Travels to the Lonely Mountain

For well over a fortnight now I have hoped for that friendly nip in the weather which would welcome the reemergence of autumnal attire. Today consisted of a truly lovely palette of grays in the overcast sky accompanied with a gentle, persistent glacial kiss of a breeze making it prime weather for my wonderful, green coat. It was beautiful. Fall has finally arrived, and it isn't going to bite me in the face with the frigid slaps of a nearly frozen rain. I shall thoroughly enjoy, and hopefully embrace the beauty of this new season.

Switching gears:

Today in Phlebotomy, I performed my first venipuncture on a living arm. The previous week consisted of practicing our technique on 'cold' arms. These are arms with a venous system that have a red, water-like substance, which would fill the vacutainer if the venipuncture was performed correctly. In essence, it is like practicing on a dummy with 'blood' in it. Anyhow, today I got to perform my stick on a sweet, Russian student in the class, and am proud to say that it was successful. [1 down, 11 more to go.] I also have my marks from where she practiced on me, and am pleased to say that my veins are quite adequate for blood draws. Afterward we were given the opportunity to make blood smears from our own blood. This too was exciting, but I shan't bore you with the details.

Following this invigorating lab session, I had to immediately dismiss myself for a dental appointment which would harbor the most unfortunate news. Upon looking at my x-rays [which I had for a long time avoided], the hygienist informed me of a slight shadow on one of my back teeth. This was an indication of a possible cavity. The dentist only confirmed this most distressing information. It has finally happened, something I had worked so long and so hard to avoid, a cavity. Twenty-one years I have been able to maintain a perfect record, and now the record is shattered due to one shadow on an x-ray. I am not devastated, merely disappointed...

This 29th of September has proven to be quite an adventure, filled with victories and losses. Tomorrow shall be a new day, and one that will hopefully hold another dragon for me to slay. Until next time, try to embrace your days as though they were as exciting as the most enchanting adventure.