Test of Love & Patience

Pets do bring much joy, love, and companionship to our lives, but at times they are also a test of patience & love....

Let's just say that I have been blessed with 2 very INTERESTING animals that test me almost on a daily basis. The cat, whom I adopted as a kitten from the SPCA, is literally insane. I truly think he is either bipolar or possessed with a demon spirit. One moment he is lovey, meowing like a kitten and the next moment is drawing blood from one of us with his vicious, angry attack biting. Oh, then there is the occasional knocking stuff off counters, dressers, etc, just to get attention. Why do I keep him, you ask? Perhaps I am the crazy one. Ironically, I actually tried returning him when he was a kitten back to the SPCA....but they were closed. So, I took that as a sign that I had made a promise to keep him, and it was to stay that way...for good & bad. He was on amitriptyline, an antidepressant, for a little while, but I stopped giving it too him after a few months......almost 4 years later, I am thinking of putting him back on it.....maybe for my sanity. Ever since we got back from our 2 week Christmas vacation, he has been unruly!

Ah, then there is the dog. I also love her very much, but she, too, has much emotional baggage. She was rescued off the street by a friend of mine, I believe about 3.5 - 4 yrs ago. The poor dog was a mess....flea ridden, emaciated, a poorly healed hip, heart worms, and a herniated diaphram (the later which I found out weeks after I took her in). We got her fixed up, and today she is very beautiful and healthy. She only has occasionaly limping in her bad hip, and......still much emotional baggage. Unfortunately, she must be kenneled when we leave the house or she tears through all the blinds in the house & scratches at the door to try to get to find us. Total separation anxiety. The kenneling is supposed to be a safe, secure place to keep them calm when the owner is away....but I am not sure it serves this purpose for Merlah. Today we purchased her 3rd crate! She busted out of the first one completely, and ruined some blinds in our new house (she had done that in my old apartment). The 2nd one was on it way out....even though I thought it was a stronger one. So, today we bought one of those big plastic ones, and Friday I take her to the vet for a vaccine, physical, and blood tests. The vet told me she may have to be placde on an anxiolytic in order to keep her calmer/happier during the day when we are gone.

It sounds absolutely insane, doesn't it? Both of my pets might need "mood altering" meds. I have actually cried about this. Was this something I have done? But I know it isn't. I just ended up with 2 rescued pets that have emotional baggage. Just like humans, sometimes medications are needed to help....and to help those around them be able to handle them better. Again, some people would ask why do you keep them? Well, the simple answer is that I love them, have grown attached to them, and even though they are crazy at times, they are a part of my family.

Yes, they test me at times....but most of the time, they bring me joy (the dog more than the cat...I must admit....)

Columbine Victim's Father's Address to the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee

I liked this....

Columbine Victim's Father's Address to the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm?
On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

DARRELL SCOTT TESTIMONY:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good and evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers."

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart."

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent."

"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy--it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written before I knew I would be speaking here today:"
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts."

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes--He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA-- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!"

"My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Funny Hillary For Prez site

http://www.michaelhodges.com/missing.html

SO ANNOYED!

I have a clinical rotation coming up in April in which I am required to work in Victoria, TX. Months ago I applied for paid student housing that covers rent & utilities. I did this very thing in Nacogdoches, and it worked out very well. I was informed that housing was reserved for me again in Victoria. Well, much to my dismay, I found out at the end of last week that I NO LONGER have housing in Victoria provided. I was BUMPED for a male medical student. I am sure you can imagine how P.O.'d that I am. So, NOW I have to find other accomidations and will most likely have to pay for it......wouldn't be so bad if I didn't already have other house bills that I try to help with here. GRRR. It's not fair!

I just had to rant about it.

This could be the one!

I'm leaning toward another Hawaiian vacation for my graduation trip. This resort looks so awesome in North Shore of Oahu......

I'm ready to go now. Can I go now? How about now? Now?

Turtle Bay Resort

Frozen

A lot of the roads were frozen today due to icy rain and temps at or below freezing. AND the road crews are ALREADY running out of sand! Crazy. Well, the clinic is closed, so looks like another day at home for me. The hubby braved the roads and made it safely, although later than usual, to work. Hopefully the drive home will be safe.

So, looks like yet another day of studying & playing house-wifie. :O)

The hair

Ok, I took some cheesy photos of my hair. Here ya go...

Home today

Due to the questionable weather with possible frozen roads, the hubby & I decided to work at home today. I just don't trust Htown road crew. So far the weather/roads haven't been too bad according to the news, but it could get worse into today, this evening and into tomorrow morning. Hopefully I can make it into the clinic tomorrow! Well, at least I have some extra time to study and work on a presentation.

How'd it go?

The hair makeover went very well. I don't have any pictures yet. It's darker now, but with hilights through out. I also got a lot more layers and bangs. What was most interesting was that I was jokingly calling it a makeover, and they were having a makeover contest that day in the salon. I ended getting entered into the contest. They took a before & after photo. If I win, I get free hair styling and products (up to a $1000) for a year. That would be very cool!

