This is a must see show in Cherokee!! It explains the history of the Cherokee people through an outdoor drama!! I learned so much in one night about how they got to where they are today. They are an amazing group of people who have suffered so much trauma over the past years and have come through the other side. To this day they attempt to preserve their culture in many ways. One way is through their language which was turned into written form during the time period when they were being forced from their lands. They still teach their children the language today in an attempt to preserve the history.
I also discovered why the Cherokee people are very similar to middle class America, they have always adapted to the culture around them. When the Europeans moved into the area, they would send their children to white schools and many converted to Christianity when Missionaries moved into the area.
The next day after the play I got to explore the museum, which was just as enlightening! I took 3 hours to meander and read all of the
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hiking
I was so excited Sunday to finally get out in the woods and hike!! I went with one of my roommates and we chose some trails nearby that had 3 different waterfalls :-)
The air was warm and the sky bright as we started on the trail. After a fairly steep hike we came to the first Juney Wank Falls which was absolutely amazing. There was a bridge built to go across the river at the base of the waterfall, which added to the greatness! :-)
Then we continued on the trail, semi lost, ending up on the Deep Creek Horse Trail. As we hiked we met up with a couple from Charlotte, NC vacationing at the campground for Memorial Day. It was great to chat with them as we walked and they had great suggestions for future adventures! As we came to the end of the hike we found the next waterfall called Indian Creek Falls.
Next we got to watch people get into the river to go tubing...lets just say it looks a little more crazy than the river tubing I have done before with a lot of rocks and quite fast. However, it does look A LOT of fun!! I hope we get a chance to do it soon! The final falls was the Tom Branch Falls, which started really high up and was fascinating to watch!
This area is so lovely!! I hope we get more hiking in this weekend, pray for more sun and less rain!! Oh and just as we were finishing this hike it started to rain, it was the perfect cool down! :-)
The air was warm and the sky bright as we started on the trail. After a fairly steep hike we came to the first Juney Wank Falls which was absolutely amazing. There was a bridge built to go across the river at the base of the waterfall, which added to the greatness! :-)
Then we continued on the trail, semi lost, ending up on the Deep Creek Horse Trail. As we hiked we met up with a couple from Charlotte, NC vacationing at the campground for Memorial Day. It was great to chat with them as we walked and they had great suggestions for future adventures! As we came to the end of the hike we found the next waterfall called Indian Creek Falls.
Next we got to watch people get into the river to go tubing...lets just say it looks a little more crazy than the river tubing I have done before with a lot of rocks and quite fast. However, it does look A LOT of fun!! I hope we get a chance to do it soon! The final falls was the Tom Branch Falls, which started really high up and was fascinating to watch!
This area is so lovely!! I hope we get more hiking in this weekend, pray for more sun and less rain!! Oh and just as we were finishing this hike it started to rain, it was the perfect cool down! :-)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
One week down...
And 5 more to go here in Cherokee!! The first week went well, a lot of learning, and a little adventure. Its taking us a while to figure out where the local trails are...things are not well marked here!
It has been great getting more experience counseling and learning through the anti coagulation clinic! The staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital is great and many of the pharmacist are very helpful!
For our mid week adventure we happened upon the Blue Ridge Parkway (a must experience if coming to Western NC), and drove through parts of it.
For our weekend trip we went to Atlanta...a sweet 2.5hrs away! We drove down Saturday and went to the Georgia Aquarium, apparently the largest in the world. My favorite part was by far walking through the walkway that was surrounded by glass, so you could watch all the creatures swimming around you!!
I can't wait for more adventures!! I am so thankful that I am here during this time of year, there is a lot to do and the weather is absolutely lovely! I am excited to learn more about the culture and the area as well! :-) Missing home and everyone!! :-)
It has been great getting more experience counseling and learning through the anti coagulation clinic! The staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital is great and many of the pharmacist are very helpful!
For our mid week adventure we happened upon the Blue Ridge Parkway (a must experience if coming to Western NC), and drove through parts of it.
For our weekend trip we went to Atlanta...a sweet 2.5hrs away! We drove down Saturday and went to the Georgia Aquarium, apparently the largest in the world. My favorite part was by far walking through the walkway that was surrounded by glass, so you could watch all the creatures swimming around you!!
I can't wait for more adventures!! I am so thankful that I am here during this time of year, there is a lot to do and the weather is absolutely lovely! I am excited to learn more about the culture and the area as well! :-) Missing home and everyone!! :-)
Monday, May 18, 2009
First Day of Rotations!!
Well the day has come and gone, my first day as a P4, and the first day of rotations! Crazyyyy!! :-) Today was probably very unconventional compared to other students first day.
We started out with orientation to the hospital, and the pharmacy but then we got to take a tour of Cherokee! A woman from Infection Control has lived in the area for over 10 years and drove us around explaining the tribe and the area to us.
