here, there, and everywhere

Get me a job here!

2009-04-30T13:19:00.005-05:00

Newsweek 2008 20 top children's hospital.
So I went through ALL and I mean ALL of these hospital's and maybe about 5-7 are hiring OTs right now, that is if their websites are up to date. Many of the hospitals in the med center in Houston are on a hiring freeze too. sigh. I guess it's ok that I'm not really looking for a job right now and hopefully when I'm ready to get a job, hospitals are hiring again. I could go work for clinics, but I don't really want to. Clinics are not a bad place to be. I just want to see more of a variety of diagnoses, that's all.

At least I did one of my affiliations at Texas Children's!

1 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

2 Children's Hospital Boston
Boston , MA

3 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati , OH

4 Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore
Baltimore , MD

5 Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland
Cleveland , OH

6 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston
Houston , TX

7 Children's Hospital, Denver
Aurora , CO

8 Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle
Seattle , WA

9 Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles , CA

10 Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
Pittsburgh , PA

11 New York-Presbyterian Medical Center
New York , NY

12 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, Calif.
Palo Alto , CA

13 Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Washington , DC

14 Children's Hospital Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland , OH

15 Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Columbus , OH

16 Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, Los Angeles
Los Angeles , CA

17 St. Louis Children's Hospital
Saint Louis , MO

18 Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago
Chicago , IL

19 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta , GA

20 UCSF Children's Hospital, San Francisco
San Francisco , CA

It's official!

2009-04-26T21:20:00.010-05:00


Sylvester, Annie T          GRADUATION DATE: 04/24/09
PROGRAM CODE: MOT            CATALOG YEAR: 2006

        Master of Occupational Therapy           
====================================================
This is your degree audit.
Please consult your advisor if you have any questions.                                   
====================================================
All degree requirements
have been completed.          
====================================================

It's about stinkin' time! The next 'official' post will say:
Annie Sylvester, MOT, OTR!!!!

The end is near...

2009-03-24T23:58:00.003-05:00

I will fill you in on life in about 2.5 days when I'll be completely D-O-N-E with fieldwork and school! Well almost done, still have to study and take the boards but whatever! 3 months has flown by, that's all I have to say.

Actually give me a week. This weekend is loaded.

My mom

2009-01-08T23:02:00.001-06:00

says she loves Tim Tebow...hehe!

Last First Day

2009-01-05T00:55:00.003-06:00

My first day at Texas Children's starts tomorrow (last rotation!), well today, and I'm still awake. Vacation always screws up my sleeping schedule. I have yet to get up out of my bed before 10 am in the past 2 weeks. Good luck to me!

I hope everyone has a spectacular 2009!
This will be a year full of changes with tons of memories made!
I'm excited to see what God has planned =)

1 more to go!

2008-12-07T18:12:00.005-06:00

Class of 2009,

It is time for SPRING 2009 registration. [blah blah blah blah]
Also this is your last semester.
Please remember to fill out your graduation diploma name card.

wahooo! I have been waiting for this email since orientation of grad school. and now it's here!
March 27, 2009 hurry hurry and come!

Even though the official walk date isn't until August 14, 2009 I can choose to be an adult in April =)

Horrible Football Day

2008-11-02T00:34:00.002-05:00

It began with playing football on my church league. Back to back games. Sigh lost the first one. Sucked. Second one was going ok until my guy and I were going for a flag. Somehow I end up on the ground and rolled over what I discovered to be an ant pile! Ants all over me when I got up! On my back, my left arm mostly, and chest. Ahhhhhh...I started screaming and dancing gto et them off! I was definitely doing a dance on the sidelines. I have at least 20 bites on my arm, back, chest, ear, and even on my scalp. Awesome. Thanks Jason for leaving in the middle of the game to get me some benadryl and cortizone. The second game wasn't over yet. On one play I was blocker and this girl that was rushing, runs her shoulder into my jaw to get by. At least the ref called penalty. The ref sucked. So many calls that should have been called and too many that shouldn't have been called. Like pass interference on me. You cannot be hanging onto my hip and leg before the ball even gets to me. But it didn't called. Needless to say, we lost by one in that game.

Then comes the big one. Texas v Texas Tech. Enough said. Sucked. Horns need football 101 to learn how to catch a ball on defense and offense and how to tackle. Really guys? Last 2 plays of the game?! Freaking learn to catch and learn to tackle. Still pissed.

Shrugs

2008-10-25T11:11:00.002-05:00

For once I have time to update, but my brain isn't working and just too tired to crank out all the stories I have especially since starting at the hospital 4 weeks ago. I can't believe I've completed 4 weeks at St. Luke's already. I'm 1/3 of the way through, 8 weeks left. Time has flown by, thankfully. I've enjoyed my time there, but the commute sucks. There are days I don't get to my house until after 7:00pm. So you'll have to wait for another day when I give you stories. Well I'll tell you this one.

You wouldn't think riding Metro there would be drama, but this Friday morning there was and it prevented me from my 50 minute nap in the morning =( So the bus pulls out of the transit center and is about to turn onto the ramp to get on the HOV. Then you start hearing this shrieking and yelling as though someone was hurt outside. The driver didn't really hear anything but people on the bus were like hey someone's yelling outside. So then he hears this scream and stops. This asian lady, maybe in her 50s runs around the front of the bus and starts knocking on the door screaming let me on, let me on. The driver says no, he can't. It's unsafe and against the rules. He kept repeating this but finally opens the door bc the lady kept yelling and didn't step away from the bus. So she gets on and starts screaming at the driver tell him she's late and he left too early blah blah blah. Except she was in the wrong! He leaves at 6:29 am every day. I get on the same bus with the same driver every morning and so do a lot of ppl on the bus. Eventually he lets her on, telling her he's making him and everyone late! She's still going on and on about how he's suppose to leave at 6:34 which doesn't make sense because she was telling him she was running late?! Weirdo. Then she proceeds to ask him again what time he leaves this park and ride and then what time he leaves Kingsland (the station before mine), 6:09. Then she had the audacity to tell the driver that there is no bus that leaves Addicks (my station) at 6:29. By now everyone on the bus is perturbed by this lady. All the people around her were like, yes this bus leaves at 6:29 every morning. So THEN she whips out her bus schedule, asks him again what time he leaves Kingsland and Addicks. He tells her, she looks, and doesn't say another word. What the heck?! What an idiot! 20 mins of this and me not sleeping because I chose to sit at the front of the bus and her sitting in front of me!

The best part is, when she got off the bus, she left a nice present (on purpose or not, who knows). It started to smell funny when she got off, then you hear the lady sitting next to her say OH MY GOSH! haha...the lady left what looks like a big chunk of raw meat with juices running from it! When I looked at it, it looked like thinly sliced beef defrosting...gross! That would be really weird if it just fell out of her bag and didn't have anything covering it and if she left it on purpose, what a waste (unless it was already spoiled and rude! That made the driver even more angry, man it's not even 7:30am yet! Well he asked people on the bus who would be witnesses just in case the lady calls in to complain. Although she was clearly in the wrong.

This was longer than I had intended and probably doesn't make much sense. Sorry. I'll try better next time!

Have a great Saturday, and enjoy the weather if you're in Houston!

Ike is coming

2008-09-12T11:05:00.003-05:00

I am really thankful for not living in Galveston anymore. Seriously. Hurricane Ike is drowning Galveston, oh Galveston. Rita/Katrina hit the class above me and Ike is hitting the class below. So I would say we were definitely blessed as not to have to deal with a hurricane during my time living on the island.

I have never been caught in a hurricane before. About 6-8 hours of constant rain and wind I hear. My family lives pretty far NW and inland so we're not leaving, but we'll still be getting roughly 74 mph wind! Please continue praying for the gulf and the people. It's only hoped that it won't be as bad as predicted when it hits landfall.

Oh and I just don't understand those who are staying put, especially in Galveston. I'm watching the news, partly because I don't have cable so that's all I can watch, but people are still on the island walking around outside and not leaving! I'm watching the waves lap over the seawall and obviously the surges aren't going to get better. The newscaster got hit by a wave as he was reporting! These people who are staying are crazy. I know the media hypes it up but still. Officials did say they may not be around to help and if you stay where you were made to leave, identify your body somehow of who you are. Nuts.

Gotta go help move stuff into the garage. Don't forget to fill your bathtubs!

