Nearing the finish

            Enjoying my first evening off in…let’s just say quite awhile, I realized that this blog needs some updating. Two months is perhaps pushing it just a bit. Not surprising to any of you, I’m sure, my life as a dietetic intern has continued to be busy. But, the big news is, we graduate next Friday, meaning that we only have 6 more days of actual rotations! I’m excited, obviously, but also have been feeling a little down. No matter how many times it happens (which I have learned is, essentially, all the time), change is hard. And moving on to a more normalized adult life, while exciting in many aspects, means that I have to come to grips with the fact that I will soon and very soon be a licensed professional working independently.  I know that I am competent, generally confident, and able to perform my job. It’s just weird to know that I am so close to being at the finish line of five-and-counting years of difficult and ever-challenging work. Good thing I’m prolonging the whole full-time job aspect of this thing for another year. ;) Yay for grad school-which, sidenote, begins again for me in 1 ½ weeks!  

                In regards to an update on rotations, I’ve now completed community nutrition and, within the food service management realm, retail and patient services. Community nutrition was four weeks primarily of observation, which I didn’t mind due to the fact that we were exposed to so many different aspects of dietetics. We spent time in long-term care, working with the Blue Zones Project in Muscatine, IA, taught a health fair for 5-6^th graders, taught a nutrition lesson to 3-4^th graders, visited a school food service operation, Johnson County WIC, and other things that I’m unable to remember at this time. All in all, it was a good experience. We did have extra free time, which was nice, as it gave me an opportunity to finalize grad school details.

                Both retail and patient services were great as a way to gain more exposure to still other areas of dietetics. They also served as a good reminder of the importance of knowing your employees and being a manager whom they both trust and respect. While in retail, I spent time developing materials on composting awareness, as UIHC began a composting program about two months ago for food waste and other compostable materials (including our new  compostable to-go containers, cups, etc.) We also standardized a few new recipes for possible inclusion in the summer menus of the various cafeterias. Patient services consisted primarily of observation, but it was good to see the entire process of the patient menu (which is a la carte/room service style at UIHC), formula preparation and delivery, and sanitation, in addition to the actual managerial aspects of the various areas.

                One thing I’m realizing, in all of these experiences, is that I am still unsure of what I really want to do, which is frustrating to an individual who wants to serve in a way that fills the biggest need possible while using my talents. I enjoy each area of dietetics and honestly could see myself working as a clinical dietitian, a food service manager, a professor, or a community-based R.D. I am ever-reminded of my love for people, of all ages, ethnicities, shapes, sizes, and sorts. I know that I am passionate about investing in their lives and serving the needs of others. At the same time, I am very much academically minded, organized, and in many ways fit the mold of the stereotypical dietitian. Obviously, this makes deciding on a career path a little difficult. Also, there is often a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I’m not doing enough to serve others, or that I don’t know where I best fit. Try as I might to assure myself that I’m where I’m meant to be and that there are many avenues to achieve this end, I must admit that these thoughts still occur. But, I’ve decided to rest in the fact that God must have made me this way for a reason, that this reason will become evident at the right time (and not before), and, meanwhile, my job is to follow His lead.

                So, as I enter into the end of the last phase of my internship, I plan to enjoy these moments as much as possible, with as little worrying as possible. Currently, I am working on special projects with managerial staff. Along with two other interns, our present project is developing and revamping website content for various departmental webpages. All these things that you don’t realize have to actually be done by someone….until you’re the one doing them. J On the non-work side, I just got back from my first trip to the Iowa City Farmer’s Market, which was fun. Definitely will be going back again later in the growing season. Also, I’m doing a color run this weekend with a few other interns, for which I am super excited! Hopefully all that dye will come off before graduation…..

                I wish you all a great and lovely day, my friends! No matter if you’re feeling depressed, unsure, happy, sad, or otherwise, rejoice in the fact that we have a Father who loves us. A lot. And has a plan for us. And made us for the sole purpose of glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever. I don’t know about you, but being reminded of that fact always makes my current situation seem ever so much better.

