Ok, so don't tell my hubby but for his B-Day I got him this cool thing by Nike that you put in your shoe and it logs your running mileage...somehow it communicates all this to your iPod so you can analyze your running program on your iPod. It's way cool. So, in conjunction with that I signed the two of us up for a 5K on September 14th...that's not very far from now considering that I get winded if I jog for more than 2 minutes straight.
So...to gear up for our big run I am running with the help of a Podcast called "Couch to 5K", which basically turns even the laziest person ever (me) into a runner in 9 weeks. Since I am also trying to talk my friend Cheri into doing a duathlon on August 24th, I am compressing my 9 week running plan down to 7 or so. And yes, I know that the whole idea is to gradually ease into running, but hey...I can bench press 40 pounds and do 3.5 "real" push-ups, so it's not like I'm starting at groun zero here. :-)
Oh, I also got him a wobble-board, which is kind of one of those things that I think he'll like but that I KNOW I'll like. If I were cool enough to do links I'd do them here so you could check it out, but alas...I am not that cool.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Call me Super Nerd
I will be the first to admit that I am having The Most Un-Summer Summer Ever. I am taking the second component to Anatomy & Physiology and it is surprising how things like this just take over your life. One minute I'm chatty and interesting at parties and the next I'm only able to discuss lymph nodes and afterload. Riveting.
At this point I am halfway through the class...we have our third exam next Thursday, then there's only one more "regular" exam...the last one is take-home, I'm thinking because it's given just a couple of days after text #4 and there's no way to assimilate all the information in that short of time. Plus, the final is optional, so as long as I do well on my next two tests, then I can kind of skate for the final week or so of class. So, that means only 2.5 more weeks of super-intense A&P. Yippeeeee!
So right now we're studying the circulatory system, having finished up on the heart last week. I have to say that this stuff is much more interesting than I thought it would be...just the regulation of blood pressure alone is really really interesting. So, the good news is that even though I'm borING I am not at all borED. For this chapter, the main challenge is memorizing most of the arteries and veins of the body and being able to recite a pathway, say from the ascending aorta to the anterior tibial artery. I'm doing pretty good on all the extremities, it's the trunk that is the most confusing...there are a lot of vessels in that area! I'm almost got the arteries down, though...and will start memorizing the veins probably tomorrow. Again, I am just riveting at parties.
What else is new? My hubby is interviewing with a fire department in the armpit of California, and knowing our luck this will be the one that he lands. Plus, only 5 guys showed up to the initial cattle-call interview and they're hiring 3 or so. So, compared to odds of about 100 to 1, this is pretty good. The only thing I can think of to keep myself sane is that I'll be so busy with nursing school that I won't notice what an armpit I'm living in...is this the case? Anyone? I don't even want to THINK about what would happen if I didn't get into a program...that would be really not good with a capital R-N-G.
Ok, off to read all my other favorite blogs...wasting time when I should be studying is one of my guilty pleasures!
At this point I am halfway through the class...we have our third exam next Thursday, then there's only one more "regular" exam...the last one is take-home, I'm thinking because it's given just a couple of days after text #4 and there's no way to assimilate all the information in that short of time. Plus, the final is optional, so as long as I do well on my next two tests, then I can kind of skate for the final week or so of class. So, that means only 2.5 more weeks of super-intense A&P. Yippeeeee!
So right now we're studying the circulatory system, having finished up on the heart last week. I have to say that this stuff is much more interesting than I thought it would be...just the regulation of blood pressure alone is really really interesting. So, the good news is that even though I'm borING I am not at all borED. For this chapter, the main challenge is memorizing most of the arteries and veins of the body and being able to recite a pathway, say from the ascending aorta to the anterior tibial artery. I'm doing pretty good on all the extremities, it's the trunk that is the most confusing...there are a lot of vessels in that area! I'm almost got the arteries down, though...and will start memorizing the veins probably tomorrow. Again, I am just riveting at parties.
What else is new? My hubby is interviewing with a fire department in the armpit of California, and knowing our luck this will be the one that he lands. Plus, only 5 guys showed up to the initial cattle-call interview and they're hiring 3 or so. So, compared to odds of about 100 to 1, this is pretty good. The only thing I can think of to keep myself sane is that I'll be so busy with nursing school that I won't notice what an armpit I'm living in...is this the case? Anyone? I don't even want to THINK about what would happen if I didn't get into a program...that would be really not good with a capital R-N-G.
Ok, off to read all my other favorite blogs...wasting time when I should be studying is one of my guilty pleasures!
Monday, June 09, 2008
I can bench press 40 pounds!
