Graduation!

There is nothing as gratifying as walking across the stage to get your diploma. One piece of paper that signifies not all of the sweat, tears, lost sleep, time away from loved ones, and money spent.... But a new chapter in my life. I am no longer a student, but instead a PA-C!

Saturday was a perfect day for graduation, although it was a little too hot for this Alaskan girl! Blue skies, hot sun, and 80 degree weather!

The ceremony went very well. I savored every moment.  We had an a capella group entertain us at the beginning...

A wonderful key note speaker, and a slide show,

A guest singer who truly touched the entire audience,

And a speech by yours truly...

I was also honored to receive an award from my class.

Then was the most important part... receiving my Master's degree and my Stanford diploma!

And the best part of the entire ceremony was at the end when we were announced the Stanford PCAP graduates of 2013.  Actually, I take that back.  The best part was immediately after that, when this happened:



A surprise dance! (Yes, that's me in the front row in the second group... I do a pretty awesome Chicken dance, don't I?)

I am so grateful all of my family, Jake's family, and the Griffins were able to be there to celebrate my special day.

I will forever miss my classmates, but I will never forget the wonderful memories.  Good times and not so good times... I feel so blessed to have had the past 2 years as a Stanford student.  I can't wait to start the next chapter in my life! 

Stanford PCAP Class of 2013!

I'm a Stanford Graduate!

More to come later... but I'm officially a graduate!  Wahoo!

And that's a wrap!

Never again will I have to do a Stanford final.  Ever. EVER!  It hasn't quite hit me that I am completely done with Stanford testing, but maybe after tomorrow (our last day) I'll feel more excited!  I wish I could say that the last 2 years flew by and that PA school wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.... but I really can't haha!  It was a long and bumpy road, but I am so grateful to have done it and to have learned so much along the way.  The best part was all the amazing friends I made.  You can't trade that for anything!

 CHEERS! I don't I've ever done a shot in my life!
Luckily there was Bailey's involved so it was pretty tasty.

Yesterday after my practicum (80 minute proctored exam with a live patient who had every sickness under the sun), I decided the perfect celebration would be a run on campus.  Stanford is the most amazing campus I've ever seen and there are unlimited bike/running paths at my disposal.  My favorite run goes from the Stanford Medical Center to The Dish, a gated Habitat Conservation that overlooks Stanford and the San Francisco Peninsula.

The Dish!

It is literally all hills.

 Just when you think you've reached the top, you have another hill to climb.

But when you're done, you feel on top of the world.  And you have an amazing view of campus.

It's pretty much a symbol of my life at Stanford.  Just when you think you're done... you have another rotation, exam, or paper to write! I am so relieved to be at this moment!

Last night we did what any AWESOME class would do and hit up the streets of Palo Alto.  Almost the entire class showed up so we had a great time celebrating!

The entire gang!  PCAP Class of 2013!!

Love this girl.

The boys! (Minus Eric)

The class "Diva" :)

Such great friends!

Our main professor even joined us in the festivities!

Dr. Berry and I!

The night ended with Kareoke and dancing.  And lots of "I love you guys."  (as clearly documented from our group huddle and singing in the picture below, haha!)

We are the champions.

So what's on the agenda now?  Well... it's time to hit the books again.  Until I get my certification, I can't practice as a PA, so I have to keep up my discipline for just a while longer!  When I take it and pass, then I will be able to breathe a sigh of relief!

Let's hope my board exams are like this.

Here are the first 5 things I want to do for fun when I am done:
1.) Build a huge bonfire with all my PA school notes and tests. Okay, maybe not... I want to see Jake.   Spend time laughing at his silly jokes and sweet dance moves.  Talk face-to-face instead of over the phone.  Roam the aisles of Costco together and get free samples (hey, it's the small things!).  Just be married.  :)

2.) Go to a coffee shop with a friend to TALK. There will be no school books, laptops, papers to write, or board review allowed.

3.) Stay in my pajamas all day.  Sleep past 7am, lay in bed for an hour reading for PLEASURE, get up, drink a leisurely cup of coffee, and lay on the couch watching all the shows I've missed out on.   According to Ashley who I currently live with, that includes Bad Girls Club, Downton Abbey and some Vampire/Zombie shows that I can't remember the names of. (Okay, let's be serious, this will never happen.  I'm too ADD to sit on the couch all day, but it's a nice thought).

4.) Cook an elaborate dinner and enjoy every bite of it. (And by elaborate, I mean something more than my usual trader joe's salad or bowl of cereal.  Like THIS Runner's World Recipe )

5.) Four words:
Play
With
My
Puppy.
(Who is due this week, FYI!)

Best Morning Ever!

