In My Shoes: 2011

Well..Looks likes I have a lot of catching up to do since it's been over 6 months from my last post. As of May...I survived year 1 of grad school. It's pretty crazy to think that it has only been one year, most days I feel like it's been like five years. My professors are really encouraging me to do the PhD program...and I laugh. I'm already overwhelmed with schoolish things and the thought of going to school for an extra year for PhD would do me in.

Holy fetch! Where has this summer gone! I stayed in Logan this summer to collect data for research. It's been a pretty relaxing summer (compared to working at the pharmacy fulltime). But I admit, when I work at the pharmacy for my once in a blue moon shift...I really miss it! I guess I just love interacting and helping people. As far as data collection this summer...Thing started out well. The problem is getting parents to follow through. Long story short...Kelsey Eller and I will be collecting another semester's worth of data. We're both crossing our fingers that we can each have our data analyzed, thesis written, and defend on time. We are both ready to be done and have grown up jobs (I guess I know I'm getting old with statements like that!). Like last year, I will be preceptor for the undergraduate coordinated dietetic students and a TA for two undergrad dietetic courses. Life is going to be busy! But I guess that is what I prefer... I'm ready to kick year 2 of grad school in the face!

For our family vacation this summer we went to Glacier National Park. I loved it! We went on some awesome hikes, the weather was awesome, had some bear sitings, and it was just gorgeous. On our way back from Glacier we stopped in Idaho Falls for Andrew's farewell (he left for the Chile Santiago East misson). A few of the Uncles (Brad, Rex, Corey) and the cousins (Me, Jason, Kristin, Aleese, and Whitney) went on a hilarious adventure to get some Reed's chocolate milk (AKA spud milk). Regular chocolate milk just can't compare to the goodness of spud milk. While on our adventure, we learned: Brad only uses Sinclair gas, Brad trusts his GPS more than us, old Idahoan men in Albertson's will refuse to snap a photo if asked (seriously though, who says no to picture taking?), and if you drink the spud milk and then regular chocolate milk...the regular chocolate milk tastes like water. Too bad Reed's chocolate milk is only sold in Idaho.

Other news from this summer. Holli is having a girl! I'm so excited!! It's just a fact that girl baby clothes are so much cuter and more fun to shop for than boy ones. I have a feeling this little girl is going to be spoiled!! I found out that I have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.I have been gluten free for week and I feel so good! I accidentally had a small amount of gluten the other day and I felt awful. So...good news: I feel so good! bad news: no more gluten (or as Brian Regan would say "no more happiness!"). It is going to be quite the adjustment...but it's been easier than I thought since I feel so good! And...I know exactly what I need to do since I'm a dietitian. Besides these major events, the summer has been full of smaller events: Bear Lake trips, boating, hiking, summer night walks, Tim/Phil/Andrew/Aleese/Whit moving in to my apt complex, family gatherings, dates, institute, girls night outs with the aunts and cousins, thesis writing, and hanging out with my fellow Loganites! Oh...and don't let me forget. We have a return date for Elder Kelton Rich...March 9th! I'm sure there is far more that has happened...but that pretty much sums it up.

So. Grad school life is hard. I didn't quite understand what a grad students life entailed when I signed up for it.

My graduate research officially started in January. And well...hasn't gone as smoothly as I would have hoped. Kelsey Eller and I are working together on two related studies. One is introduction of new foods and hands on nutrition lessons to preschoolers. The other project is nutrition education to the parents. Kelsey Eller is in charge of the preschoolers and I'm in charge of the adults. Well...preschooler recruitment is easy. We just have to get permission from the parents to do it. The adults on the other hand...Not so easy. We recruited 130 families...and only 19 have signed up so far. I need at least 35! Parents just don't want to take time to go, even though it will only take 5 hours of their time over a course of 5 months. They all seem interested in what we're doing, especially in the classroom. But I guess they're not interested enough. I am now having to make DVDs and try to recruit parents to watch the lessons from home. Cross your fingers that I get a few more parents that route. Because if I don't, I get to do it again next year. Which would mean my graduation will be postponed. I have spent so much time and effort on this I dread thinking that I may have to do it all over again. I literally don't get home from school until 8 or 9 PM every night and then I come home and do more schoolwork. It's never ending. It is so hard when it is completely out of my control. I am doing everything I can...but I am completely dependent on the parents to take the time to be apart of it. It has been very emotionally and physically draining. Despite it all...Life is good! There are plenty of reasons to smile and love life. I mean...I have the best family, amazing friends, awesome colleagues, and I get to play with cute preschoolers all the time! I have learned that life is all about the attitude...and there are plenty of things to be smile about even if things aren't the way you expected them to be.
Kelsey and I were asked to write an article for the Utah Association for the Education of Young Children newsletter about our studies. Kelsey and I will also be presenting at their conference in April...And there is a big possibility we could be presenting at the national conference next November. Our research and the curriculum we are writing for the preschool class is expected to go national. So...we have potential to have a huge impact! I'm excited to see where things go! I've also have the great opportunity to be a preceptor for the undergraduate dietetic students. I go the different clinical sites with them twice a week for 5 or 6 hours, review their nutrition notes, give them quizzes, conduct post-clinicals, and answer questions. It allows me to keep my clinical skills fresh...and it looks great on a resume :)

I'm so grateful for my supportive family that willingly listen to my unending stresses. I'm grateful for the fun times I have with my best friends. It gives me the sanity I need to keep going. I am grateful for the priesthood and the strength, direction, and courage it gives in moments that I need it the most. I'm grateful for Kelsey Eller (aka my second brain) and my supportive graduate committee who seem to make everything humorous, keep me on track, and give me ideas of how to overcome research problems. Kelsey and I always have a great quote of the day whenever we meet with the graduate committee. I loved getting to know my undergraduate professors in a different light. Lastly, I am grateful for my Savior and His atonement. I know that Christ suffered all things. He knows exactly how I feel and what my worries are. He knows what I need and will never leave me alone. He has always been there and will continue to be there. He knows where I have been and knows where I am going. He loves me and wants me to succeed. I know that I am where I am supposed to be and doing exactly what the Lord wants me to be doing at this point in my life. I have had too many experiences and blessings to ever doubt that.

Besides the schoolish things, one of my best friends Kelsey Whitaker left for her mission this week. I'm the only one from best friends to not go...I guess the Lord has other things for me to do here. Kels is going to Des Moines, Iowa. Last weekend Rach, Lindz, Kelsey Dub, and I had our last gathering before she left. We had a fun night of events. We went restaurant hopping. First we got Sushi, then we got a couple of Indian Curries and then we went and got Belgium waffles for dessert (SO GOOD!!). After we went to Lindz's house to watch Letters to Juliet and chat about everything! I'm so excited for Kels! She will be a great missionary! Our other bestie, Noelle gets home in June from the Baltics!! I'm so excited.

Kelton's birthday is today...the big 20! He is loving the mish and has grown so much! He is such a great example to me and everyone he comes in contact with. I miss him so much! Next month he'll be half way done! Below are some pictures from the last few months!