Sorry, I guess a lot happened this past week without my even knowing it! This first week back was killer. I think I got a little too comfortable being on break. I'm really struggling to get back into the fast pace, and the easing into grad school is definitely over. The professors are starting off with a bang, and there's no looking back! My classes are as follows:
-Clinical Skills IB (which is a continuation of the clinical skills class I had last term, but now we're working on the back, lower body, and gait)
-Clinical Skills II (we're learning all the modalities--ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc--that we'll use throughout our career)
-Anatomy II (continuation of last term's anatomy, but now focusing on the lower half of the body and the organs)
-Research (starting our thesis)
They made us switch which cadavers that we're working on in Anatomy lab. Yep, no more Harley. You're probably thinking that we'd be happy about this, since Harley wasn't the greatest example for structures. Normally, yes...but we got switched to the 2nd worst body...BUBBA! This dude is HUGE!!! He easily weighs 250 pounds, if not closer to 300, which when it is quite literally dead weight, is a lot heavier than you might think. Not to mention everywhere you look is more fat to cut through. Ok, I'll stop before I get too detailed. Basically, we traded down, and we're not happy about it. I've already gotten sprayed all over my face with his juices (darn lungs) as he seems to be extra juicy for us. Yay.
We pick our research projects this week, and Marilee and I are aiming for doing research for infomercials for Proctor and Gamble...I'll keep you posted.
My grades from last term finally posted and I passed everything...HOORAY! Grades were as follows:
Clinical Skills IA: B+
Anatomy I: B
Seminar: A
Professional Relationships: A
For a GPA of 3.40. Not too shabby for my first term of grad school!
This past Friday they gave us the day off from class so we could all go to the BodyWorlds exhibit at the CA Science Center (at USC by the Coliseum). It was pretty cool, and the dissections were very impressive and inspiring. For those of you who don't know what it is, BodyWorlds is the plastinated cadavers that are dissected out and placed in different positions. Very neat if you're into that kind of thing...they don't even look real! Afterwards, I was showing Marilee around the Coliseum and we stumbled upon the American Gladiators set. They had just finished filming the new season that starts in May at the LA Sports Arena which is right next to the Coliseum. Being the huge fan that I am of AG, I was freaking out. We wanted to swipe some stuff, but it might look a little suspicious driving down the freeway with a giant piece of blue foam padding with white stars all over it. Oh well...it was still cool.
Yesterday was the spring time b-day celebration with Jeff's family, and they were nice enough to include me in the celebration. As always, good food and good company, even if I show up a day early! :) Thanks for the gifts Brocketts, Mitas', Fillipps, Stephens', and Dakes! Anyway, sorry this is so long. I should probably get back to studying. We have a quiz tomorrow and Thursday. The fun never stops!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Break's over :(
As hard as it is to say, the break is over, and tomorrow I head back to school. I had a lot of fun and caught up on sleep (sort of), and relaxed (definitely), and enjoyed spending time with Jeff, his family, and my family. I didn't do much in SLO, yet at the same time, I felt like those days flew by faster than the rest. By the time I would wake up, eat breakfast and shower, it was already time to meet Jeff for lunch. 
Then I would run errands for him or explore downtown, and then he was already home for dinner. Then we would watch a movie or play video games, and before you knew it, it was Thursday and it was time to go to T.O. Best part about SLO: being able to spend time with Jeff...DUH! Worst part about SLO: the gas prices! By the time I left, it was $3.96, and Jeff informs me it is now $3.99. OUCH! I had to take a picture to prove it. And sorry LOPT-er's for not coming by OR calling. I really was in quite the time-warp and couldn't tell you what day it was. Next time I'm up there I will at least call to let you all know I'm in the area! :)
Now for T.O. happenings... Thursday night my mom's BUNCO group met at our house, and I was a sub for one of the members. I didn't win anything, despite have 14 mini's and 16 losses. At least I got good laughs and good food out of it! Friday I ran some errands with my mom and that evening my mom and dad took my sister and I to go see Wicked for our birthdays (hers was in March and mine is coming up in May).
