Catching Up

You may be wondering what happened to me. I recognize that it has now been over a quarter of a year since my last post. I am living a fairytale life. I am trapped inside a tower and can't get out. My prince has come, but he supports me in staying in that tower, Moos tower, until I can learn all of the magical things it takes to become a dentist.

School is fine, it's not as bad as last year but I think that has more to do with the fact that I'm getting used to being beaten down everyday. I'm still trying to pace myself with twelve hour days but I'm really getting burned out. I suppose 30 credits in a semester will do that to you. There is a very good reason that interviewees only talk to fourth year students and not first and second years. I think if they did, no one would ever come to school; they would be terrified. I'm told it does get better ...it'll just get worse first with next semester and our first national boards exam. I'm shooting for next August; I've heard things get much better then.

After much pondering I've decided that my frustration cannot be avoided. Everyday I have to show up at school to learn about something I've never done before. Then we go up to lab and are expected to create the ideal of that principle. This is no exaggeration, on the first try we are shooting for something that is perfect. Day after day I come to the tower to attempt a new complicated process. Our instructors then come around, grade our product and tell us everything that we could have done better. Really though, my class has come a remarkable way in the last year. I'm looking forward to clinic when I have more than one opportunity to do each of these procedures. Granted, everything will always have a new element to it, but the entire concept won't be foreign.

I've discovered that I like running. Some days I feel like a slug, but others I find it quite satisfying. After sitting all day I crave being able to get out and move. When I was preparing for Officer Basic Camp we bought an ipod with a nike sensor. It's been a great way to run; it tracks my pace, distance and calories burned. I can then record them all on the nike website and track my progress. Like Brian, I have made great strides in my progress. I can run two miles with no problem and went for a six mile run this weekend. (My farthest run to date.) My favorite runs are those where Jason comes along and rides his bike beside me. Once the snow hits I'll probably switch back to swimming more regularly. (I'm afraid of slipping on the ice and doing something to my wrists.)

In other news we are enjoying our new home. Jason did a wonderful job picking it out. Our neighborhood is quiet and we have some great neighbors. We enjoy our new ward/congregation and are 95% settled. I figure the last 5% will probably take at least a year. I don't recommend moving in the middle of the semester, especially when you move in and the weather drops to 40 degrees. Trying to study while not knowing where your textbooks are is less than effective. This was our first year passing out candy together, we were a little concerned no one would show up but between 6:30 and 9 approximately 70 ninjas, fairies, hobos, dragons and what not came by. I'm looking forward to decorating the place for Christmas and hosting my family for Thanksgiving. The latter will probably involve somebody sitting on the floor since we should probably invest in a larger dining table. Perhaps something we didn't find next to the dumpster. (This was pre-craigslist though, it's essentially the same process.)

In other news, the crockpot has become my new best friend. Now that I definitely don't get home before seven or eight we are relying heavily on leftovers. I try and cook a few large crockpot recipes on the weekend while I'm studying and then we eat that the rest of the week for lunch and dinner. My goal is to cook a fair amount of Thanksgiving dinner that way as well so we spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. We'll see how it goes. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Holidays don't get any better than family and food.