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!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Chapstick
I think I am a closet-Chapstick addict.
Last year, I went to the extent of purchasing a package of 10 from Costco because I knew I'd either use them or lose them. I am sad to say that BF and I have either used them or lost them (and I gave 2 away).
Now, my cheesy confession~
I have probably spent a total of an hour looking all over for my last remaining one. I've searched my purse 3 times, looked into my other 2 purses, checked my car, looked in BF's car, and even checked of my jeans and jacket pockets. That is how desperate I am.
The saddest confession is that when I was trying on my lab coat with BSILF, I was all thrilled about the pockets. My first thought? OOOooo, these pockets are perfect for my chapstick!
Woe is me; no chapstick to be put in my lab coat for tomorrow morning for my first day of hospital externship. At least I am not so crazed as to think it is my lucky charm.
I guess Vaseline will have to do for now...until BF comes home with his last remaining one!
Last year, I went to the extent of purchasing a package of 10 from Costco because I knew I'd either use them or lose them. I am sad to say that BF and I have either used them or lost them (and I gave 2 away).
Now, my cheesy confession~
I have probably spent a total of an hour looking all over for my last remaining one. I've searched my purse 3 times, looked into my other 2 purses, checked my car, looked in BF's car, and even checked of my jeans and jacket pockets. That is how desperate I am.
The saddest confession is that when I was trying on my lab coat with BSILF, I was all thrilled about the pockets. My first thought? OOOooo, these pockets are perfect for my chapstick!
Woe is me; no chapstick to be put in my lab coat for tomorrow morning for my first day of hospital externship. At least I am not so crazed as to think it is my lucky charm.
I guess Vaseline will have to do for now...until BF comes home with his last remaining one!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
End of Spring Break Celebration!
Okay, so I didn't really celebrate the end of Spring Break. It's just that my student teaching ended at the end of our Spring Break, so yes, people, I did not have a real Spring Break. BoOOo! But it was nice to actually work with the students without worrying about dysphagia.
To celebrate the end the quarter, a few of us went out to dinner at Nyala in Little Ethiopia! How culturally adventurous are we, thanks to BSILF! We met around 5 for dinner and for 4.5 hours, we reminisced about the past 11 weeks of student teaching, talked about what we want to do when we grow up (in other words, where we will work in less than 6 months), and then brought the discussion to the even nearer future -- what is the hospital externship gonna be like beginning Monday (or Tuesday, in my case).
I am not going to think about it yet...until Monday. =P For now, I am simply enjoying my weekend that began with a very fun girls' night out. :)
To celebrate the end the quarter, a few of us went out to dinner at Nyala in Little Ethiopia! How culturally adventurous are we, thanks to BSILF! We met around 5 for dinner and for 4.5 hours, we reminisced about the past 11 weeks of student teaching, talked about what we want to do when we grow up (in other words, where we will work in less than 6 months), and then brought the discussion to the even nearer future -- what is the hospital externship gonna be like beginning Monday (or Tuesday, in my case).
I am not going to think about it yet...until Monday. =P For now, I am simply enjoying my weekend that began with a very fun girls' night out. :)
The End of Student Teaching
I can't believe it's over!
The past 11 weeks of student teaching have been really bitter-sweet (more sweet than bitter). Even now as I write, I'm having a difficult time composing my thoughts and putting my feelings into words. I've learned soOOoOOOoo much from this experience with the students and both Master Clinicians. (It also makes me wonder how on Earth I ever provided 50 minutes of 1:1 tx!)
To celebrate my leaving for graduate school or "school after college," I brought cookies and lollipops for the students at Site 2. My million dollar question of the day for the older students was, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The part that made me feel old is when I volunteered to go first: Since I am already grown up, I am a speech-language therapist. What do you want to be when you grow up ["old" like me]? One girl truly felt like 30 was old (when I told her how old my bro is)...but then I thought, "their parents are prolly ~30." Anywho, I got a few typical responses, but the one that I got the most of was....(drum roll)...the person that loads the luggage onto an airplane! Twice! :)
During lunch, we joined the SDC teacher's b-day pizza party. I was kinda bummed that the sweetest SDC student wasn't there (and I didn't get to say good-bye to him). The sweetest thing is that the Teacher's Pet presented to me a book of drawings and good-bye notes that almost all of the speech students contributed to. I was soOOOoOOOOo touched! Apparently, the other SLP and MC2 coordinated to let the students do an "art activity." Since many of the students kept asking if I had received their card, it wasn't exactly a surprise. However, the actual product was such a surprise. The messages and drawings were so sweet and cute. Some were really funny. I got 2 pixs of Afroman (from 2 brothers). I was just sad that I didn't get to thank more than half of my students for their note, because I didn't know about it until I only had 2 sessions left!
