Finally Done!

"How come you're not excited?" is what some family members asked me about my upcoming graduation. Off course am excited about the ceremony and most of all being done, am just not jumping up and down as they want me too. I am coming to the end of a long journey and am eager to begin a new phase in my life.

I have an interview on Tuesday and I hope I get the job because am ready to apply my knowledge and energy in a different career. The learning experience in this course has been unique in terms of different technologies, having discussions and group meetings online just to mention a few. I hope I get to meet some of my online classmates face to face one day, that would be really super.

Post Thanksgiving Fatigue

Two more weeks of school and then graduation! Thanksgiving was great but it left me exhausted. I'll think twice before having everyone over at my house again! My family and friends will also remember 2008 Thanksgiving day as the inauguration of karaoke into our family.

Initially few adults including myself could grasp the concept of Karaoke. However, the kids took to it immediately and were reluctant to give up the microphone. Most of the adults had never done Karoke before and we were therefore hindered by our inability to methodically sing along with the words on the screen. At the end of the day, though we couldn't agree on who was the worst singer, we agreed that we would be poor candidates for American Idol.

Lucy.

Almost There

I am almost done with my practicum 2 class, I just have to tie up some loose ends and bingo! I feel like the class load is finally lightening up, now that the semester is almost done. A few weeks ago, I purchased my graduation regalia for a whooping 70 something bucks! I don't remember paying half that amount if anything for my previous graduation regalia.

After graduation, I look forward to picking up both old and new hobbies. My 'to do' list includes arts, crafts and quilting just to mention a few. I look forward to reading good novels, being idle and hopefully teaching one or two courses. I probably will pursue a Doctorate degree in 1,2,3,4,5......years, because Dr.Lucy sounds too good to resist! (LOL)

Technology in running!

The San Antonio marathon was a wonderful experience. Besides enjoying myself, I set a new personal best time! My chip time indicates I finished in 3 hours, 54 minutes but my clock time shows 4 hours, 15 minutes. Needless to say I prefer the chip time, but am very proud of myself either way.

The chip and clock time differ because the former utilizes a computer chip that is given to every participant to allow individualized tracking during the marathon. The marathoners attach the chip to their clothing or shoes and can therefore be tracked from the beginning of the event to the end. My family and friends are usually able to track me online as the event unfolds!

The clock time begins when the event officially starts, it's not very efficient because it's impossible for all the runners to be at the start line simultaneously. A computerized mat (reads the chip) allows for an individualized start time when participants cross it, hence the difference in clock and chip times. Technology is everywhere!

"Real Teacher".

I did my teaching presentation (Practicum 2 requirement) this past Friday and am relieved that am done with it. The students were very receptive and the overall feedback was positive. I know I could have done better in some areas but I believe I'll get better with time. Moreover, that was my first lecture presentation with a microphone and in front of 60 plus students.

I also had to constuct 5 test questions from the lecture content and submit them to the course manager, which I did a few hours ago. This whole experience made me feel like a "real teacher" and now more than ever am sure that I have chosen the right career.

This coming weekend am heading down to San Antonio with friends' and family for the Rock N Roll Marathon. I am a participant and am hoping to finish in 4 hours 15 minutes, I think am in pretty good shape but I won't know until I cross the finish line. I hope am not too exhausted to walk across the stage on December 13th!

Technosavvy Kids.

My niece left me a message the other day reminding me that her birthday was coming up and that she would like a Nintendo DS and some other electronic gadget. (I still don't know what it is, but am afraid to ask because am sure it costs an arm and a leg!).

I almost fell over when I learned that a Nintendo Wii (supposed to be better than a Nintendo DS) costs at least $300! Needless to say, I will not be buying a Wii any time soon because I think that's an exorbitant price for a toy.

Anyhow, my sister will buy the Nintendo DS and I'll buy the games which don't come cheap either. Therefore, my niece will get her wish on condition she continues to have good progress reports and keep her grades up.

Lucy.

Resiliency!

I was running the other day and while staring at one of those minute cars, I tripped and fell very hard and severely skinned my knee . Initially, I was very embarrassed and jumped back on feet without bothering to assess my injuries. I was embarrassed because I was afraid some motorists or pedestrians had seen me fall and might stop to help me. I was even more afraid that some one I knew may have seen me fall!

Later while I was nursing my cuts and screaming like a baby (I swore to be more sympathetic to my patients), I realized my reaction to the fall illustrated how our tough experiences through life enable we humans to build up resiliency. My experiences from previous falls enabled me to realize as I fell that I could and would heal from this fall too, albeit I have a nasty scar to show for it.

Utilization of technology or overkill?

I am doing clinical rotations at a hospital here in Dallas. I observed that in order for nurses or other staff members to access the Pyxis, they not only have to put in a user name and password but must also have their finger prints read!

