Day 30: don't be good, be great

I have spent the last 48 hours in seminars, presenting research, listening to others present research, and exploring downtown Boise.

Here are the things I have learned.

1.       MRSA is everywhere. And it’s so gross.

2.       Boise has a very interesting breed of people. It’s like Portland meets country. I like it, but it’s definitely unique.

3.       Old men will take any excuse to command a room and ramble for eons.

4.       Athletic trainers are the best people I know.

There was just shy of 500 athletic trainers, students, and other professionals at this conference.

Boise has literally been taken over by NWNATA, and it’s incredible.

Everyone I have met has been kind and positive. They have been funny and laid back. They have taken real interest in every person they meet, and go out of their way to help you out or make you feel at home.

It’s so easy in a big crowd to stick to what you know and who you know. But not athletic trainers. I feel like I've known these people for years. I don’t feel small for being a student. I have not had a single professional blow me off or treat me as though I am less than them. On the contrary, I feel as though each and every person is trying to help build me up.

Everywhere you go you will hear different people chatting about different crazy medical stories, or reminiscing on the good old days. Or simply just making casual conversation over the potato bar with complete strangers.

“work hard, play hard.”

That is the only way I can explain it. these people are  brilliant and they are passionate. They are strong and they are supportive. Most of all, they are proud of their profession. But they also don’t take themselves too seriously.

We had a speaker yesterday, a member of the hall of fame, stand up to give a speech. It went something like this:

“You may notice my interesting choice in pants. I was wearing professional pants, but you see when I bent down to tie my shoes, they ripped!!! This is the third time this has happened, each time it has been at a conference. Thankfully for you all, I had some backup.”

I love what I do. And I am so thankful I was able to come to this conference and fall in love with my profession all over again. They sure know how to inspire you. 

Day 29: may I have s'more please?

"Alright now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming... you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf." 

I hadn't had s'mores in years.

But as we camped the night before, we were kicking ourselves for not bringing out the sugary goodness campfire treat.

So today after we went into Leavenworth we decided to stop by the grocery store to get the goods.

Once again, we ended up around a campfire, listening to good music, and feeling what we felt the night before. That these are the moments we will always remember. The moments of simple and quiet joy. Moments filled with friends, and laughter, and love, and nature.

And s’mores make that moment pure perfection.

Because everything tastes better outside around a campfire. 

Day 28: rest your head

I will never take pillows for granted again.

Last night I went camping in Leavenworth. We went the whole 9 yards: we had wood for a campfire. We had a tent, we had the sleeping bags, and we had the blankets.

The one thing we didn't have? Pillows. Who forgets pillows!? Apparently us. But of course we didn't want to go back into town to get some; we were stubborn and figured we could just use the blankets.

Bad call.

Its March in Washington. Therefore, it is basically still winter. By the time we left the fire to go to bed, it was freezing. We didn't want to use the blankets for pillows, we were too cold. So basically we had to pick between head comfort and warmth, and I spent the night alternating between the two. Needless to say I didn't sleep much.

I woke up feeling sixty years old.

Never forgetting pillows again.

But I will say, there isn't anything quite like sitting around the campfire with good friends listening to good music and stargazing.

“And I swear in that moment, we were infinite.” 

Day 27: don't you forget about me

Okay I’m a hypocrite.

Last night I watched Pitch Perfect for the first time, even though I didn't want to. My sister demanded that I watch it with her at least once. “Just humor me” she said.

SUCH A GOOD MOVIE.

I’m not into chick flicks, or musicals, or feel good lovey Disney-esque films, but this one stole my heart. By the end of it I was ready to put the Breakfast Club on repeat, fall in love with a nerdy but oh so cute singer boy, and join an all-girl choir group.  

There is something to be said for a movie that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside: a movie that makes you want to restart as soon as it is finished. 

If you were a skeptic like me, definitely check it out.

And any guy that wants to sign his heart out to me and look as good as Jesse does, well, I won’t turn you down. Just saying.

But really. I’m thankful for that warm fuzzy feeling. The one that makes you want to dance like a fool in your underwear to cheesy 80’s music, all while jumping on the bed just like your mom used to yell at you not to do when you were a kid.

Don’t act like you've never done that. We all have, and it’s awesome. 

Day 26: Netflix is loading

Okay I know, kind of lame and superficial, but I am so thankful for Netflix. Nothing wastes a Sunday better than watching Netflix all day with your sister, getting delicious Thai takeout, then making nachos, and finishing it off with my father’s infamous margarita recipe.

Just kicking back, embracing the cliché Lazy Sunday stereotype, and loving the fact you have the ability to have this type of day. I don’t think we even left the couch all day…

Plus, it’s always my favorite kind of day when I don’t have to put on real pants.

Thank god for Netflix, it’s the best procrastination tool since the washer and dryer were invented.

Spring break is my favorite.     

Day 25: It doesn't taste any different..

Today I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with my sissy and brother in law. They took me to Bainbridge Island to go wine tasting, which is something I have never done.

Fist off, it was 55 degrees and sunny in Seattle. UHHHMAZING. The ferry ride was beautiful since we could see the mountains in the distance. I'm not a big wine drinker, so they literally all tasted the same to me, but I felt so classy and grown up. It's not necessarily something I will feel a need to do again, but I had some much needed family time.
Then to top it off, I went to my uncles house and learned how to cook chile rellenos. It was delicious food with some great people.

Today was perfect. I  know I say this often, but I really have the best family ever.  

Day 24: captain of my fate

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

-Invictus by William Earnest Henley 

Today I am thankful for the feeling of freedom. That moment where I was driving down the highway into the sunset and I it reminded me that I am young. I am alive. I can go anywhere I want to go and do anything I want to do. My life is mine to make, mine to live, and mine to love.
There is such freedom in that.
I am the captain of my fate. I am the master of my soul.

While you mull over that, listen to this song:
Keep Your Head Up by Ben Howard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADP65wbBUpc




Okay so this is kind of cheating, I am putting this post as yesterday even though I did not write yesterday.
I was in a car for 6 hours then I was bonding with the sister, brother in law, and friends so I ran out of time to write it before midnight. But this is what I wanted to post yesterday, so enjoy.