Happy birthday, Kristin!

“The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.”

When I was (much) younger, this quote was forwarded to me. For whatever sentimental reason, I have kept it ever since and think of it often when I meet someone who is that “best kind of friend.”

I know I am blessed to have Kristin as this “best kind of friend.” Sometimes I think I am a broken record when I say this, but it just goes to show that I really mean it. She has always been and continues to be an inspiration to me. Today, I thought about how much has transpired since her last birthday, and I am again amazed by her strength, tenacity, wisdom, maturity, and genuine joie de vivre.

The best way that I can sum up how I feel about her is simply that I love her.

Happy birthday, BSILF. I wish you all the best.

Emotions Gone Wild

Today was an emotional day.

At one point during the day, I wondered what BSILF, her hubby, and their new baby boy were doing at 4:15 AM b/c maybe I had sympathy pains. I was pretty tired when I went to bed late last night, but I still woke up around 4:15 and was unable to fall asleep again. I knew it was going to be a long day because I also had to attend Back To School Night beginning at 6 P.M.

My morning started Twilight-Zone slow since I only had half a cup of coffee (I was juked! The PTSA was providing breakfast and I was so certain there would be coffee). I had just finished a group of kids and was waiting for the next group, when I got a voicemail from BSILF. I was literally fighting tears listening to her message.

~ ~ ~

On Saturday, their beautiful baby boy was born. Little did many of us know the struggles this little trooper encountered from the moment he entered the world. I started getting worried when I hadn't heard from BSILF over the rest of the weekend (after one e-mail and one text asking if I could call her). BF kept telling me that everything was okay and to stop bothering the new parents who just needed private time with their new son. My fears were confirmed when I got a text from BSILF on Saturday night saying, "Call us tomorrow. Thanks for the prayers." What prayers?? I didn't know I had received prayer requests from them...which sent me immediately into heightened religious panic mode.

On Sunday, BSILF called to catch me up to speed. Their little boy was fighting to maintain a healthy status and fortunately, he fought enough to avoid Neonatal ICU admittance. However, after a few more days of silence, my worries started up again. Then I got today's voicemail that made me so sad and worried.

I am not used to hearing BSILF so fragile. The only times I've ever seen/heard her cry were tears of joy, when she announced that her and her hubby were expecting a baby. When we're together, we are like kids laughing nonstop until we're out of breath. I listened to her breaking voice telling me that she was discharged two days early...so that she and her husband could accompany their little boy to the NICU at CHOC. She asked that I send an e-mail out to her friends and family. I was on the verge of crying but had to stop myself because my kids was going to walk in at any second.

After the session, I quickly got on the computer and composed an e-mail on BSILF's behalf. It was both an honor and a challenge because I knew it would be one of extreme emotions. I began by announcing Baby Boy's name, Luke Trooper. Baby Luke's middle name grows more and more significant with every passing hour, as his body struggles to maintain the healthy state. All I kept thinking about when I wrote the e-mail was BSILF telling me over and over again in every message, how absolutely beautiful and perfect their little boy is. I have no doubts.

I tried my best to write an e-mail that conveyed BSILF and hubby's sentiments. I knew that they wouldn't want any of us to worry (even though we will regardless!) and thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers. As the e-mail responses started pouring in, I fought tears again. With every e-mail that I read, I just kept thinking about how amazing Mark and Kristi are. The outpour of love and concern was overwhelming. It's oddly comforting that through them, I have become connected with so many people that I may never meet in person. However, we all share that common ground of knowing and loving these two wonderful people...now a family of three.

My heart goes out to these new parents. Every time Kristi leaves me a voicemail, I am overwhelmed by her love for her husband, baby son, and life; she exudes this love with her words and her tone of voice. It's like she's fallen in love for the first time again, but this time, it's not just falling in love with her husband but also with their most beautiful gift to each other, Baby Luke.

Keep fighting, Luke Trooper. We have loved you even before you were born...and we love you even more now. You are beautiful beyond words. We know you will get through this.

IT'S A BOY!!!

Congratulations to Kristin and Mark!!!

BSILF and her husband welcomed a BEAUTIFUL baby boy into this world early this morning!

Kristi went into the hospital yesterday and left me a message to say it might happen around 1 AM or 1 PM (how in the world did I miss the call!). I went to sleep around midnight and happened to wake up around 6:45 AM (I must be on that Circadian "clock"). I got up to feed my turtle (and I admit, was jotting down therapy ideas for the kids that I worry/stress out the most over) when I thought -- wait, better check my phone for any messages.