Anticipation and provision, forever and always

      April 1^st isn’t exactly a big day to most people. I mean, there’s the April Fool’s Day component, but otherwise, it’s just another day. [Sidenote: April Fool’s Day has always annoyed me. Why purposely lie to or trick people? I guess it’s just not my style]. Back on topic now, April 1^st is a pretty big day for me. One year ago today, I found out whether or not I would be able to become a registered dietitian. Prior to that day, I had no idea what I was doing after graduation, where I would be living, when I would be moving (if I was accepted into a program), who I would be living with, which program I would (hopefully!) be attending…. You get the picture. The best of senior year stress rolled into one day.

     This story has a happy ending, however. April 1^st, 2012 was match day, a phenomenon unknown to anyone who is not a dietetics major or somehow connected to one.  Once I was able to eventually log in to the online matching site for D&D Digital (the system through which applicants and dietetic internships rank each other), I was able to find that I matched to the dietetic internship at UIHC, my top pick!

      Now for a brief history on why exactly all this was so important. First, it is required that a supervised practice internship (typically about one year in duration) be completed after obtainment of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or other approved area  in order to be eligible to sit for the registration examination for dietitians. You can only match to one program (hence the matching website), even if you apply to more than one program. You rank your programs, the programs rank you, and as the applicant you hope that they align somewhere.  Oh, and, every applicants logs in to the matching site at the same time to find out if they matched or not. Add in the fact that, last year, 53% of applicants did not receive a spot (it’s a long-standing problem that there are not enough dietetic internships for the number of new grads each year), it’s a stressful day at best. So, the odds are decently good that you may not be able to become a dietitian after putting in 4+ years of work. There are options, of course, including reapplying, but this is obviously not ideal.

      So, I mention all this because, for me, today is a celebration of God’s faithfulness. He gave me opportunities to not only attend the college I wanted to and study the area that interested me the most, but also allowed me to have jobs, volunteer opportunities, an academic mindset, leadership roles, research, etc., that helped make me a stronger applicant for internship positions. He providentially provided for me to come to Iowa City, a place that I never would have dreamed of coming to prior to two years ago. In fact, I wasn’t initially interested in the program here and planned to stay in the Chicago area. I was actually pretty stubborn about it and only looked closer at Iowa out of respect for my mother. Funny how things change. As it stands now, I’m in the midst of a program I love with people that I like, I’ve been able to experience and learn more than I ever imagined, made new friends, become a part of a great church, continue to work at Hy-Vee….the list could go on for a really long time. All this became a reality starting one year ago. And for this, I am grateful to the One who made it possible. I’m also thankful for the four dear friends/roommates who put up with the anxious and distracted Martha of one year ago, who truly shared in my pain. They probably deserve a medal for their support. J

     And now, one year later, I must admit that I was in a very similar place of not-knowing-what-I’m-doing-next until last Thursday. You think you’ll know what you’re doing sooner when you get older, but I’m adjusting to the fact that this is not the case. (I give all you wiser souls permission to laugh at the young adult mindset present before you). Irregardless , I found out last week that I was officially accepted into the master of public health program (MPH) at Iowa! This means that, not only do I get to finish up my masters over the next year, but I also get to stay here! I have an interview this week for a teaching assistant position, which would be great, and also possibilities for another part-time RD job opportunity. No, I don’t have all the details worked out, but at least I have a general plan. And, just like last year, I’m excited, thankful, and utterly blessed.

      So, I’ve been realizing that this blog has turned into more of a life story than just internship-related things, so just let me know if there is ever something you’re dying to know about my program. J I finished up staff relief last week in inpatient pediatrics/pediatric ICU, and have thus completed the 5 months of clinical work required in my program. I still can’t quite believe that I won’t see another patient as an intern. As of today, I am now in community rotations, which is as it sounds. We work with dietitians involved with schools, Hy-Vee, prisons, nursing homes, etc., which will be interesting. We’re definitely in the home stretch to June 7^th, however, which is crazy in and of itself….

