I'm not sure if I'm simply doing really well with grandma's passing or if it just hasn't hit me yet. I'm leaning towards just doing well. Logically, I know that her body wasn't going to make it much more- and emotionally, I was able to see her while she was healthy a lot more- especially after she moved in with mom- so I was able to enjoy her towards the end, which I wasn't expecting. I hated seeing her in pain/unhappy and her downhill progression was so fast- the thought of her having to stay in hospice for a long time makes me shiver with... disgust?... I can't seem to find the right tone of word for that sentiment.
I consider grandma a little like myself- she was stubborn, strong-willed, but a care-taker... not a care-getter. The idea of having to be... well, I'd like to be able to use the facilities on my own for the rest of my life... and I know grandma would have hated that, too. [Then again, who wouldn't.]
The service was quite nice. It was a mix of traditional and contemporary- opened with prayer and her pastor speaking, but included about an hour of story telling from people in the audience. The family went first- my mom talked about the last few months of her life, my uncle Jim, cousins Bruce and Joey, myself, my aunt Betty - then a few others- her garden club members, Cecil- who grew up with the family, Bill Andval - also grew up with the fam and was one of my mom's ex-boyfriends from what must seem like a different lifetime!, Don Mallard- on old neighbor, and a few other people I know I'm leaving out.
As I was driving around with mom trying to think of what story I would tell, what experience I would share- I came to realize that I dont have many one-on-one Grandma stories. This unsettled me a little but I realized something so overwhelmingly true and obvious that it was almost overlooked in my mind, a constant in all of our lives with grandma... She made it her priority to create an environment in which the people she loved were able to grow and thrive. Everything about the house that her and grandpa built screamed family and fun. They cleared that land, built the house, and added on as new lives were added to the Maker clan. They added a boat house that a variety of family members used during different stages in their lives.
Grandma made a huge breakfast every morning for generations of her family. She was a caretaker for those who needed it - from the elderly to the injured. She took in/fed stray animals like it was her job. We had an environment built for exploration, personal development, and family strength. We played games as a family after dinner was cleared. We watched TV together. We went on the roof to look at stars, the river, the island, etc- together. We even bird watched or had target practice from the boathouse porch... together. I have so many memories of all of us together having such a great time.
She gave away everything she had- and that's not an understatement. From money to time, she was always making sure others were well. Her time was for reading after the kids were asleep or the garden club/gardening in our yard. Grandpa built such a beautiful greenhouse for her at home and she had a gorgeous yard. Flowers, trees, greenery, and fig trees.
There's so much- I hope to be able to write down some of the stories before people start forgetting.
My cousin Bruce- grandma's sixth "son"- as most everyone at the funeral agreed, wrote the most beautiful statement. I've included it here (hope you dont mind, Brudy) because it was so touching, raw, and so defining of who she was.
"Ive read that unconditional love is important to a person’s growth as a functioning and happy adult. Knowing someone loves you all the way, unconditionally and how that will never change. A child needs this.
I always knew that my grandmother loved me unconditionally. She told me I was smart. She told me I was handsome. She spanked me on the butt when I needed it. She cried at my terrible 16 year old poetry. She always took my side when people were against me. She was so in tune with my emotions at times I felt like she could read my mind.
As I grew older I began to search out my own answers to life. Of course I separated from some of her beliefs. I realized every mentor and adult I grew up with was human and trying to figure things out too.
Yet I never forgot what she did for me. She helped me to become an adult by offering herself 100% to me as a child. She was the textbook definition of what all good parents are. My structure, my disciplinarian, my safe harbor and my biggest fan.
And it wasn’t just me that she gave so much to. I watched her nurse numerous people to a peaceful passing in that same room in the old house on Lakeside Drive. I never quite understood why anyone would want to take on those burdens… but few people are as selfless as she was.
So I owe a lot of my development to her. I know many people here have been touched deeply by her too. I look forward to hearing new stories and insights from the people here today.
Her passing should be a reminder to us all. Life is short. Very very short. (avging 28,000 days give or take). I had a philosophy professor say that he believes he became an adult when he lost his brother. He said he started making decisions with the understanding that his time is limited. That stuck with me.
And I believe the real meaning lies in the relationships with the people around you. Your family. Your friends. Your neighbors. We’re all in this together and trying to figure it out too. Because of my grandmother I think I have a more clear picture of what life is about. Its loving something more than you love yourself. Its giving your energy and time selflessly to the people you care about. Its savoring those moments with the understanding that they are limited.
So while I am sad she is gone, I know that she is free from the earthly body that she was bound to. She has taken that next step into a place that none of us can say we understand with certainty. But I believe that someone who has loved and given of themselves to so many like she did has absolutely nothing to fear. Thanks Grandma, we love you and we’ll see you soon."
I'm so thankful to be a part of a family so based on wonderful people and strong character. While we're all sad that grandma left us, it's a sadness of selfishness- for we miss her character and presence while knowing that her vessel was decrepit and her soul ready to depart. We instinctively know that she goes to a better place to be with a husband to whom she dedicated 56-years... would have been more but his body gave out early. Now we know that the sorrow she carried from his death is alleviated, that she knew each of her children are well enough to no longer require her presence, and that she looks towards the future with a freedom we can only imagine.
The impact she left on people was clear from the stories told at her funeral. I can only hope to do as well a job myself.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Grandma
My grandmother passed away last night.
It's not like we weren't expecting it. On Sunday when I got home, she was severely dehydrated. We would have taken her to the ER right then but we had a doctor's appt the next morning so we waited. The next day her doc did an EKG and then admitted her to the hospital to give IV fluids and food, etc. She was having so much trouble swallowing that she couldn't take in enough food/supplements to right the wrong, so to speak. Her body was truly failing her. We also discovered that she had breast and most likely bone marrow cancer, causing her platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cell counts to be incredibly low... loosely translated that leads to bruising/blood loss, anemia and decreased oxygen availability, and infections respectively- all of which she was suffering from.
We put her on hospice and that was a fantastic experience, I'm surprised to say. The nurses were wonderful, they got everything we needed to us ON THANKSGIVING to make sure that we were taken care of when there were no real docs available. They helped my mom out immeasurably.
It's interesting to think about grandma's life. The changes she's seen - technology from the 20's to now, her family grow and grow- from 5 kids to 7 grand-kids to several great-grandchildren. The changes in human rights, women's rights, multiple wars, her son being drafted, the death of her husband, of her friends. She helped grandpa build their own home- how many people can say that now? She was the ultimate care-giver, taking care of my great-grandmother, great aunt and a few others for years when they were elderly, my aunt when she was injured, Bruce when he needed her. Huge breakfasts, Farkel around the dinner table... she even put up with a million gerbils. She watched the river she loved and built her life on become a polluted, filthy nastiness and the city they settled in become a ghetto. I feel like I should be taking pictures of the world around me- noting the important events, the cultural norms. The family relationships. I wanted more than anything to collect stories from our family, but that failed miserably... mom was the only person to even respond... with anything, let alone a story. I want to be able to tell my kids about my family- since I'm not sure when I'll get to have them and who will still be around. It's funny how true the cliche statement is that when you're young, you can't wait for time to fly by and when you're old, you can't seem to stop it.
