I have been wanting to take Lani swimming all summer. Specifically, I wanted to take her to the really fun municipal pool in Bettendorf, Splash Landing (http://www.bettendorf.org/department/?fDD=29-0). So, when I got out of Systems Pathology yesterday, I planned to pick her up and take her there. One thing after another happened (Jon asked me to bring his shoes & socks back to Palmer for his adjustment - wearing flip flops for an adjustment is not helpful to your doctor, Dartagnan was texting me about what he was up to & might need a ride, I forgot the swim dipes & had to go back to our house for them, etc.) and by the time I arrived at Splash Landing, it was already 3:45 (pool is only open until 5:00), and guess what? It was already closed for the season! It usually is open until Labor Day, so I was surprised. Apparently, though, all their lifeguards headed back to college/university already, and all the schools around here started last week, so, they closed early this year. I was really disappointed because it was such a beautiful day and I just wanted to play with her in the zero-entry level pool and water features, maybe take her down the mini waterslide there.
Classes are going well...with the exception of PNS. Only scored 8 (out of 30) on my first exam and that is really bad. So, I am considering contacting the local DC that tutors for the course...Dr. Tonya Rogers. I've heard she really helps people understand and do much better on the tests and Boards.
Rest of my classes are good. I did well on my first Renal and Rad II exams (currently getting B's in both). Did OK on my X-Ray Analysis Test in Toggle, but ROCKED the Atlas Practical - perfect score! Very thrilled with that because I've not had a perfect score until that one at Palmer. It gives me hope. I don't feel as dumb because of it (and trust me, my idea of my intelligence level has taken a beating at Palmer). Took the first test in Nutrition today and should have spent more time reviewing the equations and how to find BMI, TER, BM, and also the signs of nutrient deficiencies. Still think I did pretty well on that and went into it with an A from previous quizzes and our Nutrition Lab assignment. Tomorrow I have my first Public Health test and think it will go well. Nervous about the Axis Practical in Toggle next week. Will practice set-ups on Jon and Dartagnan this weekend so I feel more confident. Fortunately the Axis adjusting is similar to the Atlas adjusting, so it is not like we have to learn a whole new set of information for it, which really helps.
Last weekend I hardly left the house. Just spent a lot of time studying. Did a lot of reading: Extremities Trauma for Rad II; Renal (NaCl & H2O Resorption); Fats, Sports Nutrition, and started Water-Soluble Vitamins chapters in text for Nutrition; Public Health (had to read a chapter about Environment's Impact on Community Health and do report); Toggle (Instrumentation). I wanted to go to church on Sunday, but we woke up late and also had to be at a birthday party for twins we know who turned 40 last week out in Walcott by 12:30, so ended up just getting ready to go to that & did a little house cleaning before we left (changed sheets, vacuumed). Only stayed at party for 2 hours and had to get going because it was WAY past Lani's naptime then and she was getting manic. Was sad to go because at least half the people were my relatives and friends and always like to catch up with them and see what is going on in their lives and get to see their kids growing so fast.
Jon & Dartagnan were out of town the previous weekend to Atlanta for a PI (Personal Injury) Seminar. On the way down, they stopped in Chattanooga for a little tourist activity: Ruby Falls (http://www.rubyfalls.com/). Because they had parked on an incline, Jon set the parking brake on my little Honda Civic. When they left Ruby Falls, he forgot about it, which is normal because we never use it. As they were traveling down Lookout Mountain, the brakes overheated and failed. Jon used to sell Nissans and took many driving courses as a salesperson. Thank goodness! I'm sure those courses helped him to safely plow the car into someone's berm instead of the telephone pole or their mailbox that flanked the berm. Fortunately, Jon and Dartagnan suffered no immediate ill effects and the car was not damaged. Unfortunately, he began having neck pain the next day, while completing the drive to the seminar. The irony of his getting whiplash on the way to a PI seminar was not lost on him.
Have recently watched, with Lani some really good movies: "Bolt," "Monsters Vs. Aliens." Lani loves both. The hamster in "Bolt" is hilarious. I like the blob monster in "Monsters Vs. Aliens." He falls in love with a jello mold! It is so silly. The reptile-like monster reminds me of one of our friends, Mo, especially when he is first introduced and does the little karate bit. Also Jon and I watched "Alien" and "Aliens" with Dartagnan this past weekend because they are classics. I forgot how much I enjoyed the movie "Aliens" and it has been long enough that I couldn't remember all of it, so it was suspenseful. While Jon and D were out of town, I watched "The Young Victoria" and it was excellent.
