After calming down from last night's class, I found out that several other classmates were frustrated. Well, I guess we'll work together to achieve our goal: learning this anatomy information.
But in the meantime, we were in Russian Sports Massage (let's just call it Russian) tonight, combined with another class. Our instructor, who likes to make things run as smoothly as possible, had us actually do LOTS of bodywork tonight, even when we haven't learned all the strokes, just to get us used to the pattern of work in this modality.
My partner worked on me first and was still learning "the ropes" and was not overly thrilled with what he was learning from Russian.
When he got on the table, I tired to convince him otherwise, since I wholeheartedly enjoy this modality. He quite enjoyed the massage he got while I was practicing and I think I've converted his thinking.
Now, on to Friday and preparation for clinic on Saturday.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Day 110 - The Little People
Warning: This post is mostly a rant due to frustration. I may cover some of what we learned in class, but probably not a lot, due to reasons I will address in my rant. There's also a DC Talk reference at the end. DC Talk makes me smile.
Why is it that corporation heads or adminstration thinks of really good ways to do things, but doesn't always realize the ramifications of their decisions?
We have been in this program for six months. Six. SIX! When we entered the program, we were given ALL the books we would need for the next year of the program. We were combined with another class that had already gone through a five week session of classes, and it was a little stressful, as we had some "catching up" to do, but not much. Throughout the program, we have had one or two people come into our class to make up time or finish out the program with what they needed and it wasn't too stressful.
When we started this new five week term, TPTB (The Powers That Be) had two brand-new students join our class. They were where we were SIX months ago. To say that they had some catching up to do with our class is an understatement. They got their books. Guess what? Their books are NEWER EDITIONS and aren't consistent with what's in our "old" books!
It may not sound too bad, but guess what? Our poor anatomy instructor has to take time to figure out what page contains what information and make sure that the information is consistent for both. As a result, we are about 3/4 of a class behind where we should be, according to the syllabus. How will we catch up? By rushing through the material and not understanding?
This evening, we finally finished the lecture from last night's class and took the quiz - shortly before 9:00 pm - nearly two hours after class started!
After we got the quiz behind us and took our mandatory break, we finally got to learn about the Integument System. That's the skin and epidermis* and that sort of stuff.
Now, let me take a moment to describe our "textbook" for Anatomy. The lecture is meant to complement the book, and therefore, is where we take notes for what we're supposed to know about the subject matter. So, in order to do any homework, we have to get through the lecture for the complete information. Since we didn't start until two and a half hours after we should have, we did not get through all the material and the material we DID get through is all confusing because we were trying to rush through it and write down what notes we need to have the information. And since we didn't finish the material, our homework won't be completed by the next session because we haven't gotten there yet. *Breathe*
This is one of those rare evenings where I am a bit frustrated. At least I had a 40 minute drive to think and calm down a little bit.
*I can't help but think of the DC Talk song "Colored People" whenever they mention "epidermis." Lyrics: "Pardon me, your epidermis is showing, mister/I couldn't help but note your shade of melanin." It's about God's colorful creation and how we're all just colored people and we see the beauty in the tones of our skin. Give it a listen if you feel so inclined.
Why is it that corporation heads or adminstration thinks of really good ways to do things, but doesn't always realize the ramifications of their decisions?
We have been in this program for six months. Six. SIX! When we entered the program, we were given ALL the books we would need for the next year of the program. We were combined with another class that had already gone through a five week session of classes, and it was a little stressful, as we had some "catching up" to do, but not much. Throughout the program, we have had one or two people come into our class to make up time or finish out the program with what they needed and it wasn't too stressful.
When we started this new five week term, TPTB (The Powers That Be) had two brand-new students join our class. They were where we were SIX months ago. To say that they had some catching up to do with our class is an understatement. They got their books. Guess what? Their books are NEWER EDITIONS and aren't consistent with what's in our "old" books!