Hurricanes 2008

2008-09-10T16:43:00.001-05:00

This hurricane season has sucked. It has ruined just about anything I have planned. First my trip to Florida, though Lake Travis was pretty dang awesome, and now going to Galveston. It's not really because I love Galveston, but I have to get shots and take cpr renewal class there. I just want to get those things over with. Hurricane Ike I wish you would make up your mind where and when you are going to hit.

Finally the wait is over

2008-08-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

*HOORAY*
Football season is now in session! I am so stinkin' excited. I thought this day would never come, thank goodness for the olympics to keep me entertained for a bit. I LOVE football!

TEXAS FIGHT!!!

I have sweet Blood...

2008-08-25T00:50:00.004-05:00

but only on 1/2 of my body. I have always known mosquitoes, bugs, etc love me, and I don't think it's because I am dirty (well sometimes I can be ;p)! However this weekend playing outside in the grass on Saturday and in the sand on Sunday has gotten me eaten up. The mosquitoes loved the left side of my body so much more than my right side. Can anyone tell me why? Apparently my friends are happy to have me around because some of them didn't get bitten at all! I'll do anything for you guys...

The count:
Left leg- 14 Right leg- 2
Left arm/hand- 4 Right arm/hand- 0

Call me, I'm your taxi driver!

2008-08-22T23:23:00.003-05:00

With gas prices the way they are now (even if the stations near my house are around $3.17), it is cheaper to fly to Austin. But then I'm thinking is it really that much cheaper since our house is not that close to Hobby? But Annette was just going to leave her car until she found out the parking lot she was to use is $15/day. NO THANKS. However, she didn't find this out until she was already on her way. So I ended up meeting her at a friend's place, leaving my car there, and taking her to the airport. Funny thing is I pretty much went straight home after switching my car back, and as soon as I pulled into my driveway, I get a text from Annette saying she arrived in Austin. Awesome. It takes me the same amount to time to drive home from the airport as it does for her to fly to Austin. I definitely live too far from Hobby, but IAH isn't all that much better.

On that note, when I walked into the house, my mom asks if I can go to IAH to pick up the lady that was staying at our house this weekend. Her plane was delayed and my dad was sleeping. Made me laugh a little. It's a good thing I don't sleep any time soon!

USA Men's Gymnastics

2008-08-12T00:15:00.002-05:00

It's a good thing you came home with a medal or else I would have had to have "words" with one or two of your team members. Way to go for representing asian americans. One job, you had one job to do. haha...geez! USA was doing so stinking well! Nearly perfect up until the last 2.

It's a good thing you stepped it up from the preliminary round. That was just bad.
Congrats for the Bronze tho, when no one else thought you would even place!

GO USA!!!

Olympics

2008-08-10T10:44:00.002-05:00

I can't stop watching! I watch whatever is on and just keep watching =) I've been craving sports all summer and loving that I have a variety of things to watch! This has affected my moving out of Galveston. It's Sunday and I'm still here. I could have been gone long ago but I guess I can't pack and watch at the same time. Today I don't have a choice. I must leave. So I'll start moving stuff into my car after USA beats China in basketball!

Oh, and school ended at the perfect time because I probably wouldn't pay attention to my classes.

My time in Galveston is OVER!

2008-08-09T13:24:00.003-05:00

I'm moving and it sucks. It's too hot outside and I have too much junk. Seriously I thought I took home a lot of my stuff already but I guess I didn't. Thanks to Sheetal, I was able to put some of the big organizers and boxes into her Uhaul. I owe you one!

Thursday we had our going away party and then we went out. Then last night I played with some of the people I'm closest in class. Old school Nintendo and and some wine was great! It really hasn't hit me yet that I'm done. Maybe next week when I have no idea what to do and sitting at home it will. Tho, I still have to come back to Galveston some time to get 2 shots and some research stuff.

Back to packing. Good thing I don't have to be out until 8:00 AM Monday. I'm hoping to out of here no later than Sunday morning.

down to one week

2008-07-31T19:54:00.003-05:00

Today was my last day of classes! I have been waiting for this day since I first started grad school. I still have finals week, but it shouldn't be bad at all. I have two finals that I can't study for, one paper to write, and two poster presentations to give. I don't mind ending my time like this. So the next thing to look forward to is the first of my Level II fieldwork (internship/rotation). Right now I am at a pediatric clinic in southwest Houston, but I actually asked to be placed somewhere else. I am hoping and praying that this new place will work out, but if it doesn't, I'll still be ok.

**If I could ask of a favor. If you can pray for a friend/classmate of mine. I can't talk details (God will know when you send a shout out!), but if you could (especially with finals coming up), it would be really great. Thanks!**

Is this week over yet?

2008-07-11T01:22:00.003-05:00

As soon as I finish my legal and ethics midterm tomorrow/today, I'm California bound, again! This time I'll be up north in San Jose and San Francisco. I'm excited about getting out of this Texas heat and even more excited about seeing family and friends. We'll be celebrating my grandpa's (mom's dad) 90th birthday! Since I missed the family reunion when he turned 80, I was determined to be there this time. I want my face in those family pictures! I'll be back on Tuesday =)

I am thankful that I survived this week. This has got to be the toughest week of this semester. and extremely tough on my bum. I don't think I have ever sat this much for this long ever! You'd be proud of me for those who know I can't sit for long periods. At least all of my energy was saved up for this week and this week only. The only thing I really have left is Finals week and there's only one actual final! 4 more weeks guys, 4 more weeks, and I'm out of here!

Not so smrt

2008-07-07T17:23:00.003-05:00

I didn't do a good job picking a case study for one of my classes. I should have gone with the disorders/diseases I already know about (the easy way out). Instead I picked something, spinal tumor, hoping that I learn more about it and how to provide occupational therapy for the client. Well, I think I am in over my head. The subject itself, spinal tumor, is not hard and neither is finding research on it. What's hard is that I don't want to just work on the physical rehab difficulties my client has. That part I can work on, no problem. I want to work on his self efficacy, self concept, self esteem, motivation, and other related ideas. He is a college student and wants to be like any other ordinary 20 year old, but he seems to lack the self-confidence to move out of his bubble. Sigh. My case presentation and paper is due Thursday. I have nothing. No idea of how I want to go about with my next treatment session with him. The thing is, I'll probably be doing this kind of OT later on. Great, now I'm getting discouraged. Haha...I will be an awesome OT one day...I will!

Hello July

2008-07-02T00:42:00.002-05:00

Hello, it's July already. Where has the time gone? Hmmm, lots have been happening, but I don't have time to write it up. If you go to my flickr account, you can probably see what's been going on. For once, I'm not even going to procrastinate by writing about something. No time, it's sad really. or it's because I can't condense what I say because I'm a round about writer. For example, everything you have read up til now could probably be written in two sentences. Craziness will be over around mid-July. But then finals creep up, anyways, until then my friends...

Moldy Twinkie

2008-06-02T19:41:00.002-05:00

I opened up the package after I finished my dinner and as I was taking a bite, I saw something green...did you know that twinkies get moldy? ahhhh....so gross! Good thing I saw it =( I mean I haven't had it for more than a month. I just had one that someone let me have. I was really sad. I was so excited to eat it after dinner. I haven't had one in many many years. Man I'm bummed. There goes my dessert. I should think of it as a good thing, since it's not healthy but what a waste of a twinkie. sigh. I guess I'll go make cookies instead.

yoink

2008-05-29T00:18:00.004-05:00

Because I am too lazy to type up what's been going on, I stole this from Annette's blog instead. It was quite a gross site. Then this past weekend (the following occurred 2 weekends ago), I killed a spider with Annette making fun of me about the way I throw flip flops at them (you should see the video she took)...geez, at least nothing started crawling out when I kill a spider!

Charlotte's Web

Last week my sister and I came back from Austin and there are some note worthy items: (1) We left the garage door open all night. Fortunately, we don't live in Vanhdy's neighborhood, so none of our shoes were stolen :) More fortunately, no one broke in, thank You Lord for watching over us (and let's not tell the parents when they return from Israel). (2) I killed a spider!

The thing with the spider is Liem was telling me about Recluse Spiders a few days ago and this one looked just as massive (it was dark). I ran to get a flip flop and at second look, it turns out it was just a huge house spider. I slammed the flip flop down on the spider and baaaaam... all of its guts squirted everywhere. The only thing was, its gusts weren't gushy... they all splattered out in perfect circle-like dust balls. I looked closer only to discover it was ALLL the babies the momma spider had in her belly. LOL... some of those circlular particles started scurrying around and it was really gross. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a picture, so thanks Wikipedia for the next best example.

