I learned how to read chest x-rays this week.....

In the PA view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as the clavicle symmetry and posterior processes of the vertebral processes are noted. There is no evidence of soft tissue or bony abnormalities. The trachea is deviated to the right. The mediastinum is not widened and the aortic knob is not clearly visualized due to a large infilrate/mass in that area. However there is a large amount of infiltrate, possibly a mass surrounding the R hilum. The cardiothoracic ratio is increased (greater than 1:2). The costophrenic angles are sharp with blunted cardiophrenic angles. The right side of the diaphragm is situated about 2 cm higher than the left with a bubble of free air found in the stomach. The lung markings extend into the periphery.

In the lateral view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as both plates of the sternum are clearly visible. The retrosternal space contains infiltrate while the retrocardiac space is clear. The costophrenic angles are sharp and the right side of the diaphragm is clearly visible above the left. The infiltrate located in the PA view is shown to be located anteriorly. Degenerative changes are found in the vertebrae. The aorta is not clearly visible.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

I spent last Saturday morning in the rain trimming and gardening lawns for the elderly of the city of West Linn. You can read the article here. It's miserable to be in the rain getting soaking wet, but nice to get out and do something for someone else and not have to think about school or studying. The tricky part was knowing which plants were fine and which to pull. They all look beautiful to me! I'm not used to all of this vegetation. It requires a lot of up keep.

Ready for Where's Waldo, aka Kristina? Let's see if you can find me in the photo above........

The Woes of School

I REALLY wish that I pass my current class. Dermatology lumped with HEENT (head, eyes, ear, nose, and throat) seemed very exciting at first, but don't be deceived. It's extremely overwhelming. Especially because I only have 2 WEEKS to learn all of this:

Not only learn what all of these diseases/disorders are, BUT also their characteristics, etiology (what causes them), signs & symptoms, labs to perform for diagnosis, other similar diseases (differential diagnosis), the treatment & management, and be familiar with what they look like. PLUS I get to learn all of the associated anatomy and pathophysiology. PLUS the pharmacology: all of the drugs given for treatment, INCLUDING the class they pertain to, other uses, side effects, and contraindications (when you should not use them). PLUS be familiar with dental conditions - teeth and gums. There's a lot more than you know about. PLUS learn the physical exam in checking the head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, thyroid, sinuses, and lymph nodes. That INCLUDES learning how to use an ophthalmoscope and otoscope properly. The eye exam has got to be the hardest exam ever. Trying to find the optic disc (where the nerve and blood vessels come into the eye) is nearly impossible. Not to mention you're 2 mm from your patient's face. Sigh.

Oh and did I mention I had TWO WEEKS to learn all of this? My physical exam test is on Thursday and written exam on Friday. It will be a miracle if I pass.

So why I'm on my blog right now is beyond me.....

Beach? YES, PLEASE!!

I definitely took Labor Day to a whole new meaning today. When I think opposite of "labor" I think "beach bum." And that's exactly what I was today. I was at the coast for the whole afternoon just soaking up the rays. Although I did do some labor.....got a jump start on my next class and learned 50 new drugs and what class they belong to, as well as brush up on my anatomy for the head (bones, muscles, nerves, blood supply, etc.).

Every time I go to the coast, though, I am extremely disappointed. I'm always expecting sunshine and warmth. Instead I get sporadic sun, chilly wind, and lots of fog. That's how it was today anyway. It was pleasant enough to still enjoy though. I guess I just keep hoping it will be different the next time I go, but I should know better by know. Sitting on the beach made me really start missing Almeria, Spain today......

And what better end to a day at the beach than sitting some more in a movie theater watching Harry Potter? Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter! (that's for you, Allison) Such a good movie. It ended nicely. Except all the excitement to see it had died off since it's been out for like, what? 2 months now? I was not disappointed however. I literally sat there shaking with anxiety the whole movie, even though I already knew what was coming. In fact, I swear I had already seen the movie........

Finally! Mtn. Biking!

Imagine biking through a lush, thick green forest such as that to the left (thank you Google). The forests here in Oregon are incredible and have so much vegetation. I finally got out on my mountain bike for the first time since I've been here to bike a real trail. I went with some friends and we had a grand time, especially when we stopped to pick fresh blackberries along the way. However, the scratches those suckers leave on you don't feel too great. But it wouldn't be mtn. biking without a few scratches or bruises!

