I'm ready for the Lion

I think everyone, including myself here in the NE, is ready for March. We just have to get through the next few weeks of the Lion to arrive to the Lamb. The old idiom is true March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Funny in December I was LOVing the cold weather and the snow that accompanied it but I don't like it now when its just cold with zero snow. I have enjoyed this past winter mostly because of the amount of snow, just makes Old Man Winter all the more bearable. I am so glad I live on the east coast, I think I would go crazy without 4 seasons.

I am also stressed about the fact that in 4 weeks I must have already found a new home. This Friday we will begin the apartment hunt. Jack has several places lined up for us to see. I really want to take the time to see as many places as possible. I just don't want my next apartment choice to be rushed. Ideally I seek a place with a lot of closets, a dishwasher, available parking and reasonably nearby commerce for shopping, etc., etc.. If I am giving up the city, I expect space at my new place. I have adjusted to being a driver again. It has been such a blessing and has made my life so much easier in terms of work and school. I still use the subways and bus but my everyday life occurs outside of the city now so its good that I have a such a great reliable car. The EZ pass, what a drag. That is one adjustment I am having difficulty with, there are a million tolls here. And they charge you $8 every time you enter the city. What a gyp! Its a crime how much toll fees there are in NY & NJ! Back in the DC area, there was none of that nonsense and the roads were better kept too.

So this week has been studying the axial skeleton bones and surface markings. The coloring pages and labeling really works for me. Plus there's a few science websites that are out there to use for practice quizzes and identification activities. The key for me is to pick an area and study it. For example the pelvic girdle, I've only mastered the bone names but not the surfacing marking. The hardest axial bones I have trouble with are the arms and legs, remembering specifically the forearm bones and the lower leg (calf area) bones. They are troublesome for me, and we must also be able to identify which angle the bone is being viewed from and if its the left or right side? But I am getting there. I did lousy on the 3rd quiz related to tissues but apparently so did everyone else. That's probably still a weak are for me. Tomorrow I meet with a "study specialist" for advice and suggestions. I hope she can help me with my note taking for the physiology part of the course. I find myself literally coping word for word from the textbook when I am taking notes. How do I narrow in on what I should be writing down? Its not like I know some areas and can skip them. I know nothing about A&P so it feels like everything is important when I am reading the textbook.

Currently when I take breaks from studying or working, I reward myself with episodes of Ugly Betty. I can see why the show was a big hit. If you have netflix and are Deaf, all of Ugly Betty seasons are available live streaming with subtitles :)

Ted Bundy

Tonight Jack & I watched a movie called and about Ted Bundy which was fascinating! I remember my family talking about Ted Bundy when I was a little kid in the kitchen at the old house. I knew he was a big deal but I never really knew why. The term serial killer was first used to describe Ted Bundy. And how he lured his victims, wow. Sick man. The movie never explains why he's acts this way, it starts off when he's an adult. Poor Jack being hearing and all, he could hear the thuds, whack, pounding where I watched them being closed captioned. He shudder a lot in this movie so if a guy like that can get my man to have the heebie jeebies, you know Ted Bundy is ALL bad news. He was electrocuted at age 42. At the end of the movie they claimed he had over 200 women write to him in prison who all said they loved him. Like he's was a rock star or something and here's his groupies, VErY weirD! And a little mind boggling that there are women out there that find the quality of brutalizing serial killings of other women as attractive and desirable trait in a man. According to wiki and the movie I watched tonight, both mentioned his love for skiing. That's what I remember now, I remember thinking he died in some skiing related accident. Even now I can pull a clear cut memory of looking at a newspaper photo of him where he was skiing. I also remember my family were talking about the fact he died in my early teens. All these years I just never really knew is importance. It's good to find out why. He had the typical "f*cked up" childhood and was unable to master social norms needed for successful mainstreaming. Oddly he was even more cruel to the few younger victims, 2 girls age 17, one was even 12. The frequency of his murders was unbelievable and couldn't happen that way today. If you look at his photo, you'd never think a nice looking face was that horrific. Goes to show, we never really know who someone is behind closed doors where no one is watching them.

My study wall

I started a "study wall" last week to help
me with visual identification of tissues.
You know the adage "out of sight, out of
mind." So the study wall helps me to
combat on that. This week I've been
focusing my attention on 2 of the 3
main areas of the axial skeleton.
Cranium
&
Thoracic Cage
Because that's what will be on the quiz
Thursday. And some of my attention is
learning about the different types
of vertebrates find in the spinal column
(the 3rd area of the axial skeleton).

