I'm going to go ahead and say this right now...this term is going to be a doozy! After two weeks of class, I have 2 binders that are already almost filled to the brim with papers/handouts/notes, and have dried up 3 highlighters. That's just wrong. I'm not really sure what it is that is making this term so crazy, but I am not a fan. I'm also finding it hard to be interested in and motivated for these classes. Other than Pediatrics, I'm not super interested in my classes. Unfortunately, Pediatrics has enough information to be consumed by 2 terms, and it's crammed into one.
We also just got a packet yesterday titled "A Guide to Successful Completion of Your Comprehensive Exams." Not something we really wanted to add to our pile. The first week of next term will be spent taking comprehensive practical exams on everything that we have ever learned in the program. We will also have to take a state board exam. Fun. The purpose of this is to make sure that we are safe and prepared to go out into the clinics. If you don't pass, they let you take them again, unless you do something really wrong. Then they have the power and authority to hold you back for a year. So we're supposed to be studying and preparing for these while studying for the classes we're in right now. Explain to me how I'm going to find time for that. That means, no real break after this term because I will be studying my B-U-T-T off. I know I'll have to give myself some kind of break, even if it is only a few days, or I will go crazy.
We had about 20 babies and kids come in today for us to observe for Peds, which was a ton of fun, but was mentally exhausting. You have to come up with games and activities to play with these little crazy, energetic kids that we've hyped up on sugar, meanwhile keeping track in your head what milestones they should be at and what they're lacking on, etc. Fun, but tiring. Highlights from the day:
1. A baby that would not stop crying for anyone else immediately stopped as soon as I held him, and proceeded to fall asleep in my arms. My class now thinks that I have "super mom powers".
2. I told a girl who had glittery, sparkly shoes that I liked them and wished I had some like them. She proceeded to hide them from me because she thought I was going to steal them. She also told me that I only had 1 ponytail while she had 4, and that I should work on that.
I don't know if I'm suffering from major burnt-out syndrome, or what. I succumbed to taking a nap today because I was so exhausted and kept falling asleep while I was studying. I didn't wake up to my alarm, or should I say managed to turn it off in my sleep, and ended up sleeping for over 2 hours. My first thought when I woke up: "Dang it...there went 2 hours of studying!" I long for the days where I enjoyed taking a nap and didn't feel guilty for doing it.
I guess I should get back to the books since I did lose 2 hours of precious time. I'm just hoping that this term lightens up soon. I might have to run away for a weekend or two just to maintain my sanity and focus. Any ideas for weekend get-aways?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day 2009...
I just read Betty's blog and was inspired by their list of their environmentally friendly actions and decided to make a list of the things I currently do and things that could use some improvement. So, in honor of Earth Day, here goes...
I currently:
-use reusable bags at the grocery store, Trader Joe's, and Target. But if I happen to forget them, I at least reuse the plastic bags as trashcan liners, or take them in to recycle them. Vons and Target have bins for you to recycle them in, in case your pile is growing too large under the kitchen sink.
-use energy efficient bulbs, even though I hate them and the light they give off. I especially hate the way they have to "warm up" before they give off the full light, and don't get me started on how they contain mercury and if they break, Haz Mat has to come out and clean it up for you. Never mind the fact that they don't really fit in a grad student's budget, but hey...it's good for the environment, right? Moving on...
-turn my computer(s) off or at least put it to sleep whenever I'm not using it/them.
-turn the water off when brushing my teeth and between dishes
-recycle cans, bottles, paper, plastic, etc.
-only run the dishwasher when it is full, and let the dishes air-dry and not have a heated dry, AND do a short wash.
-when it is cold and I use the oven, I leave the oven door open after I'm finished to help heat up the house.
-only do laundry when I have full loads, or try to combine loads with my roommates. Plus I only wash things in cold water.
-use fans instead of the air conditioner, unless it's midnight and we're going to bed and it's still over 88ยบ upstairs (where our bedrooms are) and it hasn't cooled off outside...I also believe in the power of cross-breezes!
-turn off the lights whenever I leave a room
-use environmentally safe/friendly cleaning products...most of the time...
-take the stuff I don't need/want anymore to GoodWill instead of throwing it away.
-use envelopes and notebook paper that is made from recycled products, even though I don't like them as much
-buy organic food when I can, but the grad student budget usually limits this to milk and produce only...sometimes other things if they're on sale
-use reusable coffee mugs and plastic containers as much as possible
-use the smaller paper towels, instead of full-size ones
-don't shop at Walmart...sorry, that's my own personal vendetta against that place! :)
Things I could improve on:
-using high efficiency appliances...again, grad student...I use what comes with the house!
-buying more food from a farmer's market, except that there isn't one near-by that runs year-round. I suppose I could buy more from smaller, local, non-chain produce stores. I think it's important to support local businesses, even though it might not mean the best price.