Before the show we went on the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour, where 2 of the cast members gave us insider secrets about the show. There were also original costumes, masks, wigs, set designs, and pictures out for us to see. Here is Glinda's "Bubble Dress."
All the beads and sequins are hand-sewn onto it, and the original dress took 30 days to sew with I think they said 4 people working on it. Now they can crank one out in 15 days, but it's still a ton of work! Then we got to go inside the theater to watch part of the sound-check going on. It was really neat, and the play was AMAZING! I loved it, and can understand how such a cult following has developed around it. I've been listening to some of the original Broadway recordings of the songs, and I actually prefer the actresses we had to those. Anyway, it's a terrific play and if you ever get the chance, you should see it!
Jeff and his roommate, Ed, and his girlfriend, Erin, came down Friday night and we all went to Disneyland on Saturday. It was really hot (at least 90º) and crowded, but we still had a lot of fun and had very wise fast pass useage. Still haven't been on Nemo because the line was long even at 10 pm...parents shouldn't let their kids stay up so late!
My legs are sore today since I don't do that much moving around anymore. I'm pretty exhausted from being in the heat and all the walking, and fell asleep on the couch I think 3 times this afternoon.
Then we all said our good-bye's and now I'm back at my apartment. When I first walked in, it was 97º inside the place, and I think now it is about 80º. Slowly, but surely it's cooling off, but I think I might die when the heat of the summer really comes around.
All in all, it was a terrific break, and I'm sad that it is over. I am excited to go back to class, but at the same time, I'll miss the downtime that I won't have for another 9 weeks. I think next break (June) I won't schedule so much, and take more time to just sit around and enjoy having time to do nothing. :) Thanks everyone for making my break so special, and know that I am missing you all already!
Then I would run errands for him or explore downtown, and then he was already home for dinner. Then we would watch a movie or play video games, and before you knew it, it was Thursday and it was time to go to T.O. Best part about SLO: being able to spend time with Jeff...DUH! Worst part about SLO: the gas prices! By the time I left, it was $3.96, and Jeff informs me it is now $3.99. OUCH! I had to take a picture to prove it. And sorry LOPT-er's for not coming by OR calling. I really was in quite the time-warp and couldn't tell you what day it was. Next time I'm up there I will at least call to let you all know I'm in the area! :)Now for T.O. happenings... Thursday night my mom's BUNCO group met at our house, and I was a sub for one of the members. I didn't win anything, despite have 14 mini's and 16 losses. At least I got good laughs and good food out of it! Friday I ran some errands with my mom and that evening my mom and dad took my sister and I to go see Wicked for our birthdays (hers was in March and mine is coming up in May).
Before the show we went on the "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour, where 2 of the cast members gave us insider secrets about the show. There were also original costumes, masks, wigs, set designs, and pictures out for us to see. Here is Glinda's "Bubble Dress."
All the beads and sequins are hand-sewn onto it, and the original dress took 30 days to sew with I think they said 4 people working on it. Now they can crank one out in 15 days, but it's still a ton of work! Then we got to go inside the theater to watch part of the sound-check going on. It was really neat, and the play was AMAZING! I loved it, and can understand how such a cult following has developed around it. I've been listening to some of the original Broadway recordings of the songs, and I actually prefer the actresses we had to those. Anyway, it's a terrific play and if you ever get the chance, you should see it!
Jeff and his roommate, Ed, and his girlfriend, Erin, came down Friday night and we all went to Disneyland on Saturday. It was really hot (at least 90º) and crowded, but we still had a lot of fun and had very wise fast pass useage. Still haven't been on Nemo because the line was long even at 10 pm...parents shouldn't let their kids stay up so late!
My legs are sore today since I don't do that much moving around anymore. I'm pretty exhausted from being in the heat and all the walking, and fell asleep on the couch I think 3 times this afternoon.
Then we all said our good-bye's and now I'm back at my apartment. When I first walked in, it was 97º inside the place, and I think now it is about 80º. Slowly, but surely it's cooling off, but I think I might die when the heat of the summer really comes around.
All in all, it was a terrific break, and I'm sad that it is over. I am excited to go back to class, but at the same time, I'll miss the downtime that I won't have for another 9 weeks. I think next break (June) I won't schedule so much, and take more time to just sit around and enjoy having time to do nothing. :) Thanks everyone for making my break so special, and know that I am missing you all already!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
coming back up for air...