     Thanks for reading my ramblings on thankfulness! As always, God providentially provides and blesses us with more than we ever deserve. Senior dietetic students and other applicants who may be reading this, know that I’m praying for you as this week unfolds. April 7^th will indeed answer many questions for you, irregardless of the outcome. In the meantime, try to freak out as little as possible and rest in the fact that God has your back. Always.

A season of reflection

     Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe it’s because we are in the season of Lent. Maybe I’m just worn out from everything. Maybe my brain is overloaded from being in 7 different high-level care areas in 7 weeks. Maybe I’m overly anxious because I have no idea what my life holds after June 8^th. Maybe it’s because I’ve at long last reached my almost-breaking point. But, I’ve been in a funk for the past week or so, and have honestly felt alternately depressed, inadequate, down on myself for feeling these things, questioned my choice of careers, and then am once again back to normal. Nothing like roller coaster emotions! While I’m not sure what’s been going on, I know that having a low-key weekend has helped immensely, the snow and sunshine are lovely, and being outside truly makes Martha a much happier person.

     I don’t mention these things to be a downer, or to draw attention to myself, or to make you all start thinking something is terribly wrong with me. Because, quite simply, none of these things are true. Rather, as you all know, I’m an honest person and I also know that many people struggle with similar things on a regular basis. So, in sharing my struggles, I hope to encourage those of you who have been feeling the same way. We are normal, I promise! And, best part is, God is still in control, and loves us even though we truly are a mess (even at our finest moments).

     Enough of my philosophizing. Time for updates all around! Lots of rotations, per my usual. J

Pediatric ICU Once again, I LOVE peds! I enjoyed being able to complete assessments of older kiddos (versus the tiny neonates), observe a new diabetic education for a young child, do an obesity education on my own, and interact with the peds care teams. I was once again reminded of how important it is to build camaraderie with patients, considering myself successful when I cracked a smile out of a previously stone-faced teenaged male patient. And, as always, the RD’s in this area (as in every area I have been in) are absolutely amazing. I only hope to one day be as knowledgeable as they!

Behavioral Health Off to psychology! I chose this rotation because I’ve always been interested in eating disorders (EDO), and UIHC has both partial and in-patient programs for EDO. Substance abuse and in-patient psychology are also part of this area, but the primary focus was EDO. Even though I was not as involved in counseling and assessment (due to the nature of EDO treatment), I nonetheless learned so much about EDOs and this patient population. It was interesting to see how interviewing, presenting information, etc., have to be altered in this area, due to the many other diagnoses and issues experienced by these individuals. Truly, my heart was daily saddened at what I observed (especially with the young patients) and the hurts that were visible on these patients’ faces from past abuse, neglect. etc.  In the end, I’m thankful that individuals seek treatment from these disorders, and that dietitians are able to help them restore their bodies.

Medical ICU Shocking, I know, another ICU. J This ICU is an incredibly busy area, admitting patients with conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lung conditions, substance abuse, etc. Always changing and ever challenging. Naively, I didn’t realize that lung disease was such a common issue, or overdoses either, for that matter, but this rotation opened my eyes to both. The MICU dietitian was a nurse before becoming an RD and thus is a great teacher for how to physically assess patients (examining hair for nutrient deficiencies, examining skin for edema severity, etc.). Also, given that she has a minor in biochemistry, she has immense physiological knowledge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I just wish I could have soaked up more of her wisdom!