Sure enough, I got TWO texts from Kristin! At 5:28, she (or possibly Mark?) texted me,

"It's a BOY! He is perfect and healthy!
Five pounds nine ounces, 19 inches. We are so happy!"

As am I! I can't wait to tell BF! Last night, we chatted on and off about how fabulous and exciting this time is. Well, we have been doing this for the past few months but this time especially is the most exciting.

They sent a multimedia message at 6:55 AM with his first picture. Tears of joy streamed down my face just looking at the beautiful boy sleeping like an angel (with his cute little baby blue beanie). Since BF is still asleep, I shared the momentously joyous moment with my turtle (as she finishes her breakfast).

Words can't express how ecstatic I am for them. Eight months of impatiently waiting for God's perfect gift has finally arrived. :)

Welcome Baby Boy! I'm an aunty! I have a NEPHEW!!! :D :D :D

(I am still waiting to find out his name! Eight months of guessing girls' names and 2 weeks of guessing non-gender-specific names and I'm still off!)

P.S. My non-gender-specific turtle onesie will be perfect for him! :) WoOO-hOoO!
P.P.S. As I finish this post, BF just woke up and I shared the wonderful news with him!

We love you, Mark, Kristin, & Baby Boy! Congratulations!
xoxoXoXOxOXoxo

My Pre-Niece-in-Law's Baby Shower

Approximately 7 months ago, BSILF personally announced to BF and me that she and her hubby will have a baby this month. Ever since we received the news, I have been living vicariously through BSILF and all her detailed accounts and e-mails regarding Baby Girl's pre-developmental milestones.

Today, we threw Baby Girl R. a pre-birthday party! I had the honor of participating in the planning of the baby shower with BSILF's relatives. Everything went so perfectly. I arrived at noon to help set-up...and to get acquainted with the biggest surprises of the baby shower. When I first met w/ BSILF's relatives to plan, her Cousin-in-Law shared with me that BSILF's mom and mother-in-law would be flying all the way over from New York as a surprise! I was beyond excited for everyone!

When I arrived to Cousin-in-Law's house, I was re-introduced to Mother and Mother-in-Law. I was also introduced to MIL's sister, whom I hugged and briefly commented, "So you're the mystery guest!" (Since I was in charge of the RSVPs, I knew that there was one more relative coming from NY as a surprise but I didn't know who.) We chatted a bit and helped set up for about an hour. CIL's daughter and I decorated the patio tables by tying pink ribbons and pinning them to the brown table cloths (it was really a great color combination). About 40 minutes before start-time, the three ladies went into the bedroom to hide. Knowing BSILF, we anticipated her either arriving early or on time at the latest. Although there were a few logistical kinks (i.e., Costco messed the cake up so CIL's husband ended up having to go pick it up), everyone was back in time before BSILF arrived.

(Picture taken before pretty pink ribbons were attached.)

CHK brought BSILF and as soon as she was comfortably settled down in the plush sofa, CIL said, "We have a surprised, but we don't want you to get too excited [lest BSILF go into labor]. I'll go get it."

BSILF's reaction was Hallmark classic. Since I was the designated videocamera-woman, I got to see it all. First, her mother walked out and BSILF was absolutely stunned! She didn't even realize that MIL was right behind so I got continuous footage of a second genuinely pleasant surprised reaction. And then one more for Aunty-in-Law! It was really so wonderful to witness all of it.

As more guests arrived, we began with cheese & crackers and M & Ms for appetizers and then quickly rolled into our delicious lunch of chicken, salmon, mac & cheese, and Caesar salad. We all sat outside and enjoyed each other's company. As lunch winded down, we started our first game of guessing flavors of baby food in unlabelled jars. There were 12 of them...and I only got 2! (Who knew there was butternut squash? I sure didn't.)
We moved inside to have delicious carrot cake, and then we played a game of "Who knows Mommy Best?" BSILF really put the pressure on me since I often declare to her that she is one of my best friends. Sadly, I proved not to be!

