I'm in my third week of being out of school and spending my life on I-70 going to or from school. My original plan upon getting out of school was to study for my national exam every night for at least an hour, do my housework, and not plop myself in front of the television.
That worked great for about three days or so.
I have studied a little for the national, but the pressure is not there since I don't know when I will be taking the exam yet. I'll do better in studying, probably, when I know when I need to be ready.
I have caught up on a good portion of my housework, but as with any housework, it needs to be repeated. Often.
I haven't been watching that much television. However, my computer tends to get more action than it really needs.
I have been able to catch up with some friends that I haven't been able to see that much for the last year. In person! Not just on facebook!
There are still things on my master TO DO list (at least the one in my head) that need to be done. The room in my house known as my "office" has been sorely neglected for the last year or year and a half. It's about one step away from looking like the show "Hoarders" should be coming to visit. It's not something that can be tackled in one evening after work. It's going to take a whole weekend or two. But that will have to wait for a couple more weeks. Unless, of course, the people from the show come knocking at my door.
This coming Friday, WGH and I leave for Orlando, Florida for a week's vacation. Usually we do this kind of trip in January or February, but since I was in school, we waited until I finished and this is my big celebration trip. We're planning on going to Disney for a day, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for a day or two, and just doing whatever. You know - vacation!
Showing posts with label exam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exam. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day 137 - Almost There
One of my classmates said that whenever I mention anything lately, it's about the time off we have. Yeah, I'm a bit (a lot) excited about it. One more final tomorrow night.
Anyway, about tonight. I have been studying for this pathology quiz we had tonight for the last couple days. I think I did ok. I won't know the results until probably the new year. I may have actually gotten my first "B" out of this class. Wow. I'm just preparing myself for the possibility.
One thing I wish: I wish that when our Pathology "Textbook" talks about an abnormality, it would talk not only about what it is, where it came from, the functional significance, and the stuff it has in it now, but also how the Massage Therapist handles it - do we work on it or not?
After the quiz on the nervous system, we began learning about pathologies of the endocrine system. By the way, our "regular" teacher (still trying to figure out who our regular teacher is) was out sick so we had a TA teaching us the material. Since we aren't being quizzed or tested on this, and I was/am tired as an old coot, I left at the last break.
I'll have to make sure that I study endocrine pathologies before I take the national certification exam.
Anyway, about tonight. I have been studying for this pathology quiz we had tonight for the last couple days. I think I did ok. I won't know the results until probably the new year. I may have actually gotten my first "B" out of this class. Wow. I'm just preparing myself for the possibility.
One thing I wish: I wish that when our Pathology "Textbook" talks about an abnormality, it would talk not only about what it is, where it came from, the functional significance, and the stuff it has in it now, but also how the Massage Therapist handles it - do we work on it or not?
After the quiz on the nervous system, we began learning about pathologies of the endocrine system. By the way, our "regular" teacher (still trying to figure out who our regular teacher is) was out sick so we had a TA teaching us the material. Since we aren't being quizzed or tested on this, and I was/am tired as an old coot, I left at the last break.
I'll have to make sure that I study endocrine pathologies before I take the national certification exam.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 40 - Finally, Finally
Tonight we had our Trigger Point final exams, part written, part hands-on. I have been struggling with the material throughout this class, and it showed in my written exam grade: 82. At first I was told it was 79, but then later I was told 82. I have a suspicion that it was graded on a curve...a really big one. Regardless of what my grade was on the exam, I get the "point" of the Trigger Point modality. Especially after the hands-on portion of the exam.
During the class bodywork, I had thought, "Oh this is a trigger point" or "that is a trigger point." At least until tonight. My partner went first on the table so I was the practitioner. The TA graded me and I ended up getting a 98 for the practical, which incidently raises my grade for the class to a 90% - whew. Then it was my turn on the table. My partner worked on my quads, which I think I mentioned the other night that they seemed a little jacked up. She got her exam portion done and then it was time to just work on my legs, as in giving a massage. When she worked on the outside portion of my quad and hit one spot, I nearly stood up on the table! She found a TRUE trigger point. It referred pain to the inside of my knee and there was definitely a "jump sign" - as in - when I nearly jumped off the table. These are indications of a trigger point.