I love being on break!!! :) As if anyone thought I wouldn't enjoy having a week off. I forgot how nice it is to sit around and do nothing. Jeff and I got back to SLO yesterday afternoon from a few days in Kernville with his parents. We didn't do a whole lot, which was right up my alley. We did go on a quad ride though, and there was still snow on the ground! I only got stuck a few times, but I now am suffering the consequences via soreness. How out of shape you can get sitting around all day in class for 9 weeks! We also watched 3:10 to Yuma, which actually was a pretty good movie. I'm usually not a huge western fan, but this one had a decent plot line to it. Plus, listening to Becky's reaction anytime someone got shot was hilarious! I need to watch more movies with her! :) I wish I brought my camera cord so I could upload some pictures of the wildflowers on the drive up there. Beautiful yellows, oranges, purples, and pinks...and of course, cows. I will have to post them when I get back home. Jeff ended up taking yesterday off so we could spend an extra day up there and spend more time together. Wish you Mitas' and Stephens' could have been there with us!
Right now Jeff is at work, so I am catching up on missed TV episodes, and soon will be starting to prepare for next term by making flashcards and study guides ahead of time...hopefully it helps! Note that I am delaying this for as long as possible...
As for finals, all in all I think they went well. *fingers crossed* Seminar I got 100% on the final due to the combined brilliance of my class (we cheered with every right answer we got). I will be shocked if I don't pull off an A in Professional Relationships. I got an 87% on the Clinical Skills written exam and a 98% on the practical exam. I'm both happy and mad/frustrated with that class, because although I did well and got a 92%, I missed getting an A- by 1%, and no, she did not round up. If this were undergrad I would have an A-...I miss those days! Grr! That grade is going to be mine next term! Anatomy has yet to reveal itself grade-wise, but I think I did well on the written, and hopefully passed the practical. We are all unsure how we did on the practical b/c it was much more difficult than the first one. Anyway, enough school talk...I'm on break! :)
Just enjoying some downtime in my old stomping grounds before I head down to T.O. on Thursday. Will write more later...now back to relaxing!
Right now Jeff is at work, so I am catching up on missed TV episodes, and soon will be starting to prepare for next term by making flashcards and study guides ahead of time...hopefully it helps! Note that I am delaying this for as long as possible...
As for finals, all in all I think they went well. *fingers crossed* Seminar I got 100% on the final due to the combined brilliance of my class (we cheered with every right answer we got). I will be shocked if I don't pull off an A in Professional Relationships. I got an 87% on the Clinical Skills written exam and a 98% on the practical exam. I'm both happy and mad/frustrated with that class, because although I did well and got a 92%, I missed getting an A- by 1%, and no, she did not round up. If this were undergrad I would have an A-...I miss those days! Grr! That grade is going to be mine next term! Anatomy has yet to reveal itself grade-wise, but I think I did well on the written, and hopefully passed the practical. We are all unsure how we did on the practical b/c it was much more difficult than the first one. Anyway, enough school talk...I'm on break! :)
Just enjoying some downtime in my old stomping grounds before I head down to T.O. on Thursday. Will write more later...now back to relaxing!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
term #1...over?!?!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Things have been quite hectic. Friday marked the last day of class, and the day that we finished all 3 pages of our check-offs. Our finals start with a bang on Monday. We have our Clinical Skills written final and practical, combined worth half our grade. I'm not as worried about the written portion, but the practical scares me. We will be given, at random, with a random partner, 5-6 skills to demonstrate and explain as we are video-taped. If you don't pass the practical with an 80%, you don't pass the class...no pressure! Tuesday is our Seminar final that we're taking as a group (I love this class!). Wednesday is our Anatomy lab practical, and Thursday is our Anatomy lecture final. And then I'm out of here!
I got my titers back, and apparently am not immune to Hepatitis B and Rubella, despite getting all the required shots. More support for the theory that vaccinations aren't as effective as you age. So I have to get those shots before I head out town. Goody!
