Greetings from Boston

Here's my overdue update!

I moved to Boston about a month ago. This is probably the best decision I've made in a long time. I really like the city, the Institute and the YSA ward out here are great, and there are about a million choices for food (except there isn't any good Mexican out here... but that's a story for another day). The only downside is a slight mouse problem in my apartment. I'm pretty sure whoever lived in this place never cleaned while they lived here. It was disgusting. I also put out mousetraps and have successfully caught one of those little critters. I'm hoping its death sent its other mouse friends a clear warning to stay away. Far, far away.

My program is going well. The workload isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I decided that I'm just not going to do homework after 8 pm. I haven't had a problem getting everything done so far, but I have a feeling my life is going to get busy soon.

My favorite class right now is an emerging infectious disease class, specifically because we have guest speakers from CDC that video conference with the class. It's really interesting to hear what these people do on a day to day basis and the challenges that they are very aware of. In contrast to the bureaucracy and inactivity of another organization that I worked in (think fieldwork), I think CDC actually does things. And by does things, I mean they actually are good at getting things done.

Above all, I think I'm just accepting the fact that I am a total nerd that's been keeping it at bay. As much as I try to integrate myself into normal social situations, I can't hide it. Someone joked about a professor being able to publish without reporting p values. Sad thing is, I understood the joke and may have laughed a little. But just a little.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Way to go Utah!

Just a little article that I thought might make you all proud of Utah. And, yes, I am still looking into becoming a CLC or even an IBCLC???

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50274276-76/cdc-breast-feeding-utah.html.csp

Guess who is employed....

I am!! (all pending if I pass my drug test:)

I am so thrilled-

A) I got a job

B) Im done with the filling out endless job applications and awkward interviews

C) I got a job in PH that I couldn't be more excited about

Ill be working with the Vista Community Clinics as a Project Coordinator working on health promotion and education, particularly with under-served and Latino populations. I am so grateful that it all worked out, and realize the Lord has a much better and bigger plan. There were a few times I was about to settle for some jobs I really wouldn't have been happy doing and for some reason or another they just didn't work out- now I know why. Well just thought you are some of the few people that would appreciate my PH job. Also, if there are any of you looking for a job out there (ehh hem- Brea you can still change to a CA license and I would LOVE to have you down here) and want to move to SD, let me know because I think they are looking to fill a few more positions.

Glad the blog is alive again- great to read the updates. Miss you all!

Fort Ethan Allen

Hey folks!

Heres a couple photos (you know I have to include photos with every blog post!) I took this week in our new area. We're loving it! I passed my first course (Yeah biostats and epi, with genetics and ethics), and one week into my second. The hard stuff starts in 3 weeks so for now we're mostly reviewing and its pretty chill. Meanwhile, we've been able to go camping and see covered bridges, go to Montreal, and the beach (don't get too excited its just a lake beach, no waves but nice and warm water!)

Still unpacking but thats a long process. Things are going well. There's one other lds family (he has 2 kids) in my year and we have gotten pretty close in the few weeks we've lived next door to them. Their house is the closest one on the right, we live on the top floor of the white one. Sara and Tanner and doing great. They hang out with the neighbors a lot, well pretty much every day. Right now we've got some wicked black Earlish clouds outside, the beginnings of which you can see from the photos, but I bet its nothing compared to what Judy experienced in Boston.

Oh, the neighborhood is called Fort Ethan Allen. Until 1960 it was an actual military base (our street was for non-commissioned officers and that abandoned church was actually used for church at one time). Its pretty and quiet and we have a community garden and a ton of open space and playgrounds. And the bus stop in front of our house takes us right to the med school!

I'll write more later but its good to hear from everyone!!

The End of Summer

As Ashley put my name in the email, I should also contribute to the blog. I have about 5 posts in que, but haven't finished one yet. This summer has been crazy. I am officially a Virginian--drivers license, license plates, voter registration--the whole shebang! I'm not sure how I feel about it. Even after living in Utah for 9 years, I never changed my Washington status, so this is all new to me.

Work has been going well. I am definitely doing public health, but on the domestic side. My internship ends September 30, so I'm feeling quite anxious and antsy about finding a job. I've applied a couple of places, but haven't had a single interview. I might be be able to stay on at AED, but that is not definite yet. Any leads or contacts in the DC area?