The few things I knew about BSILF:

• Full name
• baby's due date
• night person (vs. day)
• half-credit for favorite dessert (I would have bet all my money that it's anything with pumpkin, but I wrote pumpkin pie...but it was really brownies with pumpkin pie being a very close runner-up)
• Birth location
  

A few things that I didn't know about BSILF:

• First band/singer infatuation -- I had absolutely no clue so I blindly (and jokingly) guessed Queen. She did NOT like that answer. LOL (I am still laughing about the way she responded to my answer!)
• Favorite toy as a child -- no clue either so I put bubbles. She quickly reprimanded, "Apparently you think that I am one of your speech students!" LOLOL (Turned out to be Matchbox cars.)
• Married for 14 years -- I put 15 years b/c I quickly did the math but failed to take into consideration that her wedding date was earlier than her birthday for that year. I always knew that Math wasn't my forget, but that also tested my overall problem-solving skills.
  

So, sadly, I only scored 5 out of 12! (I was so bummed that I had to bring her husband down with me when he later took the test. Including both mothers, he scored the highest out of everyone with a 9 out of 12! But I had to be a brat and point out that his score was only a 75% which equates to a "C" for average.)

Our last activity was to decorate a onesie. Honestly, I had been thinking about this and trying to plot out a cool design ever since we planned this activity back in March! (Only b/c I am soooo uncreative and unartistic but didn't want to make something ugly for our cutie-pie baby girl.) Still, I arrived with no design in mind. BSILF quietly said, "why don't you draw a turtle?" (or something like, "I was sure you'd draw a turtle.") I almost drew a turtle's shell on the back...so that when Baby Girl wore it, she would look like a turtle (this inspiration came from BF. I often tell him that I want a tattoo of a turtle or sea turtle and he teases that I should get my back tatted w/ a turtle's shell. Scary and ugly!). Since I didn't like that idea for myself, I didn't think that would look so cute on Baby Girl. So I ended up just drawing a turtle.

Clumsy me smeared one of the "scute" outlines so I ended up filling up the entire shell at the suggestion of my supportive GFs. :) I was quite proud of it since I am soOOOOOoOOOOoooo not artistic. (Dude, my middle school kids often laugh at my drawings.)

(When I showed artistic BF the pictures above and below, he totally clowned on me,

"Did one of your elementary school students draw that?" -- knowing that I don't work with such young ones!)
Shortly after, BSILF opened up all the adorable gifts for baby girl. OMG, Baby Girl is going to be dressed to the nines in the most adorable outfits!
In retrospect, BF and I unintentionally got gifts from their registry to the theme of "cleanliness." We got this cool bath tub with a self-cleaning system and thermometer, a catch-all-mess floor mat, and booties to keep Baby Girl's feet clean. ;)

After the last guest left, I felt the need to leave, but BSILF said, "no, stay! Just b/c everyone left doesn't mean you have to leave!" So I stayed and got extra BSILF time in. :)

I ended up leaving around 8:30 PM! I was exhausted, but so happy to have spent the day with friends and "family"! :)

I am EAGERLY counting down the days until Baby Girl arrives!!!

Out on the Eastside

Instead of being woke up at 6 AM by my turtle today, BF was the culprit! He stayed up all night to finish a project and came into the bedroom to ask if I wanted anything for breakfast (aww, how sweet). Even in my sleepy state, I'm uber-indecisive so he ended up getting me all three things. Haha! So I had an early breakfast of french toast, hash brown sticks, and coffee from Jack-in-the-Box. The breakfast of champions.

Afterwards, I fell back asleep for about an hour before getting up to prepare for my date with BSILF. For the past week, her doctor has ordered her to monitor her level of activity but since she's been holed up at home, she was more than ready to spend a few hours out. I got to her place around 11 and marvelled at how little Tanga the turtle is, while she got ready. It's funny b/c BSILF and her hubby can't believe how "big" Tanga is when I can't believe how "little" she is...only b/c my Lil Fawker is like 7.5 inches and close to 3 pounds!

We left shortly after for BSILF's workplace to attend her baby shower. It was so much fun (and made me realize that being a hospital SLP doesn't mean you have to work in an intense, no-nonsense/no-laughter environment). Her two co-workers set up 3 games, the first of which I was positive I was going to win something. Of course I was wrong. I won nothing! (I thought I knew my candies by heart!) For the second game, we had to draw a baby by holding the paper on our head. Mine was so bad that it didn't even make the preliminary round. I wasn't much help for the third game either. We had to come up with songs w/ "baby" in the title and I only came up with one ("Babyface").

