a post!

Well, I'm plooped... I didn't get much sleep last night and after two tests this week, I am pretty tired. My creative juices have dried up like dried bananas (or raisins, if you prefer). My brain is like jello and I don't want it to melt away so I am going to cease to post. Plus, my computer battery is dying. I will post more this weekend and let y'all know what's up. So, after the Presidential debate I will head to bed and sleepy sleep sleep. :) Cya!!!

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

Well, I am sitting in Microbiology class after our second pathology test. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being "Death by Test Taking"- which seems at this time to be my imminent COD), it gets about 6.739. I am very tired...Dr. Ghaffar said that this lecture is not on the test- so my attention span is about a 2 on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being rapt attention (I have not yet experienced the exalted state of 10 in my lifetime of sitting in class). Anyway, I did pick up the following story-- as we discuss bioterrorism. Hope you enjoy! (For all you medical students- T/F It appears from this picture and the following account that hyperthyroidism is associated with insanity. ).

In a bizarre plot to take over local government, followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh poisoned salad bars in 10 restaurants in The Dalles in 1984, sickening 751 people with salmonella bacteria. Forty-five of whom were hospitalized. It is still the largest germ warfare attack in U.S. history.

Dec. 2001- Last fugitive appears in court: http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/West/12/21/cult.plea.ap/

Hi

Hi Chandra! Thanks for commenting! Only 12 more hours of pathology- then the test begins! I will be so happy to get it over with...

Pathology- The Study of Suffering

"In much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain." Ecclesiastes 1:18

Conversation in the Library

Miranda: "This is crazy."
Jen: "I know."
...

Friday Afternoon

Jen, Miranda, and I are studying in the library downtown. It is a lovely day outside. I just finished Forensic Pathology (I hope no innocent bystander observed the gruesome pictures on my computer screen). I am now moving on to 109 powerpoint slides of Environmental Pathology. Stuff like:

• Smoking kills > 400,000/yr
• 30% of cancer is caused by smoking
• 90% of lung cancer is caused by smoking
• Tobacco contains >4,000 compounds including 43 known carcinogens
• there are 15-20 million alcoholics in the US
• ~100,000 alchohol related deaths, more than all illicit drugs combined
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome affects 1-3/1000 births
• Cocaine can cause death from hyperthermia up to 114F

Anyway! I must get back to memorizing these riveting facts- and hundreds more!

Two Citizens of the Fun House Recieve Recognition!

Columbia, SC September 23, 2004

Yesterday evening at the Fun House, Miranda, a student at USCSOM, while walking in the hall noted a small, brown figure crawling over Amanda's bed quilt. Her exclamations of disgust brought Jen and Tabetha running to the room. [Amanda was occupied and was not aware of the situation.] The three girls made loud proclamations at the sight of the disgusting roach. At the sound of our screams it scuttled over the quilt and catapulted off, landing on the rug near our feet. Jen, the brave one, began to throw around the books and papers on the Amanda's rug as the bug scuttled among them. When the insect darted into an open area of the rug, she heriocally stomped on the roach, crushing the life out of it. Miranda and Tabetha continued to shudder at the sight of such an ugly thing as Amanda arrived from the restroom in the midst of the chaos! After learning of the herioc act of both Jen and Miranda in the detection and elimination of the pest, Amanda was extremely grateful.

This was not the first time Jen and Miranda have been instrumental in the removal of such pests from the Fun House. Earlier in week, while studying in the living room, Miranda was surprised by a roach that dropped from the ceiling. Jen, hearing her sharp exclamations, rushed into the living room and swiftly eliminated the pest with her tennis shoe!

For their herioc efforts, Miranda and Jen have been chosen for two of the most esteemed awards in South Carolina. Miranda has been nominated for "Most Amazing Roach Finder" (MARF).

"It is such a privelege to have been chosen!"exclaimed Miranda. She informed us that her exemplary visionary abilities began at a young age. "My grandmother used to call me 'cat eyes'," Miranda explained, "When she dropped objects on the floor, she would say 'Cat eyes, come here!'" Tabetha commented, "It is obvious to us all that Miranda is very deserving of this prestigous award."

