The stapedius muscle is the smallest skeletal muscle.
It is located in the middle ear.
It functions to dampen sounds over 8085 dB.
It is innervated by the facial motor nerve, which is cranial nerve VII.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Spring Break is over...
John Paul: So, you have school tomorrow, eh?
Me: yup.
Alex: Oh! School again tomorrow?
Me: yup.
John Paul: Wow. Break is over, and you have to go to school tomorrow.
Me: yup.
Tony: Ahh! You go back to school tomorrow?
Me: yup.
Frank: Oh yeah! You have to get up and go to school in the morning!
Alex: So, what time do you have to go to school tomorrow?
Antonio: Hey, that's too bad, that you have to go back to school tomorrow.
John Paul: Yeah, we won't remind you of it, on account of the fact that your spring break is over and you have to go back to school tomorrow.
Move to Connecticut, acquire 4 Italian brothers! Both chivalry and full blown teasing guarenteed, everyday. Qualifications: a sense of humor, preference for pasta, and love for Mother Church. Understanding of Italian helpful, but not required.
Me: yup.
Alex: Oh! School again tomorrow?
Me: yup.
John Paul: Wow. Break is over, and you have to go to school tomorrow.
Me: yup.
Tony: Ahh! You go back to school tomorrow?
Me: yup.
Frank: Oh yeah! You have to get up and go to school in the morning!
Alex: So, what time do you have to go to school tomorrow?
Antonio: Hey, that's too bad, that you have to go back to school tomorrow.
John Paul: Yeah, we won't remind you of it, on account of the fact that your spring break is over and you have to go back to school tomorrow.
Move to Connecticut, acquire 4 Italian brothers! Both chivalry and full blown teasing guarenteed, everyday. Qualifications: a sense of humor, preference for pasta, and love for Mother Church. Understanding of Italian helpful, but not required.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Friday, March 04, 2005
A-
Kidney transplants from living donors have advantages over cadaveric kidneys. Here are some reasons:
The living kidney is the best quality kidney that a patient can receive because the donor can be thoroughly tested before the transplant.
Half of the living kidneys transplanted today will still be working 25 years from now; half of the cadaveric kidneys will fail within the next 10 years.
Most living donor kidneys function immediately after transplantation, while many cadeveric kidneys don't function well immediately.
Transplants can be done immediately; the average wait for a cadaveric kidney in New England is 3 to 4 years.
*taken from Mayo Clinic and Rhode Island Hospital websites
Some disadvantages of being a living kidney donor:
Obvious reason: one less kidney in your body.
- What if something happens to that kidney?
- What if a family member eventually needs a kidney, and you would have been a perfect match for him?
- The remaining kidney may get over-utilized, and you yourself may face dialysis or the need of a kidney transplant later on in life
A non-family member can never be a perfect match, however close the match is
Submission to the risks of major surgery (exposure to anesthesia, risk of infection, always a risk of complication or death)
6-8 week recovery period
*taken from phone interviews with Aunt Maureen, P.A., and Adrienne Kania, D.O.
The living kidney is the best quality kidney that a patient can receive because the donor can be thoroughly tested before the transplant.
Half of the living kidneys transplanted today will still be working 25 years from now; half of the cadaveric kidneys will fail within the next 10 years.
Most living donor kidneys function immediately after transplantation, while many cadeveric kidneys don't function well immediately.
Transplants can be done immediately; the average wait for a cadaveric kidney in New England is 3 to 4 years.
*taken from Mayo Clinic and Rhode Island Hospital websites
Some disadvantages of being a living kidney donor:
Obvious reason: one less kidney in your body.
- What if something happens to that kidney?
- What if a family member eventually needs a kidney, and you would have been a perfect match for him?
- The remaining kidney may get over-utilized, and you yourself may face dialysis or the need of a kidney transplant later on in life
A non-family member can never be a perfect match, however close the match is
Submission to the risks of major surgery (exposure to anesthesia, risk of infection, always a risk of complication or death)
6-8 week recovery period
*taken from phone interviews with Aunt Maureen, P.A., and Adrienne Kania, D.O.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Klaske's Book Game
Very neat, so here are the rules.
1. Grab the nearest book
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest!
