Biking Around

I have now finished my second week. We got eased into things in terms of the number of days we went these first two weeks. We started August 27th and went for three days. Then we had a long weekend which made this week only four days. We have not been eased into our classes that much though. From day one we jumped right in and have a massive amount of information thrown at us. As one professor put it we are in a language immersion course. It is definitely true because there is a lot of new terminology that we have to figure out. It is used repetitively though so after a bit we get used to it.

Wednesday we have our first anatomy quiz which is on the muscles and bones of the thoracic limb. That is a lot of material and it will give us an idea of just how massive our future exams will be. Overall I am enjoying classes. Some of them are review. Others are slowly teaching us how to read CBCs. That class is much better after the initial shock of the amount of material and getting used to the terminology. Right now it is turning into one of the classes I enjoy the most.

Not only are we having information thrown at us in classes but in clubs as well. Clubs at the vet school are in recruitment mode right now. What this means is about everyday during lunch you get free food (if you RSVP). It also means that you are writing checks because in order to join clubs you have to pay dues. So far I have found a few that I am looking forward to joining. I'll write more on clubs later.

You might be asking yourself - does she have any free time? The answer is not really. If you want to have free time when you don't study or do anything school related you have to make time. So far I have made time to join a group of 2nd year girls who started a kickboxing group their 1st year. My big sib is part of it so I thought I'd try it out. I also make time to bike around the city.

This may not be the best of bikes but so far it has gotten me around pretty well. Near the veterinary campus, close to the towers and the football stadium there is a trail called the Olentangy River Trail. It can be crowded but it is very nice.

This is the river that runs along the trail. At various points on the trail there are bridges that cross it. As you go across you can see many geese. Today I even saw a man fly fishing.

At points along the trail there are sections that merge. This is one such section. In the background on the left is Schottenstein Center where a few weeks ago I went and picked up my football tickets.

Today on my way past I biked close to the football stadium (the horseshoe or shoe for short). Come  tomorrow the area will be packed for the 1st home game of the season.

I will eventually sit in this stadium but it won't be until later in the season. Yesterday I got a little taste as I watched the marching band practice their routine for tomorrows game. They are really something to watch in person and will be amazing to see in the stadium with all the fans. I should probably go study. Until next time, TTFN!

Buckeye Land

It's crazy to think that in a matter of days I will be starting classes at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine! I spent my two weeks off spending time with a bunch of people I won't see for some time and in general getting spoiled. I started my 3D tree challenge quilt but didn't quite finish it. It's almost there though. Just some finishing details that I should be able to finish in my time off before classes start.

Just need to outline part of the tree and add a backing maybe even a border.

Last Friday, mom and I went and picked up the rental minivan. I then spent the day packing up everything I was planning on taking to Ohio and putting it into the minivan. As I won't have a car (at least the first year) and I live pretty close to campus, that included putting my bicycle in the van.

This was a picture of the packing process part way though and you can see the wheel. Once I was done packing though, unless you look closely, I don't think you can see the wheel.

My aunt was very impressed with how I packed and told me I would be in charge if she ever moved. Last Saturday we spent 14 hours driving to Canal Fulton, OH. I drove the whole way partly because I goofed and didn't check the passenger seat when I started packing (there wasn't much leg room for me) and partly because I knew mom doesn't really like to drive. We drove the final 2 hours Sunday and started moving me in. 

I live with a 3rd year and two 4th year veterinary students. I've met two of them and they are awesome and super helpful. As you probably notice from the picture of the van I didn't bring a mattress. One of my housemates sold me a custom built loft bed frame but I had to find a mattress. I ended up sleeping the first night on the floor but made getting a mattress a priority the next day.

