Clinical Significance

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

I can't properly take a blood pressure nor do I stay on a multi-tasking path. I've learned an incredible amount regarding social norms - essentially reigning myself in and public appropriateness.

I'm starting my first clinical hours, tomorrow, in a geriatric home. My task list includes 3 items: blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate. My 1-2-3 style seems lacking in organization and so I'm hoping that those more advanced in years won't notice my ragged attempts at assimilation.

Practical things elude me for their menial overtones. Ironically, my simplest joys stem from serving others. Perhaps, panning back my view of the insignificant will allow me to embrace what had no bearing, in my mind, to importance. Simply put, recognizing that everything counts.

Philosophy from a bedpan.

Elvira

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010

Elvira is an apt nickname for a character created nearly a decade ago.
My name, however, means sweet and pleasant. I'm on a journey to return to that sentiment.

I'm learning to communicate and to take notice of another's perspective -- like I'm reliving adolescence!
Often a painful process resulting in tears.

Recently, I've been thinking about wanderlust and adventure. I'm pondering what makes me tick, now, rather than what I wanted five (5) years ago. Some things never change - yet, priorities do and this may change the outcome.

I was reminded of my cryptic take on conversation which assumes one's understanding of me. I'm starting to see its selfishness. Instead, I can ask: What's in my patient's best interest? --> How will my listener best digest what I'm saying?

Running the risk of over-talking I try to speak in "internet/text" terms. Unfortunately, the shortcuts require explanations. Were I to find efficiency through filtering on the inside; I may succeed in speaking less.

This is a lesson that I'm struggling with.

Naomi = "enjoyment, pleasure, or gratification" in Hebrew / "honest, straight and beautiful" in Japanese

Keener Skillz

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010

I'm loving every second of this course -- classmates, teachers and course material. We're developping a tradition @ Jack Astor's, every Friday for lunch... great discount being Paramedic students ;)

My days start at 5am (5.30 when I'm a little tired) and I have an hour commute to Barrie. Class runs from about 8 till noon and then I stick around until about 4pm - studying, practising and generally socialising with the afternoon class.

Back at the gym, regularly, after getting settled into the new schedule. I'm procrastinating right now from some assignments due this week BUT that's the way of student life! :P

They're easing us into this which allows me more time than I expected. However, the extra time is allowing me to remain ahead of the curve, for now.

Miss you, friends!

<3

3 weeks in

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010

Completed one course; had two tests and currently studying for four classes, daily. The worst part is getting to bed on time. The second worst is planning enough food for the day. However, I'm LOVING this!!!

Started Chemistry, yesterday. I was nearly jumping out of my skin with excitement... relating it all back to relationships was SUCH a rush :)

I was distracted at the start of the next chapter so I need to do some followup reading :(

Just about everyone is friendly and the weather makes for good congregating. The previous class is throwing us a welcome party in a couple weeks -- that should make for some good stories :D

I'm learning that immediate results aren't the norm and I need to be okay with that. Whether multi-tasking or not... most persons are pre-occupied by more than a couple things at a time.

Personally, I feel settled in. Now there's room for me to make waves in other areas of my life --however, remaining focused on school. Oh the balancing...

Flying High

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010

After yesterday's orientation, I'm stoked! I've been preparing for my own mental Olympics and the hard work is paying off. My new goal is to ACE my courses... no longer do I feel incapable.

Glancing around the room, I've noticed four lads. I need gym buddies & a study partner for Anatomy and Physiology!!!

*lol*

It's going to be intense but I was made for this.

*insert some kind of reinforcing grunt*

Pending Paramedic Career

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

Starting from scratch -- I'll be helping people. Barring the World War Nursing occupation and the folly of me learning, incessantly, without being unleashed upon the world; Paramedicine is my chosen career path.

My program is 52 weeks and at its completion I'll be heading into the Northern Wild Yonder -- Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing, Long Lac or the like. This is to work in Air Ambulance!

In February, I got accepted to private school. In March, I regularly worked out. In April, I prepared my living space for school. On the cusp of May, I'm counting down the days with double workouts, completing notes on the course's main textbook and organizing a food agenda so as not to de-rail all of my efforts thus far.

Taking CPR/First Aid, this past weekend, opened my eyes to how keen I really am! Sitting at the front of the class and helping my classmates while still charming my way into new friendships. In two weeks I'll be surrounded by 24 people that'll be family for the next year. I'm anticipating social gatherings with these strangers along with late night study vigils. Hopefully the strengths of each one will create a memorable year that allows for weaknesses to be covered.

I'll delight in the company of buff, tender-hearted and uniformed men. I'm hoping to lift weights with them -- I'll be the weakest link BUT that'll make ME stronger -- not that I'm competitive...

My ambition will keep me from failing. However, I'm in need of motivation to remain balanced. Planning ahead is gruelling for me. Sticking to a plan is torture! The rigorous schedule is incremented in half hours. This MAY allow for 10 minute windows (which add up, especially regarding procrastination).

Aside from regarding the "rule of the hour" ignoring my nephews is going to be hard. We've been weaning them slowly and I can see their occupation with other endeavours BUT over the next three to five years I'm gonna miss them. Granted, I've enjoyed every possible moment for their first five years of life and we dream/scheme together regarding the next five. When my sister and I were 10 and 11, respectively, we vacationed in England without our parents. Perhaps Seb & Nebs will get to visit me -- shorter flight at younger ages??

So, here I am. School starts in 14 days. I have good muscle definition, can crosstrain for 60 minutes on an elliptical machine and deadlift 165lbs once.