1. Nearest book: Little Women, my latest pleasure-read option!
2. p. 123 (which I just passed!!)
3. Her turn came next.
4. "What is your greatest fault?" asked Fred, by way of testing in her the virtue he lacked himself.
"A quick temper."
"What do you most wish for?" said Laurie.
And there I stop. Suspenseful, huh? Don't look up Jo's answer. Guess from these options, and I'll let you know if you're right or wrong:
a. a publisher to print my play
b. a pair of boot lacings
c. a hat with a wide brim
d. Father to return home
...?
1. Grab the nearest book
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest!
1. Nearest book: Little Women, my latest pleasure-read option!
2. p. 123 (which I just passed!!)
3. Her turn came next.
4. "What is your greatest fault?" asked Fred, by way of testing in her the virtue he lacked himself.
"A quick temper."
"What do you most wish for?" said Laurie.
And there I stop. Suspenseful, huh? Don't look up Jo's answer. Guess from these options, and I'll let you know if you're right or wrong:
a. a publisher to print my play
b. a pair of boot lacings
c. a hat with a wide brim
d. Father to return home
...?
Stuck - Unstuck
I spent most of the day Monday at the Minneapolis/St Paul airport in Minnesota, where a 3-hour layover turned into a 6-hour layover, plus a 1/2-hour wait on the runway. But I was happy, because the nausea and light-headedness that had continued from a vomiting episode the night before was gone.
I spent about 3 more hours after landing at LaGuardia airport in NY, catching a bus and a train back up to Connecticut. But I was grateful, because I got all my reading for school finished, and was even able to do some pleasure reading by the end of the night!
I spent Tuesday morning at Sharon's house translating all my airport reading into a written-up handout for my tutorial class that afternoon. But I was happy to eat breakfast, finish the write-up, stop at my house to drop off my luggage and pick up my books, and still make it to class on time.
I've been hearing a lot about PNF techniques, something we started learning in the Lab I missed on Monday while I was stuck in Minneapolis. But I'm lucky that it's a fun and exciting technique that people are eager to practice, so my classmates willingly show me what I need to know.
Everything seen with the proper perspective can be a blessing.
I spent about 3 more hours after landing at LaGuardia airport in NY, catching a bus and a train back up to Connecticut. But I was grateful, because I got all my reading for school finished, and was even able to do some pleasure reading by the end of the night!
I spent Tuesday morning at Sharon's house translating all my airport reading into a written-up handout for my tutorial class that afternoon. But I was happy to eat breakfast, finish the write-up, stop at my house to drop off my luggage and pick up my books, and still make it to class on time.
I've been hearing a lot about PNF techniques, something we started learning in the Lab I missed on Monday while I was stuck in Minneapolis. But I'm lucky that it's a fun and exciting technique that people are eager to practice, so my classmates willingly show me what I need to know.
Everything seen with the proper perspective can be a blessing.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
couldn't wait...
...until St. Patrick's Day to post this one. I got this from a friend, and I don't know where she got it. But I have to say, it's true:
Ladies of the Irish persuasion are unique in their character.
They are a combination of a little girl, mother, hooker, and nun. They go from Bambi to Banshee in 3.7 seconds. They can bat their eyes, or blacken yours. They can love you with a passion and make you feel like a king. They can be frail and strong at the same time. Depending on their mood, they'll chastise you for drinking...or match you pint for pint. The ladies keep Irish men from killin' themselves and each other.
They're like the grace of God-uncomprehendable but indespensible.
Ladies of the Irish persuasion are unique in their character.
They are a combination of a little girl, mother, hooker, and nun. They go from Bambi to Banshee in 3.7 seconds. They can bat their eyes, or blacken yours. They can love you with a passion and make you feel like a king. They can be frail and strong at the same time. Depending on their mood, they'll chastise you for drinking...or match you pint for pint. The ladies keep Irish men from killin' themselves and each other.
They're like the grace of God-uncomprehendable but indespensible.
Seasonal changes
When I woke up this morning, I took great pleasure in pounding the snooze button of my alarm clock (something I gave up doing for Lent, but it's Sunday!). When I got out of bed a few hours later, noticed brightness trying to squeeze its way between the slats of my closed blinds. It almost bowled me over when I twisted the blinds open.
