On February 1, my awesome Doctor Cousin flew out to Africa. After 2.5 days of traveling, she made it to Uganda, where she will be until March 24th. Every e-mail we get from her really puts things into perspective.
A little background on Doctor Cousin. There are very few people who know exactly what they want to do when they're less than 10 years old. Ever since I could remember, Doctor Cousin has always wanted to be a doctor. I have never heard her once consider any other career. The day she graduated from med school, our family couldn't've been prouder. (My dad, gramma, bro, and I attended her special graduation.) Doctor Cousin has always been a very strong, independent, intelligent, and compassionate woman. So, it didn't surprise us when she told us that she would travel to Uganda to complete 2 months of her residency.
She recently sent an e-mail to us, that really put things in perspective (for me). Despite being in the Capitol City, it has been the most impoverished place she has ever been to. The hospital that she is working in is the premier one in the country...yet it is in conditions that I cannot imagine, despite her vivid descriptions. A lot of what she described, I really can't wrap my head around.
Reading about Doctor Cousin's account really put things into perspective for me. I think about my kiddos a lot and how tragic their life has been...yet on the other side of the world (and in between) people are suffering in so many different ways and on different levels. Yet, people can still find the joy in life. Isn't that something?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Pampering
Yesterday and today, I've been forced to pamper myself (how often does that happen)? Back in October, bro and FBIL gave me a spa package to Peponi. My invitation/package is expiring in a week so I had to hurry and use them. I definitely did not want to let them go to waste!
On Friday, I received a mini-enzymatic facial. That was so nice, and I know my face needed it. The aestheticican, Rene, was wonderful as expected. Today, I went back for a Peponi Manicure (in between the Basics and Pleasure). I didn't catch the manicurist's name, but she was quite interesting and fun. A whole door was opened when she asked me, "Why is your mom in Texas?"
I'm excited because I get one more treatment this coming Friday. :) One more mini-enzymatic facial, coming right up!
.·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·.
There's this one kid at Site 2. He is the most adorable kid. He's everyone's "favorite" including the 3 librarians (the speech room is in b/t the computer lab and library; it's almost like a little "foyer" in between the two huge rooms). Anywho, he is somewhat on the PDD spectrum and totally hyperlexic, but has not been dx'd yet (long story). Anywho, when I work with him and go over Buddy Bear Association books, he'll respond correctly and sometimes add in, "One popcorn [or other appropriate food object], coming right up!" It totally cracks me up! He is so cute. I'm excited b/c just within the past few weeks, I've seen some progress. I'm mainly attributing it to development, though.
On Friday, I received a mini-enzymatic facial. That was so nice, and I know my face needed it. The aestheticican, Rene, was wonderful as expected. Today, I went back for a Peponi Manicure (in between the Basics and Pleasure). I didn't catch the manicurist's name, but she was quite interesting and fun. A whole door was opened when she asked me, "Why is your mom in Texas?"
I'm excited because I get one more treatment this coming Friday. :) One more mini-enzymatic facial, coming right up!
.·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·. .·:*¨¨*:·.
There's this one kid at Site 2. He is the most adorable kid. He's everyone's "favorite" including the 3 librarians (the speech room is in b/t the computer lab and library; it's almost like a little "foyer" in between the two huge rooms). Anywho, he is somewhat on the PDD spectrum and totally hyperlexic, but has not been dx'd yet (long story). Anywho, when I work with him and go over Buddy Bear Association books, he'll respond correctly and sometimes add in, "One popcorn [or other appropriate food object], coming right up!" It totally cracks me up! He is so cute. I'm excited b/c just within the past few weeks, I've seen some progress. I'm mainly attributing it to development, though.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Quarter Ketchup
As of late, my posting and e-mailing habits have been pretty nonexistant. This past week, I finally realized/found something to contribute it to.
This quarter has been really challenging in a different way. BF says that for every passing quarter, I swear it is the hardest ever. At the beginning of this quarter, he snidely asked, "So, is this your hardest quarter ever?" I honestly said, No.