Afterwards, BSILF opened up her gifts from her friends and co-workers as we all had a delicious slice of carrot cake. Since it was the staffs' lunch break, we didn't hang out too long in the Rehab gym. ;) We went back to the Speech Therapy Staff Room and talked and laughed some more w/ the speechies. BSILF then told them that we had to take off soon. I thought that maybe she was tired and needed to rest, but she was actually being stealthy! She wanted to have lunch with just me. :)

So we headed back to her side of town and cruised up and down Main Street before settling down at an Indian restaurant for a lunch buffet. It was so good! Indian food is such a rare occasion for me since I have a low tolerance of spicy (hot) foods and also b/c BF is severely allergic to certain spices. (Since he had a traumatic experience with Indian curry...where he almost went into anaphylactic shock, he has never liked nor touched Indian food again. Who can blame him?)

Over lunch, BSILF talked and laughed endlessly about near future plans until we were kicked out. Unbeknownst to us, the restaurant had closed! (We're not talking like 9PM; it closed around 3?) We headed back to her place for a little while before I hopped on the 10 to beat traffic.

As always, it was a real treat to hang out with BSILF and laugh nonstop with each other. Lucky for me, I get to see her again next, next Saturday for her other baby shower!

Happy Birthday, Kristin!

Happy birthday to one of my bestest friends!

Today, in thinking about Kristin and secretly sending warm birthday wishes, I reminisced about random memories from when we first met. It's gnarly that we've only known each other for almost 3 years, but I feel like we've known each other for longer than that. (After reading her Mortified entries, I totally wish we were in high school together!!) In just 3 years, we've already shared so many great memories and in just one year, I've learned quite a few more random things about her that make me laugh or smile whenever I think of her...

...We went to China together a year ago! I've always wanted to go on a trip with friends and I finally did and it was awesome. :) She loves plain M&Ms and Kit Kats (I love all chocolate!). We both can't clap and sing simultaneously. We prefer e-mail as our main mode of communication (but I win at being the worst with telephone calls). We both order complicated drinks at Starbucks. She is the most organized, efficient, and well-prepared person I know. She introduced me to the very tasty Diet Dr. Pepper. She shared her pregnancy news with me in person! (We don't see each other enough so the fact that she did was overwhelming!) She is my main Pregancy 101 source! She is so reliable, efficient, knowledgeable, and above all, she welcomes my dumb questions. I truly believe that there are such things as a stupid question...but she almost has me believing that there are none in my individualized Pregnancy 101 "online course." She gives the best hugs. Her story about her first date with her husband is one of the best love stories on Earth. We both have turtles. This is the most awesome thing -- she tells me that she loves me.

Those few random thoughts don't capture the essence of our friendship. I was just sitting here thinking only about the past few weeks...and how she has made me laugh and she has made me cry (in a good way) in sooOoOoOoo many more ways than she knows. I am blessed to have a friend that grows another year in wisdom and knowledge but is forever young heart.

Happy birthday, BSILF!

Happy Easter!

He is risen and alive!

Even though I've been going to church a lot more regularly since maybe mid-summer of last year, I still have not made the "move" to become a member. Today, I invited my brother to attend Easter service with me. I've been plotting it for a month, but for whatever lame reason, I've been nervous about asking him (mainly b/c I really want him to come with me and am afraid he will reject my invite. Do I sound like one of those crazy religious nuts who really wants to convert someone?). When I invited him, he jokingly said, "It better be entertaining." I was secretly jumping for joy when he agreed and especially happy that he enjoyed the message and service. (He also did find the service entertaining.)

Afterwards, we went home and I baked Marie Callendar's corn bread and my "specialty," Cocoa Krispies treats. Shortly after, I headed to Tita Dina's house for her annual Easter get-together. I had such a blast as always. I remembered when I first started going over. All of the kids were little and shorter than me. Today, I couldn't believe how fast all the kids have "suddenly" grown. One recently graduated from college! (I remember when Bro and FBIL were helping her pack for college!)

The best part of the gathering is that there is so much love in the atmosphere. Everyone present is considered family. :) Every year, the get-together has some new faces present and some old faces missing...so even though some of the kids weren't there (i.e., FBIL's nephew), we had a special guest! BSILF came!

I had completely blanked on inviting BSILF, so thankfully, Bro did! Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), she was working so she was only a few minutes away! We were all extremely excited to see her, me especially! We were bummed that BSILF's hubby couldn't make it ("he is such a swell guy.") but definitely glad that she was present. BF was absent, too, since he was working on the Top of the Swirl project.*

*Did I ever mention that he will get free fro-yo for life?? Too bad he doesn't even like fro-yo/Pinkberry!!

