We are indeed a weary world today. There are few people who can hear the news from Newton and not stop and wonder at what this world has become.
I pray for those families, for the parents crying out in utter agony at the loss of a child and for the children left in a world missing a parent or a sibling--I can not imagine.
I pray that those weary and broken and hurting hearts can eventually, if not already, cry out to the Lord for only he can give them relief that no counselor or liaison or presidential statement can.
As for us, those not touched personally by this tragedy but given a whole new perspective on the evil of this world, may the weariness of the world be made known in our hearts. May this lead hearts to cry out for something more. And may this Christmastime be the conduit for healing the wounds of our hearts. May the hearts of the masses be opened to the story of a baby born in Bethlehem at a time when there was no room for him, who then grew into a sinless man who was rejected because the people had no room for him in their hearts, who then died on a cross so that those who believe(d) could be counted sinless as he and be given a relationship with the Father in Heaven. May radical conversions happen in the weary hearts of many this Christmas, Lord, may they be captivated by you and may they taste the thrill of a future spent in perfect communion with you in a healed world that never ceases to reflect your glory.
John Piper wrote "How Does Jesus Come to Newton": http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/how-does-jesus-come-to-newtown
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Done and Done, then Done again.
I am done with my first 1/2 of didactic year.
I am done with exams.
I am done with surgery.
HALLELUJAH!
All went well. Exams were ok but a challenge and a constant adrenaline rush for a week. And the surgery was yesterday morning and all went well, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because in closing the fistula between my nose and my mouth they were able to also free up a lot of scar tissue and my upper lip, as puffy and swollen as it is, looks much better from the outside and has better range of movement! There was a little cyst something in the fistula that as the surgeon said was a "large pea, small grape size" that they sent off to pathology--I am sure it is just an epithelial cyst, but without that in my face things are going to look and feel better for sure!!
Anyway, I am laying low and enjoying Christmas now. I am getting ready to head back home to enjoy the holidays with the family--fat lip and all.
I am done with exams.
I am done with surgery.
HALLELUJAH!
All went well. Exams were ok but a challenge and a constant adrenaline rush for a week. And the surgery was yesterday morning and all went well, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because in closing the fistula between my nose and my mouth they were able to also free up a lot of scar tissue and my upper lip, as puffy and swollen as it is, looks much better from the outside and has better range of movement! There was a little cyst something in the fistula that as the surgeon said was a "large pea, small grape size" that they sent off to pathology--I am sure it is just an epithelial cyst, but without that in my face things are going to look and feel better for sure!!
Anyway, I am laying low and enjoying Christmas now. I am getting ready to head back home to enjoy the holidays with the family--fat lip and all.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Last Christmastime Exam Week EVER
THIS, my friends, is MONUMENTAL!!!
20+ years of Christmastime exams and I am over it. These are the last and I am so glad to see this time come.
Next year I will be in clinical rotations and I will have one post-rotation exam around this time but 1 is a serious improvement!
SO, back to studying I go, focusing on the fact that these are the LAST Christmas exams and when they are done I will be OVER 1/2 way through the didactic year of PA school --- whoop whoop!!!!
20+ years of Christmastime exams and I am over it. These are the last and I am so glad to see this time come.
Next year I will be in clinical rotations and I will have one post-rotation exam around this time but 1 is a serious improvement!
SO, back to studying I go, focusing on the fact that these are the LAST Christmas exams and when they are done I will be OVER 1/2 way through the didactic year of PA school --- whoop whoop!!!!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
I found out on Friday that I have a Bicuspid Aortic valve.
Fatigue over the past year and a half--explained.
Unusual sound heard in my neck in physical diagnosis class (the reason I got checked out)--explained.
I have a wonderful cardiologist at MUSC now and I will be seeing him for visits every year/every few years to watch my valve and to make sure that my left ventricle and aorta don't increase in size. He told me I will probably need a new aortic valve in my 50s or 60s but until then I need to live life as usual and just make sure my cholesterol stays low (exercise, watch diet, etc). Pregnancy may or may not be an issue due to increased load on the heart causing my valve to become diseased more quickly but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
I cannot tell you how amazing it was to sit and watch my heart beating on a screen for 40 minutes as they did an echocardiogram, I could clearly see the 2 valve leaflets where there should have been 3, but it was beautiful!! The heart is a very cool piece of machinery and it is amazing how resilient it is. It's quite fun that I happen to be studying all this in school right now so "studying" can now also include researching the studies on prognosis, embryology, physiology, etc of my condition. Of all the heart things to have it's probably one of the best (and most common-1% of the population has it!).
The Lord is very good in all this. The heart is a miracle--human bodies are miraculous!! The Lord's design is awe-inspiring and it has made me want to fall on my face and worship Him! This whole thing puts a very new spin on Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" and creates a whole new challenge in Proverbs 31:25, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." I had already felt a conviction to hide Proverbs 31:25 in my heart and work on my joy during uncertainty and, what-do-ya-know, the Lord had a reason!! :)
So who knows what I'll do now, maybe 2013 resolutions will include a half marathon or two for a little heart health?!?!
Unusual sound heard in my neck in physical diagnosis class (the reason I got checked out)--explained.
I have a wonderful cardiologist at MUSC now and I will be seeing him for visits every year/every few years to watch my valve and to make sure that my left ventricle and aorta don't increase in size. He told me I will probably need a new aortic valve in my 50s or 60s but until then I need to live life as usual and just make sure my cholesterol stays low (exercise, watch diet, etc). Pregnancy may or may not be an issue due to increased load on the heart causing my valve to become diseased more quickly but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
I cannot tell you how amazing it was to sit and watch my heart beating on a screen for 40 minutes as they did an echocardiogram, I could clearly see the 2 valve leaflets where there should have been 3, but it was beautiful!! The heart is a very cool piece of machinery and it is amazing how resilient it is. It's quite fun that I happen to be studying all this in school right now so "studying" can now also include researching the studies on prognosis, embryology, physiology, etc of my condition. Of all the heart things to have it's probably one of the best (and most common-1% of the population has it!).
The Lord is very good in all this. The heart is a miracle--human bodies are miraculous!! The Lord's design is awe-inspiring and it has made me want to fall on my face and worship Him! This whole thing puts a very new spin on Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" and creates a whole new challenge in Proverbs 31:25, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." I had already felt a conviction to hide Proverbs 31:25 in my heart and work on my joy during uncertainty and, what-do-ya-know, the Lord had a reason!! :)
So who knows what I'll do now, maybe 2013 resolutions will include a half marathon or two for a little heart health?!?!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
'Tis the Season
My Brother and his lovely bride are the BEST!! They got me a tree---I've never almost cried over a Christmas tree. . . until today. It was 10:45 pm (it's now 11:25) and they called me over for what I thought was seeing their house all decorated. Instead it was to give me my very own Christmas tree that actually fits into my apartment!! I was so excited after all my studying and listening to Christmas music and wanting to be at home with Christmas tree lights twinkling and Mama's cooking instead of leftover Chinese. I have a little more studying tonight but I wanted to share the JOY first!
It really is the little things like this. . . It's good to have people that love me and are willing to go out of their way to make myday next 3 weeks!! And they may have improved my GPA because I WANT to sit across from this beautiful sight and study!
It really is the little things like this. . . It's good to have people that love me and are willing to go out of their way to make my
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A Wellspring of Joy
The Lord has been so good to me this week. He has pulled my heart back from idols that I had been building up for a long time and is loosening my grip on them and allowing me to rest in his providence.
For many months, perhaps even years I have walked around with pasted-on joy outside while inside I was walking around in dread of the future. Well, the Lord opened my eyes to my sin this week. You see, I have lived and breathed the dream of PA school for a long time, then I find myselfnot doing so well on failing a test and wondering why I could lose my motivation to such a point that I am in the beginning stages of throwing my dreams away. And then it hit me (as evidenced in my last post): My dream is not PA school, it is being a wife and a mother.
Well, amidst many tears (over the grade and in all honesty, some tears of bitterness against the Lord) I sat down to my time with the Lord and every page I turned whether in the Bible, Daily Light, Jesus Calling, Morning and Evening, or William Cowper's hymns my idolatry hit me between the eyes. I have taken a desire given to me by the Lord and dwelt on it and fallen in love with it to the point that I am an adulterer. And to top that all off, I am cheating on the only person who can offer me an everlasting love and true joy!
This is one of the quotes that hit me between the eyes, it is from Morning and Evening on November 14th, from Genesis 29:26 ("Laban said, 'It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.'"):
Everyone falls in love with happiness, and many would cheerfully work for fourteen years to enjoy it; but according to the rule of the Lord's kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be loved in our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained. Heaven stands not first but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in His humiliation or we will never rest with Him in glory.
My soul, what do you say--are you so vain as to hope to be an exception to the heavenly rule? Do you hope for reward without work, or honor without endeavor? Dismiss this idle expectation, and be content with the despised things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will more than repay you. In such a spirit, working and suffering, you will find afflictions grow sweet and hard things easy.