However, it has been one of my most emotionally challenging. With respect to classes, I am only taking ONE class. It has been so difficult for me, though. I've always whined that "hard science" and neuro are not my forte. They never have been, and I seriously doubt they ever will be. Add on top of that, the "real" content/objectives for this class, and I find myself in such a jam. Every other night, I worry about what my next quarter/externship will be like, based on how I'm handling this quarter's material. My biggest concern is my weakened ability to withstand any open body cavities. I can't stand the sight of surgeries (on TV)...Even if the shows don't show the procedure and leave it up to my imagination, I have to cover my eyes. I HATE the thought of being stabbed or "chopped up." Another big concern is my difficulty "thinking on the spot." It's like I have a slow uprise (characteristic of one with a processing disorder, I believe). Both factors are causing me great anxiety as I anticipate my externship in the hospital next quarter. I could very well be dealing with people who have medically-appropriate/necessary open cavities (I am trying my best to euphemize without giving away the actual procedure) and I will be depended on for very serious situations and decisions. Will I be ready in four more weeks? I'm skurred...
On the other hand, every weekday I come home burdened by the thoughts of "my" kiddos. I can't help it. BF's mom asked him last December why I chose this field. He responded, "She can't be a doctor b/c she can't stand the sight/though of open wounds and blood; she can't be a psychologist/counselor b/c she thinks waaaaaayyy too much." And here I am, thinking about my kids anyways. I get soOoOooOOo sad thinking about them and their situations, environments, and lifestyles. I understand that there are so many factors to attribute their being to. I mean, I've heard so many times this quarter, the preface, "In a perfect world, we/they would..." But the public schools are far from the perfect world. As cliche as it sounds, all I can do is do my best to help them communicate better.
I get so drained with my Thurs/Fri kiddos, though. Many times, my sessions are spent trying to keep the peace between the students and emphasizing that violence is not an effective means of communication. I am constantly amazed at these students' abilities (or lack thereof). I don't mean to put them down, but I can't help but compare them to my Mon/Tues kids who know so many more basic concepts and social rules, despite their lower functioning levels and age. I wonder, though, if it is because my Thurs/Fri kids receive such inconsistent services. Their poor attendance coupled with seeing 3 different clinicians who all have different styles, backgrounds, and experience doesn't equate to much progress, IMHO. I imagine that stability and consistency is key, especially for these kiddos who lack that outside of school/therapy. I worry about "my" kids and I think about them a lot. What good is worrying, though?
Sometimes, my worries are eased a teeny bit. On very rare occasions, I have the opportunity of spending time with a JH Thurs/Fri student one-on-one. During those rare opportunities, I see an incredibly different person -- a complete 180 from who I see in a group setting. It really leaves me stunned and speechless. Alone with me, they are defenseless and vulnerable. Sometimes, they tell me more than I should probably know, but I appreciate the trust they have in me. Most times, we converse; I treat them like a "normal" adult and ask them typical conversation starters (e.g., How are you, what did you do last weekend, what will you do this weekend, what did you have for lunch, etc.). For most, I am glad to see that they can be "normal" and hold a "normal" conversation, rather that spitting out strings of fiery words and (kicking someone underneath the table). It is at those moments that my hope for them and their future is renewed.
Still, every day/night, I think about them. I feel like I've become a lot more withdrawn and asocial because all I do is think about my kids and what I can do differently tomorrow. Hence, my lack of blogging and e-mailing.
I just hope that I am doing something good with them. Despite making me cry for them (unbeknownst to them), they sure make me laugh a whole lot. The other day, one girl, a 180 case, pulled a Jenga block that had the question, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" To my surprise, she said, "Finishing high school and finding a job or going to college." I was a little skeptical about whether she was just saying that to appease me, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. When her groupmate picked a block, he got a similar question, "What do you see yourself doing in the future?" Ever the typical male case I've been seeing, he unsurprisingly answered, "I don't know!" 180 girl whispered, "Say you're going to graduate from HS or something. That's the right answer! That's what she wants to hear!" LOL Well, at least they know what the "right" (albeit biased) answer is.
