Some of you may or may not remember but one of my New Years resolutions was to find a church here and actually attend regularly. So that means that I have started the process of shopping around and have visited 2 Methodist churches so far. Today it was Grace United Methodist in the historic district. It is a beautiful church that had a similar service to Central's so that was nice and homey. Since the start of the year they have been following a series on light with their scripture and their sermons and I thought I'd just give y'all a taste of my take on the message today.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
The pastor had some good insights that went along with this passage. He told a story about a trip he and his wife took deep into a cave in Kentucky. They got all the way to the bottom where it was lit brightly by a lot of flood lights. Once everyone in the tour had gotten their barrings they turned all the lights off at once and it was as dark as a person could ever imagine. But then, gradually lights of all colors began to come back on. He said, "I was instantly less anxious because there was light." And I think that's a beautiful way to apply this scripture to life. There is a lot of darkness in the world, maybe even in our own lives, and it can be the cause of great anxiety, but if we let our lights shine...whether they be talents or intellect or kindness, etc...and if we recognize the shining lights of those around us who support us then we will be less anxious. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
oh ps--thank you all so much for your love, prayers and support this past week! I made a B+ on my anatomy test!!! now its time to move on to physiology...
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fieldwork Placements!
So today we were given our fieldwork placements, which are basically 5 different one-day shadowing experiences we will do over the course of the semester. This is really exciting because it gives us a chance to see therapy and make our classes which may seem general or even like "fluff" relevant to the career. During the 1st term they send everyone to 5 completely different kinds of clinics or hospitals so that you can get a broad overview of what's happening out there, and since I'm in the OT curriculum currently I will be shadowing all OTs this term.
I have been assigned to:
1) Palatka Health Care Center which is a nursing home in Palatka, Fl
2) Shands Rehab Hospital to shadow inpatient rehab in Gainesville, Fl
3) Brooks Rehab Hospital to shadow pediatrics in Jacksonville, Fl
4) Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute to shadow hand therapy
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I have internet, finally!!!
Sorry its been a while since my last post but have no fear, I finally got internet in my apartment so I can post anytime now! This week was short so it went by quickly. Nothing terribly exciting happened. We did get to meet with our advisors for the first time this past Tuesday. Mine is the advisor for all the dual students and has both degrees herself so she is very familiar with the program and the worries that students get regarding it. Although I'm still feeling very confident about my choice and my reasons, there are some people in my class who are already considering dropping back to being just PT students. I understand why. If nothing else its an extra year of school longer than PT, but also the curriculum isn't equal...its OT first and then PT, so if they have more interest in PT over OT, even if they like both, it will be a while before we actually get into strictly PT work. But like I said, I'm still confident so it doesn't matter so much to me.
This weekend has been good. Friday night a group of us went out for Japanese and I got some pretty decent sushi. Then most of the girls from the group went on to the movies. We saw the new Ashton Kutcher/Natalie Portman movie, No Strings Attached. It was a little cheezy, but that was to be expected. It was actually very funny though, and it was nice to get out with some people and have a good laugh.
This afternoon was the annual USA flag football tournament. Every trimester (except probably 6th because they are on internship) created a team, even the faculty and played each other at a local elementary school. We, the red class, had enough people sign up that we made two teams and the boys decided to split them up into a good team and a "fun" team. Well, long story short both teams lost out very quickly, though the good team did put up a good fight, so we didn't earn the bragging rights this year. I did not play mind you, but Layla and I were there in support. The rest of the afternoon and evening has been spent studying anatomy because our first major test is this coming Friday! Everyone's stress level is slowly but surely rising so this week is probably going to be rather tense. I'll keep you posted as it goes by! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
This weekend has been good. Friday night a group of us went out for Japanese and I got some pretty decent sushi. Then most of the girls from the group went on to the movies. We saw the new Ashton Kutcher/Natalie Portman movie, No Strings Attached. It was a little cheezy, but that was to be expected. It was actually very funny though, and it was nice to get out with some people and have a good laugh.
This afternoon was the annual USA flag football tournament. Every trimester (except probably 6th because they are on internship) created a team, even the faculty and played each other at a local elementary school. We, the red class, had enough people sign up that we made two teams and the boys decided to split them up into a good team and a "fun" team. Well, long story short both teams lost out very quickly, though the good team did put up a good fight, so we didn't earn the bragging rights this year. I did not play mind you, but Layla and I were there in support. The rest of the afternoon and evening has been spent studying anatomy because our first major test is this coming Friday! Everyone's stress level is slowly but surely rising so this week is probably going to be rather tense. I'll keep you posted as it goes by! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Monday, January 17, 2011
All about town...
So I got to get out and explore some new places this weekend so I thought I'd fill you in on where I went and what I thought!