Sorry Wilber!

Sunday May 25, 2008

posted by netty @ 2:44 PM

Israel

2008-05-13T01:29:00.003-05:00

My parents are leaving in a few hours for Israel for the next two weeks! My two aunts will also be meeting them up there. Last May, Annette went and had the time of her life. My dad went in 1978 (wow, 30 years ago!) with my American grandparents but mom has never been. For sure Israel has changed, and he is super excited about going back. Hehe, I got a really cute email from his last week about the trip.

They'll be going with Precept Ministries International, like Annette did. They'll get to be with Kay Arthur amongst other leaders. So awesome! This is one of the many things on my list of things to do. One day, God willing, I would absolutely love to experience this =)

If you could keep them in your prayers and all those there, it would be greatly appreciated. My mom is a bit under the weather. Hopefully she will be well soon!

Short hair, long hair

2008-05-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

My hair was at the yucky length that sits and pokes into my neck. Not too fond of that, so I went to go get my hair trimmed Saturday before heading to my parent's place. My hair lady was like, you're here again?! I really like how she cut it the last time, so I asked for the same thing again. She's like sure, of course, I remember. Um, no she didn't quite remember. Haha it wasn't bad, but it turned out to be real short. Every time I go get a trim, it turns out to be a cut. This time it was shorter than I've ever had it. Mom says I look even younger! Impossible!

I'm starting to miss my long hair, but I love that it's short for the ridiculously hot and humid summers here. I've decided that come August, I'll start growing it back out again. I won't make the mistake for short hair in the winter again. Plus keeping up with short hair costs me every month to month and a half rather than every six to eight months (I know you should probably trim it in less time for healthy hair but eh).

Defrosting freezers suck

2008-05-10T14:30:00.002-05:00

I really dislike defrosting freezers, but with a Gerber knife, it went by so much faster. You see, my freezer in my room likes to build up ice on top and in the back. I had like a mound of ice sticking out of the back of the freezer, and I didn't want to leave it over the weekend to defrost. I would have a HUGE puddle when I got back. So with this knife, we pretty much carved out all the ice. woohooo...now I won't have a huge puddle and my fridge will be ready to go!

Mentor Day edit

2008-05-09T16:52:00.004-05:00

wow...the pinning was not at all what I had expected. haha...really wasn't the big deal they had made it out to be, much more informal that expected. I think I was a bit disappointedactually. However, I got a card in the mail today that was looked at through another perspective. A view that I didn't even think of (shame on me actually). It was a great reminder of how much God has been faithful and the many blessings I have had during my time here. It's really awesome to know that there are friends who remind me of God's goodness. I obviously need that! Thank you =)

and we didn't get Mario catering for lunch either. UTMB catered our food. The good part was the chocolate chip cookies after I picked out the nuts. haha

Mentor Day

2008-05-08T23:39:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day! No classes (awesome), just the Class of 2009 mentor coming in to hang out (for lack of better word) with us. Mentor Day has been our OT dept. tradition dating back to way way back when. On the OT office floor, there are pictures of all the mentors that have come through in the past. Man, they have had some famous OTs as mentors before! I'm excited to meet Jean tomorrow. I don't know why, I just am. We get breakfast and lunch catered, I'm really excited about that one too! In the morning we'll get to know her/she gets to know us, ask questions, have discussion, etc. Then she'll give a presentation/lecture later. After that we'll get "pinned!" Our class will start the new tradition of getting "pinned" to symbolize us being ready to go out into the real world. I guess you can compare it to sort of being like the white coat ceremony that med students have. Faculty will pin us with our OT pins (that our class designed, which will also be used from now on!) and there will probably be the UTMB pledge. To me it's only significant because faculty believes that we are ready to get thrown to the wolves! It's good to know that they think that we are just about ready to be clinicians. There are times when I am ready to get out there now and start, but so many other times I don't feel confident in my abilities, that I don't know enough to care for a patient. In time with more experience, I'm sure that will change, I hope! Oh yeah, we'll get Mario's for lunch...yum!

Wow, I think I just wrote a bunch of run on sentences that probably don't make any sense. Oh well. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. This week has just been an intense mess for me, and I only had classes for 2 days.

Iron Man

2008-05-07T01:27:00.002-05:00

Funny, witty, LOVED IT =D
It's not like the other marvel comics made into movies.
Go watch it!

My supposed last day in Socal

2008-05-04T18:07:00.004-05:00

My morning before leaving for home starts out with having breakfast with my friends before heading to the airport. Breakfast was near Newport Beach (man I think I know that area just as well as the Santa Ana & Anaheim area!) at an omelette parlor. It was really good, especially the english muffin with apple butter spread. Then I get taken to the airport, not really wanting to leave but also knowing it's time to go. I have lots of stuff to do before heading back to Galveston! So I check in and find out my flight is delayed by an hour (it wasn't when I checked before breakfast). Sucks but it's ok because I have a 2 hour or so layover in Denver anyway. I go to the sports bar there to watch the Boston/Atlanta game. Then of course, I have to go to the bathroom. During that time, I hear some announcement about my flight. I go check and it's delayed another hour! ahhh...I go to the ticket counter to see what I can do about my connecting flight. I'm waiting in line, getting a bit impatient. Finally I get up to the counter. She searches for later flights from Denver to Houston. One flight leaving out of Denver at 7:30 that is already overbooked. Awesome, not going to risk standby with that one. She then searches all the other airlines. I'm starting to feel like I'm running in the Amazing Race! She calls Continental, one flight left leaving in like 15 minutes, but that flight was full. So no more flights to Houston. After searching with no luck as to find a flight to Houston from Orange, my options are to stay in heref or the night and take a flight out in the morning or fly to Denver and see if I can make it on the connecting flight (the delayed flight is now to land at 4:30 in Denver and my flight out of Denver was at 4:50). In the end I opted to stay in Orange because I didn't want to deal with missing my connecting flight and staying at the hotel, plus the next United flight to Houston didn't get me there til after 4:00 pm.

My new flight now is on Continental, direct flight (YAY!) to Houston at 8:15 am landing at 1:26. Yes I did ask for compensation and got $100 voucher on United (better than nothing) and added mileage onto Continental.

Get this, I'm me and I do this to myself. I check United to see what time the flight left and lands in Denver. Of course the flight didn't leave on time and suppose to land at 4:40. For sure I would have missed my connecting flight. I go a step further, I check the departing time of my connecting flight. ahhhh...uhgggg, oh my gosh! That flight was delayed by an hour!!! Which means I could have made my flight in Denver. When I was trying to find flights, that flight was on time too! Story of my life. Don't get me wrong, I love it here in California and didn't really want to leave. But while at the airport, I got in the mentality of going back and made a list of all these things I needed (which is not a short list either) to do!

yeah, I'm pretty ready to go home. Didn't think I would say that now did ya!?!?!

Disneland edit

2008-05-01T14:29:00.004-05:00

The weather turned out to be amazing! The sun came out and it was so nice! John and I had a blast there. Seriously we were like little 6 year olds running around the park, we did run to get to rides =) The day already started out great because John found this guy on Craig's list that had tickets for $30...that is more than half the price off! There were plenty of people, but not enough where we had to wait in line for very long. All but one of the rides, were maybe a 15 minutes wait. The only one that we waited in forever was the Finding Nemo submarine ride. It was about 30 minutes and was only ok. I only liked it because they did a quick version of Finding Nemo while watching scenes underwater. So we finished the park in about 5 hours. I forget that Disneyland isn't that big and no waiting in line makes it quicker! haha...so we liked Space Mountain so much that we rode it 4 times. The two times, we posed for pictures at the end =)

shh, this is the pic off the screen

My only regret now is not going to Adventure Park. That would have only been $10 more.
Oh well...good times!

Wednesday in SoCal

2008-04-30T10:54:00.003-05:00

It's Disneyland day! Too bad it's cooler now & cloudy. Stinks. It's like Goldylocks and the 3 bears. Too hot, too cold...oh well. I'm going to have me a great time anyway!

I skipped yesterday, so I'll write that up later.

For those of you who wants/needs shoes or whatever gear, here's Footlocker coupon!
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/826456/

Rockets win!