Ok, when you look at it written out like that it doesn't sound like much. But I was totally stoked anyway. That means I can probably lift the bar now...no weights on it, just the bar. How cool is that? Ok, it's not totally cool. Totally cool would be racking up some weight, but I'll settle for graduating the to the bar...at least for now!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
First day, first impressions
So I went to my first day of summer school yesterday at the Sutter Center for Health Professionals...an extension campus that is muuuuuuch nicer than the digs at American River College. For those of you who can't keep up with my ridiculous course schedule, I am taking the second segment of Anatomy & Physiology after having killed the first segment last semester. However, this course is compressed into only 8 weeks, so I'm expecting it to be a different kind of hell entirely. After one day (and 5 hours of sitting in the same spot), these are my first impressions:
- My instructor is young and kinda cute. I doubt I'll want to crawl under the table when he talks about penises and vaginas in the upcoming chapter on the reproductive system, the way I would have in Dr. K's class (instructor from last semester)
- He seems very organized...but his lecture style and slides/outlines are COMPLETELY different from what I'm used to. It took me 2-3 hours last night to type up my notes from class because I had to look for information in at least 4 different places. Yuck.
- Facilities are very nice. There's a little break room with a vending machine that spews out really bad coffee (but hey, it's coffee!), a microwave and a really nice outdoor area for lounging.
- All the models are brand new
- No wet lab...meaning no dissecting!!!!!! Yippeeeeeee :-)
- The schedule is hellish. I have a test in less than two weeks. Good lord.
- The last exam is take home!
- The final is optional since he drops your lowest test score...so yay...hopefully I'll be able to ditch the final!
- Quizzes every day using those new-fangled "clicker" things.
- The chairs are kinda weird, and aren't deep enough to allow me to sit cross-legged...a major bummer
- Did I mention no dissecting??????
So...that's it! I'll try to update this blog at least once a week while I'm in school because I am simply not going to have time to stay in touch with my peeps "one-on-one" the way I normally do. Consider this your link to Mo for the next 8 weeks!
- My instructor is young and kinda cute. I doubt I'll want to crawl under the table when he talks about penises and vaginas in the upcoming chapter on the reproductive system, the way I would have in Dr. K's class (instructor from last semester)
- He seems very organized...but his lecture style and slides/outlines are COMPLETELY different from what I'm used to. It took me 2-3 hours last night to type up my notes from class because I had to look for information in at least 4 different places. Yuck.
- Facilities are very nice. There's a little break room with a vending machine that spews out really bad coffee (but hey, it's coffee!), a microwave and a really nice outdoor area for lounging.
- All the models are brand new
- No wet lab...meaning no dissecting!!!!!! Yippeeeeeee :-)
- The schedule is hellish. I have a test in less than two weeks. Good lord.
- The last exam is take home!
- The final is optional since he drops your lowest test score...so yay...hopefully I'll be able to ditch the final!
- Quizzes every day using those new-fangled "clicker" things.
- The chairs are kinda weird, and aren't deep enough to allow me to sit cross-legged...a major bummer
- Did I mention no dissecting??????
So...that's it! I'll try to update this blog at least once a week while I'm in school because I am simply not going to have time to stay in touch with my peeps "one-on-one" the way I normally do. Consider this your link to Mo for the next 8 weeks!
Friday, April 18, 2008
How many 5 year olds could YOU beat in a fight?
20
According to this snazzy web page, I could take on 20 five year olds in a fight. I guess this site was spawned perhaps by that plot of grade school children to kill their teacher? Or maybe it was there before and I just happened across it. Great great fun. I sooo love "the internets".
According to this snazzy web page, I could take on 20 five year olds in a fight. I guess this site was spawned perhaps by that plot of grade school children to kill their teacher? Or maybe it was there before and I just happened across it. Great great fun. I sooo love "the internets".
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Item #1 on my List of Things I Never Dreamed I'd Say: "This cat's skin does NOT want to come off!"
Yes, you read that right. I have skinned a cat. That is not a typo...SKINNED A FREAKIN' CAT! And yes, that sound you heard is me throwing up in my mouth.
My Anatomy & Physiology class requires the dissection of a cat. Don't ask me why as I am not going to vet school, nor do I plan to become a surgeon or a doctor. Needless to say, this experience puts the "un" in unpleasant. We got a very large black boy kitty who we promptly named Mr. Bigglesworth. How big is he? He's so big that his tail hangs off the end of the dissection tray dripping cat juice all over the floor and onto our clothes. UNpleasant!
Day 1 of the cat dissection involved removing the skin, and let me tell ya...our cat was one tough cookie. Not only is he huge, but he has very strong and tough fascia. For those of you who don't know what fascia is, it's that stuff that makes the tearing noise when you pull the skin off something (the sound you just heard was you throwing up in your mouth.) His skin was firmly adhered to his musculature via the fascia from hell and it was n-a-s-t-y trying to get it off. Mostly I just held Mr. B while my lab partners tugged (literally TUGGED) at his skin. It was all I could do, though I did help a little...I think I used the scissors some and maybe the probe. It's all a formaldehyde-induced blur.
Day 2 of the dissection involved isolating muscles. All I have to say about that is: dark meat turkey. 'Nuff said. Drumstick anyone?