Mom stayed through Wednesday helping me unpack and get the things I needed for my room like a desk, bookshelves, and various other items. She also came with me to get my Ohio license. She then flew back the same day orientation started. The OSU CVM has a big sib program where you are paired up with a second year (big sib) who is there to help you though the year. My big sib is awesome and has really taken me under her wing. She met me at the big recreation and physical activity center (RPAC) and showed my around. Not only that but she has made sure if I hang out at parties I have a way home as I have no car.

I didn't realize there would be as many vet students living in houses by me but once I started meeting my classmates and upperclassmen, I found quite a few that live near me. Friday was our convocation ceremony where we were officially welcomed to the vet school, signed the veterinarian's oath, and spoke the oath. Then we got to see all the clubs at the big merchandise sale as well as get our baby pictures taken. The baby pictures will be in our baby book and is how the professors get to know our faces.

Throughout this week I have been asked 'Are you excited?', 'How was it?', 'Are you having a good time?' and while I am excited I don't think I am as excited as I would have been. Let me explain that. I am ready for school to start and have been excited/ready since I was accepted in December, I was excited to move, and I was excited for orientation. I'm someone that doesn't really show it much though. I also have been finding there might be a reason for not being extremely excited.

I got thinking last night that it's been about 6 and a half months since my dad died. I think that has something to do with my excitement level. It's not that I'm sad but I am missing him and wishing he could have been here to see me on campus as a first year student. I think this is something I might deal with every time a major event comes up in my life. I'm sure over time I won't think about it nearly as much but right now it is somewhat fresher. The convocation ceremony had many families there. For me, having my mom help me move in and dragging her around campus to run errands was my family convocation time. But, I didn't get to do any of that with my dad. I think if he were physically here, it doesn't even have to be in Ohio, and not with God I would have been even more excited. Don't get me wrong, I am excited it just felt incomplete. While I am sure I won't get used to it, it will not be so immediate in the future and I might start to feel like things are complete.

Now, I just have time to relax before classes start on Wednesday. I am looking forward to all I will be learning as well as what God has in store. I'm starting to think it might have something to do with thriving. Pastor Mike played Thrive by Casting Crowns at the end of each service I made before I left. Also at convocation they talked about not just surviving but thriving. Definitely check out the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M 

Until then TTFN

To Be Loved

I have been blessed with so many amazing people that I see everyday. Yesterday was my last day working my job at Hannaford. That gives me two weeks before I move to get everything in order. The week leading up to my last day I heard from so many people how much I will be missed and how even though they weren't working that day they would come in. Half way through my day the store manager called a huddle on the front end. It was the largest huddle I have ever seen in that store. He explained that normally they don't have huddles for people moving on as it happens frequently but this was a special case. I was headed right where I wanted to be and that was special. He then let everyone know that they were able to have the jean dress down day because I had used all my front end 'dress down coupons' to purchase the dress down day. After the huddle I had so many hugs, hand shakes, good lucks, and congratulations. I had a card from the store and a card from a coworker. Near the end of my shift one of my coworkers who hadn't worked that day came in and asked how it felt to have only 20 minutes left. She then stayed and chatted while counting down the time for me. Going to punch out I was stopped by numerous people wanting hugs and wishing me well. In the end it took me 10 minutes after punching out to leave the store. Over the next two weeks I look forward to hanging with some of the amazing people in my life. I hope I can inspire the next group of people I meet in the same way I have the people I have spent the past year and a half if not longer. I also hope I can show God's love to them as well.

The following verse I feel sums up my time in New Hampshire and is something I want to live out in Ohio.
"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!"
Romans 12:15-16 NLT

Until Ohio! TTFN!

It was the worst of times, it was the best of times

It's been far too long and so much has happened (some bad, some good, and some amazing). I guess I'll start from where the last post left off and do it in sections.