Plans for the break:
Thursday drive up to SLO
Friday-Monday Jeff and I will join his parents in Kernville
Monday-Thursday I'll relax in SLO
Thursday-Friday I'll be at home (Friday we're going to Wicked)
Saturday Jeff and I are going to La Landa del Raton Miguel (Disneyland) :)
Sunday I'll head back to West Covina :(
Meanwhile, I'll be catching up on all the sleep I didn't get the past 9 weeks, making notecards for the next 9 weeks, and hopefully letting my brain get a break. I'm really looking forward to doing nothing!
Hope everyone is doing well, and maybe I'll be able to return phone calls and emails for once! :) Wish me luck this coming week!
I got my titers back, and apparently am not immune to Hepatitis B and Rubella, despite getting all the required shots. More support for the theory that vaccinations aren't as effective as you age. So I have to get those shots before I head out town. Goody!
Plans for the break:
Thursday drive up to SLO
Friday-Monday Jeff and I will join his parents in Kernville
Monday-Thursday I'll relax in SLO
Thursday-Friday I'll be at home (Friday we're going to Wicked)
Saturday Jeff and I are going to La Landa del Raton Miguel (Disneyland) :)
Sunday I'll head back to West Covina :(
Meanwhile, I'll be catching up on all the sleep I didn't get the past 9 weeks, making notecards for the next 9 weeks, and hopefully letting my brain get a break. I'm really looking forward to doing nothing!
Hope everyone is doing well, and maybe I'll be able to return phone calls and emails for once! :) Wish me luck this coming week!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Week 6
Only two more weeks of classes followed by a week of finals, and my first term of grad school is already over! I cannot believe it. I ended up doing fairly well on all the tests I had last week. I got 100% in seminar, but that doesn't really count because we took it as a class. :) I got a 98% in Professional Relationships, not sure how I did on the quiz in Anatomy because he was out of town this past week, and passed the stinkin' anatomy practical with an 80%. I know there are people in our class who did not even pass the practical, so I will stay satisfied knowing that I passed and aim for higher next time.
I finally got my blood drawn, and I have HUGE veins according to the second nurse. I'm never going back to the health center again for lab work! My mom stopped by yesterday on her way to Arizona. We got a shopping trip in to Target and had a nice catch-up chat over lunch. I know she stayed longer than she had intended, but it was nice having her around. Last night I went over to Jeff's Aunt Suzie's and met up with his parents, and the Mitas family. We planned out our trip back from the wedding in Colorado in August, and I'm really excited to be going to a bunch of National Parks that I've never been to. I also helped make decisions on the bridal shower. It was nice to get out of the apartment, and spend time with people who are not in the program.
I've got a Clinical Skills test tomorrow, so I'm meeting up with people to study later today. I've got CPR training early Wednesday morning, and then we're going to a hospital in Pomona to interview patients. We're practicing our initial evaluation skills, and I think it'll be a nice change from sitting inside a classroom. I can't wait to go home this weekend, even if it is for only a day and a half. Things are moving quickly, and I really can't wait for the break. May the luck of the Irish be with you tomorrow!
I finally got my blood drawn, and I have HUGE veins according to the second nurse. I'm never going back to the health center again for lab work! My mom stopped by yesterday on her way to Arizona. We got a shopping trip in to Target and had a nice catch-up chat over lunch. I know she stayed longer than she had intended, but it was nice having her around. Last night I went over to Jeff's Aunt Suzie's and met up with his parents, and the Mitas family. We planned out our trip back from the wedding in Colorado in August, and I'm really excited to be going to a bunch of National Parks that I've never been to. I also helped make decisions on the bridal shower. It was nice to get out of the apartment, and spend time with people who are not in the program.
I've got a Clinical Skills test tomorrow, so I'm meeting up with people to study later today. I've got CPR training early Wednesday morning, and then we're going to a hospital in Pomona to interview patients. We're practicing our initial evaluation skills, and I think it'll be a nice change from sitting inside a classroom. I can't wait to go home this weekend, even if it is for only a day and a half. Things are moving quickly, and I really can't wait for the break. May the luck of the Irish be with you tomorrow!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Week 5
What a week! I think this was the most tiring week of my life, at least mentally. The bags under my eyes are proof of the little sleep I got last week. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to make it, but my coffee cup says it all!