-drove back-and-forth between home and school less...except that I really don't study well when I'm not at home, and I'm sick of that place! I suppose we (me and my roommates) could coordinate better and carpool, but sometimes we don't know what we'll be doing after class, until...well, after class.
-holding on to things...I have managed to accumulate a lot of clutter. This will change before I move again! GoodWill better prepare itself!
-watching less TV. This is a hard one, because the last thing I want to do as a study break is read a book or magazine, because that means reading. But I really think I watch a lot of crap shows just for the sake of having downtime...sad, but true. Plus, it would cut down on the electric bill.
I think everyone always has things they could improve on. Although I consider myself to be environmentally mindful, I know there is always more I could do. I hope this inspires you to think about how you are helping out our planet, and consider celebrating Earth Day, every day!
I currently:
-use reusable bags at the grocery store, Trader Joe's, and Target. But if I happen to forget them, I at least reuse the plastic bags as trashcan liners, or take them in to recycle them. Vons and Target have bins for you to recycle them in, in case your pile is growing too large under the kitchen sink.
-use energy efficient bulbs, even though I hate them and the light they give off. I especially hate the way they have to "warm up" before they give off the full light, and don't get me started on how they contain mercury and if they break, Haz Mat has to come out and clean it up for you. Never mind the fact that they don't really fit in a grad student's budget, but hey...it's good for the environment, right? Moving on...
-turn my computer(s) off or at least put it to sleep whenever I'm not using it/them.
-turn the water off when brushing my teeth and between dishes
-recycle cans, bottles, paper, plastic, etc.
-only run the dishwasher when it is full, and let the dishes air-dry and not have a heated dry, AND do a short wash.
-when it is cold and I use the oven, I leave the oven door open after I'm finished to help heat up the house.
-only do laundry when I have full loads, or try to combine loads with my roommates. Plus I only wash things in cold water.
-use fans instead of the air conditioner, unless it's midnight and we're going to bed and it's still over 88ยบ upstairs (where our bedrooms are) and it hasn't cooled off outside...I also believe in the power of cross-breezes!
-turn off the lights whenever I leave a room
-use environmentally safe/friendly cleaning products...most of the time...
-take the stuff I don't need/want anymore to GoodWill instead of throwing it away.
-use envelopes and notebook paper that is made from recycled products, even though I don't like them as much
-buy organic food when I can, but the grad student budget usually limits this to milk and produce only...sometimes other things if they're on sale
-use reusable coffee mugs and plastic containers as much as possible
-use the smaller paper towels, instead of full-size ones
-don't shop at Walmart...sorry, that's my own personal vendetta against that place! :)
Things I could improve on:
-using high efficiency appliances...again, grad student...I use what comes with the house!
-buying more food from a farmer's market, except that there isn't one near-by that runs year-round. I suppose I could buy more from smaller, local, non-chain produce stores. I think it's important to support local businesses, even though it might not mean the best price.
-drove back-and-forth between home and school less...except that I really don't study well when I'm not at home, and I'm sick of that place! I suppose we (me and my roommates) could coordinate better and carpool, but sometimes we don't know what we'll be doing after class, until...well, after class.
-holding on to things...I have managed to accumulate a lot of clutter. This will change before I move again! GoodWill better prepare itself!
-watching less TV. This is a hard one, because the last thing I want to do as a study break is read a book or magazine, because that means reading. But I really think I watch a lot of crap shows just for the sake of having downtime...sad, but true. Plus, it would cut down on the electric bill.
I think everyone always has things they could improve on. Although I consider myself to be environmentally mindful, I know there is always more I could do. I hope this inspires you to think about how you are helping out our planet, and consider celebrating Earth Day, every day!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Meeting Grady...
This weekend Jeff and I got to go down to San Diego to get meet our new nephew Grady. What a sweetheart! Jeff and I are so much in love with him. Course, if you ask Jeff if he likes being an uncle, his response is "sure." (I know he's really thrilled). He's actually still down there and will drive back up to SLO tomorrow, but I unfortunately had to come back up today. I'm more than a little jealous...not gonna lie. Sometimes this whole school thing really puts a damper on my life!
I tested out a bunch of Grady's reflexes for my Pediatrics class (and recorded some of them too, with Melissa and Derek's permission of course), and he passed with flying colors. As if we had any doubts! Jeff's parents also came down on Saturday to spend the day and fight over the little peanut. He is so very loved by many people...what a lucky kid! I didn't become a Grady hog (GH) until today, when I pulled the "I'm leaving today" card and was a major GH. I just couldn't get enough of him, and I already miss him a lot. Grady sure liked to fall asleep in my arms...something I never could get sick of. I'm not sure when I'll get back down there, but hopefully it won't be too long! I hope Melissa & Derek don't mind company! :) I sure am one proud Auntie!
