Whew! Busy weekend...and Father's Day!

This was quite the weekend! Rather busy, but productive as well! Thursday night, we went to a concert at the House of Blues in Boston, which was pretty fun. A small group of my classmates went and although I didn't know who was performing, it was fun to be there and hang out with new friends. The act we went to see was Matt and Kim, which was pretty good. They are a rock group I suppose with just a drummer (Kim) and piano and vocals (Matt). They are on youtube if you so desire to check them out. The House of Blues is right across the street from Fenway Park, so I got a few pictures of the outside of the park as well. Someday, I will go inside for a game. The game that night was called early due to rain, and I believe the Red Sox lost after a six game winning streak, or something like that. (WARNING: There are quite a few pictures in this post...I hope you are able to enjoy them!)

House of Blues in Boston just opened in February or March of this year

Part of Fenway Park

Fenway Park on the right, House of Blues on the left

Friday, Shirin and I slept in just a bit and then went to study for a few hours before going to Relay for Life that night. We stayed up the whole night and walked off and on throughout the whole time. There were five people from our class there as well as maybe ten or so second DPT students. One of our classmates picked us up and we drove over to the high school together. Traffic was really bad for her from her house to our house and then we got lost on our way from our house to the high school, so we ended up getting there a bit late so we missed the opening ceremonies and such, but it was a fun night and a neat experience and something I had not done before. Cancer survivors were there with a sash around them distinguishing they were a survivor and there was a survivor lap during the opening ceremonies, which we missed out on. There was also other entertainment (music mostly) and other special laps throughout the night. As a team, we were able to raise just about $2,000 for the American Cancer Society, which is really exciting! If you wanted to donate, but didn't have the chance or forgot, donations are being accepted through August 31! Click here to donate! Here are some pictures from the event! :)

HOPE spelled out with candles shined throughout the night

The a cappella group that performed Friday evening

Me, Thomas, and Kristina eating cookies while walking

Thomas, Kristina, and Shirin during the backwards lap

Most of our team after winning the "keep the beach ball in the air all the way around the track" lap...the bucket of goodies had brownies, glow sticks, and bubbles

Our campsite...we played a bit of catch phrase during the night

Me, Kristina, and Thomas participated in the three-legged race as a three-man, four-legged team at three a.m. and we won! The prize was a $25 gift certificate to Stop & Shop

We were walking at 5:30 am and it was rather bright outside...it started to get bright at around 4:15 or 4:30. I suppose that's what happens on the eastern side of a time zone

A few laps in the fog early in the morning with my roommate and the sleeping bag Jessie and Charlie left for me! It was a bit chilly.

The seagull was looking for food in the bags with the candles that spelled HOPE in the morning and attacked three of the bags before giving up and leaving.

There was a little morning dance and yoga session Saturday before the closing ceremonies.

After coming home from Relay for Life Saturday morning at about 9:00, I took a shower and slept for a few hours before studying some more. Shirin and I studied all Saturday evening and then this morning, I had the treat of going to church with one of my wonderful roommates from SLO! :) It was wonderful to see her and go to church with her. We went to City Life and she was able to introduce me to a few of her friends there this morning. After church, we went to the Prudential Center (a mall) for lunch at the food court and then we went to see UP, which is a pretty cute movie! Enjoyed it lots, and even more so because I was with Jessie! :) After the movie, talked to my dad...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!! Then, went to see The Color Purple with a group of people from school, which I enjoyed a lot. It was at the Wang Theater in Boston, which was so pretty inside! I'll put up pictures of it later...my camera battery died, so I need to get pictures from Shirin. The end of a busy, but great weekend has come and now the second week of classes begins in the morning! Then, off to California on Thursday night and I don't think Thursday evening can come fast enough for me!

Father's are such a crucial part of a child's life. Nobody can replace the role of a father and I am so grateful and thankful for the father the Lord has blessed me with. Dad, it is such a privilege to be your daughter and I love the time we have spent together throughout my life, no matter what we are doing. I have learned so much from you and you have inspired me and encouraged me to work hard and reach for my goals. Thank you for the man you are and for always supporting me and cheering me on. I appreciate the advice and truth you have shared with me, whether I want to hear it or not. Thank you for taking the time to invest in me and my life and for being an example of what it looks like to be a great father. I love you and am excited to see you soon!!! :) To all the fathers out there, young and old, Happy Father's Day!

First Day of Anatomy Lab

Today was the day we met our cadavers.  My group has a woman and we cut open the thorax (chest) today.  The other members of our group came in half way into the lab time and should have opened up the thoracic cavity after we left.  I'll find out Thursday!  Pretty interesting day, although a little bit different than what I expected.  I won't go into too much detail, but I think I will enjoy lab, especially as I get more used to being there and more comfortable with the dissection.  

