First off, Guinness Book of World Record for a wheelchair backflip. I thought this was pretty awesome. I can't even do a wheelie. I think that is because I'm in that I'm-getting-older-and-I-need-to-preserve-myself stage.
[via boingboing]
Right now, I'm currently finishing up my third semester of OT school. This semester, we have been focused primarily on middle adulthood, both physical disabilities as well as mental health. I just got my schedule for the Spring semester (and last semester! lecture-wise anyway). We'll be learning about late adulthood - the population that I envision myself working with. Of course, what I plan may become the exact opposite of what I actually end up doing so who knows...
I'll also be taking a special issues course on hand rehabilitation. So I'll be a splint-making machine. Maybe. Or possibly a splint-making machine that realized that she left the splint material in too long and it's slowly gooping down the scissors. Haven't done that yet but I can see it happening.
I've also been thinking about this blog. There have been plenty of times where I'll come across something and I'll think, "Hey! I should put this up on the blog" but then that morphs into, "Nah, I don't have time to add my bit because then otherwise I'm just linking stuff, which is boring.."
BTW, when I first started this sojourn a year ago, I hated the whole reflecting bit. Why bother? It is what it is. Maybe having been used to be in a black and white clinical world from working in the laboratory influenced that outlook. In any case, I now find myself reflecting more, wondering and being more curious beyond superficial appearances. Could it be? Could I be evolving? Hahaha... there is hope yet!
OK, what was I saying? Oh yeah, this blog. Not sure what the future holds but as soon as I figure that out, um, I'll post it!
9.14.2008
Arthur "Peg Leg Sam" Jackson and Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates
If you've watched Amelie, "Peg Leg Sam" is the same man that was in one of the videos that Amelie sends to the glass man.
Another tap dancer, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates:
Another tap dancer, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates:
9.06.2008
Paralympic Games in Beijing (Sep 6-17)
UniversalSports.com will be broadcasting the paralympic games live from Beijing. Here's the schedule.
I am eager to watch the rugby final on 9/16. Fortunately it's on a Tuesday and I don't have class that day. I may have a dozen other things I should be doing instead but, hey, it's only every 4 years. Until then, you can watch the opening ceremony here, all 3 and a half glorious hours of it.
Per the US Paralympics site, the games will also be broadcast on Universal Sports TV on 10/8 and a special presentation on NBC on 10/18.
8.26.2008
First day of the last year
Monday was the first day of class once more. It was good to see everyone again (even though it really hadn't been that long, just felt like it). Back to routines (of staying up way too late and rushing out the door in the mornings - ha!)
I have half days on Mondays so it's not too bad. Then I don't have class again until Wednesday afternoon which at least allows me some time to catch up. We also had our adviser meet and greet. It's hard to imagine that just one year ago, I was in the same position has the new class.
Yesterday was also my birthday. There was a time (mid to late 20's) that I avoided any celebration. Nowadays, I'm just grateful and more appreciative to have lived through another year. Last night, we (kids included) went out for dinner and had some sushi. Everything was delicious. My daughter loves tobiko so we got her a couple of pieces too. Now gimme some cake! :)
Speaking of cake and sushi(like the segue? No? too bad), I'm not quite sure how I feel about this:
[via Cake Wreaks]
I have half days on Mondays so it's not too bad. Then I don't have class again until Wednesday afternoon which at least allows me some time to catch up. We also had our adviser meet and greet. It's hard to imagine that just one year ago, I was in the same position has the new class.
Yesterday was also my birthday. There was a time (mid to late 20's) that I avoided any celebration. Nowadays, I'm just grateful and more appreciative to have lived through another year. Last night, we (kids included) went out for dinner and had some sushi. Everything was delicious. My daughter loves tobiko so we got her a couple of pieces too. Now gimme some cake! :)
Speaking of cake and sushi(like the segue? No? too bad), I'm not quite sure how I feel about this:
[via Cake Wreaks]
8.23.2008
8.20.2008
I've got spirit! Yes I do! I've got spirit! How 'bout you?
So, I've been following the Olympics and have found a new hero in Dara Torres. Of course, if you're in the U.S., you know by now that NBC has exclusive online rights so it's hard to find any video online. (I'm sure there are those who are technologically more savvy than me and can find them but I don't have the time/patience.) So I wondered if the same applied to the paralympics (held Sep 6-17) or at least find out if anyone is broadcasting it but not having much luck.
There was one site online (www.paralympicsport.tv) that seem to be promising. I guess we'll see.