For many months, perhaps even years I have walked around with pasted-on joy outside while inside I was walking around in dread of the future. Well, the Lord opened my eyes to my sin this week. You see, I have lived and breathed the dream of PA school for a long time, then I find myself
Well, amidst many tears (over the grade and in all honesty, some tears of bitterness against the Lord) I sat down to my time with the Lord and every page I turned whether in the Bible, Daily Light, Jesus Calling, Morning and Evening, or William Cowper's hymns my idolatry hit me between the eyes. I have taken a desire given to me by the Lord and dwelt on it and fallen in love with it to the point that I am an adulterer. And to top that all off, I am cheating on the only person who can offer me an everlasting love and true joy!
Oh, what a wellspring of JOY I have in knowing that the Lord longs for my heart so much that he has pulled me from my adulterous ways!
This is one of the quotes that hit me between the eyes, it is from Morning and Evening on November 14th, from Genesis 29:26 ("Laban said, 'It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.'"):
Everyone falls in love with happiness, and many would cheerfully work for fourteen years to enjoy it; but according to the rule of the Lord's kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be loved in our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained. Heaven stands not first but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in His humiliation or we will never rest with Him in glory.
My soul, what do you say--are you so vain as to hope to be an exception to the heavenly rule? Do you hope for reward without work, or honor without endeavor? Dismiss this idle expectation, and be content with the despised things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will more than repay you. In such a spirit, working and suffering, you will find afflictions grow sweet and hard things easy.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Exhausted
This block I hit a wall-- I did fine in all my exams but one and it just fell through the cracks and kept on falling. This is all consuming and it's hard to do alone. I'm consumed by school but lonely. This is my calling in life right now and I do enjoy it, but the future money and "career outlook" means nothing to me, and currently I'm still useless at treating patients so I'm just in a lackluster stage. Yet the Lord has a purpose for this, He is calling me to learn right now in order that one day I may love on His people by caring for them physically to reach their lost and diseased spirits. May I not lose sight of that and grow weary. May I find JOY in His presence and the immense love He has shown me. May I not fear the future or loneliness but persist knowing that my God has won the battle, He has victory over fear and loneliness and weariness and in Him alone will I be able to laugh at the future, enjoy constant community, experience perfect and sustaining love, and sense peace that can lead to rest.
I need a long quiet time and then about 30 hours sleep (we'll start with 8). A break is coming, I'm just at mile 21 of the marathon and I need to push through.
I need a long quiet time and then about 30 hours sleep (we'll start with 8). A break is coming, I'm just at mile 21 of the marathon and I need to push through.
Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be;
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.
So shall my walk be close with GOD,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
- "Walking with God" William Cowper
Saturday, November 10, 2012
What I'm really doing when I'm "studying" for block exams. . .
. . . Surfing Youtube!!
Block test on Monday, the vast majority of which is on EKGs.
I'm up to my eyeballs in them and I love it--it is so cool to look at a sheet of paper and be able to visualize what is going on in a person's heart!! Visualization is the key and, as usual, Youtube has become a friend in this block for that very reason.
Block test on Monday, the vast majority of which is on EKGs.
I'm up to my eyeballs in them and I love it--it is so cool to look at a sheet of paper and be able to visualize what is going on in a person's heart!! Visualization is the key and, as usual, Youtube has become a friend in this block for that very reason.
(And for clarification's sake: his arms are the atria, his legs are the ventricles)
Enjoy the hilarity!!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
NO bone graft needed!!!! Hallelujah!
It is indeed an oronasal fistula and they do have to remove the entire thing from where it starts in my mouth to where it ends in my nose. I can't blow my nose for a few weeks after to make sure that tissue isn't harmed or anything but it shouldn't be awful. It's under IV sedation in the oral surgery office so it's no big deal!
I've scheduled it for an hour after my last exam of the semester--I want it to take as little out of my Christmas as possible! :D
It is indeed an oronasal fistula and they do have to remove the entire thing from where it starts in my mouth to where it ends in my nose. I can't blow my nose for a few weeks after to make sure that tissue isn't harmed or anything but it shouldn't be awful. It's under IV sedation in the oral surgery office so it's no big deal!
I've scheduled it for an hour after my last exam of the semester--I want it to take as little out of my Christmas as possible! :D
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Cleft Chronicle Continues
I may have a common associated problem with cleft palate repairs called an oral nasal fistula. I had felt it with my tongue and then my brother (who happens to be my dentist) noticed it when he cleaned my teeth. It is basically a connection between my oral cavity and my nasal cavity---this makes eating spicy soups and caffeinated drinks not so fun these days.
I thought my journey with my cleft lip and palate was over but apparently it isn't. I'm beginning to understand the long term ramifications of all my surgeries. Every time a surgeon touched my face it made me look better but it wasn't without its effects--my bone is fragile, my soft tissue is thin, and my teeth move in a heartbeat. Because of 4 sets of braces (Yes, FOUR), the roots of one of my front teeth are so short that it is a definite I will need an implant somewhere down the road (I'm flossing like crazy to delay that. . .) and my teeth move any time they are given the opportunity (they are cemented together but when that bonding comes off they literally move in a few hours).
I finally understand that this will never be over. I am 21 and at the peak of my health bone-wise and vasculature-wise. I have always been a complicated dental case and I will only get more complicated, BUT hallelujah my brother and sister-in-law are just about to be in their own dental practice and they are committed to getting me good care!!
Tomorrow will tell what procedures will be involved with this latest complication--I have an appointment with the Oral Surgeon. It could be as little as just closing it with a piece of soft tissue from somewhere else or it could involve another bone graft from my hip--hope not. Whatever it takes procedure-wise to repair it, I will get done over Christmas break . . . Merry Christmas to me.
I thought my journey with my cleft lip and palate was over but apparently it isn't. I'm beginning to understand the long term ramifications of all my surgeries. Every time a surgeon touched my face it made me look better but it wasn't without its effects--my bone is fragile, my soft tissue is thin, and my teeth move in a heartbeat. Because of 4 sets of braces (Yes, FOUR), the roots of one of my front teeth are so short that it is a definite I will need an implant somewhere down the road (I'm flossing like crazy to delay that. . .) and my teeth move any time they are given the opportunity (they are cemented together but when that bonding comes off they literally move in a few hours).
I finally understand that this will never be over. I am 21 and at the peak of my health bone-wise and vasculature-wise. I have always been a complicated dental case and I will only get more complicated, BUT hallelujah my brother and sister-in-law are just about to be in their own dental practice and they are committed to getting me good care!!
Tomorrow will tell what procedures will be involved with this latest complication--I have an appointment with the Oral Surgeon. It could be as little as just closing it with a piece of soft tissue from somewhere else or it could involve another bone graft from my hip--hope not. Whatever it takes procedure-wise to repair it, I will get done over Christmas break . . . Merry Christmas to me.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
A Roller Coaster
OOHHHH THE PAST 24 HOURS!
It's official: Block 2 nearly killed me. The tests? ehhh, they're done. The lack of sleep? Kill me.
Current score: Sleep 1, Catharine 0
This is what happened.
As I said earlier we have 2 exams on Monday and 2 on Tuesday. So inevitably the first 2 exams put you through the ringer and you go home to 12 hours ofcramming last minute studying for the next 2. Well, smart one over here stayed up 'til 2 am studying on Tuesday morning. I set my phone alarm for 5, I set my alarm clock for 5:04, and (just to cover my bases) I set my phone to continue to go off from 5 until 7:30 at 15 minute intervals. I knew I was tired but it's grad school and my body knows that so it will push through, right? Wrong.
Cut to 8:45 (STINKIN' EIGHT FORTY FIVE!!!) this morning. I wake abruptly to my sister-in-law standing over me saying that it's EIGHT FORTY FIVE and she and my brother will drive me to class and I just need to get dressed. Good thing my classmates have already been taking the exam for 45 minutes. Holy mack. Anyway, HALLELUJAH I have the best SIL in the world and she noticed that my car was still in the driveway when they were leaving for class and she came and woke me up. My brother got us from Mt. P to downtown in record time and my SIL gave me her coffee (seriously, a gift of gold!) and they had some random cereal in a ziploc so I ate that and with their encouragement and a seriously good coffee in my belly I was able to face walking into a silent room of 66 people in the midst of the hardest block exam--oh it was painful making eye contact with those people. Anyway, my professor was so kind and let me have the full 2 hours though I in no way deserved it!
Then I again holed up until 2pm pacing with my little notecards (that I have begun to tear in half because the demand is pretty high these days and it could bankrupt me) and listening to my white noise app (another Godsend). After that I ran down to grab a healthy lunch of Nekot crackers from the vending machine with the 60 cents I was able to scrounge from the bottom of my bag (I forgot my wallet in the chaos this morning), and then it was on to my Pharmacotherapeutics exam. And now I. AM. DONE. (with block 2).
A little group project meeting action and some $3 margarita and taco action and a brief break to catch up on DWTS from last night (That freestyle? The one to that ever so teeny-bopperish song "Call Me Maybe?" Ah-mazing!! [Please go YouTube it. If you're into that kind of thing.]) I am now back at home with Mims asleep by my side and, having done the reading for the lecture tomorrow (for BLOCK 3. . . Way too soon...), I'm going to set 50 alarms and catch a few winks.
It's official: Block 2 nearly killed me. The tests? ehhh, they're done. The lack of sleep? Kill me.
Current score: Sleep 1, Catharine 0
This is what happened.
