Child-Like

Lately, I've been exposed to many opportunities that remind me of how truly valuable it is to see the world through a child's eyes. Kids seem to have this wonderful personna that throws all cares to the wind. Kids aren't afraid to dance in public, or hum loudly along to a song that's playing on their toy piano, even if they are completely off-key. Kids feel free to laugh, cry spontaneously, yell loudly, and to forgive, apologize, and forget easily. Babysitting has helped me remember all these aspects about being a kid, and this has renewed the vow I made for my 23rd birthday: to live as child-like as possible. Of course, rather than implying immaturity, this means seeing the world with open eyes (cliche of the day) and not getting hung up by all the little stressors that seem to accompany the tasks of young adulthood.

Along the same line, one of the most exciting evenings I've had in a long time was last Saturday. Bryan, Rachel, Steve, and I went out to downtown Flagstaff. I love trying out local restaurants that I've never been to before; this time it was the tasty Flagstaff Brewing Company near Black Bean Burrito (also very excellent). After grilled pizzas and Porter Ale, we were off to Rendezvous for pomegranate mojitos. Then, my favorite part of the night, spontaneous dancing at the square to a reggae-sounding group we had never heard of before. Allowing myself to get completely into the music, uninhibited, and free was exhilarating. Rachel and I had a great time dancing... and I can't wait to go again (thanks Bry and Steve for putting up with us... but I know you guys had a lot of fun too)!

A Day to Remember

Today is a day I'll never forget. Early this morning saw me in O.R. 15 at the Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. Wearing teal scrubs, foot wraps, and a hairnet, I stood nervously next to a wall watching doctors and nurses prepare a patient for a total hip surgery. Soon, I was positioned in a prime spot at the patient's head to watch the surgery. The surgery was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Everything that was done seemed to make perfect sense; and it went off without a hitch; only 2 hours until everything was completely sewn up. I'll never be jealous of doctors' salaries again... they totally earn it.

On another note, I'm super excited to return to Flagstaff this coming Saturday. It's been pretty busy here trying to tie up loose ends and finish my evaluations at the clerkship site. I can't say it will be any less busy in Flagstaff, what with working 3 jobs this summer. Yet, being with Bryan and friends will make the hectic work-life fade in comparison.

Thumbs up to: Surgery! No doubt it will be the coolest experience by far I will have this summer.

Give the axe to: As much as I miss the Lumberjack "giving the axe" to something every week, I can't seem to think of much to give the axe to. Therefore, in keeping with the optimistic and happy attitude of the blog as I originally intended, the axe will not be given out except on rare occasions truly deserving of the Lumberjack's memoir.

Reving up for National Physical Therapy Month

Okay, time for another plug for the PT program at NAU, and physical therapy in general. I hope to see lots of people (that includes those preparing for half marathons next year in Phoenix... hint, hint) come out for the 5k walk/run our program is organizing this October. The idea is to raise money that will be funneled into a scholarship fund to help those with Parkinson Disease (PD) participate in physical therapy.

Did you know that regular exercise and physical therapy can actually help neurons (nerve cells) build more connections? This helps a lot for those with PD, especially in allowing them to move with less limitations. Historically the role of exercise has been downplayed in slowing the progression of PD, in favor of pharmaceuticals, but recently we have learned that exercise can be extremely beneficial in preserving quality of life for those with PD. The walk/run will be a ton of fun; there will be race t-shirts, snacks, and even prizes for more serious competitors.

Keep those eyes and ears open for more as October draws nearer; suggestions to make the event a success are always appreciated! For more information on Parkinson Disease, check out the National Parkinson Foundation website at www.parkinson.org.

Prescott's Growing on Me

Ultraconservatives mixed with Prescott College hippies aside, Prescott's beginning to grow on me. Although the tricity area is in serious need of efficient mass transportation, it has its perks. A dream come true would be to live in a little cottage near downtown, being able to walk to summer concerts at the square and the small boutiques in Bashford Courts.

The second weekend after my clerkship started, Bryan, Jeff and I were meandering downtown with full stomachs after a Friday night dinner of sesame chicken and mixed veggies. A band was playing at the courthouse square reminiscent of those bands that played at Buffy, Xander, and Willow's hangout. We sat and watched the band as hippie children danced around like little freeform spirits and Bill came over from Bill's Pizza to serve out free slices of pizza. Lounging on the warm steps of the courthouse that were begining to cool from the sunny day was so relaxing and calm. Maybe Bry, Rachel, Steve and I will find a similar scene in Fort Collins. Whatever city we finally settle in, I know it will be quaint, centered around an old fashioned downtown, friendly, not require long distances to drive, and be moderately liberal. So for now, here's the top 10 reasons why I love Prescott:


10. The Dinner Bell Diner followed by Coffee Roasters

9. Canton Dragon/Monsoon/Fujiyama (all great Asian food!)

8. Mild weather. About 10 degrees warmer than Flagstaff year-round.

7. Prescott College; a model of sustainability.

6. Snap Snap. Need I say more? Probably the best thrift store hands down... but that cute one by the Prescott Pantry is catching up quickly.

5. The Prescott Pantry. Where else can you feel like you've just made a meal in your own kitchen on your lunch break in Prescott?

4. The Prescott Public Library. Now complete with cafe and internet access (the only computers available when I was a kid were to search for books).

3. The Courthouse Square

2. Quaint Vintage Era houses near downtown

1. Family close by

Needless to say, Prescott is not the same without Bryan, Steve, and Rachel, frisbee in the parks, or outings at Barnes and Nobles. Looking forward to coming back to Flagstaff to enjoy all that despite my memorable stay in Prescott.

Thumbs up to: Appreciating what's in front of you.

Give the ax to: Let's spare the ax today.