So...while I'm saddened and disgusted that we have to do this useless task, I am proud of myself that I have done as much as I've managed so far. Thank god for awesome lab partners who aren't as squeamish as little ol' me. If I was on my own I would be so totally screwed.
On a brighter note...I got a 96 on my practical and a 95 on my written test. Toot toot with the self-blowing horn!
Peace!
Not-so-mighty Mo
My Anatomy & Physiology class requires the dissection of a cat. Don't ask me why as I am not going to vet school, nor do I plan to become a surgeon or a doctor. Needless to say, this experience puts the "un" in unpleasant. We got a very large black boy kitty who we promptly named Mr. Bigglesworth. How big is he? He's so big that his tail hangs off the end of the dissection tray dripping cat juice all over the floor and onto our clothes. UNpleasant!
Day 1 of the cat dissection involved removing the skin, and let me tell ya...our cat was one tough cookie. Not only is he huge, but he has very strong and tough fascia. For those of you who don't know what fascia is, it's that stuff that makes the tearing noise when you pull the skin off something (the sound you just heard was you throwing up in your mouth.) His skin was firmly adhered to his musculature via the fascia from hell and it was n-a-s-t-y trying to get it off. Mostly I just held Mr. B while my lab partners tugged (literally TUGGED) at his skin. It was all I could do, though I did help a little...I think I used the scissors some and maybe the probe. It's all a formaldehyde-induced blur.
Day 2 of the dissection involved isolating muscles. All I have to say about that is: dark meat turkey. 'Nuff said. Drumstick anyone?
So...while I'm saddened and disgusted that we have to do this useless task, I am proud of myself that I have done as much as I've managed so far. Thank god for awesome lab partners who aren't as squeamish as little ol' me. If I was on my own I would be so totally screwed.
On a brighter note...I got a 96 on my practical and a 95 on my written test. Toot toot with the self-blowing horn!
Peace!
Not-so-mighty Mo
Monday, March 17, 2008
Algebra miracles and sore buns
You might want to sit down for this. OK, are you ready? Here goes...yours truly, a self-proclaimed number phobe, got a 96% on an Algebra test.
(brief pause while you sit in shocked silence).
Yes, it is an Algebra Miracle...and just in time for Spring Break! I am off school this week and am spending today preparing my taxes and the rest of the week working on the yard and studying bones for my A&P test.
Speaking of school, I am having some school anxiety...I just want to get into a nursing program already, and the more I think about it the more I want to get a second bachelor's since I know I'm going to want an advanced degree at some point. So, my plan, at least for now, is to apply to the ADN programs that start in January and commence with school this fall as though I won't get in (which I very well may not, the programs are totally impacted), and then apply to a BSN program (Sac State has one, and so does Samuel Merritt if I want to cough up oodles of dollars). In fact, some BSN programs are accelerated and I could maybe even finish another Bachelor's in the amount of time it would take me to get an Associate's Degree (or close to it.) Anyone have any thoughts on this?
In order to apply to one of the accelerated BSN programs I need four additional courses...Organic Chemistry, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Statistics. Think that's even possible in one semester? Oh god...it sounds insane...probably because it is insane .
Anyway, that's the school thing...now on to the sore buns.
I am seriously needing to do something about the enormity of my butt, so I started doing my Bar Method DVDs recently as well as Callanetics. Stay tuned for updates...I will probably measure the mass in a couple of weeks. My first impressions are "ouch"... which is a good thing when it comes to exercise, right?
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!
(brief pause while you sit in shocked silence).
Yes, it is an Algebra Miracle...and just in time for Spring Break! I am off school this week and am spending today preparing my taxes and the rest of the week working on the yard and studying bones for my A&P test.
Speaking of school, I am having some school anxiety...I just want to get into a nursing program already, and the more I think about it the more I want to get a second bachelor's since I know I'm going to want an advanced degree at some point. So, my plan, at least for now, is to apply to the ADN programs that start in January and commence with school this fall as though I won't get in (which I very well may not, the programs are totally impacted), and then apply to a BSN program (Sac State has one, and so does Samuel Merritt if I want to cough up oodles of dollars). In fact, some BSN programs are accelerated and I could maybe even finish another Bachelor's in the amount of time it would take me to get an Associate's Degree (or close to it.) Anyone have any thoughts on this?
In order to apply to one of the accelerated BSN programs I need four additional courses...Organic Chemistry, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Statistics. Think that's even possible in one semester? Oh god...it sounds insane...probably because it is insane .
Anyway, that's the school thing...now on to the sore buns.
I am seriously needing to do something about the enormity of my butt, so I started doing my Bar Method DVDs recently as well as Callanetics. Stay tuned for updates...I will probably measure the mass in a couple of weeks. My first impressions are "ouch"... which is a good thing when it comes to exercise, right?
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
"But who will take care of you when you're old?"