It started off with a test in Clinical Skills on Monday, which I am VERY proud to say I got 100% on. As exciting as that score is, it's even more impressive when there are people in the class who didn't even pass the test...boo-yah! Our presentations on Tuesday for Seminar ended up being postponed to "sometime before the end of the term"...nice to know the director does have a heart after all! Wednesday I turned in my take-home midterm for Professional Relationships. Thursday marked another gruesome Anatomy quiz, which I hope I did well on. Friday was the ever-important Anatomy practical, which I thought I did decent on, but then as people started talking about it, I'm less sure of my success on it. I guess I'll find out this Friday. Friday I also got my physical done and my tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (TDAP) shot. I am almost able to move my arm again. They also attempted to draw my 3 vials of blood for my titers, but the nurse claimed I was too dehydrated b/c no blood came out. More like she missed the vein. So I pumped fluids all weekend and today, I went back to get it done again, waited an hour and a half (gotta love college health centers), only to be told that my veins are "too small". So now they're sending me to some outside lab to get it done, so that'll be my fun Wednesday morning. Yippee! As much as I hate needles, I just keep reminding myself that I am lucky enough to be allowed to go to San Luis Obispo for my two-week clinical in August, and that I have to do this in order to go. Hopefully the motivation doesn't wear off!
On a lighter note, the Target Super Center opened right by our apartment, which is oh-so-dangerous. The red bullseye shines bright like a beacon on the hill! :) When we were driving home late Tuesday night, smelling lovely from Anatomy lab, I noticed a giant balloon arch outside the doors and tons of cars. So we turned around and went to see what was going on. Turns out they had a sneak-peek opening that night and there was cake and veggie/fruit/cheese platters at every corner of the store. They were also giving out Archer Farms samples and they had balloon animals and storytime for the kids. The Target dog was there too to take pictures with, but alas, I didn't have my camera. I must say, it was so exciting going in there with EVERY shelf fully stocked, everything smelling brand new, the carpet still squishy, shiny new carts complete with Starbucks cup holders, and a team member ready to help at every aisle. It was like an early Christmas! We also went back on Sunday for the official opening, but there wasn't anything special going on. The Wendy's also opened and we got celebratory Frosty's (which are no longer 99 cents), and today we found out that El Pollo Loco is going in that shopping center too. And on our way to Kohl's Easter sale yesterday, there was this lovely building that was so kind to put my name up in lights. So thoughtful!
I can't believe it's March already. Bigger yet, I can't believe that I'm already over half-way through the first term! I knew this would go by fast, but it's kind of scary. I'm excited for Easter and spring, and I've been spoiling myself with some flowers for in my bathroom, especially while my favorite flowers, tulips, are available. So here's a picture of my pretty flowers that make me smile every time I see them. The color in the picture doesn't do them justice...they're a beautiful shade of deep, rich magenta. Love them!
It started off with a test in Clinical Skills on Monday, which I am VERY proud to say I got 100% on. As exciting as that score is, it's even more impressive when there are people in the class who didn't even pass the test...boo-yah! Our presentations on Tuesday for Seminar ended up being postponed to "sometime before the end of the term"...nice to know the director does have a heart after all! Wednesday I turned in my take-home midterm for Professional Relationships. Thursday marked another gruesome Anatomy quiz, which I hope I did well on. Friday was the ever-important Anatomy practical, which I thought I did decent on, but then as people started talking about it, I'm less sure of my success on it. I guess I'll find out this Friday. Friday I also got my physical done and my tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (TDAP) shot. I am almost able to move my arm again. They also attempted to draw my 3 vials of blood for my titers, but the nurse claimed I was too dehydrated b/c no blood came out. More like she missed the vein. So I pumped fluids all weekend and today, I went back to get it done again, waited an hour and a half (gotta love college health centers), only to be told that my veins are "too small". So now they're sending me to some outside lab to get it done, so that'll be my fun Wednesday morning. Yippee! As much as I hate needles, I just keep reminding myself that I am lucky enough to be allowed to go to San Luis Obispo for my two-week clinical in August, and that I have to do this in order to go. Hopefully the motivation doesn't wear off!