In my search, I found another site (www.disabilitytv.com) from New Zealand that highlights lives of those who have disabilities. They also have a channel on youtube.
In the meantime, I leave you with two Nike commercials. The first one is of Oscar Pistorius, South African paralympic sprinter, and the second is of Rohan Murphy, U.S. paralympic powerlifter.
There was one site online (www.paralympicsport.tv) that seem to be promising. I guess we'll see.
In my search, I found another site (www.disabilitytv.com) from New Zealand that highlights lives of those who have disabilities. They also have a channel on youtube.
In the meantime, I leave you with two Nike commercials. The first one is of Oscar Pistorius, South African paralympic sprinter, and the second is of Rohan Murphy, U.S. paralympic powerlifter.
8.18.2008
Slow motion karate chop
One of the classes I took over the summer was an upper extremity cadaver course for OTs. I am grateful that this class was offered and to the gentleman who gifted his body so that students can learn. You can only learn so much from books; nothing compares to practical learning.
So when I saw this on youtube, I cringed. It's a slow motion video of a man karate chopping a cement block. AHH!
On the same note, here's a video of people getting punched (talk about shockwaves!):
So when I saw this on youtube, I cringed. It's a slow motion video of a man karate chopping a cement block. AHH!
On the same note, here's a video of people getting punched (talk about shockwaves!):
1 more week
until school starts... I'm not sad that school's starting. In a nerdy kind of way, I'm looking forward to it. I'm just sad vacation's ending.
In the time off that we've had, I've been thinking about what area of OT I'd like to go into. I think it's hard to go into pediatrics when you have kids of your own. Also, all three of my kids were born premature so they've all spent time in the NICU. By default then, it leaves adults or older adults. I think I would have preferred to work with either of these populations anyway even if I didn't have kids.
Another area that interests me is use of adaptive/assistive technology. Yes, I'm a gadget geek. I am simply amazing what a person can accomplish when a person is given the right tools (that goes for everyone, not just those who are physically disabled).
BTW, have you seen the Luke arm? It was invented by Dean Kamen, of Segway fame.
In the time off that we've had, I've been thinking about what area of OT I'd like to go into. I think it's hard to go into pediatrics when you have kids of your own. Also, all three of my kids were born premature so they've all spent time in the NICU. By default then, it leaves adults or older adults. I think I would have preferred to work with either of these populations anyway even if I didn't have kids.
Another area that interests me is use of adaptive/assistive technology. Yes, I'm a gadget geek. I am simply amazing what a person can accomplish when a person is given the right tools (that goes for everyone, not just those who are physically disabled).
BTW, have you seen the Luke arm? It was invented by Dean Kamen, of Segway fame.
8.14.2008
Yikes!
11 more days until school starts?! I'm not ready!
OK I did get my books and register. But that's about it.
What about all my grand plans about purging and packing and finishing my sewing and... ad nauseum... I did manage to finish the cushion cover for my mom last week.
I am looking forward to vacation this weekend and next. I need a break from working. Last one was back in February and that was for a wedding.
I am looking forward to this semester; it'll primarily focus on adults and more of the psychosocial aspect of OT. Or at least that's what I think it is based on the books.
Just think, one year ago I started OT school. I really believe time exponential speeds up as one ages.
Oh, and I found two references to occupational therapy. One was when I was catching up on movies and finally watched Auntie Mame, after she becomes a widow and encouraged to write a memoir, she states:
"...[T]his is some kind of conspiracy. Some trumped up occupational therapy, like leathercraft, or hooking rugs."
(BTW, she does write the book and it becomes a hit)
There are several references to occupational therapy in a puppy training booklet by Dr. Ian Dunbar entitled BEFORE You Get Your Puppy but they all essentially state the same thing:
Natural inquisitiveness prompts the lonely pup to dig, bark, and escape in his quest for some form of occupational therapy to pass the day in solitary confinement.
See? OT is everywhere!
OK I did get my books and register. But that's about it.
What about all my grand plans about purging and packing and finishing my sewing and... ad nauseum... I did manage to finish the cushion cover for my mom last week.
I am looking forward to vacation this weekend and next. I need a break from working. Last one was back in February and that was for a wedding.
I am looking forward to this semester; it'll primarily focus on adults and more of the psychosocial aspect of OT. Or at least that's what I think it is based on the books.
Just think, one year ago I started OT school. I really believe time exponential speeds up as one ages.
Oh, and I found two references to occupational therapy. One was when I was catching up on movies and finally watched Auntie Mame, after she becomes a widow and encouraged to write a memoir, she states:
"...[T]his is some kind of conspiracy. Some trumped up occupational therapy, like leathercraft, or hooking rugs."
