Day 107

WOW! That was a long work week, and a fast weekend. Nothing really eventful has gone on. No fancy beach trip or lake paradise this Memorial Day, just a nice lazy few days taking in the nice running weather and seeing some old friends.

One night, Braxton took me out to dinner and to see Oz. It was a pretty clever movie, though it dragged on in the middle a bit.
The second night, we met up with some of my old friends from Kappa. Yes, we did get to 'fellas early enough to not pay cover AND get half priced drinks. Overall, I always have such a splendid time with these two ladies and I was blessed to get to spend time with them.

Here's to a short work week and a much-anticipated weekend!

Day 98

Not too much to say today! We had on-off rain/thunder all day long. When I got home from work I took a 30 minute break, until weather.com told me I had a 0% chance of rain for the next 4 hours. Well, I decided to set out on my 4 mile run. Needless to say, 2.3 miles into it it started sprinkling, and then DOWN POUR. You can't see the rain here, but I took cover under a tree and it was beautiful, sunny, and rainy. Needless to say, I ran through the 0% chance of rain and even though it was sunny and raining, it was a good work-out. I am blessed.

Day 97

Whoa that was a fast and fun weekend! This weekend was my ceremonial graduation from my Doctoral program. Even though I will not defend my research and be officially done with my clinical rotation until the end of August, I have literally turned the tassel and gathered with family and friends to celebrate. I would like to thank everyone who drove near and far to celebrate with me. Family is something that is irreplaceable and even though we had a few missing links it was still nice to have everyone gathered and so happy. Here are some pictures from this weekend taken by my beau, and unfortunately we don't have any pictures together so if someone will send me one of us I would be grateful!

Day 90

My how the time flies when you are having fun!
Here are some highlights from my first official week:
1. Wound care clinic in Charlotte - it was a great expereince and has opened my eyes to the fact that you should see a PT for a wound instead of an untrained nurse. I am differentiating that from a WOC, so don't get mad at me, WOC is trained very well, however I think our scope addresses not only the wound, but the surrounding skin and tissue.

2. no pool after all, maybe this week!

3. I got my first patient caseload and I am about 75% full right now! I have my first solo lymphedema patient tomorrow, so I am nervous, but also excited.

4. I got new running shoes! Also mom and I set out on a quest for the perfect graduation dress. I will give you a hint, navy and coral. Love it.

5. Biking all around CH! I love being able to bike to dinner. It makes going out to eat fun, especially when it is beautiful!!!

Also, Happy Mothers Day to my Mom, Nann, Mammaw, Aunts and everyone who is a mom. I know mine is amazing and I seriously would've had a mental breakdown if it weren't for her constant support and love. Love you mom!

Day 84

Two days in a row? Who would have known! Well, today was a good start to a good week.

Highlights of today:
1. I had a successful first evaluation.
2. I was able to charm the majority of my patients.
3. I saw my first lymphedema patient today that I will continue follow-up treatments as the weeks progress.
4. I PR'd my 5k time today in 29' 53". I have been wanting to get under 30 minutes consistently for awhile. When I have company on my next run, I plan on running 4 miles usually, it is a bit dangerous to run down some of these streets alone seeing as there are dogs in lawns with questionable electric fences.

Highlights for tomorrow:
1. Lymphedema/wound care conference
2. Pool therapy time!

So, to start off, this week has been successful and I am ready for the challenges of the week to come! Here's to a goo start to a good week!

Day 83

Getting ready for the start of my first full week in clinic. I had a mini intro week last week. My load is interesting this time. I am seeing post-mastectomy breast cancer patients, lymphedema patients, and wound-care patients 2 days per week, and neurology and orthopedic patients 3 days per week. I have two really nice instructors who I am very excited to learn more about. One of the aspects of this clinic I really admire is its one-on-one patient policy. Yes, I realize they see a lot of patients with PTAs, however I really appreciate the fact that they do not double book and try not to dove-tail without caution. I will also get some experience in inpatient, pediatrics, and aquatic therapy. I am really excited or this exposure and I think this is going to be a great clinical experience.

Here are a few pictures from my weekend.

 Friday night, after work, Braxton took me out for some Allen & Son BBQ on the way back from Albemarle. It was a hole-in-the-wall place on the way back and we had always thought about stopping there. Needless to say, it was AMAZING and didn't give me a gluten attack, so I am ready to go back whenever!

On Saturday, we attended the Findlay's Annual Kentucky Derby Party, where I indulged in BBQ once again (good job, Dad!) and had a nice time catching up with some old neighbors. Thanks go out to Mrs. Kinsey for letting me borrow her wonderful hat! Mom won the hat contest...no one could match up to the strobe lights... and Braxton drew the 2nd place horse and won $10! What a luck crew!

Now it's off to bed because I have a full week ahead of me! More updates throughout the week! I will try and be more regular with this since I will be doing school work!

Day 79

Well, the break is over! Since I last updated, I have successfully relocated back to NC - well mostly. I have spent the past few days being lazy, getting back into shape, and spending some well-deserved time with family and friends. Tonight I head to Braxton's parent's house to start my next clinical rotation. I am supposed to have 3 days in outpatient therapy and 2 days in lymphedema therapy. I have never done lymphedema therapy before, so I am excited to learn something absolutely new! I am starting 2 days early in order to get off two days, one for my graduation and the other for my race in Williamsburg.

Also, I think I have a problem. I signed up for another 5 miler race in October. The plus side about signing up now: $5 off. Also, following the race is a food truck rodeo. How's that for motivation to run faster and farther? Yummy foods waiting for you at the finish line. :)

More updates to come once I start my rotation! 17 days until graduation!!! :)