Tomorrow Equals 1 of 12

October is only a week away and things are rolling along here in PA.  I finished my training and I have one more week of my kinetics rotation.  Kinetics is basically pharmacy math, and at the risk of sounding like a big nerd, I kind of enjoy doing it.  After this week we'll start following patients and going on rounds on the General Pediatric Medicine floors.  It's exciting that it's almost here!  Along with the progression of this residency, I start working weekends next weekend.  We do every other weekend for 6 weeks then get 3 weekends off in a row.  I took my law test on Saturday, so I'm hoping to have good news before this week is over.

Outside of the hospital, I've been running with the running group and trying to get involved in the church I've been going to.  Last Saturday I ran the group run with a few girls who ran college cross country.  They kept about an 8 minute/mile pace, and it about killed my feet (which already have problems).  With work and people coming to visit (yea!) I won't be doing the long run for  awhile.  I went to a barbecue last weekend at my church and met some nice people.  Small groups started last week, so I went to one that was close to my apartment.  I know I'm used to the Midwest, but people were not super friendly and almost seemed annoyed that new people were coming to the group.  There is another one close to my apartment that I think I'll try this week.  I hope it's more successful.

Since this was my last weekend before starting to work on the weekends, I wanted to go out of town.  My friend Susan who is a pharmacist where I work was going to Princeton, NJ, to visit a friend so I tagged along.  We went shopping in the afternoon, walked around the campus, got cupcakes from the House of Cupcakes (which won Cupcake Wars on the Food Network), went to a show for local musicians, and played at least 3 hours of Guitar Hero- the version with the full band.  It was a really fun day.  Princeton is such a quant town, and I would definitely go back.  

My parents are coming out to visit in 2 weeks, so I can't wait!

Missouri is a World Away

As I mentioned in a previous post, I went home for Labor Day weekend.  I knew it would be a quick weekend, and it would probably be hard to come back to PA but I'm glad I went.  I flew in Saturday morning (thanks to US Airways for a nonstop flight).  It was weird because I've never lived somewhere where I had to fly to get home.  Flying into KCI used to mean the end of my trip and not the beginning.  My parents picked me up and we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  I was reminded about how nice people are in the Midwest and how there are so many open spaces!  Natalie came home and we spent the day as a family.  Saturday night I was able to see my Uncle Ron, Aunt Becky, Clint, Hollie and Macie at my grandparents' house.  Macie is becoming more social which is fun.   Then I got ice cream at Hicks with Kayla, Daniel and Rachel.  It was fun laughing and talking with them and was a reminder again of how easy it is to pick up with them like old times.

Sunday I went to the House of Prayer with my family, and then Natalie and I headed to KC for Abigail and Jesus' wedding (friends from UMKC).  It was fun to see so many people at the wedding, including people who had come from Oklahoma and Florida.  The best part of a Cru wedding is the dance party at the reception.  At most weddings, people need to get in a few drinks before they hit the dance floor.  At Cru weddings, as soon as they open up the dance floor to everyone the tables are emptied and everyone is dancing the night away (and there was no alcohol served).  I'm so happy for Abigail and Jesus and wish them a lifetime of happiness.

This morning we went to my grandparents' for a breakfast of cinnamon rolls.  Natalie had to head to MU to study, and mom, dad and I went for a run on the golf course route.  I love running with my parents.  We talked about how one of the joys of living in a small town is watching people grow up- seeing them go through school, disperse for college/careers, start their own families, and come back to visit friends and family.  We chatted with John and Laurie after our run and then it was time to get ready to head to the airport.  I do like it here in Philly, but it has helped me appreciate the Midwest/small towns even more.  I miss MO and the people I love there, but I know I am getting a great experience here and hope to make the most of this opportunity!

Homeword Bound

For those of you who follow the news, you know that Hurricane Irene was very mild compared to what was expected.  Some people seemed upset about how lame the storm was, but I am perfectly fine with it.  I did end up sleeping in my walk-in closet to make sure I was safe from all windows, and the worst thing that happened was that my running trail was flooded for a couple of days.  One of my coworkers were out of power for 3 days, and she has 3 little boys.  Yikes.

Monday night was our welcome new residents/goodbye old residents dinner.  It was at a Mexican restaurant and we happened to get a room with a karaoke machine.  It was fun and we ended up singing as a big group instead of individually with the microphone (thank goodness). Some favorites of the group were Baby Got Back and We Didn't Start the Fire.  One of the things I like about this group is that they are very serious about their jobs but like to have fun outside of work.

I have been training on the neonatal intensive care unit order entry this week, which is basically processing orders.  It has been interesting to see what meds are ordered and paging doctors to have them change things.  I have also been getting a ton of projects the last two weeks.  Most of them will be worked on for weeks or months, but it's still pretty overwhelming.

And in exciting news- I'm going home this weekend for a friend's wedding!  I'll be in Chilli most of the time, but it will be nice to see my family.  I'm glad I can be there for Abigail and Jesus' wedding, and I'm ready for a break from the city.  One only more day!