Mississippi Pizza

I had THE PERFECT PORTLAND EXPERIENCE last week. My team going to Nicaragua have started the daunting task of fundraising and so our first event was at Mississippi Pizza. The Occupational Therapy students were in charge of this one. You could come listen to live music, eat some delicious pizza and part of your bill would go to our fund. First of all, Mississippi Ave. is major hippy/Portlandy AND is on the East side, which also equates to hippy. I LOVE the area though and want to come back and explore. It's a cute little street to stroll down and look in shops with lots of good food choices. So the first person I meet is in charge of it all and has dreds. The next person I meet is wearing a tank top and has underarms full of hair. Really? People still actually do that? The venue was quaint. The music was fantastic. The pizza was delish. The crowd was entertaining. What more could you ask for? You may just have to come see for yourself.....

Mt. Hood

The sight of this mountain on a clear day takes my breath away EVERY time......

Lolich's - Stop #2

Just the other day I stopped at Lolich's on the way home from school, celebrating yet another class down and conquered. While Stop #1 was to pick up some cherries, this time I got some fresh sweet corn and peaches. The peaches were way over priced and I almost regretted buying them for $1.50 each. That is until I took a bite. That peach was the sweetest, juiciest, plumpest peach I have ever had. So good! No regrets. The sweet corn is as equally as good. Did I mention that I love living near farm country?

My Summer Vacation = 1 week

Yes, ONE WEEK. I made the most of it though, that's for sure. Seems like I was constantly doing something, going from one thing to another. I had to fit in as much as possible in just one week. I had a lot of things on my list. As proof here's what I got to do:

Hike Ensign Peak w/ Elise & Erik

See friends at Millrace (where I used to live)

Help Elise & Erik glean goodies from their garden

Outdoor concert w/ Elise & Erik - big band music

Lots of time at the pool

Mtn. biking, shave ice, and dinner w/ Allison

Bees game w/ Jordan

Lunch w/ Beth and her fiance Jonathan

Boating w/ Allison, Amy, and Stew

Chat and visit w/ everyone at Maeser - the school where I used to teach

Ice cream w/ Danielle and Abbey

Basketball with the wardies

Mtn. biking again

Lunch w/ Xaviera

Shooting (hand gun, rifle, shot gun) with Lane

Bridal Veil Falls & Squaw Peak w/ Elise

Beth & Jonathon's wedding in Manti & reception w/ Allison & Erin

Attempt at going to Spanish Fork Res (dang lightning!)

Movie The Help w/ Allison

I did lots and got to see lots of good friends and family. The only things I didn't get to do that I really wanted to where the Sundance Moonlight Ski Lift Ride, Spanish Fork Res, Stewart Falls. Next time! I didn't get pictures from everything, but here's a few. All the pictures from the end of my trip are lost forever. My camera card decided to stop working and it'll take $250 to get them back. Sorry, not worth it.....

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In case you're wondering what the heck my title says, the word "Dentist" is hidden in there. Have you ever been to the dentist and while they are cleaning or working on your teeth the dude or gal asks you a question to which you respond (thinking I can do it this time), only to sound like a bumbling idiot? Of course you have! Who hasn't? Why, just why do they think they can ask you a question and hope to get an decipherable answer? I have concluded they do it for pure entertainment. I mean the dentist's office I was just in a few weeks ago actually had flat screen TVs in every room. Clear message: we expect no communication from you. Except when we ask you a question or two while our fingers are in your mouth.

It was a sad day for me. I went to get my teeth cleaned and x-rayed. Results: 4 small cavities. So I went back in the next day to get them taken care of. The first cavity of my life and it ends up being FOUR. Yikes. Too bad I had to spend a few hours under the drill while on vacation and learning to communicate w/ 2 people's hands in my mouth. It's really not as scary as everyone says either, but having your mouth numbed for a couple hours afterward is the worst part. Talking with a numb mouth just may be more entertaining than having people's fingers in your mouth. It might be a toss up.....

I love running errands

What?! you say....... Running errands is best thing ever since seriously everything I need is super close. See for yourself.....

within 1-2 miles of my house:

Albertson's

Safeway

Chase - my bank of choice

24 Hr. Fitness

gas station

library

post office

bike shop - can pick up spare inner tubes

bowling alley

movie theater

New Seasons - organic/healthy type grocery store and one of my favs

Lolich's - can buy fresh farm produce

the park - good place to catch some sun while studying

within 4 miles of my house:

the mall - which includes H&M

Target

Best Buy

Nordstrom Rack

UPS store

within 7 miles of my house:

Costco

Trader Joe's

church

the temple

food choices within 1-2 miles of my house:

Mexican

Italian

Japonese

Lebanese

Chinese

Thai

American