I am constantly wanting to focus my
attention to my A&P studies. I feel
guilty if I don't do at least some
studying every day. Who knew I get
hooked?

Baba = Zen

Tonight after my A&P class, Jack drove us to PA for a weekend visit :-) Happy is the I. As soon as we arrived to my hometown, I immediately felt calmer, more relaxed. Baba's home is truly a lovely place to be. So nice, spacious, tidy and clean! I am so relieved to be here.

Yesterday I received some tragic news about a dear friend of mine who I believe at 8 months pregnant, lost her baby. I was crushed to learn about this terrible news. This woman is one of the sweetest people I know. She is kind, and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. It sucks when lousy things happen to good people. No one is immune to tragedies but this feels extremely unfair. The worst part of it all is there's nothing anyone can really do. No one can erase the parent's pain or devastation they must be feeling. No one can bring back their baby boy. It broke my heart when she wrote "he had his mommy button nose and wavy black hair and his Daddy's big feet and hands. He was perfect." Even as I re-read it, it brings tears to my eyes. I think this will haunt me just like my nephew's best friend suicide from 2 years ago, I still think about Nigel and how if he had just waited a few more years things would've improved for him. I know, I've been there. Anyone from a small town who has been bullied and tormented for years never thinks there's an end in sight but there is.

In other news, I think I did pretty okay with tonight's quiz on the body tissues. What I did to help me identify the various tissue types was to include what they looked like to me. For example I found the simple cuboidal epithelium to look like tomatoes when they are cut in halves. For Areolar CT (Connective Tissue) I felt it look like a modern painting from the 60s & 70s. For Transitional tissue (such as your urinary bladder that allows for expansion and recoils after stretching) I thought it looked like pomegranate sliced in halves.


And I also identified the Hayline Cartilage as either foot prints or 2 peas in a pod.

Perhaps you can see why I came up with these marking labels but maybe they are like clouds in the sky where it looks like one thing to one person and another to a different person? Anyways I had to find a way to identify them. I found that by doing so I was then able to memorize at least 1 function and 1 location per 13 tissue we had to learn (there are more Tissue types than that but for tonight's quiz that's how many we had to study). Tissues are divided into 4 categories. Epithelium, Connective, Muscle and Neural. In order to prepare for the quiz, I posted pictures of the tissues on my bedroom wall and spent a lot of time just re-writing the tissue names, functions and locations. I hope it pays off.

I was glad to see that the quiz I took last week on identifying the cell structures, organelles and Mitosis, I did much better than I thought I had. Plus it helps that the professor always gives us a few extra credit questions which turned my A- to an A+. Funny as an adjunct professor myself I don't believe in extra credit (at least not in regards to ASL because honestly if you show up and practice outside of class, you'll pass with flying colors). But for this class with all the material we cover every week, I appreciate the little extra credit on the quizzes.

After the quiz we dove into osseous tissue (bones). This week I must study the axial skeleton regions (Cranium, Thoracic & Vertebrate Column). Not only must I be able to identify the bones in these areas but the surface features as well as cranial sutures (interlocked/joined bones which makes up the skull). And I must memorize all the facial bones as well. My medical vernacular is growing in leaps and bounds! The professor was kind enough to bring additional resources to our lab tonight, including a workbook that involves coloring pages and different worksheets which I was able to xerox as I need all the help I can get.

NYC Lunar Potholes

Speak of the devil! Lunar Potholes

The photos say it all, especially the 1st one.

Valence Shell

Tonight I wish to feel like a Valence Shell (the outermost part of an atom's shell) And had a complete number of electrons orbiting my nucleus. This would make the atom (ME) stable :}
I am happy to report I got an A- on my 1st exam and an 87 on my 1st quiz. But tonight's quiz, eh, not so good. The functions of certain organelles and cell parts were a little tricky for me tonight on that quiz. And I do not test well if I am tired. I will probably have to give up teaching 1 class in NJ next Spring. See I have a very limited time frame in which I am eligible for FA so that toppled on with my job teaching times versus the available class times that I need to take. I really hope my 1 boss works with me on my schedule to allow me to take the needed course load. Yep, I am stressed. But once I get this squared away, I will be able to relax.