(BTW, she does write the book and it becomes a hit)
There are several references to occupational therapy in a puppy training booklet by Dr. Ian Dunbar entitled BEFORE You Get Your Puppy but they all essentially state the same thing:
Natural inquisitiveness prompts the lonely pup to dig, bark, and escape in his quest for some form of occupational therapy to pass the day in solitary confinement.
See? OT is everywhere!
7.02.2008
6.08.2008
Slacking!
Well, at least blog-wise.
First off, I am DONE with the 2nd semester of OT school. The spring semester anyway. We're in summer session so I suppose we're not technically grad 3's - yet. After mid-July though - HA! Grad 3! No longer at the bottom of the totem pole!
We have learned quite a bit these past two crazy semesters. The spring semester focused primarily on the pediatric population. Though I don't see myself working in pediatrics (primarily because I have little kids of my own I think I would be drained), I still enjoyed it. One of the things that I've come to appreciate, at the risk of sounding corny, is that the more I learn, the more I realize that we are just scraping the surface. For every topic that is of interest, there is a wealth of information and it is up to the reader to decide whether the information is useful or not. As much as I love to meander on the internet (a la stream of consciousness), you have to be cognizant that there's also a lot of garbage.
I also took a whirlwind course in May: Cognition across the lifespan. I think my interest in this area is leading me towards serving the people with TBI. But then again, there's so much that is within the realm of occupational therapy that it would be premature to decide right now.
Now for something completely different: we have ducks, ducklings actually. It's for the house, or at least that's what I was led to believe. This was the video that did me in to agree to this crazy idea:
Yup. Ducks.
OK. Fine. They're cute.
First off, I am DONE with the 2nd semester of OT school. The spring semester anyway. We're in summer session so I suppose we're not technically grad 3's - yet. After mid-July though - HA! Grad 3! No longer at the bottom of the totem pole!
We have learned quite a bit these past two crazy semesters. The spring semester focused primarily on the pediatric population. Though I don't see myself working in pediatrics (primarily because I have little kids of my own I think I would be drained), I still enjoyed it. One of the things that I've come to appreciate, at the risk of sounding corny, is that the more I learn, the more I realize that we are just scraping the surface. For every topic that is of interest, there is a wealth of information and it is up to the reader to decide whether the information is useful or not. As much as I love to meander on the internet (a la stream of consciousness), you have to be cognizant that there's also a lot of garbage.
I also took a whirlwind course in May: Cognition across the lifespan. I think my interest in this area is leading me towards serving the people with TBI. But then again, there's so much that is within the realm of occupational therapy that it would be premature to decide right now.
Now for something completely different: we have ducks, ducklings actually. It's for the house, or at least that's what I was led to believe. This was the video that did me in to agree to this crazy idea:
Yup. Ducks.
OK. Fine. They're cute.
4.13.2008
Coaching the Comeback
Here's an article in the NYT highlighting a day of OT Jodi Levin at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.
Incidentally, our class watched Murderball this past week. It tells the story of the US quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team during the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics. One of the players from the US team gives a lecture at Kessler and inspires a recently injured patient to take up rugby. There was a quote from the film that stuck in my mind:
"Your mind becomes a bigger disability than the physical stuff."
- Andy Cohn, Murderball
Then of course I get the bright idea that if still go through with our plans of going back to the Philippines this summer to visit my grandmother, we could swing by Beijing and check it out. But of course, the time that we'll be in that neck of the woods, the Paralympics will be held elsewhere. Something about Olympics being held at that time. Oh well. There's London 2012 to look forward to!
Incidentally, our class watched Murderball this past week. It tells the story of the US quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team during the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics. One of the players from the US team gives a lecture at Kessler and inspires a recently injured patient to take up rugby. There was a quote from the film that stuck in my mind:
"Your mind becomes a bigger disability than the physical stuff."
- Andy Cohn, Murderball
Then of course I get the bright idea that if still go through with our plans of going back to the Philippines this summer to visit my grandmother, we could swing by Beijing and check it out. But of course, the time that we'll be in that neck of the woods, the Paralympics will be held elsewhere. Something about Olympics being held at that time. Oh well. There's London 2012 to look forward to!
4.09.2008
Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture
Random entry: Look! It's raining ice cubes!
So, of course I had to take a picture. I know hail can get bigger than this but this is the biggest I've ever seen. Watching the hail come down, it looked like a huge ice tray being dumped on the ground.OK, back to homework.