Pimp Your Toilet! WHAT?!??!!

This is rediculous........ http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=44025

Men are strange creatures sometimes..... Saw it on the Today Show this AM.

Makeover day for Alli!

I have neglected my girliness long enough & I can't stand it anymore. It has been 5-6 months since my last hair cut and over a YEAR since I had any color. It is time. The greys are coming in & the color needs some pizazz! I need pampering! So, I am off today for color, hilights, and layering!!! Let's hope I come out of it ok. Hopefully no hair disasters. I'll letcha know how it goes. ;)

Well, the first week at my new family medicine clinic went very well. The physician is very knowledgable and his staff is great. The doc is also very good at giving me feed back & encouraging me to jump right in. He "pimps" me occasionally, but not too much.... Oh, wait...."what is pimping?" you may ask. Well in the world of medicine this is when students are hammered with many questions. We get "PIMPED!" Some are worse than others. For example, a symptom(s) is given and the physician turns to you and asks, "Ok, give me a list of your top "differentials." You quickly have to think of what the top possible reasons are for these symptoms, and why you came up with those.... Sometimes it is frightening. Sometimes you get so freaked out, your brain freezes, and you end up saying..."DUH...I dunno?!?!" You may feel like a dumb little peon for that moment, but then there are those wonderful miraculous moments you just spit out the answers. You end up learning a lot this way. Anywho, I think I am going to enjoy this rotation. I see all ages, infants to geriatric patients, and we see a lot in one day. I am taking the beltway now, and so it has cut about 3o minuts from my drive. Much better! Now, it is only about an hour drive (unless there is an accident, of course).

Well, I better go get ready for my hair experiment.

I hate traffic!

Well, my hours at the clinic are only 9 - 6ish. BUT it took me 1.5 hrs to get there this morning and a little more than that to get home. I got home at 8pm, and I can tell I have been on vacation for a month. I had a good time, like the clinic & people there, but I am WRECKED. I am actually considering climbing into bed in a few minutes. SO SLEEPY! I am sure by the end of the week I will be back in the swing of things.....

When I get a job, it may have to be close to home. Not sure I want to deal with Htown traffic!!! ugh! Or maybe we should move to a less crowded city!!! ;)

Ahhh...Good memories

http://talk.theknot.com/boards/User/Profile.aspx?bioname=merlah

Texas Chili Cook-off

This is hilarious! I had tears in my eyes after reading it!

If you can read this whole story without laughing then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end. Note: Please take time to read this slowly.

If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted".

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI...
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy shit, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN'S AFTERBURNER CHILI...
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CHILI # 3 - FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI...
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting shit-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC...
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beermaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER...
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.

CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY...
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I shit on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my ass with a snow cone.

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI...
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing; it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI...
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 - No Report

This month

So, I finally found out where I will be working this month. I have been assigned to work with a family medicine physician in Katy, TX. Looks like pretty good hours, although a bit far of a drive for me. BUT at least I get to live at home this month. YEAH!

I still need to post more holiday/vacation pics. Here a few:

Certifiably Insane

The hubby & I watched this movie last night. It was hilarious, insane, stupid, and DISGUSTING all in one. Johnny Knoxville & all those guys are certfiably INSANE! We laughed until we cried. I don't think I had ever seen the hubby laugh so hard. I am not sure why we watch their shows and movies. They are so dangerous & DUMB, but we laugh so hard every time we watch it!!! I guess we all have a little immature teenage boy inside of us. ;p

Chris "party boy" Pontius makes me laugh the hardest! GOOFY!

TGIF

Well, it's my last Friday off for a while. I am just spending the day cleaning, watching a little boob-tube (I love the Ellen show...but no, no SOAP operas....can't stand them), and probably going to go out and run some errands soon. I guess I am kind of playing house-wifie this last week of vacation. ;) Yesterday I spent the morning having brunch and saw a movie with some of the other "Married-ladies" from school. We saw Holiday. It was not a deep, thought inspiring movie, but it was cute. Then I went SHOPPING! We had some Christmas money that we just HAD to spend. ;) Then the hubby & I used a gift card we received and had dinner at the local Chili's.....we are close to becoming regulars there. :O) It was a good day.

So, just 2 more days and it is back to the grind. A part of me excited to get back in the swing and seeing patients again in a new clinic, but another part of me is a little sad that my vacation is almost over. Which is quite silly. I mean, I had an entire MONTH off. Why is it never enough? :) I guess that fact that we had such a great time in all of our travels, it just made the month fly soooo fast. BUT before I know it, I will be graduating.....then I will be shakin' in my boots on the thought of becoming responsible for people's health!