My sister left on Thursday for her Peace Corps stint. It's a little surreal. It didn't really hit me until this weekend that she's really gone for the next 2 years. She is now in South Africa, and will be heading to Botswana tomorrow. She doesn't really know yet specifically what she'll be doing, but should find out relatively soon...maybe.
My current schedule is as follows:
Pediatrics: Mon/Wed 8:30-12, Fri 9-11
Pharmacology: Mon 6-10pm (yuck!)
General Medicine (Gen Med): Tues/Thurs 10-3
Prosthetics and Orthotics: Tues/Thurs 4-7
All of our tests are going to end up being on the same days...fun! And it looks like I'll be spending my birthday weekend studying and NOT going to Disneyland for free! (insert grad school interference complaint here) Jeff keeps reminding me that I really only have about 1 year until I'm done, because then I'll just have my residency and I'll be out of here and up with him (*fingers crossed*). It just seems like it's going to be a really long year until then! Well, I really should get to studying since I spent the whole weekend staring at/holding/loving Grady. But I'll leave you with a few more pictures of my cutie of a nephew...Love you Grady! Thanks Melissa and Derek for letting his Uncle Jeff and Auntie Kenzi come and play!
Monday, April 13, 2009
back to life...
...back to reality! Yep, back to school I go. What a bummer. Break ended by helping my sister schlep a carload of her stuff down from SLO to my parents' house. Then we met my mom and my friend Jocelyn to go wedding dress shopping!
Yes, the wedding is forever away...believe me, I know! But I really wanted my sister to be able to be a part of the process since she's going to miss so much over the next 2 years. I also kind of feel like I've lost my excitement over the wedding since it is so far away and I have people constantly reminding me of that. Yes, I'm in school and yes, I'm busy, but that doesn't mean I have to completely ignore the fact that I am indeed getting married and eventually there will be a wedding to plan. Anyway, I had a lot of fun, and found a serious potential dress. When/if I will commit, I don't know, but for now I will continue to try to find ways to stay excited about my wedding. So there.
Jeff came down on Friday night, and on Saturday we had my sister's farewell party. That meant lots of cleaning, cooking, prepping, etc. A lot of people came by to wish her well which was very nice. A lot of work, but a lot of fun too. Sunday we had Easter at my grandparents' house and also celebrated my grandpa's birthday. It was nice to get so much family time in over the period of a few days.
Top Q&A for the weekend...
-No, we don't have a wedding date set, but it'll most likely be mid/late July 2011. We're waiting that long because I won't be done with school until end of 2010 and then we're waiting for my sister to come back.
-No, we don't know where it's going to be either.
-No, I'm not almost done with school. I still have a good year and a half to go...bummer...
-No, it has not gotten any easier...I'm just used to the torture by now.
-Yes, I'm sick of being in school and am getting burnt out, but I don't really have a choice. Fortunately, we'll be in the clinics starting in August, which should help with the whole burnt out thing.
-After Jeff and I are married, we plan on living in the SLO area. In a house? Someday. Until then...a cardboard box if we have to.
-Yes, I get along with Jeff's family. In fact, I love them!
-Yes, Jeff takes good care of me...he spoils me rotten and I know how lucky I am to have found someone who will let me follow my dreams.
-Yes, I'm happy for my sister and yes, I'm excited for her, and yes, I will miss her.
-No, I will not be able to visit her due to school and money constraints. Bummer...
I was exhausted last night, physically and emotionally, but no time for being tired because today is the start of the next term! I'll post my schedule once it's finalized. All in all, it was a good break. They're never long enough, but always needed. Hope everyone had a terrific Easter. Enjoy your spring breaks (those of you who get them)!
Yes, the wedding is forever away...believe me, I know! But I really wanted my sister to be able to be a part of the process since she's going to miss so much over the next 2 years. I also kind of feel like I've lost my excitement over the wedding since it is so far away and I have people constantly reminding me of that. Yes, I'm in school and yes, I'm busy, but that doesn't mean I have to completely ignore the fact that I am indeed getting married and eventually there will be a wedding to plan. Anyway, I had a lot of fun, and found a serious potential dress. When/if I will commit, I don't know, but for now I will continue to try to find ways to stay excited about my wedding. So there.
Jeff came down on Friday night, and on Saturday we had my sister's farewell party. That meant lots of cleaning, cooking, prepping, etc. A lot of people came by to wish her well which was very nice. A lot of work, but a lot of fun too. Sunday we had Easter at my grandparents' house and also celebrated my grandpa's birthday. It was nice to get so much family time in over the period of a few days.
Top Q&A for the weekend...