My biggest fear is that once all of this is over, and mom is alone again, it will hit her like a train head-on. Which will happen. Both of us are kind of like that... me especially. Great at seeming normal, seeming ok- keeping busy while everyone is around. Then losing it when alone. Then again, for me- that's the only time I feel comfortable grieving.
I also worry about Brudy. Grandma was his stability, his adoptive parent. And as he and I are in the same predicament here- the only grandparent we have left, on the only side of the family that we have has just passed on. Family has always been one of my biggest fears- losing them, that is. It's amazing how a set of people- with really the only thing tying them being blood- can come together, stay aligned for life, and be so much to each other. I love how much that means to me in so many ways. To reach out and affect someone so strongly, to have my heart go out for them and to feel so comfortable and at peace with them. I truly love my family. I always grew up around more friends- friends were my day-to-day family for most of my life. The ones that have stuck with me have the same feel to them, the same peace. If it weren't for these people, arranged sporadically throughout my life, I'm not sure I'd feel the same about everything.
I'm not really sure what else to say. I'm so stuck in Lubbock that I can't be there for mom. So please call her, make sure she knows she's supported. This medical school thing is really cramping my style right now.
It's not like we weren't expecting it. On Sunday when I got home, she was severely dehydrated. We would have taken her to the ER right then but we had a doctor's appt the next morning so we waited. The next day her doc did an EKG and then admitted her to the hospital to give IV fluids and food, etc. She was having so much trouble swallowing that she couldn't take in enough food/supplements to right the wrong, so to speak. Her body was truly failing her. We also discovered that she had breast and most likely bone marrow cancer, causing her platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cell counts to be incredibly low... loosely translated that leads to bruising/blood loss, anemia and decreased oxygen availability, and infections respectively- all of which she was suffering from.
We put her on hospice and that was a fantastic experience, I'm surprised to say. The nurses were wonderful, they got everything we needed to us ON THANKSGIVING to make sure that we were taken care of when there were no real docs available. They helped my mom out immeasurably.
It's interesting to think about grandma's life. The changes she's seen - technology from the 20's to now, her family grow and grow- from 5 kids to 7 grand-kids to several great-grandchildren. The changes in human rights, women's rights, multiple wars, her son being drafted, the death of her husband, of her friends. She helped grandpa build their own home- how many people can say that now? She was the ultimate care-giver, taking care of my great-grandmother, great aunt and a few others for years when they were elderly, my aunt when she was injured, Bruce when he needed her. Huge breakfasts, Farkel around the dinner table... she even put up with a million gerbils. She watched the river she loved and built her life on become a polluted, filthy nastiness and the city they settled in become a ghetto. I feel like I should be taking pictures of the world around me- noting the important events, the cultural norms. The family relationships. I wanted more than anything to collect stories from our family, but that failed miserably... mom was the only person to even respond... with anything, let alone a story. I want to be able to tell my kids about my family- since I'm not sure when I'll get to have them and who will still be around. It's funny how true the cliche statement is that when you're young, you can't wait for time to fly by and when you're old, you can't seem to stop it.
My biggest fear is that once all of this is over, and mom is alone again, it will hit her like a train head-on. Which will happen. Both of us are kind of like that... me especially. Great at seeming normal, seeming ok- keeping busy while everyone is around. Then losing it when alone. Then again, for me- that's the only time I feel comfortable grieving.
I also worry about Brudy. Grandma was his stability, his adoptive parent. And as he and I are in the same predicament here- the only grandparent we have left, on the only side of the family that we have has just passed on. Family has always been one of my biggest fears- losing them, that is. It's amazing how a set of people- with really the only thing tying them being blood- can come together, stay aligned for life, and be so much to each other. I love how much that means to me in so many ways. To reach out and affect someone so strongly, to have my heart go out for them and to feel so comfortable and at peace with them. I truly love my family. I always grew up around more friends- friends were my day-to-day family for most of my life. The ones that have stuck with me have the same feel to them, the same peace. If it weren't for these people, arranged sporadically throughout my life, I'm not sure I'd feel the same about everything.
I'm not really sure what else to say. I'm so stuck in Lubbock that I can't be there for mom. So please call her, make sure she knows she's supported. This medical school thing is really cramping my style right now.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Neuro & Chicago
We're finally done with Neuro and starting Systemic Pathology. In recognition of how AWFUL Neuro was, I went on vacation to Chicago.
I ended up having a lot of stress in Neuro- it was actually the first time I've experienced true test anxiety. Now, most of my peers would scoff at this. We've taken tests to get into medical school, to make it to second year, to have gotten this far. But- I have to say that most of those tests have not caused me to feel anxious. I'm not sure if I just didnt feel prepared or what but needless to say, it wasn't pleasant. I ended up doing pretty well- and I'm happy to say that it is completely over and I'm into the next step in Year 2 of medical school.
In celebration of Neuro ending, I went to go visit my dear friend Liz. I've known Lizzy since 3rd grade. We were lucky enough to have each other through the long after school hours of our mom's both being elementary school teachers, years of Tae Kwon Do class and tournaments, growing apart in high school, then finding each other to be great friends again during college. I've literally known Liz for most of my life (and I consider this a good thing :)). She recently moved to Chicago for graduate school- she's so strong/intelligent... I look up to her a great deal. Not only did I get to see her, I was able to get a glimpse into her life- her friends, her home, etc. To compare the Liz from 3rd grade to the Liz of now is just a fun memory exercise, as well as an interesting look into the human ability to grow. Basically, I loves her.
I also loved Chicago. It was a big culture shock going from Lubbock to Chicago... flat, dry, and brown to city parks, 40+ story buildings, and - my personal favorite - public transit!
The first night was spent with friends celebrating my favorite holiday, Halloween. Between the apple cider, pumpkin beer, jack-o-lantern carving, and toasted pumpkin seeds... I was in heaven (the company was great as well!).
Liz and I spent some quality time on Sunday- shopping in Wicker Park... a very Austiny part of Chicago. We went to bookstores, clothes shopping, Indian food for dinner, and a healthy dose of street art! We also went to the "Not a Spy" shop, I bought new boots, and we thoroughly enjoyed walking around pretty much everywhere, something that rarely happens in TX. I miss big city.
On Monday I was on my own... I started the morning with an amazing cup of coffee and a stroll through the well known Lincoln Park! Liz lives about a block from the actual park- so I was able so spend some time going to the conservatory, the zoo (polar bears and jaguars!!), and walking around the park. Some of Liz's friends- two wonderful people- came to pick me up and go to Millenium Park (the shiny thing!) and The Art Institute of Chicago. Let's just say, I've officially seen Monet and Van Gogh - and it was AMAZING. Highly recommend. We met up with Liz and her man Steve to do walk down the Chicago riverwalk, to see a giant Marilyn Monroe, and a building studded with stones from around the world- Notre Dame, The Great Wall, The Alamo! It was quite fantastic.
On my last day there- I had a decision to make- Planetarium or Aquarium. For those of you who know me well, this was a VERY tough decision for me... I ended up going to the Aquarium (surprise!) and saw beluga wales and dolphins and it was a lovely aquarium! As per my usual, I still love aquariums. I got to touch a starfish... me and the other 6 year olds.
Anyways- it was a great trip. I love Chicago. I took public transit from the airport to Liz's. Loved it.
Back to Lubbock:
-The Public Health Dept will not be split up- this was a big win for us- but they challenged us to find funding/a new building/and a few other vital things to the PHD's unity. I personally don't think it's our job, but if we dont- it wont get done. So- we're going to keep working with the City Council to attempt to maintain what we've won thus far. Score!
