuals, illness, and surgeries. The first day I got to scrub in to two C-sections, it was a big day for me. I have a tough teacher, she definitely gives me the look that makes me want to run for my books and study up so I give the right answer next time. She pushes me and everyday lets me progress a little further on my own. Can't really ask for more, but an occasional atta girl would be nice.
Jon is staying busy with work, he has been on a traveling streak for a bit. It's nice for him to get out there and meet with people. His parents also came for a visit. We enjoyed having them, they spoil us way to much. I'll have to post pics of the stuff we scored at Ikea . We're glad they visit us despite our guest room by night, living room by day accomodations. Jon's basketball league started up again, so far they have won when Jon is in town and lost when he's gone. I say that is a pretty good indication he should stop traveling so much, so he could help his team out :) Well I just wanted to let everyone know that we are alive and kicking, sorry for the lack of pictures.

Lake Tahoe

We just went to Lake Tahoe for the 4th Labor Day in a row. In fact Tahoe was our second date(3 day camping trip), which probably explains why we love going so much. It reminds us of all our firsts, holding hands, kiss, etc. Anyways, we do pretty much the same thing every year and meet up with whatever friends are willing to make the trip. It is not the easiest place to get to, however once there the trip is so simple and fun. Jon's Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike live 45 minutes away and they bring their RV up and cook for us. So while it is tent camping we have all the amenities of home, good cooking, card games, a bath house with showers, etc. This year my two college buddies from the freshman dorms came. Carissa and her husband Chris came, they have been married about as long as Jon and I. Also Alfreda came with her boyfriend Paul. So it was fun to have some of my favorite girls together with our guys. I am a little short on pictures right now, Chris had an awesome camera, so I left the picture taking up to him. Anyways here is the run through of pics from one of our favorite spots Emerald Bay. Anyways the invite is open for year 5, next Labor Day mark your calendars and come join us.

2005 Dating

2006 Engaged

2007 Married2008...still married

Carissa and ChrisAlfreda and Paul

One year down

Well I have finished the half of PA school. Technically it is more than half, but school is going to be totally different from here on out. I finished my finals this past week and now have a 2 week break. When I return I start clinicals, the first being Cardiothoracic Surgery. Instead of being in classes everyday all day and preparing for tests, I'll being working with a Doctor or PA and seeing patients and being tested continuously. I am scared and very excited to get out there. It will also be different not spending everyday with my 70 other classmates, friends or foes. No I like them all very much and will miss seeing them regularly. Now I am on my way to Oklahoma for a few days to meet my new nephew Kade. I am excited to see my family. The following are pictures from our pinning ceremony.

This is my biggest fan and best study buddy. I love Jon so much and he has helped me tons in school this past year. From spending the evenings in the library with me to being my patient when practicing exam skills. Not to mention cheering me up when I was down and helping me to keep pushing on when times were tough. He has been there for the highs and lows, even broken arms and legs. I am so grateful he is my eternal companion.

Jamie and I have sat together all year. We had many laughs and bored stares during class. We seem to pick up where the other has left off as far as paying attention, so between the two of us we have kept it together.

This Kelly my neighbor, car pool buddy, study partner, and Grey's Anatomy compadre. I have spent lots of good times with Kelly. And when I couldn't take studying anymore on my own, I'd head over Kelly's and study some more. We car pooled almost all year, and when I broke my leg she did all the driving, I can't imagine what the past year would have been like without her. It will be fun sharing all our new experiences this next year in clinicals.