We talked and ate until the sun set. It was truly a wonderful holiday surrounded by loved ones.

Pizza Party

I remember when we were in elementary school -- "winning" or earning a pizza party was such an awesome reward. As an adult, I still LOVE pizza parties!

BSILF and Hubby came over to the westside to meet up for bowling and pizza, only we didn't get to bowl since both alleys were jam-packed. :( Instead, we came back to Chez C&C and ordered Numero Uno (my favorite pizza...most likely b/c I have never had authentic Chicago deep dish or New York style) and polished it off with a 31 Flavors Oreo cookies and cream ice-cream cake!

We really had so much fun catching up with BSILF and Hubby (especially me!). We talked for hours about everything going on, from housing to jobs to the yummiest food to our futures. I thought it was funny that half of the time, the men would break off and talk about male stuff and then join us every so often as us women shared about the craziness of work. They also marveled at how big Lil F is now...and she had to show off and stand on her hind legs like she was prepping for the Great Escape again. (I also think Lil F has Tanga Tank Envy.)

I was sad when they left, but I knew that we all had lots of work to do...or at least sleep to catch up on.

Bro's 31st Birthday

Yesterday, my bro celebrated his birthday with several close friends. Funny because I recall my brother saying last year that he wanted FBIL to plan a huge event, like a mini-trip with a bunch of people. But as his day drew nearer, what he wanted most was a chill evening with his closest friends.

We started off with Korean BBQ at Cham Sut Gol (a.k.a. The Cave). It was kind of a mini-China-Trip reunion, since most of us haven't seen each other since August. (My, how time flies) BSILF and Hubby came, too, which we were all excited about! :) After several platters of meat (Mommy would be so disappointed in us!), we had delicious birthday cake from JJ's bakery. Afterwards, we promptly left for our karaoke reservation at Rosen.

We got to Rosen around 7:30 and got right down to business. BSILF asked if I was going to sing and I told her honestly, "Only if my bro makes me...which I'm sure he will." Sure enough, he did...but it was fun and nice. The first song we sang together was Mr. Big's "To Be With You." I was thrilled! I haven't heard nor thought of that song in at least a decade! We didn't score 100, but we sure sang our hearts out. ;) We were definitely not leaving until somebody scored 100...and the dynamic dual that won it all was none other than BSILF and FBIL with Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach."
The funny thing is that we were all home pretty much by 10 or 10:30, yet I know I felt like I had a full night out! Man, I just can't hang like I used to. Heck, I haven't been able to hang like when I was 21, since I was 21!

It was really a fun night and most importantly, my brother had a blast.

Birthday Shout Out to BSILF!

Happy Birthday, BSILF!

Over time, I've come to realize that my best friends are the ones that I instantly connect with -- the ones that I feel like I have known for a long time, even if it's only been a month, year, or a blessing of 10 years. Irrespective of time, we have so much to share, laugh, remember, and cry over. Just as sweet is projecting into the future together.

This is only the second birthday that I get to "celebrate" with BSILF, but it feels like we have known each other for years.

33 things about BSILF that I love, know, and appreciate:

1. She gives great hugs (and firm handshakes).
2. She makes great (white) chili, brownies, Vita-mix smoothies...everything!
   
3. She is the best cheerleader/pep-talker!
4. She makes awesome scrapbooking albums and cards.
5. She writes the most thoughtful cards for special occasions and "just because."
6. She is incredibly smart.
   
7. She is so down-to-earth.
8. She asks the most thought-provoking questions.
9. She is such a caring woman with a HUGE heart. She is always the first to think of charitable acts. This goes very well with #3.
   
10. She is just as Hollywood star-struck as I am.
11. She prefers e-mail over phone calls (too).
12. She is an excellent SLP.
13. She tells her husband "I love you" at the end of every phone call.
14. She is the most eco-friendly person I know.
15. She is a very simple, practical, non-superficial woman.
16. She is Lil F's Aunty.
17. She loves pizza.
18. She is the hugest nerd! :D
19. She is extremely creative.
20. She will be a wonderful mother (should she have children ;).
21. If anything happens to me, I have first dibs on being her client.
22. She always gives great advice -- whether it's for a simple scenario or a complex life-changing situation.
23. She is so responsible; a natural-born leader.
    