-Systems has started- I got sick for a full week. I was a witch for Halloween for the Pediatric unit carnival... this ended in me catching Viral Gastroenteritis from one of the kids. This = me sick for 24 hours and then 3 days of sleeping on my couch. Rescheduled my test... then got sick the night before retaking the test that I rescheduled because I was sick. Ugh. I ended up just taking it and did fine. I so rarely get sick... this is a look into my new life. Constant exposure to pathogens. Time to get my immune system in high gear!
Happy note - I LEAVE FOR NEW ORLEANS tomorrow morning for medical student section of American Medical Association... I'm VP of Texas Medical Association and AMA so we're going to vote on resolutions that other students have put together for AMA to pick up as lobbying positions. And- we're staying an extra day to explore New Orleans a little bit... wish I could stay there longer also. I'm in the mood to travel. Too bad I'm poor.
I ended up having a lot of stress in Neuro- it was actually the first time I've experienced true test anxiety. Now, most of my peers would scoff at this. We've taken tests to get into medical school, to make it to second year, to have gotten this far. But- I have to say that most of those tests have not caused me to feel anxious. I'm not sure if I just didnt feel prepared or what but needless to say, it wasn't pleasant. I ended up doing pretty well- and I'm happy to say that it is completely over and I'm into the next step in Year 2 of medical school.
In celebration of Neuro ending, I went to go visit my dear friend Liz. I've known Lizzy since 3rd grade. We were lucky enough to have each other through the long after school hours of our mom's both being elementary school teachers, years of Tae Kwon Do class and tournaments, growing apart in high school, then finding each other to be great friends again during college. I've literally known Liz for most of my life (and I consider this a good thing :)). She recently moved to Chicago for graduate school- she's so strong/intelligent... I look up to her a great deal. Not only did I get to see her, I was able to get a glimpse into her life- her friends, her home, etc. To compare the Liz from 3rd grade to the Liz of now is just a fun memory exercise, as well as an interesting look into the human ability to grow. Basically, I loves her.
I also loved Chicago. It was a big culture shock going from Lubbock to Chicago... flat, dry, and brown to city parks, 40+ story buildings, and - my personal favorite - public transit!
The first night was spent with friends celebrating my favorite holiday, Halloween. Between the apple cider, pumpkin beer, jack-o-lantern carving, and toasted pumpkin seeds... I was in heaven (the company was great as well!).
Liz and I spent some quality time on Sunday- shopping in Wicker Park... a very Austiny part of Chicago. We went to bookstores, clothes shopping, Indian food for dinner, and a healthy dose of street art! We also went to the "Not a Spy" shop, I bought new boots, and we thoroughly enjoyed walking around pretty much everywhere, something that rarely happens in TX. I miss big city.
On Monday I was on my own... I started the morning with an amazing cup of coffee and a stroll through the well known Lincoln Park! Liz lives about a block from the actual park- so I was able so spend some time going to the conservatory, the zoo (polar bears and jaguars!!), and walking around the park. Some of Liz's friends- two wonderful people- came to pick me up and go to Millenium Park (the shiny thing!) and The Art Institute of Chicago. Let's just say, I've officially seen Monet and Van Gogh - and it was AMAZING. Highly recommend. We met up with Liz and her man Steve to do walk down the Chicago riverwalk, to see a giant Marilyn Monroe, and a building studded with stones from around the world- Notre Dame, The Great Wall, The Alamo! It was quite fantastic.
On my last day there- I had a decision to make- Planetarium or Aquarium. For those of you who know me well, this was a VERY tough decision for me... I ended up going to the Aquarium (surprise!) and saw beluga wales and dolphins and it was a lovely aquarium! As per my usual, I still love aquariums. I got to touch a starfish... me and the other 6 year olds.
Anyways- it was a great trip. I love Chicago. I took public transit from the airport to Liz's. Loved it.
Back to Lubbock:
-The Public Health Dept will not be split up- this was a big win for us- but they challenged us to find funding/a new building/and a few other vital things to the PHD's unity. I personally don't think it's our job, but if we dont- it wont get done. So- we're going to keep working with the City Council to attempt to maintain what we've won thus far. Score!
-Systems has started- I got sick for a full week. I was a witch for Halloween for the Pediatric unit carnival... this ended in me catching Viral Gastroenteritis from one of the kids. This = me sick for 24 hours and then 3 days of sleeping on my couch. Rescheduled my test... then got sick the night before retaking the test that I rescheduled because I was sick. Ugh. I ended up just taking it and did fine. I so rarely get sick... this is a look into my new life. Constant exposure to pathogens. Time to get my immune system in high gear!
Happy note - I LEAVE FOR NEW ORLEANS tomorrow morning for medical student section of American Medical Association... I'm VP of Texas Medical Association and AMA so we're going to vote on resolutions that other students have put together for AMA to pick up as lobbying positions. And- we're staying an extra day to explore New Orleans a little bit... wish I could stay there longer also. I'm in the mood to travel. Too bad I'm poor.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Photos, Public Health, & More
This year has truly been a crazy few months. In all honestly, it feels like a year for me- even thought we started in August and it's only October!
First- as those of you who know my love of Halloween could already expect, I've started decorating already (it started in September actually). I actually scared the poo out of myself yesterday- I was cleaning and closed the closet forcefully (unintentionally) and it set off my motion-sensitive ghost which makes creepy ghost noises and shakes his arms. I have him hanging above eye level off one of my AC vents and out of sight/out of mind- basically, I scared myself good! I consider this mandatory prep work for my Chicago trip to see Lizzy! I'm quite excited as up North people apparently are far more interested in Halloween than the majority of the South. I always feel like I'm crazy when I tell people here that I think cemeteries are pretty or that Halloween is my favorite- they just stare at me like I said I eat brussel sprouts every day- the phrase "Really??" in their eyes. But I think I'll fit in just fine with all the crazy Halloween lovers up north! Yay! Excited and pictures to come.
I've kept myself quite busy- like that's a surprise to anyone. First- school. We're in Neuro right now- which definitely is my area so thankfully I'm not as stressed out as most everyone else (but that's also the norm I feel like...). I'm loving Neuro but I dont think I'm interested in specializing in it. Honestly, it's one of the medical jobs where your patients just don't get that much better - ever. You work with traumatic brain injury patients, or patients with Alzheimers/dementia- patient's whose disorders are progressive or relatively permanent. I am thankful there are other doctors/student-doctors for whom that area is there passion... I just dont think that's me. In all honestly, I'm still leaning towards emergency medicine. In fact, I'm leaning more and more towards Family Medicine in a small town with ER work moonlighting (met a few docs here in Lubbock that do this). But- I've got time to decide. And the best thing about medicine is that if I'm willing/able to take a pay cut, I can go back to a different residency and go into something else later in life if I burn out. I think I made a post about this before- but moving to Lubbock taught me a big lesson in life, which is that I can make huge changes to my life (like uprooting after three years, leave my friends and family, start something completely new) and still be myself, still be happy, and still feel stable. I had a much more romantic explanation for it before- so maybe read that post instead- but basically, I want to keep in mind that I'm never cornered in life- I'm never stuck. If something is wrong, I can change it.
Next!