It may not sound too bad, but guess what? Our poor anatomy instructor has to take time to figure out what page contains what information and make sure that the information is consistent for both. As a result, we are about 3/4 of a class behind where we should be, according to the syllabus. How will we catch up? By rushing through the material and not understanding?
This evening, we finally finished the lecture from last night's class and took the quiz - shortly before 9:00 pm - nearly two hours after class started!
After we got the quiz behind us and took our mandatory break, we finally got to learn about the Integument System. That's the skin and epidermis* and that sort of stuff.
Now, let me take a moment to describe our "textbook" for Anatomy. The lecture is meant to complement the book, and therefore, is where we take notes for what we're supposed to know about the subject matter. So, in order to do any homework, we have to get through the lecture for the complete information. Since we didn't start until two and a half hours after we should have, we did not get through all the material and the material we DID get through is all confusing because we were trying to rush through it and write down what notes we need to have the information. And since we didn't finish the material, our homework won't be completed by the next session because we haven't gotten there yet. *Breathe*
This is one of those rare evenings where I am a bit frustrated. At least I had a 40 minute drive to think and calm down a little bit.
*I can't help but think of the DC Talk song "Colored People" whenever they mention "epidermis." Lyrics: "Pardon me, your epidermis is showing, mister/I couldn't help but note your shade of melanin." It's about God's colorful creation and how we're all just colored people and we see the beauty in the tones of our skin. Give it a listen if you feel so inclined.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Day 109 - Can You Hand Me A Tissue?
I'm gonna make this a short post. Not because I'm tired or anything like that.
Well, ok. Actually, that's the reason. That and there's just not a lot that sticks out in my mind tonight. Or is it because I'm tired? Could be.
After taking our Anatomy quiz on chemistry and cells (I got a 10 out of 10), we learned about Histology. Not History, but Histology. It's the study of tissue. Things like simple squamous tissue and columnar epithelial tissue.
Impressive, huh?
We also learned for which possible functions they each may be used.
Now, let's see if I can remember what all of it means when it comes to tomorrow's quiz. Now, to go rest my epithelial tissues.
Well, ok. Actually, that's the reason. That and there's just not a lot that sticks out in my mind tonight. Or is it because I'm tired? Could be.
After taking our Anatomy quiz on chemistry and cells (I got a 10 out of 10), we learned about Histology. Not History, but Histology. It's the study of tissue. Things like simple squamous tissue and columnar epithelial tissue.
Impressive, huh?
We also learned for which possible functions they each may be used.
Now, let's see if I can remember what all of it means when it comes to tomorrow's quiz. Now, to go rest my epithelial tissues.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Day 108 - International Delights
As I have discussed previously, I am in a Russian Sports Massage class. Interestingly enough, we aren't learning Russian words, but using the same French words we have learned for Core class: Effleurage and Petrissage. I feel very international now.
In tonight's class, we went over what sort of Petrissage we'll be using in Russian Sports Massage, the different strokes we'll be using, and whether we are pushing or pulling the muscle.
Also in class, we discussed how things went over the weekend in student clinic. There seems to be a consensus that the clinic doesn't have a lot of organization nor communication. (ie - there was a lot of complaining about not knowing where to go at first) I'm just trying to stay of the mind like one of my classmates: just go, do the massages assigned to me, and get the experience.
In tonight's class, we went over what sort of Petrissage we'll be using in Russian Sports Massage, the different strokes we'll be using, and whether we are pushing or pulling the muscle.
Also in class, we discussed how things went over the weekend in student clinic. There seems to be a consensus that the clinic doesn't have a lot of organization nor communication. (ie - there was a lot of complaining about not knowing where to go at first) I'm just trying to stay of the mind like one of my classmates: just go, do the massages assigned to me, and get the experience.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
About The Commuter Car
There are a couple things about the Commuter Car I have neglected to mention. Well, ok, I forgot actually. Usually when I post to this blog, it's late at night and I'm possibly already half asleep.