After lab, many of us mentioned that we were rather hungry.  I'm told the formaldehyde will do that to people.  So, on the way home, Shirin and I stopped at Christopher's Bar and Grill in Porter Square and had a bowl of Clam Chowdah.  It was SO tasty and definitely met my expectations.  We were both pleased with the choice and decided we'd go back to that restaurant for more of a meal some time.  :)  We sat outside and the umbrellas over the tables had Sierra Nevada Brewing Company logos on them!  Thought of you, Stephen!   

I definitely was enjoying the chowdah!

Shirin giving her chowdah a thumbs up!

Here's to you little bro!

Walking home from school

I think the last time I walked home from school was a couple years ago while living in the Mill St. house in San Luis Obispo.  And before that, maybe once or twice in high school? (although I can't remember any certain time) and a couple times in middle school and everyday in elementary school.  Yesterday, Shirin and I decided to walk, instead of take the shuttle, to North Station (to take the T) with a fellow classmate.  When we arrived at North Station, we decided we wanted to keep walking.  So, we walked to the hospital to get on the T.  When we were on the platform about to get into the train, we decided that the train was too crowded and we didn't want to get on the crowded train right then.  So, instead, we decided to walk to the next T stop thinking we'd get a less crowded train there (which would not be true since it's the same line and same route.  So, while were were leaving the T station, we looked at each other and decided to walk all the way home!  It was a pleasant walk and the weather was pretty nice outside!  So, after three hours of walking and almost five and a half miles, we arrived home from school with a great experience, quite a few pictures, and a pair of lab goggles.  And, we didn't have to break out the map even!  We just walked and found our way back home!  It was a lovely walk and although I wouldn't do it everyday, I'd definitely do it again!  :)  Below are some pictures of our walk!  However, we missed pictures from the first part of the trip and it begins on the bridge after we decided to walk all the way home.

Random thoughts/observations:

More people say San "Louie" Obispo than I thought.  When I've heard it over the past two weeks from people who have visited or know someone who went to school there, they say "Louie."  I feel like telling them it's Luis, pronounced with the "s" but I always hold my tongue.  It's kind of like me saying "Waltham" with a separation...Walt-ham or "Worcester" (wuhster) differently...war-ces-ter or "Gloucester" (gloss-ter) like it looks...glou-ces-ter.  Maybe their learn one day. 

Some time a while ago, I was cleaning my blinds on my windows and they were really dirty.  Mom, you would be proud.

The other day I was talking with a couple classmates about where I am from.  He is a bit familiar with the east bay considering he has family there, so when I told him Walnut Creek, he knew about where it was!  I continued talking about Walnut Creek and once, I unexpectedly said Walnut Crick.  After that came from my mouth, I had to stop and question myself...where did that come from?  I've never said Walnut Crick before...Grandpa says it, but I haven't.  I took a small moment to think about that after I caught myself.  Thinking about you Grandma and Grandpa!

The Charles River with walking and bike paths right next to it.

Shirin and I on the bridge crossing over the Charles River.

One of the trains we could have taken home and the one we normally take home too.

A building at MIT, although I'm not sure what it is used for.

The Cambridge City Hall and Municipal Buildings.

A building at Harvard with really pretty doorways.

Shirin and I with Mr. John Harvard.

Sitting on one of the rock chairs in the outdoor classroom at Harvard.

Our patriotic neighbor's front yard and house.

Shirin welcoming us to our street!

Second Sunday in Boston

After spending some good bonding time with a few classmates last night, I decided to go to City Life Church this morning, which is just a couple blocks away from the Boston Common.  I was maybe going to go to Park Street Church, which is also right next to the Boston Common.  However, when I was trying to look at the websites last night for directions and service times, the Park Street website was not working (it is now though) so that made the decision easy, since I knew when City Life was and not Park Street.  Church was good this morning.  I felt so welcome and had the opportunity to talk to a few people/families at the church.  After the service, there was a group of newcomers and visitors that went to lunch with a couple people who have been going to the church for quite some time.  We went to PF Chang's and it was fun to meet the others and get to know some people outside of school as well.  There was actually one guy who just moved to Boston three weeks ago who graduated from The Master's College and we found out that we have some mutual friends!  It is a small world!  A bit of home and familiarity here in Boston.  And, this same guy is working as a digital media person for Harvard Medical School and is working in the same building where my anatomy class/lab is being held.