Went to Dallas recently and got to see some friends... I think it's crazy how good kids are at computers... they can outperform me on my phone, use a computer by age 2, and still have social skills :) love it
I'm also now on this committee to keep the Lubbock Public Health Dept's immunization, STD testing and treatment, and surveillance services in one location - the city, in an attempt to save money, is fracturing the public health department. they've moved a bunch of services to buildings all over town- which for the most part may not hinder anything. The problem is the actual clinic services. They're trying to sub-contract state grants out to local organizations to take over these services- but there are just so many problems with that. In the end, a big group of doctors is fighting against this because we fear that the change will lead to decreased accessibility, increased cost, increased wait time, and in the end- decreased population health and increased infectious disease in the area. We have a bunch of data to support it (for example, in NYC, they found that even a 5$ increase in the price of vaccinations led to a 57% decreases in services rendered. the organizations applying for the grants have already told us they'll be raising prices more than that). Anyways- it's been really interesting- very grassroots organization. I've met the entire Lubbock City Council, met multiple high level docs in the area, the entire Lubbock Board of Health- it's really been eye-opening. Politics, city functioning, the effects of public health scares (in the midst of all of this- we had a Hepatitis A outbreak at Cheddars Restaurant- 7700 people exposed- that had to be handled by the practically dismantled Public Health Dept). I'll let you know how it turns out.
Another cool thing- as most of you know, I'm very interested in Global Health. After coming back from Nicaragua, the person who runs our Office of International Affairs put on a photo exhibit called Beyond Borders, Beyond Measure- to show off the photos taken by Health Science Center students who went overseas... and to sell them in order to raise money for a scholarship they give out for student wanting to go on international mission trips. I had two photos in the exhibit and both sold very quickly! I even had people give me their cards so they could see a few of my other photos to buy... really, it was so exciting. I love art and for other people to love my art also, makes me very happy!
Another thing I get to look forward too- I'm going to the American Medical Association meeting in November... and it's in New Orleans! My flight is totally free and I'm super excited! We're staying a few extra days and plan on doing a series of fun things- and it's right before my birthday!! So happy birthday to me :) To go back to being weird- I'm making the group do a cemetery tour in a city that has some of the most beautiful cemeteries in the nation- I'm super excited!
I also got to go see La Boheme for the first time at the Amarillo opera center- the Globe News Center- it was beautiful!
one more thing- ATTENTION FAMILY MEMBERS!!!- I've been trying to collect stories from my family- to get to know my dad better, to keep fun stories from the family (5 kids!?!?! there have to be good stories there...) alive and circulating through the family- and just to hear how my family's lives were in various times during history. So far, only Kay has sent me anything but- it's been absolutely fascinating to me. Stories about my dad as a kid, about the grandparents I never really knew, about businesses I didnt know we had started, and about childhood injuries :) It's really just been wonderful to read- so please please please- if you read this far, please send me stories. If you can date them in any way, I'll try and put them in order and send them to everyone. Tell me about people's personalities, the funniest/saddest/scariest/most interesting/most stand-out memories that you have. That's another life story that I learned the hard way- you always want to know more about the people you love/that raised you/etc- and you only think of the really interesting questions later- sometimes too late. So- tell me about you, the personalities of my great grandparents, fun stories, I just dont even care- just write something down and send it to me! I love reading it.
Ok- love everybody....
First- as those of you who know my love of Halloween could already expect, I've started decorating already (it started in September actually). I actually scared the poo out of myself yesterday- I was cleaning and closed the closet forcefully (unintentionally) and it set off my motion-sensitive ghost which makes creepy ghost noises and shakes his arms. I have him hanging above eye level off one of my AC vents and out of sight/out of mind- basically, I scared myself good! I consider this mandatory prep work for my Chicago trip to see Lizzy! I'm quite excited as up North people apparently are far more interested in Halloween than the majority of the South. I always feel like I'm crazy when I tell people here that I think cemeteries are pretty or that Halloween is my favorite- they just stare at me like I said I eat brussel sprouts every day- the phrase "Really??" in their eyes. But I think I'll fit in just fine with all the crazy Halloween lovers up north! Yay! Excited and pictures to come.
I've kept myself quite busy- like that's a surprise to anyone. First- school. We're in Neuro right now- which definitely is my area so thankfully I'm not as stressed out as most everyone else (but that's also the norm I feel like...). I'm loving Neuro but I dont think I'm interested in specializing in it. Honestly, it's one of the medical jobs where your patients just don't get that much better - ever. You work with traumatic brain injury patients, or patients with Alzheimers/dementia- patient's whose disorders are progressive or relatively permanent. I am thankful there are other doctors/student-doctors for whom that area is there passion... I just dont think that's me. In all honestly, I'm still leaning towards emergency medicine. In fact, I'm leaning more and more towards Family Medicine in a small town with ER work moonlighting (met a few docs here in Lubbock that do this). But- I've got time to decide. And the best thing about medicine is that if I'm willing/able to take a pay cut, I can go back to a different residency and go into something else later in life if I burn out. I think I made a post about this before- but moving to Lubbock taught me a big lesson in life, which is that I can make huge changes to my life (like uprooting after three years, leave my friends and family, start something completely new) and still be myself, still be happy, and still feel stable. I had a much more romantic explanation for it before- so maybe read that post instead- but basically, I want to keep in mind that I'm never cornered in life- I'm never stuck. If something is wrong, I can change it.
Next!
Went to Dallas recently and got to see some friends... I think it's crazy how good kids are at computers... they can outperform me on my phone, use a computer by age 2, and still have social skills :) love it
I'm also now on this committee to keep the Lubbock Public Health Dept's immunization, STD testing and treatment, and surveillance services in one location - the city, in an attempt to save money, is fracturing the public health department. they've moved a bunch of services to buildings all over town- which for the most part may not hinder anything. The problem is the actual clinic services. They're trying to sub-contract state grants out to local organizations to take over these services- but there are just so many problems with that. In the end, a big group of doctors is fighting against this because we fear that the change will lead to decreased accessibility, increased cost, increased wait time, and in the end- decreased population health and increased infectious disease in the area. We have a bunch of data to support it (for example, in NYC, they found that even a 5$ increase in the price of vaccinations led to a 57% decreases in services rendered. the organizations applying for the grants have already told us they'll be raising prices more than that). Anyways- it's been really interesting- very grassroots organization. I've met the entire Lubbock City Council, met multiple high level docs in the area, the entire Lubbock Board of Health- it's really been eye-opening. Politics, city functioning, the effects of public health scares (in the midst of all of this- we had a Hepatitis A outbreak at Cheddars Restaurant- 7700 people exposed- that had to be handled by the practically dismantled Public Health Dept). I'll let you know how it turns out.
Another cool thing- as most of you know, I'm very interested in Global Health. After coming back from Nicaragua, the person who runs our Office of International Affairs put on a photo exhibit called Beyond Borders, Beyond Measure- to show off the photos taken by Health Science Center students who went overseas... and to sell them in order to raise money for a scholarship they give out for student wanting to go on international mission trips. I had two photos in the exhibit and both sold very quickly! I even had people give me their cards so they could see a few of my other photos to buy... really, it was so exciting. I love art and for other people to love my art also, makes me very happy!