Jen has been awarded the "Most Excellent Roach Killer" (MERK) award. Jen exclaimed, "This is a proud moment for my family! What I have always wanted to be." Tabetha and Amanda affirmed their great appreciation for her bravery and commitment to the extermination of insects in the Fun House.

This story of triumph is inspiring to us all. We must continue to commend those like Jen and Miranda who courageously come to the rescue of their fellow citizens.

Onychomycosis

Yesterday, I went to the doctor for one of the few times in my life that I can remember. I am not deathly ill; it was just for my toe (the one Forrest smashed when I was a small child). The podiatrist (foot doctor) is one of those embarrasing doctors to visit. But, I will tell you all about it anyway. :)
In the waiting room, I filled out the information form wrote "discoloration and thickening of the toenail". The nurse took me into the examination room and sat me down. She looked at my toe and said, "That should be easy to fix," and left the room.
As I sat waiting for the doctor, I surveyed the room. To my surprise, instead of a counter/sink in the corner of a room, there sat a Craftsman tool chest on wheels. On top of it was a metal tool box, beside which there lay a Dremel tool. What do they do in this office??? Hammer toes?

I had a quite a few minutes of peace and quiet to study the mechanisms of antibiotics before the doctor came in. I was curious as to what he would do since I had already been self-diagnosed with foot fungus. Everything I read said I would need to be treated with Lamisil or another oral antifungal drug to kill the organisms for many weeks at a cost of about $500.
When the doctor entered, he took one look at my toe and said to me, "This should be an easy fix, but it could take about 6 months." Then, he opened the tool box, took out what appeared to be small wire cutters, and proceeded to chop away at my nail. Then, he picked up the Dremmel tool and ground away at my nail. Now, I know why guys would go into podiatry. :) When he was finished with the debridement. I thought, "Ok, here comes the drugs."

He said, "Put some Vicks VapoRub on it once a day for a a few months and that should take care of it. There are drugs you could use to treat it, but they are only effective about 40% of the time, plus they can damage your liver."

I was dumbfounded. No prescription? Alternative, non-FDA approved therapy?! I feel somewhat cheated. Now I understand patients who want a prescription whether they need it or not just to "get their money's worth" on a visit to the doctor. I hope it works. It is definitely worth a try- although I am somewhat disappointed to have spent money going to the doctor, only to be told to buy some VVR! Ah, the sad state of drug-loving citizens. :)

CMA Officers

Amanda, Jen, Tabetha (me), Robeson

CMA Krispy Kreme Run! 

Test your reflexes!

http://www.reflexgame.com/

Mad Cow!!

Hilarious! Find out how to distinguish mad cows from normal cows. You must have your computer sound on for this!!! (For those classmates of mine, don't try this in class!) Follow the link:
http://www.j-food.com/jfood/madcow1.htm

The Fungi Trail!

The weather here was beautiful today- not a single cloud in a sky!!!
Robeson came with me to CE (Columbia Evangelical) to try it out. I love my church.
After lunch, a bunch of us went over to Robeson's apartment for lunch. Miranda brought a green bean casserole and I brought my fruit salad. Joey, Tia, Amanda, Miranda, Hamayan, Ken, Robeson, and Heather were there! Robeson made a delicious roast and some vegetable curry. It was great talking and relaxing together.
When we left, the weather outside was so beautiful that Miranda and I felt compelled to enjoy it. We headed off on a road trip to explore the lovely South Carolina. We took off down I-77 and took exit 5 to Congaree Swamp. I had the impression that it was right off the exit ramp...but we drove for about 5 miles and saw a sign that said "Congaree Swamp- 10 miles." Well, that is all good and fine, but my gas gauge was getting very low. By the time we got to the swamp my gas light was flashing on and the nearest gas station was 15 miles away. It was a little scary.
Miranda and I went hiking in the swamp anyway! It was actually very lovely... and there were lots and lots of interesting fungi- red, orange, white with multiple shapes. Then, we walked along the boardwalk that is built above the swamp. We stopped for awhile at a view of the lake. Seven turtles were sunning themselves on a log in the middle of the muddy lake and we observed several weird looking fish with really long snouts make tracks through the muddy water. We watched the wildlife and talked for a good bit before heading home. Thankfully, my car made it to the gas station and we made it home safely. Overall, it has been a relaxing Sunday and I think I am ready to start the week. At least I have CMA (Christian Medical Association) to look forward to tomorrow!

