Here I am, three weeks left in what has been the toughest term in PT school (yes, I know I say that about all of them at the time) and what am I doing? Am I studying for this massive spine oral exam? Am I practicing for the two neuromuscular practicals I have next week? Am I studying for any finals I will have in two weeks?
Nope! I am blogging about it. Odd, considering I don't ever seem to think about blogging when I am sitting around with nothing to do. Sure, I could say that I am trying to make more of an effort to be regular with my blogging. But we all know the truth... I am PROCRASTINATING!!!
Thats all. See, nothing else to say. Just procrastinating.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Sunday, November 09, 2008
What a difference a week makes
After one full week in Gainesville, I have a learned a few simple truths:
- As far as Gainesville is concerned, Tim Tebow is the chosen one
- I am now a pro at riding the bus
- Restaurants or stores that I thought went out of business in California, have simply moved to Florida (long live Hungry Howies!!!)
- If you live in a town that lives and breathes for college sports, you must either wear a jersey or T-shirt of that college on Fridays before the big game or be able to color coordinate your scrubs to match the school colors
- Mexican food is not your only option for late night snacks
- I am definitely in the south, and without a doubt, will return home with the thickest southern accent any of y'all have ever heard (and probably use words like "yes um, fixin', kin")
I am sure over the next six weeks I will be adding to this list but I think I have successfully learned what any newcomer should know in their first week. A shout out to all my peeps (inside joke) in Cali. I miss you already.
Monday, November 03, 2008
The wheels on the bus go round and round...
Well, its official. I am the world's worst bus rider.
Today I started my first PT internship. I had mapped out the different bus routes, planned extra time for catastrophic events. I was ready. Or so I thought.
My bus stop is right at the end of my apartment building. So, I leave the apartment (making sure neither of the mischievious cats follow me out as I quickly squeeze through the door, not an easy task) to meet the bus at 6:45am. Thats right, 6:45am. But as I round the corner to the stop, I see a bus coming towards it. Could that be my bus? How could I be late? I had planned so well. So as I run like an idiot to beat it to the stop, I approach the doors out of breath, only to realize this was not in fact my bus. Smooth, Ryann. Really smooth. So, I have some informative words with a girl at the stop and realize she is waiting for the same bus, and going to the same stop. Sweet, someone to follow.
Oh, yeah, this might be a good time to tell you that I have never been on a public bus before. Continue reading.
The bus comes along, I have my exact change of $2 (just like the transit guide suggested) only to find out that the fee is $3. Darn you recent increase not mentioned in my month old guide!!! So far, not coming off as a regular bus rider. But I make it to my stop and eventually meet my CI and proceed to orientation. After orientation, I knew that I would need a monthly pass for the bus, which must be purchased at the downtown bus station. So I successfully ride the bus to the station, purchase the passes (at student discount, yes!) and return to the bus towards home.
Here is the catch. This bus I am on is the one I will need to take to work everyday, but it does not go back to my apartment. A change must be made at some point. I know where this change must occur, I have done my homework. But as we approach this stop, I start to realize I don't know if I am supposed to pull the cord to alert the driver, or will it stop automatically? I begin studying the moves of those exiting at stops prior to mine. Pull the cord, voice comes over the loudspeaker announcing bus will stop... no cord pulled, no stop. Okay, so I have to pull the cord. Easy enough. But now I am faced with the realization that unless the Gainesville roads look like straight purple lines like they do in the transit guide, I really have no clue when my stop is approaching and, therefore, no idea when to pull the cord. I am keeping my eyes focused, looking at every street sign, every identifying building we pass, when I hear, "Um, do you know what stop you are getting off at?" I look to the guy sitting next to me and say, "yeah, Shands hospital, why?" His reply..."cuz you look a little anxious." Great, I am not pulling this off at all. I give him some excuse that didn't make any sense and pull the cord in humiliation, waiting for the bus to stop so I can leave this embarassment behind me.
While waiting for the next bus to take me to my apartment, I become more and more determined to look like a pro in front of my new audience. The 35 bus comes toward me, I enter, flash my new month pass (only locals have these, I think to myself) and find a seat. I stare aimlessly out the window, making it seem as if I know exactly where I am, when in reality I am memorizing every inch of the road. I casually send text messages. Only someone who really knew the area would pay no attention to where the bus was at any given moment. Then, we turn onto my street (the inner dialogue was in overdrive as you can tell). Here is my moment. My turn to pull the cord. But I realize, without looking around, I can't remember how many stops there are before the one in front of my apartment. And now I am seated behind a giant wall on the bus and can't see down the street. So I let one go by. I bet its the next one. And if not, so what, I walk a block. So I pull the cord, so sure I made the right call. And then the bus stops. I get out and assess my decision.
WRONG!!!
Oh, well, so I begin to walk, following the exhaust of the bus I just exited prematurely. Just a block, I think I see my apartments already. They are at the top of that hill.
WRONG AGAIN!!!
But now, nothing looks familiar. And then a sign catches my eye. A sign that, strangely, doesn't have my street name on it. WHAT??? I'm not even on the right street. Did I overcompensate so much and try to be so cool that I am on the wrong street? I pull out my guide, while still walking, which makes me look like I am searching a treasure map down the streets of Gainesville. And now I realize my mistake. In order for the bus to get turned around and start heading back on its route, it has to pass my street and do a loop. Well, so what, I have to walk a little further to follow the loop.
An hour later, approximately three to four miles, I arrived safely, yet exhausted, to my apartment. Live and learn, people, live and learn.
However, I refuse to let this be a negative. For instance, I will definitely know where I should and shouldn't get off the bus tomorrow. Additionally, should I require furniture, dry cleaning, fake tanning, or the post office while I am here, I now know where these stores can be found.
With that, I bid you all good night, and hope that you have better luck with your new adventures.
P.S. Forgot to mention the guy sitting next to me who chose his bus ride as the perfect time to clip his fingernails. Yuck!
Today I started my first PT internship. I had mapped out the different bus routes, planned extra time for catastrophic events. I was ready. Or so I thought.