Another thing I get to look forward too- I'm going to the American Medical Association meeting in November... and it's in New Orleans! My flight is totally free and I'm super excited! We're staying a few extra days and plan on doing a series of fun things- and it's right before my birthday!! So happy birthday to me :) To go back to being weird- I'm making the group do a cemetery tour in a city that has some of the most beautiful cemeteries in the nation- I'm super excited!
I also got to go see La Boheme for the first time at the Amarillo opera center- the Globe News Center- it was beautiful!
one more thing- ATTENTION FAMILY MEMBERS!!!- I've been trying to collect stories from my family- to get to know my dad better, to keep fun stories from the family (5 kids!?!?! there have to be good stories there...) alive and circulating through the family- and just to hear how my family's lives were in various times during history. So far, only Kay has sent me anything but- it's been absolutely fascinating to me. Stories about my dad as a kid, about the grandparents I never really knew, about businesses I didnt know we had started, and about childhood injuries :) It's really just been wonderful to read- so please please please- if you read this far, please send me stories. If you can date them in any way, I'll try and put them in order and send them to everyone. Tell me about people's personalities, the funniest/saddest/scariest/most interesting/most stand-out memories that you have. That's another life story that I learned the hard way- you always want to know more about the people you love/that raised you/etc- and you only think of the really interesting questions later- sometimes too late. So- tell me about you, the personalities of my great grandparents, fun stories, I just dont even care- just write something down and send it to me! I love reading it.
Ok- love everybody....
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Summer: Over.
I've come to realize that I had the best of intentions to write an amazing update. I planned out how I wanted to do it, even picked the photos I thought were the best. I really actually believed I would complete this task.
Then the reality of the weeks ticking away hit me. I never completed said post. School starts tomorrow and a big part of me knows I never will- not the one I wanted to, not the well-thought out, beautifully detailed post. It's just not going to happen.
So in an effort to update the people I love in spite of med school, I've giving the abbreviated version instead.
My last post talked a little about my extra-curriculars. Needless to say, I'm having fun while having my rear handed to me in a hand basket. My first year went well. I enjoyed myself, performed well, accomplished much, and learned even more. So, check that off the bucket list.
My summer was almost more hectic than med school. It involved a lot of driving, with me living like a gypsy out of grocery bags from the back of my car. I was able to see many friends, most of my family (although not all, unfortunately), and go out of the country. Overall, a great time.
Let's start with Nicaragua.
I've been trying to formulate my... emotional response to this trip for some time (I'll have to write more about that later). It was very mixed. I've always known that I would love it (and I did) and that I'd be passionate about continuing to practice internationally (which is still true). In our first week in Nicaragua, we provided care for over 1500 people. Fifteen hundred. This idea simply blows my mind. Our team was absolutely perfect. Things flowed smoothly. From set-up to break-down the two teams of doctors, nurses, PTs, students, volunteers, pharmacists, and translators were able to organize hundreds of people - getting them in and out of a doctors care and the medication and vitamins they need in hand within 15 minutes (usually less). This of course did not include their multiple hours of waiting in line.
The people of Nicaragua were quite wonderful. Even after waiting for hours out in the heat, having started waiting before 4 and 5 am - they were kind, patient, and respectful. Some were funny. Most were reserved. The kids are darling- absolutely beautiful. And to top it off, they were a great inspiration for me- these are people who have to - HAVE TO - be healthy to live. They work through diabetic ulcerations, sciatica, headaches, arthritis, heart defects, etc- just push through and keep going. Resilience is a good word for a lot of what we saw. There was also desperation, apathy, and acceptance. But the stories that meant the most to the whole crew were the ones of resilience.
A few stories especially stick out.
-With Dra. Edwards in Yali, I met an 86 year old woman who had walked 5 hours to get to the clinic. She had arthritis and headaches and was worried because she was the only caretaker for her now deceased son's child who had significant mental retardation and physical hindrances. This 86 year old woman had to help the now young adult get around, go to the bathroom, etc. Anyone who has been a caretaker can understand the difficulties this poses. She brought us pictures - of her son's funeral, of the daughter, of herself years ago. She was stressed, crying, and to top it off sick and getting older. It's a story you can hear anywhere - but this was the first time I'd been on the side of the potential care giver. It was the first time I'd been in a position where people were coming to me with desperation. Dont get me wrong- I've worked with child abuse victims and in nursing homes. I've seen sadness and anger and pain before. But it was the sheer desperation that got to me. This woman came to us thinking that we were her only chance for some sort of relief (and she may have been right, depending on if there would be another medical group coming through or not). Here- I think people know there's always somewhere they can go to get help- even if it's just to the emergency room/liquor store/advil in the bathroom/etc. But I haven't seen that extent of emotional need for relief from stress/life/etc. And it was in almost every person we saw. As you can imagine, it's motivating and draining (but more motivating).
- With Dr. Weiss in Las Quebradas, we met a man who had brought in 5 of his children- the 6th was still an infant and was at home with a relative. He wanted them all checked out and had a few complaints of arthritis/headaches. Maybe even something else- I'm having trouble remembering. The reason this story sticks in my head was the very reason we were challenged to teach in Nicaragua - maternal mortality. His wife had passed away giving birth to the infant who was still at home. He had some family but they had families of their own to care for - and he works all the time to provide for them. Food was scarce, healthcare scarcer. Not to mention the man's sadness over his wife's death. It was a story that touched everyone- in part because the kids were wonderful- playful, funny, and smart- and in part because the man was very clearly still saddened. We did what we can- for those who aren't familiar with the set up- this means we checked them each out medically, provided medication and vitamins, dehydrated food to make soups, and we even gave the family our snacks for the day. Overall, a fantastic little family that we were able to encounter.
-Another story- in Dorado with Dra. Patterson: it was the end of the day, it was starting to get dark and we were starting to feel the pressure to get on the road and head back- but we hadn't made it through the line of people yet. We started taking children only, just to see as many as possible, and one of our last little girls was one of the most sickly people I saw on the entire trip. Her eyes were matte, her hair was thinning and reddening, she had edema in her feet, anemia, and barely moved when we looked her over- she was literally dying of malnutrition. People around Patti and I were starting to try and rush- taking papers to get the meds ready and asking if we were done with our table so they could put it on the bus. Patti looks up at the mission leader and says- we just saved someone's life here today, so let us finish and we'll pack up in a minute. We had run out of food to give them so we went to the people- the Nicaraguan people- who had already been seen and asked if anyone would donate some of their dehydrated food to the family... and they did. We gave the little girl and her mother vitamins, iron, anti-parasitic meds, etc - the full work up. Gave explicit instructions on how to take everything. I'll never forget the way that little girl looked- like she was trapped in her own body. If anyone has ever seen a movie or read a book where someone's in a coma but they're still awake - that's what I felt like this little girl might have felt like. No energy, so sick. The mother so worried. If we had only seen that one patient I would have felt like the trip was worth it. Oh, and I love Patti and her response- so calm, so meaningful. Good experience that day.
Ok- enough specific stories. Needless to say, we did good. it was worth it. I loved the trip. My spanish is still good, but needs work. The mission itself was beautiful. I loved Jinotega. I loved talking to the translators about politics (yet again, I was in a central american country during an election season) and their schooling. They showed us around the town- which as some will know- getting to know a town, feeling like I live there, getting to find the places where the locals go and feeling like I fit right in- that's my favorite part about traveling.
I would have wandered around the city more if they'd let us, but we're kind of a liability- bunch of americans wandering around town :)
We got a break and went to the beach over the weekend...
