Sunday, September 25, 2011

Back to the grind - that means stress!

Well, the fall semester has started full force!  This year, labs are in the morning and classes are in the afternoon, which makes for very long days!  We are in school until 5:00pm practically every day, and most students stay late to practice lab skills.  We are learning a new technique called binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO).  With this skill we can scan out into the far periphery of the retina to see more area where problems could be.  It's an interesting and challenging skill.  Unfortunately, we have to be dilated to practice, so I feel like I've spent more days dilated than not.

This week is going to be very stressful.  We have 2 tests and our first actual practical in BIO.    I've also been very busy recently keeping up with leadership with FCO (Fellowship of Christian Optometrists).  I redid the bulletin board, helped organize a church tour, and have done my best to attend as many FCO events as possible, so that leadership is visible at events. 

I have tried to make time for myself in the midst of all the craziness.  We have been hanging out with our neighbors in the apartment complex, which is great because now we don't have to drive downtown to hang out with friends!!  They're also newlyweds around the same age, and the husband is in dental school, so we have a few things in common.  His wife is a nurse at St. Jude's hospital, so we all have drives from our apartment complex, but love the Cordova area.  We've been fortunate enough to enjoy cookouts with them a couple of times, and got to watch the movie Bridesmaids with their Blue-ray player.  I'm hoping we'll be able to hang out with them and get to know them more as the year progresses. 

On the to-do list is shopping.  I need better closed-toe shoes and dress clothes for the many times we have to help/observe in clinic and go on school screenings.  I didn't build up my wardrobe over the summer when it would've been convenient because I didn't realize I would have to be dressing up so much during 2nd year.  Oh well.  I can make due for the time being, but eventually I really need to get shopping!! I'm thinking that this weekend will present a good opportunity for me to shop!  :)

I also want to make some more crafts.  A girl in my class made this super cute wreath for football season!  She is from Arkansas and it says Go HOGS and is in their colors - red and white!  I want to make one in red and white that says GO PACK... too bad this season isn't going so well.  I also want to make some more wreaths for fall and Christmas!  We'll see.  I also want to make more cards - I haven't had time for any of that!  :(  All I've had time for is studying, practicing skills, working out and eating...

Looking forward to seeing Tyler's Dad, Kim, and Kait in the middle of October!  Should be some fun family time!  Having something to look forward to makes the week a little more tolerable. 

Until next time, I've got over 140 drugs to memorize!!!  EEK... studying for pharm!