I learned that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians actually never lived in Tepees, but instead had farms. Also, they are broken up into 7 clans and each clan has their own community center on the land. At the community center they have tribal meetings and other political and communal events. Apparently, only a few full blooded Cherokees still remain.
There have been 2 cases of TB in the last 10-15years and since the community does not understand how infections spread the people with the infection were ostracized by the community.
The Cherokee's are also great entrepreneurs and can find any way possible to make money. Finally, they differ from other tribes in that they are pretty much middle class America. The woman giving the tour has worked on other reservations where this is not true and it is harder to get them access to the health care they need.
Well, tomorrow is the first day we will get an opportunity to work with patient's time to rest up!
**Excuse the randomness, I was just spouting off information I remember from today!**
Look at this amazing view!! I still can't believe I am in the mountains!! :-)
We started out with orientation to the hospital, and the pharmacy but then we got to take a tour of Cherokee! A woman from Infection Control has lived in the area for over 10 years and drove us around explaining the tribe and the area to us.
I learned that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians actually never lived in Tepees, but instead had farms. Also, they are broken up into 7 clans and each clan has their own community center on the land. At the community center they have tribal meetings and other political and communal events. Apparently, only a few full blooded Cherokees still remain.
There have been 2 cases of TB in the last 10-15years and since the community does not understand how infections spread the people with the infection were ostracized by the community.
The Cherokee's are also great entrepreneurs and can find any way possible to make money. Finally, they differ from other tribes in that they are pretty much middle class America. The woman giving the tour has worked on other reservations where this is not true and it is harder to get them access to the health care they need.
Well, tomorrow is the first day we will get an opportunity to work with patient's time to rest up!
**Excuse the randomness, I was just spouting off information I remember from today!**
Here are some additional pictures of the adventures today!! We went to the Farmstand and a Fish Hatchery
Me attempting to sit on the front porch without breaking it haha, its kind of an old building!
Look at this amazing view!! I still can't believe I am in the mountains!! :-)Saturday, May 16, 2009
Final Destination
Well after 3 days of travel and over 1,000miles later I am finally here!! :-) This last leg from VA Beach to Cherokee was an easy drive with some rain but mostly sun!! YIPEEE!! :-) The countryside was absolutely amazing!!!
I tried to limit my stopping, but I really had to pee just east of Hickory, NC so I stopped at a Walmart. Now in one of the most unlikey of places was this ginormous Walmart, larger than ANY I had ever seen before! Now after using the restroom facilities I decided I deserved a McFlurry...whats a Walmart without some kind of place to eat inside. I walk over to the McDonalds and find this express lane where you can request your order....it was a cart drive-thru of some sort. I didn't fully understand this odd thing, and was too discombobulated from driving to really care, but seriously people is McDonald's now too slow that you need a cart drive-thru!! wow!! I want one of these back home!! :-)
As I got close to my new home for the next 6 weeks I was in absolute awe of God's creation all around me! A different kind of awe than when I am gazing out upon the ocean, but still an awe of wonder! I was almost too distracted to drive and I can't wait to drive out that way again to stop and take pictures!! I was too exhausted and determined to just reach my final destination that I sadly did not stop to take pictures, but trust me absolutely breath taking!
When I got to the house I was very please to find another girl already here from FL, and she has been here 2 weeks already!! Her name is Shihein and she is absolutely amazing, such a sweetheart and excited to adventure out just like I am. We are getting along very well, and I praise God for that!! :-) Tomorrow we are going to Asheville, first to church and then to do some shopping!! It will be exciting...well back to unpacking! :-)
I tried to limit my stopping, but I really had to pee just east of Hickory, NC so I stopped at a Walmart. Now in one of the most unlikey of places was this ginormous Walmart, larger than ANY I had ever seen before! Now after using the restroom facilities I decided I deserved a McFlurry...whats a Walmart without some kind of place to eat inside. I walk over to the McDonalds and find this express lane where you can request your order....it was a cart drive-thru of some sort. I didn't fully understand this odd thing, and was too discombobulated from driving to really care, but seriously people is McDonald's now too slow that you need a cart drive-thru!! wow!! I want one of these back home!! :-)
As I got close to my new home for the next 6 weeks I was in absolute awe of God's creation all around me! A different kind of awe than when I am gazing out upon the ocean, but still an awe of wonder! I was almost too distracted to drive and I can't wait to drive out that way again to stop and take pictures!! I was too exhausted and determined to just reach my final destination that I sadly did not stop to take pictures, but trust me absolutely breath taking!
