week 2 = done and done!

I can't believe I've had two whole weeks of class already! Time is flying by, but my professors have not seemed to have any problems filling this time chock full of work. For my basic sciences, they are doing it a bit different. All of the sciences are combined into one large class; so rather than taking physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, etc. I take "basic science" which is a combination of all of the disciplines. Then, instead of the traditional midterm and final, I have

an exam every week. I actually like this arrangement better. We are learning about the sciences in topics rather than bouncing all over. You also have to stay on track with the studying to be prepared for the test each week. Apparently, many professional

schools are switching to this "systems based curriculum". I like it much better though. It is much easier to manage the work in smaller bits. I actually had my first test on Tuesday, and it went well. I am pleased to report that my first official grade in dental school was an A! (The picture on the left is my classmates taking the exam in the "testing center". I stole this picture from one of my classmates who was creepily taking pictures through the blinds. Thought it was interesting to share with you all though. I have never been to a school where all the tests were computerized before. It kind of reminded me of taking the DAT all over again! The picture on the right is how you feel after the test!) My other classes, which focus on dentistry are a lot more traditional. This week coming up, I have another exam, a quiz, and a presentation. Sounds like fun right?

Other than that, not much else is new. I went shopping last Saturday with a college friend who is a elementary school teacher down here. It was the perfect day to go, since it was the first day below 95 degrees since I have gotten here! It actually rained pretty heavily in the morning, and was cloudy all day (a rarity). Only about 85 degrees that day...perfect shopping weather! The weather down here is quite strange. Early evening and at night sometimes we get huge thunderclouds out over the mountains to the north, even if there are clear skies everywhere else. Several times, I have sat on my balcony and watched the lightning storms. It usually doesn't rain, and if it does, it is only a sprinkle. Usually the pavement doesn't even get wet because it is so hot that the rain drops evaporate before they hit the ground. In Arizona wildlife news, I had my first run-in with a road-runner today also (yes...pun intended). I was walking back from class this afternoon and he was hanging out in the middle of the sidewalk. He let me get pretty close before moving, and only stayed a few steps in front of me. It was actually bigger than I had expected and had orange spot on its face. Very cool. I've also seen a few hummingbirds and a ton of rabbits.

Anyway, I do need to get back to work. I have tomorrow off, but in addition to studying, I have quite a few errands to run. Work is never done right? Hope to hear from you soon!

Here are some photos of the weather I have taken in the past week. All of them were shot right off of my balcony. The sunset clouds was taken Tuesday evening. The lightning pictures were taken last week sometime. I love sitting out on the patio and watching the weather.