2008-04-30T02:43:00.001-05:00

Thank you Rockets for keeping this alive!
Must win 2 more...

Rockets

2008-04-29T11:41:00.002-05:00

It's win or go home tonight, Rockets.
Come on, another win please!

Monday in SoCal

2008-04-29T02:11:00.003-05:00

Sunny, cloudless + totally hot day in socal= a beach day= annie getting her 2nd sunburned!
At least this time I don't have any hand/finger prints that will last 2 years. Geez that 1st one was bad! Today Chi Bao and I went to Crystal Cove near Newport beach to have brunch by the water and spend some time at the beach. It was really nice weather to be out there. We went to this restaurant called the Honeycomber that overlooks the beach. It has amazingly delicious food! I had an egg fritata with spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms in it, and Chi Bao had one of the best tasting pancakes I've had. It was coconut macadamia pancakes with coconut syrup! Man that was soo good! After we were done, we went back down to the beach and sat around talking. I didn't think we intended to sit out there for that long but we did. Because we didn't intend on being out for long, I didn't apply any sunblock on and got toasted. If you know me, you'd know that I'm not a fan of the sun (which sucks bc I like being outside) and when I'm out, I lather up with sunblock. Really it's because I don't like getting dark, I tan all funky. I get the nasty farmer's tan not the pretty golden tan. But usually I'm not this fair skinned to get burned in a short amount of time. Last time I got burned, it was because I was in the sun playing football & refereeing for 6+ hours with only one application of sunblock (having too much fun and forgot about reapplying). I even put on sunblock to go play tennis at 6 o'clock at night when the sun is barely out sometimes. Yeah I wasn't so smart about this one.

It's ok, it doesn't seem that bad. Some aloe on it made it feel better. The rest of the day was fun too. Chi Bao and I went to go pick up her kids, I got to play with Aiden and Avery (most adorable), and had dinner with them when Anh Phi got home plus Kevin and Thuy!

They dropped me off at Bim & Andy's. I was back long enough to use the restroom before taking off to go bowling. 1st game I got a 97...boo. Second game we split up into 2 teams to bet for (non-alcoholic) drinks. Me, Bim, and Binh were on one team. They had calculated how many points each of us would get & gave our team a 50 point handicap. Suckas! I bowled a 130 (30 points higher than anticipated. Still waiting to break my record of 168). So we won without the handicap because Andy didn't bowl what they had thought he would bowl tho! Third game we played straight up, Andy picked up his game (I even bowled 3 points more than the last game!), and we lost =( Which meant we had to dance out by the bowling lanes in front of everyone. Sigh, good thing Bim did most of the dancing for Binh and I!

I just reread this, something I don't do often. I make short stories long. haha...
Fun day! Tomorrow's weather is suppose to be cooler, I hope so!

A Sunday in SoCal

2008-04-27T19:07:00.004-05:00

Andy and Bim had a bbq today after church. We had hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers! Can't believe we bbq'd because it is sooo incredibly hot here. Hotter than back home, can you believe that?!?! I thought I came here to escape Texas weather! Anyway, it was good eating. Then I took a nap. and played my first full game of Settlers. and won! Well, Andy and I partnered up. He's one sneaky player. Learned a few things today! Still not totally into the game, but I think I can handle playing now. Tonight, I'll meet up with some friends for dinner and then who knows what. I'm still pretty tired even after getting more than 8 hours of sleep last night! What's wrong with me?!

What's planned so far this week: hanging out & catching up with friends! Disneyland, kayaking & possibly snorkeling, possibly a trip down to check out USC (oh dear! thinking about wearing my Texas shirt there too!)...

allergies?

2008-04-27T01:36:00.002-05:00

My nose hates me for being in California. Since I have been here, I have not been able to breathe well at all. Either my allergies are really bad here, or I am getting sick. Zyrtec has not been doing its job. I hope I'm not getting sick. I've been really tired, but I just blame the lack of sleep all last week and still now. Although I thought I had enough sleep last night. It's not even midnight west coast time, and I'm about to turn in for the night. I can't adjust to the time as quickly as I use to. Sign of old age?!?!

Anyway, Congratulations to Peter and Lily! Their wedding was quite entertaining! So much going on during the ceremony and the reception. People everywhere! The last time I went to a wedding this huge (600+) was when Kevin and My-An got married in 2001. It was more insane for me then because I was part of the wedding. Crazy viet weddings =)

Good night now. I can barely keep my eyes open.

5 semesters down, 1 more to go!

2008-04-24T13:35:00.005-05:00

My marvelous Sweet Success group members:
Leah, Kari, Jamie & Martha

Precisely at 9:15 AM this morning, my spring semester officially ended! Finished up our diabetes presentation, answered the panel's questions (which one question gave all 5 of us deer in the headlight look), and curtsied. Feels so amazing to wrap up another semester!

Heading out to SoCal tmrw evening! Anyone want to play with me?

The Big Bang Theory

2008-04-22T20:38:00.002-05:00

I really like this show.
Makes me laugh.
Maybe I'm just a huge nerd.
Maybe it's just me.

Studying

2008-04-22T14:00:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting in a room with 4 other girls trying to study. Do you already see the problem? haha...funny thing is we're not even talking about our lives or whatever. We're complaining about what's on the test, not even about having to studying. Study everything is what we're told. That's a butt load of stuff to study for. There's a reason they call this the "Big A**" class. It's really 3 classes rolled into one. 3 separate sections none of which overlap one another, taught by 3 different professors, and final written by each professor with 3 different formats. Hm...can you tell that I am having a hard time concentrating?

Headaches

2008-04-22T13:21:00.003-05:00

There have been times when I go for days with a continuous headache. I have no idea why but they're more of a nuisance . However so far this week (so the last 2 days) I have had this massive headache that is just painful. Sometime last night, I started getting the headaches that make you want to throw up! Man they are horrible! Woke up this morning and the headache was still there. At least right now, I don't feel like up chucking anymore. Stinkin' migraines.

One day, 2 more to go tmrw.
Back to studying.

Houston Rockets

2008-04-21T18:35:00.003-05:00

Oh Rockets, I really need you to win tonight. I have goodies on the line for this series!
Please don't play "Rockets ball" tonight or any night for that matter. There is no time left for you to do so. Thank you.

Can't wait for this week to be over so I can start watching the playoffs. I have yet to watch a game. sigh.

On a side note, NFL draft is this weekend!

Kappa Weekend

2008-04-20T12:56:00.002-05:00

First time that I've kinda been around the island for Kappa Weekend. It was suppose to be canceled too. But just because the one guy that is "in charge" says it's canceled doesn't mean squat when its been tradition. Also good luck with him changing a party weekend to a weekend for job fairs. Really the partying doesn't affect me much, it's just hearing sirens and noise all night. When Leah and I drove back to Galveston last night, there were police cars and ambulances driving all around before the island and then on the island. Driving around is horrible too! There are barricades up! Yes the barricades!!! The city blocks off certain streets and such so that you can't drive down them. At least residents have narrow pathways to getting off their streets. It's really just insane. Though I don't think it has been as crazy as it has been in the past. Haven't heard any stories yet though.

All right time to get back to school work. Just a few more days...

It's Friday

2008-04-18T20:43:00.004-05:00

I have stayed on campus late one too many times this semester! Didn't leave campus until 6:30 tonight. Sucked but got McAlister's for dinner =) delicious sweet tea! and now I'm at home working on my project. I guess it's ok because it's not like I put much time into school work all semester.

By the way, gas prices are sooo bad! Walmart had unleaded gas for $3.34 here in Galveston. Seriously, Walmart?!?! Because of crazy gas prices, my future cars can't be the ones that I want because they all take only premium. booo.

AND it's killing airline tickets! ahhhh...uhggg...sigh.

Where the Heart Is

2008-04-17T20:20:00.003-05:00

Watching Where the Heart Is while writing up my wheelchair adventure to turn in tomorrow. I should really call it campus accessibility evaluation so it doesn't sound like I'm just writing something ridiculous for class. Anyway, I really like this movie. One of those feel good movies. Always makes me want to help the next person I see in need. Yes, a chick flick, but a really great one with stories that can happen to anyone. Anyway, this is the only thing I can find on tv for background noise.

Random

2008-04-10T20:27:00.002-05:00

I think I have forgotten how to study.

My plantar fasciitis has been kicking in all week.

