Monday, June 28, 2004
Sorry about that huge gap in publishing. I honestly didn't fall into a black hole; I even wrote a few posts but I received error messages each time. Turns out that MSU removed the pilot server from the face of the earth on June 1st and neglected to tell us about it; all I had to do was shift the server name.
So what have I been up to? A lot since last monday! I had many many class hours (24) plus a four hour exam on friday (starting at 7am, yuck) Lots of skin and kids that week. The exam was over ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life-saving Skills); we had to identify static and dynamic heart rhythms (ie, on paper or moving across a screen), take the ACLS post-test, intubate an adult and pediatric model, and answer questions about a drugs/electric cardioversion to treat a patient's arrhythmias in a clinical scenario. (I survived that part because of the kindness of a stranger). But I excelled at the intubation. Woohoo!
What else did I do...? The sushi night was fun, but I'm not sure about the movie. Camping this weekend was great-- sunshine, beach, water, nature. I had a cold so it wasn't the best ever; try hiking two miles with a pack and sinusitis/laryngitis (I could hear myself wheezing nicely, just like when we talked about it in Respiratory). Overall a great time.
And I saw Farenheit 9-11. Definitely a good movie. In one word, it was sobering. I would recommend that everyone see it; even if you don't like it at least give a rational answer to the claims in the movie. Yes, it's certainly biased. But it brings to the public some issues that have been buried by the government or lost in the media annals. (1) Soldiers are dying. You can't dispute that, no matter how many coffins you don't show on tv. The families are sad about it (and so am I). (2) Bush's family has huge ties to the Bin Ladens. And I'm not sure what kind of deals are being made in the shady space not open to media coverage; it's a capitalist agenda, and I don't think they have MY interests in mind. (3) Shame on Bush for censoring his service records (if you can even call it service); and shame on him for skipping out on his duties. I can't do that, I don't know why he should be able to. Immature litt rich boy. No respect for the servicemen and women protecting us overseas. (4) Explaining the "Terror Alert system" as a means of psychological control. The expert is right-- it's never going to go down to green or blue, it'll always be slightly unsafe out there so that we keep trusting our government and giving up our civil liberties. Bull. Anyway, there are so many little items in that movie that, even if only half of them are true, then we all ought to sit up and take notice and vote him out of office.
I was disappointed with the Lansing news 10 coverage of the opening: the only interview they showed on the 6pm news was with the representative of the "republicans of michigan" (or some group). He said "It was like plain oatmeal-- dry and boring." Now, if anyone who can watch scenes from that movie-- the Iraqi woman crying over their civilian casualties and calling for Allah's vengeance and help; an Iraqi woman and daughter crying to have their home invaded and son taken away for detention; servicemen getting injured and the contractors being burned and hung from the bridge.... anyone who can say THAT is boring... he or she is truly scary and without compassion, without empathy.
enough on that. I could go on for a while, but I won't. Kudos to the Supreme Court for ruling that "people being held by the United States as enemy combatants can challenge their detention in American courts.... 'Due process demands that a citizen held in the United States as an enemy combatant be given a meaningful opportunity to contest the factual basis for that detention before a neutral decisionmaker.' " Nice words, Ms. O'Connor!
So what have I been up to? A lot since last monday! I had many many class hours (24) plus a four hour exam on friday (starting at 7am, yuck) Lots of skin and kids that week. The exam was over ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life-saving Skills); we had to identify static and dynamic heart rhythms (ie, on paper or moving across a screen), take the ACLS post-test, intubate an adult and pediatric model, and answer questions about a drugs/electric cardioversion to treat a patient's arrhythmias in a clinical scenario. (I survived that part because of the kindness of a stranger). But I excelled at the intubation. Woohoo!
What else did I do...? The sushi night was fun, but I'm not sure about the movie. Camping this weekend was great-- sunshine, beach, water, nature. I had a cold so it wasn't the best ever; try hiking two miles with a pack and sinusitis/laryngitis (I could hear myself wheezing nicely, just like when we talked about it in Respiratory). Overall a great time.
And I saw Farenheit 9-11. Definitely a good movie. In one word, it was sobering. I would recommend that everyone see it; even if you don't like it at least give a rational answer to the claims in the movie. Yes, it's certainly biased. But it brings to the public some issues that have been buried by the government or lost in the media annals. (1) Soldiers are dying. You can't dispute that, no matter how many coffins you don't show on tv. The families are sad about it (and so am I). (2) Bush's family has huge ties to the Bin Ladens. And I'm not sure what kind of deals are being made in the shady space not open to media coverage; it's a capitalist agenda, and I don't think they have MY interests in mind. (3) Shame on Bush for censoring his service records (if you can even call it service); and shame on him for skipping out on his duties. I can't do that, I don't know why he should be able to. Immature litt rich boy. No respect for the servicemen and women protecting us overseas. (4) Explaining the "Terror Alert system" as a means of psychological control. The expert is right-- it's never going to go down to green or blue, it'll always be slightly unsafe out there so that we keep trusting our government and giving up our civil liberties. Bull. Anyway, there are so many little items in that movie that, even if only half of them are true, then we all ought to sit up and take notice and vote him out of office.
