BurnWatch '09 - Day 7

Warning: Graphic photos ahead




As Burn Watch moves into day 7, as you can see, I am clearly well into the healing phase, and I think the worst of it has passed. My usual routine includes wearing it wrapped during the day, and removing the bandages at night while I am home (in my own germs). Yes, I sleep with it uncovered. My dressings of choice are

1. 1% Silver Sulfadiazine cream (Silvidine), as a topical cream
2. 3"x4" non-adherent pad, as a sterile covering
3. Cover-all tape (sticky), to hold the non-adherent pad in place
4. Powerflex wrap, to hold everything in place, but also for looks
5. Tongue depresser, for Silvidine application
   

The shots below are after a shower in which I wash the old silvidine and any small amount of fluids that were discharged during the day. I usually don't wrap the powerflex to tight because I want to be able to walk comfortably and have my calf muscles still be able to contract. It doesn't bleed at all; if anything, just a tiny, tiny amount.

BurnWatch '09 - Day 3

Warning: Pictures may be too graphic for the weak-stomached individual. But they're not that bad, wimp!


As you can see the heat blister has "popped" or peeled, I guess, and revealed underneath the "meat" of my leg. I say popped because in the previous post, you can see my finger running across the affected site, as the skin somewhat rolls under my fingers. That is because there was "pressure" within the burn, and it felt really warm, compared to the other parts of my leg. So, I did what any Athletic Trainer would do, and immediately applied ice, and compression. Of course, I dressed up an anti-adherent pad just to reduce any friction, but I believe my gastrocnemius (calf) constantly contracting/relaxing is what caused the skin to "pop" therefore, opening up the burn. I will go see Dr. Miller tomorrow, who is our Athletic Dept. team physician.

Us vs. ULa La

Shots from our road game versus Univ of Louisiana-Lafayette. About a 5 hour ride of fun from Nacogdoches, along H 49. We won, by the way, but I can't seem to remember the score. I think it was 3-2. Afterwards, to celebrate we ate good at Prejean's Cajun food.

Ky's foot contusion. As a new Athletic Trainer, I live for these moments. Big ups to her for toughing it out, too =)

My "Welcome to the World of Motorcycles" moment

Alright, alright...just stop it right there, if you are one of those people who typically say "I told you so," then you might as well just stop reading right now. It's so easy for people to say that "I told you so" in retrospect, but there's no way you could ever predict what will happen in the future....so hold all judgements, unless of course, you are a fortune-telling, mind-reading, faux Ms. Cleo, in which you should have warned me.



Usually, any "Welcome..." moments in the motorcycle world involves a crash, or a near-crash; but as with any situation from sports, to work, or academia, a "Welcome..." moment is anything that gives you a wake-up call, or a lesson, with the results of you respecting whatever you do, much, much, more. This just happens to be an incident of me being careless.



This afternoon while parking, I had to go out of my way to run over a locust (cicada, to some) that was conveniently sitting in my usual parking spot. Now, the ironic thing here is, I think it was already dead. They usually start buzzing whenever they hear anything that resembles the sound they make, which my exhaust pipe does. Nevertheless, I ran it over. I cut the engine, threw it in Neutral, and just positioned myself to run right over the big, nasty, freaky looking bug. While still on the bike, I just backpedaled into my parking spot making sure to be close enough to my locking-spot, and just before I could dismount the bike..."WHAM!!!" My leg caught a piece of the exhaust pipe. Yes, I was wearing shorts. I was returning from covering Soccer practice, and on my way to meet my coworkers for a training session.