People often throw this one out there when they talk to someone who doesn't plan to have kids, as if having a child is any guarantee that you'll have a dedicated caregiver in your old age. If you don't believe me, just ask Terry Caffey, who is the lone survivor of a brutal attack that killed his wife and two children. His daughter and his daughter's boyfriend are the main suspects. Terry, who was shot in the head (quite possibly by the same person who was supposed to care for him in his old age) will be lucky if he even lives that long. You can read the horrible events here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080302/ap_on_re_us/texas_deaths
Of course, I'm not saying all children end up murdering their parents, but the shocking number of people who are killed by their parents or their children is proof enough that not everyone is cut out for this, and further proof that stock answers and generalizations do not apply to all.
Of course, I'm not saying all children end up murdering their parents, but the shocking number of people who are killed by their parents or their children is proof enough that not everyone is cut out for this, and further proof that stock answers and generalizations do not apply to all.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
This is what happens when you don't, "change your mind."
I found this post on a website that is like the most addicting train wreck you have ever seen...True Mom Confessions. About half the "confessions" are positive, "I have the best baby who sleeps through the night at 2 months and is already potty-trained...I'm sooo luckeeeee", and about half are of the "I want to die, motherhood is killing me" variety. A big thanks to the blog Child Free Clique for turning me on to this train wreck.
All too often people think it's necessary to force their advice and opinions on me in regards to my choice to be childfree at 37 (with a 10-year birth control device in place..thank you very much), and they tend to say things like "Oh you'll change your mind", or "It's different when it's your own kid" and a whole load of other nonsense. It's called Child Free Bingo for a reason...the same old tired phrases get thrown at me again and again. But I digress...
I came across this confession (one of hundreds) that proves that it is not DIFFERENT when it's your own...well, actually it is different. When it's your own kid you can't hand it off to its parents when it starts in with the crying and the runny nose and the poopy diaper and whatnot. So, without further ado, here's the confession:
"I am a better mom when I drink. Really. I don't get drunk. I just get buzzed enough to be relaxed. I am more tolerant of their loudness and annoying behaviour after I have had a few drinks. I will sit and listen to them ramble on about some stupid crap they are interested in when I have a drink in my hand. I am more lenient and laugh easier with them. When I am sober, I am selfish and mean. I just want them to be quiet and leave me alone. I don't want to listen to them or even be in the same room with them. I haven't always felt this way. They are teens now and they just bug the crap out of me. I HAVE to have alcohol so I won't go INSANE. I feel so awful because of this."
Do you really think this woman should have had children? Do you really think that she "changed her mind" or feels that it's "different because it's her own?" Obviously not...but someone somewhere probably forced their ideas onto her and she caved...whether it was her husband, her family, her girlfriends or just society in general...she chose a path that deliberately put her into her own personal hell. People...do yourselves a favor. Think about it long and hard BEFORE you have kids. If it's something you want then do it and PLEASE BE GREAT AT IT. If it's not your cup of tea do not cave to societal pressure. Doing something that is 100% permanent and involves innocent others because you "might change your mind" takes a very special kind of stupid.
As I've always said..."there's not enough wine in the world."
All too often people think it's necessary to force their advice and opinions on me in regards to my choice to be childfree at 37 (with a 10-year birth control device in place..thank you very much), and they tend to say things like "Oh you'll change your mind", or "It's different when it's your own kid" and a whole load of other nonsense. It's called Child Free Bingo for a reason...the same old tired phrases get thrown at me again and again. But I digress...
I came across this confession (one of hundreds) that proves that it is not DIFFERENT when it's your own...well, actually it is different. When it's your own kid you can't hand it off to its parents when it starts in with the crying and the runny nose and the poopy diaper and whatnot. So, without further ado, here's the confession:
"I am a better mom when I drink. Really. I don't get drunk. I just get buzzed enough to be relaxed. I am more tolerant of their loudness and annoying behaviour after I have had a few drinks. I will sit and listen to them ramble on about some stupid crap they are interested in when I have a drink in my hand. I am more lenient and laugh easier with them. When I am sober, I am selfish and mean. I just want them to be quiet and leave me alone. I don't want to listen to them or even be in the same room with them. I haven't always felt this way. They are teens now and they just bug the crap out of me. I HAVE to have alcohol so I won't go INSANE. I feel so awful because of this."
Do you really think this woman should have had children? Do you really think that she "changed her mind" or feels that it's "different because it's her own?" Obviously not...but someone somewhere probably forced their ideas onto her and she caved...whether it was her husband, her family, her girlfriends or just society in general...she chose a path that deliberately put her into her own personal hell. People...do yourselves a favor. Think about it long and hard BEFORE you have kids. If it's something you want then do it and PLEASE BE GREAT AT IT. If it's not your cup of tea do not cave to societal pressure. Doing something that is 100% permanent and involves innocent others because you "might change your mind" takes a very special kind of stupid.
As I've always said..."there's not enough wine in the world."
