See, med school can be exciting. The following was an email I just received:
The VA Medical Center will conduct a Disaster Exercise on Wednesday, 2 Feb 2005 starting at 8:30 AM and concluding at approximately 11:30 AM. This exercise is part of the VA Medical Centers Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals process and is being coordinated with the Johnson City Police Swat Team, a negotiating team, the VA Medical Center, VA Police, the ETSU Police, the College of Medicine and Johnson City Medical Center.
1. The exercise will consist of a disgruntled patient who leaves the Medical Center , goes to his vehicle and gets
a gun and takes a hostage. He then takes the hostage into Building 7, in front of Stanton-Gerber Hall. The exercise
will test our ability to locate the hostage, assess the situation, negotiate with the disgruntled patient, care for patients and families who may be involved and subdue the disgruntled patient.
2. This exercise should not interfere with the medical students or any other activities going on within the College of Medicine . Contacts and actions by the College of Medicine will be simulated.
1.28.2005
"If You Can't Say Something Nice..."
"...then don't say it at all," or so the old adage goes.
I left school this morning at 7:30am to spend a day in Rogersville learning about Metabolic Syndrome (aka the consequence of gluttony) so by the time I returned to my house around 4:30pm, I was exhausted. Wanting to take a nap but knowing I needed to study and only having a few hours before Bible study, I pulled out my notes and sat down at the kitchen table. Unfortunately, the girl that lives below me has a knack for turning up the radio on the rare occasion that I decide to study at my apartment. Today was no exception. As I sat at the table, my productive thoughts being interrupted by the steady rhythm of the latest Christian hit, I knew I had to do something. Time was ticking and all I could think about was the music radiating through my floor.
I sat there trying to decide what to say. I couldn't just go down there and tell her to turn down her music. That would be really mean considering I'd actually never met the girl, and how lame does it sound to say, "Could you please turn down your praise Jesus music because I'm trying to learn some biochemical pathway?" Finally, after debating over what to do, a somewhat Christ-like idea popped into my head. I could go knock on her door and tell her that I heard her listening to one of my favorite radio stations. Then, after a brief conversation, I could politely ask her to turn down the music. I did just that, at least the first part of the idea. We actually talked for quite a few minutes. It turns out that she's a grad. student in English and we have a lot in common. Somehow, the conversation turned to church ,and I learned that she hasn't found a church home here in Johnson City. I invited her to our new Women's Bible Study on Thursday nights, and she may come next week.
Had I acted upon my first impulse, this encounter would have never turned into an opportunity to encourage someone else and help them grow in their faith nor meet someone who could become like a roommate in a large 4BR separated by a floor and a fight of stairs. It got me to thinking, how many people like my neighbor have I passed up? How many opportunities are lost because we speak before we think and talk before we listen?
Just some bread of life crumbs to chew on for the weekend.
Back to studying Biochem and praying I pass Monday's test!
I left school this morning at 7:30am to spend a day in Rogersville learning about Metabolic Syndrome (aka the consequence of gluttony) so by the time I returned to my house around 4:30pm, I was exhausted. Wanting to take a nap but knowing I needed to study and only having a few hours before Bible study, I pulled out my notes and sat down at the kitchen table. Unfortunately, the girl that lives below me has a knack for turning up the radio on the rare occasion that I decide to study at my apartment. Today was no exception. As I sat at the table, my productive thoughts being interrupted by the steady rhythm of the latest Christian hit, I knew I had to do something. Time was ticking and all I could think about was the music radiating through my floor.
I sat there trying to decide what to say. I couldn't just go down there and tell her to turn down her music. That would be really mean considering I'd actually never met the girl, and how lame does it sound to say, "Could you please turn down your praise Jesus music because I'm trying to learn some biochemical pathway?" Finally, after debating over what to do, a somewhat Christ-like idea popped into my head. I could go knock on her door and tell her that I heard her listening to one of my favorite radio stations. Then, after a brief conversation, I could politely ask her to turn down the music. I did just that, at least the first part of the idea. We actually talked for quite a few minutes. It turns out that she's a grad. student in English and we have a lot in common. Somehow, the conversation turned to church ,and I learned that she hasn't found a church home here in Johnson City. I invited her to our new Women's Bible Study on Thursday nights, and she may come next week.
