Friday, July 9, 2010

Eclipse



Yes. I am one of those. I remember loving every moment of reading Stephanie Meyers' books: The Twilight Saga. It was that kind of intense reading where you can't put down the book and 1:00 AM comes by so quickly it was like you fell asleep for hours and just woke up. Now, it's been nearly a year since I've read the complete series and I'm ashamed to say that my feelings just aren't the same.
Erin and I saw Eclipse this week as a treat for accomplishing Dr. Honaker's class successfully! Too bad, I didn't get those goosebumps and chills like the first time. (not to mention this movie was a million times better than the first!) I attribute my lack of feeling to distance from the descriptive, trance-like writing throughout all of the books and maybe my instant attraction to Edward's character was dulled by poor acting abilities and his love for Kristin Stewart, uhk!! Now that I really examine this, maybe it was when Edward removed his shirt in the 2nd movie and I actually wanted to close my eyes in repulsion-skinny, vampire pale (which makes sense), and the 3rd nipple didn't do it for me. Maybe I am more of a ware-wolf fan after all ...
You are now aware of my feelings towards this movie, but I must admit that of all of them made, this was the best. I suppose the funds and directing skills have improved substantially, thus producing a more fulfilling movie that better captured my vision while reading the books. I have suggested to myself that the need to re-read all the books and then watch all the movies in order may make for more enjoyable viewing and bring back those old feelings. Or perhaps, I am maturing from the 13 year old vampire/ware-wolf hormone rage. All are possibilities.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Update

Alright, this summer hasn't gone as planned or desired, but it has still been pretty good. I have been keeping busy with summer classes, clinic, and work. Finally, most of my classes are over and I just completed a manuscript, presentation in front of a panel of professionals and students, poster presentation and a newsletter on the topic of noise induced hearing loss. My partner and I entitled our work: If You Can't Stand the Pain, Turn Down the Gain: Consequences and Solutions to Noise Exposure. Clever huh?! I thought so too! Well that was for just one class. One of the greatest challenges has been my time at the ENT clinic. Now, I have really enjoyed being there, much more than I ever anticipated. However, it is really hard keeping up with the pace and everything I thought I was good at doesn't matter any more because I don't get to do it, or my skills aren't fast enough. For instance, my supervisor wants me to get to a point where I can read off a 25 word list, keeping track of which words the patient gets correct or incorrect, while filling out paper work and listening to her story about the weekend. I am not that talented! Everyone says, "oh it will come with time" but I am running out of time and I don't see how it's possible for me. Although the time issue is frustrating because I like to do things correctly the first time and be efficient (where now I feel like a chicken with my head cut off just trying to keep up and not at all confident in my abilities), I have been a part of some really cool clinical appointments. I helped with my first EVER Dix hallpike and head roll, which probably means nothing to you, but I helped diagnose a vestibular disorder and treat the patient for his vertigo! I watched an ENG which is an hour and a half test/treatment for more vestibular problems. I met with a hearing aid representative, helped program hearing aids, observed disgusting objects stored in the ear canal for years finally emerge, and so much more, in just ONE DAY! I know I will learn so much and my supervisor is extremely patient as well as a great guide. In time, I will be confident in my abilities and become an even better clinician!