Thursday, January 31, 2008
San Francisco Yoga Conference
I just realized I never really talk about yoga in my blog. Why is that? Probably because I have been a baaaad yogi since school started and have not been yoga-ing as much as I would like. Anyway, in an attempt to get my Yoga MoJo back (a process initiated by no longer teaching my Saturday yoga class), I attended the San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference. If you haven't been to one of these conferences and are interested in going, you should know that it is crowded. As in lots and lots of people all over the place. And, I was really lame and only went to 3 out of the 6 classes...but the three I went to were great and taking a class with Ana Forrest was divine. I really felt my yoga MoJo in her class, and had a "yoga moment" in David Life's class, when I did my best Tittibhasana ever! Here's a pic...but that's not me...that's just some random pic I found online to show how cool this asana is. 
So...my overall impression of the conference:
Thumbs up: Ana Forrest, good freebies, great Yoga Marketplace
Thumbs down: Too crowded, expensive, floors carpeted
Try Ojai instead! It's a fabulous retreat :-)
So...my overall impression of the conference:
Thumbs up: Ana Forrest, good freebies, great Yoga Marketplace
Thumbs down: Too crowded, expensive, floors carpeted
Try Ojai instead! It's a fabulous retreat :-)
Sad news about Shakey Jake
It's been a few weeks, so I can write this without tearing up. Poor little Jakey is no longer with us. His fungal infection was just too big for his little immune system, and after a scary episode of labored breathing I took him to the emergency vet where I was told he was "oxygen dependent." He was such a great little cat, and I can't help but wonder why I keep getting all the sick animals. I have made Tibi and Oliver promise that they'll just keel over...no long, drawn-out illnesses...please!
When I went to pick up his ashes, they had made a little ceramic paw print, which made me cry like a baby. It is just the sweetest little thing, and I have added it to my growing shrine to all my dead loved ones...so far I have a picture of my mom, a painting and photograph of Truman, Jake's ashes and paw print, and a wooden cat that sort of resembles Judi. It's kind of sweet in a sad sort of way...my little shrine of love or sadness or appreciation and gratitude...depends on my mood.
Hug your kitties!
When I went to pick up his ashes, they had made a little ceramic paw print, which made me cry like a baby. It is just the sweetest little thing, and I have added it to my growing shrine to all my dead loved ones...so far I have a picture of my mom, a painting and photograph of Truman, Jake's ashes and paw print, and a wooden cat that sort of resembles Judi. It's kind of sweet in a sad sort of way...my little shrine of love or sadness or appreciation and gratitude...depends on my mood.
Hug your kitties!
May I ever so humbly....brag?
Ok, I can't resist! After reading through some not-so-recent posts, I realized I never provided closure to the whole Microbiology thing. Let's just say there was a highest grade in the class and that I know this person VERY well. Was that modest enough? The really amazing thing is that I got a higher grade than Doogie Howser, this total science geek that sat next to me for all of two weeks before I had to relocate thanks to his constant muttering and criticisms of the instructor. So, toot-too...that's one more horn tooting for moi! Who knew?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
One of my favorite sites...
I know...it proves I'm a cat geek, but this website has the funniest cat pictures. I love this one...the kitty looks like my Trumie.
moar funny pictures
moar funny pictures
Monday, December 03, 2007
There's a Fungus Among Us
So for anyone that has not yet been bored to tears with long-winded recitations of my kittie's horrible illess, the good news is that the vet listened to kitty's lungs today and said they sounded "good." Jake (AKA Shakey Jake) has a fungal infection in his chest...poor little baby. It is actually quite a nasty bug with the most expensive drugs on the planet. Let's just put it this way...I could lease a Prius for what I'm paying for his meds.
He has been on the fluconazole for about 4 weeks and just started a 2-week run of amphotericin last Friday. Today was his second amphotericin dose (which has to be done at the vet's office...of course! Nothing easy about my life!), so Jake and I are just really hoping things will start looking up soon. Even after he is clear of the fungus he will stay on the fluconazole for three more months...Prius anyone? Not me!!!
What else is new? I am killing it in Microbiology, though I must admit I got Bs on both of my lab practicals. They were totally trying to trick us with some of those questions...but whatever. I am cleaning up with all my other exams and projects, so an A is pretty much assured, as long as I don't choke on the next exam or the final. And tomorrow I sign up for A&P...woo-weee! Keep your fingers crossed that I get the class I want. I am trying to talk my current Micro lab partner into taking the same class so she can be the one to skin and cut into our dissection kitty. I can't even think about it.
He has been on the fluconazole for about 4 weeks and just started a 2-week run of amphotericin last Friday. Today was his second amphotericin dose (which has to be done at the vet's office...of course! Nothing easy about my life!), so Jake and I are just really hoping things will start looking up soon. Even after he is clear of the fungus he will stay on the fluconazole for three more months...Prius anyone? Not me!!!