Had I acted upon my first impulse, this encounter would have never turned into an opportunity to encourage someone else and help them grow in their faith nor meet someone who could become like a roommate in a large 4BR separated by a floor and a fight of stairs. It got me to thinking, how many people like my neighbor have I passed up? How many opportunities are lost because we speak before we think and talk before we listen?
Just some bread of life crumbs to chew on for the weekend.
Back to studying Biochem and praying I pass Monday's test!
1.26.2005
Here There and Everywhere
I had considered writing something profound like the case for divine design or purity vs. piety. However, considering the fact that my brain is a puddle of fried mush from Monday's exam this is going to be short and sweet. Despite the cold temperatures and snow-dusted landscapes on Johnson City, I must confess that my mind has been far outside of the pale walls of my academic prison. Instead I have been thinking about warmer weather and summer plans. This summer, I'm resolved to see everyone I know in the world (well, almost).
My sojourn will start with a few weeks in the exciting town of Smyrna, TN. Then my travels will commence with a trip Northwest with the parents to visit another exciting town in Idaho: Magic Valley (as well as side trips to Yellowstone and Salt Lake City). Since I haven't seen anything west of Dallas, I'm taking a few weeks to make a pilgrimage from Nashville to Nevada, perhaps to Cali-For-Ni-A. Of course, a summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to Central America. After much thinking and praying, God has led me to travel back to Guatemala to work with a church in Zacapa, Guatemala. I'm not sure why he's sending me to one of the poorest areas of the country or what an M1 gringa can do there, but there's obviously a reason. Finally, I'll spend another week with Health Talents doing mobile medical clinic in Southern Guatemala.
So my point in a round-about way is, if you happen to be along any of these routes or want to meet me, feel free to do so. Maybe my "It's a Small World" game (refer to previous post) will reach a new record!
Who knows, maybe I'll try to tackle the GSM's Lakeshore Trail too!
My sojourn will start with a few weeks in the exciting town of Smyrna, TN. Then my travels will commence with a trip Northwest with the parents to visit another exciting town in Idaho: Magic Valley (as well as side trips to Yellowstone and Salt Lake City). Since I haven't seen anything west of Dallas, I'm taking a few weeks to make a pilgrimage from Nashville to Nevada, perhaps to Cali-For-Ni-A. Of course, a summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to Central America. After much thinking and praying, God has led me to travel back to Guatemala to work with a church in Zacapa, Guatemala. I'm not sure why he's sending me to one of the poorest areas of the country or what an M1 gringa can do there, but there's obviously a reason. Finally, I'll spend another week with Health Talents doing mobile medical clinic in Southern Guatemala.
So my point in a round-about way is, if you happen to be along any of these routes or want to meet me, feel free to do so. Maybe my "It's a Small World" game (refer to previous post) will reach a new record!
Who knows, maybe I'll try to tackle the GSM's Lakeshore Trail too!
1.18.2005
Another Outdoor Adventure by Yours Truly
Laurel Falls in Hampton, TN
I was really bored in my "baby" Biochem class today so I decided to creatively phrase some of the events of MLK, Jr. Day. For a more to-the-point version and more pictures, check out Justin's Blog. Here's my latest creative endeavor:
A Journey to Laurel Falls
There was a man named MLK
Who preached and taught the rule
Enough so they gave him a holiday
So Michele would not have school.
In honor of having some time free
Her friends came from Ktown to hike
Too bad the temp was 20 degrees
And the roadway solid ice.
Not wanting to disappoint
Her faithful, loyal friends
She agree to journey to the falls
Until they reached trail's end.