Some have said this is Karma for killing my locust/cicada bug-brother. But, I don't think so because, like I said, I think it may have already been dead. Those who are familiar with this species of bug know they tend to just lay there doing nothing until you step right by them, then, they want to start buzzing the hell out of everything, scaring the living-$#%! out of you. I consider this payback, not karma

So, I am now chronicling the progression of my what-seems-to-be 3rd degree burn, by posting pics, and giving my notes as to texture, size, color, feel, etc., until I reach a point where it no longer has to be covered in bandages. I'm calling it BurnWatch '09. Some have said this is Karma for killing my locust/cicada bug-brother. But, I don't think so because, like I said, I think it may have already been dead. Those who are familiar with this species of bug know they tend to just lay there doing nothing until you step right by them, then, they want to start buzzing the hell out of everything, scaring the living-$#%! out of you. I consider this payback, not karma



WARNING: Pictures may be a little gross for the weak-stomached individual
















If you look closely, about 2-3 inches below the burnsite, you can kind of make out an oval-looking dark spot, which is a scar, from when this VERY SAME thing happened when I was 7yrs. old.

Why I decided to buy a motorcycle

Kinda kept this one on the low-low, but not really, though. "On the low-low" as in, didn't tell my family members; and as in family members, I really mean my Grandmother, because if she had found out, she would definitely disapprove, and although I am an adult and think/work/earn for myself, if she says "No," then it ain't goin' down! So, I did what any thinking/working/earning adult would do in this situation, and I didn't tell her =)

Needless to say, I went out and bought a motorcycle.

Why? I've always had a fascination with bikes since a little kid when my Uncle Ricky first took me on a ride on his Harley, and I was sooo scared that (even though we only went around the block), that I had my eyes closed the entire time. Then my cousin (his son) began riding mini-bikes and scooters, which only fed into my fascination and admiration. My brother soon after got one of those old Honda scooters, you know the big red ones with the 8" wheels, for like $300 and we'd ride that - before it broke down. But I suppose the height of my fascination came when Giovanni (you may know him as the Red Bull guy) and I went on a weekend-long trip to MotoGP in 2006 at Laguna Seca Raceway, and it was there, where I really learned about the lifestyle, comradery, and fraternity-like inclusiveness that comes with being a part of this culture.

Ever since that weekend, I just needed a reason to get one. And that reason came in the form of an indirect "demand" from an unnamed Program Director, and I began my search in Februrary-March 2009 to buy my first motorcycle. The research was extensive, from reading online reports, messaging friends on Facebook, registering for Forums asking questions, making phone calls, studying California/Texas motorcycle laws, calling dealerships, scouring Craigslist.org, etc. I was all over the place.

Finally got entered in a Safety course, which I highly recommend, and not just for the Insurance break, but to actually learn something new, or reinfornce what you already did know. Passed the course, and passed the written test (on the 3rd try! Hey, the questions were sooooo vaque; they're intentionally that way, too), and now the only thing left was to track down the perfect bike. Well, maybe not perfect, but affordable, stylish, economical, low-maintainence, fast, dependable, and downright fun! Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, Mean Green

I love this motorcycle, and the pictures here don't do it any justice; it is a beauty in-person. Rode it from Houston to Nacogdoches in a little over 4 hours. I'm still sore... =)

Not enough Trainer stuff

As you scroll down through past post, you may realize I'm not really talking about anything related to Athletic Training. Well, part of that is because I've been on Summer vacation, and the other part is simply the things outside of AT are a little more interesting - at least, for people (other than AT's) to read. But I've come to realize, this blog was originally created for AT-related stuff, so I plan to focus a little more of that from now on. But of course, I'll throw in my little random encounters/thoughts/pictures from time-to-time.

Dwele and The Dreamer

Photo credits to Yolanda


Upset that I paid $40.00 for a 3-song performance, but glad I got a chance to meet one of the most connected, most genuine, talented artist in the game right now. The show was billed Jon B. with special guest Dwele. I thought to myself, shouldn't that be the other way around? Don't get me wrong, Jon B. rocked the house, performing a lot of his hits (I forgot the man had THAT many hits), but Dwele is what's "it" right now. Clearly, a lot of the folks in the audience was there for Jon B. but Dwele was shown a lot of love, from folks who seemingly didn't know about him.