What else is new? I am killing it in Microbiology, though I must admit I got Bs on both of my lab practicals. They were totally trying to trick us with some of those questions...but whatever. I am cleaning up with all my other exams and projects, so an A is pretty much assured, as long as I don't choke on the next exam or the final. And tomorrow I sign up for A&P...woo-weee! Keep your fingers crossed that I get the class I want. I am trying to talk my current Micro lab partner into taking the same class so she can be the one to skin and cut into our dissection kitty. I can't even think about it.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Toot! Toot!
That's me...tooting my own horn again. I got a 98.8% on my last Microbiology exam. Whooo-hooooo! OK, I know it's not cool to brag but I can't help it! I am so darn amazed at how this whole school thing is turning out. Is this a sign that I am finally looking in the right direction? Science is just so fun (that's the school nerd in me talking....the same school nerd that has an Excel spreadsheet so I can keep track of my A!). And now we're finally to the section of the class where we learn all about nasty diseases. I am a walking encyclopedia of nastiness right now...a word to the wise: get your tetanus booster. You do not want tetanus. Period.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I have a New Identity!
I kinda feel like Jason Bourne as I now have in my possession a driver's license that says Maureen Nicole Osuna. I guess I'll eventually get used to it, but it feels kind of make-believe-ish at this point. Like maybe I could travel "off the grid" under this assumed identity.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Yoga Etiquette Tips from an Almost-Ex Yoga Teacher
After months and months of being exhausted, depleted and all around cranky I have finally decided to lighten the load a bit and take a break from teaching yoga. There are LOTS of reasons for this, the main one being that I simply need to give to ME for awhile and get my Yoga MoJo back. For me it is hard to immerse myself into yoga student-ness when I approach every practice like a prelude to teaching. I'm constantly breaking down the sequences, thinking about how I would teach them, etc... Plus, it's the time commitment. The Saturday class has kept me from being able to totally unplug on the weekends, and I think that little battery-recharge is one I so desperately need.
So, with that said I present the Top Ten Yoga Etiquette Tips or Top Ten Things That Interrupt My Yoga Mojo. If you ever take a yoga class, keep this Top Ten in mind to ensure a happy teacher and happy fellow students!
1- BE ON TIME. I can't tell you how basic this is. I am a perpetually on-time/early person and feel that it is a show of respect to the activity you are partaking in and the people you are joining to be there on time. When you show up late, you throw off the teacher's meditation or pranayama session...THE most important part of the class as it sets the tone and intention for the class. You also disrupt all the other people as you open the door, close the door, drop your keys, take off your shoes, turn off your cell phone, go to the bathroom, unroll your very noisy mat and finally have a seat. If you are new to the class or instructor, this counts as doubly rude since you now do not have a chance to let the instructor know of any injuries, limitations or concerns.
2- GO TO THE CLASS THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR LEVEL. If the description says it is for intermediate students and the only yoga you've done is bending over to tie your shoes, PLEASE do not attend that class. if you are BRAND NEW to yoga, even if you are physically fit and really smart, you still need to attend a beginning level class. The reason is that the teacher in a beginning class will explain all the basics of the poses and go at a slower pace to account for all the instruction-giving. Showing up to a more advanced class forces the teacher to either A) slow the pacing for everyone in the class so you don't hurt yourself, or B) risk letting you hurt yourself and feel like a doof as you try to flow into and out of poses that you should have learned in a more basic class. VERY beginning students who are new to yoga AND physical activity should plan on spending 6-8 months in a beginning level class. Beginning students who are pretty fit could probably get by with 3-4 months of basic instruction before moving on. There is NOTHING wrong or embarassing about being a beginner...it is the best part of your yoga journey....enjoy it!
3- WHEN THE TEACHER TELLS YOU NOT TO JUMP UP INTO YOUR HEADSTAND, LISTEN TO HER! I finally had to stop teaching headstand because people were scaring the shit out of me. I would patienty demonstrate how to do a partial headstand (with one or two feet still on the ground) and then the option of gently lifting up into a headstand...all the while admonishing students to AVOID JUMPING and putting strain on their necks. Lo and behold....what always happens? Because people cannot listen, I decided to cut my losses and avoid the whole enterprise all together. PLEASE DO NOT JUMP INTO HEADSTAND...what part of that do you not understand? Geez!
4- WATCH THE DEMONSTRATIONS. The teacher demonstrates poses and sequences for a reason. Watch. Especially if you are new. Even if you are not new, watch anyway...you might learn something new. I have been taking yoga for years and always stop to watch the demo...even if it's something I've done a hundred times in my sleep. It is always inspiring to learn how someone else approaches an asana, and it gives me a moment to appreciate the beauty of the yoga asana in action. Occasionally the instructor will tell advanced students to continue without the demo, and advice newer students to watch the demo. If you are new, watch the demo and ignor the other students. Watch the demo. Got it?
5- DON'T BE A LOOKIE-LOO. Frankly, I do not attend yoga class so other students (and guys in particular) can stare at my ass or watch me do my yoga. If you are taking a break from an asana, look straight ahead and meditate, assume child's pose or tadasana, or just sit quietly with your eyes closed as you visualize YOURSELF doing the asana.