Jon just got home with Lani. Great news! She went potty in the big girl potty today at school - TWICE! Yippee! She's not done that at school before. She's not peed in the potty at home yet. Very exciting! A new chapter in potty training is launched!
Time to head over to dinner with my parents and my sister-in-law and two nephews who just arrived from California yesterday.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Financial Aid Problem, Solution, & 4th Tri
OK, so in my last post, I mentioned that I wasn't sure if I would be blogging or not this term, so I had to wait to work to see what happened with my financial aid. Here's what happened to make that a question:
Last term, I passed all my classes (two with A's - yea!!!), except PNS (Neuroanatomy II). It is a notoriously hard class and I did not do well in it. Because it is such an important class and a huge amount of material is covered in it, I know it is just as well that I retake it so I can really get the material down (after all, what good is a chiropractor who doesn't understand/know intimately the nerve pathways!?).
But, because I'm already on a reduced schedule and take fewer credits than are "usual" (28-32), that doesn't leave room for any non-passes. I missed the required amount of credits passed by not passing PNS by 3 credits. PNS is worth 5. This meant that I could not have my federal financial aid for the term unless I had an approval by a review committee that asks the student to submit an appeal, explaining, in detail, why they did not meet the minimum requirements for passing the previous term. They don't meet until the second week of classes, so my financial aid was "up in the air" until they met and decided which way it would go for me.
Usually, the mitigating circumstances must involve the death of a loved one, a medical condition/illness of the student, or other unusual hardship. My appeal was 3 pages long and I pretty much had to explain all that went on in the past 3 years that pertained to my academic performance at Palmer (they ask for the past year) in order to really explain my situation and for it to be clear why I was now appealing for my financial aid to be restored.
Thankfully, the committee approved my appeal and my financial aid is restored for this term. However, appealing is a one-time thing. If I don't meet the requirements for financial aid for any term after this, I will have to obtain a private loan for that term, which means also finding someone to co-sign...that's the hard part. In other words, I really need to do all Ican to pass my classes with good grades.
So, this term, my goal is an A in Radiology II, Systems Pathology, Nutrition and Public Health. I think it is possible for me to get A's in those classes. I would like to get a B in Toggle and I hope to pass Renal and PNS. Seven classes is a lot for me. It is hard to juggle my time well, but I hope I'm getting better at it.
I am also trying to learn to make some new vegetarian dishes because I get bored with the same food, so I've picked up the ingredients to make a veg version of Moroccan Tagine (I'm planning to substitute dry-pan fried tofu for the lamb and add it near the end of the cook time rather than the beginning) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moroccan-Tagine-2/Detail.aspx and Moroccan Couscous http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-and-Nutty-Moroccan-Couscous/Detail.aspx. The best Moroccan food I've had was in Paris on New Year's Eve 1998 with a group of students from St. Ambrose University. I was there for a History course. Anyway, the food was fantastic and I've always wanted to be able to reproduce it, so I'm hoping that it tastes great. Planning to try these two recipes this afternoon for our dinner tonight.
Also planning, after we go to church at 11 http://stpaulqc.org/ to work on my assignment for Public Health and to spend some time studying for PNS because the test is on Wednesday. Would also like to start reading for next section of Rad II - first test in there was last Thursday and and I think I did OK. Didn't do as well as I wanted on the Sys Path test last Tuesday, but have a chance to improve that considerably before end of term.
Last night, attended a birthday party for my friend Sheila at our friend Trine's house. It was a fun time of laughing and great conversation. I was considering not going in favor of more study time, but I'm glad I went. Was good to see so many friends from campus and get to chat with them outside of the "Palmer Bubble." It just seems that we really don't have much time to chat when we are at school, so was good to socialize outside that. We all need decompress time with friends. I think it really helps me to handle my stress better.
Well, need to rouse a sleepy teenager for church, so more later...
Last term, I passed all my classes (two with A's - yea!!!), except PNS (Neuroanatomy II). It is a notoriously hard class and I did not do well in it. Because it is such an important class and a huge amount of material is covered in it, I know it is just as well that I retake it so I can really get the material down (after all, what good is a chiropractor who doesn't understand/know intimately the nerve pathways!?).
