I was in a local private practice Peds clinic today. It was a completely different feel (obviously) then Peds at a hospital, since most of the children at the clinic were there for well baby check-ups or ear aches, while the children at Peds in the Hospital are there because they're not not doing so hot or because their clinic sent them over.
I was there for about four hours, and in that span of time the doctor I was with saw about 20 or so patients. Mostly ear aches and sniffles, which is what I figured would be pretty common.
It was very interesting and informative, and what amused me the most is the majority of the complains I heard from staff were a direct result of the parents. I had childcare flashbacks, parents overreacting, parents bringing drama in, parents, parents, parents, parents. Ah, you got to love them, right?
As I followed my Doc around, I realized that there is absolutely no reason why I can't do what he does, and I've already got the experience in dealing with crazy parents, so give me Med School and I'll be good to go.
6.29.2008
Behind my house there are two storage units. Not the pre-fab sheds that lots of people have, and not garages, but two tiny house-like buildings that I don't use because they're dirty, home to stray cats, and I'm pretty sure they've been broken into and I'd like to keep my stuff, as crappy as it is, not have it sold for Meth money.
I was outside today trying to get my yard (which is a mess, let me tell you. It's what I get for not doing it sooner) into shape, and there were these conversations coming from one of the locked storage sheds. So either a) someone has a key and is living/hanging out in them, b) I'm insane and hearing things, or c) my neighbors next door were sitting on the other side of the storage shed talking and I just couldn't see them.
I'm hoping for C, but A is always an option. The key to the shed is floating around my neighborhood (it's a long story, but one of the many reasons I won't store my stuff in there. I'm two seconds away from stripping the locks off them and buying my own) so there is a possibility that someone has they key, and hangs out in there. There is a bolt lock, so it can be locked from the inside, and since I don't have the key, I can't open it and check to see if anyone is inside.
A few weeks ago my neighbors told me they saw some people trying to get in there, and that they've seen a 'man with a bag pack' banging on the doors and walls of the shed a few times while I wasn't home. I've already told my landlord if I catch anyone in my yard, regardless of if they have a key to the shed or not, I'll pop them for trespassing. Nobody has any reason to be inside my fence but me, and nobody has any business in my storage sheds at all.
I was outside today trying to get my yard (which is a mess, let me tell you. It's what I get for not doing it sooner) into shape, and there were these conversations coming from one of the locked storage sheds. So either a) someone has a key and is living/hanging out in them, b) I'm insane and hearing things, or c) my neighbors next door were sitting on the other side of the storage shed talking and I just couldn't see them.
I'm hoping for C, but A is always an option. The key to the shed is floating around my neighborhood (it's a long story, but one of the many reasons I won't store my stuff in there. I'm two seconds away from stripping the locks off them and buying my own) so there is a possibility that someone has they key, and hangs out in there. There is a bolt lock, so it can be locked from the inside, and since I don't have the key, I can't open it and check to see if anyone is inside.
A few weeks ago my neighbors told me they saw some people trying to get in there, and that they've seen a 'man with a bag pack' banging on the doors and walls of the shed a few times while I wasn't home. I've already told my landlord if I catch anyone in my yard, regardless of if they have a key to the shed or not, I'll pop them for trespassing. Nobody has any reason to be inside my fence but me, and nobody has any business in my storage sheds at all.
6.28.2008
I came home early today from Booth-Sitting at the Saturday Market with the most amazing migraine behind my left eye. I couldn't sit out in the heat and bright sunshine without feeling like I was going to die and vomit all over the customers. I skipped out about 10:30 this morning. I'm attributing it to the heat and the fact that sleeping isn't something I've done much of in days. I fell asleep about a half-hour after I got home, and practically slept my entire life away. My temple is still throbbing, and rapid eye movement is painful, but it's better now.
Sleep, it's magically delicious, you know?
I should utilize the rest of the weekend to cleaning my house and doing yard work. It's just so hard to drag myself around to do anything when the temperatures are pushing the 100's.
We're supposed to have thunder storms tomorrow night. We rarely get them, so here's hoping.
Sleep, it's magically delicious, you know?
I should utilize the rest of the weekend to cleaning my house and doing yard work. It's just so hard to drag myself around to do anything when the temperatures are pushing the 100's.
We're supposed to have thunder storms tomorrow night. We rarely get them, so here's hoping.
6.27.2008
There is a completely different feel in the Mother & Baby Unit then there is in Peds. Maybe it's the reason behind why people are where they are. You know, new baby vs. sick baby, but it could also be the fact that the air conditioner in M&B was working or that it had windows. Peds was like walking around a stuffy old grandma house, M&B was open and cool. Everyone smiling and chatting me up. Everyone in Peds was rushed, tight and worried.
I was at M&B for two hours today. Babies are too cute for their own good. The person I was stalking only had three 'couplets' as they call them, so although it was slightly slow, it was still very informative.
Once again, while I was leaving, the interesting stuff happened. One of the babies was being sent down to the NICU. It was a bummer for two reasons: the first being that the baby needed to go to NICU, and the second being that I missed being able to see it.
I'm at a neighborhood Pediatric clinic on Monday for five hours. It'll be interesting to see how a Peds clinic differs from Peds at the hospital.
I was at M&B for two hours today. Babies are too cute for their own good. The person I was stalking only had three 'couplets' as they call them, so although it was slightly slow, it was still very informative.
Once again, while I was leaving, the interesting stuff happened. One of the babies was being sent down to the NICU. It was a bummer for two reasons: the first being that the baby needed to go to NICU, and the second being that I missed being able to see it.
I'm at a neighborhood Pediatric clinic on Monday for five hours. It'll be interesting to see how a Peds clinic differs from Peds at the hospital.
Shadowing is awkward. Mostly because I always feel awkward, and new situations never make me feel more at ease. I'm not stealthy or sneaky enough to pretend like a spy tailing a target, I'm more like a old, blinded, three-legged jungle cat trying to catch my dinner and just can't quite get it. The sad part? Whatever it is I'm trying it catch is right in front of me on the ground with a broken leg.
I was in Peds yesterday, following around an RN who was kind enough to put up with me for the afternoon. I got the impression I was her first shadow, so much like waking up next to someone you don't remember bringing home, I think it was just as awkward and strange for her as it was for me.
I enjoyed it though - the shadowing, not strangers in my bed in the morning (although it has it's moments). The floor was very quiet, with only a few patients admitted, and most of them were sleeping, so we had some very enlightening conversations about equipment and procedures. She walked through an entire admit, and explained all of the paper work and that was a good learning experience, as I'd never seen the boring paper-pushing office side of the hospital. I am always amazed at how much work Nurses do and how little respect and appreciation they really get. Someday when I have a clinic of my own, I shall throw the nurses parties every Friday, encourage them to wear tiaras, and bring them cookies shaped like hearts.
I'm in Mother & Baby this afternoon, which I'm looking forward to. Not just to scope out which babies will sell well on the black market (and with my newly acquired information on how the Hugs infant protection system works, I'll be filching babies in no time) but also because babies are cute, and I love them...in pie.
I was in Peds yesterday, following around an RN who was kind enough to put up with me for the afternoon. I got the impression I was her first shadow, so much like waking up next to someone you don't remember bringing home, I think it was just as awkward and strange for her as it was for me.
I enjoyed it though - the shadowing, not strangers in my bed in the morning (although it has it's moments). The floor was very quiet, with only a few patients admitted, and most of them were sleeping, so we had some very enlightening conversations about equipment and procedures. She walked through an entire admit, and explained all of the paper work and that was a good learning experience, as I'd never seen the boring paper-pushing office side of the hospital. I am always amazed at how much work Nurses do and how little respect and appreciation they really get. Someday when I have a clinic of my own, I shall throw the nurses parties every Friday, encourage them to wear tiaras, and bring them cookies shaped like hearts.
I'm in Mother & Baby this afternoon, which I'm looking forward to. Not just to scope out which babies will sell well on the black market (and with my newly acquired information on how the Hugs infant protection system works, I'll be filching babies in no time) but also because babies are cute, and I love them...
6.01.2008
Our new Regional website for National Novel Writing Month has opened. Go visit Plot Box of Doom, and join the Forum.
It took me ages to finally get it completed, but I'm happy with the design and I think it will work well as a home-away-from-home for our Wrimos. Plus, it will make stalking them so much easier.
It took me ages to finally get it completed, but I'm happy with the design and I think it will work well as a home-away-from-home for our Wrimos. Plus, it will make stalking them so much easier.
2.05.2008
It's been a long few days. I had a family emergency on Saturday, and now I'm out of town helping out. I haven't slept since a bit Saturday night so I'm a little loopy.
Things are a little better, and I should be able to return home tomorrow evening or Thursday at the latest. I brought my homework along with me but of course I'm not getting any of it done. I'm going to have to bust my tuckus over the next few days. I've got a test in Trig on the 11th and I'm not really steady on the concepts. I'd rather not bomb this one, because then I'd have to retake Trig and that's just sick.
Happy Super Fat Tuesday to all of you. What are my predictions on this day of caucuses and over-indulgence before Lent?
I think there will be a sweep for the Republican candidate, and a crazy close race for the Democrat, that probably won't have a 'winner' so to speak. Also, there will be many drunk people, and not just because it's Mardi Gras.
Things are a little better, and I should be able to return home tomorrow evening or Thursday at the latest. I brought my homework along with me but of course I'm not getting any of it done. I'm going to have to bust my tuckus over the next few days. I've got a test in Trig on the 11th and I'm not really steady on the concepts. I'd rather not bomb this one, because then I'd have to retake Trig and that's just sick.
Happy Super Fat Tuesday to all of you. What are my predictions on this day of caucuses and over-indulgence before Lent?
I think there will be a sweep for the Republican candidate, and a crazy close race for the Democrat, that probably won't have a 'winner' so to speak. Also, there will be many drunk people, and not just because it's Mardi Gras.
2.04.2008
I have a meeting in about an hour. It's a super secret meeting about super secret things I haven't told a single person. I'm very excited about these super secret things, but not so excited as to jinx it. Not that telling anyone would jinx it, or anything. I mean, you guys aren't bad luck, that's not what I mean. What I mean is, sometimes these things are better left in the dark at the beginning. Also, suspense keeps you Figments coming back, and if you stopped coming here, then who would I talk to when I'm all alone?
So, if this meeting goes the way I want it to, and then if all my cute fluffy baby ducks fall in a huggable row, I'll tell people. If not, then I'll sulk in private. Sound good? Good.
HoTD:
This is your fault, Pran.
Cute Overload is meanness,
It's akin to crack.
So, if this meeting goes the way I want it to, and then if all my cute fluffy baby ducks fall in a huggable row, I'll tell people. If not, then I'll sulk in private. Sound good? Good.
HoTD:
This is your fault, Pran.
Cute Overload is meanness,
It's akin to crack.
2.03.2008
Ach, I suck.
However, I feel a new layout coming on and along with that some happy tasty fine content. You'll be proud, I promise.
Until then, you get crap. Excited? Me too.
I finished Year Of Wonders: A Novel of The Plague by Geraldine Brooks last night. The novel is about a village in 1666 that is infested with the Plague thanks to a bolt of infected cloth brought in by a tailor. In order to keep the Plague from spreading to the nearby villages, the Rector of the town convinces the people the best thing to do is to self-quarantine.
The village decides to do so, and then has to deal with all of the harshness of the plague, social injustice, and religious extremes all while being prisoners of their own town. The novels protagonist is Anna, barely 18 and a widower with two children, she loses everything she had to the plague, but finds the courage to come out of it a stronger and completely different person then she ever thought possible.
The novel was very well written, and I enjoyed it up until the last chapter, which had a 'twist' that to me felt out of place and rushed, and not entirely possible in the way that it was set. Not that the character couldn't have developed into what she became, but it was still a stretch. Not that this makes it a bad novel by any means.
I recommend it if you're looking for a well written, emotionally charged something to entertain you instead of doing Trig homework...I mean, you know, instead of doing whatever, laundry or weeding.
Year Of Wonders: A Novel of The Plague
Rated:
Four and a half Duckie-Wuckies out of five. Don't judge the ducks, people.
However, I feel a new layout coming on and along with that some happy tasty fine content. You'll be proud, I promise.
Until then, you get crap. Excited? Me too.
I finished Year Of Wonders: A Novel of The Plague by Geraldine Brooks last night. The novel is about a village in 1666 that is infested with the Plague thanks to a bolt of infected cloth brought in by a tailor. In order to keep the Plague from spreading to the nearby villages, the Rector of the town convinces the people the best thing to do is to self-quarantine.
The village decides to do so, and then has to deal with all of the harshness of the plague, social injustice, and religious extremes all while being prisoners of their own town. The novels protagonist is Anna, barely 18 and a widower with two children, she loses everything she had to the plague, but finds the courage to come out of it a stronger and completely different person then she ever thought possible.
The novel was very well written, and I enjoyed it up until the last chapter, which had a 'twist' that to me felt out of place and rushed, and not entirely possible in the way that it was set. Not that the character couldn't have developed into what she became, but it was still a stretch. Not that this makes it a bad novel by any means.
I recommend it if you're looking for a well written, emotionally charged something to entertain you instead of doing Trig homework...I mean, you know, instead of doing whatever, laundry or weeding.
Year Of Wonders: A Novel of The Plague
Rated:
Four and a half Duckie-Wuckies out of five. Don't judge the ducks, people.
1.18.2008
Further proof that Huckabee is a nut job.
I have more to say on this, but it has to wait until later.
I have more to say on this, but it has to wait until later.
1.14.2008
Yesterday was Savvy's birthday. On Saturday we threw her a little party, there were only four of us, so we went out to Sushi and goofed off all evening. Yesterday her birthday wish was to go sit in the theater and watch a bunch of movies she hasn't had time to go see, so her and I went to a couple of theaters and I bought her tickets to four movies.
We saw P.S. I love you (and bawled), I Am Legend, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and Enchanted. I also bought her dinner. She said she had a good time, and it was nice to just blow a whole day doing nothing productive at all.
Happy Birthday Sav!
We saw P.S. I love you (and bawled), I Am Legend, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and Enchanted. I also bought her dinner. She said she had a good time, and it was nice to just blow a whole day doing nothing productive at all.
Happy Birthday Sav!
1.11.2008
Long day, I didn't sleep last night, and was on campus from about 8 this morning until 6 this evening. I haven't eaten anything at all today and I really just want to crash, burn and get some snoozes.
In happy news, I got a notice that my Faid has been posted to be put into my bank account within three business days. Which means hopefully by mid-next week I can buy my books and catch up on all the homework I'm behind.
I've got a busy weekend ahead of me, and a busy week next week. I've got some stuff left on a client website to do that I hope I can get done on Thursday. Maybe, by then, I'll have something amusing and of substance to say.
HoTD:
Yawn, yawn, yawn yawn, yawn.
Yawn sniffle yawn yawn sniffle,
Yawn yawn yawn yawn zzzzzz.
In happy news, I got a notice that my Faid has been posted to be put into my bank account within three business days. Which means hopefully by mid-next week I can buy my books and catch up on all the homework I'm behind.
I've got a busy weekend ahead of me, and a busy week next week. I've got some stuff left on a client website to do that I hope I can get done on Thursday. Maybe, by then, I'll have something amusing and of substance to say.
HoTD:
Yawn, yawn, yawn yawn, yawn.
Yawn sniffle yawn yawn sniffle,
Yawn yawn yawn yawn zzzzzz.
1.10.2008
So tomorrow I go talk to my AA about an IE3 Internship. I'm terribly excited about it, even if I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to sell myself on the street to afford to go. The one I have my sights set on is for ten weeks in Pune, India. IE3 says this:
Located in the Sahayadri Hills, near the west coast of India, Pune is a fascinating city with a nice climate year-round. The Maternal Child Health in Pune program will offer comprehensive learning opportunities in health in addition to vibrant Marathi culture. Participants will have the chance to work with a variety of clinical sites including larger hospitals, and smaller rural clinics. Some clinical sites are run and managed by the government, and others are private that may or may not operate with public funding. In this program, participants will be exposed to the healthcare system in India that caters to the needs of women and children. They will experience antenatal care, intranatal care and postnatal care facilities and will learn about newborn care, immunization schedules and pediatric care up to age five. Participants can also rotate in family planning clinics, and will have the opportunity to work in clinics that manage sexually transmitted infections and disease.
It's so amazingly perfect. I'd be working primarily in the area I want to work, and I would get the added bonus of going to India for ten weeks. Plus, since IE3 is an OSU program, I'd get a full term 12 credits during my time away, so I wouldn't lose any credits for going. There is also one in Bolivia that is really really exciting as well. I think my heart is set on India though.
My goal is to go next Fall or Winter. I meet with my AA tomorrow to talk about initial steps, and then hopefully I can get the process moving. I know I said I'd have to walk streets (or sell an organ, or become a drug dealer) but the cost is actually not that much over a base tuition cost that I'm already paying now.
If it's not going to cost me seven or nine thousand to go, only what I'm paying already for tuition plus a bit more, why would I not take this opportunity?
Plus it will give me gobs and loads of experience which I need to get into Med school anyway.
In other school news, I'm the oldest person in my Chem class. This cracks me up enormously. Another lady came in who looked to be in her 30's and I was so happy thinking that I wasn't the only person over the age of 19 in a class of well over 200 students (culture shock by the way, my largest class at my last school was 48 and I thought that was crowded).
She was a sign language interpreter.
I feel so old surrounded by people who look like they're not old enough to shave or drive yet. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put my slippers on and watch Matlock.
HoTD:
Only one day left.
First week of term has zoomed by,
9 of them are left.
Located in the Sahayadri Hills, near the west coast of India, Pune is a fascinating city with a nice climate year-round. The Maternal Child Health in Pune program will offer comprehensive learning opportunities in health in addition to vibrant Marathi culture. Participants will have the chance to work with a variety of clinical sites including larger hospitals, and smaller rural clinics. Some clinical sites are run and managed by the government, and others are private that may or may not operate with public funding. In this program, participants will be exposed to the healthcare system in India that caters to the needs of women and children. They will experience antenatal care, intranatal care and postnatal care facilities and will learn about newborn care, immunization schedules and pediatric care up to age five. Participants can also rotate in family planning clinics, and will have the opportunity to work in clinics that manage sexually transmitted infections and disease.
It's so amazingly perfect. I'd be working primarily in the area I want to work, and I would get the added bonus of going to India for ten weeks. Plus, since IE3 is an OSU program, I'd get a full term 12 credits during my time away, so I wouldn't lose any credits for going. There is also one in Bolivia that is really really exciting as well. I think my heart is set on India though.
My goal is to go next Fall or Winter. I meet with my AA tomorrow to talk about initial steps, and then hopefully I can get the process moving. I know I said I'd have to walk streets (or sell an organ, or become a drug dealer) but the cost is actually not that much over a base tuition cost that I'm already paying now.
If it's not going to cost me seven or nine thousand to go, only what I'm paying already for tuition plus a bit more, why would I not take this opportunity?
Plus it will give me gobs and loads of experience which I need to get into Med school anyway.
In other school news, I'm the oldest person in my Chem class. This cracks me up enormously. Another lady came in who looked to be in her 30's and I was so happy thinking that I wasn't the only person over the age of 19 in a class of well over 200 students (culture shock by the way, my largest class at my last school was 48 and I thought that was crowded).
She was a sign language interpreter.
I feel so old surrounded by people who look like they're not old enough to shave or drive yet. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put my slippers on and watch Matlock.
HoTD:
Only one day left.
First week of term has zoomed by,
9 of them are left.
1.08.2008
Back at school. It's been kind of nutty, but I think I finally pegged down what I'm taking. As always, if you wish to stalk me...
HSTS 417 - History of Medicine (I'm so excited about this class)
CH 221 - Chemistry 221 (I'm behind on my Chem, I'm bad)
MTH 112 - Trigonometry (I need it for Calc, boo)
I was also going to take Ecology, but it's a T/R class and I just couldn't make it, so instead of 15 credits I'm only taking 12. Two are online, and one is on campus. I have to get my act in gear next term, but it's okay for this term. I'm cool with it.
I've got an appointment on Friday to talk to my adviser about an IE3 internship! Keep fingers crossed!
HSTS 417 - History of Medicine (I'm so excited about this class)
CH 221 - Chemistry 221 (I'm behind on my Chem, I'm bad)
MTH 112 - Trigonometry (I need it for Calc, boo)
I was also going to take Ecology, but it's a T/R class and I just couldn't make it, so instead of 15 credits I'm only taking 12. Two are online, and one is on campus. I have to get my act in gear next term, but it's okay for this term. I'm cool with it.