I got to meet the greatest girl ever today.  The Hungry Runner Girl, aka Janae Jacobs, has been an inspiration to me for the past 9 months or so since I started reading her blog HERE.  If you haven't read her blog, as soon as you read it you will probably forget mine exists and fall in love with hers.  Just don't forget about me, okay? :) She has the cutest little daughter, Brooke, and an amazing husband named Billy.  She and irunlikeagirl arranged a running meet-up in Palo Alto and I decided I would come and meet her!

Love the Hungry Runner Girl!

It was a great run with new friends followed by a delicious breakfast at Joanie's Cafe.  It was exactly what I needed after a long week of finals and studying.

Excuse my squinty-ness.
Apparently they sell these things that provide eye protection- I should probably look into that.

It took me approximately 20 minutes to decide on the perfect omelette combo. Decision: Omelette with mushrooms, spinach, onions, and ARTICHOKE HEARTS. Side of Sourdough bread = heaven.

Mmmmm

If you look closely in this picture, little Brooke has on Nike running shorts and matching shoes.  This outfit alone is enough of a reason for me to have kids.  A mini-running buddy?  Yes, please!

So adorable!

Brooke decided to take pictures of herself with my iPhone!

After getting home and much procrastination, I started practicing practicum skills so that Tuesday goes smoothly!  Anyone want to come over and be my practice patient?  I'll pay you with Starburst Jelly Beans!  And if you're especially good patient, you may even get some Cadbury Mini Eggs.  (Does anyone else have a huge weakness for those?!) 

Speaking of Cadbury Mini Eggs, I found this recipe online... I will be making those this week.  

Oatmeal Cookies with Cadbury Mini Eggs

Last random but VERY exciting news of the day... I got my graduation gown, cap, and stole this week!  It's finally starting to feel real that I will be graduating in just 6 weeks from TODAY!

Pretty neat Stanford Tradition!

 Have an AMAZING weekend!

When life gives you lemons...

What's a broke grad student do?  Yep, that's right!  Keep 'em! 

Ever feel like you're running against a cement wall?
And just when you chisel your way through the wall, you step into a pit of quicksand?
You see a tree branch to grab onto and pull yourself free only to realize the branch is actually a venomous snake?

Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic.  Or a lot dramatic.  But it's safe to say, we all have times that feel as if the world is sitting on your shoulders and could sure use an extra hand (or two or eight).

The past two weeks since I arrived back from Mexico have been one obstacle course followed by another. Mainly due to some ridiculously stupid frustrating challenges with hospital credentialing for my surgery rotation that were due to miscommunications beyond my control.  No need to go into my long story, but my frustration/worrying level is at approximately a 2493 out of 10.  Yes, it's possible.  Believe me.

It doesn't take a PA student to tell you that stress is probably not the best for your health.  So what is one to do when they're discouraged?  Run!  Oh wait, I can't do that because I'm still injured.  I was doing great but had another set back.  (Sciatic nerve irritation causing hip and knee pain).  Perfect combo for training for my first Boston Marathon in 3 months! haha.

Hmph. So I can't run like I want to... what's a girl to do?

Options that I have tried:
1.) Cry.  (Not successful. Makes for an interesting public spectacle and makes your face look pudgy.)
2.) Study to distract myself.  (Leads to unhelpful thoughts like, "Wow, I really have a lot to learn in the next 3 months before my board exams!")
3.) Work out at the gym.  (Why does the elliptical have to cause me such boredom?)
4.) Call your amazingly supportive husband and repeat #1 (Actually VERY successful but could lead to a discouraged husband so it's only recommended if you can pull it together.)
5.) Drink wine.  (Not successful. Tried once and fell asleep on top of my books. ha)
6.) Retail therapy.  (Wait, you have to have money to do that. Does a sale on cheerios count as retail therapy?  That does make me pretty happy.)
7.) Pray.  (Ding, ding, ding... we have a winner!)

Sometimes you just need someone to take that weight off your shoulders and trust that everything will work out.  I know it will be okay, but it would sure be nice to worry less.  That is where faith comes in.  Knowing that the big man upstairs has a plan for this crazy little thing called life. Obstacles are placed to learn how to chisel through them and ultimately to grab that venomous snake and use it as a rope to climb to safety.

On a positive, less philosophical note, I am officially registered for my board exams! HOLY COW.  That is crazy.  Also crazy is that it costs $475 to torture myself in the 6 hour exam. haha

Haha.  You think?

Graduation planning is in full effect and the realization has settled in that in 68 days I will (hopefully... if silly hospital logistics get solved) be done with school for the REST OF MY LIFE. And 36 days after that I will walk across the stage and become a graduate of Stanford. Two words: Thank God. :)

May 4, you can't come soon enough! 

So what is the lesson learned today?  Have faith. Be positive. And as my very wise husband says:

"Believe in yourself."