If that stupid dog barks when I come home or if I wake up to the sound of it whimpering one more time, I'm going to stab it in it's throat! No, no...I'm not that evil person anymore. Ahh!! I hate dogs!!!! Ahhh...All this studying for is driving me insane!!!! My supervisor is even letting me take it easy today. :/

Summer School

My lumbar vertebrae region aches from overworking my psoas muscle. Sternocleidomastoids aren't doing so well either because I flex my neck most of the day, hunched over reading and studying.

The first week of school was hectic as I expected. I was signed up for ochem and speech MWF and hoping to add anatomy for TR. Yes, it was a crazy plan. I added anatomy successfully since the teacher said half the class usually drops before the semester ends (scary). I dropped speech, thinking it would be better to go for 2 rigorous classes. By the end of the week I felt dead! I hadn't even touched anatomy material and the only reason why I was on top of my ochem work was because I had a little of it in Davis. I only got 14 hours of sleep that week. So, I knew later on in the semester I would suffer because the lecture instructor was crazy! One chapter per day, but she only lectured about certain topics. She lectured poorly too! She made us do all the problems in the chapter and at the end of the chapter! A chapter has ~50 problems but each problem has ~20 parts! We had to read the chapter (and I mean read because she gave out reading quizzes) and understand too! Also, I don't really like chem labs and it was horrible having it 3 hours, 3 times a week! So, on Monday I said "screw it" and drop ochem. Ochem isn't a subject I want to teach myself. I need a good instructor to teach me chem. Plus, I didn't want to stop work or volunteering.

For anatomy, the teacher doesn't teach. He says "learning from your classmates will be more beneficial than having me lecture you for 4 hours." He sometimes has notes for us, but they're really sketchy. We watch videos of a British anatomist showing us stuff on a cadaver for about an hour or two, then the rest of the time is used collaborating with our classmates. It's pretty cool, since the majority of the class are going to be clinicians. We'll have to do this in our field, so might as well start now. The thing is, since the teacher doesn't lecture, we don't know what to expect on the exams. So, we have to study everything! He even said "study everything because if I tell you to not learn these 10 bones then would it be okay for me to also remove those 10 bones from your body?" I mean, he gives us a rough outline (like learn the shoulder, forearm, leg, etc.) I think this class is the most challenging course I've embarked on thus far. I've joined a group that has 12 people in it. That's like 1/4-1/3 of the class. It's a good group. We clash sometimes but that just makes us process the information better when we straighten questions out. On of the guys is an EMT, which is really amazing. He majored in physiology, so he knows a lot of the stuff. (bad thing is, people like him will screw up the curve for people like me :( )

The first exam is next week and I'm studying my gluteus maximus off. It's putting a sore spot on my ischial tuberosities. Just decided to take a break because I think my brain has stopped processing information for the rest of the day. Hmm..I think I'm crushing my common fibular nerve by crossing my legs. Wait, is it possible to crush the artery?! I don't know if having if having your limb fall asleep is due to constricted blood flow or crushing a nerve!!

-----

Edit: It involves both blood flow and nerve sensation! Ok..I think that's where the genicular artery is.

Oh! We got to see the cadaver at Canada College in Redwood on Tuesday! The teacher only brought a few gloves and I (of course) snatched one! Some of my classmates were curious and wanted to see the face so I unwrapped it! I sort of got scared before unveiling the eyes because I didn't know if they were opened or closed. (They were closed! :)). I would never consider having my body donated for students to poke at, but the body was really cool. The chemicals made the room smell like ham. I was sort of hungry during the time too. (No...cannibalism x.X). We get to go see it again before the second midterm! Ok, back to studying!

Last Day

Summer school starts tomorrow. I've been home for so long I wonder if I'll be able to survive. I'm already signed up for 2 classes and will be trying to add a third. My schedule is going to be crazy whether it's 7 units or 11. Last day and I will be spending it at work. Oh well, it was a good break.

Bittersweet

I arrived at Moran Hall and neither the artist nor the other volunteer was there. The portfolios and art supplies were set out though, so I went up to the units to get a few of the patients. O4 was playing bingo and all of them wanted to finish the game, so I went up to M6. The guy that usually comes was out on a bus trip. On my way back to Moran, I caught up with the other volunteer who was escorting two of the patients from O4. I asked the one that was walking if they finished the game. He told me he's been playing bingo since he was 6 and give the prizes away to the other patients. Yeah, he's a little absent-minded but he's sounds really amazing when you talk to him. When I asked him earlier on the ward if he wanted to go down to art he told me about his "modeling career" after telling me I was pretty. It touched me when he thanked me for remembering him. After having them settle, I walked to F6. The nurse said the patient hasn't been really been active but she made him go anyway. I helped him 1:1 in painting but after awhile it was clear that he didn't want to do art today. The artist said he's hasn't been his best in awhile. After taking him back to his unit, I spent time with another patient who was painting by himself in the corner. The first week I met him I couldn't make out what he was saying but we're able to make light conversation now. He told me how he went to business school and was on the basketball and football team. When I told him that I had to leave and that it would be my last day working with "Art with Elders," he looked so sad. He kept asking "why?" even though I told him I was going back to college in the summer during our conversation.

