He Studies.

He studies. All the time.

I am so proud of his dedication.

I'd have lost my mind by now. I'm certain of it.

Keith is out of dental school right now, and has been for a few weeks. Sounds like fun to be off, right? No work, no school! Not so much. Not when the only reason you are out for 5 weeks is to study for the MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF YOUR CAREER (so I hear)!  Yowzers!

Keith takes the first part of his National Boards next Tuesday, March 30. This written portion covers everything he has learned so far since he started dental school (2 school years worth of classroom/book stuff). 

The second part will be at the end of his 4th year and it will cover all the clinical stuff (so, he'll have to prove, on real patients, that he knows how to fill a cavity, do dentures, etc.). They say that second one is MUCH easier on you.

This first part of National Boards = brutal.

Especially if you want to do A+ awesome like my hubs.

Here is a taste of his life right now:

In the study/office/extra guest room, he has piles of things everywhere.

He says he knows where everything is.

Of course, this is not my study method. But, I'm so glad it works for him.
I would have wasted at least 50% of my time color-coding, tabbing, and organizing this stuff instead of actually learning it. Reason #28 why I'm not cut out for what Keith is doing!

Some days I wonder how he can focus and not feel overwhelmed by the many piles and stacks of info.  I'm very impressed with him. He has not waivered!

Let's take a closer look at the sheer amount of stuff he's cramming into his brain:

Lots of note cards.

With lots of words. Front and Back.

Words about stuff I don't understand.

He is re-learning all about the body.
Look! There's Gray's Anatomy.

He is especially concerned about the head and neck.

Duh, that's what dentists do!

And to keep going strong, and not loose focus, my sweet wonderful husband is posting scripture around his study cave:

{see those lovely teeth on the shelf? one of our favorite home decor items :)}

He also has this note by the nightstand:

I know that it would be so difficult for me to wake up early and start studying, knowing I had the whole day off. But, he gets up when I do. And heads to the cave.

This has been his uniform. Fleece pullover and gym shorts.
He says he is a fleece freak.
I think he should take the test in the gray pullover for good luck!

Hey, at least he still smiles!

It's all going to be over soon. You have lots of people cheering for you!

I'm so, so, so proud of him already. I know he will do great.

No matter what, I know he would appreciate your prayers and thoughts between now and Tuesday. It is going to be very tough and stressful :) Thanks, friends!!