4.05.2008
Back to the Basics
So right now, we're trying to figure what we'd want to do/where we want to go for Fieldwork II. The fleeting thought crossed my mind that I'd want to go to Australia, Hong Kong, or Philippines, all of which I have friends/relatives I could stay. Then I came across this video that describes OT in Singapore. I think they they did a fantastic job covering the basic question: "What is occupational therapy?"
Although I'd love to go overseas, I think I would miss my kids, my husband.. you know, blahblah mushy mom/wife stuff.. though it is only 6 months. Still, I suppose I'll stay in the western hemisphere.
I'm still curious though: anyone from Asia/Australia/any other part of the world that may be considered unique to that region? Are there any differences in practice between East and West coasts? I know a lot of it depends on the type of facility but I'm just wondering what's out there.
Although I'd love to go overseas, I think I would miss my kids, my husband.. you know, blahblah mushy mom/wife stuff.. though it is only 6 months. Still, I suppose I'll stay in the western hemisphere.
I'm still curious though: anyone from Asia/Australia/any other part of the world that may be considered unique to that region? Are there any differences in practice between East and West coasts? I know a lot of it depends on the type of facility but I'm just wondering what's out there.
3.21.2008
phantom limb pains
If you haven't read V.S. Ramachandran's Phantoms in the Brain, now may be a good time to pick it up. I read it several years ago and was fascinated by the cases he has encountered, one of which was his description of phantom limb pain. The New England Journal of Medicine has just published as study performed by military hospitals that was inspired by Dr. Ramachandran's mirror therapy.
CNN also posted an article that also includes pictures of mirror therapy in use.
Here is Dr. Ramachandran at TED describing the use of mirrors in therapy:
Can you tell I'm a wanna-be TEDster?
via TEDBlog
CNN also posted an article that also includes pictures of mirror therapy in use.
Here is Dr. Ramachandran at TED describing the use of mirrors in therapy:
Can you tell I'm a wanna-be TEDster?
via TEDBlog
what?! break is almost over?
Time flies when you're having fun. Or not. It just flies. Right out the window. What's up with that?
Monday: So even though I didn't finish everything I wanted to, I did manage to replace the downstairs faucet, the fill valve in the commode of same said bathroom, replace the license plates of the minivan, replaced the driver-side headlight, and all the wiper blades (just in time for the torrential rains too). I rock!
Of course, there's still laundry to do. That will never end until the kids move out. Or grow tall enough to do it themselves. I am rooting for the latter.
Tuesday: One thing I *did* get to have was treat myself to the spa. Actually, it was a gift certificate from Valentine's day - of last year. Yeah, I know, I'm a wee bit slow on the self-care. But, anyway, it was fantastic and much needed. Though, sad to say, my inner nerd reared itself when the massage therapist was rotating my arms, I was thinking to myself the muscles involved. "Ahh, there goes my coracobrachialis, anterior deltoid, and pec major clavicular head... and POP goes my GH joint..."
Wednesday: brought the van in to get the transmission replaced (and here's to hoping that it'll last for several more years) then went to the dentist. Apparently I have been brushing hard enough to create notches right underneath the gum line. So I need to retrain myself to brush in little circles. Like a choo-choo train as my dental hygienist would explain to the kids. Now my daughter is the self-appointed toothbrushing vigilante. "brush in circles mom!"
Thursday: Now it's the kids turn for the dentist chair and they all did great. No cavities! Though the dentist has hinted that we're possibly heading down the path of orthodontics for 2 of them. Go team underbite!
Friday: Went into work (like, actually, drove there) at 8AM. It's been so long that I've had to drive this early in the AM. Makes me appreciate more that I work remotely. Left work at 4:40. Back working my usual shift as I type
So sometime between posting this and Monday, I need to do school stuff. So best I get started.
Monday: So even though I didn't finish everything I wanted to, I did manage to replace the downstairs faucet, the fill valve in the commode of same said bathroom, replace the license plates of the minivan, replaced the driver-side headlight, and all the wiper blades (just in time for the torrential rains too). I rock!
Of course, there's still laundry to do. That will never end until the kids move out. Or grow tall enough to do it themselves. I am rooting for the latter.
Tuesday: One thing I *did* get to have was treat myself to the spa. Actually, it was a gift certificate from Valentine's day - of last year. Yeah, I know, I'm a wee bit slow on the self-care. But, anyway, it was fantastic and much needed. Though, sad to say, my inner nerd reared itself when the massage therapist was rotating my arms, I was thinking to myself the muscles involved. "Ahh, there goes my coracobrachialis, anterior deltoid, and pec major clavicular head... and POP goes my GH joint..."
