Great day to be a PA

Greetings!  Last week we had "PA Day".  PA Day is actually the day the first PA class in history graduated (first class was from Duke).  We took the day to go out in the community and help out.  The vice mayor of Roanoke came and spoke to us and we ate breakfast with him actually haha.  Then we went to Huff Lane and Rocky Mountain Elementary schools to teach kids about being heart healthy.  We read "Magic School Bus Has a Heart", played some games, and let them listen to their hearts with our stethoscopes.  I had such a good time!  It was strange to be looked at as a role model, I feel like I was sitting in those chairs just yesterday!

Later that night, our program coordinator sponsored an event he called "Liquid Rounds" (get it?) At Fork in the Alley Pub for PA students and all the local PA's practicing in the area for drink specials all night.  It was nice because it's about the only night we've all been able to get out and relax.  Also, it was nice to talk with practicing PAs about the ups and downs of the job (mostly ups!)  We had such a great time!  

Meanwhile, it's getting really cold over here in Virginia!  I'm about 1 day away from turning the heat on.  The leaves are starting to change, something I missed in Charleston.  Also, the dogs are starting to act hyper and crazy which only means one thing, it's cold outside.  Things are going well on the homefront and school is pushing along.  Biggest challenge i've had to face so far in my life, we've already lost a couple of people in the class due to the struggles and rigorous schedule of the program.  I'm hanging in there though!  Time to crack the whip though because I'm coming over the second half of the semester hill.  We all know that I work best under pressure though.  Garrett, I received your email about you starting a blog and i'm so excited to see it when it's done!  I miss you all, talk soon.  I hope everyone remembered to call dad on his birthday, we have dinner plans tomorrow night!!

A Breath of fresh air.....

This weekend, me, Mandy, and the "kids" decided to go on a little hike to Dragon's Tooth.  It was such a beautiful day and I just couldn't spend it inside the whole time.  The leaves are just beginning to turn which is a nice change from the Charleston climate.  I don't think I ever saw an orange or red leaf there!  

We took the pups and they had a blast.  They were just fine off leash and definitely put us to shame with their athletic abilities.  I was a little worried about how they would do in the rockier parts, but turns out I was more worried about us than them!  They certainly put us to shame to say the least.   We haven't gotten a really good rain so all the streams were dried out. 

Anyway, I completely forgot how out of shape I am and was pretty much done after the second mile, but we made it to the top after many breaks!  We hung out up there and took a few pictures with the dogs (when they'd sit still long enough).  I was able to get a few good ones of me and Bryer.  ALEX, Bryer is so much like Murphy it's crazy.  He blends RIGHT into that scenery and almost every picture is like a "Where's Waldo" search hahahahahaha.  

Well, I hope that everyone is reading and enjoying this and considering making one themselves (I want to hear about you as well you know!).  I have three tests this week so I should stay pretty busy.  I feel good about them though so finger's crossed for some A's :)  Until next time.....