So this summer, I've had some fun adventures, and as they will all be explained with pics in my personal blog, I'll just give the run down here.

Summer in DC:

• Sailing for my first time in Maryland
• 4th of July in the Capitol with fireworks, Jefferson Monument, and the Potomac for a view
• Hiking and camping in the Shenandoah National Forest, with an awesome natural waterslide
• Weekend trip to Smith Family Lake, where "What About Bob" was filmed. Yup, we even went to the house and stopped by Gutman's Cafe. We rented boats and I was able to wakeboard and even teach a few others the joys of wakeboarding.
• Roadtrip from Utah to DC
• UKRAINE! Yes, it was a very impromptu trip to Ukraine for the Temple Dedication. I stayed about 9 days and it was incredible!!!!
• Marathon Training--I run the Richmond Marathon on Nov 13. Lauren, any tips???

I think that sums up the highlights. I am enjoying DC, but definitely miss Provo and all of you. If you are in the area, give me a call. I plan on purchasing an air mattress very soon, so now you have a place to sleep when you visit.

Most of us have personal blogs, but I think it's fun to contribute to the cohort blog once in awhile, especially if it has to do with job/MPH/school related things.

Miss you all!!!!

I'm Alive Too

Hi cohort,

I'm alive, but you probably knew that based on the fact that i sent out an email. Things are okay in texas, but i have to echo maryanne and lauren, even after 9 months here I am still working on adjusting life away from Utah. We are headed to utah tomorrow, and I am so excited- Pete and Alina I am stoked (yes stoked to see you!), camille I will miss you tons and tons. The most exciting thing happening for us is that we got a cat... three months ago- she is still awesome. Nothing much to report, I have a job but well... nevermind I will keep my comments to myself on that. I miss working in public health every day so if you hear of anything.... Hm... what else can i tell you about... oh yeah a couple weeks ago I had strep and mono- yes you read that correctly, eli would have kicked me out of the lab in about 2 minutes, but I went to work instead- that's right, I have limited sick and vacation days and had to go in so that wasnt public health. I am happy to report that i consistently educate my coworkers on public health issues, force them to use sanitzer and pass out "this is public health" stickers- i also sign my emails ph (public health)- strange yes. I think I have finally decided on my next step- I am going to apply to nursing school next fall, I start the prereqs next week. Other than that I hope all is well with everyone, and if you ever want to come to dallas you are welcome any time- I would say I would show you around, but let's face it, this is dallas not much to see.

have a wonderful labor day weekend!

Im Alive

You are right... it is about high time I post. I have been a MPH blog slacker.

First off, congrats to all the upcoming babies out there!! That really is exciting. Also, I can't believe how spread out we all when just a few months ago we were in the lab. We need to plan some cohort field trips across the USA.

Well here is my update. We made it Cali and are loving the weather and activities. Mike is LOVING school (he was on "suicide watch" at his last job and was SO ready for something new) so I couldn't be happier for him. I am really loving it here, but I am still in the awkward stage of trying to adjust to a new life, a new city, a new group of friends (that don't exist yet- Im hoping they come soon), etc, etc. There is no place like home, but San Diego is a close second.

I am still in not-so-fun process of a job search in this awesome economy. We have only been here 2 weeks, but I feel like I have been unemployed forever and am a complete waste of space. I have interviewed with some great organizations, so I am hoping something works out. Ill keep you posted. Until then if anyone want to come to San Diego- I am free and available to take you around:)

Well I miss you all. Good luck with jobs, school, babies, etc. And seriously, come to Cali to visit!!

Babies . . . and other tidbits (but not many)

Okay Ash, here's for a post for you and Brea.

I'm super excited about all the cohort babies coming up! I hope we all live by each other at some point so that they can play together. I also really hope that these pregnancies go smoothly! Keep your fingers crossed for us.

As far as other news, Brad is liking med school so far. However, that should have been predictable because the first class is a combo of epi and biostats, and who wouldn't love that? He starts anatomy, physiology, and histology in about a week. That's supposed to be the hardest class of these two years.

I'm still adjusting to the move. I like it, but I'm feeling like I really need some friends in my life that know me and love me even when I squeak about feeling anxious and antsy. No one's penetrated that deep yet. :)

For any of you who are still in Utah, I'll be there for my sister's wedding in a week. I'd love to see any and all of you who are available.