3 of my friends' babies have been born within a week.
2 more coming soon!

Test time

2008-04-10T18:45:00.005-05:00

I have a final tomorrow. I can't remember the last time I studied for a test this semester. I don't even think we've had actual tests or midterms. The only thing I remember is the practical I had mid semester and that's because I was studying on the plane for it. This semester has just been busy work, quizzes (in which I didn't really study for), papers, and group projects. Two more weeks today and this semester will be over! Actually at 9:20 am, April 24, my group presentation will be done! Oh I can't wait!

I have senoritis big time. Come to think of it, this semester started, and I really never did. I cannot get into it. I don't want to do anything but play, sigh.

I am D-O-N-E with mental health!

2008-04-09T20:30:00.004-05:00

Jennifer: are you sure you're done w/mental health? i thought it was a lifetime deal
funny haha, Fung
Oh man, the feeling of being able to cross off one more HUGE thing off the list is indescribable! I had a really good experience. I saw so many different psychiatric diagnosis and things I could not even imagine. It's one thing to read the characteristics in a book and another to see and work with someone who has schizophrenia, bipolar, manic, depression, etc. I'm glad that I had a chance to work in this area, but I don't think I could actually work in a mental health setting. Just a bit much for me. However, no matter where I end up, the psychological aspect of a patient can easily be an area that may be part of the treatment.

The Adventures of Sheetal & Annie

2008-04-07T21:31:00.003-05:00

Sheetal and I had to evaluate how well UTMB's campus is wheelchair accessible.
Answer: NOT accessible at all.
You would think that being on a campus with a hospital that there would be w/c ramps and automatic doors everywhere. So bad. It was quite tedious to wheel around. Tiring too. I mean really, to get to the library, we had to circle the entire building and them some, nearly killing ourselves in the streets and going down ramps to get there. After today, my level of admiration for those in a w/c have increased. Stayed tuned to my flickr. We took 80+ pictures of our adventure. I'll have to caption the pictures to tell the story. Maybe you'll find it as entertaining as we did. I'll leave you with pictures to your entertainment.

About to go down the ramp next to the library

Sheetal in the Rose Garden.

*Post dedicated to Fung*

Summer 2009

2008-04-07T20:16:00.006-05:00

Now this is an AMAZING class schedule. This is a superb way to end my time here. Since my partnership is Diabetes, I will have a 4. 5 day weekend! I'll definitely take advantage of it! Mini trips anyone?!?! hehe...

Spring semester coming to an end

2008-04-07T17:42:00.007-05:00

This semester started off really slow. Then all of a sudden there's only 3 more weeks left. What happened with all the time in between is beyond me. I could say that I should have started this stuff earlier, but really I couldn't. Plus you know me, I can't get things started that far in advance.

The next 3 weeks are just going to be a bit crazy. I may have to go into hiding. Haha...I say that, but I don't think it actually ever happens.

haha...I don't think you can see this. After April, I only have about 3 more months left on this island! Now that makes me excited! Been waiting for this since I first moved here. Can't wait for August 8 =)

Texas weather

2008-04-06T15:23:00.003-05:00

How can it be super cold and windy one day and then get up in the 80s the next day?!?!
Last night we were out playing volleyball, and by the end of the night I couldn't even feel my toes anymore. Digging my feet into the sand and moving around didn't help one bit. My toes were blue, purple, and numb.

Then today, is absolutely gorgeous! The sun is out, there's a breeze. Great weather to be outside playing! Japan Fest is going on at the park. I think I'll go check it out or something. or at least go walk around. I'm tired of being inside.

Glad we're still getting some pretty Texas weather =)

I See the King of Glory (Hosanna)

2008-03-31T22:38:00.003-05:00

This song has been in my head all day, actually since church last night. That's how it got in my head to begin with =) Can't get it out. I really hope my neighbors have ear plugs in!
Maybe I should just turn up the youtube volume instead!?!?

I SEE THE KING OF GLORY
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes

I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love
Like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am
For Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Brooke Fraser
Copyright © 2006 Brooke Fraser/Hillsong

Sweet 16 Games

2008-03-29T20:58:00.004-05:00

were FANTASTIC!!! It was just amazing and awesome to be there. Of course it was 100 times better because Texas killed Stanford! I was screaming so much and so loudly...the guys in front of me didn't seem like they appreciated it very much! We stayed for the Memphis/Michigan State game too. Good thing because then I sort of got on tv and got a picture with Magic Johnson! I'm going to have to try again on Sunday to get on tv with a much better sign than the one I had.

Subject: IMPORTANT - Dorm Relocation

2008-03-26T17:42:00.002-05:00

Please be advised that we need to move student housing out of Bethel Hall by June 1, 2008. We do have accommodations for you in one of our other buildings and if you need help with your move we will provide it. This move is needed to accommodate the relocation of employees from Jennie Sealy and the Old Shriner Hospitals. These 2 buildings are scheduled for demolition in the fall. The demolition is one of the first steps in the UTMB 10-year plan for the east campus.

Please check with the Dorm Office as soon as possible and we are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.

Sincerely,

Bruno Cristelli

Director

What the!?!? At least they gave ample warning. There have been times, when I had 2 days in advance warning on things. I wonder where I will be. Dang it, I have to move my stuff by June 1, then move again 2 months later...sucks!
This is Awesome...I just better get ESPN now wherever I'm moving too!

Volleyball

2008-03-26T00:34:00.005-05:00

Nice red forearm from tiny popped vessels with a bit of purple coloring

I guess I haven't played in awhile or something. Though I have never, ever bruised before playing volleyball. But I must have out done myself Sunday at Memorial Park when we played. and it didn't help when I played my IM volleyball game tonight either. However, our team won! Not only did we win one game, which was the hope of all of us, we won two to win the match! It was very exciting and all of us girls were totally pumped! GO TEAM OT!

*EDIT: I forgot, at the end of the 3rd game, I somehow jammed my right ring finger. I wasn't even setting the ball. No idea what happened. That finger is now fat and purple.*

Sad

2008-03-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

I don't want to go back to Galveston =(

Happy Birthday Mannie!

2008-03-22T23:22:00.003-05:00

I know it's a bit late to post this today since the day is almost over...I'm sorry, hon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MANNIE!
I hope you had the most wonderful day filled with lots of goodness =)
Miss you dearly and wish you were closer.
July cannot come soon enough! By then I'll get to see the newest member of the Lee family too...woohoo!

Coppell

2008-03-20T11:10:00.002-05:00

Change of plans...in Coppell, TX instead of Austin, TX.
Though I'll probably be spending one night in Austin before heading to Seguin, TX.
At least here, I can bake and cook without disturbance! oh and watch March Madness...yay!
Hope I don't catch anything while I'm here though =)

March Madness!

2008-03-18T00:33:00.005-05:00

It's finally here! Play the brackets with me =)

Group ID#: 93287
Password: texas

I say this is going to be a great tournament to watch this year. As if I needed more distractions from classes. But I have come to the conclusion that this semester is over and it never even started. I know it sounds bad and please don't follow my lead when it comes to school, but I just haven't been able to get into it this semester. Seniorities has officially arrived.

TEXAS FIGHT, TEXAS FIGHT,
YEAH TEXAS FIGHT!

Happy Birthday JENNIFER FUNG!

2008-03-15T12:20:00.003-05:00

Finally caught up on some sleep last night...almost 11 hours. Yes, I can sleep! It's probably because during the week I get like 5 hours of sleep or something at night, but that may not be it, I love sleeping. Except today, I woke up with a headache. too much sleep or too hot in my room, I guess. Houston weather is in the 80s...summer is here! It's hot out there =P

Anyway, today is FUNG's birthday! Happy 25th lady =)
and we'll get to play all day with her! Starting with some football, dinner, then going out somewhere. Good way to start out my spring break.

oh, oh, oh!

2008-03-14T23:35:00.003-05:00

I can't forget about TEXAS!!!
Round 1 done...Bring it on OU (sucks!)

OH MAN!

2008-03-14T23:29:00.002-05:00

GO ROCKETS, Clutch City is back!!!
oh this is soo exciting! I told you we be fine.
The next couple of games are going to be hard, but we'll make it!

21-0 baby...Bring on the Lakers!

Because I'm still awake...

2008-03-13T01:27:00.002-05:00

Happy early St. Patrick's Day?!?!
edit: jk...it's for Earth Day

Basketball...oh yeah!