My bus stop is right at the end of my apartment building. So, I leave the apartment (making sure neither of the mischievious cats follow me out as I quickly squeeze through the door, not an easy task) to meet the bus at 6:45am. Thats right, 6:45am. But as I round the corner to the stop, I see a bus coming towards it. Could that be my bus? How could I be late? I had planned so well. So as I run like an idiot to beat it to the stop, I approach the doors out of breath, only to realize this was not in fact my bus. Smooth, Ryann. Really smooth. So, I have some informative words with a girl at the stop and realize she is waiting for the same bus, and going to the same stop. Sweet, someone to follow.
Oh, yeah, this might be a good time to tell you that I have never been on a public bus before. Continue reading.
The bus comes along, I have my exact change of $2 (just like the transit guide suggested) only to find out that the fee is $3. Darn you recent increase not mentioned in my month old guide!!! So far, not coming off as a regular bus rider. But I make it to my stop and eventually meet my CI and proceed to orientation. After orientation, I knew that I would need a monthly pass for the bus, which must be purchased at the downtown bus station. So I successfully ride the bus to the station, purchase the passes (at student discount, yes!) and return to the bus towards home.
Here is the catch. This bus I am on is the one I will need to take to work everyday, but it does not go back to my apartment. A change must be made at some point. I know where this change must occur, I have done my homework. But as we approach this stop, I start to realize I don't know if I am supposed to pull the cord to alert the driver, or will it stop automatically? I begin studying the moves of those exiting at stops prior to mine. Pull the cord, voice comes over the loudspeaker announcing bus will stop... no cord pulled, no stop. Okay, so I have to pull the cord. Easy enough. But now I am faced with the realization that unless the Gainesville roads look like straight purple lines like they do in the transit guide, I really have no clue when my stop is approaching and, therefore, no idea when to pull the cord. I am keeping my eyes focused, looking at every street sign, every identifying building we pass, when I hear, "Um, do you know what stop you are getting off at?" I look to the guy sitting next to me and say, "yeah, Shands hospital, why?" His reply..."cuz you look a little anxious." Great, I am not pulling this off at all. I give him some excuse that didn't make any sense and pull the cord in humiliation, waiting for the bus to stop so I can leave this embarassment behind me.
While waiting for the next bus to take me to my apartment, I become more and more determined to look like a pro in front of my new audience. The 35 bus comes toward me, I enter, flash my new month pass (only locals have these, I think to myself) and find a seat. I stare aimlessly out the window, making it seem as if I know exactly where I am, when in reality I am memorizing every inch of the road. I casually send text messages. Only someone who really knew the area would pay no attention to where the bus was at any given moment. Then, we turn onto my street (the inner dialogue was in overdrive as you can tell). Here is my moment. My turn to pull the cord. But I realize, without looking around, I can't remember how many stops there are before the one in front of my apartment. And now I am seated behind a giant wall on the bus and can't see down the street. So I let one go by. I bet its the next one. And if not, so what, I walk a block. So I pull the cord, so sure I made the right call. And then the bus stops. I get out and assess my decision.
WRONG!!!
Oh, well, so I begin to walk, following the exhaust of the bus I just exited prematurely. Just a block, I think I see my apartments already. They are at the top of that hill.
WRONG AGAIN!!!
But now, nothing looks familiar. And then a sign catches my eye. A sign that, strangely, doesn't have my street name on it. WHAT??? I'm not even on the right street. Did I overcompensate so much and try to be so cool that I am on the wrong street? I pull out my guide, while still walking, which makes me look like I am searching a treasure map down the streets of Gainesville. And now I realize my mistake. In order for the bus to get turned around and start heading back on its route, it has to pass my street and do a loop. Well, so what, I have to walk a little further to follow the loop.
An hour later, approximately three to four miles, I arrived safely, yet exhausted, to my apartment. Live and learn, people, live and learn.
However, I refuse to let this be a negative. For instance, I will definitely know where I should and shouldn't get off the bus tomorrow. Additionally, should I require furniture, dry cleaning, fake tanning, or the post office while I am here, I now know where these stores can be found.
With that, I bid you all good night, and hope that you have better luck with your new adventures.
P.S. Forgot to mention the guy sitting next to me who chose his bus ride as the perfect time to clip his fingernails. Yuck!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Chipotel... Chipootle... Chipototlay!!!
Greetings from Gainesville!
My room (with my own bathroom).
I arrived last night to a very pleasant surprise... my new digs are AWESOME!!! This apartment building is the only one of its kind in Gainesville, though I have seen some like it when House Hunters goes to urban areas. It is a loft of sorts, but the floors, wall, etc are all unfinished.
Floors... concrete
Walls... cement blocks
Walls... cement blocks
Vents and pipe... visible
Thats right, ladies and gentleman. I live at Chipotle, without the delicious yet ridiculously filling burritos (sidenote: must remember to search if there are any Chipotles in Gainesville). But, food or no food, this place is awesome. Take a look.
That is the view looking out to the parking area. That whole side is two stories of windows.
This is the kitchen, my room is down that hall to the right.
These are the stairs up to the loft and my new roommate's (Keith) room.
My room (with my own bathroom).So, tomorrow is my first day, a full day of hospital orientation, and then Tuesday I actually meet my CI (clinical instructor for all the non-PT students reading this). I have my bus routes all mapped out and am looking forward to having something to do, because this last 24 hours of having nothing to do is driving me crazy. Last time I complain about having too much to do.
Good luck to all my fellow USA classmates! Think of me anytime you eat a tasty barbacoa burrito bowl, or when you order finger licking carnitas tacos from Chipototlay :)
P.S. Hoping all of you get the Jack in the Box reference.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Calling all Clumsies
Everyone has had one of those days when, at some point during the day, you realize you never should have gotten out of bed AT ALL. Well, I have had one of those WEEKS. Starting last Sunday, I should have called in sick, tucked myself into bed, nice and tight, with a stack of movies and books, and not shown myself for exactly one week. Now, to clarify, I wasn't having your typical "bad days" during this week, like failing a test or getting a speeding ticket. My bad week has been one packed full of physical beatings, both self induced and at the hand of others. Let me recount my fabulous week for you:
- Sunday: While helping Mike's parents move furniture out of almost every room in there house to have floors refinished (yeah, and by the way, Mike knew this was going to happen prior to our departure but chose not to share this with me, but thats okay, I like to help), Mike ran over my flip flop "protected" foot with a desk he was trying to slide, then he dropped a large rolled up Asian rug on my foot (which I was attached to because I was holding the shrink wrap roll that surrounded the rug, so I dropped to the ground with the rug) and then my foot was stepped on (again, with the fabulous security of a flip flop to safeguard it) while lifting a sliding glass door off the track.