Scary to think that I may want to work with K-8...!
The past 11 weeks of student teaching have been really bitter-sweet (more sweet than bitter). Even now as I write, I'm having a difficult time composing my thoughts and putting my feelings into words. I've learned soOOoOOOoo much from this experience with the students and both Master Clinicians. (It also makes me wonder how on Earth I ever provided 50 minutes of 1:1 tx!)
To celebrate my leaving for graduate school or "school after college," I brought cookies and lollipops for the students at Site 2. My million dollar question of the day for the older students was, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The part that made me feel old is when I volunteered to go first: Since I am already grown up, I am a speech-language therapist. What do you want to be when you grow up ["old" like me]? One girl truly felt like 30 was old (when I told her how old my bro is)...but then I thought, "their parents are prolly ~30." Anywho, I got a few typical responses, but the one that I got the most of was....(drum roll)...the person that loads the luggage onto an airplane! Twice! :)
During lunch, we joined the SDC teacher's b-day pizza party. I was kinda bummed that the sweetest SDC student wasn't there (and I didn't get to say good-bye to him). The sweetest thing is that the Teacher's Pet presented to me a book of drawings and good-bye notes that almost all of the speech students contributed to. I was soOOOoOOOOo touched! Apparently, the other SLP and MC2 coordinated to let the students do an "art activity." Since many of the students kept asking if I had received their card, it wasn't exactly a surprise. However, the actual product was such a surprise. The messages and drawings were so sweet and cute. Some were really funny. I got 2 pixs of Afroman (from 2 brothers). I was just sad that I didn't get to thank more than half of my students for their note, because I didn't know about it until I only had 2 sessions left!
Scary to think that I may want to work with K-8...!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The beginning and the end of more chapters
Yesterday was BF's first day of work at 2HM! I was sad that I didn't get to send him off, but I had to leave at my usual time to begin the last week of my public school externship. I think he had a nice faux send-off, though, considering BSILF & BSILFH gave him a thoughtful card.
So, on non-special days, BF likes an occasional Sara Lee frozen strawberry cheesecake. But yesterday was a very special day so to welcome him home from his first day of 10-7, I got him a 7" Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. He was quite happy about it. :)
As for me, today was my last day with MC1. It's weird because I haven't given it much thought. Even throughout the day, we didn't really talk about it being my last day. However, during the last half hour of tx (when the last group didn't show up), we chatted and chatted. She really cracked me up b/c a few weeks ago, she said that one day, we'd have to chat about make-up (i.e., what I use). So she felt it was appropriate to chat about it, since it was my last day. LOL It was nice to chat like two grown women vs. 2 SLPs like all the other days. ;)
At the end, I gave her a thick pad of star-shaped Post-it notes, a See's 1 lb. GC, and a Sbux GC. Bright colored Post-its have been our thing this quarter, but I thought the star-shaped ones were really cute. MC1 was quite excited about the See's GC. She didn't know about the Sbux GC b/c it was in the sappy card I wrote to her. She asked if she could read it, and I asked her to wait b/c I get so sappy in my cards and then I get really embarrassed when people read it in front of me. Why am I so weird like that?
Lastly, I also gave her a card to give/read to her students. I didn't tell them I was leaving. I guess it makes it easier on me since I always have separation anxiety. However, I think Thurs/Fri farewell will be different since I've been telling them that this week is my last week, and I even bought cookies for them. Hope I don't cry all throughout the end of the week!