Lastly, everyday I ask myself, Do I want to work in the public schools? Can I?
This quarter has been really challenging in a different way. BF says that for every passing quarter, I swear it is the hardest ever. At the beginning of this quarter, he snidely asked, "So, is this your hardest quarter ever?" I honestly said, No.
However, it has been one of my most emotionally challenging. With respect to classes, I am only taking ONE class. It has been so difficult for me, though. I've always whined that "hard science" and neuro are not my forte. They never have been, and I seriously doubt they ever will be. Add on top of that, the "real" content/objectives for this class, and I find myself in such a jam. Every other night, I worry about what my next quarter/externship will be like, based on how I'm handling this quarter's material. My biggest concern is my weakened ability to withstand any open body cavities. I can't stand the sight of surgeries (on TV)...Even if the shows don't show the procedure and leave it up to my imagination, I have to cover my eyes. I HATE the thought of being stabbed or "chopped up." Another big concern is my difficulty "thinking on the spot." It's like I have a slow uprise (characteristic of one with a processing disorder, I believe). Both factors are causing me great anxiety as I anticipate my externship in the hospital next quarter. I could very well be dealing with people who have medically-appropriate/necessary open cavities (I am trying my best to euphemize without giving away the actual procedure) and I will be depended on for very serious situations and decisions. Will I be ready in four more weeks? I'm skurred...
On the other hand, every weekday I come home burdened by the thoughts of "my" kiddos. I can't help it. BF's mom asked him last December why I chose this field. He responded, "She can't be a doctor b/c she can't stand the sight/though of open wounds and blood; she can't be a psychologist/counselor b/c she thinks waaaaaayyy too much." And here I am, thinking about my kids anyways. I get soOoOooOOo sad thinking about them and their situations, environments, and lifestyles. I understand that there are so many factors to attribute their being to. I mean, I've heard so many times this quarter, the preface, "In a perfect world, we/they would..." But the public schools are far from the perfect world. As cliche as it sounds, all I can do is do my best to help them communicate better.
I get so drained with my Thurs/Fri kiddos, though. Many times, my sessions are spent trying to keep the peace between the students and emphasizing that violence is not an effective means of communication. I am constantly amazed at these students' abilities (or lack thereof). I don't mean to put them down, but I can't help but compare them to my Mon/Tues kids who know so many more basic concepts and social rules, despite their lower functioning levels and age. I wonder, though, if it is because my Thurs/Fri kids receive such inconsistent services. Their poor attendance coupled with seeing 3 different clinicians who all have different styles, backgrounds, and experience doesn't equate to much progress, IMHO. I imagine that stability and consistency is key, especially for these kiddos who lack that outside of school/therapy. I worry about "my" kids and I think about them a lot. What good is worrying, though?
Sometimes, my worries are eased a teeny bit. On very rare occasions, I have the opportunity of spending time with a JH Thurs/Fri student one-on-one. During those rare opportunities, I see an incredibly different person -- a complete 180 from who I see in a group setting. It really leaves me stunned and speechless. Alone with me, they are defenseless and vulnerable. Sometimes, they tell me more than I should probably know, but I appreciate the trust they have in me. Most times, we converse; I treat them like a "normal" adult and ask them typical conversation starters (e.g., How are you, what did you do last weekend, what will you do this weekend, what did you have for lunch, etc.). For most, I am glad to see that they can be "normal" and hold a "normal" conversation, rather that spitting out strings of fiery words and (kicking someone underneath the table). It is at those moments that my hope for them and their future is renewed.
Still, every day/night, I think about them. I feel like I've become a lot more withdrawn and asocial because all I do is think about my kids and what I can do differently tomorrow. Hence, my lack of blogging and e-mailing.
I just hope that I am doing something good with them. Despite making me cry for them (unbeknownst to them), they sure make me laugh a whole lot. The other day, one girl, a 180 case, pulled a Jenga block that had the question, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" To my surprise, she said, "Finishing high school and finding a job or going to college." I was a little skeptical about whether she was just saying that to appease me, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. When her groupmate picked a block, he got a similar question, "What do you see yourself doing in the future?" Ever the typical male case I've been seeing, he unsurprisingly answered, "I don't know!" 180 girl whispered, "Say you're going to graduate from HS or something. That's the right answer! That's what she wants to hear!" LOL Well, at least they know what the "right" (albeit biased) answer is.