Saturday

Saturday was a regular old day. I slept hard until 10am! Then, I studied at school for the afternoon. In the evening, I relaxed a little, studied, and Miranda and I watched the Miss America paegent. It was funny. :) I tried a new recipe- Orange Cream Fruit Salad off of allrecipes.com- to bring to lunch tomorrow. Cooking is fun!!!

A Fueling Week!

Yeah!!! The weekend has arrived! Last week was a less stressful. We didn't have any tests or quizzes! In addition, it was a week full of free lunches.

• We had free lunch (pizza) on Tuesday for our class meeting.
• On Wednesday it was music interest lunch, where we listen to and learn about various music genres (this time the Liverpool sound) while eating pizza! It is a wonderfully relaxing break from medical subjects.
• Wednesday night we had surgery interest group dinner from Fazolis- with cheescake for dessert! I am seriously considering going into surgery. I think I would enjoy it- but it is a lot of time and work.
• Thursday we had Yo Burrito (awesome Mexican food) for the AMA (american medical association) lunch. The speaker didn't show up, but I had a good time talking to Dawn and Amanda.
• Thursday night was the Family Medicine Interest Group meeting where they fed us a good dinner. By this time, I wasn't too hungry- but the fried chicken there is always delicious! We practiced suturing on pig's feet!!! Some of the ties are difficult to learn. I may buy some kite string at Wal-mart so I can practice when I watch TV or am tired of studying.
• Friday afternoon, Naomi and I met with our Senior Mentors at Lizard's Thicket and they paid for the food. It was so nice of them! They are awesome.

Needless to say, it was a good week for the food budget. So, Friday afternoon I celebrated by going to Goodwill and finding some awesome deals on professionalite clothing. I had to look for a long time through all the clothes to find some good stuff- but it was fun. :)

Now I am going to return to studying! Please take a minute to leave a comment and let me know you have visited! This blog is getting lonely! :)

Create A Band Online!!!

CreateBands.com - Create A Band Online

The Out-and-About House!

Check out the Toilet Museum by clicking the link in the post below.

The Toilet Museum

The Toilet Museum

Picture of the Day

Cocaine packets retrieved from various part of the GIT (gastrointestinal tract).

Pictures of the Day- Environmental Pathology

"Body Packing" Open intestine containing packets of cocaine.

In Loving Memory

In loving memory of Houdini Jackson Turtle, an adventurous, fun-loving red-eared slider. He expired September 14, 2004. Houdini enjoyed sunning himself on the turtle dock, eating reptile sticks, and hiding under the mondo grass. He will be greatly missed. He was buried in Columbia, SC under the pine trees. He is survived by his sister, Skittles.

Picture of the Day 9-13-04 Don't try this at home! 

Amanda, Jen, Miranda, and I in Charleston on Saturday! We meandered around the Farmer's Market and downtown. It was a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable time.  

TGIF!!!

I woke up this morning at 8:05 am...and stepped out into the "Fun House" that I share with my roommates Jen, Amanda, and Miranda. It was strangely dead silent. Jen's door was open...her room was empty and her car was gone. Did they all leave for class without me? I thought we didn't have class until 9?! Alas, I have missed the Pathology of Genetic Disorders. Then, I heard the "BEEp...bEEp, bEEp" of Miranda's alarm...and Amanda's door opened. They didn't leave me!!! :) Jen had just left early to practice music for CMA. So, I am now listening to Dr. Nachitigal talk about Hyperphenylalninemias... Good thing I didn't miss this!!! Only three hours of class and the weekend starts- we have a CMA cookout tonight at the Walsh's! Then, we are going to Charleston on Saturday!!! I'll keep you posted!

far side 

The torture begins..