- Monday: While at an honor code ceremony at school, one of my classmates pushed in a chair while leaning on it with all of his weight, not realizing that one of the legs of the chair had pinned my second toe which was exposed by my cute open toe/open back heels.
- STILL MONDAY: while leaving school (on the second floor of the building), the heel of my cute shoe broke on the first step down the cement stairs causing my knees to buckle and slam into the stairs while I slid down the cement stairs on my shins, having to throw all my weight onto my left hip to try to stop my momentum (which didn't help because I slid down the entire flight of stairs anyways). The result... two knees, shins and tops of my feet with some of the prettiest shades of blue you have ever seen, my right knee tweaked (a physical therapy term) and swollen from hitting the stairs full force, and my left hip with a bruise the size of a cantelope and more black than the night sky. I'd show a picture but the close proximity to the gluteal region might get me kicked off this site for inappropriate postings of pics.
- Tuesday: While telling the story of my fabulous and graceful fall down the stairs to my classmates... my second toe was yet again pinned under the leg of a chair while a different classmate pushed it in and leaned on it with all their weight. Seriously people, can we please forget some of the things we learned in kindergarten for the safety of my feet???
- Wednesday/Thursday: No new injuries, just a lot of aches and pains from the list above. I realize now, this was a false sense of security.
- Friday: While playing Wii at Mike's, I was walking over to hand him the remote, he stood up while I began to sit and his elbow went right into my throat, knocking me backwards (thankfully into the comfort of the giant lovesack in the living room). THEN, while trying to borrow a movie from Mike's in house Blockbuster (aka his roommates room) I slammed the inside of my ankle on the ever so soft and pliable WOODEN bedframe, right on the bone!!! (thats the medial malleolus for all my SPTs out there). Then, while pointing out to Mike, my new injury, which was turning a deep shade of purple as I spoke, I slammed my toe (same foot as the ankle injury one minute prior, and the same toe that had been smashed twice this week already) on the edge of their glass coffee table.
- Saturday: Went to the dentist for a teeth cleaning!!! Now, I know what you are saying... nuf said, right? Everyone knows that a teeth cleaning, while having no cavities (yay), is not the most comfortable thing in the world. I hear ya, and trust me when I tell you that the scraping of teeth and gums with pointy metal objects lived up to its uncomfortable expectations. But, alas my friends, I have found a new dental pain, which I am sure could only happen to me, in this week of absolute miserable physical pain. The hygenist, while scraping away, left the suction tube in a somewhat awkward position, where rather than sucking the spit out from the back of my throat as it should, was sucking violently onto the inside of my cheek. Thats right, folks! I have a giant hicky on the inside of my cheek, resulting in a swollen cheek ensuring I bite my cheek whenever I attempt to chew food.
But, as I type this, I am grateful that none of my clumsy episodes resulted in greater injuries, especially the stairs... that could have been bad. From now on, I will recognize the warning signs, and with the first sign that I might even be close to heading down the path of pain similar to this past week... I am calling in "clumsy"!!!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Exercise... 2008 style
Since I have been sitting in a classroom eight hours a day for the past year, lets just say my fitness level has declined. I used to workout everyday, doing exercises all day with patients. And now... nothing. Well, kiss that lifestyle goodbye. I would like to introduce you to my new exercise plan. The Wii Fit!!! For anyone who is not familiar, this is more than just the regular old Wii Sports games. This comes with a balance board that you stand on, it takes your weight, measures your balance, calculates your BMI (I'm still in the normal range, thank goodness). And then it lets you set goals on your fitness such as how many pounds you would like to lose, and by when, etc. Then is utilizes fun games and activities to help you reach your goals. These range from yoga, strength exercises like planks and lunges, and then my personal fav... hula hooping for aerobics. I am the hula hooping expert in the house, thank you very much.
Now, I have a sneaky suspicion that you are sitting there laughing at me. "How ridiculous is this girl that she thinks she can actually exercise using a video game?" Well, the joke is on you! After fifteen minutes of hula hooping, I was sweating and my abs were sore the next day. (It was also a ridiculously hot day, and I am deconditioned, so maybe it wouldn't have been such a great workout for someone who is already in shape, so maybe the joke is actually on me???) NO, it is a great, FUN way to workout. And it helps that Mike and I are completely competitive and will stay up to all hours trying to beat each other's scores. Keeps us motivated.
So for all of you, while you are sitting on your couch, watching tv and not getting in shape... I will be putting my tv time to good use and you can too (for a mere $350 plus accessories, the Wii Fit head and wrist bands are a must if you want to look the part). Laugh at me if you want, but I'll be the one laughing when I am looking hot in a bathing suit in Hawaii. :)
Now, I have a sneaky suspicion that you are sitting there laughing at me. "How ridiculous is this girl that she thinks she can actually exercise using a video game?" Well, the joke is on you! After fifteen minutes of hula hooping, I was sweating and my abs were sore the next day. (It was also a ridiculously hot day, and I am deconditioned, so maybe it wouldn't have been such a great workout for someone who is already in shape, so maybe the joke is actually on me???) NO, it is a great, FUN way to workout. And it helps that Mike and I are completely competitive and will stay up to all hours trying to beat each other's scores. Keeps us motivated.
So for all of you, while you are sitting on your couch, watching tv and not getting in shape... I will be putting my tv time to good use and you can too (for a mere $350 plus accessories, the Wii Fit head and wrist bands are a must if you want to look the part). Laugh at me if you want, but I'll be the one laughing when I am looking hot in a bathing suit in Hawaii. :)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A new beginning
So, my second post this year, and there are only 4 months left in the year... right on track!
I've found that rarely a day goes by without something blog-worthy happening in my life, but I always find someone to tell before going to the old computer. So, I have decided to change my focus. While I will still try to report any seriously ridiculous occurrences in my life (cuz lets face it... there are a lot, mostly related to school), I will try to make this more of a daily diary about the life of a grad student trying to eek by in the days of high gas prices, disappearing loan approvals, and ever-increasing interest rates. See, my very first venting about the ridiculousness that is grad school. (Added bonus, my boyfriend doesn't have to hear my complain til I'm blue in the face). I'll be sure to add in the little anecdotes and craziness that I have accepted as my life, just so that it is actually interesting to read. Hope you like it.