I thought it was a little extreme but understandable because of the costly medications and narcotics contained in the Pyxis. Technology has enabled health care institutions the ability to track Pyxis users to the very last detail. Gone are the days when a pharmacy technician pushed a cart around, from unit to unit delivering medications.

Lucy.

Another week already!

Another week is here and so is Module 3! I am dreading it but somewhat looking forward to it because am getting closer and closer to graduation! I wonder what not being a student will feel like, I've been a student for a very long time.

Anyhow, I look forward to not having assignments or meeting deadlines but I'll definitely miss the learning environment. I still haven't decided where am going to work, am hoping to have a revelation soon.

Lucy.

Smart Limits.

These days are flying by very fast, we are already in October! My mother is back on her feet and has been doing quite well, she has been the ideal patient. I realize how lucky and blessed she is to have had the surgery and experienced a smooth recovery, I know some people are not as lucky. I wonder how she's going to break away from her addiction to 'lifetime Movie Network', I have learned not to interrupt her while she's watching her favorite shows (everything takes a back sit).

Talking about technology, I was able to utilize a feature on my wireless plan which can be valuable to anybody who would like to filter outgoing or incoming calls on their cell phones. The feature is called 'smart limits' and it allows the user to 'block' unwanted callers. This is a great tool that parents can utilize to customize their children's cell phones. Trust me, it works quite well!

Body Double?

I am glad a new week is here, I hope as today goes by I feel less overwhelmed and more optimistic. Last week was a blur what with my Mother having a hastily scheduled hip replacement surgey, my full time job and school work I can barely keep up with. I feel like I need a body double to represent me in the different places I need to be in but can't be.

All in all the surgery went well and my Mother is back home three days post surgery with a bunch of exercises she has to do at home, to potentiate the healing process. Post surgical care like technology has indeed come a long way, I think now more than ever patients are expected to assume responsibilty for their recovery process.

My mother is fortunate because she has multiple family members she can depend on and she doesn't suffer from other co-morbidities. However, many patients lack a good support system or the capability to participate or follow through with discharge instructions. Needless to say, these patients inevitably end up with preventable complications.

Lucy.

The going is getting tough.

Now that we are getting into the nitty-gritty of the course content, assignments appear to be getting more complex. I am a little bit nervous about the group project because it seems like a lot of work will be required to make it a success. However, I have no doubt we will pull through. I intend to get my microphone tomorrow and use it for the 1st time, am actually excited about that! Thank God for technology, I can't imagine living without it.

The days are flying!

Can you believe we are already half way through September? Time surely goes by fast, the past week consisted of a blur of activities that I can barely remember. I was able to accomplish most of the activities I set out to do and I am proud of myself. Unfortunately my days like every one else's will become busier because of the projects and assignments ahead , anyhow I intend to hang on till the very end.

Reading my fellow classmates blogs and comments on blackboard, has made me realize that each of us is working hard and trying to maintain a sense of balance in their lives. It's very comforting to know that am not in this alone!

Thanks, Lucy.

when you walk through the fire

Hi Friends,
As I was reading through our text it says that the young kids are being weaned on interaction with multimedia and adults including educators are newcomers to the technological world. There is truly a technological generation gap and the educators are way behind the technological exploration and experimentation our young generation like to embrace. I feel so incompetent when I see what my children can do with blogging, using my space, IM and many more. One thing I realize is that the best way to become competent is to use the online more frequently. Though it is challenging I am determined to learn. My husband and my daughters are willing to help. I like to quote the Bible "when you walk through the fire you will not be burned" (Isaiah 43:2). I am telling myself the internet will not burn me up.
I am glad that now I can chat and blog!
Mercy.

Chronic fatigue??

I believe we have finally formed a group. I think the biggest huddle will be setting up meeting times that are appropriate for every group member. Thank God we nurses are used to being chronically fatigued and taking flexibility to a whole new level, otherwise I would be worried about where to find the time to do everything we're expected to!

Besides this class, am also taking practicum 2 and the latter requires me to accumulate 135 clinical hours! What happened to good old 90 hours of clinical? I have resigned myself to constantly annoying my family and friends by being absent at family functions and turning down invitations to meet with friends. Even my dog will have to sacrifice a walk every so often, this is truly a family affair.

Thanks, Lucy.

Initial Post.

Having taken a prior class that required blogging, I can for the first time in a long time say that I don't feel lost or intimidated at the begining of a new course. I didn't even have to call on my technical support team while I was setting up all the computer knick knacks! My tech support team primarily consists of my ever suffering sister who has not only been very helpful with her computer skills, but has also been equally supportive of my quest for an MSN.

I will be graduating in December and that day cannot come soon enough, I have been waiting for it for a long time. I honestlycannot remember what it feels like not to be a student, I feel like I have been in school since I can remember. Though this semester will be a challenging one because of the multipe things and roles I have to juggle, I am up to the task because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks. Lucy.