When I got to the house I was very please to find another girl already here from FL, and she has been here 2 weeks already!! Her name is Shihein and she is absolutely amazing, such a sweetheart and excited to adventure out just like I am. We are getting along very well, and I praise God for that!! :-) Tomorrow we are going to Asheville, first to church and then to do some shopping!! It will be exciting...well back to unpacking! :-)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Traveling South Day 2
Almost There!! We got up after a very restful night of sleep and continued south to VA Beach!! The drive was wonderfully uneventful and I was very thankful for that.
When we arrived the sun was creeping through the clouds and it was in the high 80s. We were greated by Maura, who drove with her mom through the night to get here, they were so exhausted! Sarah and I decided to adventure off to find the beach and some food. We basically wandered around until we found an access to the beach, it wasn't a public one, but who was really watching...haha.
The beach is on the Chesapeake Bay and it was sooo beautiful!! I always love the feel of sand between my toes and the water was way more warm than it ever gets in Maine, haha! Then the sky opened up and rain poured down :-) It had been a while since I had twirled around with rain falling on my face, and ran around on the beach, it was so carefree and such a blast!! We follow some people getting off the beach but ended up at a hotel, whooooops, haha, looks like back tracking will be our best option!
After this adventure, well much later, after we moved Sarah in and relaxed for a bit her, other roommates got back from work. The other students in this house (Christa and Corey) are from NC and go to Wingate University, they have already been here for 2 weeks!! I feel like they are veterans here, haha!! They are both so sweet and Sarah and I joined them for Wings and Beer at Surf Club (Maura and her mom had some shopping to do and after they ate I think they went right back to sleep!). Then we adventured to the actual VA Beach where all the tourists go, I requested to go here since I am only in VA Beach for less than 24 hours!
WOW, upon gazing out at the beach I wondered if I could ever live too far from the ocean. I often question this; I love the beauty, power and majesty that the ocean represents. I feel as though God gave us the ocean to help understand him more, it illustrates Him in so many ways, I could write a separate blog for that! I enjoyed my last few moments gazing upon the ocean as we walked the boardwalk and went down onto the beach! Below are some pictures of the beach and Neptune Park, which is the area near the shops and such. Tomorrow is a big day, 8 more hours and I will be at my final destination!
"Not all those who wander are lost" ~J.R.R. Tolkien~
When we arrived the sun was creeping through the clouds and it was in the high 80s. We were greated by Maura, who drove with her mom through the night to get here, they were so exhausted! Sarah and I decided to adventure off to find the beach and some food. We basically wandered around until we found an access to the beach, it wasn't a public one, but who was really watching...haha.
The beach is on the Chesapeake Bay and it was sooo beautiful!! I always love the feel of sand between my toes and the water was way more warm than it ever gets in Maine, haha! Then the sky opened up and rain poured down :-) It had been a while since I had twirled around with rain falling on my face, and ran around on the beach, it was so carefree and such a blast!! We follow some people getting off the beach but ended up at a hotel, whooooops, haha, looks like back tracking will be our best option!
After this adventure, well much later, after we moved Sarah in and relaxed for a bit her, other roommates got back from work. The other students in this house (Christa and Corey) are from NC and go to Wingate University, they have already been here for 2 weeks!! I feel like they are veterans here, haha!! They are both so sweet and Sarah and I joined them for Wings and Beer at Surf Club (Maura and her mom had some shopping to do and after they ate I think they went right back to sleep!). Then we adventured to the actual VA Beach where all the tourists go, I requested to go here since I am only in VA Beach for less than 24 hours!
WOW, upon gazing out at the beach I wondered if I could ever live too far from the ocean. I often question this; I love the beauty, power and majesty that the ocean represents. I feel as though God gave us the ocean to help understand him more, it illustrates Him in so many ways, I could write a separate blog for that! I enjoyed my last few moments gazing upon the ocean as we walked the boardwalk and went down onto the beach! Below are some pictures of the beach and Neptune Park, which is the area near the shops and such. Tomorrow is a big day, 8 more hours and I will be at my final destination!
"Not all those who wander are lost" ~J.R.R. Tolkien~
Traveling South Day 1
Its around noon, and time to depart on our adventure. It seems odd to be leaving RI, after 5 years of developing a life there its hard to leave. I am excited for what lies ahead with rotations, but sad to be saying goodbye to college life.
On the open road, well semi open haha. Sarah and I have many adventures getting to our first destination point of Fredicksburg, VA where my cousin Aaron lives. First we had to conquer getting Garmin to agree to go the Tappan Zee instead of the Washington Bridge, then it was avoiding the crazy NJ Turnpike tolls with the help of Chris Bryan. We learned that there is a chain of stores called Wa Wa, that is apparently all the rave down in these parts, they are a combination of a convenience store and a deli so we grabbed dinner there! The best part of dinner was eating it in the parking lot of a dinner which was the only place we could find to use the bathroom.
Then we get back on the highway and unfortunately the 2.5-3hr drive was drawn out to almost 4 hours due to a horrible thunderstorm that came through the area and resulted in us driving extremely slow...ick, we just wanted to get to VA!!