"Wow," I thought. "It looks like such a gorgeous day out. It's probably freezing, though, when you step outside."
But since I had left my phone in the car, and it needed to be charged, I decided to brave the weather, whatever it might be. I pulled on my sweatpants and a sweatshirt, slipped my feet into my untied sneakers, and jogged out to the parking lot.
To my astonishment, it truly was a beautiful day! After plugging my phone into its charger, I modified my outfit into running layers and decided to explore the neighborhood. I choose the phrase "explore the neighborhood" because, since I've lived in this apartment, I haven't been out running. Actually, the last time I did go for a run was ...oh, dear; nevermind. How embarrassing. Grad school is my obvious excuse, but the real reason is I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather.
To my surprise and enjoyment, I discovered that not half a mile away from my house is a Sound-side boardwalk. That's right; I ran a few miles along Long Island Sound, greeting other people out for a leisurely stroll, out for a run, or out with their dogs--all in high spirits, grateful to greet a glorious Sunday morning. The Sound reflected the blue sky; the bright sun made the water glitter; the seagulls seemed as excited as the rest of us, calling, "Look! Look!" from overhead. I didn't feel as out of shape as I had anticipated. It must have been the spring-fever that seemed to infect everyone I ran past. The sun warmed us all through the brisk February air; I was down to my sleeveless T-shirt by the time I turned around to head back.
"Good morning," I nodded at an older woman, walking along in her Sunday clothes.
"Ooooh, look at you," she replied. "You really broke a sweat!"
I arrived back at the apartment refreshed, determined not to let the "winter storm warning" for tonight drag me down.
In fact, I think I might "take a day" tomorrow and go skiing in Vermont with Frank and Sharon. If there's going to be a winter storm, that's definitely where I'd like to be for it! And if by some stroke of Providence, school is cancelled tomorrow, I'll be even happier. (if not, though, I think it'll be worth the hassle, this time, of catching up!)
Who knew that Connecticut could imitate Colorado? Winter one day, spring the next, and blizzard conditions immediately following!
"Wow," I thought. "It looks like such a gorgeous day out. It's probably freezing, though, when you step outside."
But since I had left my phone in the car, and it needed to be charged, I decided to brave the weather, whatever it might be. I pulled on my sweatpants and a sweatshirt, slipped my feet into my untied sneakers, and jogged out to the parking lot.
To my astonishment, it truly was a beautiful day! After plugging my phone into its charger, I modified my outfit into running layers and decided to explore the neighborhood. I choose the phrase "explore the neighborhood" because, since I've lived in this apartment, I haven't been out running. Actually, the last time I did go for a run was ...oh, dear; nevermind. How embarrassing. Grad school is my obvious excuse, but the real reason is I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather.
To my surprise and enjoyment, I discovered that not half a mile away from my house is a Sound-side boardwalk. That's right; I ran a few miles along Long Island Sound, greeting other people out for a leisurely stroll, out for a run, or out with their dogs--all in high spirits, grateful to greet a glorious Sunday morning. The Sound reflected the blue sky; the bright sun made the water glitter; the seagulls seemed as excited as the rest of us, calling, "Look! Look!" from overhead. I didn't feel as out of shape as I had anticipated. It must have been the spring-fever that seemed to infect everyone I ran past. The sun warmed us all through the brisk February air; I was down to my sleeveless T-shirt by the time I turned around to head back.
"Good morning," I nodded at an older woman, walking along in her Sunday clothes.
"Ooooh, look at you," she replied. "You really broke a sweat!"
I arrived back at the apartment refreshed, determined not to let the "winter storm warning" for tonight drag me down.
In fact, I think I might "take a day" tomorrow and go skiing in Vermont with Frank and Sharon. If there's going to be a winter storm, that's definitely where I'd like to be for it! And if by some stroke of Providence, school is cancelled tomorrow, I'll be even happier. (if not, though, I think it'll be worth the hassle, this time, of catching up!)
