Where I've been/Where I'm going.

So it took all the way until the last day, but I finally took some pictures of the clinic in Oakridge, as well as a picture with Edwin, my preceptor-extraordinare. It was really difficult to leave...I had cultivated such fabulous relationships with the staff, and I loved learning from Edwin. He is just so incredibly intelligent, it blows my mind. I will even miss the actual town of Oakridge. The people there welcomed me with open arms, and I am forever grateful for their kindness. I will especially miss my temp roomie Michelle. She didn't have to be a friend to me, but ended up being one anyway and it made all the difference.

So one adventure ends, and the next begins immediately. I went home Friday night to see CJ...we worked out and went to a happy hour, and I was so tired I was passed out by 11pm. This morning we did some laundry, stopped by the welcome picnic for the incoming PA class, and all of a sudden it was time to leave again. It was so difficult to have to say goodbye....AGAIN. This time, however, I had to say "I'll see you in 6 weeks," rather than "I'll see you at the weekend." It hasn't fully hit me yet, but it is getting there.....

It is a 14 hour drive from Hillsboro, OR to Havre, MT. Obviously that wasn't going to happen in one day, so today I drove the first 6 hours to Spokane, WA. I am laying here on my hotel bed, wondering how on Earth I'm going to get to sleep with so much uncertainty laying ahead of me. The only thing I know for sure about this rotation is that I'm to show up at 8am on Monday. I did get to read some of the evaluations written by prior students who have been to this rotation. So far I know that I will be doing rounds in the morning, then working in the clinic the rest of the day. My schedule will be something along the lines of 7-5:30. Oh, and my preceptor likes dogs. This was actually the best news of all...anyone who likes animals has to be a halfway decent person.

So, tomorrow I will get up, shower, dress, and eat myself silly at the breakfast buffet here before heading out on the road, no later than 9am (which means 9:30am). I will drive the remaining 7 hours and 20 minute to Havre, where my first stop will be at the emergency dept. of the hospital, which is where I will pick up the key to my first residence, the Parkview Apts. Once there, I will unpack, eat some dinner and try to sleep in preparation for the big day ahead.

I'm nervous, but if I wasn't, that wouldn't make any sense. I'm sad too...I'm not a big fan of being away from home. But......deep down somewhere I am excited too. And I know it will all be okay. This is the worst part - the anticipation.

My internet-ness in Havre is questionnable at this point...if it takes a couple of days for me to update, it means there is no internet at my apartment. The horror of it..............

Jen