Great to be back!
I've found that rarely a day goes by without something blog-worthy happening in my life, but I always find someone to tell before going to the old computer. So, I have decided to change my focus. While I will still try to report any seriously ridiculous occurrences in my life (cuz lets face it... there are a lot, mostly related to school), I will try to make this more of a daily diary about the life of a grad student trying to eek by in the days of high gas prices, disappearing loan approvals, and ever-increasing interest rates. See, my very first venting about the ridiculousness that is grad school. (Added bonus, my boyfriend doesn't have to hear my complain til I'm blue in the face). I'll be sure to add in the little anecdotes and craziness that I have accepted as my life, just so that it is actually interesting to read. Hope you like it.
Great to be back!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Time flies when your nose is stuck in a book
I find it hard to believe that it has been nearly four months since my last post. I guess that bee sting left a bad taste in my mouth. Where do I start?
I guess I should begin with the biggest change in my life... I went back to school. Yikes!!! After two years of suppressing the desire, a PT school opened in San Diego and I was suddenly put in the position where I could no longer ignore my true feelings. I applied and was accepted. So now I have completed my first trimester (and, oh, did I mention I got straight A's) and in two short years, I will be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Two short years of crazy amounts of reading, writing and rithmatic. Okay, not so much writing, and really no rithmatic, but there aren't too many well known phrases that include joint mobilizations, goniometry and therapeutic exercise.
So that is how I have been spending the majority of the last four months, thus no time for blogging. But with one trimester down, I think I may be able to squeeze in the occasional post, not that there are too many people waiting with an unbearable anticipation in the off chance I might put some words out in the blogosphere.
Other than school, life has been great. Mike and I are doing great (a year and a half). Our lives 
have included a surprise trip to Vegas for my birthday (Amazing!) and a snowboarding trip over Christmas (I carved ten times in a row, and this was only my second time ever snowboarding). Many other fabulous moments peppered in here and there as well.
have included a surprise trip to Vegas for my birthday (Amazing!) and a snowboarding trip over Christmas (I carved ten times in a row, and this was only my second time ever snowboarding). Many other fabulous moments peppered in here and there as well. So now I find myself out of school for the holidays and aching for classes to start again. Man, I am such a nerd!
Hope the holidays brought you happiness and time with those most special in your life. I know thats what I was given.
Bye for now (I promise not another four months).
Friday, September 07, 2007
The punishment DEFINITELY fit the crime!
First of all, let me just say "Wow, I haven't been very regular with my posts."
But this weekend, something happened to me and my first instinct (after the initial shock and pain... wait for the details) was to post a blog about my experience.
This weekend I went over to my parents' house for a little BBQ to celebrate my dad's birthday. When I say little, I mean litte. It was just my parents and me. Cozy, no? We were finishing dinner in the backyard, enjoying the fact that the temperature had finally cooled to a tolerable 88 degrees at 8:30 at night (Ridiculous!!!). I was telling my parents a story and was standing and gesturing, as I often do, and suddenly felt the impulse to put my hand on my pocket. Upon contact, I felt a strange vibration followed by unimaginable pain in my finger. I had been stung my a bee! My screams were so loud and shrill that I am surprised the police never showed up to find out who was being tortured at this address.
After removing the stinger and the initial shock, followed only by the fear of anaphylactic shock, I applied all of the internet suggested treatments for bee stings. My mom was able to find the bee corpse in the backyard to confirm that, yes, it was actually a bee that stung me (I only need look at my poor, throbbing, red fingertip to confirm that factoid). And YES, you read that correctly, THE BEE DIED! AND THAT DEATH WAS WELL DESERVED!!!
While this occurred five days ago and my finger has been painfree for three of those days, I am still quite bitter toward bees. However, I can't help but wonder what the bee has to gain by stinging me. Yes, he was simply driven into a self-defense mode. But even when successfully striking against his enemy (my innocent finger) he still died. What kind of defense system is that? Do bees not realize they will die once they use their stinger? They should. Don't they get a little suspicious when their friends don't return home to the hive? If the bees can be organized enough to separate themselves into a working and royal class and build elaborate hives which are factories for sweet honey (which I do admit I am currently boycotting secondary to my emotional scars from the sting), then why can't they UNDERSTAND the flaw of their weaponry?
If any of you have answers for me, please enlighten me. For now, I am sure I will forgive the bee, and start using honey within the next few days, but I will never forget!
But this weekend, something happened to me and my first instinct (after the initial shock and pain... wait for the details) was to post a blog about my experience.
This weekend I went over to my parents' house for a little BBQ to celebrate my dad's birthday. When I say little, I mean litte. It was just my parents and me. Cozy, no? We were finishing dinner in the backyard, enjoying the fact that the temperature had finally cooled to a tolerable 88 degrees at 8:30 at night (Ridiculous!!!). I was telling my parents a story and was standing and gesturing, as I often do, and suddenly felt the impulse to put my hand on my pocket. Upon contact, I felt a strange vibration followed by unimaginable pain in my finger. I had been stung my a bee! My screams were so loud and shrill that I am surprised the police never showed up to find out who was being tortured at this address.
After removing the stinger and the initial shock, followed only by the fear of anaphylactic shock, I applied all of the internet suggested treatments for bee stings. My mom was able to find the bee corpse in the backyard to confirm that, yes, it was actually a bee that stung me (I only need look at my poor, throbbing, red fingertip to confirm that factoid). And YES, you read that correctly, THE BEE DIED! AND THAT DEATH WAS WELL DESERVED!!!
While this occurred five days ago and my finger has been painfree for three of those days, I am still quite bitter toward bees. However, I can't help but wonder what the bee has to gain by stinging me. Yes, he was simply driven into a self-defense mode. But even when successfully striking against his enemy (my innocent finger) he still died. What kind of defense system is that? Do bees not realize they will die once they use their stinger? They should. Don't they get a little suspicious when their friends don't return home to the hive? If the bees can be organized enough to separate themselves into a working and royal class and build elaborate hives which are factories for sweet honey (which I do admit I am currently boycotting secondary to my emotional scars from the sting), then why can't they UNDERSTAND the flaw of their weaponry?