Danielle Crittenden: When Love Turns to Scandal

Thoughtful piece on South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's scandal, which has been lightly covered in the recent week, due to the many famous deaths. Still, I found this blog by Danielle Crittendon to be very interesting in her attempt not to discover why 'men cheat on their wives', but, to explore the unexplainable formula for a successful marriage. I encourage you to read the opinionated commenters, too, as their supplemental insight is as entertaining, and valuable as the article - it's well worth it!

Danielle Crittenden: When Love Turns to Scandal



Here are some of the Reader's Comments that caught my eye.


The real problem is that marriage is an outmoded institution. Marriage is a legacy of the feudal era, when corrupt religious officials worked hand-in-glove with rich land owners to bind serfs together in marriage to make them more controllable. Our outmoded laws merely perpetuated this archaic arrangement, and the result is the turmoil we see around us today. If we lived in a civilized nation, couples would have the option of entering into civil unions of a few years that could be renewed -- or not -- like driver's licenses. Of course, we don't live in a civilized nation, so that's quite impossible. -Merlin7

Marriage existed prior to the feudal era. -larissa68

.... if Maria and Mark do forge ahead with their relationship ... Maria will find out she loves a man who was shaped by his wife ... how long will the "love" last then? .... when he has no power, few friends and less money ... with children visiting every other weekend -Headsortails

One only have to ready the email exchanges from Sanford to his friend to understand why he went forward with the relationship. They are madly in love with each other and with that in the picture there was no turning back. Can you picture him exchanging such emails with his wife? NO. The routine of marriage life does not have patient for such romantic exchanges, more so when you have a "state" to govern. No one can tell me that Sanford didn't think of the negative consequences of the friendship, (I refuse to call it an affair btw) yet he went with it because he was in love. Right now is the most difficult period for him because he is hurting and has NOBODY to talk to about it. Faith based or clinical therapy cannot help him because he CANNOT fully be candid on how he feels exactly -- he is married, has a state to run and everyone has denounced his actions, he is suffering from the loss of his friend, the hurt he caused his wife and kids, the disappointment he garnered from public. That's why I feel sorry for him, just as Ms. Danielle mentioned above. I never even heard of him, nor cared for any republican governors. But I really appreciate his honesty. His situation was unlike Spizter, (no class) Edwards and Clinton (liers) and I hope he will not go ahead saying that the devil made him do it or some stupid nonsense like that. -tokesan

Oh, BeJeBus! It's NOT epic luvvvvvv story. It's a m.i.d.l.i.f.e. c.r.i.s.i.s. man who wanted to get his f.r.e.a.k. on away from the p.r.y.i.n.g eyes of the press. And, it's a woman who IS STILL married to another man wanting to do the same. And, a woman who had a boyfriend in Argentina while also p.l.a.y.i.n.g. around with a married man. And, if you think this is the first time for the Gov, it ain't. He just got c.a.u.g.h.t. this time. No guy who writes p.r.o.s.e. like that and not to his wife, is not a P.L.A.Y.E.R."he is hurting and has NOBODY to talk to about it."And, I'm sure that's the line he gave Maria to start the affair with her. -Wiseronenow


Blah blahIt's not about fidelity or infidelity. Relationships break up all the time and nothing is going to change that.It's about how you behave when confronted with these situations:Do you come clean and let the truth set you free, or do you start a campaign of lies, coverups, frauds, and illegal activities to cover your shame. -frantaylor

There are many more comments that caught my eye, but were too long to post.

One Dark Week

Wow...

A shout from President Obama, to me? Sorta....

Cool signature, Prez!



-The Dreamer

Half-shocked

Watching Leno's last night on "The Tonight Show" and he's doing a best-of Jay Walking, when I notice this huge tatoo on this young lady's arm...orange hair...hmmm; it's Oakland's very own Keyshia Cole. Now if you've never seen Jay Walking, Leno typically makes fun of the people he's interviewing, or rather they make fun of themselves by answering common-knowledge questions - WRONG! Now, the question posed to our beloved Ms. Cole was actually a name-this-person question. Jay was holding a picture of this man












Our dear Keyshia has no CLUE!!! I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but..c'mon!!! I know this man may not have been the most popular figure in (especially) traditional Westcoast liberal politics, or even Black families, but even then, both sides (left & right) could undoubtedly answer the question. And I am a huge believer in being able to recognize our public, and notable leaders. Also I do, however, realize had she gotten it right, that never would have been broadcasted. I would like to ask Keyshia if she remembers that day, and more importantly..."do you now have an answer?"