Who knew that Connecticut could imitate Colorado? Winter one day, spring the next, and blizzard conditions immediately following!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Omission = Actively Ignoring
Also, =what I'm doing right now. I've read a lot this weekend, but haven't actually compiled a workable handout for tutorial tomorrow. You'd think sitting alone in the PT computer lab at school would facilitate my motivational issues. But no. It's past 9:30pm, I have to work at 7:30am, nothing is on paper, and thoughts are running through my head like, "It's past 9 o'clock. Oooh! I have free nighttime minutes; who do I need to call?"
The weekend was great. Babysat on Saturday evening, then came "home" to a still-lit-up Frank and Sharon's place. Low and behold, there's Sharon, 12-o'clock midnight, wrestling with her latest and greatest baking adventure. We're expecting 16+ people for Sunday Dinner the following afternoon, and she spares no energy for guests--even during her first trimester of pregnancy! Well, I thought the cake looked beautiful, but she was noticeably frustrated. Apparently there had been several detours and recoveries before I'd arrived. Finally, we went to bed around 2am, woke up for 7:30am Mass, and spent the morning preparing for the big dinner at 1:30pm. (we were exhausted by Sunday evening--cleanup lasted until 11pm!)
Anyway, I found out that the beautiful cake was a surprise birthday cake for me! Candles and everything; it was great. And it was delicious, much to Sharon's relief! =] The whole dinner was a huge success, and everyone left wondering if Sharon wasn't really already Italian before she married Frank!
I've been making in-my-head plans for my summer clinical affiliation this summer in Georgia. In other words, thinking about things I can't decide just yet. I just received news that I'll be going for the third block, by myself (!!), although another student from here will still be there for a few days after I arrive. My dates are June 27th until August 19th. So my think-plans have included:
Where should I make my "base" this summer?
Should I drive home for Alissa's wedding in May, then later drive to Georgia from home, then from Georgia back to Connecticut?
Or should I fly home for the wedding and come straight back to Connecticut, and then drive down the east coast when my affiliation comes along later in June?
Or should I drive home, fly to and from Georgia (can I survive alone without a car in Georgia?), and then drive back to Connecticut from Colorado in August?
What about my poor car and all these miles?
What about a summer job?
What about Connecticut housing (I have housing here until May)?
What about money while I'm in Georgia?
Yikes! Gotta find out a few things....
The weekend was great. Babysat on Saturday evening, then came "home" to a still-lit-up Frank and Sharon's place. Low and behold, there's Sharon, 12-o'clock midnight, wrestling with her latest and greatest baking adventure. We're expecting 16+ people for Sunday Dinner the following afternoon, and she spares no energy for guests--even during her first trimester of pregnancy! Well, I thought the cake looked beautiful, but she was noticeably frustrated. Apparently there had been several detours and recoveries before I'd arrived. Finally, we went to bed around 2am, woke up for 7:30am Mass, and spent the morning preparing for the big dinner at 1:30pm. (we were exhausted by Sunday evening--cleanup lasted until 11pm!)
Anyway, I found out that the beautiful cake was a surprise birthday cake for me! Candles and everything; it was great. And it was delicious, much to Sharon's relief! =] The whole dinner was a huge success, and everyone left wondering if Sharon wasn't really already Italian before she married Frank!
I've been making in-my-head plans for my summer clinical affiliation this summer in Georgia. In other words, thinking about things I can't decide just yet. I just received news that I'll be going for the third block, by myself (!!), although another student from here will still be there for a few days after I arrive. My dates are June 27th until August 19th. So my think-plans have included:
Where should I make my "base" this summer?
Should I drive home for Alissa's wedding in May, then later drive to Georgia from home, then from Georgia back to Connecticut?
Or should I fly home for the wedding and come straight back to Connecticut, and then drive down the east coast when my affiliation comes along later in June?
Or should I drive home, fly to and from Georgia (can I survive alone without a car in Georgia?), and then drive back to Connecticut from Colorado in August?
What about my poor car and all these miles?
What about a summer job?
What about Connecticut housing (I have housing here until May)?
What about money while I'm in Georgia?
Yikes! Gotta find out a few things....
Friday, February 11, 2005
Late night...