If any of you have answers for me, please enlighten me. For now, I am sure I will forgive the bee, and start using honey within the next few days, but I will never forget!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Exciting update
Tow-Mader is happy and healthy and my very first tomato is turning red as I type. I believe it should be ready in the next few days. Will update you on how yummy it tasted after I eat it! I had the pleasure of tasting the ceremonial Almena tomato from my brother's plant on Father's Day and it was delish.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tribute to a Champion
Warning: The following blog is completely sentimental and will definitely result in a difficulty reading due to tears welling up in your eyes. If you find you have no tears, and thus no difficulty... you are dead inside and should speak to someone about that!!!
I want to share with you an inspirational story.
Yesterday, my oldest brother became one of my heroes. He is a husband, a father of three, works full time, oh, and in his spare time, he trains and participates in triathlons. Two years ago, he wowed us all after completing his first full ironman in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. To make the accomplishment that much greater, he finished in 11 hours and 37 minutes. (For all of you who are not impressed for lack of knowledge in this arena... be impressed). I was sure that this was just the start of great finishes, with the Kona Coast no longer a dream. He would make it his reality.
A little over a year ago, however, there was a change in the momentum. A routine blood test revealed elevated levels for two enzymes in his liver. What exactly does that mean? The quick medical answer is that somewhere down the road, present or past, the liver was getting damaged. Over a year of weekly blood tests followed, a liver biopsy, and more than I can even recount. But how did this affect the person? His training was cut, races were cancelled, and his passion was put on hold.
Cut to Sunday, June 24, 2007. Given a clean bill of health, normal enzyme levels (with the occasional spikes which caused us all to fear a relapse), and a race three months prior where a personal best left us all in amazement, he was set to complete his second full distance ironman triathlon. He returned to Coeur D'Alene. I can only imagine the thoughts running through his head. I imagine he was thinking about last year, when at the last minute he pulled out of the competition and was introduced to the position of spectator. I can only imagine those thoughts were going through his head, because they were going through mine.
I kept myself constantly updated on the status of the race by telephone and internet. And as the times were posted for each segment of the race, I knew this would be a special day. Not only was he participating in something that only a year ago he didn't know if he would ever participate in again... He was KICKING ASS!!!
Let me sum it up for you:
I want to share with you an inspirational story.
Yesterday, my oldest brother became one of my heroes. He is a husband, a father of three, works full time, oh, and in his spare time, he trains and participates in triathlons. Two years ago, he wowed us all after completing his first full ironman in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. To make the accomplishment that much greater, he finished in 11 hours and 37 minutes. (For all of you who are not impressed for lack of knowledge in this arena... be impressed). I was sure that this was just the start of great finishes, with the Kona Coast no longer a dream. He would make it his reality.
A little over a year ago, however, there was a change in the momentum. A routine blood test revealed elevated levels for two enzymes in his liver. What exactly does that mean? The quick medical answer is that somewhere down the road, present or past, the liver was getting damaged. Over a year of weekly blood tests followed, a liver biopsy, and more than I can even recount. But how did this affect the person? His training was cut, races were cancelled, and his passion was put on hold.
Cut to Sunday, June 24, 2007. Given a clean bill of health, normal enzyme levels (with the occasional spikes which caused us all to fear a relapse), and a race three months prior where a personal best left us all in amazement, he was set to complete his second full distance ironman triathlon. He returned to Coeur D'Alene. I can only imagine the thoughts running through his head. I imagine he was thinking about last year, when at the last minute he pulled out of the competition and was introduced to the position of spectator. I can only imagine those thoughts were going through his head, because they were going through mine.
I kept myself constantly updated on the status of the race by telephone and internet. And as the times were posted for each segment of the race, I knew this would be a special day. Not only was he participating in something that only a year ago he didn't know if he would ever participate in again... He was KICKING ASS!!!
Let me sum it up for you:
- Total time= 10 hours 22 minutes (I've been known to sleep for that many consecutive hours... not exercise)
- He finished 79th out of over 2600 people
- He finished 18th out of the 344 people in his age group (the most difficult age group)*
But those are just the numbers. Think of the determination he has, which no one can measure using a time clock. I can't think of one instance in my life which has challenged me the way he has been challenged. But if that should ever change, I hope I have the strength, the drive, and the heart to persevere like my brother did.
Steve, you are awesome. I cannot begin to express with words how proud I am of you. You are such an amazing example of just how tough the human spirit can be. I wish I could have been there to hug you as you crossed that finish line. I will definitely be there for the next one.
To any of you going through tough times or know someone in need of encouragement, tell them this story. We all need a hero to look up to.
*Exact age kept secret as he is still my older brother and can still kick my butt. Plus, given the fact that he ran 26 miles yesterday, I don't think I can out-run him, even with his legs being tired.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Too much of a good thing
My name is RyCra and I'm a workaholic.
Okay, so maybe not a complete workaholic, but I suffer from a disease which most people see as a good trait. However, this trait can be a bad trait when it starts to affect your life in an adverse way. Ladies and Gentlemen... I suffer from a good work ethic.
Now, I know what you are saying, "But thats a good thing, right?" Yes, I agree, it is a good thing. I pride myself on be a good worker, caring when others don't seem to, and always putting my best effort in whenever work is concerned. But today I am sick and I am still at work. I notified my scheduler and asked if my afternoon could be rescheduled and to my surprise, it was. But then I found myself apologizing for being sick. What is wrong with me? Its not like I'm ditching work to go lay on the beach (ooh, but that does sound good). I am legitimately sick. Body aches and everything! So why do I feel badly?
And it doesn't end with sick days. I feel bad asking for vacation time too. I know I shouldn't feel this way. After all, companies wouldn't give sick days and vacation time if they didn't expect you to use them. I deserve a vacation, I know this, but I fear asking for this time off like you wouldn't believe. This goes beyond a good work ethic, this is a sickness. And the problem is, its hereditary. I am definitely my father's daughter in this case.