When I was on the phone with Matt at the insurance company to add CC, the 1995 Geo Prizm Commuter Car, to the policy, we were discussing liability (a requirement) and comprehensive (in case of SSD - Stoopid Suicidal Deer*), and I was being a wee bit sarcastic in my description of the car, being as how it's a 1995 Geo Prizm. Hey - don't get me wrong. I think the car is great and it serves its purpose as to why we bought it in the first place. Anyway, I asked Matt if he suggested any other types of coverage for it. He replied, "Towing."
I like Matt.
The other observation about CC is that it has NO lumbar support for the back, to which my back has protested. I had a classmate work on my back during clinic yesterday, and I have put a little pillow in the car for support for my back.
*Due to an unfortunate incident with a deer last year, WGH has renamed them to DAD, short for Dumb A$$ Deer, but this being a (mostly) family-friendly blog, I didn't want to write that.
But I just did. Well, you may see either acronym (DAD or SSD) pop-up again. Well, hopefully, you don't because if you did, that means that there was another unfortunate incident with one of them.
When I was on the phone with Matt at the insurance company to add CC, the 1995 Geo Prizm Commuter Car, to the policy, we were discussing liability (a requirement) and comprehensive (in case of SSD - Stoopid Suicidal Deer*), and I was being a wee bit sarcastic in my description of the car, being as how it's a 1995 Geo Prizm. Hey - don't get me wrong. I think the car is great and it serves its purpose as to why we bought it in the first place. Anyway, I asked Matt if he suggested any other types of coverage for it. He replied, "Towing."
I like Matt.
The other observation about CC is that it has NO lumbar support for the back, to which my back has protested. I had a classmate work on my back during clinic yesterday, and I have put a little pillow in the car for support for my back.
*Due to an unfortunate incident with a deer last year, WGH has renamed them to DAD, short for Dumb A$$ Deer, but this being a (mostly) family-friendly blog, I didn't want to write that.
But I just did. Well, you may see either acronym (DAD or SSD) pop-up again. Well, hopefully, you don't because if you did, that means that there was another unfortunate incident with one of them.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Clinic, Day 1
I got up EARLY on a Saturday morning, after going to bed at 10:00 on a Friday night. Man, how is that for getting older?
I got up at 6:45, got ready, had some cawfie, breakfast, and left around 7:50, arriving just after 8:30 for my first day of student clinic. KB, our clinic director, paired another classmate and I up with a "mentor" to show us the ropes on getting linens, lotion, and clients. After getting my "cubicle" set up, with nervous excitement, I went and got my first client, who was a man who appeared to be a little older than myself and said he was a "good guinea pig." I got the massage started and a couple pieces of equipment in my cubicle didn't work they way they were supposed to, like the head rest and stand-up lamp that became the leaning lamp of Pisa. But, I got through it, and after 50 minutes, I closed and escorted him back to the "station," where he completed his evaluation on me.
During the second session, there were no clients left, so I participated in a student exchange by having a couple classmates give me a chair massage. It was rough, I tell you. (/sarcasm) Actually, it was just what I needed to help me get through to the end of the shift.
During the third shift, I got the name of a client, but she was not in the room anytime I went to get her, so I just did a student exchange with another classmate in which I was the practitioner.
I finally got a client during the fourth session, who really only wanted her back done. For 50 minutes.
Well, let's just say that I improvised a lot.
I asked if she wanted her feet done (to at least give me some rest from the back), and she did, so I worked on her feet for about 5-10 minutes each. I pulled out all my techniques for feet, and during the evaluation, that did not come back void. She loved the foot massage! Yay!
During the times where I didn't have "clients," I signed up for getting a facial after my shift ended. After I signed out, I treated myself to getting a facial from another student. What a great decision! Not only has my face been exfoliated, but it calmed me down from a morning of nervousness, chaos, and general "not-knowing-what-to-expect."
