I Heart Dr. Barton!

Today in Cardiology I saw the light! After sitting in this class for the past two weeks, I finally learned something! Why the change you may ask? THE TEACHER!!!! A new professor began lecturing today and I realized that a great teacher can make all the difference.

Usually when I'm half-listening and not interested in the class, I peg the material as boring and blame my lack of understanding on not studying enough...but today Dr. Barton did it again. She made me realize that a great teacher can make any subject interesting and that as a student I am not stupid for "not knowing." I am in vet school to learn. But Dr. Barton made me realize that our professors should be here to facilitate our learning, not just passively deliver information!

When less than 1/3 of the student population and the veterinary practitioners fail to learn a crucial skill, like identifying cardiac murmurs by auscultation, something is wrong with the system! So what does a great teacher do!?!? She takes it upon herself to change this statistic by TEACHING students...and not assuming they should just know!

As often as I complain about my least favorite professors, I must acknowledge that a large number of teachers during my 20-some years in school have been great teachers. I am sincerely grateful for each and everyone of these outstanding teachers...I know I wouldn't have made it this far in my academic career without them!

So, to Dr. Barton and all the other great teachers out there...THANK YOU! Thank you for your time and dedication.

Date Night

With our busy schedules...okay, really my busy schedule...Emily & I rarely get to spend time together by ourselves. So, last night we had a date night.

Our friend Ben got us free tickets to see "Drumline Live" at the Classic Center. We decided to do it up right and go to dinner too!

East West Bistro was one place we've been wanted to go back to (although we've never been there together)...and it was yummy! The show was fun, not quite what we expected...but very entertaining! There was a lot of audience participation...and according to Emily the small African-American girl in front of us kept giving me the stink-eye for my less-than rhythmic dancing...but the time we spent together was the best part!

However, Emily does now believe that she could be a member of the cast...

My Late New Year's Resolution

The other night I realized that I have spent so much of my life counting down the days til...
I say things like, "if I can just make it through this week" or "it's only for a month; I can do anything for a month."

I chalk this attitude up to my "planner" personality. I've always been a planner, and I always have a plan. In middle school it was preparing for high school, and then planning for college, and then for vet school...always trying to work my way to the next thing.

Since being in vet school, I have noticed that I have "put my head down to plow through"...and I've forgotten to "stop and smell the roses"!

So, my New Year's Resoultion (a bit late, but better than never) is to stop counting down the days...and start living my life. I am resolved to enjoy each day or at least find small things that make me happy throughout my day!

A New Face

so as some of you may know, my glasses broke about a week ago! but have no fear...i purchased not one, but two new pairs today! they won't be ready for 5-7 days but just wanted to prepare everyone for a new face...well, an old face with new glasses!

Farewell to a Beloved Co-Worker, Birdie

Christmas brought some sad news this year...one of our clinic kitties, Birdie, was euthanized.

Birdie received his name after falling out of a tree! He claimed his place in the clinic and in our hearts. He was known for his love of kittens, and his disdain for dogs and small children!
He was never a good patient, but always a good friend. Birdie will be missed by all at Gaines School--staff, clients, and furry friends.

Campin'

Em and I went campin' Saturday! Yes, dropping the "g" from camping is required when you 1) you live in Georgia and 2) you park your car next to your campsite! So there was no hiking involved, but we still had a great time.

It was a big surprise, but shockingly Em and I worked TOGETHER to put up our tent...let's just say I haven't had the best attitude towards tent building teamwork in the past!


And the rest of the evening was spent around the campfire...we had an awesome dinner all cooked over/in the fire...and we didn't realize that it had gotten so cold outside because the fire kept us toasty! Thanks to Julie for her vigilance aka pyromania.

Obama out of the Blue!

Emily and Abraham were looking through some pictures on facebook during our visit...and on the side of the page was a small picture that Abraham randomly pointed to saying "Barack Obama"...he's 3...either he's brilliant (my personal opinion) or this campaigning has gone on for too long!