6- DON'T TELL THE TEACHER HOW TO TEACH THE CLASS. She (or he) is not your bitch. If it is too hot for you, chances are the teacher has the heat on for a reason. If you are too cold, amp up your practice and your breath to generate some heat. Bring layers. No one likes a complainer. Get it? Got it? Good.
7- TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN PRACTICE. You do not have to do everything the teacher covers in the class. If it is going to make you miserable, exhausted, injured or cranky leave it out. If you need modifications DO THEM! One of my biggest pet peeves is students NOT doing modifications when they know they need them. If you know backbends tweak your back and the teacher has given you a modifciation three weeks ago, IT STILL APPLIES TODAY! If you are ever in pain in yoga class, it is always and only always your own fault. BE YOUR OWN GUIDE!
8- WITH THAT SAID, QUIT BEING SUCH A WUSS. Yes, yoga is hard. And yes, there are times when it can be immensely uncomfortable. Learn the difference between being uncomfortable and being in pain. Attending beginning level classes for many months will give you the body awareness you need to understand this distinction. Just becaue you are feeling your muscles stretch does not mean "it huuuuuuurts." If you are really that suseptible to injury then you need private lessons for awhile, or the assistance of a physical therapist.
9- DO NOT WEAR PERFUMES OR COLOGNES TO CLASS. Contrary to what the full-page ads in Vogue magazine say, your cologe or perfume stinks. Really really bad. I don't care how expensive it is, it stinks. Plain and simple.
10- COME TO CLASS CLEAN AND FRESH. And please let that cleanliness extend to your feet. I have seen some scary feet in my day and they usually (but not always) belong to men. Also, this may sound basic but you'd be surpirsed...please shower before class and wear clean clothing. If you tend to sweat a lot, use a towel to mop up the sweat you drip on the floor....ewwww....nothing worse than walking through somebody else's sweat drops. Nasty.
Ok, with all that said and done you can consider yourself ready to attend any yoga class with confidence and good manners intact! If you have thought of something I left out, please comment!
So, with that said I present the Top Ten Yoga Etiquette Tips or Top Ten Things That Interrupt My Yoga Mojo. If you ever take a yoga class, keep this Top Ten in mind to ensure a happy teacher and happy fellow students!
1- BE ON TIME. I can't tell you how basic this is. I am a perpetually on-time/early person and feel that it is a show of respect to the activity you are partaking in and the people you are joining to be there on time. When you show up late, you throw off the teacher's meditation or pranayama session...THE most important part of the class as it sets the tone and intention for the class. You also disrupt all the other people as you open the door, close the door, drop your keys, take off your shoes, turn off your cell phone, go to the bathroom, unroll your very noisy mat and finally have a seat. If you are new to the class or instructor, this counts as doubly rude since you now do not have a chance to let the instructor know of any injuries, limitations or concerns.
2- GO TO THE CLASS THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR LEVEL. If the description says it is for intermediate students and the only yoga you've done is bending over to tie your shoes, PLEASE do not attend that class. if you are BRAND NEW to yoga, even if you are physically fit and really smart, you still need to attend a beginning level class. The reason is that the teacher in a beginning class will explain all the basics of the poses and go at a slower pace to account for all the instruction-giving. Showing up to a more advanced class forces the teacher to either A) slow the pacing for everyone in the class so you don't hurt yourself, or B) risk letting you hurt yourself and feel like a doof as you try to flow into and out of poses that you should have learned in a more basic class. VERY beginning students who are new to yoga AND physical activity should plan on spending 6-8 months in a beginning level class. Beginning students who are pretty fit could probably get by with 3-4 months of basic instruction before moving on. There is NOTHING wrong or embarassing about being a beginner...it is the best part of your yoga journey....enjoy it!
3- WHEN THE TEACHER TELLS YOU NOT TO JUMP UP INTO YOUR HEADSTAND, LISTEN TO HER! I finally had to stop teaching headstand because people were scaring the shit out of me. I would patienty demonstrate how to do a partial headstand (with one or two feet still on the ground) and then the option of gently lifting up into a headstand...all the while admonishing students to AVOID JUMPING and putting strain on their necks. Lo and behold....what always happens? Because people cannot listen, I decided to cut my losses and avoid the whole enterprise all together. PLEASE DO NOT JUMP INTO HEADSTAND...what part of that do you not understand? Geez!
4- WATCH THE DEMONSTRATIONS. The teacher demonstrates poses and sequences for a reason. Watch. Especially if you are new. Even if you are not new, watch anyway...you might learn something new. I have been taking yoga for years and always stop to watch the demo...even if it's something I've done a hundred times in my sleep. It is always inspiring to learn how someone else approaches an asana, and it gives me a moment to appreciate the beauty of the yoga asana in action. Occasionally the instructor will tell advanced students to continue without the demo, and advice newer students to watch the demo. If you are new, watch the demo and ignor the other students. Watch the demo. Got it?