Surgical Cardiology My last clinical rotation before staff relief! Looking back, I wish I would have done more cardiology, but I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy it and thus didn’t pursue it at the time. However, I really enjoyed this area and am glad for the knowledge I was able to gain. The surgeries done at UIHC are intensive (left ventricular assist devices, coronary artery bypass grafts, heart transplants, ECMO, etc.) and dietary precautions with such patients follow suit. Many biochemical, medication-related, and lifestyle factors to consider, resulting in challenging and yet rewarding assessments.  I was also able to interact more with the diet techs and menu system, which made me feel like I was able to make more of a difference in these patients’ lives. Additionally, my RD previously worked in renal for many years, so I was glad to be able to gain even a little of expertise in this area. Oh, and, the other cardiology dietitian’s name is Martha. Enough said.

      As much as I enjoyed these rotations, in the last three I particularly noticed a common theme: Lack of hope. From my EDO patients who were struggling with so much, to my MICU patients who tried to overdose one or more times, to my cardiology patients who (often) had been making poor lifestyle choices and now have to deal with the consequences, I’ve been left daily pondering just how much these people need Christ. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I think we need to overtly evangelize while treating patients, or that medical treatment isn’t necessary (because it is). What I have realized is just how dark, dreary, and, at the cost of being repetitive, lacking in hope this world is without Him.

     So, friends, I encourage you to ponder just how much Christ has given us, even in the little things, and realize how completely lost and helpless we are without Him. That’s what Lent is for, reflecting on our absolute depravity and need for God’s grace. During this season, I charge you to reflect on these things, looking forward to the celebration of our Savior’s resurrection.

      Staff relief starts tomorrow! I’m blessed to have received my choices, which consist of two weeks in NICU and two weeks in in-patient peds. I know it will be intense, I will be doing lots of research at home, and I will be daily (and hourly, for that matter), challenged. However, I’m still excited for this opportunity to learn and gain more experience in these areas.

P.S. I ran a 4 mile race today, the Chili Chase in Davenport, IA, in a little under 34 minutes (not sure of the official results yet), which was under my goal time. This was probably due to training with someone who runs significantly faster than my usual speed. Yay for a running buddy! In the end, my time was good enough to be in the top 40 women finishers and receive a sweet new stainless steel travel mug to that effect. Perfect for use during my 7 AM mornings in the NICU. J

Rotations, Rotations, Rotations

1) I am in denial of the fact that I am already three weeks into this semester. Time flies!

2) As usual, I’m behind at updating on my rotations…which means I’m now restricting myself to one paragraph per rotation due to having five (yes, five) on which to report.

      To give you a better understanding of my life this semester, we change clinical rotations each week for seven weeks this semester, which is great due to giving lots of experiences and challenging due to switching areas every five days. I’ll start staff relief in February (so excited!), but more on that when it happens.

     So, here are my brief synopses on my rotations as of late:

Production/Catering 

This rotation was just as it sounds, with lots of hands-on work in the kitchen, primarily due to being there during the holiday season. We also were able to see cook-chill, a unique operation in which food is cooked, bagged, rapidly cooled in special equipment, being then able to be safely stored in refrigeration for a few weeks. My fellow intern and I were also able to assist with catering functions, work on cost analysis and new ideas for daycare menus, observe the receiving process of food items, and many other tasks (such as pre-plating holiday meals for 500+ people. No big deal). Additionally, five other interns and I planned, prepared, and hosted a holiday appreciation meal event for the Food and Nutrition Services workers. Our theme was Candy Land and it turned out splendidly. Even better, Child Life Services at the hospital are going to use all of our decorations for the pediatric patients!

Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa
Each intern at UIHC has the opportunity to spend a week at the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa, a facility of UIHC in which donor breast milk from eligible nursing moms is procured, properly stored, pasteurized, and shipped to neonatal intensive care units and eligible infants across the Midwest. I was able to pasteurize milk, assist with packing milk for shipping, learn more about milk banks, and help “log” milk (a system for keeping record of how much milk is donated per donor, how much donor milk is on hand, etc.). Before this rotation, I didn’t realize that such operations were unique (only 11 in the United States) and governed by strict food safety protocol and contamination checks. Overall, however, I now understand how important milk banks are for infant health. The benefits of breast milk are numerous, and through MMB, premature infants (whose own mother’s milk may not have come in yet or who have inadequate milk expression for their baby’s needs) are still able to receive all of the benefits of breast milk.