...because I went with Frank and Sharon to give Dr. Alice von Hildebrand a ride home after Theology on Tap. What an amazing, sweet woman! It was a treat to have a whole car ride to listen to her speak about various subjects. Her sense of humor mingled with her wisdom makes every conversation a joy. I've never read any of her books, but now that I've heard her speak a few times, I think I'll have to change that.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Ash Wednesday
Well, you've gotta suspect any open-note exam. It wasn't too bad, though. I feel pretty good about my grasp of all the concepts. We'll see how the professor likes my grasp of things!
Except Odds Ratio. I think I have to go back over that.
I dislike Odds Ratios.
On a happy note, Frank and Sharon gave me a purple sweater-shirt for my birthday! My favorite color, and appropriate for Lent!
Speaking of Lent, thank God it's here--and none too soon! I love this season for its opportunity to really investigate what my primary spiritual "issues" are. Frank put it well last night: "detox time!"
I'm heading down to St. John's for the official kick-off of these 40 days!
Except Odds Ratio. I think I have to go back over that.
I dislike Odds Ratios.
On a happy note, Frank and Sharon gave me a purple sweater-shirt for my birthday! My favorite color, and appropriate for Lent!
Speaking of Lent, thank God it's here--and none too soon! I love this season for its opportunity to really investigate what my primary spiritual "issues" are. Frank put it well last night: "detox time!"
I'm heading down to St. John's for the official kick-off of these 40 days!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Study, study
We've embarked on the one-test-per-week gig that will last the rest of the semester.
On the upside, there'll be no final written exam!
This week: Measurement Exam
This is an open-book exam for our Statistics Unit of the semester. Open-book because our professor acknowledges the impracticality of making us memorize data from journal articles. They want us to understand the importance of evidence-based practice, so they want us to be able to analyze studies that have been done on different examination tools, as well as intervention strategies. So for our exam, we have a few articles to prepare, and the test will determine how well we understand the data presented. Sounds simple, straightforward.
But the questions aren't "What is the purpose of this study?"
They're more like, "On Table 2 from this article, referring to the surgery/no surgery data, state the question being asked by that ANOVA using example-specific terminology."
And the answer, of course, to this question taken from our practice quiz, is this:
Was the measured difference between patients who had surgery and those who did not have surgery due to more than chance alone?
I like the way this professor teaches stats, because she really explains what all the different calculations are measuring. But let me tell you, by the end of this exam, I'm not going to be able to think in real-life sentences! My brain is going to be so convoluted, I'll be speaking in double negatives!
The exam is tomorrow. Ash Wednesday. How appropriate:
"Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."
On the upside, there'll be no final written exam!
This week: Measurement Exam
This is an open-book exam for our Statistics Unit of the semester. Open-book because our professor acknowledges the impracticality of making us memorize data from journal articles. They want us to understand the importance of evidence-based practice, so they want us to be able to analyze studies that have been done on different examination tools, as well as intervention strategies. So for our exam, we have a few articles to prepare, and the test will determine how well we understand the data presented. Sounds simple, straightforward.
But the questions aren't "What is the purpose of this study?"
They're more like, "On Table 2 from this article, referring to the surgery/no surgery data, state the question being asked by that ANOVA using example-specific terminology."
And the answer, of course, to this question taken from our practice quiz, is this:
Was the measured difference between patients who had surgery and those who did not have surgery due to more than chance alone?
I like the way this professor teaches stats, because she really explains what all the different calculations are measuring. But let me tell you, by the end of this exam, I'm not going to be able to think in real-life sentences! My brain is going to be so convoluted, I'll be speaking in double negatives!
The exam is tomorrow. Ash Wednesday. How appropriate:
"Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
You Know...
You know you haven't written on your blog lately when you have to type in your sign-in name and password...
Finally!!
One of the best writers I know is now reserving some of her more light-hearted talent for blog! She's going to one of our great international policy writers in a few years, folks. I must admit, though, I believe I will always enjoy her emails and updates more than her political dissertations!