-No, we don't have a wedding date set, but it'll most likely be mid/late July 2011. We're waiting that long because I won't be done with school until end of 2010 and then we're waiting for my sister to come back.
-No, we don't know where it's going to be either.
-No, I'm not almost done with school. I still have a good year and a half to go...bummer...
-No, it has not gotten any easier...I'm just used to the torture by now.
-Yes, I'm sick of being in school and am getting burnt out, but I don't really have a choice. Fortunately, we'll be in the clinics starting in August, which should help with the whole burnt out thing.
-After Jeff and I are married, we plan on living in the SLO area. In a house? Someday. Until then...a cardboard box if we have to.
-Yes, I get along with Jeff's family. In fact, I love them!
-Yes, Jeff takes good care of me...he spoils me rotten and I know how lucky I am to have found someone who will let me follow my dreams.
-Yes, I'm happy for my sister and yes, I'm excited for her, and yes, I will miss her.
-No, I will not be able to visit her due to school and money constraints. Bummer...
I was exhausted last night, physically and emotionally, but no time for being tired because today is the start of the next term! I'll post my schedule once it's finalized. All in all, it was a good break. They're never long enough, but always needed. Hope everyone had a terrific Easter. Enjoy your spring breaks (those of you who get them)!
Monday, April 6, 2009
the SLO life...
Another stressful week of finals over, another term down! I finished my last final of the term on Thursday morning, and I was out of there immediately after. Of course, I forgot a whole bag of stuff filled with things I was going to do over this break (scrapbook, recipes I wanted to try out, books I wanted to read, magazines, my wedding book to show my sister before she leaves for Botswana, etc.). That's why I usually don't pack up my car before my last final, but I really wanted to get out of there. My timing was quite perfect on the way up, and I stopped to have lunch with my mom during her short lunch break. Then I drove the rest of the way up to SLO, and have been enjoying the SLO life ever since.
Jeff and I went to Farmer's Market that night, which truly makes the SLO experience complete. I miss having a year-round Farmer's, but soon enough I will be back up here and be reunited! Jeff's former roommate David and his fiance Jeannette came into town on Saturday morning, and spent the weekend with us. We didn't do very much, caught up with each others lives, ate yummy food, played Guitar Hero World Tour. We even made a trip out to the Avila Valley Barn to pay a visit to the goats. I've never been there in the off season before, so there wasn't as much produce or pumpkins as usual, but it was still fun. That place is always growing, and I love watching the kids feeding the animals and going on the hay ride. If you're ever in this neck of the woods, I strongly recommend it!
Other than that, we haven't done much. I've successfully been a lazy bum. We've watched a couple movies, plenty of TV and March Madness, played some video games, and I baked some shortcakes to go with our fresh strawberries...thanks for the recipe Mom! They were delicious!
No grades posted yet. I'm not too worried about it, but you just never know. The weather has been pretty nice, but tomorrow it's supposed to rain. We'll see if the weatherman is actually right. Not sure what I'm going to do for the rest of the week. Maybe go check out a few potential wedding sites? :) I forgot to mention that I did not attend the Central Coast Bridal Fair that just so happened to be on Sunday because David and Jeannette were in town. Jeff dodged the bullet on that one! Good thing I still have two years! Maybe I'll go explore downtown... If you have any inspiring ideas, send them my way! Until then, I'll keep being a bum!
Jeff and I went to Farmer's Market that night, which truly makes the SLO experience complete. I miss having a year-round Farmer's, but soon enough I will be back up here and be reunited! Jeff's former roommate David and his fiance Jeannette came into town on Saturday morning, and spent the weekend with us. We didn't do very much, caught up with each others lives, ate yummy food, played Guitar Hero World Tour. We even made a trip out to the Avila Valley Barn to pay a visit to the goats. I've never been there in the off season before, so there wasn't as much produce or pumpkins as usual, but it was still fun. That place is always growing, and I love watching the kids feeding the animals and going on the hay ride. If you're ever in this neck of the woods, I strongly recommend it!
Other than that, we haven't done much. I've successfully been a lazy bum. We've watched a couple movies, plenty of TV and March Madness, played some video games, and I baked some shortcakes to go with our fresh strawberries...thanks for the recipe Mom! They were delicious!
No grades posted yet. I'm not too worried about it, but you just never know. The weather has been pretty nice, but tomorrow it's supposed to rain. We'll see if the weatherman is actually right. Not sure what I'm going to do for the rest of the week. Maybe go check out a few potential wedding sites? :) I forgot to mention that I did not attend the Central Coast Bridal Fair that just so happened to be on Sunday because David and Jeannette were in town. Jeff dodged the bullet on that one! Good thing I still have two years! Maybe I'll go explore downtown... If you have any inspiring ideas, send them my way! Until then, I'll keep being a bum!
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