On my way back to the T (train station) there were a lot of people in the park (Boston Common) on one of the grass sections and I was wondering what the group was doing and what they were all about.  As I got closer to this group, I heard worship music.  So, then, I proceeded to look around and found one of the canopies they had set up had a piece of paper that said "Ask Us" on it.  So, I went and asked them.  Low and behold, it was Park Street's annual service and celebration in the park!  It reminded me of Grace Church in San Luis Obispo and their Fall kickoff in Mitchell park across the street!  And, as Grace celebrated their 75th anniversary a few years ago, Park Street is having their bicentennial celebration this year!  Wow!!!  Everything is so much older on this side of the country.  It was kinda cool.  Today was a combined effort of four different churches in the area and they were having a party in the park all afternoon long, ending the day with an afternoon service.  So, I stopped and got some information from the table and now, I know when they meet so I can go next week and see what a more regular Sunday looks like at Park Street.  Interesting...City Life was meeting in a different room today as well.  It was the Sunday of differences!  

Speaking of differences...I had a different/interesting(?) interaction with a guy today.  Oh my.  After checking out the Park Street celebration, I walked around the Boston Common a bit and looked at all the children playing and everyone walking about.  It was so different now than when my mom and I were there in February when there was snow and not many people out.  After taking a few pictures, I started walking (for real this time) to the T and I was stopped again.  By Dan is his name.  It was a bit awkward because he just came up to me and started talking and told me I was pretty and pretty much said he wanted to take me out on a date.  WHAT?!?!  Do guys really do that?!  Shirin suggested that it might be because we are more in a city and there are more people around that guys are more willing to put themselves out there.  I don't know...city guys vs. small town guys?  I'm not sure.  Whatever the case, he was rather forward, took me by surprise, and I didn't know how to respond or what to say.  After talking him for too long, I finally was able to leave and continue to the T to go home.  

Random thoughts/observations:

Quite a few churches in Boston, or in the area, meet in hotels, which is something new and different for me...kinda cool.  :)

A few pictures from today....

 

Park Street in the park celebration

The empty frog pond that people were ice skating on last time I was here.

(With frog statues at the end)

So many uses for the pond--ice skating, reflecting, and wading!

Depending on the time of year...multi-purpose pond.

Children playing on the Tadpole Playground 

(right across from the frog pond)

Relay for Life

There is a group of DPT students, from different classes, at the MGH Institute of Health Professions who are participating in the American Cancer Society's Boston Relay for Life.  It is an overnight event that will be held at a high school track next weekend (Friday afternoon to Saturday morning) in which we spend the whole time walking around the track as a team.  While we each will not be walking the entire time, there will be at least one representative from our team on the track for the duration of the event.  There will be themed laps, activities, and other events going on throughout our time there.  This event is designed to celebrate the lives of those who have fought and are battling cancer and to remember those we have lost to cancer.  It is also a fundraiser to raise money to fund cancer research as more is learned and discovered to end cancer.  If you would like to donate any amount to Relay for Life under my name, or my team, you can go to our team's Relay for Life website and click on my name.  Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to sharing with you how it all goes!

First Weekend of Grad School

First day of gross anatomy was yesterday.  Not too bad--had a little introduction time, went through the syllabus, lecture about the skin and embyology, went to the lab and found our dissecting groups and our bone boxes.  Oh yes, got our lockers as well.  Have a bit of reading to do this weekend, but other than that, nothing special planned.  I like not having class on Fridays...it will definitely be helpful in studying and being able to keep up on everything (although compared to the Fall schedule, summer is not nearly as full).  So, maybe these free Fridays will give me the opportunity to explore the city and area a bit more.  

Went grocery shopping yesterday (at Shaw's again...I'm told there's a Market Basket nearby too, so I'll have to check it out soon--next time).  I decided I kind of miss cooking and real food, so I am looking forward to actually making real food this weekend!  And, then the best part is that I'll have leftovers!  :)  I've had Anna's Tacqueria twice in the past two weeks, which is a burrito place that is pretty good and not too expensive.  I'm definitely a fan!

It rained yesterday for a bit and quite a bit last night.  Falling asleep to the sound of rain is something I really enjoy....during the winter.  But, raining a significant amount in June?  I don't know if it's normal for the Boston area, but I hope it doesn't continue.  I am definitely missing the California summer sunshine.  Maybe the nice (or at least the sunny) weather will come back soon.  Today is overcast again...but I don't know if it's warm or cold since I haven't been outside yet.  