Stress relief and fun also included board games- bananagrams was probably my favorite and an absolutely perfect game :) 
The second week was fantastic too- we taught our class, which went over perfectly. The people loved the games, really and truly wanted to learn the information - were great about telling us what they already do and what they wanted to know about. My favorite part was at the end of our teaching day, we split the group into two teams - they had to act out diseases you could get during pregnancy and the other team had to guess what it was. They LOVED this (as did I). One team had people stroking out on the floor- which was hilarious and done perfectly- and for some reason all of the performers were MEN - so the guy who acted out breast tenderness got a long laugh from the group. I hear in the other day, one of the med student (Stephen) played a pregnant lady quite well :) I just loved our group.
We also visited Casa Materna - a place where women can stay to be closer to the hospital for when the go into labor. It's free for them but nothing is provided except a place to stay and a kitchen. They have rice and beans and a bunch of rocking chairs. The women tend to be bored to death and miss their families so they don't always go. We took beads and those fuzzy wire things and made them all flowers- which was a hit. There was one woman- she was quite young actually- who was clearly hoarding as much of the pretty stuff as she could- she had two flowers and a couple of bracelets... she was so sneaky and mischievous- i loved it.
Mischievous = girl in white gown below :)
I got sick while I was there and actually had to get a shot of penicillin. I literally got a shot in a 3rd world county (but the MPC clinic was so nice - I have no doubts about anything). They took great care of me! But I slept for almost an entire day and missed the hike to the cross that was on a mountain. Sad day. But I recovered quickly (thanks to the shot in my butt) and that's all that matters.
The rest of the summer was a rush. I spent about two weeks traveling from city to city. Got to see Jon and his family- finally met the baby Campbell and all of the new Skates clan members! I love my second family. I also got to see an old high school buddy who's pregnant and really excited. Went and spent the day with my uncle Tom and aunt Janice at their new house in Wimberley TX - went on a motorcycle ride and we pulled out the telescopes- I got to see Saturn's rings! These two really make my day - I enjoy the way they approach life and the hobbies they've picked up. It reminds me of what I want my life to be like. Got to see Bob and Sandi and the girls - who are truly teenagers. I remember Sandi being pregnant and Bruce and I annoying her to death. I stopped in Austin and got to see my cousin Bruce and yet another friend with her new baby, Erica and baby Gaige. In Dallas, I got to see Dan finally. I was so lucky to have worked for such a good man - he's the one thing I miss about what was my career in Dallas (other than family/friends, obviously). I'm missing a ton of stops and people- but needless to say, Texas roads saw a lot of my tires.
And of course- I spent time with Mom. She was happy grandma finally up to Mesquite but worried about how things would work out. Turns out they're doing well together and grandma is getting healthier. She drinks more water, she's taking her meds, she's smiling and laughing and playing games more. I think grandma just didnt realize how bad the environment she was living in was- like when you dont realize you have a friend that's no good to/for you until much later- she just didnt realize the effects it was having on her. Mom's taking good care of grandma too- dragging her out to dinner and to church and to doctors appointments. I bet grandma went out more in the first two weeks at our house than she had in the past year.
Mom came out to help me move into my new apartment. My friend Joe helped us move- but it was a horrible move. ugh. I move too much and that's not about to change, unfortunately. But thank god for good friends and family. Mom unpacked and organized and dragged things up from the car- Joe unpacked and fixed my furniture and helped me hang my curtains and a million other things- all of which Joe is good at (my mom and dad would say "little shit" right here). I am truly blessed to have the people I do in my life.
And now school starts. TOMORROW. I'm not unpacked. I'm not motivated. I just put sheets on my bed this morning. But- this is my life... chaos and stress and movement and fun and love and people. I couldnt ask for more.
If you've read down to this point, please know that I think of everyone frequently. Please please please fill me in on how you're doing. I know I dont call people enough. Please, dont let me go too long without getting to tell you how much I care :)
Love to all...
Then the reality of the weeks ticking away hit me. I never completed said post. School starts tomorrow and a big part of me knows I never will- not the one I wanted to, not the well-thought out, beautifully detailed post. It's just not going to happen.
So in an effort to update the people I love in spite of med school, I've giving the abbreviated version instead.
My last post talked a little about my extra-curriculars. Needless to say, I'm having fun while having my rear handed to me in a hand basket. My first year went well. I enjoyed myself, performed well, accomplished much, and learned even more. So, check that off the bucket list.
My summer was almost more hectic than med school. It involved a lot of driving, with me living like a gypsy out of grocery bags from the back of my car. I was able to see many friends, most of my family (although not all, unfortunately), and go out of the country. Overall, a great time.
Let's start with Nicaragua.
I've been trying to formulate my... emotional response to this trip for some time (I'll have to write more about that later). It was very mixed. I've always known that I would love it (and I did) and that I'd be passionate about continuing to practice internationally (which is still true). In our first week in Nicaragua, we provided care for over 1500 people. Fifteen hundred. This idea simply blows my mind. Our team was absolutely perfect. Things flowed smoothly. From set-up to break-down the two teams of doctors, nurses, PTs, students, volunteers, pharmacists, and translators were able to organize hundreds of people - getting them in and out of a doctors care and the medication and vitamins they need in hand within 15 minutes (usually less). This of course did not include their multiple hours of waiting in line.
The people of Nicaragua were quite wonderful. Even after waiting for hours out in the heat, having started waiting before 4 and 5 am - they were kind, patient, and respectful. Some were funny. Most were reserved. The kids are darling- absolutely beautiful. And to top it off, they were a great inspiration for me- these are people who have to - HAVE TO - be healthy to live. They work through diabetic ulcerations, sciatica, headaches, arthritis, heart defects, etc- just push through and keep going. Resilience is a good word for a lot of what we saw. There was also desperation, apathy, and acceptance. But the stories that meant the most to the whole crew were the ones of resilience.
A few stories especially stick out.
-With Dra. Edwards in Yali, I met an 86 year old woman who had walked 5 hours to get to the clinic. She had arthritis and headaches and was worried because she was the only caretaker for her now deceased son's child who had significant mental retardation and physical hindrances. This 86 year old woman had to help the now young adult get around, go to the bathroom, etc. Anyone who has been a caretaker can understand the difficulties this poses. She brought us pictures - of her son's funeral, of the daughter, of herself years ago. She was stressed, crying, and to top it off sick and getting older. It's a story you can hear anywhere - but this was the first time I'd been on the side of the potential care giver. It was the first time I'd been in a position where people were coming to me with desperation. Dont get me wrong- I've worked with child abuse victims and in nursing homes. I've seen sadness and anger and pain before. But it was the sheer desperation that got to me. This woman came to us thinking that we were her only chance for some sort of relief (and she may have been right, depending on if there would be another medical group coming through or not). Here- I think people know there's always somewhere they can go to get help- even if it's just to the emergency room/liquor store/advil in the bathroom/etc. But I haven't seen that extent of emotional need for relief from stress/life/etc. And it was in almost every person we saw. As you can imagine, it's motivating and draining (but more motivating).