Lastly, everyday I ask myself, Do I want to work in the public schools? Can I?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
My Starbucks Drink
Sbux has a very cool promo right now -- design your own T-shirt w/ your favorite drink, for free! The designer from one of Project Runway's previous seasons came up with the art and type.
Unfortunately for me (and others), there is only a limited supply each morning and for a number of days. I haven't been lucky enough to get into that tiny window. If I could get a T-shirt, it would have this on it:
I'd take a Venti of the same in a heart beat, too. Heck, I'd take any drink from Sbux any day of the week and twice on Sundays!
Unfortunately for me (and others), there is only a limited supply each morning and for a number of days. I haven't been lucky enough to get into that tiny window. If I could get a T-shirt, it would have this on it:
I'd take a Venti of the same in a heart beat, too. Heck, I'd take any drink from Sbux any day of the week and twice on Sundays!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Lazarus the Betta
Because future doctor cousin asked, I am providing an update on my dad's betta, who I have christened Lazarus.
Lazarus is doing fine. His/her home has been moved next to the water heater for added warmth (how did my dad know that increasing water temperature helps aquatic species recover?) and appears to be in great health.
I am still laughing about all of this. I don't have the heart to tease my dad about how much he has spent on resurrecting Lazarus. He bought Lazarus from a 99 cent store! And here he is, feeding it all sorts of vitamins and pills. So crazy.
Hm, I'm one to speak. I have spent soOOoOoOOo much on Lil F (and we got her for FREE! Best FREE gift ever!). She just received a shipment that included medicine that costs more than my vitamins. We got her medicine because the other day, we thought she contracted tapeworms from her rosy red minnow rewards. I'm very happy to report that Lil F has been her usual self: wildly begging for food even after she has been fed, still upsetting me by eating her dock, and growing bigger and bigger (she has reached 6 inches and is b/t 1 & 2 pounds). As a Valentine's Day gift, we set up a feeding tank for her. It hasn't worked out so well b/c I need to pick up her first filter from Dad's tomorrow.
That's it on the Westside's version of Animal Rescue 911.
Lazarus is doing fine. His/her home has been moved next to the water heater for added warmth (how did my dad know that increasing water temperature helps aquatic species recover?) and appears to be in great health.
I am still laughing about all of this. I don't have the heart to tease my dad about how much he has spent on resurrecting Lazarus. He bought Lazarus from a 99 cent store! And here he is, feeding it all sorts of vitamins and pills. So crazy.
Hm, I'm one to speak. I have spent soOOoOoOOo much on Lil F (and we got her for FREE! Best FREE gift ever!). She just received a shipment that included medicine that costs more than my vitamins. We got her medicine because the other day, we thought she contracted tapeworms from her rosy red minnow rewards. I'm very happy to report that Lil F has been her usual self: wildly begging for food even after she has been fed, still upsetting me by eating her dock, and growing bigger and bigger (she has reached 6 inches and is b/t 1 & 2 pounds). As a Valentine's Day gift, we set up a feeding tank for her. It hasn't worked out so well b/c I need to pick up her first filter from Dad's tomorrow.
That's it on the Westside's version of Animal Rescue 911.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
Today was a nice, casual V-day for the BF and I. We had dinner at Paco's Taco's (my fave Mexican restaurant!), stopped by Hotcake Bakes for dessert, and then went bowling. :) I also received a bag of "Classroom Mix" Valentine's candies from bro and FBIL last night. What a clever idea and a delicious mix of Snickers, M&Ms, and Twix! I also received a Valentine from my MC2 - a See's Candies chocolate heart! Yummers. :) I didn't see my regular kids for tx today so I didn't get to throw a real "Valentime" day party for the small potatoes, but last Friday, we had mini-V-day parties w/ the kids and tmrw, we'll wrap up the celebration. Yay!