So, on non-special days, BF likes an occasional Sara Lee frozen strawberry cheesecake. But yesterday was a very special day so to welcome him home from his first day of 10-7, I got him a 7" Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. He was quite happy about it. :)
As for me, today was my last day with MC1. It's weird because I haven't given it much thought. Even throughout the day, we didn't really talk about it being my last day. However, during the last half hour of tx (when the last group didn't show up), we chatted and chatted. She really cracked me up b/c a few weeks ago, she said that one day, we'd have to chat about make-up (i.e., what I use). So she felt it was appropriate to chat about it, since it was my last day. LOL It was nice to chat like two grown women vs. 2 SLPs like all the other days. ;)
At the end, I gave her a thick pad of star-shaped Post-it notes, a See's 1 lb. GC, and a Sbux GC. Bright colored Post-its have been our thing this quarter, but I thought the star-shaped ones were really cute. MC1 was quite excited about the See's GC. She didn't know about the Sbux GC b/c it was in the sappy card I wrote to her. She asked if she could read it, and I asked her to wait b/c I get so sappy in my cards and then I get really embarrassed when people read it in front of me. Why am I so weird like that?
Lastly, I also gave her a card to give/read to her students. I didn't tell them I was leaving. I guess it makes it easier on me since I always have separation anxiety. However, I think Thurs/Fri farewell will be different since I've been telling them that this week is my last week, and I even bought cookies for them. Hope I don't cry all throughout the end of the week!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Saving a life, 2 breaths and 30 compressions at a time
On Saturday, I woke up extra early to meet my classmates in Pasadena for a CPR class. I couldn't resist another Coffee Bean treat so I stopped by the same one as the day before and then headed on my merry way.
Our class consisted of Cheryl (the instructor), Cheryl (yours truly), BSILF & BSILFH, Yoyce and her BF Yayson, Rat A (a.k.a. CIA), Dimsum, Cold-Hearted K, and a lone nursing student who must've thought we were a crazy crowd. I'd say we were pretty successful at keeping the anxiety down and the fun at a high level. :)
I had a late random thought about all of this CPR stuff. For several years, I've been wanting to get certified just for the heck of it. I just never did. Now that I am about to extern in the hospital (in less than a week!!), it is a requirement. I'm glad I was "forced" to do this because now that I am officially certified (scary thought), I wholeheartedly believe everyone should do it, too!
The class was pretty intense for me. I think I went through a few emotional phases pretty quickly just in the first hour. When I first gave Cherelle (my adult manikin) mouth-to-mouth, I was freaking out, imagining that Cherelle was a real person and her life depended on me. After giving about a dozen cycles of compressions and respiration, I was a bit more confident. But then Cheryl busted out the child (Cher) and the infant (Elle). That made me think -- I am glad I never baby-sat b/c if anything happened, I wouldn't know wth to do except "call 911!"
Fortunately, after 5.5 hours of instruction, demonstration of competency, and a 100% on the examination, I am happy to say I saved Cherelle, Cher, and Elle. :)
Still, I hope I get through my externship w/o ever having to yell, "Call the code! Get the cart!"
Our class consisted of Cheryl (the instructor), Cheryl (yours truly), BSILF & BSILFH, Yoyce and her BF Yayson, Rat A (a.k.a. CIA), Dimsum, Cold-Hearted K, and a lone nursing student who must've thought we were a crazy crowd. I'd say we were pretty successful at keeping the anxiety down and the fun at a high level. :)
I had a late random thought about all of this CPR stuff. For several years, I've been wanting to get certified just for the heck of it. I just never did. Now that I am about to extern in the hospital (in less than a week!!), it is a requirement. I'm glad I was "forced" to do this because now that I am officially certified (scary thought), I wholeheartedly believe everyone should do it, too!
The class was pretty intense for me. I think I went through a few emotional phases pretty quickly just in the first hour. When I first gave Cherelle (my adult manikin) mouth-to-mouth, I was freaking out, imagining that Cherelle was a real person and her life depended on me. After giving about a dozen cycles of compressions and respiration, I was a bit more confident. But then Cheryl busted out the child (Cher) and the infant (Elle). That made me think -- I am glad I never baby-sat b/c if anything happened, I wouldn't know wth to do except "call 911!"
Fortunately, after 5.5 hours of instruction, demonstration of competency, and a 100% on the examination, I am happy to say I saved Cherelle, Cher, and Elle. :)
Still, I hope I get through my externship w/o ever having to yell, "Call the code! Get the cart!"
Friday, March 16, 2007
Friday Night Fun
BSILF and I finally got hip to the dating scene! ("Finally" as in we "finally" have the time to.)