2008-03-12T23:09:00.004-05:00

20 in a row, 2nd in the WEST!
ahhh...CLUTCH CITY is back =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn6xcY752B0
GO ROCKETS!!!

and and...you can't forget about TEXAS!
No. 1 seed in Big 12
oh man, I can't wait for March Madness to start, so glad I'll be on spring break!

Friends & Family time!

2008-03-12T22:45:00.001-05:00

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/814928/

It's a good thing I went to Sharpstown Mall last weekend to check out the shoes.
Yes, I went there and survived...hehe. So did all the visitors from the east coast!

I dunno

2008-03-07T18:25:00.002-06:00

uh who stays at school until 6:15 pm on a Friday?
I do...enough said.

I was told I looked pale today. I hope I'm not getting sick!
Go away you nasty sore throat =(

Green Bay Packers #4

2008-03-04T19:20:00.003-06:00

Thank you, Brett (yes, he and I are on a first name basis) for 17 awesome seasons of being quarterback, well 15 for me when you joined the Packers! I'm going to miss you...sigh. This last one was a good season, though I wished you would have squeezed out one more. I mean, why do you want to retire when your last pass was an interception?!?! Hehe...good thing you won't really be remembered for that. You'll be remembered for breaking a WHOLE BUNCH of records in your last year...whoohoooo! But I guess I understand why you're leaving. I'll still love you...

Superbowl win in 1997, over the Patriots too...hehe (The SB this past year should have been Pacs vs Pats)
Most AP NFL MVP awards: 3 (1995, 1996, 1997)
Most consecutive starts by a quartback (NFL): 253 (275 including playoffs)
Most wins by a starting quarterback (NFL) regular season career: 160(Regular season record: 160-93)
Most career passing touchdowns: 442
Most career passing yards: 61,655
Most career pass completions: 5,377
Most career pass attempts: 8,758
Most career interceptions thrown: 288 (oops! but he threw A LOT!)
Most career games with at least three touchdowns: 63

I'll still wear my cheesehead proudly!
To the next Packers QB, you have HUMONGOUS shoes to fill =)
GO GREEN BAY!

Go PATS too!

Rockets Play Day

2008-03-03T23:38:00.003-06:00

Rockets play day was so-so until you're in line to get onto the court and the players are coming near you. Then you're frantically trying to take their pictures, but you can't be in it with them! Bummer. But great none the less trying to get their faces! Then it's fun when you get to go play on the court. Unfortunately when it was my turn to get on the court, no more players were around...boo. Waited for over an hour and probably because people kept cutting. Boo on them. I have to admit, I thought about it, but I didn't.

The best part on the court was I made my first NBA 3 pointer on my one and only try, right before we got booted off the court! I was so excited =) I really didn't make that many other shots, one or two free throw ones. I had to fight for a ball...it was hard. I'm short, I need to grow some more.

Pictures to come on flickr. Time to work on my evaluation report.
So tired

No motivation

2008-03-02T12:14:00.003-06:00

Lazy.
That's all I can say. Too lazy to really write about all I want to write about on here. This weekend I stayed in Galveston for the first time in forever, and I've had all the time in the world to blog. It's so much easier for me just to talk over the phone or even gtalk/IM to you my thoughts. So if you want to know, you know where to find me!

By the way, I can see why Tennessee is #1. They just don't stop pounding on the other guys (although UK is on your tail right now). TEXAS, I need you guys to do that from now on. Sometimes I feel like you guys can be lackadaisical in your playing.

update needed

2008-02-11T00:45:00.000-06:00

I really need to update!
Lots been going on...
Actually, I probably would just update right now, but my eyes can barely stay open!
It also doesn't help that I burned my right eye because I don't pay attention to contact solution bottles that have red warnings all over! SIGH...I used the wrong solution to store my contacts in last night. This morning I stuck one contact into my eye and wanted to scream bloody murder! But I didn't want to wake up the people who were sleeping =( I literally ripped the contact out and started throwing water into my eye. All I could think about was chem lab and those eye stations that you can stick your head under to flush out your eyes with water and how much my eye was BURNING! I wish this morning my friends' place had faucets like that. I wore my glasses, which I don't ever do...it was weird to have it on my face all day. My eye is still red. I don't think I'll be wearing my contacts tomorrow either. Sad. I should learn to pay attention to things better.

I'm also about a month and half behind on updating my Flickr!

Random craving...

2008-02-06T01:44:00.000-06:00

For some reason cinnamon popped up in my head. Now I'm craving vanilla cinnamon ice cream from Marble Slab or snickerdoodles! Sigh, this is what happens when I'm still up at 1:45 AM.

Good Night Moon...

Courageous Kid

2008-01-27T22:50:00.000-06:00

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/01/cody_mccasland_courageous_kid.php

absolutely adorable
Kids like this make going to work so much fun!

A quarter of a century old

2008-01-23T22:38:00.000-06:00

Annette turns 25 today...on my goodness...I remember when I turned 25. Annette kept going around saying, Annie's a quarter of a century old...that's old.
Well Annette...Happy QUARTER OF A CENTURY!
25 is fun. I remember 25. I had no school...it was SPECTACULAR!

Hehe...we'll be celebrating this weekend at Goode Company BBQ...yum!
Come out and celebrate if you would like! We'll be celebrating Jason and Sunny's birthdays as well.

Goode Company at 7:00pm. The one on I-10

School's getting rough

2008-01-23T22:37:00.000-06:00

7 months and counting til I get out of here.
Can't wait.
Please hurry.
Thanks.

Spring 2008 schedule

2008-01-09T23:52:00.000-06:00

Don't be fooled ladies and gentlemen. White spaces with no words, especially on Mondays, really doesn't mean I have a day off or time off. I already have stuff scheduled in for next week in those spots =(. I should be going to work on those days since I can't really on the others or I will have tons of group things to do...ahhhh!

I want this

2008-01-09T23:28:00.001-06:00

for days when I feel like this...haha then everyone will know to stay away! muhaha...

from woot.com

On the road again...

2008-01-02T21:48:00.000-06:00

Packing it up again! This time I'm heading to Colorado =) I'm very excited! This will be my third new place to visit and all done during my month off from school! I'll be flying into Denver and hanging out there all tomorrow. Then after the Nuggets vs Spurs game, all 13 of us will head to Breckenridge to snowboard or ski til Sunday. Yes I did say 13! It's going to be crazy and fun =) and I come back just in time for classes to start again. and I'm also not ready for school to start either =( So when I get back, I'll pack AGAIN and head to Galveston. While I love, love to travel...it's been tiring. I'll be glad to sit still in one place for a little bit only because I don't like to pack and unpack, pack and unpack (and contrary to popular belief, I do know how to sit still!). How do those who travel for work do it! So far for 2008, it looks like I'll be traveling quite a bit! I should take advantage of that because once I start working, I'm pretty sure I can't travel like this for a long time!

**oi, I hope I get to see IRIS SHIM...that would be AMAZING!**

Happy New Years 2008

2008-01-01T12:08:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed new year!

What's in Iowa?!?!

2007-12-28T00:14:00.000-06:00

I told Fung today I was heading to Iowa. Her response was "why...pick corn?"

Hm...we traveled to Dubuque, IA today. It took forever because we ended up on all these tiny, tiny roads that were going through neighborhoods with snow piled up on both sides of the itty, bitty roads we were on! Never thought we come out but eventually we did.

I did get to catch the second half of the Texas game...w00t! I thought I was going to miss it and miss out on all the action that was happening on the field! Finally an exciting game to watch! I wish I saw the stepson in action as it was happening. But in the replays, I don't think he did touch it. They only showed one angle...We won anyways so it doesn't matter! I still think Mack's stepson is A-W-E-S-O-M-E...it looked like something I would do too if I were on the sidelines where he was!

Time to attempt to go to sleep. I'm still wound up from the game! Pray that I don't break any bones tomorrow in my first attempt ever to be in snow and snowboarding =)

Chicago

2007-12-27T00:51:00.000-06:00

My family and I have been in Chicago since Christmas Eve. We landed around 9:30 and my first thought when I stepped off the plane was ahhhh it's COLD! Both my uncles picked us up and took us back to the house. One of the uncle and his family actually live in Skokie, but their place is right on the outside of the city. Though the past few days haven't actually been too bad during the day. It's the nighttime that kills me. So far we've gone to Chinatown, downtown, Millennium Park, eaten, and shopped! It's been a lot of fun and many pictures have been taken =) Tomorrow we'll be off to go skiing/snowboarding. My sister and I opted to go snowboarding to prepare for our trip to Colorado after the new year. We'll be driving 4 hours or so to Iowa, so I get to visit another state! yay! Time for bed, tho I don't think the piece of burrito I ate has digested. Gotta love the holidays...