Liberation

You know...just because someone passes, doesn't mean they're really gone. Pictured above is JP Reddy, father and husband; whose sun has set in our world, but has risen in another. We've only met Four times, and although two of those four were while your daughter Ashleigh and I dated, despite the circumstances, I would have still remembered each occasion distinctly because you had the personality that I am naturally attracted to. Confident, yet doesn't have to be the life of the party and be the center of attention. Saavy, and knowledgable about various topics, like food and my eventual favorite - gambling (21, anybody?). Loving, to both the women in your family, and to everyone around. Respected, in your profession, leader in your family, and friend to all.

The first time we met, or when you saw me, was during move-out Saturday at USF, as I struggled to load my big red recliner into the back of a '02 Dodge Neon (Ashleigh tells me this story haha). I must've invented about 50 different ways to try and get that thing in there. The second, I believe it was at Ashleigh's graduation dinner, where I was so glad (and nervous) to meet the ENTIRE family, but that day, I had to play the 'cool' type. We didn't get to chat much then, probably because I unconciously kept my distance, but your presence was certainly felt. The third was dinner at Mela in San Francisco, which was between yourself, Ashleigh, and I. Turned out like you liked me. You kept the conversation friendly, gushing over the Lakers who were making a playoff push at the time, and gave an excellent recommendation as to what to order. Thank you for not recommending anything too Spicy! haha. And the fourth was during a December 2006 trip where I found myself as a guest in your home. You let me in, and like every other dad, I imagine, you kept a close eye although you had become familiar with me. You may have looked away a few times, but I never left the corner of your eye haha, which is just fine to me. And I still remember the Blackjack tips you gave me...I'll make sure to put those to good use.

I never really knew how to deal with death, as not many close to me have died, not until 2003 when my only-uncle Ricky passed. As I grew older, as you can imagine, more folks have since moved on, and writing these tributes have become my method of how to deal. Thanks Ashleigh for giving me permission to express this, and I hope this helps you, and those closest.

It's a hard road of hope, but bright stars do line the pavement. Wherever you go, I'm positive there will be room for ya! JP Reddy, my brother, you have raised a strong, smart, and beautiful daughter, and have built a wonderful family that I have had the pleasure of meeting several times (Hi! Mom) and cool-as-ever son, and I pray you no longer have any worries, because your job is done. We got it from here. Remember, you are loved...

Read his Obituary written by Ashleigh Reddy

Having one of my creative moments

The return of Alien bug

AJ and I are chilling out, playing some Madden right before we have to head over to Lufkin HS to cover physical exams...that's when this huge ass thing jumps on the window screen!!! I immediately noticed it from the other day, when it was on my other window...I guess it was back looking for another entry point. It's all good, I'll be back in the Bay Area next Sunday where we eat bugs, they don't eat us

Another Obama-inspired piece

"Progress"

• Done with acrylic paint on 9 x 16 x 2 wood block
• Pencil-traced circles done with Maria stencil, a method invented by my coworker, Maria Alvarado
• Used a U shaped wood-shaver to carve around edges of circles, gave it a 'popping' effect
• Shouts to SFA Art Dept. for the supplies and Maria for making it happen

Can't wait til I see the Bay

WTF???!? I woke up, looked out my 3rd floor window for my morning stretch, and damn near pissed in my city-boy boxers when this big azz alien looking creature was on the other side of my glass...I tapped on it and everything, it wasn't afraid of humans.

That's it...I'm converting to Mac

So.........I've been without a computer, or MY computer/laptop, for almost one month now. And I've had it with viruses and bullsh*t like that. What the fu*k is spyware, and adware, and malware, all the gotdamn wares anyway???!?!?!?! Who the f*ck makes all this $&%# to extremely frustrate folks like me? All I'm tryna do is make it through this first year of Graduate school!!! That's it!