I dropped by E4 as request by the A.T. after art. Surprise, surprise! She did throw something big! She had the staff room decorated with a few balloons. On the table laid a cake that read "Thank you, Kim! Good luck from E4!" There was also sodas and ice cream. All the nurses and the doctor on the unit were there to wish me luck and thank me. The A.T. handed me a card and when I opened it there was some cash and all the signatures of the staff that were working today. I knew the A.T. wanted to get me a gift certificated because she kept asking me what stores I shopped at and what stores were up in Davis yesterday (I told her I don't really shop and Davis has mostly mom-and-pop stores). Anyways, I insisted to help pass out ice cream to the residents even though the A.T. said this was my party and I should sit and enjoy the food. The patients knew I was coming back so all they did was thanked me for the ice cream. LOL! I love the patients on E4!

Whoever knows me knows I'm a fast walker. I was a block away from home when I startled a lady walking in front of me with the sound of my fast pace. Turns out her son got shot a few blocks away and she's never too careful now. I seemed to make her day because I told her how I was coming back from volunteering at a rehabilitation hospital and how sorry I was to hear what happened. It was really nice meeting one of the neighbors even though it was through misfortune. I hope her son gets better.

Patient Progress

I love seeing how patients progress, whether it's medically or mentally. It's the main reasons why I love E4. The A.T. keeps me in tune with what's going on with the patients. In the morning, I charted the patient activities while listening to the A.T. read the newspaper to the patients. It was sort of like current events since she made them share comments. In the afternoon, we had a community meeting, meaning the patients got to get together and share what could be improved on the ward. I scribbled down notes for the charge nurse, since she had another meeting to attend. The ones that had complaints had a lot to complain about, but most of them thought the service was fine. I stayed after the meeting to review my notes with the A.T. She then let me write down how each patient was doing while she dictated. All day she insisted that I come back tomorrow so the ward could give me a treat. I kept telling her that she didn't since I'll come back to her unit once summer school is over. If she wasn't off on vacation the past two weeks I bet she would have planned something big for today. She's the type of person to do that to get the residents willing to interact and participate. Before I left, she gave me a souvenir from her trip.

During my two and half hour break, I went over to Mollie Stone's to visit Theresa. Unfortunately, her lunch break wasn't until 3, but she took a 15 minute walk with me when I came. Her line wasn't as busy like the last time I came. I think I'm going to go to LLH a little earlier tomorrow so I can drop by again. Ughh, I should have checked in at Moran Hall to see if there's going to be art tomorrow. Oh well, I can spend more time on E4 if there isn't.

Slip at Serramonte

Second week in a row volunteering on a bus trip with M5. Only 5 ladies came along the Serramonte outing. We hit the food court when first arriving. I misunderstood the women I was wheeling. She wanted to actually go up to each food vendor and look at the food. The others were able to make up their mind when just being push by the places and being told the type of cuisine each restaurant offered. She spent quite some time at the one serving Filipino food and ended up ordering there. I think the server got a little annoyed because the patient only wanted 1 chicken kabob but it was mandatory to get two. While eating I sat next to the woman that yelled on me the first time I volunteered with M5. She was a bit easier during this trip...or maybe I didn't notice her complaining because I didn't push her this time. Anyways, after lunch, we went to Target. Either the lady that I had to push around the food court forgave me or forgot about how stupid I was. She wanted pajamas and made nice conversation with me. The volunteer from last week's bus trip was also on this trip. He and his patient were trailing us. I felt bad that he stopped everytime I helped my patient with something. He should have just went helped the women he was pushing find something to buy. I turned around once in a while and asked her if she liked anything. She was the politest one on the trip; She didn't complain or ask for anything. While looking at tshirts, the third volunteer, a high school kid, came and said we needed to go back to the entrance because one of the patients fell. I didn't hear him come at first because I was intently listening to my patient (geez, one of them could have tapped me on my shoulder instead of whispering my name). I explained to my patient that someone had fallen since she was still talking about wearing green on St. Patrick's day. She's so loyal and compassionate to her "neighbors." She immediately inquired if they were hurt. Now, the lady that fell, I knew her sort of well. She's one of those with dementia or some other kind of memory problem. She acts like a child that says the darnest things and questions everything. When we got the front, the A.T., CNA and security guard were all making a fuss. I think the lady looked fine, but they insisted that we go back to the hospital immediately. I went back into Target to pay for my patient's pj pants and helped wheel my patient back to the bus. It took awhile for the patient that feel and another patient to get to the bus because they went shopping! I thought that was unfair to the ones that were sent back to the bus (because they were escorted by the volunteers instead of the staff?). Oh well, at least they got to eat something other than hospital food.

