For the love of a dog

I sat down this morning to make a weekly entry and next to me sat my good friend, Buster. If only you could see him now, sitting her patiently hoping I will play, "wash cloth" with him. It's our morning routine, afternoon routine, and evening routine. He will run after anything thrown for him, but usually it is a wash cloth because I can wash those and reuse them.

I love this dog. His personality is exciting, energetic, animated and so very loving. He actually is my son, Josh's dog, but he has become a true friend to me also. He loves to chase water and will wait for me at the hose until I come out and play. He will leap and flip for a frisbee providing entertainment for all who watch. His passion for life and fun is contagious. His is my companion in the morning while I get ready for school. While holding his wash cloth he waits patiently for me to throw it as I blow dry my hair and put on my make-up.

In the evening he becomes Josh's companion. They jump in the truck and off they go to the corrals. Even more than his love for the wash cloth game is his love for herding steer. It's amazing to watch his skill and focus. He is a cowboy's dog - a true friend and loyal companion.

Weekend Furlow

The name of my school is Pima Medical Institute. The students call it, "Pima Prison". I mentioned before that I have had a lot of support from my fellow inmates. We joke about it, but it's so true that sometimes I feel like I'm a prisoner to this program. I feel so isolated from the real world, and as if life is going on around me while I sit in my little corner in front of the computer searching RT Corner. Sometimes I ask, "is it August 2009 yet?" I'm so looking forward to being finished with school. I should have done this school thing when I was young. Now when I finish it'll be just in time for retirement age. Nothing like good planning. Josh says that by the time I am done with the program I'll be so old I'll need the oxygen for myself. Nice guy!I guess maybe I can work at an "old folks home" - maybe I can trade off work for room and board. Work from home. Great idea - I'll live and work among my peers. Just keeping that Pollyanna outlook!

Totally exhausted

Today I finished a month of marathon studying, and as I sit in front of my computer I am filled with a myriad of feelings and emotions: exhaustion, ecstatic, gratitude, exhaustion, accomplishment, exhaustion, motivation to move forward, and most of all blessed - oh and did I mention I am exhausted?
The past few weeks have been the hardest part of this program for me, and to make it worse it was the time that Billy had his heart attacks. I seriously did not think I was going to make it through with passing grades. Until this time I had received straight A's, but I ended up with B's in a couple classes. It was the first time I was happy and relieved to get anything less than an A. The past week seemed to be the hardest as it was crunch time with three classes ending at about the same time. It was one of the toughest challenges I've ever experienced, but I made it, and I feel good. The past couple of days have been virtually sleepless, but through prayer and the help and encouragement of some fellow Pima inmates I did well. So tonight I will get some much needed housework done, sit and watch TV and NOT open a book. Tomorrow I start it all over again.

Family spotlight: Jesse, Stephanie, Abby and Savannah

I am so lucky to be able to say that these two little angels are my granddaughters. The one on the left is Abigail (Abby) and the one on the right is Savannah. I thought it was nice of my son and daughter-in-law to have two babies at one time since I need to catch up with my friends when it comes to the number of grand kids I have. It would be nice if Jesse and Stephanie would always have two at a time - but Stephanie is probably asking, "nice for whom"? So we won't mention to her that I will secretly wish for twins every time she gets pregnant.

Seriously though, Stephanie is the most amazing mother and has impressed me over and over at how she has handled having multiples. It is evident in the faces of Abby and Savannah that they have a great mommy and daddy. Stephanie is a natural at motherhood and I couldn't have asked for a better young women to be my son's wife. It is very fun to watch the two of them as they work together to take care of the babies - it's as if they have it all synchronized and it just flows. They are amazing.

Jesse and Stephanie are living in Orem right now but soon will be moving to Pocatello, Idaho where Jesse will be attending Idaho State University's physical therapy program. They are very excited for their adventure to a new place, but I feel a little sad that they will now be even farther away. Thank goodness we live in an age of technology which brings us all closer via, cell phones, and video. Of course Allegiant Airlines now flies directly from Las Vegas to Idaho Falls so that will make it a little easier to visit. They will be in Idaho Falls for three years while Jesse attends school. They will then decide where they will settle. Someplace close to me I hope. :)

June 14, 2008

As I reflect over the past three years of my life I have often felt it would be fun to write a book of all my experiences - but I was not sure if I should label it a comedy, drama, or tragedy. It has definitely been a challenge, but we have been blessed with all that we need and more. Billy and I have often felt that despite all the problems we have gone through, we've been lucky to be blessed with good health. However, now even that has become a concern as Billy has had two heart attacks in the last month. It was a scarey thing for him, and I know he feels his mortality is looking him in the face. I told him not to consider this a death sentence, but a wake up call. He is definitely changed his lifestyle, and we no longer look forward to Friday night pizzas, or chicken fingers and fries. We went to the movie last Friday night and he sat next to me with no enthusisam for being there. If popcorn and rasinettes were not part of the experience then the movie wasn't really worth seeing.

On July 31st with excitement and apprehension I begin my clinical rotation for the respiratory therapy program. I will be working at Las Vegas Health South, which is a rehabilitation center in Las Vegas. I am excited and looking forward to apply what I have learned in an actual clinical setting. There is definitely an element of fear involved, but I'm ready to get out of the classroom. Boy am I ready.

I created this blog to help me document my experiences during clinicals and to share them with family and friends. I'm sure I'm in for a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime.