Post-Praxis

I haven't felt this relaxed in months! It is finally "Post-Praxis" time!

This AM, BF dropped me off at USC to take the Praxis. It was extremely comforting that almost half of my classmates took it at the same time in the same room (LK, AL, CHK, BSILF, RW, and KC). BSILF even gave me a little prayer to pray and a brand-new "best-eraser-on-Earth" that I totally used for good luck.

I can't say I feel totally confident about "failing" to pass (i.e., getting at least a 60%). The tables kind of turned around question #30. Around #42, I started panicking that I wasn't halfway done yet, and I was reaching the one hour mark. The rest was kind of a blur. I'm just hoping that the really gnarly questions with terms I had never heard of were the "fake" questions. Then again, I was convinced that every other question was a "fake" one...

While we plowed through the fastest 2 hours of testing, BF and BSILFH went bowling nearby as a Pre-Praxis-celebration. Afterwards, BSILF, CHK, LK, and I met them at El Cholo in K-town for our first official Post-Praxis celebration. It was a deliciously fun time! Just sitting there, listening and chatting w/ my classmates made me realize how much I love (most of) them.

I thought about that some more when I sat down to catch up on e-mails. Over the past few days, I've received a few e-mails from my wonderful classmates, wishing us good vibes and well wishes on taking this exam.

It makes me realize that we are so close to being done...and then we'll all go our separate ways. It is both exciting and sad. What can I say? I always suffer from separation anxiety. On the bright side, I am so happy to have met such wonderful, intelligent, and thoughtful people and am positive that I will stay in touch with many of them.

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As usual, I get really sad/sappy when I am under lots of stress. This week has been no exception to my tear-fests:

1. I wanted to cry when one of my new PTs cried (for good and sad reasons).
   
2. BF's good friend is going through a very unexpected, rough time.
3. BF's other good friend's brother's wife suddenly had an embolism and was in a coma. Doctors gave her a 10% chance of recovery if she came out of the coma. Today, they layed her to rest. I have never met her but judging by how wonderful I've heard the family is, I am sure she was a wonderful woman, wife, and mother. May she rest in Godly peace and may God bless the family.
   

Pre-Praxis

Daddy just called~

D:So, your exam's tomorrow? Well then I better tell Gramma to get up earlier to pray for you tomorrow.
C (LOL): What! Don't tell Gramma to wake up any earlier! She's been praying for me for months now!
D: Okay, well she's here so hold on.
G: So your exam's tomorrow?...What time is it?...You better get there early b/c the campus is huge...You better go to sleep now!...I love you...Go to sleep now!...Wait, and don't forget to pray before your exam.

Dude, like I could forget to pray before this huge exam. Like Gramma, I've been praying about this for months (or at least the past 6 weeks)!

I know, I know (Mark & BF), we (BSILF and BSILF) will be fine!
Positive Energy!

ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø

The strangest thing is that for the first time, I'm not doing my insane cramming. Heck, I even made ice-cream tonight. WTH is that about?

Oh, I know, that will be for Post-Praxis celebration!

Okay, going to begin my insane cramming now...Shh, don't tell Gramma! I'm supposed to be in bed by now!

Another One of Those Days

I just got home from another "one of those days." I got a nice pep talk from bro on my way home and then got an IM from BF when I got home, "hurry! Go to yahoo.com"



Of course this brought a smile to my face. Long-term goal: I can't wait to swim with sea turtles. Short-term goal: I can't wait to finish reading Voyage of the Turtle post-Saturday!

723

723 has been the repeated number in discussions for the very much anticipated date of 4/28/07.

I have officially finished reading 723 pages of the Bohemoth Blue Book! (Sans a few chapter-end quizzes which I will go over tomorrow.)

Post-exam, the new magic number will be...600. We need a 600 (60%) to pass. I have never longed for 60% as much as I do now.

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To dispell any myths that the future of America lays in the hands of underachievers~

On Friday evening, BSILF, CHK, NB, and I attended an Honors and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. That was definitely one of my prouder moments in life, and I was extremely happy to share it with Guh, FBIL, and BSILF who received a very special, well-deserved award. Congratulations to us under-achievers who are aiming for (at least) 60%!

Anniversary Shout-out

After 13 years of marriage, everyday is still like Valentine's Day for BSILF and Husband. :) It is such a joy to see them together -- and even to just hear of the wonderful things they do for each other.

Happy Anniversary to BSILF and Husband!

Dysphagia Faux Pas

I work with a hypothetical patient who exhibits severe dysphagia. He is hypothetically my first silent aspirator. He is also just a mind-trip. On some days, he is a real pill (for understandable reasons). On other days, he is easy to work with. Unfortunately, he did not make a delightful first impression with any of the therapists (OT, PT, nor ST).

I was quite surprised when I saw him yesterday b/c word up and down the unit was that he got into it with the PT in the AM, so the PT's student was extremely reluctant to work with him. MC sent me in alone with the tip, "Just don't let him walk all over you." When I saw him, he was all charms. Imagine my surprise! The other day, we barely chatted; he rushed through the OME so he could kick me out. But yesterday, in b/t OME, we talked about the places he's traveled to and his favorite countries to vacation at. It is seriously hit and miss with this guy.

Today, when I saw this hypothetical guy, I casually asked him, "So, have you eaten lunch yet?" (1) He politely said, "No, not yet." I exclaimed in shock, "What?! You haven't eaten yet? It's already 2 o'clock!" He shrugged. Me and my big mouth kept pushing, "Did you not want to eat?" He shrugged again and finally responded, "Well, I can't." "Huh?" (I am infamous for my obvious facial expressions, too.)

"I'm not allowed to eat."

Dude, it finally got through to my thick head that I had just committed the hugest dysphagia faux pas. Here I am, interrogating a guy that is on tube feeding (NPO - nothing per os) with a trach who cannot wait to get back to eating. I was mortified!

I apologized profusely for that faux pas right when my MC walked in. Fortunately, she fessed up that even after 14 years of experience, she still makes that mistake from time to time!

The "best" part was that this person was so nonchalent about it, and I even graciously commented on how he was so "nice" about it.

Sometimes, I wonder who's the patient and who's the therapist.

***
(1) In retrospect, this question cracks me up! I have totally become "acculturated," but sometimes, I think that maybe it's just that I've "assimilated" to the American culture (and that I'm truly a FOB). The other day, BSILF commented on how Chinese/Taiwanese people greet with, "have you eaten yet?"

It just struck me today that I've been doing that a lot! IDK why I use it as a conversation starter when I'm working.

It's the Little Things

1. I got free Starbucks yesterday! The OT student meant to get decaf but the barista made it caff so she offered it up for grabs and y'know I was the first one waving my hand. I really needed it after the disastrous morning.
   
2. Yesterday, there was a volunteer who played her harp in the rehab unit. It was so beautiful. It was perfect therapeutical music for my session w/ my possibly-depressed patient. Ironically, he was the only one that I had a "good" session with yesterday. (I had a GREAT session with him today. He is getting better and better everyday!)
   
3. The neglectful-duck-owners got 2 more ducks! It is nice to see ducks in their pond, but sad to think they may be neglectful.
4. I got free Starbucks again today! It was one of those bottle frappuccinos, but free and from Starbucks nonetheless!
5. I got to do thermal-stimulation today. IDK why I find that blogworthy and exciting, but it is! (I'm sure the novelty will wear off by the end of the week, but for now I find it exciting.)
   
6. My MC said to me today, "Good job today." That was nice considering how disastrous yesterday was.
   
7. We got out at 4:25 P.M.
8. I don't have to be in until 8AM tmrw. I am sleeping in an extra hour!
9. Tonight is ANTM.
   

One of those days

Today was one of those mofo'n days. I kept trying to keep my spirits up with "at least" clauses and "it's not that bad" sentiments.

The real reality check was on my drive home. I tuned into a local radio station that replayed last night's recording of a student who was on his way to the classroom at Virginia Tech. He spoke about his good friend being in the classroom. When the cops/SWAT got into the room, they yelled, "anybody who's alive, stand up now!" The good friend was the only one that stood up.

I don't know how to start writing sympathies and sentiments to those who are affected by this tragedy. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to them.

***

ADD: I think this tragedy really took a toll on the day. It seems like many people had a dreary day -- not just my patients and me.

Anniversary Shout-out

Happy Anniversary to BGF and hubby! On Friday the 13th (ha!), they celebrated their 6th year together. Today is their 2nd year wedding anniversary. :)

They also recently purchased their first house! The only thing missing now is a baby!

Memories of Food and Family

Today, I went to Souplantation with bro, FBIL, and LLP for lunch. I like to think that Souplantation is one of me and my bro's favorite restaurants partially for nostalgic reasons. When vegetarian Mom still lived in So Cal, we used to go to Souplantation all the time. I never got tired of it. What could be better than a frozen yogurt buffet? (One of my unrealistic dreams is to open up a frozen yogurt/ice-cream buffet.)

At Souplantation, we reminisced about Dad's pizzeria. When I was in Kindgergarten, Dad opened up a pizzeria for a year. We used to go there after school all the time. FBIL asked if we ever got chunky from eating so much pizza. Not really because the typical routine was that we'd get there, grab a cup, and fill up from the soda fountain. I'd drink myself silly with root beer until one day, my bro said, "Root beer's gross; it's made of beer." Then I stopped drinking it. What a curiosity; I don't like root beer now (1) but don't mind an occasional Stella. I remember my bro and I used to make little figures out of pizza dough, bake it, and eat it. In retrospect, I wonder why we never got to make and eat pizza! We just ate plain baked dough! WTH was that about? I love pizza!

Anywho, I came back home and started studying again. Shortly after, BF came home with a dozen YumYum donuts. I thought I had never had YumYum donuts until just a few minutes ago, bro called and said they were going to get donuts and asked what 6 we wanted. What a coincidence! (Seriously, we don't have donuts all the time.) I said BF bought YumYum donuts this afternoon, which I don't think I've ever had. He said, "Don't you remember? We used to have YumYum donuts every morning.(2) At the hotel. Until we got the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie machine."

I totally forgot. Back in the 80s, my family owned a hotel. Many of our childhood days/years were spent there. You could say my first job was filling up Coke machines, rolling up the coins, and folding fresh linen. Many meals came from Del Taco, Carls Jr., pizza delivery (not from Dad's pizzeria), and YumYum donuts. Dang, I wish we still had that Otis Spunkmeyer machine.

*****

(1) As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE ice-cream, I will not have it in a root-beer or soda float. A part of it is b/c the soda melts the ice-cream, which totally bums me out. I want to eat ice-cream, not drink it.

(2) When my bro said "donuts every morning," I thought he meant the donuts we had every morning when we lived in Glendora. We'd wake up before God did to drive in traffic for 1.5 hours to get to school (that's another story). I always missed first period and went to second period late. I remember this brat used to announce to the class as I tried to sneak in, "Cheryl's late again!" (Junior high was rough man.) Regardless, I looked forward to the morning breakfasts. Almost every morning, my dad stopped along the way to buy us donuts and chocolate milk from a little hole-in-the-wall. That was probably the best part of my day.

ADD: When I say my dad stopped for donuts, I mean, he had us wait in the silver Volvo while he jumped out really quick. So, we never knew exactly what we'd get. On the really special days, my dad would surprise us with donut holes! :D

*****

I feel like this is a "Joy Luck Club" post -- writing about family memories that are centered around food.

*****

It skurrs me to realize how easy my mind wanders onto Memory Lane, when I desperately need to study. Back to the Bohemoth Blue Book. Less than two more weeks until the exam...

Wernicke's Perseveration

Yesterday, a few of us were talking about Wernicke's aphasia (which I still think is such trip). One therapist worked with someone who perseverated on bad words; the "good" thing is that he was somewhat intelligible so the cussing was mingled with not so bad words. (Can Tourette's Syndrome be comorbid with Wernicke's aphasia?)

I said, "man, if I ever get Wernicke's aphasia and perseverate on ONE word, I hope it's a happy word." So one of the therapists suggested the word "happy" for me. "Happy happy happy! Happy? Happy." She sent me off with the therapeutical recommendation that I begin "practicing perseverating" on it so that the motoric action becomes automatic (in the event that I get W.A. or apraxia). When I got home and told BF about the lunchtime discussion, I decided right then and there that I wanted my "word" to be "turtle."

Turtle turtle turtle. Turtle turtle? Turtle TURTLE turtle.

For BF, it doesn't matter whether I have W.A. or not b/c that's already what he (thinks he) hears from me everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

TURTLE TURTLE!

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The plumbers stopped by while we were both not home. I laugh imagining what a crazy "welcome" my turtle must have given them.

