Rural Health Blog!

So, as part of our AmeriCorps position with the Washington Health Foundation, they have us write a few blogs during our term of service talking about our experiences so far. I figured I'd share it with you since I've neglected to update my own blog. I assure you it's worth the look -- and also to check out what else is going on in the world of rural healthcare! You'd be surprised....

One Less Twinkie: Forging for Realistic Goals in Pomeroy


Enjoy!

Morning walks.

As you know, I enjoy saving the environment... and a few bucks here and there... so I walk to work. Real far, I know. Anyways, on my morning jaunt it's often difficult to stay alert when I'm slightly overtired. I find ways to entertain myself, though, don't worry! 


I now present you, exhibit A: 


Snow still scattered in spots, a pile remained below the grain elevators. I looked over. Immediately my creative mind wandered. A coating of grain spread across the snow, leaving an impression of torched custard, waiting for someone to indulge in its delight. Could it be... a giant creme brulee?!

I'll write*, if you want... (*alright)

After my snowshoeing adventure on Saturday, I decided I needed a day sans crying baby. I woke up Sunday determined to try out the cross country ski's Doctor Houser lent me and hit the trails. Well, I sure hit the trails! I made my way up to Fields Spring State Park (the same place I went snowshoeing) and for a novice XC skiing, I'd say that falling a mere 10 times qualifies as successful. I had an amazing time on my solo-trek and I didn't hug any trees -- which is a good thing (ski's plus trees equals hospital). Anyways, as I made my way up the trails I came across a split -- the most difficult section to my right and unnamed territory trailed (!) to my left. So I went right. Hell, why not! Well, going up sure caused me to work up a sweat, but the view at the top (the Puffer Butte warming hut) blew me away -- almost literally. Words and pictures can't describe the pure beauty of the snow covered peaks. Needless to say, awe's an understatement and gave me reason number 153 of why I love the northwest. As the clouds darkened and snow fell harder, I decided I better head down. I managed to find my way back to Edward in the parking lot and make my way back to Pomeroy. Enjoy the pictures!

  ... I couldn't help myself

Just horsing around...

So today, I went snowshoeing with Ron and Nate in Anatone, Wa. at Fields Spring State Park. Firstly, let me introduce you to Anatone, where there are more animals combined than people.

After snowshoeing for a bit, Nate had too much of the cold so we called it a day, but on the way out we took a detour down Shoemaker grade which leads to a valley by the river. As we descended deeper, not only did our stomachs drop like when you're on a roller coaster, but so did the snow! You can see in the background where the snow line ends in this picture. 

By the time we reached the river, no snow covered the ground, just ice along the riverbank making the river look pretty chilly -- even for this polar plunging maniac! 

 When we headed back up the grade to make our way to Pomeroy, we spotted something in the road and as we pulled up closer and rolled down the window, we started horsing around.

Ways you know you've settled into a rural community....

So a few things have surfaced recently that forced me to take a step back and say, "Wow, I guess I've adjusted well in Pomeroy."

The 5 reasons that led me to believe I've truly become a member of the Pomeroy community:

1. The workers at the post office no longer ask me my P.O. Box number when I have a package.
2. When I walk into the coffee shop at Meyers (the hardware store), I find out I've been in debt $5.56 on my coffee card for weeks and still received drinks. I repaid my debt without a lawsuit.
3. At the grocery store, the cashier acknowledges that I took advantage of the produce sale. He then kids me that they have a few specials on meat, knowing I'm a vegetarian. After this laugh, he proceeds to ask if I want all of my items separated into individual plastic bags, also knowing I'm a tree-hugger.
4. Walking down the street, I frequently find my hand in the air waving to people more than simply swaying with rhythm by my side. Pretty soon, I'm going to start carrying hand weights so I can workout and be friendly.
5. I began driving less like a Masshole by obeying speed limits and stop signs, and refraining from honking at Sunday drivers which are often spotted on days ending in 'Y.'

Enjoy.