How do I break this trend? Maybe I will spend my afternoon in bed contemplating this behavior. No, I will probably sleep. And can I mention how much it sucks that it is bright and sunny out today. Why couldn't I have been sick two days ago when it was gray and gloomy, as sick days are meant to be. Such is the irony* of my life.
Sickie signing out!
*Clearly using the Alanis definition of irony.
Okay, so maybe not a complete workaholic, but I suffer from a disease which most people see as a good trait. However, this trait can be a bad trait when it starts to affect your life in an adverse way. Ladies and Gentlemen... I suffer from a good work ethic.
Now, I know what you are saying, "But thats a good thing, right?" Yes, I agree, it is a good thing. I pride myself on be a good worker, caring when others don't seem to, and always putting my best effort in whenever work is concerned. But today I am sick and I am still at work. I notified my scheduler and asked if my afternoon could be rescheduled and to my surprise, it was. But then I found myself apologizing for being sick. What is wrong with me? Its not like I'm ditching work to go lay on the beach (ooh, but that does sound good). I am legitimately sick. Body aches and everything! So why do I feel badly?
And it doesn't end with sick days. I feel bad asking for vacation time too. I know I shouldn't feel this way. After all, companies wouldn't give sick days and vacation time if they didn't expect you to use them. I deserve a vacation, I know this, but I fear asking for this time off like you wouldn't believe. This goes beyond a good work ethic, this is a sickness. And the problem is, its hereditary. I am definitely my father's daughter in this case.
How do I break this trend? Maybe I will spend my afternoon in bed contemplating this behavior. No, I will probably sleep. And can I mention how much it sucks that it is bright and sunny out today. Why couldn't I have been sick two days ago when it was gray and gloomy, as sick days are meant to be. Such is the irony* of my life.
Sickie signing out!
*Clearly using the Alanis definition of irony.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
A good start
I have always wanted to be one of those people who have beautiful plants in their home, a well maintained garden full of fruits and vegetables mine for the eating. But up until this point, every living thing that has entered my home, putting it's livelihood in MY hands, has met with an untimely end (this includes beta fish....I miss you Jay and Watkins).
BUT NOW, I have successfully maintained a real live tomato plant. True, it has only been five days, but I think I am primed for a record breaking relationship with this plant. There is special meaning in this plant. It is an actual cutting from my grandfather's plants in Kansas. After he passed away last fall, all of us decided one of the best memories was Grandpa in the garden. So we all have our own tomato plants direct from Kansas. I have one tomato almost ready and two tiny buds in the making.
I plan on doing monthly updates on the plant on the blog. I figure this will make me accountable to others for the life of this plant. So you guys can at least count on a blog once a month. However, should you not hear from me in a couple months, lets just assume I had to take a little trip to the local nursery to find my plant's twin. But I don't think that will be necessary.
Long live Tow-Mader!
BUT NOW, I have successfully maintained a real live tomato plant. True, it has only been five days, but I think I am primed for a record breaking relationship with this plant. There is special meaning in this plant. It is an actual cutting from my grandfather's plants in Kansas. After he passed away last fall, all of us decided one of the best memories was Grandpa in the garden. So we all have our own tomato plants direct from Kansas. I have one tomato almost ready and two tiny buds in the making.
I plan on doing monthly updates on the plant on the blog. I figure this will make me accountable to others for the life of this plant. So you guys can at least count on a blog once a month. However, should you not hear from me in a couple months, lets just assume I had to take a little trip to the local nursery to find my plant's twin. But I don't think that will be necessary.
Long live Tow-Mader!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
A warning to all
If ever you should find yourself tempted to eat six slices of costco pizza in one sitting.... fight the feeling. Otherwise the equation looks something like this:
6 slices of pizza + resulting carb coma = really tough afternoon of work (involving exercising with patients).
Just a friendly warning, for you and me. I should really take my own advise, but I can pretty much promise you that there will be a future blog where I wonder why I ate a ridiculous amount of food).
6 slices of pizza + resulting carb coma = really tough afternoon of work (involving exercising with patients).
Just a friendly warning, for you and me. I should really take my own advise, but I can pretty much promise you that there will be a future blog where I wonder why I ate a ridiculous amount of food).
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
You know what one of my new year's resolutions was NOT
Obviously, I did not include "more frequent blogging" in my list of new year's resolutions (or maybe I did and simply SUCK at keeping new year's resolutions.... I'll let you be the judge of that).
But, with the new simple google relationship to blogger (yup, its new to me, not to you. I get it) I might just become a more regular blogger without having to put in anymore effort than I have in the past. We shall see, and so shall you. Thats all for now.
Oh yeah, life has been good, working hard, playing hard. You know, the usual.
Consider yourselves caught up.
But, with the new simple google relationship to blogger (yup, its new to me, not to you. I get it) I might just become a more regular blogger without having to put in anymore effort than I have in the past. We shall see, and so shall you. Thats all for now.
Oh yeah, life has been good, working hard, playing hard. You know, the usual.
Consider yourselves caught up.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Whopper of a weekend
Okay, I realize that I have gone a little longer between posts than I had hoped, but you gotta crawl before you can walk.
But just be glad I made it through this weekend. Apparently, I have decided to make up for any of those lazy weekends, in which I did nothing but watch marathons of whatever reality show VH1 happened to be showcasing, by cramming a year's worth of activity into this last weekend.
Let me splain, no there is too much... let me sum up (great movie, I hope you recognize it):
Friday: Finished work at 5:30, lolly-gagged for 30 minutes (why, couldn't tell ya ) and then finally went home. At 9:00pm left my house to go to a Christmas cocktail party thrown by one of my boyfriend's friends. As it was semi-fancy, I used the party as a dress rehearsal for my boyfriend's company party this Friday. The dress was a hit but I could be happier with the appearance of my butt in the dress, thus I will be actually doing lunges with my patients this week instead of only watching them.