With faces cold and fingers numb
They started down the trail
Despite the frigid temperature
They knew all would be well.
A mile or more of walking
Some climbing down rock stairs
Led Michele and co. to their goal:
Laurel Falls, a sight so fair.
They spent some time by God's design
Eating lunch (PB & J)
A few hundred steps brought them back to the top
And sent them on their way.
Michele was so happy her friends had come
To see her and her humble abode
That she had to pay them homage
In a writing style other than prose.
Alicia and I "freeze" for a photo
I was really bored in my "baby" Biochem class today so I decided to creatively phrase some of the events of MLK, Jr. Day. For a more to-the-point version and more pictures, check out Justin's Blog. Here's my latest creative endeavor:
A Journey to Laurel Falls
There was a man named MLK
Who preached and taught the rule
Enough so they gave him a holiday
So Michele would not have school.
In honor of having some time free
Her friends came from Ktown to hike
Too bad the temp was 20 degrees
And the roadway solid ice.
Not wanting to disappoint
Her faithful, loyal friends
She agree to journey to the falls
Until they reached trail's end.
With faces cold and fingers numb
They started down the trail
Despite the frigid temperature
They knew all would be well.
A mile or more of walking
Some climbing down rock stairs
Led Michele and co. to their goal:
Laurel Falls, a sight so fair.
They spent some time by God's design
Eating lunch (PB & J)
A few hundred steps brought them back to the top
And sent them on their way.
Michele was so happy her friends had come
To see her and her humble abode
That she had to pay them homage
In a writing style other than prose.
Alicia and I "freeze" for a photo
1.14.2005
Bagging Beans
I think if my blog had a soundtrack it would be the music from Early Edition. Does anyone remember that show? You know the one where the guy's cat brought him tomorrow's newspaper today and he had to contemplate how to remedy all the catastrophes he read before tomorrow came. Maybe he'd narrate my blog for me. Yeah, my blog lacks the humor and satire from an SNL skit nor does it possess the sass and flair of an Aretha Franklin made-for-TV concert. Oh well, that's not me so you'll just have to settle for my random insights and occasional one-liners.
As many of you know, this past weekend I flew to Dallas to attend the annual Medical Missions Seminar. I had planned to attend last year, but a death in the family the day before my flight was supposed to leave quickly cancelled those plans. I must say it was an absolutely incredibly edifying experience. My heart was just filled with warm fuzzies throughout the entire weekend. It was so encouraging to hear speaker after speaker that told about how God had worked in their lives and the lives of others. It was encouraging to see hundreds of people practicing pure Christianity, not complaining about insignificant issues, not pointing fingers at other people's specks and ignoring their own planks, and not just sitting in the pews on Sundays and living their own wills the other 6 days of the week. No, they were just practicing pure Christianity, helping the widows and orphans, healing the sick, and proclaiming the good news. That's all we were ever called to do, isn't it?
The great thing about serving God is meeting fellow servants. I had a wonderful time reuniting with people I had met through my missions experiences and spending time with some fellow METers. It was almost like being in Guatemala again except we weren't all dressed in scrubs and crammed into a 12 passenger van. We behaved ourselves, for the most part, and "el za za za" only was sung once during the event ;o).
The whole event reminded me of my attitude while on mission trips. It seems like even the most menial chore is turned into a glorious event while on such trips. I can remember in years past spending hours in a small, cinder block room in Honduras putting beans into bags yet full of joy while I did it. Why? I think it was because I knew that my "bean-bagging" would help out those who had no beans and thus bring glory to God by helping those less fortunate. So I started thinking, if I can bag beans for 3 hours without complaining, then why can't I study for 3 hours and do the same? I mean, it's kind of the same thing. Indirectly my studies will bring God glory by applying what I've learned to those I serve. So this semester, even though it's hard to see how knowing how to discern basal lamina from hemidesmosomes under a microscope is serving God, I'm going to try to keep things in perspective. Maybe I should just carry a bag of beans with me. Anyways, I'm off to study and share the good news about last semester's grades (we just got our final grade back :o)). Ciao!