When I got home, I became a vegetable on the couch for a little bit then the hubby and I went clothes shopping. What fun!
I got up at 6:45, got ready, had some cawfie, breakfast, and left around 7:50, arriving just after 8:30 for my first day of student clinic. KB, our clinic director, paired another classmate and I up with a "mentor" to show us the ropes on getting linens, lotion, and clients. After getting my "cubicle" set up, with nervous excitement, I went and got my first client, who was a man who appeared to be a little older than myself and said he was a "good guinea pig." I got the massage started and a couple pieces of equipment in my cubicle didn't work they way they were supposed to, like the head rest and stand-up lamp that became the leaning lamp of Pisa. But, I got through it, and after 50 minutes, I closed and escorted him back to the "station," where he completed his evaluation on me.
During the second session, there were no clients left, so I participated in a student exchange by having a couple classmates give me a chair massage. It was rough, I tell you. (/sarcasm) Actually, it was just what I needed to help me get through to the end of the shift.
During the third shift, I got the name of a client, but she was not in the room anytime I went to get her, so I just did a student exchange with another classmate in which I was the practitioner.
I finally got a client during the fourth session, who really only wanted her back done. For 50 minutes.
Well, let's just say that I improvised a lot.
I asked if she wanted her feet done (to at least give me some rest from the back), and she did, so I worked on her feet for about 5-10 minutes each. I pulled out all my techniques for feet, and during the evaluation, that did not come back void. She loved the foot massage! Yay!
During the times where I didn't have "clients," I signed up for getting a facial after my shift ended. After I signed out, I treated myself to getting a facial from another student. What a great decision! Not only has my face been exfoliated, but it calmed me down from a morning of nervousness, chaos, and general "not-knowing-what-to-expect."
When I got home, I became a vegetable on the couch for a little bit then the hubby and I went clothes shopping. What fun!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Day 107 - Proton Packs and 80's Flashbacks
I took chemistry - oh - about 22 years ago or so, and the class I took was Chemistry and Society, which was a science class for non-science majors. Definitely me. I enjoyed the chemistry class because it was stuff I could actually relate to: acetone is the active ingredient in fingernail polish remover. And then to find out that acetone will also make styrofoam non-puffy, melting it, in effect. That stuff was way cool. Not like whatever it was that the science majors had to take!
In tonight's anatomy class, we went over at a very high-level about chemistry. Basically, what is an atom, a cell, and so on and so forth. When we started discussing protons and neutrons, it all came back to me, but I also had an 80's flashback to the Ghostbusters strapping on their proton packs and capturing ghosts.
We also starting going over information about cells and their structures and functions, but we ran out of time and had to turn our classroom into the clinic setting. We had to fold up our classroom tables and bring in massage tables, pull the curtains around to form "cubicles," and make sure that each cubicle had what it needs: table, chair, stool, head rest, and bolster, which is a fancy name for round pillow used for support.
This Saturday, I begin my time in public clinic for four and a half hours pretty much every Saturday between now and March. After my shifts, I plan on giving a review, or at least my view of what happened.
So, until then, Bon Soir.
In tonight's anatomy class, we went over at a very high-level about chemistry. Basically, what is an atom, a cell, and so on and so forth. When we started discussing protons and neutrons, it all came back to me, but I also had an 80's flashback to the Ghostbusters strapping on their proton packs and capturing ghosts.
We also starting going over information about cells and their structures and functions, but we ran out of time and had to turn our classroom into the clinic setting. We had to fold up our classroom tables and bring in massage tables, pull the curtains around to form "cubicles," and make sure that each cubicle had what it needs: table, chair, stool, head rest, and bolster, which is a fancy name for round pillow used for support.
This Saturday, I begin my time in public clinic for four and a half hours pretty much every Saturday between now and March. After my shifts, I plan on giving a review, or at least my view of what happened.
So, until then, Bon Soir.
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