I've got an appointment on Friday to talk to my adviser about an IE3 internship! Keep fingers crossed!
1.06.2008
I'm making Spring Break plans, it seems early since term doesn't start technically until tomorrow, but time flies doesn't it Figs? It's best to get things set up now.
One of my New Years Resolutions was to get three stamps in my passport. Oh, and to get a passport. I will be getting it next week, and I plan on getting a nice inky stamp in it during Spring Break.
I'll be heading to Vancouver B.C. for a few days because Canada is only 6 hours away and I've never been there. Sav will be my co-pilot and we plan on stalking many stars, because as many of you know, all the good shows are filmed in Vancouver.
HotD:
Off to sew some pants.
I tore a hole it was sad,
Sewing ain't my friend.
One of my New Years Resolutions was to get three stamps in my passport. Oh, and to get a passport. I will be getting it next week, and I plan on getting a nice inky stamp in it during Spring Break.
I'll be heading to Vancouver B.C. for a few days because Canada is only 6 hours away and I've never been there. Sav will be my co-pilot and we plan on stalking many stars, because as many of you know, all the good shows are filmed in Vancouver.
HotD:
Off to sew some pants.
I tore a hole it was sad,
Sewing ain't my friend.
1.05.2008
Grinded all day on this website, my goal is to finish up early enough tomorrow that I can spend the rest of the afternoon and evening freaking out about classes starting on Monday. It should be good.
I'm done for the night though, I think I'll just go pound some steps out on DDR and maybe put my PJ's on. I'm a freaking thrill a minute on a Saturday night, aren't I?
HotD:
Spinach is the yum.
Avocado and some cheese,
Make tasty dinners.
I'm done for the night though, I think I'll just go pound some steps out on DDR and maybe put my PJ's on. I'm a freaking thrill a minute on a Saturday night, aren't I?
HotD:
Spinach is the yum.
Avocado and some cheese,
Make tasty dinners.
1.04.2008
Friday Random Ten, Figs. Play along!
Bring Me Love - Marie Digby (Bring Me Love Single)
HA HA - Monsters Are Waiting (Fascination)
Again - Chris Hawkes (Guitar and Voice)
September Falls - The Little Heroes (Cinematic America)
Lay You Down - The Ruse (Invasion)
Lights - Careen (Crash Culture)
The Story Of - The Heavenly States (The Heavenly States)
Sim Time Sim Place (Nick Franglen (of Lemon Jelly) Remix) - Mark Mothersbaugh (The Sims 2: Nightlife)
Burned Another House Down - Parker Theory (Leaving California)
I feel like I'm channeling a really bad scripted teen 'reality' show today. However, just because silly shows feature good artists doesn't make the artists silly.
Okay, well maybe the fact that I have all The Sims soundtracks is silly...but I can't help it. Singing along to songs in a language that was made up for a computer game to baffle the people around you is hysterical.
Or maybe I'm just easily amused. You pick.
HotD:
I should be working.
Oh distraction, I love thee,
With your shiny things.
Bring Me Love - Marie Digby (Bring Me Love Single)
HA HA - Monsters Are Waiting (Fascination)
Again - Chris Hawkes (Guitar and Voice)
September Falls - The Little Heroes (Cinematic America)
Lay You Down - The Ruse (Invasion)
Lights - Careen (Crash Culture)
The Story Of - The Heavenly States (The Heavenly States)
Sim Time Sim Place (Nick Franglen (of Lemon Jelly) Remix) - Mark Mothersbaugh (The Sims 2: Nightlife)
Burned Another House Down - Parker Theory (Leaving California)
I feel like I'm channeling a really bad scripted teen 'reality' show today. However, just because silly shows feature good artists doesn't make the artists silly.
Okay, well maybe the fact that I have all The Sims soundtracks is silly...but I can't help it. Singing along to songs in a language that was made up for a computer game to baffle the people around you is hysterical.
Or maybe I'm just easily amused. You pick.
HotD:
I should be working.
Oh distraction, I love thee,
With your shiny things.