That is Incorrect

Sometimes, I think I really confuse my already confused patients. This is how some of my sessions have generally begun:

Me: Is your name John?
Pt: No.
Me: Good. You're name is not John. Are you wearing pants?
Pt: No.
Me: No, you are wearing pants.

...As in I am trying to say, yes, you are wearing pants. Or, no, you're wrong; you are wearing pants. *sigh*

So my MC gave me feedback and said that instead of confusing them even more, I should say, "Yes, that is correct" or "No, that is incorrect."

As I get accustomed to asking the same Y/N questions, there are some that I get really nervous about asking. Specifically, gender-related questions. Today, my session went like this:

Me: Are you a man?
Pt: Yes.
Me: Good. That is correct. You are a man. Are you wearing a dress?
Pt: No.
Me: That is correct. Am I a man? [as I hold my breath]
Pt: Yes.
Me: No! That is incorrect! I am a woman!

=X
I hope I get recognized as a woman tomorrow...

Wo Men Yao Chi China!

It's final! We're going to China in August!

A little background:
My bro and FBIL have done some extensive traveling in the past. He often encourages me to travel (abroad), but the old-skool Asian in me always felt like I should stay "home," work, and save up. Last year, my bro started planning a big trip to China. He has tried his best to schedule a trip that would accommodate everyone's schedule. Talk about hectic. Finally, he found the winning dates a few days ago.

Then there's my dad. He LOVES China and has talked about bringing me for years now. Probably since my college days. I've missed out on a number of opportunities to go with him b/c of school. I have to admit, I wasn't too hip to the idea of going with Dad b/c I want to do all the touristy stuff; he's not really the touristy type. I'd love to go with him in the future, though.

Come to think of it, my trip has been long overdue. When I was in college, my granduncle gave me an early graduation gift -- flight money to China. The old-skool Asian in me did two things when I finished school: 1) went straight into work and 2) took that money and paid off some of my school loans.

Finally, I'm doing what I was supposed to do 7 years ago!

Sometimes I feel like this whole grad school experience is me reliving my college days, but with a heckuvalot more direction. I'm studying what I am truly passionate about. I am actually participating in my own graduation ceremony (I totally regret not walking in undergrad). Lastly, I am going on a big "graduation" trip with my best friends!!

As if I wasn't excited enough about going with best friends BF, Bro, and FBIL, BSILF and hubby RSVP'd this AM, too!! I can't believe that this is actually happening!

BFF BSILF put it best when she left me a VM that went something along the lines of, "I'm so excited! I feel like we're in HS and we're going on the big senior class trip." For reals, that's how I feel, too. :) (Senior class trip to Yosemite ruled, man.)

This is gonna be an awesome "extended family" trip! LOL :D

Happy Easter!

Beginning Week 2 of Rehab

I am such a nerd. I love inservices. I loved going to all the inservices last quarter, and I was totally excited when I was unexpectedly herded into an inservice for ALS today. The hospital is opening up an ALS Department so everyone needed a refresher/crash-course. Me? I needed this mini-Praxis review! Sweet!

Shortly after, we got back on track with our crazy schedule. Dude, I put a Passy-Muir Valve on a trach patient today. Considering I wasn't mentally prepared for it, I did alright. I even got pop-quizzed (put the oxymeter on, read vital stats, count respirations/min old-skool style). The cool thing is that we helped this person temporarily speak! ;)

Later, I went to see a hypothetical patient (said the almost graduated grad student governed by HIPAA). We chatted a little bit before starting therapy. This hypothetical patient is the "type" that I've read about but never met before -- the "kind" that doesn't let a severe disability hold him back. He is an inspiration to many. He is a young guy who used to be pretty athletic in his hey-day, got a full scholarship to a local university, declined b/c he was afraid he wouldn't be able to cut it, went to another college to major in Math and Physics, and dreamed about becoming an astrophysicist before his disabilities took over his dreams. Still, he didn't let that hinder him. He laughs about how he is now a greeter at a local chain super-store, but in all seriousness, it's awesome to see him inspiring people everyday, even just by saying hello.

The thing that really got to me was our discussion today. During all the time that I've seen and worked with him, we've been all jokes and laughter. He took his cap off (one of our "strategies"), but this time, he explained why he always wears a hat. He turned his head to the side and showed me his scar. One that I, of course, didn't think was so big...but then agreed that the scarred is always more self-conscious (heck, I think my scars on my feet are like six inches long when they're not).