As I said earlier we have 2 exams on Monday and 2 on Tuesday. So inevitably the first 2 exams put you through the ringer and you go home to 12 hours of
Cut to 8:45 (STINKIN' EIGHT FORTY FIVE!!!) this morning. I wake abruptly to my sister-in-law standing over me saying that it's EIGHT FORTY FIVE and she and my brother will drive me to class and I just need to get dressed. Good thing my classmates have already been taking the exam for 45 minutes. Holy mack. Anyway, HALLELUJAH I have the best SIL in the world and she noticed that my car was still in the driveway when they were leaving for class and she came and woke me up. My brother got us from Mt. P to downtown in record time and my SIL gave me her coffee (seriously, a gift of gold!) and they had some random cereal in a ziploc so I ate that and with their encouragement and a seriously good coffee in my belly I was able to face walking into a silent room of 66 people in the midst of the hardest block exam--oh it was painful making eye contact with those people. Anyway, my professor was so kind and let me have the full 2 hours though I in no way deserved it!
Then I again holed up until 2pm pacing with my little notecards (that I have begun to tear in half because the demand is pretty high these days and it could bankrupt me) and listening to my white noise app (another Godsend). After that I ran down to grab a healthy lunch of Nekot crackers from the vending machine with the 60 cents I was able to scrounge from the bottom of my bag (I forgot my wallet in the chaos this morning), and then it was on to my Pharmacotherapeutics exam. And now I. AM. DONE. (with block 2).
A little group project meeting action and some $3 margarita and taco action and a brief break to catch up on DWTS from last night (That freestyle? The one to that ever so teeny-bopperish song "Call Me Maybe?" Ah-mazing!! [Please go YouTube it. If you're into that kind of thing.]) I am now back at home with Mims asleep by my side and, having done the reading for the lecture tomorrow (for BLOCK 3. . . Way too soon...), I'm going to set 50 alarms and catch a few winks.
 |
| Mims says "Goodnight!" |
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Heme, Endo, Family, Life, and Meningitis.
Monday I have a block test--this one on Endocrine and Hematology. I should be studying right now but I just need a second.
This block has been crazy, not just because of the subject matter but because of life. It seemed like the first block I was able to put life aside and focus, but I'm realizing life won't stay on hold for 2 years while I'm in PA school. I'm missing a lot--my entire family is in Clemson right now and my friends are celebrating the win. I'm so thankful I don't have a family of my own to worry about right now because I simply wouldn't be able to put them aside for this.
I'm not taking time and family for granted right now because my sweet Aunt Deedie passed away last week suddenly. She was actually a great Aunt but I was closer to her than many people are to their grandparents and my grandfather loved her so much and had such a close relationship with her. She passed away suddenly from pneumonia so we knew a day or so before it happened but no one was prepared for it. She had celebrated her 88th birthday with us just 2 weeks before, she'd been married 69 years, she had 4 children, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great grands (the last just arrived 2 days ago, and there is another on the way). She was blessed and she knew it. She loved the Lord and she was extremely joyful. She loved telling stories and she could sit and listen so well. She was an amazing woman and loved by so many!
Life just seems too precious to be studying right now.
Thankfully I didn't go the med school route--I would never have have had the drive to put my life aside for 4 years and then at least 3 years of residency!
This block has been crazy, not just because of the subject matter but because of life. It seemed like the first block I was able to put life aside and focus, but I'm realizing life won't stay on hold for 2 years while I'm in PA school. I'm missing a lot--my entire family is in Clemson right now and my friends are celebrating the win. I'm so thankful I don't have a family of my own to worry about right now because I simply wouldn't be able to put them aside for this.
I'm not taking time and family for granted right now because my sweet Aunt Deedie passed away last week suddenly. She was actually a great Aunt but I was closer to her than many people are to their grandparents and my grandfather loved her so much and had such a close relationship with her. She passed away suddenly from pneumonia so we knew a day or so before it happened but no one was prepared for it. She had celebrated her 88th birthday with us just 2 weeks before, she'd been married 69 years, she had 4 children, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great grands (the last just arrived 2 days ago, and there is another on the way). She was blessed and she knew it. She loved the Lord and she was extremely joyful. She loved telling stories and she could sit and listen so well. She was an amazing woman and loved by so many!
Life just seems too precious to be studying right now.
 |
| Showing off her birthday pedicure at her birthday dinner 2 weeks before she passed away. |
 |
| My grandparents got her a toilet seat because she said hers was too cold--they all thought it was hilarious and she wanted a "serious" picture framed by the seat! |
Oh and a classmate has meningitis and is in the hospital. We got an email entitled "Potential exposure to Meningitis" tonight. I've been hypochondriaclly checking my neck for stiffness the entire evening. That would be top on my "Last thing I need right now" list. . .
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Celebrating
EENT and Dermatology are done--we are well into endocrinology now!
Monday and Tuesday were testing days and Wednesday we had classes but we were all zoned out. When I got home Wednesday I had a surprise awaiting me from my "neighbors" (who happen to also be my brother and sister in law).
Y'all! Go get some!! I had a "Black and White" and a "Peaches and Cream." They were both awesome but that Peaches and Cream cupcake had real peaches in the cupcake part--yuuummmm. The cupcake itself had a large, delicious crumb and I would take pinches of cupcake with a pinch of icing and it was just the perfect ratio.
That night after a long nap and a little studying I realized that it was 10:45 and I hadn't eaten, nor did I have groceries so this was my dinner:
Monday and Tuesday were testing days and Wednesday we had classes but we were all zoned out. When I got home Wednesday I had a surprise awaiting me from my "neighbors" (who happen to also be my brother and sister in law).
 |
| My VERY FIRST Cupcake cupcakes!! |
That night after a long nap and a little studying I realized that it was 10:45 and I hadn't eaten, nor did I have groceries so this was my dinner:
It may have been the best dinner I have every had--just a salty and sweet Heaven! And I may have had the Peaches and Cream one for lunch today. . .
Obviously nutrition is super-high on my priority list these days. . .
As I was enjoying my Cupcake I couldn't help but think of sweet Elliana Talbott who is in Heaven now, but her family celebrates her every year on her birthday with Cupcakes. I haven't met her family in person but they had a baby girl with awesome taste in cupcakes and I don't think there could be a better way to celebrate her life and rejoice that she is healed and dancing with Jesus!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Block 1
Block test 1 is on Monday and Tuesday. Dermatology and EENT will be behind me--crazy. And scary. The next time I will study this stuff is right before I see patients in clinical rotations--that thought will drive you to study for sure!! Can't wait to see patients and help them through these diseases! My body is sleep deprived and under-nourished and my brain hurts but this is fun to study and such a privilege to do. That doesn't negate the fact that my first paycheck will go to Botox to fix the squint from looking at my computer screen and a massage therapist to fix my back from leaning over my computer all day long!!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Top Tigers
Clemson won! That's my tigers!! I've studied 18 hours already this weekend but I took a study break to watch the game and I was not disappointed! I'm going up to God's country next weekend for the first game of the season in Death Valley and I couldn't be more excited! I will admit--I was dying to be one of the college students in that stadium tonight. But it will be fun to go back for my first game as an alum!
I also love it when you've just watched a good game with a few intense moments and some good hits and then you see the guys from opposite teams hugging each other in the midst of the media frenzy post game. So classy--way to go Tigers.
I also love it when you've just watched a good game with a few intense moments and some good hits and then you see the guys from opposite teams hugging each other in the midst of the media frenzy post game. So classy--way to go Tigers.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Dermatology
I had to give my scalp a break from my studies of scabies and lice!!! I tell you what---nothing will make you itch all over like crusted scabies. Google it--I dare you (it's too unsightly to put on the blog even!)!!
Derm has been fun, but I don't think it's my thing. We will have covered all the highlights of derm by the end of this week (a week and a half total!). From scabies to freezing each others warts to anesthetizing and cutting "lesions" off oranges--we have done a lot. There is some scary stuff in derm--things I never, ever want to have to diagnose. The skin is an amazing barrier and when it is compromised our bodies do not like it one bit! Hallelujah for granulation tissue and collagen fibers that fills in our gaps and hallelujah for people that want to go into the specialty of dermatology!!!
In other news, I've been on a book buying frenzy and just in case there is anyone even remotely interested in being any type of clinician whatsoever, let me tell you what combo of books has worked best for me:
Background: The NCCPA (the people who make the PA boards) make this handy-dandy little thing called a blueprint--that is, they make a road map for navigating medicine in 2 years. They have put together a list of diseases from each organ system that you should know inside and out--the most commonly occurring, the most lethal, etc. In order to best study through my didactic year I am making a "disease sheet" for each of those diseases that includes "General Characteristics," "Clinical Presentation," "Physical Findings," "Differential Diagnosis," "Work-up," and "Treatment." All those sheets are going into a single notebook that will be easy to whip out when it comes time for boards studying! I am getting my information on these diseases from the following resources:
1) CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2013
"Current" is not my favorite thus far. To my odd mind it seems that the presentation of the information is muddled. . . OR to put it better: the way I broke down my disease sheets is not how Current chose to break down the individual diseases so it was hard to assimilate my own condensed version from it. But I bought it because this is the book my program is using. . . .And don't get me wrong, it's a SOLID resource.
2) Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013
Ferri is my fave!!! (Nice Alliteration) Literally, I am obsessed with this book!! It is FIVE books in one and a total of 1610 pages--because of this it will never, ever leave my house or my office when I'm practicing. The 5 "books" (i.e. sections) are as follows: 1) a breakdown of each disease into "Basic information" (includes etiology, demographics, physical findings, clinical presentation), "Diagnosis" (includes differential diagnosis, work-up, labs), "Treatment" (includes nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic, disposition, referrals), and "Pearls and Considerations; 2) symptoms with all their possible differential diagnoses; 3) Clinical algorithms; 4) Lab tests, what normal ranges and abnormal ranges signify, and what those ranges should be; 5) Clinical Practice Guidelines (for immunizations, periodic health exams, etc).
3) Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs (10th ed.)
This book has drugs broken down by disease and is still somewhat overwhelming to me. BUT, I was told that I needed it in my arsenal from my favorite professor so I bought it (and it just arrived today). I think it will be more useful when we get out of Derm (where all diseases need a topical steroid of some variety and an antihistamine for itching--I kid, but really. . . ). Did I mention it is 2500 PAGES and weighs 12 lbs?!?!?! (Glad I didn't go to pharmacy school!)
4) A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants
This book goes back to my friend, the blueprint. It is a great breakdown of the diseases I need to know for boards by Organ System. It's also smaller and paperback so it's easier to carry around on a daily basis. . .
So those are my resources, FYI. I have found that there is no lack of resources in PA school. In fact, there are so many good ones that it is impossible to even lay eyes on all they have to say about each disease, much less remember what they said. You have to pick 3 or 4 and dive in--I'm learning that there will always be more resources and more information but you have to trim the fat and get to the meat of each disease and know it like the back of your hand.
Derm has been fun, but I don't think it's my thing. We will have covered all the highlights of derm by the end of this week (a week and a half total!). From scabies to freezing each others warts to anesthetizing and cutting "lesions" off oranges--we have done a lot. There is some scary stuff in derm--things I never, ever want to have to diagnose. The skin is an amazing barrier and when it is compromised our bodies do not like it one bit! Hallelujah for granulation tissue and collagen fibers that fills in our gaps and hallelujah for people that want to go into the specialty of dermatology!!!
In other news, I've been on a book buying frenzy and just in case there is anyone even remotely interested in being any type of clinician whatsoever, let me tell you what combo of books has worked best for me:
Background: The NCCPA (the people who make the PA boards) make this handy-dandy little thing called a blueprint--that is, they make a road map for navigating medicine in 2 years. They have put together a list of diseases from each organ system that you should know inside and out--the most commonly occurring, the most lethal, etc. In order to best study through my didactic year I am making a "disease sheet" for each of those diseases that includes "General Characteristics," "Clinical Presentation," "Physical Findings," "Differential Diagnosis," "Work-up," and "Treatment." All those sheets are going into a single notebook that will be easy to whip out when it comes time for boards studying! I am getting my information on these diseases from the following resources:
1) CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2013
"Current" is not my favorite thus far. To my odd mind it seems that the presentation of the information is muddled. . . OR to put it better: the way I broke down my disease sheets is not how Current chose to break down the individual diseases so it was hard to assimilate my own condensed version from it. But I bought it because this is the book my program is using. . . .And don't get me wrong, it's a SOLID resource.
2) Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013
Ferri is my fave!!! (Nice Alliteration) Literally, I am obsessed with this book!! It is FIVE books in one and a total of 1610 pages--because of this it will never, ever leave my house or my office when I'm practicing. The 5 "books" (i.e. sections) are as follows: 1) a breakdown of each disease into "Basic information" (includes etiology, demographics, physical findings, clinical presentation), "Diagnosis" (includes differential diagnosis, work-up, labs), "Treatment" (includes nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic, disposition, referrals), and "Pearls and Considerations; 2) symptoms with all their possible differential diagnoses; 3) Clinical algorithms; 4) Lab tests, what normal ranges and abnormal ranges signify, and what those ranges should be; 5) Clinical Practice Guidelines (for immunizations, periodic health exams, etc).
3) Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs (10th ed.)
This book has drugs broken down by disease and is still somewhat overwhelming to me. BUT, I was told that I needed it in my arsenal from my favorite professor so I bought it (and it just arrived today). I think it will be more useful when we get out of Derm (where all diseases need a topical steroid of some variety and an antihistamine for itching--I kid, but really. . . ). Did I mention it is 2500 PAGES and weighs 12 lbs?!?!?! (Glad I didn't go to pharmacy school!)
4) A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants
This book goes back to my friend, the blueprint. It is a great breakdown of the diseases I need to know for boards by Organ System. It's also smaller and paperback so it's easier to carry around on a daily basis. . .
So those are my resources, FYI. I have found that there is no lack of resources in PA school. In fact, there are so many good ones that it is impossible to even lay eyes on all they have to say about each disease, much less remember what they said. You have to pick 3 or 4 and dive in--I'm learning that there will always be more resources and more information but you have to trim the fat and get to the meat of each disease and know it like the back of your hand.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
2016
To learn more about Dinesh and 2016, visit the movie's website.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Back to School 2012-2013
Even though I attended PA school throughout this past summer it really feels like "Back to school" time for me. I love the sense of a clean slate--new supplies, a little breeze on the air that tells me maybe (just maybe) fall is right around the corner, shorter days, people running around town. It's all so clean and new feeling. It's like that scene on You've Got Mail where Meg Ryan is walking down the NY streets and sniffing the air and she has a skip in her step and she writes to Mr. NY152 and tells him about "bouquets of sharpened pencils." (I need to go watch that movie--it's just idyllic)
Anyway, all that to say: BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! So excited to absorb a crazy amount of information that will make me an awesome PA!!!
Based on the 15 chapters of reading we had to do for the first day of class, you may not hear from me for a while! :D
Anyway, all that to say: BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! So excited to absorb a crazy amount of information that will make me an awesome PA!!!
Based on the 15 chapters of reading we had to do for the first day of class, you may not hear from me for a while! :D
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Happy Sabbath!!!
Ahhh A day of REST!! The Lord is good!
I am not resting today, unfortunately. I have finals this week and 5 of them necessitates studying and a visit to the lab. But I had a wonderful morning of worship and awesome fellowship at lunch and life is good!
The best thing is that this time next week I will be RESTING (truly resting) in Columbia, at home, with family. (And I will be done with Semester 1 of PA school!!! Time Flies.)
Enjoy your rest. Enjoy family. Enjoy time with Jesus.
I am not resting today, unfortunately. I have finals this week and 5 of them necessitates studying and a visit to the lab. But I had a wonderful morning of worship and awesome fellowship at lunch and life is good!
The best thing is that this time next week I will be RESTING (truly resting) in Columbia, at home, with family. (And I will be done with Semester 1 of PA school!!! Time Flies.)
Enjoy your rest. Enjoy family. Enjoy time with Jesus.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
My Midas Touch
Romans 7:21
So I find it to be a law that when I do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
My Midas Touch is sin and chaos. I can have the closest, most pure, joyful moment with the Lord and turn right around and take my convictions and butcher them. I fail to exhibit the grace and mercy I have been given and I can almost hear the Devil giggling with glee. My nature remains sinful and it is all too easy for my eyes to slip from Him. The Devil loves my weakness and preys upon it skillfully, confusing me at every turn and disguising evil in lambskins, then salting the wounds of my sin with guilt. Yet every time I am drawn back into sweet communion, back to my safe haven, and my cup is replenished. The Lord is merciful and He delights in me and desires my attention and affection despite sinful midas touch.
So I find it to be a law that when I do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
My Midas Touch is sin and chaos. I can have the closest, most pure, joyful moment with the Lord and turn right around and take my convictions and butcher them. I fail to exhibit the grace and mercy I have been given and I can almost hear the Devil giggling with glee. My nature remains sinful and it is all too easy for my eyes to slip from Him. The Devil loves my weakness and preys upon it skillfully, confusing me at every turn and disguising evil in lambskins, then salting the wounds of my sin with guilt. Yet every time I am drawn back into sweet communion, back to my safe haven, and my cup is replenished. The Lord is merciful and He delights in me and desires my attention and affection despite sinful midas touch.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Kingdom Love
R.C. Sproul is a famous preacher and theologian. His son followed in his footsteps and became a brilliant minister. Yesterday I saw a link to a FB wall post that he (R.C. Sproul Jr.) wrote about his wife, whom he lost this year. I was incredibly, deeply blown away.
Here it is:
The Kingdom Notes: Celebrating Alone
by R.C. Sproul Jr.
It was hot and humid that day, August 1, 1992. I stood, and waited. Beside me stood several of my closest friends, and nearby was my father. All of us, however, had our eyes glued to
What a kingdom love is that?!?! Many would say that being a) a Christian and b) married are two of the most restraining things in the world. My friends, they are not. They are beautiful and joyful and they are the most life-giving things you will ever find.
Here it is:
The Kingdom Notes: Celebrating Alone
by R.C. Sproul Jr.