Sidenote: Please “like” the MMB of Iowa on Facebook! Such establishments truly save lives and getting the word out that MMBs exist is important.

Outpatient Nutrition Clinic
My first rotation of 2013 was at the outpatient nutrition clinic, now housed at Iowa River Landing (the new outpatient clinic for the University of Iowa). Even though it was a slow week while I was there, I was still able to observe the two outpatient dietitians counsel a variety of patients. I also completed my first solo diabetic education, so I was pretty excited. J I really enjoyed seeing patients from so many different walks of life, and, as I have mentioned before, assist them in changing their lifestyles to healthier behaviors. Even though many individuals are referred to such clinics by their physician, I still feel that they are farther along in their readiness to change than someone who is recovering at the hospital, making the educations much more personal and in-depth (due to greater availability of time). Also, the outpatient dietitians are true educators, appreciated and valued by their clients. I was able to learn so much through observing and working with these R.D.s.

Trauma/Burn
Definitely a switch from outpatient, but interesting nonetheless. UIHC has a specific intensive care-style unit for burn patients, in which hydrotherapy (cleaning of the wounds), excision of the wounds, etc., are all performed. Due to my naiveté, I didn’t realize the prevalence of frostbite, with my week in this unit consisting of many assessments of individual’s with TMAs (transmetatarsal [toe] amputations) and leg amputations. Also saddening, I followed some pediatric patients, who sustained burns through freak accidents and common home happenings gone wrong. Definitely an intriguing patient population, one with heightened calorie and protein needs, which is great for an R.D.! I do enjoy helping people find more foods to eat instead of encouraging moderation and restriction.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
I finish my NICU rotation tomorrow and truly am left in awe of what I have seen in this unit. Babies that are as young as 24 weeks gestation are admitted to this unit and treated until they are able to go home and continue normal growth and development. While most all of the infants are premature, some are also term babies who have genetic abnormalities, critical health conditions, etc. Nutrition is, obviously, a huge component of proper growth and development, making the two R.D.’s who work in this five bay, 76 bed unit an integral part of the care team. Truly, these women are absolutely phenomenal and I am beyond impressed with their clinical knowledge, judgment, and ability to assist in treating these babies. Not possessing previous exposure to premature infants, it had not occurred to me that they are unable to consume foods orally for some time (due to having immature sucking reflexes), thus necessitating enteral (into the gut, if it is medically appropriate) and/or parenteral (into the veins) nutrition support. The calculations for such recommendations are, shall we say, complicated, and so many factors must be considered that are not as critical in the world of adult nutrition. However, I have absolutely loved this rotation, probably due to its complexity and the necessity of a strong science background in order to properly assess and help treat these “kiddos” (what the patients are fondly called on the unit).

      As always, I’ve managed to bore you all to tears with my lengthy updates. ;) Now, onwards and upwards to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) next week! Oh, and, our grad classes start again this upcoming week, too. Busy times in the life of a UIHC intern. :)

calm

As many of you know, I did something crazy, difficult, and altogether worth it two weeks ago. On October 7th, I, along with 40,000 other people, ran the Chicago Marathon. The experience was better than any I could have hoped. The weather was great, the course varied and well designed, I ran the entire way, and I finished in my goal time (4:20:07). I was only sore for two days afterwards and I think it is only now that the fact is sinking in that I ran a marathon. 26.2 miles. I never doubted that I could do it, but I never really thought about it being, shall we say, a big deal to actually complete the race until now. I was honored to be able to run the race with ONU friends, with the combined fundraising efforts of Team World Vision being enough to provide clean water for 64,000 Africans! God is so good!

