I promise I haven't fallen off the blogging wagon, I've just been busy doing much of the same thing, with some variation on the theme depending on what rotation I'm on.

Last week was ruminant nutrition, where myself and three very cow-oriented people did some cow stuff in the mornings (palpations mainly, but I got to: give some IM injections, watch some foot trimming, give an epidural, chase some heifers, palpate a Jersey cow [which is my size cow!], amputate a tail, ultrasound [preg check] a crapload of sheep, dehorn some calves and the like) and nutrition stuff in the afternoons. I took a year of production animal nutrition in undergrad, so I knew I would understand and enjoy the subject material. Also, good practice for my three weeks on farm services ahead.

This week I've been on lab animal and exotics. If you've read even just one post on this blog, you know how I feel about this rotation, and it's lived up to my wildest hopes and dreams. We've been taking care of the wildlife patients (pigeons, a barred owl and a bald eagle) which includes radiographs and handling (a first for me when it comes to raptors) as well as: blood collection from turtles, ferrets, mice and snakes (I also managed a pericardiocentesis in the snake?!), some amazing field trips to a falconry and a snake breeder and lots of other amazing things that are slipping my mind right now because I'm exhausted from all of the crazy fun stuff we've been up to. Never a dull moment.

I've also been working away at my Match application. I got my materials submitted and am just waiting on two more letters of recommendation to come through (I have a bad feeling they're going to go down to the wire, which serves me right for being a procrastinator myself!) I'm excited to get everything submitted and start hopefully hearing back from places for an interview. Danny and I made our list of 10 programs, and looked into the areas that they're in for ease of job for him, income, taxes, etc. but I think getting to see the facilities and actually experience the area ourselves will be a big factor in my rank order. I was all nervous about where we'd end up but now that I'm actually applying, I realize that the most important thing is that I get to live with my husband and we get to be a normal couple for the first time in a very, very long time. I certainly hope I find a program with awesome facilities, amazing people and great opportunities too, though!

The other things on my plate include my clinical conference - my presentation is next Wednesday (eek!) and my final paper is due at the end of November before I head out. Match applications are due November 9 and I should start to hear back from programs shortly thereafter. Then home for the NAVLE, hopefully some interviews, holiday time with my family, catching up with old friends and externals. Match Day is February 9(?) and at that point, Danny and I can start looking into details on moving to our new place.

Crazy times ahead, but I'm excited :)