List
Module I Exam, today (done)
Maria Goretti Society talk on Purity, this evening (done)
Research Statistics Question Activity for Meausurement Class, due Friday (pending)
Study for Statistics Exam next Wednesday--read and outline 5 assigned research articles in order to study efficiently with Hope, Janel, and Marisa--by Saturday (pending)
Research and put together "Intervention Strategies for elderly people with vision impairments and fear of falling," present it in tutorial on Friday (pending)
Do an Executive Summary from a chapter of a Geriatrics PT textbook, due Monday (pending)
Babysit 4 wonderful children from 4-11pm, Saturday (not yet actualized)
There. It doesn't look so bad when I write it down. But I allowed the stress generated by this list to affect my outlook on everything today. It influenced my dealings with my study partner, Hope, early this afternoon, and then my best friend, Sharon, later this afternoon. Impatience, shortness, and general frustration at the lack of more hours in the day. Scary how vulnerable I am to environmental circumstances.
Have to work on that....
Maria Goretti Society talk on Purity, this evening (done)
Research Statistics Question Activity for Meausurement Class, due Friday (pending)
Study for Statistics Exam next Wednesday--read and outline 5 assigned research articles in order to study efficiently with Hope, Janel, and Marisa--by Saturday (pending)
Research and put together "Intervention Strategies for elderly people with vision impairments and fear of falling," present it in tutorial on Friday (pending)
Do an Executive Summary from a chapter of a Geriatrics PT textbook, due Monday (pending)
Babysit 4 wonderful children from 4-11pm, Saturday (not yet actualized)
There. It doesn't look so bad when I write it down. But I allowed the stress generated by this list to affect my outlook on everything today. It influenced my dealings with my study partner, Hope, early this afternoon, and then my best friend, Sharon, later this afternoon. Impatience, shortness, and general frustration at the lack of more hours in the day. Scary how vulnerable I am to environmental circumstances.
Have to work on that....
Thursday, January 20, 2005
I can do it,
but I hate keeping secrets.
Especially when it's great news. And it's all I can think about.
"That's all, Mom. No more news that I can think of" --except for this really exciting thing that I'm not supposed to tell anyone until further notice--!!!
Announcing (drum roll) alternate good news:
1. I got a part time job in a PT office as an aide! It's just a few set hours a week, with the option of getting called in for a few more hours here and there when it's busy. The important thing is the exposure it gives me, including a PT outside of my faculty whom I can go to as a resource. Of course, a little extra cash for gas money or something doesn't hurt, either!
2. I got a mattress. So I'm sleeping where I pay rent now, instead of at Sharon's house. Next priority is a bookshelf, although the piles of books scattered about the bedroom floor are suggestive of academic genius, and can be motivating in a fantastical sort of way.
3. The March for Life is a "go;" the final count of teenagers under our chaperone is 12. They're really good kids, and we are 3 adults, so it should be a good time. Of course, a busful of teenagers (we're not the only group of teens-and-adults going) will always have that element of the unpredictable.
4. I still like the material I'm studying, even though it's much different from last semester. In every consecutive country that I visited in Europe, I said, "No this is where I would want to live and learn the language." I'm finding the same pattern starting with physical therapy. "Orthopoedics--no, Neurology--is what I think I'd like to specialize in.
Good thing I still have some time to gain experience!
Especially when it's great news. And it's all I can think about.
"That's all, Mom. No more news that I can think of" --except for this really exciting thing that I'm not supposed to tell anyone until further notice--!!!
Announcing (drum roll) alternate good news:
1. I got a part time job in a PT office as an aide! It's just a few set hours a week, with the option of getting called in for a few more hours here and there when it's busy. The important thing is the exposure it gives me, including a PT outside of my faculty whom I can go to as a resource. Of course, a little extra cash for gas money or something doesn't hurt, either!
2. I got a mattress. So I'm sleeping where I pay rent now, instead of at Sharon's house. Next priority is a bookshelf, although the piles of books scattered about the bedroom floor are suggestive of academic genius, and can be motivating in a fantastical sort of way.
3. The March for Life is a "go;" the final count of teenagers under our chaperone is 12. They're really good kids, and we are 3 adults, so it should be a good time. Of course, a busful of teenagers (we're not the only group of teens-and-adults going) will always have that element of the unpredictable.
4. I still like the material I'm studying, even though it's much different from last semester. In every consecutive country that I visited in Europe, I said, "No this is where I would want to live and learn the language." I'm finding the same pattern starting with physical therapy. "Orthopoedics--no, Neurology--is what I think I'd like to specialize in.