Wednesday: brought the van in to get the transmission replaced (and here's to hoping that it'll last for several more years) then went to the dentist. Apparently I have been brushing hard enough to create notches right underneath the gum line. So I need to retrain myself to brush in little circles. Like a choo-choo train as my dental hygienist would explain to the kids. Now my daughter is the self-appointed toothbrushing vigilante. "brush in circles mom!"
Thursday: Now it's the kids turn for the dentist chair and they all did great. No cavities! Though the dentist has hinted that we're possibly heading down the path of orthodontics for 2 of them. Go team underbite!
Friday: Went into work (like, actually, drove there) at 8AM. It's been so long that I've had to drive this early in the AM. Makes me appreciate more that I work remotely. Left work at 4:40. Back working my usual shift as I type
So sometime between posting this and Monday, I need to do school stuff. So best I get started.
3.15.2008
Coming up for air...
Finally - Spring Break! It'll be a break from school but work continues - I have two lit reviews to work on and a presentation for work. Somewhere in there, I need to doing some spring cleaning, get the transmission fixed, organize my school work, the chores continue ad nauseum... But hey, no classes? I'll take it. If there could be a Spring Break from motherhood - oops, did I type that? Of course I'm kidding...
The lack of entries is directly correlated to the amount of school this semester (see how I slipped that "correlation" remark in there? Impressed? No? Forget it...)
So what have I learned about this semester? Well, subject-wise, pediatrics.. developmental, NDT, SI, sensory profiles (I'm avoid sensation, not much of a seeker, and need more input for registration - here I thought I was dull). Also, quantitative research and OA Models, primarily MOHO and OA. There's more but I'll stop there. You get to this point that you realize that as much as you've learned already, it's just scraping the surface...
One of the special issues classes I'm going to be taking is "cognition across the lifespan"; I'm excited! I've always been interested in neurology but it had always been more in passing. Yeah, that's right, I'm a brain groupie.
One of the TED speakers this year was Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist who herself experienced a stroke. As much as I love the science itself, she provides the insight and experience no textbook could ever convey. Definitely worth the watch:
-C
The lack of entries is directly correlated to the amount of school this semester (see how I slipped that "correlation" remark in there? Impressed? No? Forget it...)
So what have I learned about this semester? Well, subject-wise, pediatrics.. developmental, NDT, SI, sensory profiles (I'm avoid sensation, not much of a seeker, and need more input for registration - here I thought I was dull). Also, quantitative research and OA Models, primarily MOHO and OA. There's more but I'll stop there. You get to this point that you realize that as much as you've learned already, it's just scraping the surface...
One of the special issues classes I'm going to be taking is "cognition across the lifespan"; I'm excited! I've always been interested in neurology but it had always been more in passing. Yeah, that's right, I'm a brain groupie.
One of the TED speakers this year was Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist who herself experienced a stroke. As much as I love the science itself, she provides the insight and experience no textbook could ever convey. Definitely worth the watch:
-C
1.12.2008
Catching up on reading
So I started eating solid food again this past week - it still hurts but at least my stomach has something to digest.
While recuperating, I've started reading Teaching the Sick: A Manual of Occupational Therapy and Re-education by George Barton (one of the founders of OT) and Reconstruction Therapy by William Dunton (another founder and considered the father of OT). They're both interesting reads and gives great insight into our profession.
P.S. I love Google books! :)
While recuperating, I've started reading Teaching the Sick: A Manual of Occupational Therapy and Re-education by George Barton (one of the founders of OT) and Reconstruction Therapy by William Dunton (another founder and considered the father of OT). They're both interesting reads and gives great insight into our profession.
P.S. I love Google books! :)
1.01.2008
Tonsils are gone!
Almost forgot to mention, had those suckers taken out yesterday, stayed overnight, came home today. Yeah, my throat is sore and it hurts to swallow but overall it hasn't been so bad. However, my ENT did warn me that there's a chance that it'll get worse in the next couple of days. Yay! I can't wait.
In case anyone was wondering, my tonsils were the size of golf balls. But then again, I don't know what size they should be in the first place.
In case anyone was wondering, my tonsils were the size of golf balls. But then again, I don't know what size they should be in the first place.
Remote for Seniors
Saw this Senior Remote on Instructables via Boing Boing and I'm thinking I might have to give soldering a go just to make this. Of course this would just be No.1000 on my list of 1000 things to do.
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