As many of you know, this past weekend I flew to Dallas to attend the annual Medical Missions Seminar. I had planned to attend last year, but a death in the family the day before my flight was supposed to leave quickly cancelled those plans. I must say it was an absolutely incredibly edifying experience. My heart was just filled with warm fuzzies throughout the entire weekend. It was so encouraging to hear speaker after speaker that told about how God had worked in their lives and the lives of others. It was encouraging to see hundreds of people practicing pure Christianity, not complaining about insignificant issues, not pointing fingers at other people's specks and ignoring their own planks, and not just sitting in the pews on Sundays and living their own wills the other 6 days of the week. No, they were just practicing pure Christianity, helping the widows and orphans, healing the sick, and proclaiming the good news. That's all we were ever called to do, isn't it?
The great thing about serving God is meeting fellow servants. I had a wonderful time reuniting with people I had met through my missions experiences and spending time with some fellow METers. It was almost like being in Guatemala again except we weren't all dressed in scrubs and crammed into a 12 passenger van. We behaved ourselves, for the most part, and "el za za za" only was sung once during the event ;o).
The whole event reminded me of my attitude while on mission trips. It seems like even the most menial chore is turned into a glorious event while on such trips. I can remember in years past spending hours in a small, cinder block room in Honduras putting beans into bags yet full of joy while I did it. Why? I think it was because I knew that my "bean-bagging" would help out those who had no beans and thus bring glory to God by helping those less fortunate. So I started thinking, if I can bag beans for 3 hours without complaining, then why can't I study for 3 hours and do the same? I mean, it's kind of the same thing. Indirectly my studies will bring God glory by applying what I've learned to those I serve. So this semester, even though it's hard to see how knowing how to discern basal lamina from hemidesmosomes under a microscope is serving God, I'm going to try to keep things in perspective. Maybe I should just carry a bag of beans with me. Anyways, I'm off to study and share the good news about last semester's grades (we just got our final grade back :o)). Ciao!
1.12.2005
How About a Hike?
I was wondering....would anyone in the East Tennessee area want to come join me in one of my "always exciting" excursions into the wilderness this Monday? I would love to come join all of you, but seeing as how you all live all over the country and Quillen is only giving me one day off (of which I only half a 1/2 day or so due to missing last weekend), I think it'd be best to do it here. I promise there will be no submerged kayaks, no nights out in the woods, and hopefully no wrong turns that lead to wild boar sightings or an additional 12 miles of trail.
So...if you'd like to explore NE Tennessee (same mountains as GSMNP except no smog and crazy drivers stopping to see every deer), give me a yell or leave me a comment. I know you don't have school or classes to worry about and the drive (for some of you) is about the same as driving to the Smokies. I might even let you see my super-cool apartment ;o). Ciao!
So...if you'd like to explore NE Tennessee (same mountains as GSMNP except no smog and crazy drivers stopping to see every deer), give me a yell or leave me a comment. I know you don't have school or classes to worry about and the drive (for some of you) is about the same as driving to the Smokies. I might even let you see my super-cool apartment ;o). Ciao!
1.09.2005
Travel: Always an Adventure
If life is a collection of stories, then I just added about a chapter to the travel section this past weekend. It all started with my decision to fly out of Tri-Cities to Dallas for an amazing medical missions seminar (more to come on that in a later post).