Well, I have good news and the not so good news about my upcoming rotation. The good news is it now looks like I won't have to move to Beaumont/Port Arthur for the month. There was an issue with the clinic I was supposed to work at. The not so good news is that I don't know yet where I will be working on Monday. EEK! My clinical coordinator is working on it for me today. So, it is most likely that I will now be in the Houston area for the month and can live at home. The hubby & pets (and me) will be happy about that. If nothing gets ironed out today on where I will work for the month, then Monday will be a "Library/Study day" for me as it is figured out. Stayed tuned for the next episode of "The day in the life of this PA student." :O)

Maluna Ke Anuenue (Over The Rainbow)

written by Andrea von Botefuhr

I am forever humbled and uplifted
By the blessings I have received in my life
I am most grateful for my family and friends
Who have graced my life with such abundant Love
Together may we all learn not to clutter our minds and hearts
With pilikia (pettiness)
Instead, may we strive to achieve and reflect
Our own greatness within
That is the truth of us
Our spiritual fabric is woven
From the aka (invisible connection) and fiber of God
No one has ever walked this plane
Who is any greater any less then each of us
In divine potential
May we realize our potential together
May we pay our deepest respect and gratitude
To those who have come and gone before us
And made our life journey so rich
May we all find the most direct path
To the joyousness within our hearts
For joy is the foundation of healing and enlightenment
May we laugh our most joyous laughter
And cry our most heartfelt tears
As we rejoice in our ability to feel
From the heights to the depths
May the golden sunlight of our laughter
As it meets the nurturing rain of our tears
Fill our hearts with a glorious rainbow
That shines through our eyes
And uplifts the spirits of all whom we meet
May we then together, with winged hearts
Soar over the rainbow!

A friend of my Aunt wrote this beautiful prayer.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Basics: According to the American Cancer Society, about 9,710 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were expected to occur in the United States in 2006.Cervical cancer begins in the lining of the cervix when cells begin to change from normal to pre-cancer and then to cancer. This can take a number of years, although sometimes it happens more quickly.Cancer of the cervix is highly preventable. Regular Pap smears not only detect cancerous cells, but also abnormal changes in the cervix that can eventually progress to cancer over a period of 10 to 15 years.The five-year relative survival rate for the earliest stage of invasive cervical cancer is 92%, while the five-year survival rate for all stages combined is about 73%.

Reducing your Risks: In recent years, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been found to cause 99% of cervical cancers, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Take action to reduce your risks of developing cervical cancer. M. D. Anderson recommends the following:

Women at average risk:

• Liquid-based Pap test every two years beginning three years after initiating vaginal intercourse, but no later than age 21
• Liquid-based Pap and HPV test every three years beginning at age 30
  

HPV testing is not recommended for women under age 30 as studies have shown HPV screening at this age to be ineffective.

Women at increased risk of cervical cancer should be screened annually. Take time to discuss your own risks with your health care provider who can best advise you on the screening exams that are right for you.

Women at lower than average risk should speak with their health care provider about less frequent screening:

• Women age 70 or older with three or more consequent normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years
• Women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) as treatment for cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix.

From the M.D. Anderson website: http://www.mdanderson.org/awareness/

We had a great time!

We had a really great vacation & great Christmas. After we got back from NY we were home for about a day, spent the night with my parents to celebrate an early Christmas with them, & the next day drove up to Oklahoma to spend Christmas with the hubby's parents near Tulsa. ETK & Baby (her hubby) joined us the next day. The 4 of us were very thankful & grateful that hubby's parents housed & fed all of us. :) We had a great time watching Christmas movies, playing games, eating wonderful food (thanks, TT!), visiting with family, shopping, sleeping, & playing with the 2 cutie chihuahuas by the fire. Did you know that Oklahoma has 48 wineries? Who woulda thunk it?? TT, knowing that Hubby, ETK, Baby, & I are very fond of wine, had the great idea of taking us to one called StableRidge on Route 66 in Stroud, OK. It was very quaint & surprisingly very delicious! Of course we brought home a few bottles. We also enjoyed some of the world's best BBQ at Dink's BBQ in Bartlesville, OK, hubby's birthtown. On Christmas morning, we all felt like little kids again, except we slept in a little....not waking before the sun! WOW! There were stockings stuffed with goodies & tons of presents under the tree! We were very blessed indeed. On the 26th ETK & baby flew home to Atlanta & Hubby and I drove to Oklahoma City to spend the day and night with my sissies & her husband. We opened gifts at their lovely home, spent a little time exploring/shopping in OKC, had a tasty dinner at Redrock Canyon Grill watching the sun set on Hefner Lake, and then we came back to their lovely casa and spent the rest of the night playing a fun game of Mexican Train. We awoke early the next day and made the drive back home. Since then we have been enjoying our last days of vacation mostly hanging out at home....taking a vacation from our vacation. :) We spent New Year's Eve day with my parents strolling the Galveston Beach and lunch at The Spot on the seawall. We spent the evening just relaxing at home alone watching movies & playing Yahtzee. It may sound dorky, but it was great & relaxing. We stayed awake just long enough to say "Happy New Year!" and then we got our snooze on. ;) It was a great vacation! Hubby is back at work. I have the rest of this week off, and next Sunday will make the move to Beaumont for a month rotation at a family medicine clinic in Port Aurthur. (Luckily I'll get to come home on weekends...about a 2 hr drive.)

Some Holiday pictures.....

Happy New Year!

May it be a joyful & prosperous one!