Saturday: Brunch with my boyfriend. Now, I truly believe that all good things in life are worth the effort they require, but this was ridiculous. I have never had to work so hard for a single meal in my life. We first stopped at a small cafe in North Park which we quickly opted against after realizing they only had 3 food items on the menu (all consisting of a bagel with some variation of shmear). Next, we happened upon this promising place, the Antique Row Cafe (anything with a line outside says "Good Eats" to me). After a 30 minute wait (and a firm decision on what menu item I was about to enjoy) we were seated in the section of what I hope is the rudest waitress of the restaurant, cause if there were any that were ruder, I don't see how that place could have any sort of wait. After recieving our drinks (which we didn't order because she didn't let us finish our order) the power goes out and we are informed they would be unable to serve us any food. "But go ahead and enjoy your beverages (which we didn't want) for free." Long story short, we found a great place down the street, Adams Avenue Grill, and I will definitely be returning there. Fabulous food and a paper table cloth with crayons provided...need I say more?
Later that afternoon, I drove up to my brother's house to help decorate their newly purchased Christmas tree. Fun holiday times! However, later that night I experienced a slight damper on the evening's events, which consisted of a two-hour long horrendous stomach ache followed by two episodes of vomiting. Ahh, food poisoning! (Don't worry, we went out to eat, my sister in law is a fabulous cook)
Sunday: Went to Chargers/Broncos game. Actually, it was the Chargers game, because the other team really didn't show up. And I was there when history was made and LT tied, then smashed, the record for most rushing TDs in a single season. With three games left in the season, I don't even want to guess how far he will take that record.
A fabulous weekend, even with the food poisoning, because until I got sick... that was some damn good food!!!
What can I say, I love to eat.
But just be glad I made it through this weekend. Apparently, I have decided to make up for any of those lazy weekends, in which I did nothing but watch marathons of whatever reality show VH1 happened to be showcasing, by cramming a year's worth of activity into this last weekend.
Let me splain, no there is too much... let me sum up (great movie, I hope you recognize it):
Friday: Finished work at 5:30, lolly-gagged for 30 minutes (why, couldn't tell ya ) and then finally went home. At 9:00pm left my house to go to a Christmas cocktail party thrown by one of my boyfriend's friends. As it was semi-fancy, I used the party as a dress rehearsal for my boyfriend's company party this Friday. The dress was a hit but I could be happier with the appearance of my butt in the dress, thus I will be actually doing lunges with my patients this week instead of only watching them.
Saturday: Brunch with my boyfriend. Now, I truly believe that all good things in life are worth the effort they require, but this was ridiculous. I have never had to work so hard for a single meal in my life. We first stopped at a small cafe in North Park which we quickly opted against after realizing they only had 3 food items on the menu (all consisting of a bagel with some variation of shmear). Next, we happened upon this promising place, the Antique Row Cafe (anything with a line outside says "Good Eats" to me). After a 30 minute wait (and a firm decision on what menu item I was about to enjoy) we were seated in the section of what I hope is the rudest waitress of the restaurant, cause if there were any that were ruder, I don't see how that place could have any sort of wait. After recieving our drinks (which we didn't order because she didn't let us finish our order) the power goes out and we are informed they would be unable to serve us any food. "But go ahead and enjoy your beverages (which we didn't want) for free." Long story short, we found a great place down the street, Adams Avenue Grill, and I will definitely be returning there. Fabulous food and a paper table cloth with crayons provided...need I say more?
Later that afternoon, I drove up to my brother's house to help decorate their newly purchased Christmas tree. Fun holiday times! However, later that night I experienced a slight damper on the evening's events, which consisted of a two-hour long horrendous stomach ache followed by two episodes of vomiting. Ahh, food poisoning! (Don't worry, we went out to eat, my sister in law is a fabulous cook)
Sunday: Went to Chargers/Broncos game. Actually, it was the Chargers game, because the other team really didn't show up. And I was there when history was made and LT tied, then smashed, the record for most rushing TDs in a single season. With three games left in the season, I don't even want to guess how far he will take that record.
A fabulous weekend, even with the food poisoning, because until I got sick... that was some damn good food!!!
What can I say, I love to eat.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I humbly ask your forgiveness
To the loyal few who follow my blog (I realize that "few" may be an exaggeration of the numbers) I apologize for my absence.
While I have been faithfully reading my favorite blogs, I simply have not updated my own blog. Why? I have no good excuse. If I have enough time to read others, why not add to my own. Call it laziness, call it lack of post-worthy material, call it whatever you like. But call it over!
I have been antsy and anxious lately and have finally realized that I have denied myself the satisfaction and release that my blog allows me. I have not been commenting on the ridiculous things I see everyday, believe me, they are still occurring (sp?) but I just have not provided you with my commentary.
But today, I vow to post regularly.... how about a promise of at least once a week. (Cut me a little slack, once a week is a huge step from once in the last three months)
Now, on with the ridiculousness.
Well, maybe I'll start tomorrow. Its getting late and it has been a long day at work. (While I realize that may sound like an excuse for not posting right now and thus a relapse to my previous deliquent posting habit, I am merely setting you up for a future blog in which I recount just HOW busy has been lately)
Tricky, I know!
Until tomorrow (or maybe later this week, haha)
While I have been faithfully reading my favorite blogs, I simply have not updated my own blog. Why? I have no good excuse. If I have enough time to read others, why not add to my own. Call it laziness, call it lack of post-worthy material, call it whatever you like. But call it over!
I have been antsy and anxious lately and have finally realized that I have denied myself the satisfaction and release that my blog allows me. I have not been commenting on the ridiculous things I see everyday, believe me, they are still occurring (sp?) but I just have not provided you with my commentary.
But today, I vow to post regularly.... how about a promise of at least once a week. (Cut me a little slack, once a week is a huge step from once in the last three months)
Now, on with the ridiculousness.
Well, maybe I'll start tomorrow. Its getting late and it has been a long day at work. (While I realize that may sound like an excuse for not posting right now and thus a relapse to my previous deliquent posting habit, I am merely setting you up for a future blog in which I recount just HOW busy has been lately)
Tricky, I know!
Until tomorrow (or maybe later this week, haha)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
It could only happen to me, Part 2
Question: What happens when you can't swat at a fly buzzing around your head because your hands are busy treating your patient's knee, and that patient, in an attempt to be helpful, tries to swat the fly for you?
*this might be the time to mention the patient has a slight mental impairment and is being treated for decreased balance and coordination*
Answer: I get slapped across the face.
Two days later...
the patient returns, but today when I am working on her knee... she sits on her hands. I love it!
*this might be the time to mention the patient has a slight mental impairment and is being treated for decreased balance and coordination*
Answer: I get slapped across the face.