It was hot and humid that day, August 1, 1992. I stood, and waited. Beside me stood several of my closest friends, and nearby was my father. All of us, however, had our eyes glued to
the same spot, anticipating. The music changed, heralding the arrival we were all waiting for, me most of all. The doors swung open, and there she was, on her father’s arm. Slowly, stately, they made their way up the center aisle and soon he placed her hand in mine.
Jesus redeemed me. His life, death and resurrection assured me adoption by my heavenly Father. I will one day see Him as He is, and I will be like Him. Apart from this, however, despite a lifetime of showering me with blessing upon blessing, He had never blessed me as He did this day. House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14).
I knew then what I know well now, that this woman was so much more than I deserved. She was a living, breathing reminder of the gospel, that God gives well beyond my due. For nearly twenty years His grace graced our home in and through her. I woke up each morning astonished at what God had done for me. I went to bed each night beside His grace. I did not get the opportunity to plan a grand twentieth anniversary celebration. We will neither repeat our honeymoon cruise nor hold hands on the Champs Elysees. Instead I will travel to the cemetery.
I will, almost certainly, cry. I will certainly ache from missing her. I will remember those two days that have so shaped me- our wedding and her home going. But my prayer is that I will celebrate. I have much to give thanks for. I am thankful for the twenty years we had together. I am thankful for the eight children we had together, for how faithfully she mothered them, and how powerfully she shows in them. I am thankful for the family and friends she brought into my life. I am thankful for how she was used to help me grow in grace and wisdom, that I am a better man because of her. She spoke God’s wisdom into my life, while modeling it in her own.
All of this gratitude, however, pales in comparison to the one thing I am most grateful for. Because I love her I wanted to take her on a special trip for our anniversary. Because I love her I give thanks that she is somewhere infinitely more glorious than any place I could take her. My queen is not sailing to exotic ports but is casting down her golden crown around the glassy sea. She won’t stroll through Paris with me, but is walking hand in hand with Jesus on streets of gold. She is enjoying her greatest anniversary ever. Which is the best I could wish for for the woman I love.
My anniversary is, like every day, a day for giving thanks. He gave me more than I deserve in giving me her. He gave her more than she deserves in giving her Him. And one day He will bless me in the same way. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.
Jesus redeemed me. His life, death and resurrection assured me adoption by my heavenly Father. I will one day see Him as He is, and I will be like Him. Apart from this, however, despite a lifetime of showering me with blessing upon blessing, He had never blessed me as He did this day. House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14).
I knew then what I know well now, that this woman was so much more than I deserved. She was a living, breathing reminder of the gospel, that God gives well beyond my due. For nearly twenty years His grace graced our home in and through her. I woke up each morning astonished at what God had done for me. I went to bed each night beside His grace. I did not get the opportunity to plan a grand twentieth anniversary celebration. We will neither repeat our honeymoon cruise nor hold hands on the Champs Elysees. Instead I will travel to the cemetery.
I will, almost certainly, cry. I will certainly ache from missing her. I will remember those two days that have so shaped me- our wedding and her home going. But my prayer is that I will celebrate. I have much to give thanks for. I am thankful for the twenty years we had together. I am thankful for the eight children we had together, for how faithfully she mothered them, and how powerfully she shows in them. I am thankful for the family and friends she brought into my life. I am thankful for how she was used to help me grow in grace and wisdom, that I am a better man because of her. She spoke God’s wisdom into my life, while modeling it in her own.
All of this gratitude, however, pales in comparison to the one thing I am most grateful for. Because I love her I wanted to take her on a special trip for our anniversary. Because I love her I give thanks that she is somewhere infinitely more glorious than any place I could take her. My queen is not sailing to exotic ports but is casting down her golden crown around the glassy sea. She won’t stroll through Paris with me, but is walking hand in hand with Jesus on streets of gold. She is enjoying her greatest anniversary ever. Which is the best I could wish for for the woman I love.
My anniversary is, like every day, a day for giving thanks. He gave me more than I deserve in giving me her. He gave her more than she deserves in giving her Him. And one day He will bless me in the same way. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.
What a kingdom love is that?!?! Many would say that being a) a Christian and b) married are two of the most restraining things in the world. My friends, they are not. They are beautiful and joyful and they are the most life-giving things you will ever find.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Small Business
“If you got a business, you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen,” Obama said. "If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive."
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/24/someone-else-made-that-happen-hard-work-long-hours-can-mean-early-grave-for/#ixzz21YivNNCg
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Downside of Living Alone.
Worst thing about living alone/reason #5,482 not to stay single:
ROACHES (i.e. palmetto bugs, i.e. bane of my existence)
I had to kill #3 tonight and it was a flyer. UGH! I may have accidentally hit Mims with a fly swatter when she tried to help me after it flew to the ground after my first swing (and miss) at it. She got the brunt of my 2nd failing swing. The 3rd swing got it to the leg flailing stage. And, thank goodness, the 4th took it out of it's (and my) misery.
All 3 have been found crawling in a higher place where Mims doesn't see them, so she's no help. Plus, I don't want my kitten eating roaches (ugh)! But alas, who knows how many she's gotten when I'm away!
Apparently bugs go on with their life even though you are in grad school and don't have time to spray your apartment. Gosh, can't they just be polite and leave my alone?! ;-)
ROACHES (i.e. palmetto bugs, i.e. bane of my existence)
I had to kill #3 tonight and it was a flyer. UGH! I may have accidentally hit Mims with a fly swatter when she tried to help me after it flew to the ground after my first swing (and miss) at it. She got the brunt of my 2nd failing swing. The 3rd swing got it to the leg flailing stage. And, thank goodness, the 4th took it out of it's (and my) misery.
All 3 have been found crawling in a higher place where Mims doesn't see them, so she's no help. Plus, I don't want my kitten eating roaches (ugh)! But alas, who knows how many she's gotten when I'm away!
Apparently bugs go on with their life even though you are in grad school and don't have time to spray your apartment. Gosh, can't they just be polite and leave my alone?! ;-)
Monday, July 9, 2012
Countdown
One month left in my first semester of PA school. One month until I am on a beach somewhere with a nonsense beach book in hand.
Mims and I aresurviving thriving. She watches bugs out the window and gets the thrill of an occasional kill when one ventures in, while I chug along watching tests fly by and get the occasional thrill when I "kill" one. . . My kills take a little bit more work.
August 9th is RAPIDLY approaching!!
Mims and I are
August 9th is RAPIDLY approaching!!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Post Gross Weekend #2
2nd Gross Anatomy test is behind me!
I am halfway through my first semester of PA school and I. Have. Survived. This is doable.
. . . But all the 2nd years say that the Fall semester is when everyone wants to drop out--eek. I am clinging to the Lord and His promises. He is my joy, my strength, and my song. He has called me here for the moment and has promised to never leave me. He will give strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. My worth is in Him and in nothing else--no strength, no power, no wisdom.
I realized today that 13 months from now I will be starting my clinical year--Merciful Heavens! It's going by quickly and deep inside I want to make didactic year at least a year longer--just to make sure I'm prepared. Then I look back on ALL that I've learned so far this summer and I know I will be ready. There will be a learning curve, yes. I will never have ALL the answers like I secretly wish (even 20 years into my practice), but part of my training is to recognize and utilize the built-in 2nd opinion that I have in my supervising physician, and that will be a wonderful thing.
I am halfway through my first semester of PA school and I. Have. Survived. This is doable.
. . . But all the 2nd years say that the Fall semester is when everyone wants to drop out--eek. I am clinging to the Lord and His promises. He is my joy, my strength, and my song. He has called me here for the moment and has promised to never leave me. He will give strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. My worth is in Him and in nothing else--no strength, no power, no wisdom.
I realized today that 13 months from now I will be starting my clinical year--Merciful Heavens! It's going by quickly and deep inside I want to make didactic year at least a year longer--just to make sure I'm prepared. Then I look back on ALL that I've learned so far this summer and I know I will be ready. There will be a learning curve, yes. I will never have ALL the answers like I secretly wish (even 20 years into my practice), but part of my training is to recognize and utilize the built-in 2nd opinion that I have in my supervising physician, and that will be a wonderful thing.
Coming up this week: pharmacology test on Monday, Physiology test on Thursday (yes, the day after the 4th--enjoy some boiled peanuts and fireworks for me because I'll be in the library studying), and the beginning of the BIG anatomy unit: head and neck (favorite!).
Friday, June 22, 2012
Life at O' Be Careful
My little place is now affectionately known as OBC (O' Be Careful). My grandparents home has always been called O' Be Joyful (OBJ) and when my brother and sister-in-law moved into the house in the yard it became known as O' Be Thankful (OBT--due to free living quarters in the midst of grad school debt). Now, my little place has become OBC due to the 6 foot high ceiling.
I had a sore head for a few days there but I am hitting my head less and less frequently as the days go by and all is well!!
I had a sore head for a few days there but I am hitting my head less and less frequently as the days go by and all is well!!
The beautiful view.
 Site of many head bonks!! (I still need to paint the bedside tables) |
 Little kitchen from above . . . | ||
 . . . The site of serious cooking study breaks!
|
My grandmother's BEAUTIFUL hydrangeas!! "For the wonder of each hour, Of the day and of the night; Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light; Lord of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise!"