Homesickness...yes, it does exist.  For me, it comes and goes.  For the most part, the transition has been alright.  I've cried myself to sleep twice in the past two weeks and the emotions will come in waves.  Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement through phone calls, emails, or other notes.  It has definitely helped to meet a few other fellow classmate believers and I think it will help even more when I find a church and meet more people there.  One might think that talking to family and friends from home would help with the homesickness, but that is not always the case.  When I don't think about home too much, I'm okay because I am keeping myself busy and not missing home.  But, when I have time to think about it or am talking to people that I can't be near, but want to see, that brings up something that is not feasible, so it makes me miss home even more and that is when the emotions come.  Thankfully, Nathan and Erin are getting married in just two weeks, when I can come home and see people!  I am so excited for them to get married, but I'm excited for their wedding for selfish reasons as well, because it means I get to come home and visit family and friends.  Thanks for planning it for now you two!  :)   

Orientation is Over

Well, our three days of orientation are through and we are now oriented to the school.  (kind of)  Yesterday was the fun day.  After a session in the morning about IT services and all our different usernames and passwords and what we use each one for, a couple second year PT students talked to us about the different opportunities available for us to get involved in as PT students, namely, the PT club.  About the usernames...we have three different usernames: email, class information online, and online student account information.  You'd think they'd be able to do something about that so we could use the same one for all three functions.  At least they could just have two.  But no, I don't think Massachusetts is quite up to the same caliber of technology as the west coast yet.  (See random thoughts below.)

Moving on....the anatomy teachers then came in and talked to us a bit about the class and a little bit about what to expect tomorrow.  I'm excited for anatomy!  But, I am not excited about the size of our class and that there will be eight people to one cadaver and that we'll be broken up into two different groups--early afternoon and late afternoon.  The faculty told us that they would only accept 50 students into the program and no...they decide to bring 67 DPT students now, and they didn't tell us until this week.  Fifty was already big and now 67?!  That's ridiculous and what none of us were expecting at all.  Surprise to us!  Maybe some people will drop out...as much as I don't want that to happen to anyone, it would reduce the size of the class, which would be nice.  Oh well, it is what it is and we're going with 67.

Alright...the fun of the day was this scavenger hunt/amazing race type activity around Boston.  We started at school and went to the Bunker Hill Monument, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Common, Fenway Park, the North End (which has a lot of restaurants), Paul Revere's grave, and we ended at The Four's, which is a bar kind of by school, where we were able to hang out with our class as well as some of the second and third years, although I didn't meet many of them, which was part of the goal of this social event.  It was a pretty fun day...A LOT of walking, and speed walking or jogging at that, but it was fun to go around town and see some places I haven't seen and do a little bit more exploring.  I definitely want to go to a Red Sox game, or at least be in the Fenway area before a game--I hear it can get pretty crazy!  :)  Boston fans sure are true and loyal fans!

Today, we went to school and talked about what it means to be a professional for about three hours or so.  It was a good topic to promote a comfortable discussion time among us as a class and was relevant to our future profession.  Nothing astonishing or mind-blowing, but informative nonetheless.  Then, we paid for and collected our anatomy course materials while also paying for our lab coats and medical supply kit.  I also joined the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) today, which was strongly recommended (pretty much required).  Tuition is so much money and then we have all these fees for all these other smaller things as well.  Why, why, why?!?!  So much money that I will have to be paying back--yikes!  Maybe God has something amazing planned for me when I am done with school and a job all lined up that will have a loan forgiveness program in which they will pay back ALL my school loans if I work for them for a few years.  If not, I know He'll provide the funds in another, maybe more creative, way.  Somehow, someway, I will be able to make those loan repayments someday, sometime.  But, I will choose to not think about that too much right now.  I need to finish school first!  :)

Well, tomorrow is the first day of anatomy lab and we start at one in the afternoon rather than nine in the morning, which will be nice to sleep in a bit and have the morning to not go to school.  My anatomy teachers seem to be great and I think I will really like this class, except that there are only eight cadavers for 67 students....

Random thoughts/observations:

Many places around town have signs that say "Cash Only".  Really?  Who carries much cash around these days?  Why can't they take plastic?  My goodness. 

The milk jugs don't have the screw-on caps.  They have the caps that you just put on and take off, like what we had in CA as I was growing up in my younger years (since I kind of am still growing up).

There are still real garbage men who stop the truck at each house, get out of the truck, manually put the trash from the cans (normal cans with a lid that is not attached) into the truck.  Except, I only saw one garbage man on our route last week, so I think he does it by himself even!  The driving and the dumping...he's working a lot harder than the garbage men in the Clayton neighborhoods!  

Okay...that's all I have for now...I'm sure there will be more fun/random thoughts later.  :)