I was disappointed with the Lansing news 10 coverage of the opening: the only interview they showed on the 6pm news was with the representative of the "republicans of michigan" (or some group). He said "It was like plain oatmeal-- dry and boring." Now, if anyone who can watch scenes from that movie-- the Iraqi woman crying over their civilian casualties and calling for Allah's vengeance and help; an Iraqi woman and daughter crying to have their home invaded and son taken away for detention; servicemen getting injured and the contractors being burned and hung from the bridge.... anyone who can say THAT is boring... he or she is truly scary and without compassion, without empathy.
enough on that. I could go on for a while, but I won't. Kudos to the Supreme Court for ruling that "people being held by the United States as enemy combatants can challenge their detention in American courts.... 'Due process demands that a citizen held in the United States as an enemy combatant be given a meaningful opportunity to contest the factual basis for that detention before a neutral decisionmaker.' " Nice words, Ms. O'Connor!
# posted by Joanna @ 5:56 PM
Monday, June 21, 2004
DON'T WORRY! I'M STILL ALIVE!
Just wanted to make sure you all knew that. Yes, I'm alive, after the hardest exam of my life (so far). It tested not only 2 years worth of information, but also our endurance....
First book: "I'm awake (minor sleepiness at 10-10:15). Hm, know that, DON'T know that, review that." lunch.
Second book: "The morning was rough, but I survived it so I can do it again now. Let's see what I know."
Night one: "I didn't like that much. Review review review (too much). I'm sleepy."
Third book: "Wait a second, didn't I do this before? You mean I have to do it again??" Fourth book: "Ugh! when will this torture END? What if I have to repeat this day for years, like a horrible version of Groundhog Day??"
Night two: "Done! I have NO idea how I did, if I failed it I just take it again (groan) but at least it's over over over! Now let's go to the bar!!"
Aaron was sweet enough to cook me breakfast both mornings and let me alone to review, and was DD for the bar. (Gee what a great guy!)
I had one day off then I took the first part of a cranial OMM class-- 40 hours of weekend time over the summer but it's the equivalent of a $1500 class (for free!) and I can hopefully join the Cranial Academy (woo hoo, letters after my name! FAAO). We felt heads all weekend (literally) and I developed my skills at detecting the cranial rhythm and strain patterns. Plus, we were taught by two of my favorite professors (Drs. Lisa and Grimshaw) as well as a guru in OMM, Dr. Greenman. How cool is that?
Then, after NO weekend, I started class. Boy was that rough. Basically, I'm realizing that I've been in classes for TOO LONG. Counting since kindegarten, it's been 19 years. Bleah. Aspects is all required, Peds seems cool, Geriatrics is a must for an FP, and Derm... well, they all have skin.
And I saw Jackie Williamson (soon to be Bieber) this past weekend and went bar-hopping in Ann Arbor for her bachelorette party; it was a great time (first time for me in a stretch limo :)) It's good to see her again, though it's sad I'm leaving town for Cheboygan/TC just when she and Matt are moving to Lansing. Best wishes to them! :)
And (just b/c this was cool) today in lab we talked about heart rhythms and treatments, as well as practiced intubation; not sure how I'll do with REAL patients (I probably would've broken a couple teeth while I was getting the hang of the technique) but I was able to intubate the infants and all four adult manequins. Yay.
Coming up: sushi night with friends (complete with Japanimation Princess Mononoke; camping for Tim's birthday at Nordhouse Dunes and Steppin in It in Manistee; Farenheit 9-11
Update: latest movies: Big Fish; One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
New books on my desk: Pediatrics for Medical Students, Ferri Manual, Harriet Lane Handbook (peds), and BLS/ACLS manuals.
Back to ....sleep, I guess. Later!
Just wanted to make sure you all knew that. Yes, I'm alive, after the hardest exam of my life (so far). It tested not only 2 years worth of information, but also our endurance....
First book: "I'm awake (minor sleepiness at 10-10:15). Hm, know that, DON'T know that, review that." lunch.
Second book: "The morning was rough, but I survived it so I can do it again now. Let's see what I know."
Night one: "I didn't like that much. Review review review (too much). I'm sleepy."
