Portland Day 27 - Evening Sunshine

Today was seriously the worst day ever. Ok, maybe not the worst, but definitely the roughest day of school yet. It started out with 2 hrs. of Statistics and then followed with 6 hrs. of Cell Physiology. We basically covered 8 mos. (2 semesters) worth of material all TODAY. It was an overload and I felt very overwhelmed. Still do..... The worst part of it was I kind of checked out during Stats and then for Phys, we have a new teacher that I'm not used to yet. I basically wasn't understanding anything that he was saying. He's kind of difficult to follow. I feel like he could explain things better, but maybe it's just the material. It was all supposed to be mostly a review, but all my prereq's are 6 yrs. old so I'm a bit rusty. The girl sitting next to me said she was bored and has heard this stuff over and over again, and here I am not understanding anything. Sometimes when I don't know what is being discussed I kind of just check out and disengage myself. That is terrible, I can't do that. I also couldn't decide if I liked taking notes better on the computer or by hand. I think that complicated it too. I came home today and spent another 4 and 1/2 hrs. going over everything. I was going to read the corresponding chapter and look over Stats as well, but I ran out of time for both. I know what I'm going to be doing this weekend.......... The real fun has finally kicked in......

Portland Day 26 - Scattered Sunshine

Yesterday was a good day. There was no lecture at school. We just practiced our vital signs and lab tests and then got checked off on them in front of a preceptor. We then had Q&A with some alumni that are now practicing PA's.

During lunch, a bunch of us went to a nearby park to play some basketball. I had organized it and everyone really had a good time. There was about 15 of us playing and about that many more watching. I'm used to playing basketball once a week with the dudes back in Provo so I decided to keep it going. I think we'll play every week from here on out. It's an outdoor court, which isn't ideal, but it's nice to be outside and it's close to school. These guys are good too. One of them played ball in college for 4 yrs. Sweet!

Later that evening I went to the temple with a few of my friends and then went bowling with some other friends. I broke 100 both times. Booyah!

Portland Day 25 - Overcast

Today at school we started practicing taking vital signs on each other and a few routine lab tests. Tomorrow we'll be checked off on them. The vital signs include blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and temperature (oral & tympanic). The labs include blood sugar check, hemoglobin check, urine dipstick, and rapid strep. I would love to practice on you all. It's fun to start doing some of the clinical aspect instead of just sitting in lecture all day. And the best part was I got to use my stethoscope for the first time!

I also braved the basketball court at 24 Hr. Fitness this evening as the sole female among 15 males. I decided I don't like playing with guys.....they think they're all that. I'm not an all-star, but neither are they.....

Portland Day 24 - Overcast

It's the middle of June and I still haven't been able to go outside in shorts and a t-shirt. What is this? Not to mention it's freezing at school. It's looking like I'll be wearing a jacket or sweater for the rest of the summer.......

Portland Day 23 - Rainy

My roommates appeared to be very social at first, but they don't really like going to FHE, Institute, or firesides. Well, I'm going without them then! Went to a great fireside tonight by the Portland mission president and his wife, heard some fantastic advice, and met some awesome peeps.

Oh and funny story..... I was recruited today to give the opening prayer in Sacrament meeting and my roommate, Katie, gave me some words of advice: You have to clear your throat once you get up there. Well, I was thinking: Why the heck? She then proceeded to explain that people would look up at me. And that's when I would smile. Haha, ok that last part is stretching it, but she said more people might notice me that way. Hmmm..... I didn't do it, but all she had to say was "I dare you." Too bad she hasn't found that out yet about me. But can anyone verify this? Is this really a secret trick that works....??