Goodbye, So Long, Farewell, Zai Jian!

This is my last week with my current volunteer schedule. I told the A.T. on G4 last week that today was going to be my last day. Since she's going to be off for two weeks starting tomorrow, the patients were "spoiled" today. We had coffee and current events instead of exercise. I think it was too stuffy in the hospital to be doing exercise anyways. After handing out the cups of joe, the A.T. let me take one of the patients out on a stroll. I knew the guy wasn't a usual patient that liked to go out on strolls. He usually just stayed near his bed. His wheelchair didn't have the feet rest and he dragged his feet while I tried to push him. He feel asleep when we were going down the elevator, so I decided to take him back. Since I was gone for less 5 minutes, the A.T. exclaimed that I was back. She then called me in the dining area and surprised me with a gift and card signed by most of the residents I've worked with (the one's that still had mobility to sign a card). She told me she wanted me to take the patient out on a stroll so she could have everybody sign the card. It was so sweet. During my time on G4, I felt so horrible that I couldn't converse with the gentlemen. It worked out at time, but I still felt frustrated. Nonetheless, I'll miss the patients dearly. The A.T. said didn't need me for the rest of the day because she was planning to do paperwork. So, I went up to fifth floor to visit the patient I met on G4 the first day. Unfortunately, he wasn't there. *sigh* I might try again on Wednesday.

The rest of the day was spent with Connie and Sharon. I walked to Stones and later to State. Connie lost Sharon when Sharon went to computer lab. We met Theresa on the way back to the mall. For lunch, we went yum cha on Noreiga (we shall pay you back, Connie!). Then, we helped at the church where Connie works. Kids... I'll help them out long distance, but being around them gives me a headache. I thought I softened up because the elderly act like kids sometimes, but no. Kids are totally different. I don't hate them (most of the time). They just get on my nerves.

"8 Drugs Doctors Say They Would Not Take"

Why are they being advertised and prescribed then?

"Children are not miracles"

YESSSSS!!!!!

Let's drive

I finally passed the driving test. Now, I need a car and all the junk that comes with one (ie, gas, insurance, etc.). I don't know why I'm not excite. I think it's because this was my fourth attempt and I knew I had to pass this time. I mean, I should be proud. I took the exam in SF and passed. *sigh* Sometimes things don't matter to me anymore.

Art with Elders got canceled today because the artist is sick. No one called to tell me to not come in. Second time that has happened on Thursday. At least, I got to sit around and talk to one of the patients. He told me that he got his wheelchair taken away in exchange for a walker. I told him that that was great, but he complained about how he couldn't get to places as fast now. He said they'll probably make him use a cane next week instead since he's scheduled to be discharged in about 2 weeks.

After the hearty conversation, I strolled over to Mollie Stone's to visit Theresa. I ended up walking up and down the aisle because her checkout line was busy. I decided that I needed to buy something in order for her to not get in trouble and for me to say "Hi." I stuck around for half an hour so we could hang out during her break. I met a bunch of co-workers because we spent it in the employee's break room. It was so good seeing Theresa. I think the last time I saw her was...I don't even remember! I might stop by the grocery store again next week during my lunch break. :)

We Are Big Kids Now

After nearly a year and half apart, Kat and I got to hang out for part of the day. We caught up on each other's lives while eating Vietnamese food on Irving. We then went to Moraga and 16th Ave. to walk all the way up the stairs. We tried to the count the number of steps but lost count after the 4th set. It was super windy at the top, but the view of the city was gorgeous. Everytime Kat yelled at the wind, it got stronger, so we headed down the other side of the hill to 12th Ave. We grabbed some Jamba Juice on the way to the playground. It's funny because there's a sign at the playground saying that adults weren't allowed unless accompanied by kids. It's ok, we're big kids trapped in adult bodies XD. We road the sand slide twice, went on the rope pyramid (and watch four and five year olds climb up higher than us) and played on the swings. We then road the merrie-go-round. The lady that collected the admission fee asked if Kat was 12 (the ticket's cheaper), but Kat said no. I road on a cat while Kat sat on a horse. It was so funny because we pretended it was a race like we did when we were little (my cat totally beat her horse). We both got somewhat high and dizzy off the ride. Kat wanted to go the Japanese Tea Gardens because she's never been there before. Unfortunately, it was only free from 9-10am today. In the garden, we walked in circle and climbed weird bridges while taking in the serene environment. After trying to kill squirrels and Kat spinning around a bunch of times to see which direction we should walk, we departed onto our separate buses after reaching Lincoln Blvd. It was an awesome day. I've known Katherine since kindergarten and we've been close ever since. :)