Third book: "Wait a second, didn't I do this before? You mean I have to do it again??" Fourth book: "Ugh! when will this torture END? What if I have to repeat this day for years, like a horrible version of Groundhog Day??"
Night two: "Done! I have NO idea how I did, if I failed it I just take it again (groan) but at least it's over over over! Now let's go to the bar!!"
Aaron was sweet enough to cook me breakfast both mornings and let me alone to review, and was DD for the bar. (Gee what a great guy!)
I had one day off then I took the first part of a cranial OMM class-- 40 hours of weekend time over the summer but it's the equivalent of a $1500 class (for free!) and I can hopefully join the Cranial Academy (woo hoo, letters after my name! FAAO). We felt heads all weekend (literally) and I developed my skills at detecting the cranial rhythm and strain patterns. Plus, we were taught by two of my favorite professors (Drs. Lisa and Grimshaw) as well as a guru in OMM, Dr. Greenman. How cool is that?
Then, after NO weekend, I started class. Boy was that rough. Basically, I'm realizing that I've been in classes for TOO LONG. Counting since kindegarten, it's been 19 years. Bleah. Aspects is all required, Peds seems cool, Geriatrics is a must for an FP, and Derm... well, they all have skin.
And I saw Jackie Williamson (soon to be Bieber) this past weekend and went bar-hopping in Ann Arbor for her bachelorette party; it was a great time (first time for me in a stretch limo :)) It's good to see her again, though it's sad I'm leaving town for Cheboygan/TC just when she and Matt are moving to Lansing. Best wishes to them! :)
And (just b/c this was cool) today in lab we talked about heart rhythms and treatments, as well as practiced intubation; not sure how I'll do with REAL patients (I probably would've broken a couple teeth while I was getting the hang of the technique) but I was able to intubate the infants and all four adult manequins. Yay.
Coming up: sushi night with friends (complete with Japanimation Princess Mononoke; camping for Tim's birthday at Nordhouse Dunes and Steppin in It in Manistee; Farenheit 9-11
Update: latest movies: Big Fish; One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
New books on my desk: Pediatrics for Medical Students, Ferri Manual, Harriet Lane Handbook (peds), and BLS/ACLS manuals.
Back to ....sleep, I guess. Later!
# posted by Joanna @ 11:22 PM
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Two days to go! I've been taking practice exams yesterday and today, just getting back in the groove of thinking in terms of A,B,C,D,E. If there's one thing medical schools teach you, it's how to take exams (and fill in the bubbles!)
Overall it's been a good month; I didn't study at all how I expected to (8-5 M-F) but I think I learned it all pretty well during the past two years, and the review has been pretty good. But there's nothing like a month off to "review" to remind you of the important things in life... it's the ones we love, taking care of ourselves, and enjoying the outdoors-- not the studying, or cramming, or the "A" on exams.
Still left to review: endocrine, neurology, behavioral, and pharm mechanisms one more time. (Books on my desk: Microbiology made Ridiculously Simple, Review for USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step Up, OMT Review, Pathology Pnemonics, BRS Pathology, BRS Pharmacology)
Someone sent me the trailer for Farenheit 9/11. Go check it out (and see the movie when it comes out June 25!)
Wish me luck Tuesday and Wednesday!
Overall it's been a good month; I didn't study at all how I expected to (8-5 M-F) but I think I learned it all pretty well during the past two years, and the review has been pretty good. But there's nothing like a month off to "review" to remind you of the important things in life... it's the ones we love, taking care of ourselves, and enjoying the outdoors-- not the studying, or cramming, or the "A" on exams.
Still left to review: endocrine, neurology, behavioral, and pharm mechanisms one more time. (Books on my desk: Microbiology made Ridiculously Simple, Review for USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step Up, OMT Review, Pathology Pnemonics, BRS Pathology, BRS Pharmacology)
Someone sent me the trailer for Farenheit 9/11. Go check it out (and see the movie when it comes out June 25!)
Wish me luck Tuesday and Wednesday!
# posted by Joanna @ 3:50 PM
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
What a procrastinator... I signed up for the USMLEasy on 3 weeks ago when a classmate emailed about it being free. And here I am, the last night it's free, answering as many questions as it'll let me. I think that I didn't give them a credit card yet. Maybe they're in a different time zone.
So I have a story for you, happened to me recently:
I decided one day to make a strawberry-rhubarb pie because I happened to have received rhubarb from the farm share that week; I'd never made anything with rhubarb before, and maybe once before had made a pie without my mom's help. So I went to the store, bought strawberries (yum!), went home, measured out flour for the pie dough. I then opened the Crisco and found that I had left myself only a tablespoon the last time I'd used it. Back to the store I went! (wondering if this was a sign that I shouldn't make the pie today) Ten minutes and $2 later, I measured out the Crisco and made the dough.