Don't drop a bottle of red wine on your cement floor--this is what happens! Who knew cement was so porous and WHY didn't they tell me?!?!
Her second favorite place is directly on top of my laptop! This happens to be her look when I'm annoying her with my crazy studying!!
And this happens to be when I study too late and she conks out on me!
The Lord is pursuing my heart in ways I never knew he would. I am seeing His love for me in the content of my daily studies, in Mims' little purr as she curls up beside me when I'm studying, and in the beauty of all the nature that surrounds me! My mother always told me when busy to seek little moments with the Lord and He will be faithful to meet me there and provide all that I need and more. I have found it to be so true--I've never been so all-consumed in anything as I am in PA school and yet the Lord is faithful--He is my strength and my song!!
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
Anatomy Test 2 is coming up a week from today--the Lower Limb and its 56 muscles, in all its glory!
Test 1 went well and I realize that I can do this now. I don't think I will fail out of PA school--at least not this semester! ;)
Monday, May 28, 2012
PA-S, officially!
Oh, where to begin? Yes, I indeed got back from the beach--I didn't drown despite what my blog reflects. Sorry I haven't posted, it has been crazy around here!!
Now, I am officially a PA-S and I'm loving it despite the mound of papers on the desk in front of me. Already PA school has killed approximately 3 trees. . . I've never been so inundated with papers!
The challenge thus far has been organizing the coursework to break it down into easy chunks--77 pages for one set of Gross notes, 12 pages of terms to identify for the Gross Anatomy lab practical and 10 pages of tables of muscles--ALL before the first exam on June 16 (And that's only 1 of 6 classes)!!!! As I sit studying there are times I find myself "studying for the test," times in which I must re-focus on my patients to come--and I find that I can study much more effectively and joyfully when I do that!
There have been times of severe stress but overall I feel like I may be able to deal with this and a little bit of a life, as well. Memorial Day has been fun with my siblings--a few nights out, with studying during the day. I'm learning that endorphins are the key to my study success, and thus, I am LOVING spending some quality time with the good ole Ravenel bridge and my tennis shoes! I do love the low country!!!
Now, my friends, I'm off to study the 62 back and upper limb muscles and their attachments, functions, and innervations.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! THANK YOU to all the Veterans out there who have so sacrificed serving our country!!!
Now, I am officially a PA-S and I'm loving it despite the mound of papers on the desk in front of me. Already PA school has killed approximately 3 trees. . . I've never been so inundated with papers!
The challenge thus far has been organizing the coursework to break it down into easy chunks--77 pages for one set of Gross notes, 12 pages of terms to identify for the Gross Anatomy lab practical and 10 pages of tables of muscles--ALL before the first exam on June 16 (And that's only 1 of 6 classes)!!!! As I sit studying there are times I find myself "studying for the test," times in which I must re-focus on my patients to come--and I find that I can study much more effectively and joyfully when I do that!
There have been times of severe stress but overall I feel like I may be able to deal with this and a little bit of a life, as well. Memorial Day has been fun with my siblings--a few nights out, with studying during the day. I'm learning that endorphins are the key to my study success, and thus, I am LOVING spending some quality time with the good ole Ravenel bridge and my tennis shoes! I do love the low country!!!
Now, my friends, I'm off to study the 62 back and upper limb muscles and their attachments, functions, and innervations.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! THANK YOU to all the Veterans out there who have so sacrificed serving our country!!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Progress!
Despite major sniffles, THIS is what I have done! A previously dark, dark colored bookshelf is now a beautiful ivory (after 2 coats of primer AND 2 coats of paint!) and behind it is a beautiful line of items all packed up and ready to go!!
Good-byyyyyeeeee, anxious waiting!!! Helllooooooo, progress!!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
No longer "Antsy"
You know how I was "Antsy for. . . Something??"
Well, I got it. . . In the form of a big, fat cold.
That slowed my intense impatience down!
The Lord has a sense of humor.
Well, I got it. . . In the form of a big, fat cold.
That slowed my intense impatience down!
The Lord has a sense of humor.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Antsy for. . . Something.
I am antsy for I-don't-know-what to happen. Last Wednesday I gave my two weeks notice at The Blood Connection. This Wednesday my Netter's Anatomy book arrives (Yes, I count this is an upcoming big moment in my life!). Next Wednesday is my last day of work. That Thursday I pack my life's belongings, that Friday I move to Charleston. That Saturday I go to the Pawley's Island for the week. 2 Saturdays later I meet most of my classmates at our first gathering. And the Wednesday after that I start PA school.
But right now, tonight, I'm just ready for something (anything) to happen!! I'm on the cusp of big life changes and the ball is rolling forward but just not quite fast enough for my liking. I check my MUSC email and my class Facebook page non-stop. Then I go to Pinterest and look at my board for my apartment. Then I go to my phone and look at the "to do" list I've created for what needs to be done at my apartment and realize that there's not a single thing left to do that can be done from Clemson. Then I go to my room and see if I can pack one single thing more (I can't for now). Then I return to the email and Facebook, just in case something else may have been sent or posted!
But right now, tonight, I'm just ready for something (anything) to happen!! I'm on the cusp of big life changes and the ball is rolling forward but just not quite fast enough for my liking. I check my MUSC email and my class Facebook page non-stop. Then I go to Pinterest and look at my board for my apartment. Then I go to my phone and look at the "to do" list I've created for what needs to be done at my apartment and realize that there's not a single thing left to do that can be done from Clemson. Then I go to my room and see if I can pack one single thing more (I can't for now). Then I return to the email and Facebook, just in case something else may have been sent or posted!
Oh, merciful Heavens. I need the Lord's help to get through these next weeks. And then I'll need it even more help to get through the next two years!!!!! Patience. Patience. Patience. I need it so badly. Sanctification. Sanctification. Sanctification.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Who has two thumbs and is super-blessed?? This girl!!
My birthday was a blast! It was relaxing and spent with family and friends--and that's the way a good birthday should be. Highlights included sangria at Taco Mamacita, outlet shopping, a new lamp and TV table for my little apartment, a White Chocolate Strawberry cake from The Kudzu Bakery (!!!), the waitress at Rooftop losing my brother-in-law's credit card (not a highlight, but a memory nonetheless), Kaminsky's, an awesome run on the old Sullivan's Island bridge (can't wait to have this on my regular running route), and a little apartment unpacking!
My birthday was a blast! It was relaxing and spent with family and friends--and that's the way a good birthday should be. Highlights included sangria at Taco Mamacita, outlet shopping, a new lamp and TV table for my little apartment, a White Chocolate Strawberry cake from The Kudzu Bakery (!!!), the waitress at Rooftop losing my brother-in-law's credit card (not a highlight, but a memory nonetheless), Kaminsky's, an awesome run on the old Sullivan's Island bridge (can't wait to have this on my regular running route), and a little apartment unpacking!
 e |
| After a long day of work on Thursday, I headed to Columbia that night and snuggled with Mama and Millie as we watched Mama's new favorite Downton Abbey. |
 |
| Taco Mamacita: only picture of Friday night. |
 |
| The Wreck on Saturday night: Bryan and Jeanette had a Molar-drawing contest. hmmm |
 |
| KAMINSKY'S. Warm. Brownie. Fudge. Sundae. Ah-mazing. |
 |
| My apartment! My new lamp and I assembled my second chair. |
 |
| The living room thus far. A TV will go in that back right corner and I need pillows for the couch. Then my bed will go under the far window and those bedside tables (only one showing) will get painted white/ivory. |
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Last Time
I'm heading to Columbia after work tomorrow night and then on to Charleston in the morning (Friday). My car is packed to the gills with my first official moving load. This is also the last time I will be going to the coast before my May 4th move into my little apartment!! I will admit it's bittersweet. I can't wait to live there and start this exciting chapter, but as I took things off the kitchen walls I've known for 3 years now and said good-night to roommates I won't have in a month. . . it was a tad bit sad.
But enough of the bittersweet feelings...How about something entirely SWEET??:
But enough of the bittersweet feelings...How about something entirely SWEET??:
I turn 21 on Friday!!!!
Woot Woot!
There have been times in the past years where I felt as though they got my birth year wrong on the birth certificate but apparently they did not. I am hitting the final "milestone" birthday on Friday and it will be a great relief! I do believe my siblings are more excited about this than I am but that will make for a very fun weekend. I am letting them do all the planning and I'm just along for the ride. I think that me not being 21 has been more of a bother to them than it has to me because we couldn't go out together. . . but the day has come.
My only stipulation was a trip to TACO MAMACITA! Other highlights will include a coconut cake, a trip to a 1920's style bar featured in last month's Southern Living, outlet shopping, fabric shopping for pillows, and apartment decorating!!!
Pictures (lots!) to come. . .
HAVE A HAPPY WEEKEND!!
(It's Wednesday and I'm saying that--but Thursday is the new Friday, so I'm told.)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Once you go Mac, you never go back!!
I've been initiated officially to the Apple family!! Hello, Macbook.
No my world has not been turned upside down. BUT, my computer hasn't frozen solid. I haven't seen a blue screen of death. . . yet. It doesn't turn off every time the charger slips out of the hole in the slightest (. . . doesn't slip out of the hole 'cause it's a magnet!!). I like it--a lot.