The Bad: My Dad

A lot of people will know what this update is about. It's not one people like to hear either. On February 5, 2014, after a lengthy battle with cancer, my dad is at peace and is with God. Before he went he knew I had been accepted to vet school and that I would be going to The OSU CVM. Our family has been asked a lot how we are doing. Although we explain we are fine they don't get it. We knew it was coming. The chemo was only an effort to extend his quality of life and not a cure. As such we came to terms with him being gone before he died. We also have hope because we will see him again when it is our turn to be called to go home to God. I think the people constantly asking us how we are doing don't understand that hope. Yes, while it is tough without him we can still be happy. I miss him everyday (some more than others) and wish he could still be here but am glad that I was able to have him around for the 17 extra years he was given.

The Good: Quilting
After going back to Houghton, NY for a friend's wedding I finally came up with some sketches for a quilt challenge I was given. A friend I met at youth group over this past year challenged me to create a 3D tree quilt. I took that and decided to do a hybrid 2D/3D quilt with the tree being mostly 3D. Here are the sketches:

The tree-like blob in the middle of this one is where the tree will go. The tree will be on a hill in front of a lake. The lake will be surrounded by mountains and there will be a sunrise. The background will be flat compared to the tree.

This tree is a sketch of what the previous blob will be. It is really hard to draw a 3D tree so this 2D tree currently represents it. It is based off of the Tree of Life in the Field of Dreams in Houghton, NY. That tree is a bur oak. I still haven't decided what season I am going to have the scene be in. To simplify things I may have it in winter or in fall but with all the leaves already off. It is my hope that during my vacation weeks before I move in mid-August, that I will be able to create and finish this quilt so that I can have a new quilt in my new room.

The Amazing: Veterinary School

I GOT IN!!!!!!!! I was invited to interview at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in November. I chose December 18 as my interview date. I flew out the day before. I was supposed to get into Akron, OH around dinner time and then I would have dinner with my grandparents. Due to weather issues my connecting flight in Philadelphia didn't make it to the airport. I had rushed off my flight from Manchester because we left late and had gotten in just in time for boarding to start on my connecting flight. I got to the gate to find we had no plane and it was up to us to find a new flight. I called the number I was given only to find out I had been rescheduled on the later flight into Akron. God was looking out for me!

The next day Grandpa and I drove 2 hours to Columbus for my interview. I made sure to review my applications and everything I knew about the field of vet med. I prayed before my interview. Normally during an interview I an fidgety and nervous. Not this time. God settled my nerves and I was able to keep eye contact and have a conversation with my two interviewers which was a completely different experience from my last interview there. The flight home the next day I had no problems and even got in early.

I didn't expect to hear back until February but I was in for a surprise. On December 23rd, I had a message on my phone from Dr. Lord wanting me to call back. Unfortunately I couldn't call back that day and she wasn't going to be back in the office until after Christmas. I looked online the next day to see what my application status was only to find I WAS IN! Then in February I got an email saying I was going to receive a $10,000 scholarship for my first year for being an outstanding applicant!

Since then I have found a place to live with three current vet students only 10 minute walk from campus. I have met some classmates on facebook, bought OSU football tickets, got a book and supply list, and had a pre-orientation course. Recently the schedule for the year has come out. Things are picking up and I am looking forward to moving to Columbus in mid-August. God is so good!!! He knew I was needed at home this past year but that I am meant to be a veterinarian.

Future

I will try to keep posting on life as it happens. From rabbits, cows, dogs, etc to exploring Columbus, meeting new friends, and hopefully still quilting. Until then take life as it comes knowing each day can be a wonderful day no matter what happens and that God is there with you walking by your side and crying when bad things happen to good people. Until then
TTFN

Autumn's Renewal of Mind

Autumn's Renewal of Mind is what I titled the quilt I finally finished.  Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will." and this is where I took the renewal of the mind for the title. Although autumn may not seem like a time of renewal I see it as such.  In Ephesians 4:22-24 we are told to put off the old self and to be made new in the renewal of our minds that way we can put on our new self which is created to be like God.  This is what I see in autumn which is a period of rest and shedding of the old.  It is a time of preparation for when the new will be put on.  Autumn is a slower season wrapped up in anticipation of winter which allows one to reflect and contemplate the world around her.  All these thoughts are what led me to the name as this quilt is a picture of a farm in autumn.