Aw man, my calves and thighs are going to be sore tomorrow. x.X

Elders Say the Darnest Things

[Bustrip to the movies to see "Indiana Jones"]

[lunch on the bus]

A.T.: "Do you want a ham or tuna sandwich, D--?"

D--: "Do you have any roast beef?"

A.T.: "No, just ham and tuna, D--."

D--: "I want roast beef. Now you know I don't have anything but roast beef. Who can help with getting the luxury of roast beef!!"

A.T.: "Well, I'm sorry, D--, but we didn't bring roast beef on this trip."

D--: "What do you mean?! I want roast beef. [other gibberish]."

A.T.: "Do you want pudding, D--?"

D--:"Sure. I can do with some pudding. [other gibberish]"

-------

Me:"What would you like in your coffee, D--. Sugar? Cream?"

D--"Oh, give me all the fixings! Sugar and cream! This lady hear will have her with just some sweetener *tilts her head towards the women sitting to her right*"

Me: "Is that what you want, ma'am. Just sweetener. No cream?"

Ma'am(I forgot her name):"WHAT?!"

Me: "What would you like in your coffee!? Sugar!? Cream!?"

Ma'am:"Coffee? Yes, I wants some coffee."

Me: "Would you like sugar and cream in your coffee?!"

Ma'am: "Sugar?? No, just make it black."

-------- (after pouring the coffee)

D--:"Where's my coffee? I hope she put some sugar and cream in that coffee (talking to whoever is listening). God knows I can't have my coffee without sugar and cream. [other gibberish]"

Me: "Here's your coffee. Sugar and cream, just like you asked."

D--"Oh!!! Bless your heart! I can't have coffee without sugar and cream. Now why don't you sit yourself down and have yourself some lunch. Be sure to get the roast beef. There's nothing like roast beef."

Me: "uhhhhh....ok" (i didn't want to get her upset about not having roast beef on the trip again)

A.T. "She's always like that. Just a glimpse of what I have to deal with, Kim."

D--:[continues to gibber-gabber]

---------[boarding the bus after the movie]

S--:"Oh, can I have a coke?"

A.T.:"Your coke is right next to you, S--."

S--:"Oh no, but I want some coke."

A.T.:"S--, your coke is right there. *points to coke can sitting next to S--*"

S--:"Oh, can I get two cups?"

A.T.:"No. You can drink your coke when we're back at the hospital. I don't want you spilling."

Me: *I turn around after helping a patient with their seatbelt and see S--'s coke spilled*

[after cleaning up the spill]

S--:"Can I have a coke?"

C.N.A.(certified nurse assistant): "I'll give you a new coke when we get back home, S--"

S--:"Oh, but I'm ok with an open one."

C.N.A.: "I'll get you a new one when we get back. Ok, S--?"

S--:"No. It's okay. I want the one that's already open."

C.N.A.: "You spilled the one that was open, S--"

S--:"Oh, but I'm okay with the open one."

C.N.A.: "No, S--. You spilled it. I'll get you a new coke later. Later, okay?"

S--:"Okay."

[30 seconds later]

S--:"Oh, can I have a coke?"

Note: S-- is the same women that kept asking for napkins during the Legion of Honor bus trip.

I feel like a bad patient.

http://highlytrainedmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/06/rules.html

What is one to do when the walk-in clinic is closed, it's a three day weekend and your specialist is off the whole week though? Not to mention, you're freaking out about midterms you have in the coming week and you've been suffering from insomnia for over a month. I try to have the most patience and courtesy in the hospital (because that's what I do everywhere else)(it's not always easy when you have a father who always complains how everything takes to long if the wait is more than 5 minutes).

In retrospect, I would have survived if I waited an extra week. However, I don't think I could have dealt with all the stressors; I was running low on inner strength.

Anyways, I'm asking for forgiveness in regards to the crazy, liers, and plain stupids. Sometimes, going to the ED might be the quickest way to get better. All people want to do is get better because they don't need extra stress in our lives if it's curable. Their heads get fuzzed-up and patients act unrationally. Thus, they show up in the ED complaining about the rash they've had for over a month. All they're asking is to make their lives less shaky. So, thank you to those who put up with the imperfects, especially the healthcare providers. :)