As I already mentioned, the social aspect of being back in Chicago was great. Thanks to the hospitality of my dear college roommate, I was able to stay in the city and visit with other college friends. We were even able to have lunch with my newly-moved-to-Chicago brother. Score! Before and after the race, it was great to catch up with even more friends who are currently students at Olivet. A good weekend, for sure. And, the two tests that I had right after arriving back in Iowa City went just fine, in spite of my worries given the busy weekend devoid of studying.

Because I love pictures, here are a few for you to peruse. I know you want to see me in all my athletic-ness. :)

 

 Science major honors kids rock marathons :)

 

 

 In April, I convinced this girl to run the marathon with me. And we did it!

 

 

Sightseeing at Loyola with dear friends

 

So now, two weeks post-marathon, I find myself in the midst of trying to rediscover Martha. Now, don't go thinking I'm depressed or something of that sort, because I am not. I'm still the perky person you all know and (hopefully!) love. However, whenever I have finally completed a season of extreme busyness and stress due to homework, projects, rotations, marathon training, work, lack of sleep, etc., I have to step back and get used to normal life again. And it's always just a little bit weird. I have to remind myself that it is okay to sleep, a schedule of priorities is not needed at all times during the day, and I don't have to be actively doing something every waking second. Don't get me wrong, I still have plenty to do and keep me busy, but in comparison to previously, this seems like a lot less. I'm thankful for these times, even though they are almost more difficult for me than the crazy busy ones, because they remind me that I am very much a Martha, which can be a weakness even while it is a strength. My worth is not based on how much I get done and how busy I am. I am not being lesser of a Christian or person for actually having unplanned- and unspoken for free time. Quiet is good. After all, God rested on the 7th day. And Martha can, too.

 

In internship news, I finished my neuro rotation on Friday, which was a great experience. Due to circumstances at the hospital, it worked out that I was able to cover the floors by myself for about half of my rotation. My preceptor was still available for questions, etc., but I was flying solo for 4-5 days of my 9 day rotation. I've found that I tend to learn better by doing things on my own, so this worked perfectly. My next rotation is outpatient bariatrics, in which I'll get to watch surgery and be involved with more individual counseling. I'm excited!

 

There are other musings and thoughts going on in the mind of Martha right now, but more on those later. Maybe once something comes out of them. We shall see...

 

Have a fabulous Monday, my friends!

 

 



Autumn Happiness

One thing Martha is learning this year is that she should never promise that she will update things often, as it seems to simply not happen. So, maybe it would be better if you all assume I won’t post often, and then you can be pleasantly surprised when I do. J

I cannot believe it is almost October! September has flown by, but I must admit that I have been in a state of bliss lately due to the gorgeous fall weather and colors. Also, this time of year seems to keep me grounded in being thankful. Even in the everyday stresses of busy schedules and challenging tasks, I am ever-reminded of God’s faithfulness and blessings in my life.

I have completed almost 2 months of my internship already! I will finish my oncology rotation on Friday, starting neuroscience on Tuesday. As you may remember, my first rotation was GI surgery, which was great. I am so glad that I am an intern at a teaching hospital, as all of my preceptors and other UIHC staff are extremely helpful and willing to help us learn. There is definitely a learning curve in each rotation, and, honestly, I know that I am in no way fully competent in each area after 9 days of experience. But, at least it gives me a basic understanding. And, I guess I find it somewhat encouraging that I will always be learning. Keeps me from getting unknowingly cocky and reminds me that so much in this world is out of my control and understanding.