Good thing I still have some time to gain experience!
Monday, January 10, 2005
New Book
I just bought 5 new books today (I already bought 8 others online over break).
I've already started the first one.
It's a page-turner, let me tell 'ya: THE HUMAN BRAIN
Little neurons are dancing around inside my head, already.
Found out I do have a spring break, and it's in March, and it begins on Portia's birthday. Maybe to commemorate, I will do some New England skiing. But I hear the snow is amazing in Tahoe this year....
I've already started the first one.
It's a page-turner, let me tell 'ya: THE HUMAN BRAIN
Little neurons are dancing around inside my head, already.
Found out I do have a spring break, and it's in March, and it begins on Portia's birthday. Maybe to commemorate, I will do some New England skiing. But I hear the snow is amazing in Tahoe this year....
Sunday, January 09, 2005
reminder
As we're in the car, on the way to the airport, I am sad to leave home.
Dad: I remember at the beginning of September, you were so happy with the program, with the faculty, with your fellow classmates. Is that still the case?
Me: Yes.
Then the realization:
At this time last year, I was hoping and praying I'd get into this program. I hadn't even had my interview yet. I wondered, "But if I don't make it in, what will I do? There's nothing else I want to pursue."
How easy it is to forget all those hours of anguish and worry and fear--and all the vows binding me to eternal gratitude "if I do make it."
So tomorrow is the first day of the second semester, and I have just been reminded:
I'M EXCITED!!!
Dad: I remember at the beginning of September, you were so happy with the program, with the faculty, with your fellow classmates. Is that still the case?
Me: Yes.
Then the realization:
At this time last year, I was hoping and praying I'd get into this program. I hadn't even had my interview yet. I wondered, "But if I don't make it in, what will I do? There's nothing else I want to pursue."
How easy it is to forget all those hours of anguish and worry and fear--and all the vows binding me to eternal gratitude "if I do make it."
So tomorrow is the first day of the second semester, and I have just been reminded:
I'M EXCITED!!!
Friday, January 07, 2005
short
skirts are too long
they enclose my heeled boots
their hems collect snow
and they sneak underfoot
shelves are too high
where liquor is kept
"sure I'll make you your drink,
when I find my stool-step"
lines are too long
when you cannot look past
this man's back in your face,
so broad and so vast
but the bright side of hope
shines forth faithfully:
He said, "let the little ones
come unto Me"
they enclose my heeled boots
their hems collect snow
and they sneak underfoot
shelves are too high
where liquor is kept
"sure I'll make you your drink,
when I find my stool-step"
lines are too long
when you cannot look past
this man's back in your face,
so broad and so vast
but the bright side of hope
shines forth faithfully:
He said, "let the little ones
come unto Me"
Thursday, January 06, 2005
the power of DIA
Strange how, on Saturday, I will drive into one side of DIA and fly out of the other. When I touch land again, it will be in NY, and the exit signs will say "Leaving Kennedy Airport."
But someone next to me in line at the Security checkpoint in Denver will be landing in San Diego, or maybe even in Dublin! We will walk through almost all the same doors. He'll just walk a few feet further to another gate's waiting area. The type on his boarding pass will be arranged in such a way to allow him to fly out of the same building as I do, but in a different direction.
Even the people in my own waiting area will be scattered once we arrive at JFK. Each individual has his own reasons for flying at this time, on this day, to this destination. And we're all gathered together for a few hours in the great span of time to share a concourse train, a waiting area, an airplane.
Air travel itself is fascinating. But the power of airports--what goes on inside of them, on either side of them--amazes me even more.
But someone next to me in line at the Security checkpoint in Denver will be landing in San Diego, or maybe even in Dublin! We will walk through almost all the same doors. He'll just walk a few feet further to another gate's waiting area. The type on his boarding pass will be arranged in such a way to allow him to fly out of the same building as I do, but in a different direction.
Even the people in my own waiting area will be scattered once we arrive at JFK. Each individual has his own reasons for flying at this time, on this day, to this destination. And we're all gathered together for a few hours in the great span of time to share a concourse train, a waiting area, an airplane.
Air travel itself is fascinating. But the power of airports--what goes on inside of them, on either side of them--amazes me even more.
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