Sunset Grill is where we ate dinner Friday night. It's on A1A which is the highway that runs along the beach. There was a group of 10 of us so for the size the service was actually pretty efficient. I had shrimp and scallop pasta. Its one of their signature dishes. The shrimp were cooked pretty well the scallops a little over but that's usually expected. Overall it was pretty tasty but nothing that wow-ed me and a little overpriced. You could tell its one of the spots that draws tourists in during the high season but probably not the best seafood on the beach.
After dinner we went almost literally across the street to a beach house where 5 of the boys in my program are living. It's such a great location :) Anyway a bunch of us hung out there for a while and then later that night we headed to the bar. I repeat THE bar. Haha or at least it appears to be the only bar that USA students frequent so who knows if there are others out there. Its your typical basic bar, very reminiscent of maybe Wingin' it or Loose Change for those of you looking for a downtown Clemson comparison. There is little light and loud music but the drink prices are reasonable and by the time we got there we were all already having fun anywhere so the place didn't really matter :)
The other exciting thing we did this weekend was Layla and I headed down to the dog park. Its not quite as nice as the one in Orlando but still plenty of space for her to run out some energy. Its part of a whole recreation complex and the skate park is right next to the dog area so that was definitely a new experience for her. There was a lot of exposed dirt which meant she came home with gross feet but other than that I had no real complaints. This park also has a 1 mile walking track and a nature trail that surrounds it so there is lots of stuff to do out there.
Well that was the fun parts of my weekend and now its back to the grind. The school is closed for the holiday today so I'm actually blogging to you from Barnes and Noble and my computer only have half a battery left so I should be off doing something productive! Happy MLK day to you all!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Quick update from the Library
So I'm back in the library but at least the week is done. I finished (and survived!) my first full week of grad school!!! Believe me this is a big accomplishment :) AND I have the long weekend to look forward to. My whole class is finally starting to settle in and get down to business here. People are checking out bones and massage tables from school to practice for practicals, stressing over our chaotic physiology teacher, and complaining about our nit-picky skills teacher. Some are worried about our massage strokes (which I will gladly volunteer to be a practice partner for!) others are bogged down in anatomy information. All of us are broke because the yucky weather over the last week closed something and we haven't gotten our loan checks yet. Basically we are the typical grad student...over-caffeinated, sleep deprived and penny-less with took much studying and not enough hours in the day...and I'd say we are all loving it! some more secretly than others of course and certainly we wouldn't mind an extra break here and there but then again who wouldn't?! Upcoming this weekend I plan on taking tonight and tomorrow morning for sure off. Then back to studying (probably here at school) Be on the look out for upcoming reviews of the St. Augustine dog park and the bar we are all headed to tonight. Hopefully I'll have time to fill everyone in about those soon! TGIF everyone!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
AOTA
Just a quick link for everyone to check out at their leisure while I'm in between classes:
Since OT is my focus starting out and I'll be gaining membership for this national organization I thought you might be interested in seeing what's out there for OTs across America! Happy Tuesday everyone!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
pretty pictures
http://erinsagephotography.squarespace.com/
So even though I am no where even within the same realm of weddings I do think this girl is an awesome photographer and I like to look at pretty pictures! check it out if you have a chance
back to school
Hello all! Sorry I've been mia for a couple of days but I thought I'd take advantage of the school's WiFi to give you a quick update of how things are going so far!
Basically not too much to report yet, except I've jumped right in with both feet (hence school on a Sunday) and have been working towards keeping up if not getting ahead with readings and homework, etc and I haven't even been to all my classes yet! I'm sure this wont last long but as of right now I'm not too overwhelmed...yet. I thought you all might want to know kind of what my schedule is like so you know where to find me and when so here goes:
Other than school I haven't ventured out much yet. Our class did have a BBQ on Friday night at a house that 5 boys are living in down on the beach. We had a lot of fun and it was good to let loose and see everyone being a little more relaxed and less formal. Ok, its back to homework time! Later!
Basically not too much to report yet, except I've jumped right in with both feet (hence school on a Sunday) and have been working towards keeping up if not getting ahead with readings and homework, etc and I haven't even been to all my classes yet! I'm sure this wont last long but as of right now I'm not too overwhelmed...yet. I thought you all might want to know kind of what my schedule is like so you know where to find me and when so here goes:
- Monday is 9-4:30
- Tuesday is 8-12...later on I will be shadowing on Tuesday afternoons
- Wednesday is 8-5
- Thursday is 10-5
- Friday is 8-10 or 11 depending on what Anatomy lecture is scheduled
Other than school I haven't ventured out much yet. Our class did have a BBQ on Friday night at a house that 5 boys are living in down on the beach. We had a lot of fun and it was good to let loose and see everyone being a little more relaxed and less formal. Ok, its back to homework time! Later!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
This is the day!
So if there was ever any doubt before, I officially love my iPhone! That's right,I may not have Internet but I'm sitting on my couch watching the today show and blogging from my phone!
