Savoring CO

I finished this month's rotation on Tuesday, leaving the rest of the week to get ready for Baltimore and, more importantly, really enjoy my last few days at home.

I've gotten to spend a lot of time with my favorite dog:

I've gotten to spend (not enough) time with my favorite person:

I've gotten to enjoy the last few days in my favorite state:

Unfortunately, this pic was taken a couple years ago.  This area is the Maroon Bells up by Aspen and is one of my favorite places.  We normally make a trip up this way during the fall to partake of the gorgeous fall colors and crisp weather, but this year it wasn't a possibility.  Next year, though, fall camping is definitely on my list of things to do!  As well as summer camping, backpacking, swimming, lots and lots of hiking, and all the other things we didn't get to do this year.

I leave early tomorrow morning for Baltimore and so far, everything is squared away.  I'm checked in for my flight and will be picked up by my landlady at the airport.  Then in the afternoon, I'll be hanging out with Sarah and Solomon, friends from way back (btw, is it possible that college was way back???).  Sunday I plan on reviewing school material for my rotation and possibly doing some exploring of the city.  Then, Monday I begin my 5th rotation-babies, babies, and more babies.  Sounds like a good month, no?  :)

Whelp....

It has been so very long since I've utilized this blog-whoops!  Here's a little life recap in 30 seconds (time me!):

-Finished second year of PA school relatively intact (after a few months of recuperation, anything is better!).  

-Went on a celebratory/anniversary trip with Steve and our dog, Stout, to Ouray and Crested Butte (so fun!!).  

-Started 3rd year of PA school, which consists of month long rotations.  Started very very slow, but has definitely picked up and is incredibly enjoyable thus far.  

-Went to OK for July 4 weekend to see family, Steve's parents came to see us July/August, and my parents came over Labor day.  

Anyhoo, the bottom line is that life has been pretty dang awesome the past few months.  I really have been fortunate to have some wonderful preceptors (PAs or doctors who take students on, doing hands on teaching) and have been pushed out of my comfort zone so many times, it's getting easy to do so.  I'm a little more introverted than I'd like to be and meeting new people/making first impressions is pretty intimidating and difficult for me.  With many rotations, students are paired with only one preceptor to follow through the month.  This gives them a great opportunity to really connect with that person and for their preceptor to really know their strengths and weaknesses.  I am in my 4th rotation this year and I have yet to be paired with only one preceptor.  Each day (and one month, even each half day) I am with a different preceptor.  It has been such a great experience for me, really pushing me to be more confident in my personality, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills.

Like I said, I'm in my 4th month (following the calender months since June), which means that things are about to get crazy.  In one week, I'll be hopping on a plane and will be living in Baltimore for the month of October.  This is going to be a bunch of firsts:

My first time living in a big city (suburbs of Denver don't count!)

My first time without a car for a month

My first time away from Steve for longer than a week (luckily, it'll only be 2 weeks-he's coming to visit!)

My first time away from friends and family support (luckily, not all of my friends!  Our dear friends Sarah and Solomon live 30 minutes away)

My first time living on the East Coast-hopefully I can adjust well!

My first time only having to work 3 days a week (will be pulling 12 hour work days!)

I won't lie, I'm a little worried about all of these firsts.  I hope to blog frequently of my adventures (hopefully all good ones!).