Now that all is said and done with Trigger Points in my certification program, I'm happy to be done with it for now, but I want to take another class to learn more. The more I know about Trigger Point therapy, the better bodyworker I will be for my clients.
And I got a 90% for the class! My GPA is still an untarnished 4.0!
During the class bodywork, I had thought, "Oh this is a trigger point" or "that is a trigger point." At least until tonight. My partner went first on the table so I was the practitioner. The TA graded me and I ended up getting a 98 for the practical, which incidently raises my grade for the class to a 90% - whew. Then it was my turn on the table. My partner worked on my quads, which I think I mentioned the other night that they seemed a little jacked up. She got her exam portion done and then it was time to just work on my legs, as in giving a massage. When she worked on the outside portion of my quad and hit one spot, I nearly stood up on the table! She found a TRUE trigger point. It referred pain to the inside of my knee and there was definitely a "jump sign" - as in - when I nearly jumped off the table. These are indications of a trigger point.
Now that all is said and done with Trigger Points in my certification program, I'm happy to be done with it for now, but I want to take another class to learn more. The more I know about Trigger Point therapy, the better bodyworker I will be for my clients.
And I got a 90% for the class! My GPA is still an untarnished 4.0!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 24 - Workin' Up a Sweat!
For tonight's class, we had Anthony as our teacher again, for which I was very glad. I look forward to having him as a teacher some more. For our first item to learn, he was going to show us a "cavity massage" and started to pass around latex gloves. After a few quips about which cavities we would be massaging, we realized that he was pulling our legs. What a jokester.
We reviewed the various strokes we would be using in our final exam and then took a break, and upon return from the break, we had our hands-on exam. I went first as the practitioner. I can see where an hour massage can go by quickly, for both the client and the bodyworker. I started sweating almost immediately. At one point, sweat was rolling down my face, and I just hoped it wasn't going to drip on my client/classmate. After a little bit, Anthony called out a few strokes to test our knowledge of them. We got them down very well, knowing what they were and where to use them.
By the time my portion of the exam was over, I could probably have wrung out my shirt with sweat. And then it was my turn on the table. Ahh....
After all classmates were done, we got cleaned up and we got our scores and got debriefed on what Anthony saw during the exam. I ended up getting a 99%! The one point that was deducted was for body mechanics, which I knew was going to be one of the issues.
For this coming long Memorial Day weekend, I have a feeling that my table is going to get some use.
We reviewed the various strokes we would be using in our final exam and then took a break, and upon return from the break, we had our hands-on exam. I went first as the practitioner. I can see where an hour massage can go by quickly, for both the client and the bodyworker. I started sweating almost immediately. At one point, sweat was rolling down my face, and I just hoped it wasn't going to drip on my client/classmate. After a little bit, Anthony called out a few strokes to test our knowledge of them. We got them down very well, knowing what they were and where to use them.
By the time my portion of the exam was over, I could probably have wrung out my shirt with sweat. And then it was my turn on the table. Ahh....
After all classmates were done, we got cleaned up and we got our scores and got debriefed on what Anthony saw during the exam. I ended up getting a 99%! The one point that was deducted was for body mechanics, which I knew was going to be one of the issues.
For this coming long Memorial Day weekend, I have a feeling that my table is going to get some use.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 20 - Thinging a Thong
Tonight was the written and practical final exam for the section in which we learned "Structure." We had the written portion first. I was done in about 20 minutes after receiving the test. It may have been less, but am not really sure. At any rate, after that, we all took a break until it was time for the practical portion, which included bodywork. A few days ago, I had worked with a partner, Rebecca, and we agreed that we would be each other's partner for the practical.
Before we started the practical exam, we were able to get our scores from the written portion. I got 100%!!!!! Yay!!!
As we prepared the table and all, my partner was to do the test first, with me being the "client." One of our classmates, Eric, hadn't teamed up with a partner, so he triple partnered with us, meaning that the two of them would be using me as the client and I would be getting the pleasure of a "four-handed massage." Unfortunately, because it was for the final, it wasn't a full massage, or one side was worked on while the other side was left untouched...making me a little uneven, but it was happening to all the classmates. So when you see a couple students from my class walking a little goofy, they're uneven. ;-)
They did a great job and they got their scores and then it was time to switch. Since Rebecca had finished her exam, she offered to let Eric be the client so I could take the test. He agreed that this would be a good idea. Don't let me twist your arm.
