The simple bear necessities of life!

Female Grizzly paw ~250lbs

On May 20th I held "paws" with a big ol' grizzly bear! Say what?! I NEVER in my life saw that coming. Hanging out with grizzly bears was not on my bucket-list, but I definitely just crossed it off :) One of Matt's professors, Dr. Chantal Vella, is a professor at WSU and is conducting research on grizzly bear insulin sensitivity. Matt, two of his classmates (Maddie and Emily), and I had the opportunity to help monitor the grizzly bear's fasting glucose levels. We helped move the bears from their enclosures to the procedure room and then drew blood to measure glucose levels. Let me tell you, moving an unconscious 500lb bear is no easy task! We worked with 4 bears, two males and two females. It was an incredible experience to say the least. 

Gathering blood for a glucose test

Maddie's counting the bear's heart rate

Matt's waiting to draw blood

Emily loving the bear <3

Here's a new fun fact for you! Did you know that a grizzly bear's heart rate varies with the breathing rate? When the bear inhales you hear the heart beating, but when the bear exhales, the heart beats stop. Isn't that crazy?! Not only was it fantastic to listen to a grizzly bear's heart beat, but hearing an unsteady heart beat was unnerving. We helped with 4 different bears, and the heart rate was around 30bpm - that's very low compared to humans. A-maz-ing! You learn something new every day! 

The WSU Bear Center is working on quite a few research projects and you should check them out! The staff is wonderful and the bears are well cared for. If you are ever in Pullman, go visit the bears! 

Bloomsday 2014

I have yet to convince myself that I enjoy running more than a mile, but I love organized races. There is something joyous about a large group of people coming together to run or walk a set course for the sake of finishing it (and for the free t-shirt). I love the energy and anticipation that surges through the crowd as we wait for the sound of the gun to announce us. 

Every May, Spokane, WA hosts a huge race called Bloomsday. I think 50,000 people participated this year, and it was an awesome experience. Bloomsday was my second race (I ran a 5k Hot Chocolate race in Seattle in 2013) and it was incredible how many people cheered us on. The race passed through several neighborhoods where people enjoyed BBQs and posted signs with "Go Bloomies!" scrawled by local kiddos while watching the race. At one point we were serenaded by a gentleman with his bagpipe from a 3rd story apartment - so fun! 

Thankfully, my twin Rebecca and her mom Michelle invited me up to Spokane to join them for Bloomsday, otherwise I would have missed it. I had a wonderful time having a girls weekend and catching up on life with my best friend! :) It was nice to be out of Moscow for a night. We walked the race and enjoyed the beautiful Spokane scenery and each other's company for 7.45 miles.

fabulous hostests :)

We're freezing and ready to start!

Doomsday Hill

Almost there...

We made it! 

When I begin my (infrequent) runs, I try to remind myself of the excitement of a race, but when I only have my mind for company, running soon becomes a chore. I'm hoping to convince my mind otherwise over the next 3 years so I can run a Disney half-marathon after Matt graduates from medical school.  

Birthday Surprise Weekend!

For my 23rd birthday, Matt planned a weekend getaway to Spokane to see Wicked, one of my favorite broadway shows! Like always, the show was FANTASTIC, but even more so was spending quality time with my husband without the stress of school. It's amazing how much more relaxed he is since his first year of medical school ended. Only 3+ years to go!  

We had a wonderful time walking around downtown Spokane - the weather was perfect! Huntington Park was a beautiful little grassy area within the city. 

On our way home, we drove to Coeur D'Alene and had lunch with Kate, our friend from PLU!

Thanks for planning a great weekend honey! 

And thanks to my parents for funding it :)  

White Coat Ceremony: End of MS1

Two weeks ago, Matt celebrated the end of his first year of medical school (MSI) with the White Coat Ceremony - yay! This is the first white coat Matt will receive on his medical school journey (I think there's three?). Most medical programs initiate their students into the year by giving them a white coat, but the Moscow/Pullman WWAMI site did a stethoscope ceremony, which I wish I had non-blurry pictures of :(   

When Matt was called onto the stage to receive his white coat, the physicians he precepted with spoke about his work and his future as a physician. Nothing makes me more proud than hearing compliments about my hubby! :) The video of Matt getting his white coat is below, though please excuse my amateur videography skills.

In the last couple weeks of school, Matt was renamed Peter Matthews... and was inducted into the "Two First Names Club" by one of the other physicians. That's why he was referred to "Peter" in the video. I find it hilarious :) 

More pictures!! 

Matt's awesome study buddy, Maddie!

Jake, Matt and Dan - volleyball guys!

Our neighbor Lauren, we're going to miss living next to you!

Dr. Hall, who renamed Matt, Peter :)
(of course Matt had to close his eyes...)

We've really enjoyed our time in Moscow and are looking forward to new adventures in Seattle for Matt's second year!