Ok so I got down here to St. Augustine on Tuesday around 6:30 and unloaded the car. The trip was uneventful. Yesterday was orientation. We mostly heard stuff we had learned before, follow the dress code, wait to buy books, always have your parking pass and name the, etc... But really the best part was to finally get to put faces with the names of all the people in my program that I've been chatting with via facebook and email! There are probably 60-70 of us total but only about 6 of us in the dual-degree program. I will have 8 classes and only 1 of those is specifically OT and 1 is PT. So that means the rest will be all of us together taking the same classes.
Today is th first day of class. I will have physiology lab, skills and procedures and massage today. My day will last from 10 until about 5, so it's a long first day but I'm really excited! I'm so looking forward to getting into a routine and getting back into the academics! I know, I'm a nerd! Oh well, wish me luck!
Ok so I got down here to St. Augustine on Tuesday around 6:30 and unloaded the car. The trip was uneventful. Yesterday was orientation. We mostly heard stuff we had learned before, follow the dress code, wait to buy books, always have your parking pass and name the, etc... But really the best part was to finally get to put faces with the names of all the people in my program that I've been chatting with via facebook and email! There are probably 60-70 of us total but only about 6 of us in the dual-degree program. I will have 8 classes and only 1 of those is specifically OT and 1 is PT. So that means the rest will be all of us together taking the same classes.
Today is th first day of class. I will have physiology lab, skills and procedures and massage today. My day will last from 10 until about 5, so it's a long first day but I'm really excited! I'm so looking forward to getting into a routine and getting back into the academics! I know, I'm a nerd! Oh well, wish me luck!
Monday, January 3, 2011
I'm too excited to sleep!!!!
Tomorrow is the big day! It's the day Layla and I take off for St. Augustine and start our new adventures. Of course it will be sad and bittersweet to say goodbye to my family but I have to focus on the positives and that is starting school and moving forward with my life towards the person I want to be. I just wanted to throw this quick post in, mostly as another way to avoid packing, but also as heads up: I know that keeping up with my blog is one of my new years resolutions, and I totally intend to honor that, however at this point my apartment has no internet...believe me the separation from the cyber-world is definitely frightening...so I'm not exactly certain when I will be able to post again. But don't fret! As soon as I can get it installed my fingers will be flying across this keyboard filling you all in on everything I learn over the next week or so! Alright now my half empty suitcase calls.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
easy to make, hard to keep...
Urban Dictionary: New Years Resolution Resolution--
"What happens when you find that your New Years resolution is out of reach and you
quickly change it to avoid disappointment and self-loathing."
Well, it's that time of year again. A time to make a list of all the things you'd like to change, incorporate or accomplish in the upcoming year. I suppose the theory is that writing them down and/or sharing your resolutions is a better way to motivate yourself to complete them. Making them more tangible and less like wishful thinking. So here is my list, ambitious maybe, but of course as they say, there's always next year!
Ashley's 2011 Resolutions:
1- keep this blog up-to-date...meaning at least 4 posts a week :)
2- of the 10 weekly meals (lunches and dinners, weekends don't count!) I will
eat from my own kitchen at least 7 of those meals
3- get back into my run training and run at least 5 road races this year
4- find a church in St. Augustine I like AND attend regularly
5- try at least one new restaurant or cultural activity per month
6- stay organized! in school, at home, in life at general!
Now that I've shared my resolutions it is the mission of all of you in cyberspace to hold me to them and help me achieve them. And of course, feel free to comment with your list of resolutions as well and I promise to do my best to pay back the favor. That way, if we fail, we all fail together! Happy New Year everyone ;) I hope 2011 brings you love, laughter and blessings all the year through.
"What happens when you find that your New Years resolution is out of reach and you
quickly change it to avoid disappointment and self-loathing."
Well, it's that time of year again. A time to make a list of all the things you'd like to change, incorporate or accomplish in the upcoming year. I suppose the theory is that writing them down and/or sharing your resolutions is a better way to motivate yourself to complete them. Making them more tangible and less like wishful thinking. So here is my list, ambitious maybe, but of course as they say, there's always next year!
Ashley's 2011 Resolutions:
1- keep this blog up-to-date...meaning at least 4 posts a week :)
2- of the 10 weekly meals (lunches and dinners, weekends don't count!) I will
eat from my own kitchen at least 7 of those meals
3- get back into my run training and run at least 5 road races this year
4- find a church in St. Augustine I like AND attend regularly
5- try at least one new restaurant or cultural activity per month
6- stay organized! in school, at home, in life at general!
Now that I've shared my resolutions it is the mission of all of you in cyberspace to hold me to them and help me achieve them. And of course, feel free to comment with your list of resolutions as well and I promise to do my best to pay back the favor. That way, if we fail, we all fail together! Happy New Year everyone ;) I hope 2011 brings you love, laughter and blessings all the year through.
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