Sunshiny Day

Even though most people would never think to come to Iowa, I have really enjoyed living her the past 3.5 years. Iowa City feels like just the right size...it has most of everything I'm looking for without the traffic, crime, pollution of a larger city. However, there is one major issue I have with Iowa: the weather.

People are surprised to hear me complain about the weather. "Yeah, but you are from Utah, they get tons of snow there, right?" Yes, Utah can get tons of snow. But it is soft, powdery, beautiful snow. The snow in Iowa is more often than not, sleet or ice. It makes things scary and dangerous.

Also, the temperatures can be extreme, this winter being particularly harsh. It has been a very long and bleak winter, which usually doesn't end until well into March or even April.

With that said, I think I must be becoming an Iowan. Despite the -40 spell we recently had and the piles and piles of snow, I haven't minded so much. Maybe my core temperature is finally making the adjustment, realizing I will not be back in the "Oh, put on my coat--it is warm now" climate of blissful Utah winters.

Today is a balmy 40+ degrees. What a wonderful day! I had the grand idea to wash my car, wearing only my fleece jacket! Warm! Of course, the piles of snow and ice that have been decorating our landscape are melting into huge puddles leaving my car almost as dirty as before. But, just the idea that I COULD wash my car without sealing myself out of it by a sheet of ice was a wonderful feeling. (I also happened to be behind a guy washing a truck with Utah plates...felt like home)

Anyway, thank goodness for sunny days in the midst of a dreary Iowa winter!

Spidey Sense

Did you hear that Obama was in an episode of Spiderman? Good ole' Spidey saved inauguration day. Phew! However, don't rush out to stock up...a comic book whiz said he doesn't expect them to be worth much as a collectors item.

I wonder if Superman thought about adding him but didn't want to look bad next to Obama?

Also, you can get your hands on the Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia dolls (who have nothing to do with the Obamas, BTW).

I wonder when the First Lady Obama Barbie will come out?

--is it sad I got tired of the Obama hype before election day even occurred? After 1+ year of campaigning and "Yes We Can" Hope posters everywhere, I'm tired.

I think I'm the only one, too.

Boards Luck

On another note:

I found (confirmed) my second board patient today. My friend Dr. Laura Fauchier is a total saint and has been looking for board patients for me in her own private practice in Marion, IA. She has spent her own time making arrangements as well as donating the patient (and procedure profits) to me as well as the use of her office for screenings and xrays.

So far, Laura has found me two patients who appear very viable. I am particularly enthused about the periodontal patient she found that I screened tonight. She meets the criteria almost perfectly, without being too complex or borderline. This is the hardest patient to find.

So, I am still looking for one more patient with a cavity between the front teeth, and some potential back up patients, just in case. I feel very relieved for tonight.

My Big Decision

After a very stressful day of disappointment and question marks, I finally came to a decision about where to go from here.

My original plan was to do the general practice residency at UIHC. I felt like it would give me good general practice experience and a chance at OS next year.

However, at about 8:15am yesterday, the residency director called to ask if I would like the first chance at the internship position. I asked for a day to think about it and discuss with my husband.

I really was not sure what the right way to go would be. The inspiration didn't seem to be coming in any obvious ways and there were pros and cons to each. My biggest worry was doing the internship (which is not a guarantee of a spot next year) and not matching which would leave me a year out of practice with general dentistry skills as a brand new graduate, lacking experience and complete confidence.

Finally, this afternoon I decided to go for the internship position. Essentially, it adds an extra year on to the four year residency. The perks are I will get to know the program and the people, that I will gain more OS skills/experience, and have a better shot when I apply again. It is also like being a resident, but the lowest on the totem pole, esp (I would imagine) when it comes to being on call, getting time off, and doing not-so-fun leg work, etc. I am a little nervous but overall I feel okay about my decision and happy to have a little more OS time.

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragment. I hope that I am being led down the right path!

As you can see, my countdown clock ran itself down to 0. I got the news by email at about 7:30 am. I know you are all in suspense.

Going into it I thought I had a surprisingly good chance considering what a long shot it was to apply only to one school. Everyone was telling me it would be crazy for them not to choose me as I am well qualified and they have not had a woman in years and years.

When I got the email it was like, "Finally, after all of these months, and a long night, it is here."

And I have to admit I was surprised (a bit) to see

"We regret..." That put a fast end to all of the waiting.

I am disappointed. Maybe slightly relieved. Mostly, I am annoyed that I was so excited to be a regular old dentist and now I am dreading having to ever make a denture again or a crown on #15, etc. So today I think I am feeling a little bad.

Dress Dillemma II

Yup, I was right. I knew my friend would come asking about the dress soon. Last night I got a text asking about it.

I decided to be honest with her and tell her I have ben really stressing about it, not knowing what to do. She was very nice and said she doesn't want me stressing. Thank you. She told me I can get the fabric to match the dress for $12/yard. Ok. That is a start I guess. I asked if she had any ideas how to alter it, as it is her wedding. I told her I want to have a plan before I buy the dress for $150.

She told me, "Yeah, but we really need to order it. It takes 6 weeks to get here." My thoughts, "But we have 4 months and I don't want a dress I can't wear (that cost more than my own wedding dress!)."

I asked if she was set on the one dress she had chosen or if we could go with another option that would look normal with a jacket. She said yes, if I can have my seamstress redo the dress by taking off all of the beadwork. Sigh. Finally, she said she could get a new bridesmaid because she doesn't want me to stress too much.

So, I feel like I am back to square one. She doesn't want me to stress but she also doesn't want to help me fix the problem. Should I take the out and let her choose someone else, or do I take the time and spend the money (probably at least another $100-150 on top of the $150 for the dress)? I really don't know.

45 hours

My countdown clock says 1 day. Somehow, 45 hours doesn't sound like one day, but either way, Match Day is coming!

I'm trying not to wish away my weekend in anticipation, but it has been four months since my interview, so a very long wait.

I feel optimistic but guarded. No one in their right mind would apply to only one program. Every one I am up against is top in their class, so it must be a hard decision for the program to make. I feel like I will be okay with whatever happens but I hope I wont be disappointed whatever the result.

Mostly, I am excited to know where my life will take me. This could be a huge life changer.