Here are the pictures of the finished quilt:

I made my first quilt sleeve with which to hang this quilt.  I also experimented a little with free motion quilting.  This project has made me realize I would like to do more free motion quilting and so I have found some fabrics I can do that with and will probably turn them into postcards and ornaments.  I may even raffle, auction, or sell them off when I am done with them.  Although it took me a few months to make it I enjoyed every minute and will be sad to see it go.  What makes me happy though is it is going to a great home where it will be loved and appreciated.  I hope the next quilt of this size that I make will be done in a much more timely manner.

Shameless Plug

Thanks to the Houghton Drawing Board I am now going to give you a 'shameless plug.'

From Houghton Drawing Board issue 108. Published Nov 17, 2011.

The real plug is this.  I now also have a facebook page and you can go there and 'like' it.  Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/soaringheights13

Mostly I will be using that page to link to my blog here but who knows I may put pictures up there that I don't here.  I will also be using my facebook page to raffle and auction off practice pieces, quilts, and personalized quilts.

You may be wondering your blog is titled Soaring Heights and your facebook page is titled Soaring Heights Quilting, what is with the title Soaring Heights?  Well the Soaring Heights comes from Isaiah 40:31 where those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles.  I know my hope is in God and so I thought the title fitting.  Quilting is my way of exploring the beauty that God gave us in nature.  I take photos of this beauty and turn them into art quilts.  Quilting has been in my family for a few generations and I have watched my mom experiment with quilting styles and art quilts.  Now I am experimenting with art quilts and using that to show God's love to people.  Most of the quilts I create I do not keep but give to others.  My photos are my main record of my quilts.  I actually enjoy quilting that way and find I do better if I have someone in mind for gifting my quilt to.  It is my hope that through quilting and eventually veterinary medicine I will be able to bring God's love to many people.

Now make sure to check out that facebook page and like it and keep coming back to see the latest in my adventures in art quilting.

Between Rocks

My personal goal for this quilt was to have it done by August 1st.  I had to set a goal because I kept putting it off and I really wanted to work on it.  It has been a lovely quilt to work on and try new things.  However, I will be going away for two weeks starting Sunday so ideally I want to finish it before I leave.  This is actually feasible because it is almost there.

Trees were added trying a new approach where I just cut large 'confetti' or 'snippets' and have them fall onto the fabric.  I found I should have placed a green piece of fabric behind so I didn't have to make sure all the spaces were covered and there were no small white spaces peeking through.

Fields were added next.  However, if I were thinking I would have put the trees, bushes, and barn down after the first field and before the second but things still worked out.

The last fields and the road were then added.  After ironing things down and thinking about it a little more I would have made the upper two grass pieces one piece so the distant stone wall could be moved around a little more instead of having to cover the seam of the pieces.

The trees, bushes, and barn were added.  I really liked the look of the orange trees and will be making more of them with that fabric for future quilts I am sure.

The quilt has really progressed but then I hit a stone wall, not quite literally but close to it.  The black spaces in the photo are where I will be putting in stone walls.  However, I have never created stone walls with fabric before and found it to be quite challenging.

At first I attempted to create a stone wall free hand. Although my mom said it looked good I just was not satisfied with the look so I tried again.

This time I didn't do a free hand approach but traced the pieces onto fusible webbing from my design and went from there.  I was much more satisfied with this piece so I added it to the quilt.  I also added the last fabric details to the barn.

Now all that is left is the last stone wall which should go much more smoothly now I have practiced.  I also just have some threaded details.  Then it is deciding whether to add a border or just give it the backing.  I am very excited to finish this up and get it to its wonderful owner.  I guess I need to start thinking of names for it.  I am also very excited to go to Pennsylvania and hang out with a horse vet and a food animal vet.