After student teaching, I picked BSILF up to begin our date. Our first stop was the Coffee Bean in West L.A., where BSILF treated me to a very delicious Blended White Chocolate Dream. There, we reminisced about how we met ("we met over the internet!" BSILF insightfully pointed out), talked a whole lot of shop (i.e., exchanged crazy stories just from the day, let alone 10 weeks worth), and talked about our future. The scary thing is that the "interview" question is no longer, "where do you see yourself in 5 (or 10) years?" The question is now, where do you see yourself in 6-12 months?
Next, our date moved to Chez C & C, where BF and Lil F were waiting for us and BSILF's hubby. I worked hard at pursuading BSILF to get 1 (or 2 turtles since they come in pairs these days). Apparently, a few nights before, I had unintentionally dissuaded her when I outlined Lil F's 3-hour tank clean-up (sidebar: Lil F also got a sulfa bath; she has to look good for her guests/fans). What can I say? We have a celebrity in the house. BF and I tag-teamed, which is funny b/c he pretends that the turtle is such a hassle, but really? She is very loved by the both of us.
When BSILFH came over, we headed off to the bowling alley down the street and played a few games. It was soOOooOOOo much fun! I realized how much I have missed bowling. It was also great to bowl with BSILF, the universal cheerleader (no matter what event, sport, or news, she is the most enthusiastic cheerleader). BSILF was exceptionally good at hitting the 9 & 10 pin. ;) BSILFH was really good! He wasn't kidding when he had asked me if I was ready to bowl. Apparently, I wasn't b/c BF kept coaching (i.e., "suitcase!")...even though our real coach, FBM, tells him not to coach me and that I should just ignore him when he does. LOL However, his tips were actually helpful. :)
Afterwards, we headed over to Islands at the Promenade. I am not a huge burger fan, but I certainly can't pass up an In-N-Out burger or an Islands burger. We really enjoyed dinner and the company! BSILF & I talked about SLP stuff while the boys talked about 1) how much they know about SLP stuff b/c of us, 2) how it has been a loOOoooong road watching their S.O. go through this program, and 3) graphic & motion art stuff. At the end of dinner, BSILFH went CIA and excused himself to pick up the tab. That was so thoughtful!
The night ended late, but all in all, our double date was a smashing success! It is great to be on "vacation"! :)
After student teaching, I picked BSILF up to begin our date. Our first stop was the Coffee Bean in West L.A., where BSILF treated me to a very delicious Blended White Chocolate Dream. There, we reminisced about how we met ("we met over the internet!" BSILF insightfully pointed out), talked a whole lot of shop (i.e., exchanged crazy stories just from the day, let alone 10 weeks worth), and talked about our future. The scary thing is that the "interview" question is no longer, "where do you see yourself in 5 (or 10) years?" The question is now, where do you see yourself in 6-12 months?
Next, our date moved to Chez C & C, where BF and Lil F were waiting for us and BSILF's hubby. I worked hard at pursuading BSILF to get 1 (or 2 turtles since they come in pairs these days). Apparently, a few nights before, I had unintentionally dissuaded her when I outlined Lil F's 3-hour tank clean-up (sidebar: Lil F also got a sulfa bath; she has to look good for her guests/fans). What can I say? We have a celebrity in the house. BF and I tag-teamed, which is funny b/c he pretends that the turtle is such a hassle, but really? She is very loved by the both of us.
When BSILFH came over, we headed off to the bowling alley down the street and played a few games. It was soOOooOOOo much fun! I realized how much I have missed bowling. It was also great to bowl with BSILF, the universal cheerleader (no matter what event, sport, or news, she is the most enthusiastic cheerleader). BSILF was exceptionally good at hitting the 9 & 10 pin. ;) BSILFH was really good! He wasn't kidding when he had asked me if I was ready to bowl. Apparently, I wasn't b/c BF kept coaching (i.e., "suitcase!")...even though our real coach, FBM, tells him not to coach me and that I should just ignore him when he does. LOL However, his tips were actually helpful. :)
Afterwards, we headed over to Islands at the Promenade. I am not a huge burger fan, but I certainly can't pass up an In-N-Out burger or an Islands burger. We really enjoyed dinner and the company! BSILF & I talked about SLP stuff while the boys talked about 1) how much they know about SLP stuff b/c of us, 2) how it has been a loOOoooong road watching their S.O. go through this program, and 3) graphic & motion art stuff. At the end of dinner, BSILFH went CIA and excused himself to pick up the tab. That was so thoughtful!
The night ended late, but all in all, our double date was a smashing success! It is great to be on "vacation"! :)
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