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

White Coat Ceremony

I am now officially a PA student: Kristina Anderson, PA-S. No turning back now. Before I know it that title will turn to PA-C (certified). But for now I'll just enjoy the ride. Well, endure it I should say. Getting back into the swing of things after my week break has been more difficult than I thought. I'm getting there though.

You might wonder exactly what the White Coat Ceremony is...... It was started back in the 90's with medical schools and is mostly like a graduation with speeches, having your name called and walking across the stage to put on your white coat with the assistance of a professor, and lots of pictures, all BEFORE graduating. It's fantastic. But really it's to symbolize officially becoming a health care provider and all that it entails.

Here's your official example (taken straight from the back of my program).....

"The White Coat Ceremony" is a 'rite of passage' for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient.

The white coat is a symbolic, non-verbal communication used to express and reaffirm a fundamental belief in a system that society observes. The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual or random. It is a guide to both the patient and clinician on how to react and relate to one another.

The dress of healers in primitive societies was an important part of the paraphernalia of their healing. The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence that his/her complaints will be dealt with competently and seriously. The white coat is the cloak of compassion."

Am I ready for this? ABSOLUTELY!

Pre-ceremony

Putting on the white coat

My group along with mentor, Professor Ferguson, PA-C

My classmates

My Pops

My "Aunties" (my mom's college roommates & friends)

Saddle Mtn. & the Coast

My Pops came for my White Coat Ceremony, as you already know. The following day we hiked to the top of Saddle Mountain, elevation of 3,283. You see, I thought my dad said 13,283. A meager 3000 ft elevation with 1600 ft to climb may seem pretty wimpy, but it was a pretty steep incline. Fortunately it was a clear day and we could see all the way to the ocean and also inland, including Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helen's, Mt. Ranier, and Mt. Jefferson. The excellent view was breathtaking. About the only thing to foul it up were the many flies on the top of the summit just hanging out waiting for unsuspecting panting hikers to reach the top. I swear they were dive bombing me. My frustration was insurmountable, no pun intended.

After our vigorous hike, we headed to the coast to eat at Mo's, my third time eating there in a month. Pretty soon they'll know me by first name along with my usual order.

It was sure fun to have my dad in town and show him around. Thanks for coming Mac!