I'm telling you...if you're reading this Mr. Spyware-Trojan man-virus making-sonnab*tch...don't let me catch you slippin' G, it's gon be problems

Much props to Julie ;-) for letting me borrow the old Dell jumpoff. It came through in the clutch when I needed it. Hell, I used it to post these entries...

Rotation VIII

Football

Football…for being such a popular sport, why is it such an unpopular rotation? The reason is because it has long been established as the sport which belongs to the undergrads. It’s not the 6:45am start time, because even that isn’t 6:00am. It’s not the tremendous amount of taping because even that is valuable practice we could all use. It’s not even the demanding athletes and their excessive use of profanity, because even they are real cool folks and it turns out, after talking and living with them, you have a ton in common! It’s a sport/rotation where grads will never have the majority control. And that’s perfectly okay. At one point, we were all undergraduates and needed somewhere to start. I don’t believe this to be a problem, it is simply an explanation. It would probably be the same if the tables were turned and a majority of grads were hanging around instead of undergrads. And that is the reason I wasn’t looking forward to football. But, this time, it was different.

Before moving to Texas, I remember browsing SFA Sports Medicine website with Dan Miller, the Head Athletic Trainer from Chabot Community College, and we came across Sandy Miller’s profile. I asked Dan, “What makes this guy a 4x Hall of Fame athletic trainer? If most of the knowledge about treating an ankle sprain is fairly common, what makes him better than you or any single athletic trainer better than any other athletic trainer?”

Dan replied, “I can’t say, but if anything, he is probably a helluva teacher, and can probably get his instructions and message across, so other people can understand, easier and more effectively than other athletic trainers.” I remember this conversation very distinctly because I have since wondered how does one athletic trainer distinguish themselves from others, if they essentially know the same thing.

And over the past two weeks, Dan’s response finally came to light. His answer made sense then, but even more so now, because Sandy does have this unique way of getting things done. Now, I have only known the guy for two semesters, but these past two weeks have allowed me to put Dan’s response into context with Sandy’s personal actions. The first time I had football as a rotation; I only taped ankles, and passed out water. This time around, I still taped ankles and passed out water, but I could tell he trusts me a lot more because we (Jorge and I) were more involved with daily treatments and rehab and entering information onto eSims. Of course, the undergrads were involved with data entry also (mostly Forges), but the pinnacle of the rotation came when Sandy trusts me with a new injury, in terms of setup, patient positioning, application, and taking a detailed enough history to enter into eSims. That was really cool for me because I remember asking Sandy, “Did you say enter him a New Injury, or Update, because I’m going to need the initial impressions, and MOI, details, etc.” And in his subtle voice, Sandy replies, “There he is right there,” implying to get the information from the athlete. So I did. I was a little surprised because I thought that would be something he would want to do, but turns out, it wasn’t. May not seem like a big deal, but it kind of was. The timing was perfect.

It is things like that which made this rotation incredibly enjoyable this time around. I really felt like I could put everything I learned in the classroom to use, especially from the therapeutic modalities class, and upper extremity class, when explaining to an athlete why they are positioned a certain way, or why the treatment will be more effective if there shoulder is in this direction, and not in that direction. I strongly feel I accomplished a lot.

Rotation - V, VII

Wellness Center

It is not easy getting up at 5:00am to make it to a location across campus by 6:00am, but it is possible. I know because I have done it before. It’s true. The simplicity of the Wellness Center is probably what I love most about it. Last semester (Fall 2008), it took a long time for me to see the relevance in all of this; it just felt like something was missing. But when it all comes down to it, the stuff they (strength coaches) do is just as equally important to what we (athletic trainers) do, but, in its own way. It became clear to me I don’t have to be as well-versed in the terminology or technique as the strength coaches, and vice versa, but it wouldn’t hurt to know a little bit, or give an effort to learn. So, I did.