- With Dr. Weiss in Las Quebradas, we met a man who had brought in 5 of his children- the 6th was still an infant and was at home with a relative. He wanted them all checked out and had a few complaints of arthritis/headaches. Maybe even something else- I'm having trouble remembering. The reason this story sticks in my head was the very reason we were challenged to teach in Nicaragua - maternal mortality. His wife had passed away giving birth to the infant who was still at home. He had some family but they had families of their own to care for - and he works all the time to provide for them. Food was scarce, healthcare scarcer. Not to mention the man's sadness over his wife's death. It was a story that touched everyone- in part because the kids were wonderful- playful, funny, and smart- and in part because the man was very clearly still saddened. We did what we can- for those who aren't familiar with the set up- this means we checked them each out medically, provided medication and vitamins, dehydrated food to make soups, and we even gave the family our snacks for the day. Overall, a fantastic little family that we were able to encounter.
-Another story- in Dorado with Dra. Patterson: it was the end of the day, it was starting to get dark and we were starting to feel the pressure to get on the road and head back- but we hadn't made it through the line of people yet. We started taking children only, just to see as many as possible, and one of our last little girls was one of the most sickly people I saw on the entire trip. Her eyes were matte, her hair was thinning and reddening, she had edema in her feet, anemia, and barely moved when we looked her over- she was literally dying of malnutrition. People around Patti and I were starting to try and rush- taking papers to get the meds ready and asking if we were done with our table so they could put it on the bus. Patti looks up at the mission leader and says- we just saved someone's life here today, so let us finish and we'll pack up in a minute. We had run out of food to give them so we went to the people- the Nicaraguan people- who had already been seen and asked if anyone would donate some of their dehydrated food to the family... and they did. We gave the little girl and her mother vitamins, iron, anti-parasitic meds, etc - the full work up. Gave explicit instructions on how to take everything. I'll never forget the way that little girl looked- like she was trapped in her own body. If anyone has ever seen a movie or read a book where someone's in a coma but they're still awake - that's what I felt like this little girl might have felt like. No energy, so sick. The mother so worried. If we had only seen that one patient I would have felt like the trip was worth it. Oh, and I love Patti and her response- so calm, so meaningful. Good experience that day.
Ok- enough specific stories. Needless to say, we did good. it was worth it. I loved the trip. My spanish is still good, but needs work. The mission itself was beautiful. I loved Jinotega. I loved talking to the translators about politics (yet again, I was in a central american country during an election season) and their schooling. They showed us around the town- which as some will know- getting to know a town, feeling like I live there, getting to find the places where the locals go and feeling like I fit right in- that's my favorite part about traveling.
I would have wandered around the city more if they'd let us, but we're kind of a liability- bunch of americans wandering around town :)We got a break and went to the beach over the weekend...
Stress relief and fun also included board games- bananagrams was probably my favorite and an absolutely perfect game :) 
The second week was fantastic too- we taught our class, which went over perfectly. The people loved the games, really and truly wanted to learn the information - were great about telling us what they already do and what they wanted to know about. My favorite part was at the end of our teaching day, we split the group into two teams - they had to act out diseases you could get during pregnancy and the other team had to guess what it was. They LOVED this (as did I). One team had people stroking out on the floor- which was hilarious and done perfectly- and for some reason all of the performers were MEN - so the guy who acted out breast tenderness got a long laugh from the group. I hear in the other day, one of the med student (Stephen) played a pregnant lady quite well :) I just loved our group.
We also visited Casa Materna - a place where women can stay to be closer to the hospital for when the go into labor. It's free for them but nothing is provided except a place to stay and a kitchen. They have rice and beans and a bunch of rocking chairs. The women tend to be bored to death and miss their families so they don't always go. We took beads and those fuzzy wire things and made them all flowers- which was a hit. There was one woman- she was quite young actually- who was clearly hoarding as much of the pretty stuff as she could- she had two flowers and a couple of bracelets... she was so sneaky and mischievous- i loved it.
Mischievous = girl in white gown below :)
I got sick while I was there and actually had to get a shot of penicillin. I literally got a shot in a 3rd world county (but the MPC clinic was so nice - I have no doubts about anything). They took great care of me! But I slept for almost an entire day and missed the hike to the cross that was on a mountain. Sad day. But I recovered quickly (thanks to the shot in my butt) and that's all that matters.
The rest of the summer was a rush. I spent about two weeks traveling from city to city. Got to see Jon and his family- finally met the baby Campbell and all of the new Skates clan members! I love my second family. I also got to see an old high school buddy who's pregnant and really excited. Went and spent the day with my uncle Tom and aunt Janice at their new house in Wimberley TX - went on a motorcycle ride and we pulled out the telescopes- I got to see Saturn's rings! These two really make my day - I enjoy the way they approach life and the hobbies they've picked up. It reminds me of what I want my life to be like. Got to see Bob and Sandi and the girls - who are truly teenagers. I remember Sandi being pregnant and Bruce and I annoying her to death. I stopped in Austin and got to see my cousin Bruce and yet another friend with her new baby, Erica and baby Gaige. In Dallas, I got to see Dan finally. I was so lucky to have worked for such a good man - he's the one thing I miss about what was my career in Dallas (other than family/friends, obviously). I'm missing a ton of stops and people- but needless to say, Texas roads saw a lot of my tires.
And of course- I spent time with Mom. She was happy grandma finally up to Mesquite but worried about how things would work out. Turns out they're doing well together and grandma is getting healthier. She drinks more water, she's taking her meds, she's smiling and laughing and playing games more. I think grandma just didnt realize how bad the environment she was living in was- like when you dont realize you have a friend that's no good to/for you until much later- she just didnt realize the effects it was having on her. Mom's taking good care of grandma too- dragging her out to dinner and to church and to doctors appointments. I bet grandma went out more in the first two weeks at our house than she had in the past year.
Mom came out to help me move into my new apartment. My friend Joe helped us move- but it was a horrible move. ugh. I move too much and that's not about to change, unfortunately. But thank god for good friends and family. Mom unpacked and organized and dragged things up from the car- Joe unpacked and fixed my furniture and helped me hang my curtains and a million other things- all of which Joe is good at (my mom and dad would say "little shit" right here). I am truly blessed to have the people I do in my life.
And now school starts. TOMORROW. I'm not unpacked. I'm not motivated. I just put sheets on my bed this morning. But- this is my life... chaos and stress and movement and fun and love and people. I couldnt ask for more.
If you've read down to this point, please know that I think of everyone frequently. Please please please fill me in on how you're doing. I know I dont call people enough. Please, dont let me go too long without getting to tell you how much I care :)
Love to all...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Long time, No post
Amazing as it may be, I've been a little busy. It's funny how quickly a year can go really. My last post about school was anatomy lab- in my mind, that was forever and a day ago. To update, I've been doing well. Some tests are way better, some are ok- but overall I'm about your average medical student (which is better than it sounds). On top of basic school, I've done a lot with the groups I'm involved with. In my position as VP of Texas Medical Association's Medical Student Section, I went to Austin to lobby politicians (or their aids, really). We won an award for bringing the most students with us- which considering we came from Lubbock (and others came from Houston/Dallas) says a lot, I feel. I really enjoy politics - I just wish I felt things could actually be fixed. Don't worry- I wont give up. I'm just realistic.