But, because I'm already on a reduced schedule and take fewer credits than are "usual" (28-32), that doesn't leave room for any non-passes. I missed the required amount of credits passed by not passing PNS by 3 credits. PNS is worth 5. This meant that I could not have my federal financial aid for the term unless I had an approval by a review committee that asks the student to submit an appeal, explaining, in detail, why they did not meet the minimum requirements for passing the previous term. They don't meet until the second week of classes, so my financial aid was "up in the air" until they met and decided which way it would go for me.
Usually, the mitigating circumstances must involve the death of a loved one, a medical condition/illness of the student, or other unusual hardship. My appeal was 3 pages long and I pretty much had to explain all that went on in the past 3 years that pertained to my academic performance at Palmer (they ask for the past year) in order to really explain my situation and for it to be clear why I was now appealing for my financial aid to be restored.
Thankfully, the committee approved my appeal and my financial aid is restored for this term. However, appealing is a one-time thing. If I don't meet the requirements for financial aid for any term after this, I will have to obtain a private loan for that term, which means also finding someone to co-sign...that's the hard part. In other words, I really need to do all Ican to pass my classes with good grades.
So, this term, my goal is an A in Radiology II, Systems Pathology, Nutrition and Public Health. I think it is possible for me to get A's in those classes. I would like to get a B in Toggle and I hope to pass Renal and PNS. Seven classes is a lot for me. It is hard to juggle my time well, but I hope I'm getting better at it.
I am also trying to learn to make some new vegetarian dishes because I get bored with the same food, so I've picked up the ingredients to make a veg version of Moroccan Tagine (I'm planning to substitute dry-pan fried tofu for the lamb and add it near the end of the cook time rather than the beginning) http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moroccan-Tagine-2/Detail.aspx and Moroccan Couscous http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-and-Nutty-Moroccan-Couscous/Detail.aspx. The best Moroccan food I've had was in Paris on New Year's Eve 1998 with a group of students from St. Ambrose University. I was there for a History course. Anyway, the food was fantastic and I've always wanted to be able to reproduce it, so I'm hoping that it tastes great. Planning to try these two recipes this afternoon for our dinner tonight.
Also planning, after we go to church at 11 http://stpaulqc.org/ to work on my assignment for Public Health and to spend some time studying for PNS because the test is on Wednesday. Would also like to start reading for next section of Rad II - first test in there was last Thursday and and I think I did OK. Didn't do as well as I wanted on the Sys Path test last Tuesday, but have a chance to improve that considerably before end of term.
Last night, attended a birthday party for my friend Sheila at our friend Trine's house. It was a fun time of laughing and great conversation. I was considering not going in favor of more study time, but I'm glad I went. Was good to see so many friends from campus and get to chat with them outside of the "Palmer Bubble." It just seems that we really don't have much time to chat when we are at school, so was good to socialize outside that. We all need decompress time with friends. I think it really helps me to handle my stress better.
Well, need to rouse a sleepy teenager for church, so more later...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Summer '10 Break
OK. Has been a while since I wrote a blog. Quick version: we were super busy (& still are!).
Longer version: Came back to Palmer from a very busy break.
We traveled to Chattanooga, Tennesee, for a day and a half. We really enjoyed the food and the culture Chattanooga offers. Our hotel, which was so lovely, with a great staff and delicious breakfast http://www.stonefortinn.com/ When we arrived our first night, it was really hot out, but we didn't want to drive anymore, so we walked to a fabulous restaurant just a few blocks from the inn. Table 2 http://www.table2restaurant.com/ had mellow ambiance, but was definitely higher-class fine dining, with excellent selections. The chefs are very creative and the food was to be savored. We relished each bite.
We spent a day exploring the area, visiting Lookout Mountain Park http://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm and http://www.lookoutmountain.com/ We did not "See Rock City" or "Visit Ruby Falls," but we plan to sometime when Dartagnan is with us, because he loves caves and when he was little, he loved rocks, too.
Most delightful was Fairyland Neighborhood. I have loved fairy tales all my life and loved seeing the fun homes off Red Riding Hood Lane, many built from the rock of the mountain. I also learned that it was the birthplace of mini golf: http://www.historicchatt.com/page.asp?PageID=102
We visited the Hunter Museum of Art http://www.huntermuseum.org/visit/, saw a fabulous exhibit of American artists' glassworks and Jon especially appreciated the Albert Bierstadt that was part of their permanent collection. While in the Bluff Art's District, we ate lunch at Tony's and it was excellent http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g54946-d476294-Reviews-Tony_s_Pasta_Shop_Trattoria-Chattanooga_Tennessee.html and after had wonderful dessert next door at Rembrandt's http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/subpage.php?pageId=140 What a beautiful area! On our way back home after our seminar, we had dinner at 212 Market, which uses local ingredients and has been in business for many years http://www.212market.com/.