On a lighter note, the Target Super Center opened right by our apartment, which is oh-so-dangerous. The red bullseye shines bright like a beacon on the hill! :) When we were driving home late Tuesday night, smelling lovely from Anatomy lab, I noticed a giant balloon arch outside the doors and tons of cars. So we turned around and went to see what was going on. Turns out they had a sneak-peek opening that night and there was cake and veggie/fruit/cheese platters at every corner of the store. They were also giving out Archer Farms samples and they had balloon animals and storytime for the kids. The Target dog was there too to take pictures with, but alas, I didn't have my camera. I must say, it was so exciting going in there with EVERY shelf fully stocked, everything smelling brand new, the carpet still squishy, shiny new carts complete with Starbucks cup holders, and a team member ready to help at every aisle. It was like an early Christmas! We also went back on Sunday for the official opening, but there wasn't anything special going on. The Wendy's also opened and we got celebratory Frosty's (which are no longer 99 cents), and today we found out that El Pollo Loco is going in that shopping center too. And on our way to Kohl's Easter sale yesterday, there was this lovely building that was so kind to put my name up in lights. So thoughtful!
I can't believe it's March already. Bigger yet, I can't believe that I'm already over half-way through the first term! I knew this would go by fast, but it's kind of scary. I'm excited for Easter and spring, and I've been spoiling myself with some flowers for in my bathroom, especially while my favorite flowers, tulips, are available. So here's a picture of my pretty flowers that make me smile every time I see them. The color in the picture doesn't do them justice...they're a beautiful shade of deep, rich magenta. Love them!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
weeks 3-4
So it's been kind of hectic lately, with pretty much non-stop studying. We've had an anatomy quiz every week and two midterms (1 in clinical skills and 1 in seminar). I'm starting to get a little frustrated b/c there's SO much information in anatomy and no matter what study tactic I use, the information is not sticking as well as I would like. So I'm talking to our professor on Monday to try to figure out a better way to make this work. Yesterday, Marilee and I did "check-offs" for clinical skills, where we demonstrated palpation and muscle testing techniques that we've learned so far, and we got signed off on all of them. YAY! We're going to have to do this pretty much every week til the end of the term, but it's helpful for when we have to do all of them at the final.
Let me tell you, it's study central around here. I've never studied so hard in my life, and I'm becoming mentally exhausted. I've got to suck it up though, b/c this week we have something every day. There's a clinical skills midterm Monday, a seminar presentation on Tuesday, a professional relationships midterm on Wednesday, an anatomy quiz on Thursday, and an anatomy lab practical on Friday. There will be some celebrating on Friday that's for sure (or a lot of sleeping)! I have to get my physical/titers/shots done on Friday afternoon too, which I'm REALLY looking forward to...NOT! The cadavers are getting smellier by the day, but we've got some cool stuff on Harley that they're planning on using as questions on the practical. We are going into the lab today for 3-4 hours to study for the practical b/c there will be questions on all of the cadavers. And then it's back to more studying. I am looking forward to my week off in April SO much! I'm almost at the half-way mark, thank goodness! Anyway, time to get to work. Happy March everyone!
Let me tell you, it's study central around here. I've never studied so hard in my life, and I'm becoming mentally exhausted. I've got to suck it up though, b/c this week we have something every day. There's a clinical skills midterm Monday, a seminar presentation on Tuesday, a professional relationships midterm on Wednesday, an anatomy quiz on Thursday, and an anatomy lab practical on Friday. There will be some celebrating on Friday that's for sure (or a lot of sleeping)! I have to get my physical/titers/shots done on Friday afternoon too, which I'm REALLY looking forward to...NOT! The cadavers are getting smellier by the day, but we've got some cool stuff on Harley that they're planning on using as questions on the practical. We are going into the lab today for 3-4 hours to study for the practical b/c there will be questions on all of the cadavers. And then it's back to more studying. I am looking forward to my week off in April SO much! I'm almost at the half-way mark, thank goodness! Anyway, time to get to work. Happy March everyone!
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