five guys made my day

Another day in the books. I'm getting antsy to do more on my own- but that will come next week when Dave (my real CI) gets back from vaca. For now, I'm loving talking to the patients, challenging them to do their exercises, and even thinking over the occasional mystery diagnosis. At this point, I'm already used to the (good-natured, of course) gasps and sympathetic looks on people's faces when Woody explains that I'll be at ORS for 9 weeks. They jokingly tell me how much of a struggle it will be...But in reality, the environment here is fantastic. Everyone jokes around with each other and has a good time, but when it comes to getting down to business, they work together, and consistently get good results with patients. After seeing a variety of workplace cultures since I began spending time in PT clinics, I can hands down say that ORS has the most fun and engaging atmosphere. Lucky, lucky me. 

Chelios and Thome-- I found these guys buried in a drawer--they now give my office a little flavor.

[By the way-- without violating HIPPA, I evaluated a patient today with the exact same name as a certain ex-boyfriend of mine (I'm sure many of you know who I'm talking about). It was humorous, considering he was a little guy who drives a truck for a living and doesn't know his shin bone from his sternum.]

But, 10+ hour days are feeling long already. I'm starting to squeeze in workouts over my lunch hour because I'm too exhausted to do much more than crash when I get back to the condo at 5:30. My dinners are becoming considerably less creative (and healthy--see below), and my bedtime is becoming progressively earlier (it is dark out, at least-- but barely). But I know I'll appreciate these never-ending days come Sunday night, when I'm brainstorming what to do with my Monday instead of packing a lunch and for the next day. 

Some of my very fav PT girls, celebrating on the day of our last. final. ever. This pic makes me smile! (compliments of Sarah)

My after-work adventures were quite successful. I went to Target and splurged on a bar stool so I don't have to eat dinner on the floor, a chair so I don't have to sit on the floor to watch tv, and tupperware so that I can pack something other than sandwiches for lunch. At the suggestion of a patient, I then found Five Guys. Oh boy. I wasn't planning on eating out tonight, but I decided I deserved it after nearly 11 hours in the clinic today. 

Let me pause for a moment and say that if you have never had the pleasure of eating a Five Guys burger, please stop reading and proceed to your nearest Five Guys location, regardless of whether or not you're hungry (here ya go). If you have, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout. My burger was absolutely delish-- smothered in green peppers, onions, jalapenos and BBQ sauce, and my cajun fries-- well, I wish I could tell you more, but they mysteriously disappeared on the drive home. Well worth the temporary break from my attempt at healthy eating. (Yes, Kaitlin, the point of this entry is in fact food.)

Great day in the clinic, great furniture additions to my place, and great (x 10) dinner. Tomorrow is Friday, I get to wear jeans, and my last patient is at 2:30-- also great! And you know what else is great? Coming home to a tax refund check that will cover almost all of my rent while I'm here in Rockford. (Or 88.5 more trips to Five Guys...which will it be?!)

P.S. Any comment informing me of the nutritional value of my dinner will immediately be removed. 

Don't do it.

Seriously.