You know those times when you realize just how naïve you are? Well, welcome to my life during my clinical rotations. Aside from being a green intern unfamiliar with policies, procedures, protocols, etc., add in the fact that I had no idea of the prevalence of many serious illnesses. Or even what some of these conditions would some of them would be.  Or just how sad it is to see these patients and know that you are able to do so little to help them. I was able to assess patients with cystic fibrosis in my first rotation and came out of the experience truly realizing how blessed I am. When you are face to face with an individual your own age who has to frequently put their entire life on hold in order to come in for treatment to make it so that they can breathe, it makes my worries of finishing homework or managing my schedule seem pretty insignificant. Also, seeing a patient with lung cancer who you (in your albeit novice opinion) thought had a good prognosis take a turn for the worse and go into palliative care in the span of a few days makes you stop and think. Talking with an individual with myeloma who you would have sworn was in their 70s only to discover they are actually in their 50s is eye opening. Helping someone discover healthful, economic food options due to only having $16 of governmental food aid per month reminds me to count my blessings. So, aside from the interesting and beneficial experience I am gaining in assessing these patients, I am finding that I also have been given even more opportunities to praise and thank the One who is in charge of all things. My life goal that I used for scholarship applications way back in high school and refined in FACS 101/498 is still applicable: My life’s purpose is to glorify God by serving others with the talents that He has given me, so as to enable individuals to live happier and healthier lives. And, I am becoming more and more assured each day that I am doing what God wants me to. At least for now.

One final note about what I’ve been learning: NEVER underestimate how much simply smiling at someone or saying hello can make their day. Those of you who know me already know and remind me often of how much I do both of these things. I can’t help it! Besides being that way by nature, living in the Midwest and working in customer service-oriented jobs have “ruined” me for life. J But, I’ve noticed how this isn’t normal in our world and also that people really appreciate a simple acknowledgement of their presence. Especially in the acute care setting, I’m finding that being pleasant helps put people at peace in the midst of extremely stressful situations. Not that I haven’t had irritated families and patients who would rather that I just didn’t talk to them. I do. However, what do I have to lose by being upbeat? Absolutely nothing.  And, more times than not, people appreciate it. All this to say, smile with abandon, my friends. It’s in these little things that we’re able to witness our faith in a world that needs hope.

Completely unplanned, that segways nicely into my next topic: Church. In short, I absolutely love the congregation in which I currently find myself. I didn’t realize just how much I had missed the reformed doctrine of my upbringing until returning to it now. The fact that confessions/liturgy are a part of our service makes me happy. People here actually know what the Westminster Shorter Catechism is! (Sorry Olivet folk, I just had to throw that one in J). One Ancient Hope is diverse both generationally and culturally and I have appreciated finding other like-minded young adults. I’ve been able to start connecting with people through events and (soon!) community groups, so I am excited. The Christian faith isn’t meant to be lived alone, so I am thankful that this congregation is serious about living in community. In fact, I was able to start my morning with breakfast (okay, that part is normal for me), made even better with the company of my two new-found friends from church. I sense that we are kindred spirits and am excited to get to know them better. And, my lemon blueberry waffle and Guatemalan Forestal coffee was amazing, for the record. Iowa City residents, check out Fair Grounds Café on Dubuque Street.  You won’t be disappointed.

Aside from the internship, classes, homework, church, and work, a big part of my life (and what I have decided to blame my busyness on) is marathon training. Only 11 more days until I run the Chicago Marathon! I must admit to becoming a little nervous, given that my longest run (per the training schedule, I might add) was 20 miles. I know that I can do it, but I’ll definitely need to get myself psyched up for this one. I never realized just how mental running was until this year. Five months of training later, I’m getting it down, but it still isn’t easy. But, I’m still excited and glad to be able to raise funds for World Vision. And, another exciting part of running this particular marathon, I’ll get to see ONU friends and be back in Chicago!

One final topic of Martha-ness for your day: Food. (A dietetics blog has to mention food numerous times, right?) Living the single life is definitely different than at home (which I expected) and college (didn’t expect quite this much difference). I do cook, but not as much as I originally expected due to busy schedules. However, I am determined not to let my diet consist only of peanut butter sandwiches and cereal (as much as I like both of those things) and thus have hit upon a strategy I think will work nicely, one I’ve seen utilized my entire life by family and friends. I’ve started making a big batch of a given food (more on that in a minute), freezing it in amounts to last me a few days, and then pulling these out of the freezer as needed.  