5- DON'T BE A LOOKIE-LOO. Frankly, I do not attend yoga class so other students (and guys in particular) can stare at my ass or watch me do my yoga. If you are taking a break from an asana, look straight ahead and meditate, assume child's pose or tadasana, or just sit quietly with your eyes closed as you visualize YOURSELF doing the asana.
6- DON'T TELL THE TEACHER HOW TO TEACH THE CLASS. She (or he) is not your bitch. If it is too hot for you, chances are the teacher has the heat on for a reason. If you are too cold, amp up your practice and your breath to generate some heat. Bring layers. No one likes a complainer. Get it? Got it? Good.
7- TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN PRACTICE. You do not have to do everything the teacher covers in the class. If it is going to make you miserable, exhausted, injured or cranky leave it out. If you need modifications DO THEM! One of my biggest pet peeves is students NOT doing modifications when they know they need them. If you know backbends tweak your back and the teacher has given you a modifciation three weeks ago, IT STILL APPLIES TODAY! If you are ever in pain in yoga class, it is always and only always your own fault. BE YOUR OWN GUIDE!
8- WITH THAT SAID, QUIT BEING SUCH A WUSS. Yes, yoga is hard. And yes, there are times when it can be immensely uncomfortable. Learn the difference between being uncomfortable and being in pain. Attending beginning level classes for many months will give you the body awareness you need to understand this distinction. Just becaue you are feeling your muscles stretch does not mean "it huuuuuuurts." If you are really that suseptible to injury then you need private lessons for awhile, or the assistance of a physical therapist.
9- DO NOT WEAR PERFUMES OR COLOGNES TO CLASS. Contrary to what the full-page ads in Vogue magazine say, your cologe or perfume stinks. Really really bad. I don't care how expensive it is, it stinks. Plain and simple.
10- COME TO CLASS CLEAN AND FRESH. And please let that cleanliness extend to your feet. I have seen some scary feet in my day and they usually (but not always) belong to men. Also, this may sound basic but you'd be surpirsed...please shower before class and wear clean clothing. If you tend to sweat a lot, use a towel to mop up the sweat you drip on the floor....ewwww....nothing worse than walking through somebody else's sweat drops. Nasty.
Ok, with all that said and done you can consider yourself ready to attend any yoga class with confidence and good manners intact! If you have thought of something I left out, please comment!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
May I Introduce...The Incredible Shrinking Boom-Boom
Well, after years and years of poo-pooing low carb lifestyles, I have finally become a believer. For the past two weeks I cut out ALL sugar and ALL refined carbohydrates plus all grains, wheat, pastries, cereal, pasta, donuts, pizza, etc.... I am now in the 120's again! I seriously cannot believe it...and the best part is, it wasn't hard at all. I felt crappy around days 2-4, but have felt amazing ever since. I am slowly adding more carbs back into my diet because I seriously do not want to lose weight THIS fast as I want it to stay off forever! I do think I will be done with sugar...I haven't had a single headache in two weeks AND my blemishes are clearing up...my skin looks great! PLUS, my husband agreed a while back to give me $50 for every pound lost...I've already made $350! I'll end up with a total of $1200 to go shopping...happy dance happy dance!
So, if anyone is interested, here is what I've been eating: LOTS of veggies...as in TONS AND TONS of veggies. Eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch and either salad for dinner, a vegetarian entree of some kind or fish and veggies. Did I mention the veggies?
The website that totally inspired me and has kep me on track is www.sugarfreesheila.com. Not only is she cute as a button, but extremely helpful and motivating. If you are interested in exploring a sugar free life, please check it out!
So, if anyone is interested, here is what I've been eating: LOTS of veggies...as in TONS AND TONS of veggies. Eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch and either salad for dinner, a vegetarian entree of some kind or fish and veggies. Did I mention the veggies?
The website that totally inspired me and has kep me on track is www.sugarfreesheila.com. Not only is she cute as a button, but extremely helpful and motivating. If you are interested in exploring a sugar free life, please check it out!
Monday, October 01, 2007
It's a Microbiology Miracle!
Who knew I would end up being a Microbiology Genius? I scored a 95.5% on the first test, and the class average was 75%...AND, this is even with me SKIPPING FOUR QUESTIONS. Not sure how those questions escaped my careful scrutiny, but I somehow managed to skip right over them in a rush to get to the essay questions. Assuming I had answered all four correctly, I could have had a 99.5%. So needless to say, I am feeling pretty good right about now. Let's hope the genius-ness continues!
Monday, September 24, 2007
I Survived my first microbiology test!!!!!!!
...AND I have it on good authority that Microbiology gets much better after all that icky metabolism stuff. So YAY! I counted up all the questions I totally guessed on, and that totalled about 9, so I figured I might, MIGHT get an A if I slam-dunked my essay questions AND my bonus question. Stay tuned!
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