So I think it's time for a quick update!! I can honestly say that school is definitely as hard as they say it's going to be!!! I feel like I am just barley getting by but I know it's totally worth it! As overwhelming as it is, most of it is really interesting! I was actually able to interview my first "standardized patient" last week. White coat and everything! haha I thought I was going to throw up I was so nervous but it actually was not all that bad. The hospital has a top floor where we actually have real examination rooms that have cameras set up so we can watch ourselves after. Pretty cool! Other than my boring life of studying ALL DAY, I signed up to run the Baltimore marathon so I've been spending a lot of time up on the treadmills so I can study as I run! I feel way to guilty just going out and enjoying a run without studying. Who would have ever thought the day would come. DC weather is starting to get amazing. It has finally cooled down and the humid is substantially lower. THANK GOODNESS! I really just love fall! It's probably my favorite time of the year. Well better get back to it! :)

So I finally made it to DC and I am all settled in. Or at least I think haha! Everytime I think I can sit down and relax I think of something else I have to do. Needless to say I have not even had time to go look around in downtown DC yet except for the time me and my roommate Alison got lost on the freeway and ended up driving past all the major exhibits. Don't ask but somehow we made it out ok!! haha. But for all those who keep asking I will be getting some pictures up of the new apartment soon! :)So I downloaded this new application on ipod that says interesting facts. It's really cool! Well, people are always asking why I choose not to eat chicken or red meat. I don't really like talking about it because it seems to get people all worked up but when I was reading my "facts" I came upon this that I thought was some good supporting evidence as to one of the reasons I choose not to....

"According to a 2006 report by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the livestock industry is one of the top three contributors to the planets most serious environmental problems. Cows and other livestock (pigs, sheep, goat, chicken) release methane gas when they burp and fart, making them responsible for 18% of the worlds greenhouse gas problem. It's estimated that a single cow can produce 25 to 130 gallons of methane a day! In addition, nearly 30% of the available land on the planet is used for grazing livestock and growing their feed--often @ the expense of forests--and their manure is a major source of water pollution and rain"

Now I'm not saying you shouldn't eat meat because it's obviously a good source of protein but it is just a thought...If everyone started making small changes we could make a huge difference. Refillable water bottles, cotton grocery bags, choosing to walk over driving. I'm going to pledge to cut back significantly on water bottles!! I figure if you drink 2 bottles a day valued at .50 cents a piece, in ten years that would add up to $3650.00!!!!!

So it is official I finally GRADUATED! It was so fun and felt so good that I even raised the roof as they called my name. I was so grateful for my best friends and aunt/cousin who came and supported me. They are amazing and I am so lucky to have them in my life. It totally made up for my family not being able to come. It feels weird to be moving on. Although school sucks, it is SO worth it. Here are a few pics of the day.

This commercial is freaking hilarious! I laughed so hard when I watched it!

So this is my most amazing cousin ever! Pirate April! It was her birthday last week and she turned 32! I am so blessed to have her in my life. Last week I told her not to tell anyone but that she was my favorite cousin...she said "Oh Lindsay, I know that!" Every Monday night I get to teach her and other down syndrome kids dance. It is one of the most challenging but also one of my favorite things to do! I always leave feeling better than I came. Those kids will definitely lift your spirits and they all hold a special place in my heart. I will miss them so much when I have to leave! We have a big show coming up at the Egyptian theater next week that we have been preparing for. Although we don't feel ready, I know it will be great! Although the steps never seem just right or even if all the kids are off on counts... their big smiles, enthusiasm for life, and love for dance always makes it seem SO perfect. Here are a few pictures from Disney Land last year when we performed!

This last week has been great! I was able to go up to Basin and ski a couple days...SO NICE! I actually ended up going by myself which surprisingly I really enjoyed. As much as I love going with my friends...they all board. Needless to say, I definitely had a great time! Really though, I would not advise solo skiing as I was frightened for my life a couple of times and thought...holy crap if I get hurt there is no one here to get help. It really can be kind of scary! I will not even get into the stories!
So graduation is right around the corner and I can't wait! My sister Jodi is graduating from Dixie's States Dental Hygienist program the same day...so as much as I know my family loves me they have chosen to go to her graduation which leaves no one to go to mine (I always knew she was the favorite) haha JK! Do you ever clap for the people that no one else does just because you feel sad for them? Well I do! so I am depending on those cheers. For real though, I am so proud of and excited for her! She is such an amazing person and she is going to be great at her career! I am so lucky to have such an wonderful sister. She's bomb!