24. She wears the funnest watches and socks.
25. She is young at heart (and she looks really young, too).
26. She has been happily married for over 10 years, but she and husband are still in their "honeymoon-phase." :) That is true, inspirational love.
27. She is very adventurous, from non-peanutty foods to travels.
    
28. She is always the last to say "bye" at the end of a phone call (even when she says "bye" first, she will say "bye" again after I say "bye").
29. She is so technologically hip and savvy.
30. She is the first friend that I am traveling internationally with.
    
31. She is unbelievably organized.
    
32. She is a great mother to Tanga, baby distant relative of Lil F.
    
33. She is a wonderful friend!

I could go on and on, but I want to call her now to wish her a happy birthday!

(34. She knows that when I call, it is a rare moment b/c I hardly ever make nor pick-up calls!)

4th of July

I've been asking BF about 4th of July plans since last week b/c I love BBQs and fireworks. Since we just got a grill, he said, "no promises, but if anything, we can just grill here." So at first, the party was just gonna be us two, but then we invited a few homies (who invited a few homies). Turns out that today was the biggest gathering at Chez C&C, yet! :)

We were so delighted that everyone showed up. First was FBM and BF's Godson, then bro, Rose, & Lynnielove, then bro's friend and adorable 2 y/o son, and last but definitely not least, BSILF and hubby! They stayed the latest, which was nice; after a frenzied day of hosting, it was relaxing to end on an intimate setting with great friends. It was a great day of laughter and yummy food. I even grilled mushrooms, white corn, and drumsticks for nostalgic and appetite-satiating purposes.

By the end of the evening, BF and I were pooped! We ended our evening doing our typical 4th of July viewing of fireworks from our balcony. Unlike last year, we barely caught sight of 3 firework fanfares (vs. 5 last year). There is something nice and peaceful in us two viewing fireworks from the privacy of our balcony...and then walking 3 steps to get back home.

All in all, my bro said, "you pulled off a very successful BBQ." I could definitely get used to hosting more parties/BBQs. :) I've been watching a lot of TV and those s'more commercials are definitely taking a toll on me...!

Not yet M.A., but 1/3 closer to CCC

Great news! BSILF, CHK, and I passed the Praxis! We are that much closer to being nationally licensed and obtaining the CCC after our name.

Congratulations to us!

The day of the news was actually very exciting. I got the day off to attend our Graduate Banquet. That morning, BF and I went to the P.O. to apply for his new passport for our celebratory China trip. On my way to the banquet, BSILF called me up and we chit-chatted. I completely blanked on what day it was. At the end of our chat, BSILF said, "I have an important question for you." "Hm?" "Did you call?" I was like, "What? Call who?" I can't imagine her expression of disbelief on the other line. I completely blanked that friday was the day that we could call in to receive our scores!

Well, a little background. I'm the type that waits to open gifts. If it's a Christmas gift, I like to wait until Christmas Eve or Day. If it's my birthday, I like to wait until then. Same with results. I don't mind waiting until it arrives in the mail. So in my mind, I had already settled on doing that...and completely forgotten about it. =P BF, however, was very intent on me calling in at first chance.

BSILF: Y'know, the Praxis!
Me: OMG! I totally forgot! Did you call?
BSILF: Yep.
Me: Congratulations, you must have passed, huh! :)

And she certainly did. Not that I had any doubt! Still, it was very exciting to hear!

At the banquet, we had a mini-reunion with our colleagues and mentors. And I strategically sat near the dessert table. =P Being at the banquet made me realize that we are seriously that much closer to being done with school and becoming professionals. It's a great feeling.

Afterwards, Bruce Lee's Cousin, CIA Rat B, and BSILF came over to (check out Lil F and to) work on our oral defense forms. When BF found out that both Cold-Hearted K (who is really quite the opposite of cold-hearted) and BSILF had passed the Praxis, he (no surprise) insisted that I call in for my results. The (cheap) chicken that I am, had him call.

He heard the results first, and then passed the phone to me. I passed! Yay! The craziest thing is that BSILF and I got the same score (even though traditionally, her score should be higher!) We've been through thick and thin together for the past 2-3 years so what could be better than to have some of them around to share in the good news? :) Unfortunately, CIA Rat B and Bruce Lee's Cousin had to go, but BSILF's Hubby came over and the 4 of us went to Island's to celebrate.

And celebrate we did. Thanks, BSILF and Hubby for the delicious meal and wonderful company!

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!

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.

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

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!

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!