XOXO to all of you!
P.S. Hotcakes Bakes: "Katrina Moore and Elfie Weiss have opened little ten-seater Hotcakes Bakes, combining their American and Parisian baking techniques. Everything’s made on premises, from scratch, without benefit of mixers. Signature baked goods include opera cake; banana cream pie with milk chocolate ganache; and croissants. Sandwiches served on fresh baguettes pair ingredients like caprese with prosciutto and turkey with avocado."
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Lazarus Betta
When we visited my dad's over the weekend, I noticed that one of his two bettas were gone...and the remaining one looked dead in its bowl. Dad confirmed the obvious -- that one had passed. However, he didn't know the second one was dead until I pointed it out.
No, wait, it wasn't dead. It was almost dead. It was barely alive so Gramma came to the rescue.
Rewind~
A little background on pseudo-doctor Gramma. Gramma used to be the acting pharmacist for my doctor grandpa's practice, when my dad and aunties were little. Growing up, Gramma was still the pharmacist of the family, who knew which medicines to give out. When I was little, Gramma truly believed in penicillin being the panacea. Consequently, I always took penicillin whenever I was sick/had an infection. (I also had to take dry ginseng powder -- which is a whole 'nother story/traumatic childhood memory.) In fact, Gramma thought penicillin was not only the panacea for humans, but also for animals. The few times my cousins' dogs appeared sick, she gave them penicillin. In later years, it was Tylenol.
Fast forward~
When Gramma heard the betta fish was almost dead, she instructed my dad to give it something. I didn't hear what, but I saw my dad drop something in the bowl. When we got back from the expo, I was certain the fish was going to die in the cloudy yellow water. I said to Dad, "I can't believe you put a pill in there! Like that's going to help the fish! It's going to die for sure now! Dad, you have to do something!"
Tonight, my dad left me a VM saying that his betta fish was totally alive and kickin'. I had to call him back to see what the deal was. He said he was just about to go to bed, but he needed to take care of his fish before he went to bed. He happily reported that it's totally alive b/c not only did he give it Centrum on Saturday, but since yesterday, he has given it vitamin C and DHEA (in equal passing time durations) and he was just about to give it some "Move-Free" so that it would "swim more freely."
I couldn't stop laughing for about 5 minutes. I definitely inherited the "come up with crazy ideas" gene from my dad. :)
No, wait, it wasn't dead. It was almost dead. It was barely alive so Gramma came to the rescue.
Rewind~
A little background on pseudo-doctor Gramma. Gramma used to be the acting pharmacist for my doctor grandpa's practice, when my dad and aunties were little. Growing up, Gramma was still the pharmacist of the family, who knew which medicines to give out. When I was little, Gramma truly believed in penicillin being the panacea. Consequently, I always took penicillin whenever I was sick/had an infection. (I also had to take dry ginseng powder -- which is a whole 'nother story/traumatic childhood memory.) In fact, Gramma thought penicillin was not only the panacea for humans, but also for animals. The few times my cousins' dogs appeared sick, she gave them penicillin. In later years, it was Tylenol.
Fast forward~
When Gramma heard the betta fish was almost dead, she instructed my dad to give it something. I didn't hear what, but I saw my dad drop something in the bowl. When we got back from the expo, I was certain the fish was going to die in the cloudy yellow water. I said to Dad, "I can't believe you put a pill in there! Like that's going to help the fish! It's going to die for sure now! Dad, you have to do something!"
Tonight, my dad left me a VM saying that his betta fish was totally alive and kickin'. I had to call him back to see what the deal was. He said he was just about to go to bed, but he needed to take care of his fish before he went to bed. He happily reported that it's totally alive b/c not only did he give it Centrum on Saturday, but since yesterday, he has given it vitamin C and DHEA (in equal passing time durations) and he was just about to give it some "Move-Free" so that it would "swim more freely."
I couldn't stop laughing for about 5 minutes. I definitely inherited the "come up with crazy ideas" gene from my dad. :)
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