And Mr. Mac will be super-helpful in school. Can't wait to see those beautiful physiology slides on this screen!!
Happy Birthday/Graduation/Lifetime to me from my wonderful, giving parents!!
Also, here's a little sneak into the world of my little apartment. There is a long way to go on the interior decorating but it's coming!!
No my world has not been turned upside down. BUT, my computer hasn't frozen solid. I haven't seen a blue screen of death. . . yet. It doesn't turn off every time the charger slips out of the hole in the slightest (. . . doesn't slip out of the hole 'cause it's a magnet!!). I like it--a lot.
And Mr. Mac will be super-helpful in school. Can't wait to see those beautiful physiology slides on this screen!!
Happy Birthday/Graduation/Lifetime to me from my wonderful, giving parents!!
Also, here's a little sneak into the world of my little apartment. There is a long way to go on the interior decorating but it's coming!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Thoughts!
1) No more than 6 hours of sleep yet since Friday night--eh, who needs it. [And to think I used to write posts about sleeping too much, ohhh how the times (and physiology) change]
2) One of our dear family friends has a daughter who was diagnosed with Leukemia less than 2 weeks ago and tonight she is fighting for her life in the hospital. As I have prayed for her (please join me) and followed her Caringbridge site, I became inspired to research PAs in oncology. I am blown away all over again at the options I have in this awesome field! I may not end up in oncology but it's definitely something I will be considering. What an impact there is to be made, and I hope I can bless families that are fighting as Katie's is tonight!
3) Cooper River Bridge Run on Saturday morning--can I make it?? Here's hoping. . .
4) My 8 hour work shift for tomorrow got switched to an 11 hour shift at 5 pm today--no fun, especially since it gets me home at 7:15 at night instead of 2:00 in the afternoon.
Pray for Katie tonight! Y'all sleep well.
2) One of our dear family friends has a daughter who was diagnosed with Leukemia less than 2 weeks ago and tonight she is fighting for her life in the hospital. As I have prayed for her (please join me) and followed her Caringbridge site, I became inspired to research PAs in oncology. I am blown away all over again at the options I have in this awesome field! I may not end up in oncology but it's definitely something I will be considering. What an impact there is to be made, and I hope I can bless families that are fighting as Katie's is tonight!
3) Cooper River Bridge Run on Saturday morning--can I make it?? Here's hoping. . .
4) My 8 hour work shift for tomorrow got switched to an 11 hour shift at 5 pm today--no fun, especially since it gets me home at 7:15 at night instead of 2:00 in the afternoon.
Pray for Katie tonight! Y'all sleep well.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
For the Beauty of the Earth!
Oh my--I just love this "summer" weather!! The azaleas are blooming and everything is green (including my poor, little white car). Today I ate lunch outside, read outside, played and explored in the botanical gardens and then watched the sunset over Lake Hartwell as the storm clouds formed. Ahhhh, it was heavenly. All I could think was that the Lord made this for his own glory AND He lets me take pleasure in it!!!
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love from which our birth
Over and around us lies;
'Lord of all to Thee we raise
This, our sacrifice of praise.
For each perfect gift of Thine
To our race so freely given.
Graces human and divine
Flow'rs of earth and buds of heav'n.
'Lord of all to Thee we raise
This, our sacrifice of praise.
May all glory and power and honor be Thine!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
9 weeks!
Tomorrow (Wednesday) marks 9 weeks until I start PA school! I am so very nervous with the usual thoughts of "Can I handle this?" and "What if I fail utterly and completely?" that accompany any big transition like this but I am simply overwhelmed with excitement to begin learning my dream trade. There is lots to be done between now and then including moving and a little bit of studying anatomy and medical terminology. I am also trying to develop great daily habits to take care of myself physically and spiritually over the next two years-- from what I've read the key to all the craziness of PA school is taking care of yourself and some serious time management! There is much more going on in my life currently but PA school prep is more exciting than 12 hour workdays spent filling blood bags.
Life is sweet and flying by as usual! My best friend and college roommate is getting married!!! She is marrying an awesome guy this coming fall and I can't wait to put my PA time management skills to the test and not miss a single moment of all her wedding festivities!!
Life is sweet and flying by as usual! My best friend and college roommate is getting married!!! She is marrying an awesome guy this coming fall and I can't wait to put my PA time management skills to the test and not miss a single moment of all her wedding festivities!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
This is dorky...
...But I really love when I get blood on the first stick out of a tiny vein and the person says, "When I was in the hospital they couldn't get an IV line on me anywhere!!" I almost want to say, "Yeah and they have a smaller needle than I do" . . . But I don't. And then the next vein inevitably knocks my pride down a notch or two!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
An Oasis
This weekend was a once in a lifetime type of weekend. Lots of rest, a picnic, many hours spent soaking up the wisdom, faith, and prayer-life of Bonhoeffer, an indulgently long quiet time, 2 workouts in 2 days (one outdoors--finally!!), tacos, Japanese, a stocked pantry, clean scrubs, dinner with a cousin, and breakfast with a best friend!! I'm still not done with Bonhoeffer but I'm less than 100 pages away and I have a feeling that there is no lack of encouragement and conviction on running the race with excellence yet to come.
I feel as though this weekend has been a bubble and it will be rudely popped from around me when I have to leave worship early tomorrow to go to work (and wear my scrubs to church). I am praying for not only the strength but the joy to face another week, for donors who are sweet and inquisitive, for quality conversations with those I come into contact with, and for an uncharacteristic steadiness as I am tempted to allow my joy to be swayed to and fro by the level of my success, others' perceptions, and the things of this world.
I hope that all of you have your own oasis awaiting you tomorrow--soak it in!!
I feel as though this weekend has been a bubble and it will be rudely popped from around me when I have to leave worship early tomorrow to go to work (and wear my scrubs to church). I am praying for not only the strength but the joy to face another week, for donors who are sweet and inquisitive, for quality conversations with those I come into contact with, and for an uncharacteristic steadiness as I am tempted to allow my joy to be swayed to and fro by the level of my success, others' perceptions, and the things of this world.
I hope that all of you have your own oasis awaiting you tomorrow--soak it in!!
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Day Off
Work is all-consuming right now. . . Monday-Thursday this week I already had 45+ hours on the clock! BUT today I had the day off!! It was such a blessing! And though the day wasn't that beautiful I spent it outside anyway. I sat outside on a boardwalk by the lake and ate lunch and read Bonhoeffer (yes, I am still working on it!), walked the dike, and scored some major haul at Walmart.
Life is good. And there will be more posts coming soon!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A list of goodness
1. Happy Hump Day
2. I'm officially done with training at work
3. Chuck town this weekend
4. Apartment viewing this weekend (And the first time to see it since I found out I will actually be living there!!)
5. I'm moving a load of stuff to the apartment
6. Valentine's day was chill and relaxing (I didn't have to work at the last minute!!)
7. Got off work early today (10 hours as opposed to 11--it's the little things!)
8. Strawberry banana smoothies after a long day of work make my day awesome!
2. I'm officially done with training at work
3. Chuck town this weekend
4. Apartment viewing this weekend (And the first time to see it since I found out I will actually be living there!!)
5. I'm moving a load of stuff to the apartment
6. Valentine's day was chill and relaxing (I didn't have to work at the last minute!!)
7. Got off work early today (10 hours as opposed to 11--it's the little things!)
8. Strawberry banana smoothies after a long day of work make my day awesome!
Monday, February 13, 2012
News!
Last week I found out that I have been accepted to the MUSC PA Class of 2014! The Lord is good to me!!! That's all I can say. I knew all along that this may not be in His plan for me but my constant comfort was clear evidence of His hand throughout this whole process! From the internship I had at the school to different steps of my application, I've been assured that His will was for me to take the next step in the process. At one point I so feared failure that I considered not applying for this year, but the Lord's calling was clear.
I'm extremely excited about being a Physician Assistant, but first being a PA student!! I can't wait to dive into Gross Anatomy and lowcountry living. The Lord has blessed me above and beyond!
More to come soon--for now, I'm enjoying the Upstate and being a working woman!!
I'm extremely excited about being a Physician Assistant, but first being a PA student!! I can't wait to dive into Gross Anatomy and lowcountry living. The Lord has blessed me above and beyond!
More to come soon--for now, I'm enjoying the Upstate and being a working woman!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A work week
Here is a sample work week:
Monday 9 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 6:45 am-5:15 pm
Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Add in 45 minutes drive time on either side and you have an officially crazy week!!!
The next week I have one day where I get off a drive at 11pm and have to be back at work to start another drive at 6:15 am the next morning---things are heating up and this is going to be interesting!!
Monday 9 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 6:00 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 6:45 am-5:15 pm
Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Add in 45 minutes drive time on either side and you have an officially crazy week!!!
The next week I have one day where I get off a drive at 11pm and have to be back at work to start another drive at 6:15 am the next morning---things are heating up and this is going to be interesting!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It's Wednesday.
Technically, hump day.
BUT who has two thumbs and has to work on Saturday??
You guessed it--me!!
3 more days until REST!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Only Thing I'm Absolute About. . .
. . . Is no absolutes!!!