We then traveled on to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend a seminar held by our practice manager, Dr. Pete Fernandez http://www.drfernandez.com/DC/Home/index.cfm, and it was very informative and encouraging. One of his speakers, Dr. Cannister, was particularly delightful and full of wisdom about how to "Be the Doctor." He reminded me of Dr. Fred Barge, who used to teach at Palmer (& has passed away), because he used to say something similar. We met some really successful and happy people while there and it helped me feel excited about the profession and the career again, especially hearing about some of the cases from other docs. They also offered up great advice and it was so nice to be surrounded by such positivity. The vibe was so good. I really needed that!
We also spent time in Peoria, Illinois, with Jon's dad and his family, which was relaxing and fun. Good to catch up with them, as they are also very busy too.
Near the end of the break we traveled with Delaney to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to pick up Dartagnan & his cousin Thomas and they joined us for a 9-day stay on Washington Island, Wisconsin http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/washington-island-wisconsin/Content?oid=915355 and http://www.washingtonisland.com/. They brought their bikes and spent much time exploring the island, including climbing the tower in the center of the island (on its highest point) and hanging out at School House Beach, swimming, skimming rocks, and probably flirting with girls a little. They also enjoyed riding their bikes to watch the fireworks on Independence Day at the island's baseball diamond. The boys often went to Albie's http://www.yelp.com/biz/albatross-washington-island to get a milkshake & burgers (since we are vegetarian and they aren't, this made them happy).
Jon and I enjoyed taking Delaney for a walk in her stroller up to Red Cup http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotos-g60360-d609435-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html and http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60360-d609435-r70070036-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html I think it is sooo charming. If I owned a coffee shop, it would be very similar to Red Cup in ambiance, style, color. We did a touristy thing we never do: we actually bought t-shirts with their name on them! I usually hate to wear advertisements for a business, but the t-shirts were super-soft, lightweight cotton and had great design: Jon's is like the old snakeoil posters advertising that their product is a panacea for "all that ails you" (it is very funny to read) and mine is just the name "Red Cup" in large letters, "Washington Island" below. I like that it is a beautiful teal color, is form-fitting & has a peace symbol in the "P" of "Cup." They make a mean Americano and Chai Tea Soy Latte. :)
There is a great little bookstore next door, Islandtime Books, and I can never resist the urge to buy at least one (usually more!) book when I go in there http://www.indiebound.org/stores/islandtime-books-more This time I refrained from buying a book for me, but got two for Lani: "An Elephant & Piggie Book: I Am Going" by Mo Willems (very cute), and "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa" by Jeanette Winter. I am a fan of Dr. Wangari Maathai. I was priviledged to hear her speak about her work in Montreal at a NAFSA (International Educators Organization) Conference a few years ago. She's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental work carried out through the Green Belt Movement http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/ I want to be sure to surround Lani with strong women as role models as she grows up. Dr. Maathai definitely fits that description (she endured much to carry out her vision and help people and the earth). I like her story especially because it shows that with hard work and inspiration, you can accomplish much.
It was a very nice break and we enjoyed spending time with our family. Was long enough that I was ready to come back to school. I'll update soon on what happened when we returned to school and I was in a situation making me unsure of my financial aid situation. Have to go now because I have my first Systems Pathology test tomorrow and all my Nutrition Analysis papers are due tomorrow, too.
Longer version: Came back to Palmer from a very busy break.
We traveled to Chattanooga, Tennesee, for a day and a half. We really enjoyed the food and the culture Chattanooga offers. Our hotel, which was so lovely, with a great staff and delicious breakfast http://www.stonefortinn.com/ When we arrived our first night, it was really hot out, but we didn't want to drive anymore, so we walked to a fabulous restaurant just a few blocks from the inn. Table 2 http://www.table2restaurant.com/ had mellow ambiance, but was definitely higher-class fine dining, with excellent selections. The chefs are very creative and the food was to be savored. We relished each bite.
We spent a day exploring the area, visiting Lookout Mountain Park http://www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm and http://www.lookoutmountain.com/ We did not "See Rock City" or "Visit Ruby Falls," but we plan to sometime when Dartagnan is with us, because he loves caves and when he was little, he loved rocks, too.