Also, I was the chair for Poverty Banquet- a dinner to raise awareness about global poverty levels, the way natural disasters affect the impoverished, and to give information about a local company called Breedlove Foods Inc here in Lubbock. They're really great- take unused produce from surrounding potato farms, dehydrate it, mix it into quite tasty meals (yeah, I bought some- so?), and then send it to NGO/NPOs all over the world. They're non-profit, get grants from USAID, etc. We took the tour- it was awesome. I enjoy seeing businesses that are out for the best for all using innovative means. Anyways- the dinner went well. We had over 100 people show and raised about $1700 dollars for the company. We had so many people working for it - things got a little stressful. I always think it's interesting to see how people handle stress. Overall, we did a fantastic job. Not too much freaking out, which means a lot from high stress med students.
I'm now the VP of international medicine and gearing up for my trip to Nicaragua. I need to write more about that when I have time. I'm excited about it though. I just wish my Spanish could be as good as it was in 2004... yikes. I still love and get so much passion from global health. Oh- I'm still helping design the curriculum for the global health certificate. we turned in our final go-rounds recently. I just need to do more research and my sections are donnnnne! Love it- can't wait to teach about something that makes me so incredibly motivated.
Did I mention I go to school everyday still? Don't worry- I haven't lost too much focus ;)
As a glimpse into my non school related life... I have two great friends here - lots of friends overall- just two that I see the most, Sunny and Joe. Surprise to everyone, they're both male (ha). They're complete opposites. Joe reminds me of Matt so much, but a little younger. He's a good, strong person from Elgin, TX - a good ol' country boy who drives a huge diesel Dodge. In 5 years, he'll be one of the best men I know. Sunny is my support system here. He is different than anyone I've been friends with before- he's very good at reading me and communicating (and he's MALE!). Probably one of the best communicators I've ever met. He's also very smooth with women - really gets how to talk to them (not in a sleezy bar way- just to clarify). It's amusing to watch. I think we get along so well because we both take the profession so seriously. I decided recently (after speaking with Ruth, who just started working in an OB/GYN office and is learning things about the medical field most people dont know) that the main reasons I get frustrated with people or link myself to people is based on how much honor/respect they give the profession and the patient. I know that seems obvious, but I think right now- at our stage in medicine (students) - people still see this as school. I put a lot into this because I honor both the profession I'm gaining entrance to and the patients who put their trust in me, their health and life in my hands. When people don't take that 100% seriously, it really makes me see them differently. I need to relax when it comes to that- I know everyone is sovereign and have their own motivations and ideas about what their lives will be. I need to give people a break. Butttttt until then, it's people like Sunny, Ruth, Erika, and Gina who remind me what I'm here for, and I'm so appreciative.
Family is good- mom seems to be doing well, every time I talk to her she's got a list of a million things that all have to be done (retirement... what a scam!). She seems happy though, which makes me happy. Wish I could talk to everyone more frequently. There are so many people in my life whose lives are flying by- marriages, kids, new jobs, moving cities, big plans. I wish I could be intimately involved with each and every change but that's just not realistic. I'm not going to give up though- I think I'll forever be a nomad, attempting to go everywhere, see everything, and meet up with everyone. Until I have kids I guess- then there's just too much stuff to carry. Bruce says they're laying the vocals for their latest CD... I honest to goodness can't wait to hear it. I wonder if he believes me sometimes when I say that- but if you ever read this, I want my copy asap, Bruce.
I have a few photos to share- the one of me and the boys at the Lubbock Crosby Garza County Medical Society Centennial Celebration (long name) [Joe and Sunny to my right, respectively- another good friend, Glen, on the left].
Poverty Banquet.
Brooke, Ava, and Katie helping mom and I plant the veggie garden (my god-baby in purple).
And the City Lights Charity Ball
I'll have to post more- but as I have a test on Monday and I'm just procrastinating right now... adios!
Also, I was the chair for Poverty Banquet- a dinner to raise awareness about global poverty levels, the way natural disasters affect the impoverished, and to give information about a local company called Breedlove Foods Inc here in Lubbock. They're really great- take unused produce from surrounding potato farms, dehydrate it, mix it into quite tasty meals (yeah, I bought some- so?), and then send it to NGO/NPOs all over the world. They're non-profit, get grants from USAID, etc. We took the tour- it was awesome. I enjoy seeing businesses that are out for the best for all using innovative means. Anyways- the dinner went well. We had over 100 people show and raised about $1700 dollars for the company. We had so many people working for it - things got a little stressful. I always think it's interesting to see how people handle stress. Overall, we did a fantastic job. Not too much freaking out, which means a lot from high stress med students.
I'm now the VP of international medicine and gearing up for my trip to Nicaragua. I need to write more about that when I have time. I'm excited about it though. I just wish my Spanish could be as good as it was in 2004... yikes. I still love and get so much passion from global health. Oh- I'm still helping design the curriculum for the global health certificate. we turned in our final go-rounds recently. I just need to do more research and my sections are donnnnne! Love it- can't wait to teach about something that makes me so incredibly motivated.
Did I mention I go to school everyday still? Don't worry- I haven't lost too much focus ;)
As a glimpse into my non school related life... I have two great friends here - lots of friends overall- just two that I see the most, Sunny and Joe. Surprise to everyone, they're both male (ha). They're complete opposites. Joe reminds me of Matt so much, but a little younger. He's a good, strong person from Elgin, TX - a good ol' country boy who drives a huge diesel Dodge. In 5 years, he'll be one of the best men I know. Sunny is my support system here. He is different than anyone I've been friends with before- he's very good at reading me and communicating (and he's MALE!). Probably one of the best communicators I've ever met. He's also very smooth with women - really gets how to talk to them (not in a sleezy bar way- just to clarify). It's amusing to watch. I think we get along so well because we both take the profession so seriously. I decided recently (after speaking with Ruth, who just started working in an OB/GYN office and is learning things about the medical field most people dont know) that the main reasons I get frustrated with people or link myself to people is based on how much honor/respect they give the profession and the patient. I know that seems obvious, but I think right now- at our stage in medicine (students) - people still see this as school. I put a lot into this because I honor both the profession I'm gaining entrance to and the patients who put their trust in me, their health and life in my hands. When people don't take that 100% seriously, it really makes me see them differently. I need to relax when it comes to that- I know everyone is sovereign and have their own motivations and ideas about what their lives will be. I need to give people a break. Butttttt until then, it's people like Sunny, Ruth, Erika, and Gina who remind me what I'm here for, and I'm so appreciative.
Family is good- mom seems to be doing well, every time I talk to her she's got a list of a million things that all have to be done (retirement... what a scam!). She seems happy though, which makes me happy. Wish I could talk to everyone more frequently. There are so many people in my life whose lives are flying by- marriages, kids, new jobs, moving cities, big plans. I wish I could be intimately involved with each and every change but that's just not realistic. I'm not going to give up though- I think I'll forever be a nomad, attempting to go everywhere, see everything, and meet up with everyone. Until I have kids I guess- then there's just too much stuff to carry. Bruce says they're laying the vocals for their latest CD... I honest to goodness can't wait to hear it. I wonder if he believes me sometimes when I say that- but if you ever read this, I want my copy asap, Bruce.
I have a few photos to share- the one of me and the boys at the Lubbock Crosby Garza County Medical Society Centennial Celebration (long name) [Joe and Sunny to my right, respectively- another good friend, Glen, on the left].
Poverty Banquet.
Brooke, Ava, and Katie helping mom and I plant the veggie garden (my god-baby in purple).
And the City Lights Charity Ball
I'll have to post more- but as I have a test on Monday and I'm just procrastinating right now... adios!
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