I say that because I am beginning to realize that I'm not an "absolutes" type of girl. I'm not black and white. There's no one thing I'm interested in. There's no one tried and true thing that I always do in certain situations. There is no one thing that absolutely always gets a laugh out of me. And so on.
I'm just now beginning to realize what a complicated personality I have. It makes it hard for people to get to know me and, I'm sure, some could think I'm flighty because my brain is constantly working and challenging my own decisions so I often change my mind and opinion on different issues. I'm a little like an onion (Shrek reference) . . . But I hope I'm a little more savory to the palate than an onion. Maybe a 7 layer dip? Or an everlasting gobstopper?
I like everlasting gobstopper---let's go with it!!
I say that because I am beginning to realize that I'm not an "absolutes" type of girl. I'm not black and white. There's no one thing I'm interested in. There's no one tried and true thing that I always do in certain situations. There is no one thing that absolutely always gets a laugh out of me. And so on.
I'm just now beginning to realize what a complicated personality I have. It makes it hard for people to get to know me and, I'm sure, some could think I'm flighty because my brain is constantly working and challenging my own decisions so I often change my mind and opinion on different issues. I'm a little like an onion (Shrek reference) . . . But I hope I'm a little more savory to the palate than an onion. Maybe a 7 layer dip? Or an everlasting gobstopper?
I like everlasting gobstopper---let's go with it!!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Just Another Day At the Office
Currently, I'm a phlebotomist by trade. I stick a (pretty darn big) needle in a person's arm and get a unit of blood from them that is then centrifuged and broken down into components and, within 24 hours, being transfused into 3 blessed people whose bodies' desperately need assistance fighting the physiological battles they are facing. If I'm doing my job well, you (as the donor) should hardly feel that needle. So today that's what I did--I stuck people, and tried my durndest to do it well.
The job is super experience for what I hope is to come in my life, but my favorite part of the day is interacting with donors. Today I was asked all sorts of questions about the process, about the physiology of the process, etc. Questions from "Is my blood blue inside me?" to "How old are you?" (haha) to "Are you going to run those tubes and see if I have herpes or something?" Yes, I've been doing this job 3 weeks and I've already heard some crazy things--I can't wait to see what's to come!
We were at a high school today and I just loved interacting with the students. They were inquisitive and funny and encouraging all in one! But, by far, my favorite part of the whole thing is teaching others to love physiology and the craziness of our bodies' design. Teaching the students that happened to sit on my bed all about clotting and how the blood clots so that "we can walk around with openings to the outside and not 'drain out'" is a really, really fun thing. Being able to tell an inquisitive girl that I don't have "to do anything to her" to make that hole stop bleeding and that I'm just going to let her body do that work is such a fun thing to do. I hope that they catch just a little of my awe at the sheer wonder of our bodies!
The job is super experience for what I hope is to come in my life, but my favorite part of the day is interacting with donors. Today I was asked all sorts of questions about the process, about the physiology of the process, etc. Questions from "Is my blood blue inside me?" to "How old are you?" (haha) to "Are you going to run those tubes and see if I have herpes or something?" Yes, I've been doing this job 3 weeks and I've already heard some crazy things--I can't wait to see what's to come!
We were at a high school today and I just loved interacting with the students. They were inquisitive and funny and encouraging all in one! But, by far, my favorite part of the whole thing is teaching others to love physiology and the craziness of our bodies' design. Teaching the students that happened to sit on my bed all about clotting and how the blood clots so that "we can walk around with openings to the outside and not 'drain out'" is a really, really fun thing. Being able to tell an inquisitive girl that I don't have "to do anything to her" to make that hole stop bleeding and that I'm just going to let her body do that work is such a fun thing to do. I hope that they catch just a little of my awe at the sheer wonder of our bodies!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Loose Ends
This week I've been very agitated and restless because I'm waiting on the Lord [not the "Lord, which path should I take?" kind-of waiting, but the "Lord, open a door. There's nothing here apart from your plan" kind-of waiting.] When I informed my mother of this she pointed out to me that I'd "rather have a 'absolute no' today and go ahead and deal with any fall-out there may be with a negative outcome than have a 'yes' in a week." People, it's truth. It may seem stupid when you read it but I would rather get the answer I don't want, right this moment and tie up the loose ends on my emotions than sit "hanging loose" for a week or so and get the answer I've always desired.
I'm a finisher. I want to check a task off the list and be done with it for good. I don't like to dawdle. I don't like to dwell. It's occasionally not healthy. Case in point: now.
So, I'm waiting. And the Lord is teaching me. And, for this moment, I'm calm and resting in his flawless plan for my life (no promises for 10 minutes from now, though!). I'm reminding myself that I'm so short-sighted that I desire the wrong things, and if I wait with patience and earnestly seek His will then He will guide me where He wants me to go!
I'm a finisher. I want to check a task off the list and be done with it for good. I don't like to dawdle. I don't like to dwell. It's occasionally not healthy. Case in point: now.
So, I'm waiting. And the Lord is teaching me. And, for this moment, I'm calm and resting in his flawless plan for my life (no promises for 10 minutes from now, though!). I'm reminding myself that I'm so short-sighted that I desire the wrong things, and if I wait with patience and earnestly seek His will then He will guide me where He wants me to go!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Where we are, Where we've been
This blog started out as a random endeavor and has become something with a little more meaning.
First, the stats.
My first post:
First, the stats.
My first post:
Stride. . .
I feel like I have hit my stride on this whole college thing. I am learning to balance my spiritual life, with my academic life, with my social life, with my love. . . OK, let's not get too carried away. I am so happy where I am and I am learning that the place of duty is most definitely the place of blessing.
Today I signed up for volunteering at the Anderson Free Medical Clinic, went to my first epidemiology class (and liked it a lot), studied organic (yes, I'm a dork, but I like it a lot too!), celebrated Julia's belated birthday with the rest of the girls of 731, watched a movie, started a blog (woot woot), outwitted the Clemson parking services by parking in a timed spot for an hour and a half instead of the hour I paid for, and realized that a week from tomorrow is the First Friday parade and the start of a football weekend!!!!!!
Life is good and this semester is SO much better than last!! Thank Heavens, that I have finally hit my stride!!!
Today I signed up for volunteering at the Anderson Free Medical Clinic, went to my first epidemiology class (and liked it a lot), studied organic (yes, I'm a dork, but I like it a lot too!), celebrated Julia's belated birthday with the rest of the girls of 731, watched a movie, started a blog (woot woot), outwitted the Clemson parking services by parking in a timed spot for an hour and a half instead of the hour I paid for, and realized that a week from tomorrow is the First Friday parade and the start of a football weekend!!!!!!
Life is good and this semester is SO much better than last!! Thank Heavens, that I have finally hit my stride!!!
The Years, by Numbers:
The first calendar year (2009) I wrote 17 posts.
The second year (2010) I wrote 27 posts.
The third year (2011) I wrote 89 posts.
And thus far in 2012 I have written 5 posts--eesh, I need to hurry up.
2009 began (in August) with hitting my stride at Clemson and ended with the joy of being in the Lord. (Which, by the way, I just read that post and was completely encouraged! Yay for a blog!!)
2010 began with Word Vomit (that whole episode still makes me cringe) and ended with transitions from 2010 to 2011 and what I expected to occur in the year to come (after reading that post again, though, let me say that in 2011 I DID NOT do a medical mission trip, obtain a paying summer job, have many clinical experiences or really and truly figure out where I would be for the 2 years following college [that's still in the works, but hey, obviously we got the 1st month down pat because here I am!]--so maybe my expectations were a little high for 2011!)**
**Please do not ever let me "predict" the year ahead, again!!
2011 began with the brokenness of marriage and relationships (wow! way to begin with a bang there Catharine!!---I'm so sorry for that!!) and ended with a quote from Bonhoeffer (now that's a way to wind down on a year!!).
And 2012 began with my first blood spatter on my scrubs!!! Well, it really began with a hiatus message but we'll skip that one for record-keeping sake of actual events. But with blood spatter to begin who knows where 2012 will wind up!!!! I'm super-excited about what 2012 will bring, I'm a little nervous, a little anxious, a little ready to say "Good Riddance!!" to surprises, and just wondering where I'll wind up at the end of it all!
So now, back to what I said about the blog taking on a little more meaning. At first it was a record of events, I've only ever prayer-journaled and I began to realize that things were slipping by and this is what came from that realization. Then I realized that I had one or two readers and I began to publish some of my more serious thoughts on here. With that came more in-depth examination of those thoughts because I knew if they were published for all the world to see I had to be ready to give an answer for what I believed and I had to publish them in such a way that they weren't misconstrued (so I really had to dissect my thoughts and ask myself, 'What are you meaning when you think or say such-and-such?", etc.). And now, I'm realizing that people are reading this little site and that through it they are praying for me and loving me all the more, and I cannot tell you what that means to me! I covet any and all prayers and am so very grateful for them!
But also, I hope that this site is an encouragement to your soul as a reader. I don't know much but I hope that something that the Lord has revealed to me or caused me to write on this site has been useful to you. There are times when I sit down to write one thing and an entirely different thing gets posted and usually that's for my sake entirely but I hope that in some way you've been blessed too!
Anyway, thanks for reading for two and a half years now! It means a lot!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)