With the dough cooling in the fridge, I set about chopping strawberries and rhubarb. I opened up the sugar container and lo! I was out of that too! This was too much coincidence for me, and I set aside the dough for the day. (I took coleslaw to the potluck instead)
The next day I bought sugar and started again; I was excited about this whole pie-making thing and was determined to succeed. Sugar in the fruit, set it aside to roll out the dough. As I did not have a rolling pin, I used a washed and floured wine bottle. And I didn't have a pie cloth, so I floured the counter. I rolled it out and it was the perfect thickness... and very stuck to the counter. D'oh! (d'ough?) Starting again I rolled it out on a piece of saran wrap, and it worked beautifully.
Having accomplished that, I over-filled the pie (I had extra fruit) and placed it in the oven, knowing enough to cover the dough with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Twenty minutes later I was in my room and smelled something sweet but funny. It wasn't my computer so I didn't really mind it. Ten more minutes passed and the smell was stronger; I opened the oven door to find the pie had dripped a circle of juices onto the floor of the oven and it was bubbling and smoking a little. Not good, I thought, but figured I could prevent it getting worse by putting a baking pan under the pie; I also turned on a big fan and took the batteries out of the smoke detector-- just in case.
A few minutes later, I was chatting on the phone with my mom-- ha ha, isn't it funny? I noticed lots of smoke now, and upon opening the oven found that the bubbly juice had blackened. Hm, this is worse, but not horrible. Then, with the extra oxygen let in by my opening the oven, the blackness sprouted little 3-inch flames. AUGH! I've set my oven on fire!
In the end, the fire put itself out, I learned my lesson, and the pie cooked beautifully; I shared it with Laura and Aaron's housemates and got compliments like "best pie EVER"... they know the best way to get more goodies is to encourage the cook!
Hm, it's now 1:10 EST (well past the end of May 31 and my supposed 'free trial") and I have milked the test for all it's worth to me tonight. Perhaps tomorrow I'll pay for it... maybe. Good night for now, and keep me and my sanity in your prayers.
One week left.
So I have a story for you, happened to me recently:
I decided one day to make a strawberry-rhubarb pie because I happened to have received rhubarb from the farm share that week; I'd never made anything with rhubarb before, and maybe once before had made a pie without my mom's help. So I went to the store, bought strawberries (yum!), went home, measured out flour for the pie dough. I then opened the Crisco and found that I had left myself only a tablespoon the last time I'd used it. Back to the store I went! (wondering if this was a sign that I shouldn't make the pie today) Ten minutes and $2 later, I measured out the Crisco and made the dough.
With the dough cooling in the fridge, I set about chopping strawberries and rhubarb. I opened up the sugar container and lo! I was out of that too! This was too much coincidence for me, and I set aside the dough for the day. (I took coleslaw to the potluck instead)
The next day I bought sugar and started again; I was excited about this whole pie-making thing and was determined to succeed. Sugar in the fruit, set it aside to roll out the dough. As I did not have a rolling pin, I used a washed and floured wine bottle. And I didn't have a pie cloth, so I floured the counter. I rolled it out and it was the perfect thickness... and very stuck to the counter. D'oh! (d'ough?) Starting again I rolled it out on a piece of saran wrap, and it worked beautifully.
Having accomplished that, I over-filled the pie (I had extra fruit) and placed it in the oven, knowing enough to cover the dough with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Twenty minutes later I was in my room and smelled something sweet but funny. It wasn't my computer so I didn't really mind it. Ten more minutes passed and the smell was stronger; I opened the oven door to find the pie had dripped a circle of juices onto the floor of the oven and it was bubbling and smoking a little. Not good, I thought, but figured I could prevent it getting worse by putting a baking pan under the pie; I also turned on a big fan and took the batteries out of the smoke detector-- just in case.
A few minutes later, I was chatting on the phone with my mom-- ha ha, isn't it funny? I noticed lots of smoke now, and upon opening the oven found that the bubbly juice had blackened. Hm, this is worse, but not horrible. Then, with the extra oxygen let in by my opening the oven, the blackness sprouted little 3-inch flames. AUGH! I've set my oven on fire!
In the end, the fire put itself out, I learned my lesson, and the pie cooked beautifully; I shared it with Laura and Aaron's housemates and got compliments like "best pie EVER"... they know the best way to get more goodies is to encourage the cook!
Hm, it's now 1:10 EST (well past the end of May 31 and my supposed 'free trial") and I have milked the test for all it's worth to me tonight. Perhaps tomorrow I'll pay for it... maybe. Good night for now, and keep me and my sanity in your prayers.
One week left.
# posted by Joanna @ 12:17 AM