Two days later...
the patient returns, but today when I am working on her knee... she sits on her hands. I love it!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Its just like riding a bike
I'm sure everyone has either said this or heard this at some point their lives. It is what we tell someone to imply that whatever activity or adventure they are about to encounter will not be a challenge, the skill will come to them immediately.
Well, the next time someone uses this analogy to me. Whatever activity I was contemplating...I will not be doing it!!!
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Blue sky, warm with a nice cool and refreshing breeze, perfect for a relaxing ride around Mission Bay on a beach cruiser. I was trying to be supportive, helping someone begin training for a 150 mile bike ride. So I think, "sure I'll ride with you to help you train." Now, to get you up to speed, the extent of my bicycling experience involves riding my beach cruiser a few blocks from my house, usually either to the beach or Starbucks. What can I say, I'm a simple girl. So, oh, maybe ten minutes into what I thought would be a leisurely ride, I became very aware of, oh how do I put this gently... MY ASS!!! To be more specific, those two bones you sit on (ichial tuberosities, for all of my colleagues). So, being only one mile into the eleven mile loop (that's right, 5 mph, go ahead call me a slowpoke, you won't offend me) you can imagine how my butt felt as I rolled over every minor crack and bump in the sidewalk at mile eleven. I was sure I would look behind me and see a trail of blood as the bones punctured through the skin. You may laugh, but as I sit here typing this, the pain is almost unbearable. I may have to stand and type the rest. I guess the good news is no muscles in my body are sore so I guess I am not in as bad of shape as I thought last week (suffered from a week of sore calves after walking up about four flights of stairs at a local beach. Actual name of the beach: Stone Steps, my knew loving/hating term for the beach: Steep Steps).
So, as for me, I will be keeping my bike rides functional only! That is to ride to starbucks or the beach. Should I have a lapse in judgement and try to bike around the bay again, be aware, there may be a resulting shortage of Charmin at all local San Diego stores, as I will be requiring extensive padding of the buttocks.
Well, the next time someone uses this analogy to me. Whatever activity I was contemplating...I will not be doing it!!!
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Blue sky, warm with a nice cool and refreshing breeze, perfect for a relaxing ride around Mission Bay on a beach cruiser. I was trying to be supportive, helping someone begin training for a 150 mile bike ride. So I think, "sure I'll ride with you to help you train." Now, to get you up to speed, the extent of my bicycling experience involves riding my beach cruiser a few blocks from my house, usually either to the beach or Starbucks. What can I say, I'm a simple girl. So, oh, maybe ten minutes into what I thought would be a leisurely ride, I became very aware of, oh how do I put this gently... MY ASS!!! To be more specific, those two bones you sit on (ichial tuberosities, for all of my colleagues). So, being only one mile into the eleven mile loop (that's right, 5 mph, go ahead call me a slowpoke, you won't offend me) you can imagine how my butt felt as I rolled over every minor crack and bump in the sidewalk at mile eleven. I was sure I would look behind me and see a trail of blood as the bones punctured through the skin. You may laugh, but as I sit here typing this, the pain is almost unbearable. I may have to stand and type the rest. I guess the good news is no muscles in my body are sore so I guess I am not in as bad of shape as I thought last week (suffered from a week of sore calves after walking up about four flights of stairs at a local beach. Actual name of the beach: Stone Steps, my knew loving/hating term for the beach: Steep Steps).
So, as for me, I will be keeping my bike rides functional only! That is to ride to starbucks or the beach. Should I have a lapse in judgement and try to bike around the bay again, be aware, there may be a resulting shortage of Charmin at all local San Diego stores, as I will be requiring extensive padding of the buttocks.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
It could only happen to me
Many would agree that there is nothing quite as magical as a beautiful, summer, southern California Saturday afternoon at the local park. What would make this day even more memorable and special? Let us add a kite to that equation. Immediately the song from Mary Poppins begins to run through your head (don't be embarassed, the same thing happened to me). Some may even argue that a day at the park is not complete without a kite somewhere in the sky. And I agree, but don't be fooled into thinking that there is no danger involved with flying a kite just because everything was all skipping and laughing for those Banks kids in the movie. For those of you who know me, you know that I am the biggest clutz in the world and if something can happen...it will happen to me. With this, I will reveal the mechanism of my injury. That's right, I am not ashamed to admit that I am limping due to a kite flying accident. (pretty embarassing, huh?)
So I was on a sloped portion of the grass, just below where it begins to level off into the parking lot. As we were trying to launch the kite, I pulled back on the strings and started walking backwards to give the kite more lift (or so I thought in my mind). As I reached the level portion of the grass, I was unaware of the large boulder directly behind me. That's right, straight over it, backwards, ending with my legs sticking straight up in the air (did I mention I was wearing a skirt?) As I was lying there on my back, my legs pointing directly towards the sky and trying to decide between the laughter of embarassment and the tears of pain from the scrapes across the backs of my legs, things got worse. How? you may ask. A car drives up, having witnessed the whole thing, and asks if the wind was so strong that the kite pulled me over. "No" I answered, "I just fell on my own." That's right, folks. I just fall on my own.
So next time you see a kite in the sky, remember that people risk life and limb to get those suckers up in the sky for you to enjoy. As for me, I will be taking up chess. I don't think I can hurt myself playing that game, but who knows?
So I was on a sloped portion of the grass, just below where it begins to level off into the parking lot. As we were trying to launch the kite, I pulled back on the strings and started walking backwards to give the kite more lift (or so I thought in my mind). As I reached the level portion of the grass, I was unaware of the large boulder directly behind me. That's right, straight over it, backwards, ending with my legs sticking straight up in the air (did I mention I was wearing a skirt?) As I was lying there on my back, my legs pointing directly towards the sky and trying to decide between the laughter of embarassment and the tears of pain from the scrapes across the backs of my legs, things got worse. How? you may ask. A car drives up, having witnessed the whole thing, and asks if the wind was so strong that the kite pulled me over. "No" I answered, "I just fell on my own." That's right, folks. I just fall on my own.
So next time you see a kite in the sky, remember that people risk life and limb to get those suckers up in the sky for you to enjoy. As for me, I will be taking up chess. I don't think I can hurt myself playing that game, but who knows?
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