Because I hadn't worked with Eric before, I hadn't gotten a chance to get to know him, so I was glad we had this opportunity. As we were getting the table switched over for him to lie on, he said to me, "Oh, I don't have shorts and all I've got on is a thong. Is that ok?"
He said it with the straightest face.
I must have had a funny look on my face because what's going through my head? "Did he just say he's wearing a thong? Do I want to see him in a thong? I wonder if it's a black thong or something crazy like leopard print? Is he serious? Would he really do that?" And on and on, in my head.
I think I said something to the effect of "Really? That should be interesting."
Or it may have been, "Are you serious?"
I don't know, but he finally cracked a smile and took off his pants to reveal that he had shorts on, and I was grateful to not have to worry about a client in a thong. That would really give a whole new meaning to "Final Exam."
I ended up getting a 100% for the practical as well and enjoyed working with Eric, whom I found out has a pretty quick sense of humor.
Molly had warned the class that since tonight was our last night with her, at least for now, we were to give her a hug or we'd fail the class. I made sure to give her a big bear hug. I've enjoyed her teaching. She made it fun and understandable when some of the concepts may be a little more difficult.
Next section: Core!
Before we started the practical exam, we were able to get our scores from the written portion. I got 100%!!!!! Yay!!!
As we prepared the table and all, my partner was to do the test first, with me being the "client." One of our classmates, Eric, hadn't teamed up with a partner, so he triple partnered with us, meaning that the two of them would be using me as the client and I would be getting the pleasure of a "four-handed massage." Unfortunately, because it was for the final, it wasn't a full massage, or one side was worked on while the other side was left untouched...making me a little uneven, but it was happening to all the classmates. So when you see a couple students from my class walking a little goofy, they're uneven. ;-)
They did a great job and they got their scores and then it was time to switch. Since Rebecca had finished her exam, she offered to let Eric be the client so I could take the test. He agreed that this would be a good idea. Don't let me twist your arm.
Because I hadn't worked with Eric before, I hadn't gotten a chance to get to know him, so I was glad we had this opportunity. As we were getting the table switched over for him to lie on, he said to me, "Oh, I don't have shorts and all I've got on is a thong. Is that ok?"
He said it with the straightest face.
I must have had a funny look on my face because what's going through my head? "Did he just say he's wearing a thong? Do I want to see him in a thong? I wonder if it's a black thong or something crazy like leopard print? Is he serious? Would he really do that?" And on and on, in my head.
I think I said something to the effect of "Really? That should be interesting."
Or it may have been, "Are you serious?"
I don't know, but he finally cracked a smile and took off his pants to reveal that he had shorts on, and I was grateful to not have to worry about a client in a thong. That would really give a whole new meaning to "Final Exam."
I ended up getting a 100% for the practical as well and enjoyed working with Eric, whom I found out has a pretty quick sense of humor.
Molly had warned the class that since tonight was our last night with her, at least for now, we were to give her a hug or we'd fail the class. I made sure to give her a big bear hug. I've enjoyed her teaching. She made it fun and understandable when some of the concepts may be a little more difficult.
Next section: Core!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 19 - First Aid For the Heart
We had our First Aid exam tonight. I got to the school a few minutes early, visited with some classmates, and about 10 minutes before going to take the exam, I checked crackbook...I mean facebook...on my phone. When I read a dear friend's status, it literally took my breath away. He shared that his beloved wife of many years had lost her battle to cancer about 10 minutes prior. It was not unexpected, but yet at the same time, when you hear that someone you have worshiped and served in church with for the last 11 years goes to their reward, and you realize you're left here in this imperfect world, it takes your breath away. At least it did with me.
But I didn't have time to think it about right then. I had a final exam in a few short minutes.
We had a few minutes to review before the exam, but I figured that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to learn it in the next five minutes.
I started the exam and was done within a half hour, I'd say.
While waiting for everybody to finish, my classmates and I sat in the student break room and chatted. They made me smile and laugh and forget about things for a few minutes.
We reconvened in the classroom, discussed the exam, got our test scores (94%, thank you very much) and then took a break. After returning from the break, we moved to our bodywork room where we studied or practiced bodywork techniques for tomorrow night's exam. As always, the experience took away the stress of the day and allowed us to focus on right there, at that moment. A little First Aid for the heart.