Most delightful was Fairyland Neighborhood. I have loved fairy tales all my life and loved seeing the fun homes off Red Riding Hood Lane, many built from the rock of the mountain. I also learned that it was the birthplace of mini golf: http://www.historicchatt.com/page.asp?PageID=102
We visited the Hunter Museum of Art http://www.huntermuseum.org/visit/, saw a fabulous exhibit of American artists' glassworks and Jon especially appreciated the Albert Bierstadt that was part of their permanent collection. While in the Bluff Art's District, we ate lunch at Tony's and it was excellent http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g54946-d476294-Reviews-Tony_s_Pasta_Shop_Trattoria-Chattanooga_Tennessee.html and after had wonderful dessert next door at Rembrandt's http://www.bluffviewartdistrict.com/subpage.php?pageId=140 What a beautiful area! On our way back home after our seminar, we had dinner at 212 Market, which uses local ingredients and has been in business for many years http://www.212market.com/.
We then traveled on to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend a seminar held by our practice manager, Dr. Pete Fernandez http://www.drfernandez.com/DC/Home/index.cfm, and it was very informative and encouraging. One of his speakers, Dr. Cannister, was particularly delightful and full of wisdom about how to "Be the Doctor." He reminded me of Dr. Fred Barge, who used to teach at Palmer (& has passed away), because he used to say something similar. We met some really successful and happy people while there and it helped me feel excited about the profession and the career again, especially hearing about some of the cases from other docs. They also offered up great advice and it was so nice to be surrounded by such positivity. The vibe was so good. I really needed that!
We also spent time in Peoria, Illinois, with Jon's dad and his family, which was relaxing and fun. Good to catch up with them, as they are also very busy too.
Near the end of the break we traveled with Delaney to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to pick up Dartagnan & his cousin Thomas and they joined us for a 9-day stay on Washington Island, Wisconsin http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/washington-island-wisconsin/Content?oid=915355 and http://www.washingtonisland.com/. They brought their bikes and spent much time exploring the island, including climbing the tower in the center of the island (on its highest point) and hanging out at School House Beach, swimming, skimming rocks, and probably flirting with girls a little. They also enjoyed riding their bikes to watch the fireworks on Independence Day at the island's baseball diamond. The boys often went to Albie's http://www.yelp.com/biz/albatross-washington-island to get a milkshake & burgers (since we are vegetarian and they aren't, this made them happy).
Jon and I enjoyed taking Delaney for a walk in her stroller up to Red Cup http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotos-g60360-d609435-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html and http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60360-d609435-r70070036-Red_Cup_Coffee_House-Washington_Island_Wisconsin.html I think it is sooo charming. If I owned a coffee shop, it would be very similar to Red Cup in ambiance, style, color. We did a touristy thing we never do: we actually bought t-shirts with their name on them! I usually hate to wear advertisements for a business, but the t-shirts were super-soft, lightweight cotton and had great design: Jon's is like the old snakeoil posters advertising that their product is a panacea for "all that ails you" (it is very funny to read) and mine is just the name "Red Cup" in large letters, "Washington Island" below. I like that it is a beautiful teal color, is form-fitting & has a peace symbol in the "P" of "Cup." They make a mean Americano and Chai Tea Soy Latte. :)
There is a great little bookstore next door, Islandtime Books, and I can never resist the urge to buy at least one (usually more!) book when I go in there http://www.indiebound.org/stores/islandtime-books-more This time I refrained from buying a book for me, but got two for Lani: "An Elephant & Piggie Book: I Am Going" by Mo Willems (very cute), and "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa" by Jeanette Winter. I am a fan of Dr. Wangari Maathai. I was priviledged to hear her speak about her work in Montreal at a NAFSA (International Educators Organization) Conference a few years ago. She's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental work carried out through the Green Belt Movement http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/ I want to be sure to surround Lani with strong women as role models as she grows up. Dr. Maathai definitely fits that description (she endured much to carry out her vision and help people and the earth). I like her story especially because it shows that with hard work and inspiration, you can accomplish much.
It was a very nice break and we enjoyed spending time with our family. Was long enough that I was ready to come back to school. I'll update soon on what happened when we returned to school and I was in a situation making me unsure of my financial aid situation. Have to go now because I have my first Systems Pathology test tomorrow and all my Nutrition Analysis papers are due tomorrow, too.
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