The potential astrophysicist said to me, "I wear a cap to hide my scar. There is a stereotype that people with brain damage are dumb. Just because you have brain damage doesn't automatically make you dumb. I don't want people to think I'm dumb. " I can't quite remember what I said, but I'm sure it wasn't anything smart. =P Or maybe I saved myself by bringing up how I heard him talking to the OT about quantum physics. I really can't remember. Seeing a glimpse of his sadness and pain was the saddest part of my day. A close second was not getting to say good-bye to Rehab's Favorite Returned Customer.

Although this experience has been awesome for me, there are moments of deep emotionality that are hard to describe. I see another hypothetical one about twice a day. This hypothetical pt has global aphasia and apraxia. I just about broke into tears when I was leaving today and she (laboriously) said to me, "Thank you so much." Not once, but twice. :*)

Beginning Review

BF asked how my studying is going with the Infamous Bohemoth Blue Book (Advanced Review of SLP). I said, "I don't know and I don't want to know." All I know is that I have finally completed 2 chapters of this 735 page mofo.

His response? "Maybe you need the Beginning Review version."

My response? "Are you crazy? If they had one, then it'd be like 2000 pages!"

And I have 3.5 weeks left before the exam. Everyone keeps asking me, "WTH are you doing everyday if you don't have class any more?" I get asked this question at least once a week (usually from the same family members who are wondering why I don't call or visit).

Well, aside from waking up at 5:30 to be in the hospital from 6:45 - 5, I am studying for the huge exam that will grant me my license. That's all.

Lord, I hope I pass.

Turtle Report

Yesterday, when BF came home, I gave him the daily report on Lil F. (Yes, we are crazy. We often give each other reports on the turtle's crazy antics.) I reported the typical craziness: splooshing like crazy, eating the doc, basked a heckuvalot, stared at me while I studied, etc.

Then I said, "OMG! I saw the craziest thing! The turtle sneezed!"
BF exclaimed, "What?!"
Me: Yeah! It was so weird!

I didn't even wait b/c I'm such a dork --

"April Fool's!"
:)

Other nerdy turtle news~
I got invited to be a Guest Judge for the January-February-March-April Photo Contest Winner here. I just casted my votes this morning. I felt so special.

BF: how did you get chosen? Do you post a lot?
Me: No, I've only posted 4 times since I joined last March!
BF: That's weird.
Me: I'm telling you, it is b/c Lil F is a celebrity!
BF: You and turtle are crazy!

Yes, I still believe Lil F is a celebrity.

My First Week in Rehab

I didn't think I'd be so fascinated by the hospital setting, but I really am! Last night, I told BF that I really enjoy it and am seriously thinking about working in the hospitals. He was floored b/c not more than a week ago, I was all about working in the schools. I can't believe how indecisive I am about my near future. I hope I have a clearer picture in 10 more weeks!

My first day in the rehab unit was packed with orientation and observations. On my second day, I observed but began documenting sessions in the charts. By the 3rd day, I started seeing patients. Dude, there's nothing like learning things fast through trial-and-error and sink-or-swim scenarios. =P

Fortunately, my MC eased me into therapy by having me see an "easy" patient. He is practically the Rehab unit's favorite patient. Unfortunately, he is a "returned customer," as my MC calls these poor patients. This elderly gentleman makes me laugh so much. I was thrilled when he remembered my name by the 3rd session b/c he can't remember his OT's name save his life (memory impairments secondary to his Dx). He'll remember after we give him cues. On the 3rd day, he called me his OT's name (which was great, but that's not my name!) so I asked him all dramatically, "Do I look like [OT's name]?" He snapped out of his fog, looked me straight in the eye, and said, "No. You're much better looking than him." That had me ROFL. Then he added, "Well, [OT]'s not too bad, either." During another session, I helped him with his next day menu choices. He was so cute; he kept asking me what I wanted, even though I kept reminding him that I wouldn't be having lunch with him. Eventually, he stopped asking me what I wanted and started putting "2" next to the orders: 1 for me and 1 for him.

I don't know why I can't get over this, but I am constantly amazed at how much I've learned from my grad program, and it's such a trip to apply that knowledge. I guess that is why these externships come at the end of this program.

10 more weeks until graduation! (Plus, one "easy" summer class, according to BSILF :)

Happy April Fool's Day!