I should have known to expect something when the guy at the check-in desk told me to make sure and use the restroom before I got on the plane because the plane didn't have one. So I thought to myself, "No big deal. This must just be a small jet or something." When it came time to board, I walked out on the tarmac with my bag, and my eyes beheld not a jet but a small 20 seat prop plane. I don't know about your flight experiences, but mine have always been ones of flying large jets that seem more like riding in a car with frequent ear-popping rather than barnstormers doing loopty-loops in the sky. We boarded the plane and began our journey. I was glad that I hadn't eaten right before boarding. The next thirty minutes or so were spent swaying back and forth and up and down as our little flying vessel tackled the large clouds and "friendly skies" of East Tennessee. I also had great plans of studying on the plane that were quickly discarded once I realized that my notebook would cover my lap and the lap of the guy sitting next to me and that the roar of the engines masked any of my own thoughts. Needless to say, it was an interesting hour and a half followed by a much smoother flight to Dallas.
As if that weren't enough excitement for the weekend, this morning I woke up at 8:20am in Frisco, TX (about 45 minutes from DFW airport) and my plane was due to leave at 9:36am. I had set my alarm the night before but apparently never turned it on. I woke up and looked at the time, doing a double take and hoping that my eyes were still clouded with sleep and read the wrong time. Nope. "Holly!!" I yelled. "We've got to go NOW" Bless her heart, my friend got up immediately, still in her PJs, and drove me to the airport. The whole way I was praying childishly "Dear God please delay the flight or something. Just let me catch my flight." Bending a few traffic laws and taking advantage of the lack of traffic, we made it there by 9am. I had called my dad the night before to find out the gate and terminal of my departure. In case you're not aware, Dallas has 3 terminals, and going to the wrong terminal doesn't mean an extra walk but a shuttle ride to another building. Holly dropped me off at A15 where my flight was supposed to depart. I used the self-check-in and was about to get in the security line when I glanced at the screen and saw the actual gate of my departure: C7. It was 9:06am and my flight was boarding. My heart sank. I stopped an AA agent and asked them how in the world I could make my flight. They gave me a doubtful look and told me I'd have to wait outside for a shuttle to take me to the C terminal. I ran outside, and luckily there "just happened" to be a shuttle. Since I was the only one on board, he dropped me off in front of C7. 9:11am. I just might make it. I went inside and beheld a line of people at the security check point as long as a line of UT fans waiting to get into Neyland stadium a few minutes before kick-off. I thought to myself, "I'm never going to make it." In desperation, I approached one of the security people and asked her if there was any way I could cut line. With no sympathy, she firmly told me "No." I went to the back of the line. I had to at least try. I told the people in the back of the line my situation and they encouraged me to try to ask some kind soul in the line to let me through. To make a long story shorter, let's just say there were about 20-something kind souls that let me to the front of the line. I made it through security and made it to my gate just as they were calling the last group to board.
You could call it luck, but I call it providence. Everything went wrong but everything went right at the same time. As I learned many times this weekend, our God is good all the time and He looks after us, even when we do stupid things like oversleeping, if we will only put our trust in him.
PS: After all this, somehow my wallet managed to run away from me at the gate I boarded at in Nashville or perhaps on the plane. If you see it, please let me know and pray that it comes home.
Also, fly AA. They're awesome and except for the mean lady at the security gate who was determined for me to miss my flight, they were all very friendly and helpful.
I should have known to expect something when the guy at the check-in desk told me to make sure and use the restroom before I got on the plane because the plane didn't have one. So I thought to myself, "No big deal. This must just be a small jet or something." When it came time to board, I walked out on the tarmac with my bag, and my eyes beheld not a jet but a small 20 seat prop plane. I don't know about your flight experiences, but mine have always been ones of flying large jets that seem more like riding in a car with frequent ear-popping rather than barnstormers doing loopty-loops in the sky. We boarded the plane and began our journey. I was glad that I hadn't eaten right before boarding. The next thirty minutes or so were spent swaying back and forth and up and down as our little flying vessel tackled the large clouds and "friendly skies" of East Tennessee. I also had great plans of studying on the plane that were quickly discarded once I realized that my notebook would cover my lap and the lap of the guy sitting next to me and that the roar of the engines masked any of my own thoughts. Needless to say, it was an interesting hour and a half followed by a much smoother flight to Dallas.