Tomorrow:
TEXAS vs ASU 7pm ESPN (We should be in the hotel by then so I can watch!)
HOOK 'EM HORNS

War wound

2007-12-12T16:26:00.000-06:00

I am the most awesome klutziest person ever!
Scene: Teachers' workroom at Rosenberg Elementary
Scenario: I was cutting paper to make block letters for the kids. Knowing myself and working with paper, I tend to get paper cuts. So I am carefully working with all of this stuff. Well, I'm at the paper cutter, and I get tired of standing up. I sit down to cut the rest of the sheets into 4. Somehow, someway I get a cut. Guess where?!?! NOT a paper cut on my finger, BUT I get a cut on my right, medial side of my deltoids! At first I look at it, and it seemed to just be a small scrap. However, when I look down at it a few minutes later, I have blood coming out of my arm! Ahhh...are you kidding me!!! Geez, Annie! So I guess what happened was...when I was sitting down, I leaned too far forward to make sure the paper was lined up correctly, and then I brought the big handle with the sheer down. The end of the sheer caught my deltoids! Ridiculous! Who cuts themselves with a paper cutter on the shoulder area?!?!

Here's my war wound! 1/4 inch shy of being 2 inches long!

Thanks!

2007-12-05T00:57:00.000-06:00

1 Peter 5:7

Houston's First Baptist Church

2007-12-02T15:43:00.001-06:00

A Christmastime of Worship with Shane & Shane and Bethany Dillon at Ascend

You are invited to “A Christmastime of Worship” with Pastor Gregg and Christian recording artists Shane & Shane and Bethany Dillon on Sunday, December 9, from 6:30–8:00 PM at Ascend in the HFBC Worship Center.

Anyone want to come, let me know! We can sit together...yay =)

Craving...

2007-12-01T14:12:00.000-06:00

Its been awhile since I've had some awesome worship time with lots of singing (possibly dancing)! Not that church doesn't have great worship leaders and songs, but you know, time with friends hanging out and singing! After listening and watching the Behold the Lamb of God last night, I'm craving worship time.

Basketball

2007-11-13T12:07:00.000-06:00

For me, basketball season doesn't really start until football season is over. Here's a picture of Yao and Yi!

Champions again!

2007-11-13T12:01:00.000-06:00

3 times in a row (we've played in 4 tournaments), we have won! This time I didn't really get to play much, it made me sad. But my team is AWESOME =)

haha...I look a bit cross-eyed...geez

Welcome Home!

2007-11-11T00:37:00.000-06:00

Jason, Trix, is about to land any minute now!!! Ahhh...I am sorry, but I didn't really tell anyone that you were coming home today, liked you asked me not to. Well I told like three people, but they can't come see you yet so I figured it be ok! I am so excited that you will be back in Arlington surrounded by your family and friends!

It all started with calling the hospital on my way into Houston this afternoon. After asking the nurse to be transferred to the nurse in charge of bed #3 (the usual request) she said no one is in charge of #3. I said what? and asked for Jason. She said he wasn't there. I got so confused and had no idea what had happened. I asked her what happened to the patient in bed 3. OH! she says! He got moved to another floor (sigh of relief, I thought something bad had happened!) I got transferred to his room, and today's conversation went so much better than the last two this past week with him. First of all, he knows that I'm an OT to be not a nurse to be! An OT saw him, that is what brought this portion of the conversation up. I think I had confused him the last time on that one! He was less loopy this time and the entire conversation made sense =) Awesome! Then Jason goes, "guess what? I'm coming home!" I said really, where is home (just making sure he doesn't think he's going to China!)? He says Texas. I go are you sure, you're not just messing with me are you? At this point I really didn't know because this past week his dad said he didn't know how much longer it would be before Jason got to go back to Arlington. So I asked Jason to put him mom on the phone. It's not like I didn't believe him, I just wanted to make sure! His mom confirmed it, and Jason got back on the phone and laughed at me. Haha...I did too but I didn't want to get all excited and it wasn't going to happen. So Jason will be back home in Arlington where his family and friends are. Being home is going to be so much better for him and his parents!

Jason has said he can't wait to see everyone, but has asked that you give him some time to rest and settle in. He is doing much better, but tires quickly still. I know everyone, me too, can't wait to see him. So just wait a few days before bombarding him!

Jason, I can't come to see you right now, but I'll be in Coppell in 1.5 weeks for Thanksgiving, and I will see you then! I can't wait =)

Confused

2007-11-06T00:07:00.000-06:00

Jason got the ICD implant on Saturday. I am guessing it went well. I talked to him today for like 3 minutes. I kept seeing all these missed calls on my phone from a Houston area code number I didn't recognize then it was the "unknown" caller again (I had been in class). So I assumed it was him and called the hospital. I got through to his room, and Jason picked up. Told me he call me back. He called like 5 minutes later. It was a very confusing conversation. He kept saying he was in China then Miami then China then he had to go. It totally caught me off guard, but he let me go before I could ask for someone else on the phone. Then I called the hospital back but never got through. I think the nurses are ignoring me now! I have no idea what is going on over there. I'm going to try calling the hospital again tomorrow, well actually later today.

Good night

What a way to start the weekend!

2007-11-02T09:20:00.001-05:00

Finally! I am so excited...I finally got to talk to Jason (Trix) this morning! It was short but who cares, I got to hear from him! It started with an unknown call a little before 7:30A. I didn't pick up bc I don't usually pick up "unknown" calls. But this call didn't hang up before my voicemail so it left something I didn't understand. So then close to 8:00A, I get another call. It says "unknown" again. This time I picked up because it may be important. I am soooo soooo glad I did. I was Jason's dad calling and asked if I wanted to talk to him (OF COURSE!). So I was probably really loud and ecstatic on the phone too! I said Hi, he said Hi, and I asked him how he was doing?!?! haha...when I asked that I was like, uh Annie, why did you ask that? He laughed though and said well....So anyway, I told him I missed him and was extremely glad to hear finally hear from him. I asked if he knew I was in Miami, and he didn't, which is ok. I didn't expect for him to know I was there. During the short conversation he asked if I was crying, I lied (Trix when you read this, I am sooo incredibly sorry I lied to you) and said no. I said something about oh it's early in the morning here. I didn't want him to know...but it made me happy to know that he still recognized my voice and knows if I'm crying or not. I swear I tried to make it not obvious...I really thought I sounded like I just woke up.

Anyway, like I said we weren't on the phone long. I don't think he was suppose to even be on the phone. They were already giving him meds because they're doing an experiment on him in a bit. I have no idea what they're doing, but I'll find out later. He sounds pretty good, his speech is a bit slower but that's ok. I am just so glad I picked up the phone and got to hear from him. I do miss him a lot and wish he come home soon. Hurry Trix Hurry home! You're a strong guy, and I know you'll get back on your feet soon. You're still in my prayers, and I hope I'll get to see you soon =)

Trix are for Kids...

2007-10-31T11:06:00.000-05:00

Trix was supposed to get an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) on Monday, but unfortunately he got an ear infection. Obviously if there is an infection, there can't be a surgery. He's now on antibiotics. So now we wait some more. Another decision to be made now is if the surgery is going to be done in Miami or wait if he will come back home. I hope he comes back home, Arlington, and he'll be closer to all of us here. Plus his parents will be around family and that would be a tremendous on their on health and sanity. When I talk to Jason's dad, he and his wife seem to be holding up as well as they can be. Jason does have all his tubes removed. He relearned how to swallow again. His motor skills and speech are slow, as to be expected. It takes awhile for the message in his brain to make it down to his muscles to do what he wants it to do. Funny, I'm taking Neuro right, and he was just helping me with all that before his accident. Jason is strong. He wants to do everything but rest! So typical of him. He will get there! It will take some time, but with rehab (I will make sure he gets awesome therapists!) he will recover.

Keep praying for him and his family.

Texas does too have Pretty weather!