The Last Four Days... and not a lot to say...

Labor Day! Monday
No school-- Spent ALL day in the library studying Immunology- 9am-10pm. Bed.

Tuesday
8am Micro. Quiz- the worst quizzes in the world. Ok, maybe Dr. Gray's were worse- but not much. Class until 3 then...study carrell in the library. Bed.

Wednesday
NO CLASS!!! Wait,...that means I have to wake up and study immunology all day. Bed-12pm

Thursday
Microbiology test 8am-10am. Free lunch! Class until 4pm.

Med. School is Fun. Right.

Flour bombs!

At the end of the day, I helped make flour bombs for Pi Gamma for induction. Quite fun... at 7:30, I picked up Jen at her house and we headed back to Columbia. It was lovely coming back to a house instead of an apartment! After church on Sunday, I went grocery shopping at Wal-mart, made a new Rubbermaid pond for the turtles, and did a little cooking- I made a blue-cheese/olive/rice dish. It was very interesting and actually tastes pretty yummy! It was fun to cook- next thing on my list is Spinach-noodle casserole. I love my new cookbook! I relaxed for the evening- watched some runaway bride and you've got mail...and then the weekend was over.

Who has a bottomless stomach?

On Saturday, Forrest, Kyle, and I went out to Denny's for breakfast!!! The waitress started with Kyle who ordered a #2- chicken fried steak, 2biscuits, an egg, and three pancakes, I ordered a sandwich, then Forrest says..."I'll have a chocolate milkshake (for breakfast?!), and the same thing as him [kyle], and the double cheeseburger that comes with fries." The waitress, eyes enlarged, "all that's for you?!!" He ended up with three plates full of food ... and ate it all. Amazing- his stomach must have been the size of a basketball! The waitress was very impressed. I think he should enter one of those eating contests. :)

Weekend!

Sorry I haven't posted lately. . . the last few days have been a blur.
The weekend was awesome...Jen and I went up to Greenville Friday evening. Travelling the I26/385 route brought back many memories of escaping from my lonely apartment to Chandra's house last year. However, when I arrived in Greenville there was no the little yellow house with yellow/green jungle living room and blue/orange ocean kitchen. And, alas, Chandra, Peanut, Jim, and Luke were nowhere to be found. Sadness... perhaps I will have a home in Greenville next year... Of course, BJU was still there...same as always (some things do remain pretty constant!). I met Forrest behind the library- just like old times. He looked all spiffy in his tie and khakis- very handsome!! We went out to dinner at Coronas for some delicious Mexican food before he had to be back for the opening evangelistic services at 7pm. I opted out of the service- the jeans wouldn't have gone over very well, I fear! Also, I was exhausted from the Path test before and did not have the energy. Instead, I meandered downtown to Underground Coffee to consume a mocha coconut frappe and surf the 'net/ read Mosby's/relax and listen to the jazz band downtown. I spent the night at Tiffany's apartment. It was very strange to spend the night on BJU campus... However, it was fun to see Tiffany again!

Borborygmi!!!

i.e. bowel sounds

Our first test. . .

Pathology Test 1 is over!!!! 1/4 of the material in Pathology 641 is through! It wasn't so bad. Now we have two lovely hours of microbiology lecture- at least the professor has a Britishish accent! After I finish learning about prokaryotes and eukaryotes...off to Greenville it is!!!

My brother-Forrest, sister-Chandra, and I. August 7, 2004 

What the dream entails. . .

Some days medical school is exciting and interesting...other days are filled with hours of studying. Neither that fun, nor that exciting. Sometimes it is discouraging to have a whole afternoon "free," when you know that all that means is "free to study."

"And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10