Just Write Something...

That's what I keep telling myself.

I've been writing to folks all over the country and neglecting the blog. Seems like I come up with a great topic at least once a week, dutifully record it into the voice recorder on my phone, and then promptly do nothing with it. I justify with the "isn't a priority task right now" justification.

So much has happened in the last couple of months. Took a drive to TX searching for a little adventure and dropped off a computer at my parents, so I could Skype with my Dad who can't hear much at all. Stopped off in Jackson, WY on the way back just to see the place and whether I could get stuck in the snow. Not even close. In fact, took a back road over a pass from Star Valley via Idaho 34 to Soda Springs just cuz it looked impassable. My little Bunyai (car) killed that road. Rocked it at over 60 in places. Nothing but snow-covered roads the whole way. Just gorgeous scenery.

Jackson looks like a great place to spend at least part of the year. Might be a spot to set up headquarters for something. People were nice, and it wasn't all that expensive. Sure there were plenty of goofball, high-end stores around and property and homes going for 5 times what they were worth, but there were plenty of places that were reasonable. Stayed in a nice chain motel for $35 a night. Okay... Cheaper than Portland for the very same thing. Definitely on my radar now.

Been going to the clinical class for the last 2 months (PCM). There was some overlap from the time I left and when this class ends, so it made sense for me to start at its beginning. Good thing, too. It changed. For the better, I might add. I understand the epidemiology much better, and my clinical skills are much more refined. Working at the sliding scale clinic (SW Community Clinic) has made a tremendous difference for me - and hopefully for the patients I have been so privileged to work with. Advice to prospectives: go to clinic and take on all the responsibility you can get. Read charts, think through your differential, look up diseases, become familiar with treatments. Huge.

Guess I'm ready to go back. I do like learning. Just hope it will be relevant to real life.