Finally we arrived in the cute little suburb my cousin lives in an hour south of DC, it was so great to relax after our long and semi-intense drive. It was also great to see my cousin Aaron, with him living so far south we don't get to see each other a lot. Sarah and I both thought he was a wonderful host and were very greatful for all that he did!
P.S. here is a pic of me posing with the walky talkies that we used to communicate with!
On the open road, well semi open haha. Sarah and I have many adventures getting to our first destination point of Fredicksburg, VA where my cousin Aaron lives. First we had to conquer getting Garmin to agree to go the Tappan Zee instead of the Washington Bridge, then it was avoiding the crazy NJ Turnpike tolls with the help of Chris Bryan. We learned that there is a chain of stores called Wa Wa, that is apparently all the rave down in these parts, they are a combination of a convenience store and a deli so we grabbed dinner there! The best part of dinner was eating it in the parking lot of a dinner which was the only place we could find to use the bathroom.
Then we get back on the highway and unfortunately the 2.5-3hr drive was drawn out to almost 4 hours due to a horrible thunderstorm that came through the area and resulted in us driving extremely slow...ick, we just wanted to get to VA!!
Finally we arrived in the cute little suburb my cousin lives in an hour south of DC, it was so great to relax after our long and semi-intense drive. It was also great to see my cousin Aaron, with him living so far south we don't get to see each other a lot. Sarah and I both thought he was a wonderful host and were very greatful for all that he did!
P.S. here is a pic of me posing with the walky talkies that we used to communicate with!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Meeting Mr. Brickley
Who is Mr. Brickley one might ask, well only the maker of fabulous ice cream enjoyed generation after generation in South County RI!!!
After enjoying Caitlin's Birthday dinner, Melissa, Caitlin and I stop into Brickley's Ice Cream. The staff was cleaning up after a long hot day (it was 90 degrees out! In APRIL!) when we graced them with our presence :-). Melissa starts chatting with the kid at the counter, finding out that there are no more waffle cones and she demands a "special ice cream cone". He creates a some sunday like creation that looks like it is for kids, hehe! Melissa is overly excited about this and hopes that he will now figure out what Caitlin and I want for our ice cream, ya know since he is an ice cream genius!
Next thing I know this guy is staring intently at me attempting to figure out all of my ice cream desires. He chooses I think Oreo, which I would normally like, however I already had my heart set on Malted Milk Ball (yum yum). The he is on to Caitlin, for her he chooses Mint Chocolate Chip, which she also would normally like, but she too had already made a decision.
Then Melissa pipes up, you are great at this YOU must be Mr. Brickley!! (shouted might I add, hehe) The kid who was doing a very well at playing along with our ridiculousness sadly states that he is not Mr. Brickley, but that his sister did marry into the family! haha wow
From this adventure we head back to Melissa's for a backyard campfire! wooohooo Upon arrival Melissa screams out to Lloyd (who has already gotten the fire going...good job Mel...what a keeper!) WE MET MR. BRICKLEY!!!!! haha close enough right??
Again...never a dull moment
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Trip to the ER
Who would have thought my first trip to the ER would be for splinter removal?? I know it sounds ridiculous! And yes I can be pathetic about pain...but this was a legitimate trip!
I was simply walking around Sam and Geoff's house as I was house/animal sitting, when it happened! I called Nurse Pam to come and assist the removal as it was rather stuck!
Pam arrives with her tools for proper splinter removal! As she takes a look at it she empathizes with my woa about how challenging it was going to be to remove. Now here I think it is important to provide a lil background... I HATE SPLINTER REMOVAL!! I realize HATE is a strong word but I have always been VERY AFRAID of splinter removal of any sort! Also, Pam and I had exams in the next few days.
Pam starts working on splinter removal while I attempt to distract my self on facebook and with music as I writhe in pain! (probably an over exaggeration, haha). Eventually, it is decided that with my low pain tolerance and Pam not having a scapula an ER trip was needed...how embarrassing!
Thankfully, the South County ER was not busy and I was in a room soon. The doctor comes in an naturally finds out that I am a Pharmacy student from Maine...leading to a developing conversation!
I get a shot of lidocaine and he digs out the awful splinter...this time I was not in pain though haha. All the while he talks to me about pharmacy being a great profession and all about antibiotic stewardship as well as how girls from Maine are tough!! (haha I keep my mouth shut about this since I was being pathetic about 1 hour ago!!) Then he says, "So is your roommate a surgeon or pretending to be one?" haha this was in reference to Pam's attempt at splinter removal with improper tools haha!
So with my foot wrapped up and a prescription in my hand (to make sure that my foot didn't get infected since the splinter went just below the callous and puncture wounds are most likely to develop into infections) we were off!!
Never a dull moment...
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