Wild. Wonderful.

Apparently that's what the state of West Virginia thinks of itself. Wild. Wonderful. Their slogan is plastered everywhere. Dave and I have settled into the beautiful state of West Virginia. Let me just share with you a few fun facts about the state so that you can have some mental image of West Virginia.

- #1 state for tooth loss (I had a 24 year old patient in dentures)
- #1 state for number of prescription drugs prescribed
- #1 state of smokers per capita
- 70% are obese/overweight
- 12% have Type II Diabetes
- 30+% have mental health illness

In case you can't get enough of this state, a Charleston suburb has been given the honor of the "Unhealthiest City in America." ABC is filming a reality show as we speak which will air in January.

Let's just say West Virginia has just a few issues. I am also trying to pick up on their own unique lingo.

shopping cart = buggie
restroom = cammode
beanie = toboggan
toboggan/sled = sleigh
valleys = hollers

Dave's update:

Dave has been voted Chief Intern by his peers and is really enjoying his internship. Everybody loves him, and has even been given the nickname "JC" (which is entirely sacrilegious, but very flattering). We live downtown in some brand new hospital housing, so the furthest Dave has to commute is five minutes to any of the three given hospitals. (The bummer is that I hear ambulances ALL THE TIME.) When I ask how his day went, Dave replies, "Just saving lives." At least he really enjoys his profession.

My update:

After searching for 6 weeks, I have only found a part time job. Not only do people not care about their teeth in this state, they don't care about dental hygienists either. I earn $15 per hour LESS than my friends in Kansas City are making. The rest of my time I fill with volunteering at a free Dental Clinic and reading.

Here are some pictures of the place:

This our view from our windows. A Baptist Temple. Notice the clock tower on top. There's another church with a clock tower on top directly across the street. I get to hear the two sets of clock chimes ring every hour. And also on the half hour. At least I have no excuse to be late.

I don't think we realized we lived in a dark dungeon before. Our new apartment is so open and bright. We love it.

Our much bigger, brighter kitchen.

We live about a 3 minute walk from the Kanawha River. I walk up and down it every morning.

West Virginia may take some adapting, but I think we'll make it. It is honestly one of the prettiest places I've lived. I love all of the pretty, green hollers.