2007-10-29T00:56:00.001-05:00

Houston weather was absolutely FANTASTIC this weekend! Actually it's been pretty great all week long. It was a weekend that you just wanted to be outside all day =) at least for me! Today I played football for the first time since April ( I think). That is probably the longest I have ever gone without playing. I sooo miss playing, I wish I were playing on an IM team at school. Anyway, I did a fairly decent job playing considering I hadn't played in so long. I even got an INT for a TD over Annette! That was exciting! I'm sure not so much for her. Our team won too! Really...it was just awesome to be outside and playing with your friends. Now I just want to play football everyday!

Time for bed, good night!

A new waiting game!

2007-10-15T00:18:00.001-05:00

Whoohoooo! Jason is off the ventilators and so far so good, breathing on his own! That is such fantastic news =) I spoke to his dad today, and he said Jason is a little more aware. and when his dad asked Jason to squeeze his hands, he said Jason made attempts too! Praise the Lord and thanks for all the prayers! Don't stop praying though! Jason's still got a bit more work to do. Continue to keep him and his parents/family in your prayers.

Hurry Trix! Everyone can't wait to see ya out of the hospital =)

*I seriously need better titles*

waiting game is broke!

2007-10-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

This is exciting news, finally!
From James Lin: The neurologist said Jason's MRI showed minimal brain damage. He seemed optimistic. Once Jason is taken off the ventilator, he will have a better idea. Also, the cardiologists think the cardiac arrest may have been due to Brugada syndrome, a sodium ion channel problem. This syndrome has been associated with many cardiac deaths in young males especially in Thailand and Laos.

When I visited him yesterday, I was impressed by all his doctors and especially his nurse. She was very compassionate and attentive to Jason and his parents. Jason is in good hands.

haha...I'm about to call the hospital to see if anything else has changed!
I was too impressed with the CCU staff when I was there. The nurses were doing a great job with Jason and his family. I was especially excited with how they rotated him in the bed and put pillows on the sides. He's too tall for the bed =( He even had a cushion hand guard on for when it would press against the railings and probably other reasons too. haha...the OT in me was jumping for joy to see all that happening or else I probably would have done some bed positioning myself!

The waiting game almost over, hopefully!

2007-10-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

I don't have any more titles for these updates! No more creative juices, not that they were to begin with. Jason that means you need to get better now!
So 4:00 pm today, I got a nurse that knows me! Yay =)

Things are somewhat looking up and things are happening...
The EEG showed no signs of seizure activity or head injuries so thumbs up. Jason still is sedated but for good reason...can't have him moving around during his MRI (which hopefully will be happening asap). They need to check to see if there is anything abnormal. But when the MRI clears (praying for that), they can then make a decision and remove him off the ventilators. Can't wait for him to be extubated (is that even a word? The nurse used it!). It will be a good sign that he can breathe on his own and calm some of our nerves down. Also reflexes in his hands and feet are good, but his eyes aren't tracking (but it could just be due to still being under). It would just be good to know a full diagnosis so that something can be done!

This is from his roommate this morning:
Jason had his EEG and it didn't show anything significant. The doctor suspects it's because he is under so much sedatives. He has good reflexes on his hands and feet and he has pupillary reflexes but the doctor is a little worried that he can't see because he is not tracing anything with his eyes, they were going to get him an MRI of his brain to see if there was any damage in his occipital lobe to see if it affected his vision at all. After MRI they are going to decide as a team whether they should take him off the ventilator because the problem is they still have him sedated because if they take him off a little he starts jumping and fighting. He has good reflexes with his ears because the doctor would snap his fingers by his ear and Jasons eyes would move towards the snap, but if he put his fingers in front of his eyes for him to follow his finger it was like if he didnt see anything. They also think that he may have had a convulsion.

Jason's is going to be so excited to hear so many people love and miss him! Please continue to keep him and his parents in your prayers. Also if you happen to have any pictures of Jason recently or even old ones, can you send them my way? A family friend wanted some pictures for when he is in Taiwan. And it be nice for us to put something together for him and send it his way!

I hate the waiting game

2007-10-10T20:29:00.001-05:00

There's been no change that I know of for today on Jason. He's still the same and there still hasn't been any weening off the sedatives. His family has asked for continual prayers from all of you guys.

Jason, we're all missing you and praying that you'll get better soon!
Dude, you are soooo incredibly popular by the way =)
By the way, Jason, you're missing out on my rantings about fieldwork and tests plus papers/reports that have been spread over a 4 week period...blah!

A waiting game

2007-10-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

As of 5:30 our time tonight, Jason is still sedated and incubated. They had thought he would have been able to be weened off the meds, but the neurologist didn't come see him today. So until they come see him and check him out to make sure he can breathe and such on his own, they won't remove the tubes. Which is a good thing, I just wish they hurry up and check him out! The results of his EEG did come back, but I think the nurse said it didn't show much activity. By the way, if you do call the hospital, it is really difficult to get the nurses to tell you anything over the phone. Patient confidentiality stuff, which I can understand but at the same time, I just want answers! So if you call, you'll have to be savvy in how you ask the nurse what's going on. Haha... I also thought I should keep my calling to the unit to once a day instead of multiple times a day. So we wait until the docs come...

Jason and Miami

2007-10-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

I flew into Miami Sunday morning and took a cab straight to the hospital. Jason is at Jackson Memorial Hospital, which thankfully is about only about 8 or so miles away from the airport. He was still sedated when I got there. They had ran a CT scan on him earlier that morning. All day I didn't hear anything about it, and when I asked the nurses, they didn't know anything either. I am hoping that is a good sign! His parent and I spoke to each other, well as best as we could considering the language barrier. Thank goodness our other friend Jason was there to translate and talk to them. He is going to be sedated all day and probably until they run an EEG on him. The nurses said that may not happen until today or tomorrow. It's good he's sedated and getting O2 into him. Also so that his brain and body can rest.

The nurses said that he hasn't gotten any worse or better so that's better than getting worse! But so hard at the same time for all of us to be ok with that. It is really hard seeing him like this. I just want my friend back. I had to try really hard to keep tears from shedding, especially in front of his parents. I'll keep y'all posted as best as I can.

Jason Update

2007-10-05T01:24:00.000-05:00

Earlier today (10/04), a friend of Jason's said that there was no cardiologist on the island (which I thought was strange not to have one, cardiac problems are common) and that is probably why they are keeping him under. They were also going to wake him up again and test to see how responsive he is.

This is what I have from his roommate tonight (10/04):
GOOD NEWS...HE SCORED A 12 ON THE GCS...finally aspirated, will be sedated again to push as much oxygen to his brain...will try to wake him up again tomorrow and hopefully he will improve even more!!! (GCS is probably the Glasgow Coma Scale)

I really hope he does! I can only pray that he is getting better and getting the proper care that he needs over there. As Jenny reminded me tonight to not stress and worry especially since there is really nothing I can do from over here. and to take my own advice that I have given Jason over the last year! All I can do is trust God and keep praying. The power of prayer is pretty amazing =)

If he gets moved to Miami or anywhere in the States, I will probably head there too.
Good night!

Jason aka Trix

2007-10-02T23:57:00.001-05:00

Before going to bed tonight and for the next couple of days, please say a prayer for Jason. Today he went to the hospital, and the doctors don't quite know what caused him to have a ventricular fibrillation. That's all I know and what his roommate has told me. His roommate said that his CT, Xrays, and his response to pupillary light reflex is normal. It was good he got rushed to the hospital asap because if not, he could have had more damaged. Of course he is still in the hospital, sedated and being watched.

Wish you were closer to us so that we can come see you (He's in the Cayman Islands for med school). Hurry and get better so I can have some words with you!

I miss my friend!

Surfing weather

2007-10-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was such a good surfing day for Galveston, and I spent it studying!
Big and lots of waves don't come often here. and the internet at my dorm was OUT for the entire day! I couldn't get anything done. Well actually I guess that's better since it got me out of the house to study. Which I did all day long. I had too, no more days to procrastinate. The neuro test went ok. Not too bad, not too good. We'll just have to wait to see. Class is about to start...oh boy!

This is what I did to study...I do love these wipe boards!

I studied these tracts way too much. Then the test comes and there was only 1, I repeat 1, question on the test about it. All it asked was what kind of tract is the spinothalamic tract...oi Then the stuff that I study the least gets asked the most, of course! Wouldn't have it any other way =)