Then, it was time to go home. A long drive of 40 minutes with me, the radio, and my thoughts to keep me company. The radio station I turned to played one of my favorite songs, Mountain of God, by Third Day, a song about how we must go through the valley to be able to stand upon the Mountain of God. I thought about my friend, Maralynn, with her welcoming party in heaven. A little later, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys came on, and I had a few tears - with the cruise control set at 70 mph. After that song, Jeremy Camp's song, "Give Me Jesus" came on, and I thought about when Jeremy Camp came on the music scene, he had just lost his wife to cancer.
I don't generally talk about my faith on this blog, because that's not the purpose of this blog. It's about the whole experience of taking the program to become a massage therapist. Tonight, I can't help but share - and it's been part of my experience at the school. My friend is in heaven without pain and no more tears. Isn't that where you would want to be?
But I didn't have time to think it about right then. I had a final exam in a few short minutes.
We had a few minutes to review before the exam, but I figured that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to learn it in the next five minutes.
I started the exam and was done within a half hour, I'd say.
While waiting for everybody to finish, my classmates and I sat in the student break room and chatted. They made me smile and laugh and forget about things for a few minutes.
We reconvened in the classroom, discussed the exam, got our test scores (94%, thank you very much) and then took a break. After returning from the break, we moved to our bodywork room where we studied or practiced bodywork techniques for tomorrow night's exam. As always, the experience took away the stress of the day and allowed us to focus on right there, at that moment. A little First Aid for the heart.
Then, it was time to go home. A long drive of 40 minutes with me, the radio, and my thoughts to keep me company. The radio station I turned to played one of my favorite songs, Mountain of God, by Third Day, a song about how we must go through the valley to be able to stand upon the Mountain of God. I thought about my friend, Maralynn, with her welcoming party in heaven. A little later, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys came on, and I had a few tears - with the cruise control set at 70 mph. After that song, Jeremy Camp's song, "Give Me Jesus" came on, and I thought about when Jeremy Camp came on the music scene, he had just lost his wife to cancer.
I don't generally talk about my faith on this blog, because that's not the purpose of this blog. It's about the whole experience of taking the program to become a massage therapist. Tonight, I can't help but share - and it's been part of my experience at the school. My friend is in heaven without pain and no more tears. Isn't that where you would want to be?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 17 - Psoas Not to Forget to Study
Before I share about this evening's class, I must say, "GLORIOUS, GLORIOUS!"
This morning, I got up a little before 7:00am and left around 8:00 to my job in Frederick! In the meantime, I started listening to traffic on the radio and just LAUGHED! I knew that I would no longer need to be concerned about what's going on down I-270! Glorious, I tell you! Glorious!
I was at my job at 8:16. Wonderful!
I left at 5:00 and actually came home before class and got a chance to see WGH and enjoy dinner at home before motoring to class at 5:45pm. I arrived to the campus about 6:25 as I was going against any major traffic. That totally beats driving an hour and 15 minutes straight from work in Gaithersburg. I guess you could say that it's a definite advantage working in Frederick!
Sorry, I believe that I have gone overboard with exclaimation points. But I can't help it!!!
At any rate, in this evening's class, we reviewed for the written part of Thursday's final for a bit, and then learned more about the Psoas muscle. I've talked about it before, becoming rather fascinated by it. During the bodywork section of the class, I had a bit of a hard time finding it on my partner and myself. I guess it's just something I'll have to work on.
We also reviewed the various strokes we'll be tested on for the final exam. We'll review more in Tuesday's class.
Because we're so close to the final exams for both First Aid and Structure, a lot of what we do in class this week is either review or actually take the exam.
I just have to say it again: Glorious!
This morning, I got up a little before 7:00am and left around 8:00 to my job in Frederick! In the meantime, I started listening to traffic on the radio and just LAUGHED! I knew that I would no longer need to be concerned about what's going on down I-270! Glorious, I tell you! Glorious!
I was at my job at 8:16. Wonderful!
I left at 5:00 and actually came home before class and got a chance to see WGH and enjoy dinner at home before motoring to class at 5:45pm. I arrived to the campus about 6:25 as I was going against any major traffic. That totally beats driving an hour and 15 minutes straight from work in Gaithersburg. I guess you could say that it's a definite advantage working in Frederick!