As if that weren't enough excitement for the weekend, this morning I woke up at 8:20am in Frisco, TX (about 45 minutes from DFW airport) and my plane was due to leave at 9:36am. I had set my alarm the night before but apparently never turned it on. I woke up and looked at the time, doing a double take and hoping that my eyes were still clouded with sleep and read the wrong time. Nope. "Holly!!" I yelled. "We've got to go NOW" Bless her heart, my friend got up immediately, still in her PJs, and drove me to the airport. The whole way I was praying childishly "Dear God please delay the flight or something. Just let me catch my flight." Bending a few traffic laws and taking advantage of the lack of traffic, we made it there by 9am. I had called my dad the night before to find out the gate and terminal of my departure. In case you're not aware, Dallas has 3 terminals, and going to the wrong terminal doesn't mean an extra walk but a shuttle ride to another building. Holly dropped me off at A15 where my flight was supposed to depart. I used the self-check-in and was about to get in the security line when I glanced at the screen and saw the actual gate of my departure: C7. It was 9:06am and my flight was boarding. My heart sank. I stopped an AA agent and asked them how in the world I could make my flight. They gave me a doubtful look and told me I'd have to wait outside for a shuttle to take me to the C terminal. I ran outside, and luckily there "just happened" to be a shuttle. Since I was the only one on board, he dropped me off in front of C7. 9:11am. I just might make it. I went inside and beheld a line of people at the security check point as long as a line of UT fans waiting to get into Neyland stadium a few minutes before kick-off. I thought to myself, "I'm never going to make it." In desperation, I approached one of the security people and asked her if there was any way I could cut line. With no sympathy, she firmly told me "No." I went to the back of the line. I had to at least try. I told the people in the back of the line my situation and they encouraged me to try to ask some kind soul in the line to let me through. To make a long story shorter, let's just say there were about 20-something kind souls that let me to the front of the line. I made it through security and made it to my gate just as they were calling the last group to board.
You could call it luck, but I call it providence. Everything went wrong but everything went right at the same time. As I learned many times this weekend, our God is good all the time and He looks after us, even when we do stupid things like oversleeping, if we will only put our trust in him.
PS: After all this, somehow my wallet managed to run away from me at the gate I boarded at in Nashville or perhaps on the plane. If you see it, please let me know and pray that it comes home.
Also, fly AA. They're awesome and except for the mean lady at the security gate who was determined for me to miss my flight, they were all very friendly and helpful.
1.01.2005
Back to the Grind
Happy New Year everyone!!!
Nothing exciting or of great importance going on here, no crazy trips or attempts to save the world. Some of us "old fogeys" from the CSC decided to ring out the old and welcome in the new with a little get-together at Joeys' house. It was alot of fun, complete with sparkling grape juice and crazy party hats.
Tomorrow it's back to the grind as I drive back to Johnson City to start my attempts at surviving my second semester of med. school. This week should prove to be interesting and busy as I learn how to survive the eccentric biochem teacher's class and fly to Dallas on Thursday for the Medical Missions Seminar (Holly and I will try to stay out of too much trouble). It was great to see some of you over the break. To the rest, you had your chance ;o). Just kidding. Enjoy the new year and keeping your resolutions!
Nothing exciting or of great importance going on here, no crazy trips or attempts to save the world. Some of us "old fogeys" from the CSC decided to ring out the old and welcome in the new with a little get-together at Joeys' house. It was alot of fun, complete with sparkling grape juice and crazy party hats.
Tomorrow it's back to the grind as I drive back to Johnson City to start my attempts at surviving my second semester of med. school. This week should prove to be interesting and busy as I learn how to survive the eccentric biochem teacher's class and fly to Dallas on Thursday for the Medical Missions Seminar (Holly and I will try to stay out of too much trouble). It was great to see some of you over the break. To the rest, you had your chance ;o). Just kidding. Enjoy the new year and keeping your resolutions!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