I also have been taking an online class which did not off to a promising start. Anyways I have my 1st assignment given out earlier this week due before later today (Friday night) at 11:59pm! And I am just not into the whole "online" discussions. Ugh I got to print out the discussions and read them as a thread, otherwise I am not going to do well at them. I tried using that method (online discussions) for 1 semester teaching ASL in terms of the cultural readings, not ASL lessons. I did not enjoy it and certainly being responsible for it did not help. But I am hoping after tomorrow this online class becomes smoother sailing?

So during the periods when I am not studying or working I have been day dreaming of a major road trip. Something along the east coast (don't worry Baba, it wouldn't be any time soon) I just missed a lot of old friends from MSSD and Gally. I want to rub elbows with people I grew up with in some ways. Esp 2 friends one from SC and the other from southern Virginia. I think SC would be as far South I want to go in order to see dear ones. I am so happy and grateful to Baba that I have a used car to get around. I have adjusted quickly, Jack will vouch for that. He has been wonderful on the maintenance of both his baby and my car. He will soon replace one of the headlights that went out in the morning. Already replaced the windshield wipers. I am pleased. The ONLY complaint I have to say is I hate the GW Bridge (95) here. Its really bad off the Bronx area and unfortunately when going north I get caught up in the painful inching of cars for almost an hour to move I think its 1 or at most 2 miles. Its HORRIBLE. But I will grant you this much, its not as bad as 495 back in MD/DC/VA, the part going into VA, bad! That one was pretty bad but at least its a straight shot. And the roads, omigod, pot holes that would literally rip out the guts of your engines. I am NOT kidding. I think that's part of the reason why there are not too many accidents here. Everyone is keeping an eye out for the one that if you felt it, would make your stomach drop. I cringe at the few times I felt my new pride and joy hit one of the smaller ones. Thank god none were killer size. But they're out there, kind of like Black holes and dark matter.

And for this weekend, Saturday has been designated as my "fun day" of the week. The plans are as follow; Attend Jewish services in the late morning. Visit my friend Martin and eat Indian food
and maybe visit with Blondie to wrap up the day? Awaiting her reply.

Newest material I must digest and regurgitate is the Body' Tissues from cellular level and on up. Plus and here's the part I struggle with, is identifying it at a microscopic level. Tonight through the microscopes I looked at samples such as bladder tissue, lung tissue and many others. We had to draw diagrams of what we saw. Mine looked like a 7 year old drew it and I even tried to buy some pencils at the bookstore during the break but they were closed. The professor agreed to allow us to take it home and finish it, even though it was an "in class" assignment. Me personally I needed time to digest it. The one thing he preaches to us and I to my students is to read ahead. But he doesn't realize I don't have the time to learn 2 major biological concepts and all the details that accompany them and then try to read up on upcoming materials when he's quizzing us weekly or giving a Test or Exam every few weeks. Anyways I am going to try somehow to read up before the next class so I can do better. One little thing I find helpful when I study, is I imagine my brains building new memories and connecting pathways. Plus repetition helps, I often re-write concepts/systems over and over again till they make sense. To me its like when I learned Psychology and ASL/Linguistics, there's always a set of terminology you must master in which you will then understand the concepts. Biology seems to be going the same way but instead of having a year to spare and take my time, I got to bring it up to a whole new level and do it NOW.

Lastly I noticed today that people need to take a chill pill. This one lady at the library got all bent out of shape when at the printer in which all students share got mad at me when I accidentally creased her 1 paper out of like 50. She barked at me "look at what you did!" I replied "It was an accident. (cuz I was surprised) And after all its only paper, it can be reprinted." she then upped it and said "see, it doesn't have page numbers!" I was like "relax!" And at one point I even told her to "grow up." Yet, she just kept at it with the guy seated in between our computer seats. I spent the rest of the time ignoring her and tried to study for my quiz that I took earlier tonight.

My lease ends in a matter of weeks, very strange. I've done some packing but honestly I am not going to go gung ho till I have a place to move to and the means to do it. Right now I don't and won't till early March. And that's the way things go, I can't be worried about it when I can't do anything. Might as well study instead.

Hey

Dear "whatever4269"
Make your blog public again. I need my
daily droll blog fix.
And I hope you got some snow in TX you've been wanting. Snow is awesome.
:}

DCMP.ORG Rules!