Sorry, I believe that I have gone overboard with exclaimation points. But I can't help it!!!
At any rate, in this evening's class, we reviewed for the written part of Thursday's final for a bit, and then learned more about the Psoas muscle. I've talked about it before, becoming rather fascinated by it. During the bodywork section of the class, I had a bit of a hard time finding it on my partner and myself. I guess it's just something I'll have to work on.
We also reviewed the various strokes we'll be tested on for the final exam. We'll review more in Tuesday's class.
Because we're so close to the final exams for both First Aid and Structure, a lot of what we do in class this week is either review or actually take the exam.
I just have to say it again: Glorious!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Day 8 - FINAL-ly
On Thursday, I took my first final in massage school, which consisted of two parts: written and practical - or "hands-on". I think I will be taking final exams about every two weeks or so - one for each section.
We had about 10 minutes to review what we had gone over before actually getting the exam. I figure that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to, so I didn't review too much; just a couple key points on which I thought I may have a question.
I received the exam at 7:10. By 7:30, I was in the student break room with many of the other students, not only from my class, but other classes as well. It looked like a cocktail party (minus the cocktails) with everybody standing around chatting. A few in my class were celebrating birthdays, so they had some pizza. I had eaten earlier and wasn't hungry, so I abstained from the delicious smelling pizza.
We had some free time before the practical, so I took the opportunity to go outside and get a bit of fresh air, which I don't seem to get as much of during the week. Maybe once I'm into a regular schedule, I'll be able to settle into a routine of being outside for a little bit.
At about 8:20, we all returned to the other room where the practicals were taking place. They had also finished grading the exams and I found out that I got a 91 on the written part of the test. Yay!! My partner for the evening and I took our practical one right after the other and we both got 100%!
We all got done the practical portion around 9:00, so it was back to the break room and some birthday cake. I chose a slice of pizza over the cake.
A little later - I lost track of time, we met back in the first room to learn how to give face and scalp massages. Our instructor showed us how on one of our classmates, who seemed very content to be a guinea pig. One of the tricks she taught us, too, was how to get the sinuses to release. Very handy thing to know.
After the demonstration, we partnered up and gave and received 10 minute face and scalp massages, which was a very nice ending to the evening's class.
After arriving home, as tired as I was, I was too keyed up to go right to bed, and ended up staying up too late again - until midnight.
I guess my body will re-pattern itself to be able to keep up with this schedule. Until then, I'll be a little bleary-eyed and looking forward to the next cup of coffee.
We had about 10 minutes to review what we had gone over before actually getting the exam. I figure that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to, so I didn't review too much; just a couple key points on which I thought I may have a question.
I received the exam at 7:10. By 7:30, I was in the student break room with many of the other students, not only from my class, but other classes as well. It looked like a cocktail party (minus the cocktails) with everybody standing around chatting. A few in my class were celebrating birthdays, so they had some pizza. I had eaten earlier and wasn't hungry, so I abstained from the delicious smelling pizza.
We had some free time before the practical, so I took the opportunity to go outside and get a bit of fresh air, which I don't seem to get as much of during the week. Maybe once I'm into a regular schedule, I'll be able to settle into a routine of being outside for a little bit.
At about 8:20, we all returned to the other room where the practicals were taking place. They had also finished grading the exams and I found out that I got a 91 on the written part of the test. Yay!! My partner for the evening and I took our practical one right after the other and we both got 100%!
We all got done the practical portion around 9:00, so it was back to the break room and some birthday cake. I chose a slice of pizza over the cake.
A little later - I lost track of time, we met back in the first room to learn how to give face and scalp massages. Our instructor showed us how on one of our classmates, who seemed very content to be a guinea pig. One of the tricks she taught us, too, was how to get the sinuses to release. Very handy thing to know.
After the demonstration, we partnered up and gave and received 10 minute face and scalp massages, which was a very nice ending to the evening's class.
After arriving home, as tired as I was, I was too keyed up to go right to bed, and ended up staying up too late again - until midnight.
I guess my body will re-pattern itself to be able to keep up with this schedule. Until then, I'll be a little bleary-eyed and looking forward to the next cup of coffee.
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