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!