Some Deafies may not be aware of this terrific organization called Described and Captioned Media Program. Its a free government sponsored organization that provides media materials to the Deaf and Blind. I've been a member for years now and recently its been a real life saver. Why? Because the media on this site are all educational related (so if you're looking for the newest blockbuster movie, this isn't the site to go to). But if you're looking for videos on cell life and basic molecular atoms. Or you want to learn some history like who really was Alexander Graham Bell? This is the site for you. You must either be DEAF or BLIND, a student or an educator to join. Lucky for me I am both. They provide different media formats, CD-ROMS, DVD, WEB & STREAMING. So for the past 24 hours I have been able to watch stream content on cells and chemistry and it helps a lot.

On Friday I got to see Blondie and Eddie, it was my "fun" quota of the week. Since I've turned into basically a science nerd with no life, I have to actually make sure I have fun at least 1x a week. Even if its only for a few hours. It was good to see them and vent about my worries on chemistry and being able to understand organic compounds and so on. Its getting easier each day I try and study. I still have left to cover pH, bases and acids as well as a few more areas. My first A&PI exam is on Tuesday and I want to do well. The professor wasn't kidding that you should spend an average of 10-12 hours a week studying and believe me I do and more. I usually study for blocks of 2-5 hours at a time. Some days due to work and life I just don't have the time, so studying in large blocks works better for me. I found some quotes to help keep me motivated

Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing. ~Wernher Von Braun

The greatest discoveries of science have always been those that forced us to rethink our beliefs about the universe and our place in it. ~Robert L. Park, in The New York Times, 7 December 1999

The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking. ~Albert Einstein

If it's green or wriggles, it's biology.
If it stinks, it's chemistry.
If it doesn't work, it's physics.
~Handy Guide to Science

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. ~Eden Phillpotts, A Shadow Passes

One fascinating thing I have discovered since starting this A&P I course is how all the things I have studied in the past are being verified, explained or reinforced by what I am learning now. I never imagine that I would appreciate chemistry and atoms the way I am now. Its just absolutely captivating all the little ah-ha moments I have had over the past few weeks. The fact is, the structure of atoms is one of the universal patterns found in all region of life/matter. See there are repeating shapes found in several categories such as Sacred Geometry or Metapatterns or even Universal/Geometric Natural patterns. These patterns include shapes/concepts like the Golden Mean (branching, human lungs, plants), Fractals (snowflakes, ocean waves), Spheres (balls, atoms), Meander (rivers, streams), Radial Ripple (explosions, fireworks, flowers), Alternation (infinity/8-shape), Close-packing (Clusters-where the shape packs repeating items as close together as possible such as a honeycomb) and Spiral/Helix (DNA, seashells). Out of all of these patterns, one of them is guaranteed to be found in anything and everything. All my life I have always been drawn to universal patterns both on a micro and macro scale. This to me is the closest thing we can learn about and study to understand God or the life force. And I am finding that my science studies are helping to broaden these concepts.

This past Friday was also Baba's 85th bday and I was disappointed I couldn't be there to celebrate. Baba assured me it was a nice birthday sans moi. Oh well, you know what they say, you snooze, you lose so I had to sacrifice something in order to have time to do all the studying, grading students' papers and videos and still be able to do some laundry. I also feel kind of dumpy lately because while I am super busy, I am not moving much because studying is sort of a sedetary activity. Perhaps when the weather gets warmer I may actually do the cliche thing and study at a park somewhere. Nah, I know myself too well. I find I study best in my bed with the tv playing or in the living with the tv on. I don't watch it, it just needs to be on.

I did watch 2 different movies over the weekend during my downtime from studying. One was called Cats Don't Dance which was ok, it had a lot nostalgic moments borrowed from the golden age of Hollywood but overall it was satisfactory to watch. I needed to watch things that don't require heavy thinking or mental investments so I picked a different kids movie called G-Force which was a lot better. I got a kick out of this movie made in 2009 about a group of Guinea pigs who are trained as special agents. It was deftly done! Really enjoyed it and think any one of any age would get a kick out of some of the scenes or things that were said. If you need a fun, light movie to watch I highly recommend G Force (which by the way is subtitled by Netflix and available for streaming).

So another week coming up and not much exciting is happening in my near future but that's life. I am gonna keep my head buried in the books and occasionally peek out for some merriment.