Dental (DREAM) School!

After a rigorous week of doing absolutely nothing, I woke up at 6:30 on Monday morning to attend my Loma Linda School of Dentistry orientation. They have New Student Orientation at BYU, and I went to about an hour of it before I decided it was completely ridiculous. So I went with about the same mindset: endure for a few hours then move on with my life. Well, LLUSD orientation is a mandatory 4 days. FOUR. It starts at 8 every morning and sometimes doesn't get out until 5:30. that is 9.5 hours of orienting, per day.
There were some ups and downs. For example: we got free lunch everyday! But it was either vegetarian or vegan. We (the hygienists) had the same orientation as the dentists, which was not always applicable, but it was more fun because there were more people. Even if they have a superiority complex. I got to use a fire extinguisher for the first time!! It was exciting. :) I didn't win any of the raffle prizes, which was sad because they were all Jamba, Subway or Panera gift cards.
The most welcoming bit of news was the acceptance of scrubs. Waking up every morning and then having to find 'Professional' clothing was exceptionally challenging for me. Now the only choice I will have to make will be light or dark blue? Don't get me wrong, I love clothing. I love jeans, and t-shirts, and tennis shoes. I really love ball gowns and party dresses. Silk and cashmere are my favorite staples, but when it's 107 degrees outside, and 58 degrees inside, everything becomes a challenge. I think I have definitely picked the right school and occupation for myself, and I couldn't be happier about it! I am not allowed to wear jewelry, make-up is discouraged and hair needs to be kept our of the face. Clothing is scrubs and white shoes. Jared remarked that is was astounding I found a school that not only tolerated this, but made it mandatory. Plus, it's Christian and they have Bible studies and devotionals. For me, this is a dream come true.

Boston

Since I have the world's longest summer vacation, I went out to Boston to visit brother #1, not to mention his wife and 2 girls. During my layover, which was in Dallas, I bought him the best birthday present money could buy! An Armadillo snowglobe. It was truly amazing. He loved it with the same sentimental care and heartfelt gratitude that he treats all knickknacks.
Anyways, I was fortunate enough to arrive just in time to see the Elms before they left! And I was also able to tour Harvard during freshman orientation. We went to Red Robin for Brian's birthday. As we pulled into Patriot Place, I thought to myself, "What awesome names they have back here!" It was only after that thought that I saw Gillette stadium and realized it was Patriot Place because the Patriots play there...
Furthering my adventures, I went to Maine!! Which was a life-long dream of mine. It was magnificent! I went with the Pattersons and had ice cream, and fish and chips, and watched surfers (I know, in MAINE!) and bought taffy. It is now my second favorite state. I love Maine.
Glenna and I went through the Freedom Trail, and ate pasta in the Italian Northside. My favorite building was the Custom House. I like clock towers.
While I was in Boston, Brian turned 28 and Libby turned 3. Mom and I bought her her first bike! Pink, of course, with training wheels. And I made THREE pies for my dear brother.
List of things I did in Boston: Freedom Trail, T rides (lots of them), Boston Common, Public Gardens, Swan Boat rides, Make Way For Ducklings, Newbury Street, Boston Temple, Boston Public Library, Museum of Fine Arts, hot dog stand, fish and chips stops, a visit to the shore, Faneuil Hall, Red Sox game, Old North Church, Kings Chapel, Copps and Granary Burying Ground (Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Paul Revere), Old State House, Government Center, Park Street Church, Massachusetts State House, as well as frequent visits to the many ice cream trucks. :)