Dinner #1: Caramelized onion and cranberry rice with chicken breast and carrots

                      Dinner #2: Chicken breast, quinoa with sauteed peppers and onions

And, it doesn't have a picture but still deserves mention: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili. Yum!

Thanks for sticking with me through this lengthy update. But, I gave myself some slack in that it takes awhile to update someone on over a month of life. At least that’s what I tell myself. J

It has begun!

          Today is a special day. First, it marks my second week of being a resident of Iowa City. More on that in a minute. Second (and definitely more importantly), today would have been the 100^th birthday of culinary great Julia Child. I credit my Julia obsession to my life-long (as in, she knew my parents before I was born and babysat me) friend Pat. I’m a definitely a Julia fan: I’ve looked through her cookbooks, read her autobiography, and even characterized her during a historical wax museum I participated in during high school. So, cheers, Julia! You’re still the best.

          Now back to Iowa City. In short, I absolutely love it here! The combination of active lifestyles, numerous trails/parks and sidewalks, academia, and one of the nation’s top 3 teaching hospitals create an environment in which I am blessed to find myself. Most areas are within walking distance, including the artsy ped (pedestrian) mall downtown (definitely lots of places I want to visit there!) I do have to drive to work, to the nearby Coralville Hy-Vee, but it is worth it. J It is times like these that I am ever reminded of God’s providence and faithfulness. He knew this would be a good place for me. Oh, did I mention that there is a great PCA church here? Truly, God is good.

        In regards to the internship itself, it is slowly sinking in that is kind of a big deal (excuse my casual language) to be a dietetic intern. Last week, we were assigned our computers, pagers, keys to our intern office, etc., and also given our rotation schedules. The first two weeks of the internship are orientation, which means that we’ve received lots of training on the hospital’s charting system, policies, safety, taken pre-test exams, attended lectures on nutrition topics, homework, etc. I’m thankful that I know most of the content that we have covered and am grateful to have had such a wonderful undergrad dietetic program at Olivet. Still, however, I’ve been reminded of how serious –especially in the acute setting at UIHC-the dietetics profession can be. As much as I hope to rotate in the different ICUs (including a NICU), I’m also reminded of just how ill these individuals are. And how much I need to know in order to help them. But, I guess that’s why I’m here. I have ten months mentoring before I’m on my own, so I’ll definitely be taking advantage of it and learning all that I can from this experience.

        On Monday, we begin our graduate courses (and also take our first competency exam), with rotations starting on Tuesday. I’m excited, but also a little intimidated, to start out in GI surgery, but know that it will be okay. I have some assignments to complete prior to beginning the rotation, and I’m definitely going to be brushing up on GI in Krause. I must admit, though, that I am glad to be studying again. Guess I’m a hopeless academic.
       On a related note, I am beyond excited to be a part of such a group of wonderful fellow interns. I’ve already had opportunity to get to know many of them outside of class, which is great. It’s been interesting to compare our undergrad programs, and it’s also been nice to be back in a group that understands what on earth I’m talking about. However, I’m afraid I’m probably still the science nerd of the bunch. Some things never change. J

        I do promise to try and keep this updated at least weekly. My roommate and I are still trying to decide whether or not it is worth it to pay for internet, so my computing is a little limited, which I’m finding is a good thing in many ways. Communication may suffer a bit, however. On the flip side, though, I get to spend time at my new favorite coffeeshop-the Iowa City local business Java House-which is always a good thing. Anyway, I will do my best to keep all of you updated. Also, feel free to email/text or in any other manner contact me. I truly love hearing from all of you.

Now for that enteral nutrition homework due tomorrow…