The first thing I did was I took notice of which teams came in for workouts, and their beginning-to-end time, the intensity dynamics of their workouts, the specific body parts that were being focused on, and how well that translated into their success on their respective playing fields. This is a lot for 6:30am, and probably comes as no surprise why I found there to be no relation. But what I did find was athletes do not like to waste time, and they like to be challenged. How is that relevant to athletic training?

Well since I live on-campus and am in a position of authority in the residence halls, as a result, I talk to my residents, most of which happen to be athletes, and they like to know about their bodies. Most importantly, they want to know how they can tell if the treatment they are being prescribed is actually working. To hear the athletes’ thoughts were interesting because few actually questioned the effectiveness of the modalities treatments, while none questioned lifting weights. However, some noted their ability to exercise/practice/work out more efficiently was a result of the treatment they received from the Athletic Trainers. Go figure.

The bottom line is, you will not find the Wellness Center on many students’ lists of all-time favorite rotations, but there is a lot one can take from their two week stay. The tidbit of information I got may not seem significant, but in fact, it 1) gave me some valuable insight that will help me with an angle I’m taking in my Upper Extremity Evaluation course, and 2) provides another set of questions that is relevant when taking an injured athletes’ history.

Rotation VI

Student Health Clinic

The health clinic rotation was very beneficial in the sense that it allowed me to put my history-taking skills to test. My time was spent checking-in patients, most of whom were students, and taking vitals. From there, I would place them in designated doctor’s office depending on what they were there for; for example if they were there for female-related issues, physical examinations, blood work, or a simple check up.

What I liked from the very first moment is the nurses gave me an informal orientation about what to expect and what things I can do, and cannot do, and where to go if I had any concerns. There was no underestimation or condescending questioning about my abilities to perform, only expectations and offerings to help if needed. From that moment, I knew this would be a fantastic rotation. Everyone in the health clinic was fun to be around from the doctors, the nurses, office staff, and even the nursing students, unlike some other rotations where everyone seems to want to ‘one-up’ each other, which creates less cooperation and more competition. Here, no one had anything to prove, and I liked that.

Having McMichael there also added to the easiness, because, simply by chance, he dealt with more patients that required lab testing, blood work, etc. done, so when I would get a case, I could just ask him instead of asking the nurses. I like environments where we can use each other as resources instead of always asking the instructor/CI first. And besides, the nurses picked on him all the time haha

There were a variety of conditions I saw from a broken foot, to prescription refills, to what was the biggest abscess I have ever seen (picture or person) on a young woman’s axillary fold. Contrary to what most believe, I did not have one patient there for STD/STI related-reasons, unless they just were not comfortable telling that to me, in the two weeks I was there. The easiest patients to take history’s on were those who suffered orthopedic related injuries, which there were quite a few, and I gradually learned to ask really good questions with the cold/flu/sore-throat population. The hardest patients to take a history on were the three individuals who wanted consultation about the depressive symptoms they were experiencing. Being that is a sensitive subject, I tried to make those ones as quick as possible for the patient and myself.

Another unique aspect of this rotation was the fact I lived on-campus, and there were a good number of times when patients recognized me, and I recognized them. Being a Community Assistant in the residence halls, the most awkward moment came when one of my residents came in, and I tried to avoid bringing it up during the history, but she brought it up so I played along. I was just happy it didn’t make her uncomfortable.

This rotation was very socially and educationally pleasing. The time spent here was so long but it seemed brief because of the fun and interesting stuff to do. I am sure the women in the front office did have something to do with that, also.

East Texas loves Dilla

JJ rocking the Dilla hoody!  I have no idea what turf she's is throwing up, but I want that hoody! 

Wait a minute, that is mine! Being the gentleman I am, it was cold out so I let her sport that....but first, not without proper representation! Dilla says "Go!"

Rotation - IV

Emergency Room/Ambulance ride-out

The ER is an enjoyable clinical rotation because it is as close to real-time action as we are going to get during our first year. Arguably the Physician Assistant rotations are comparable, but the ER and ambulance gets the edge, in terms of real-time involvement and interaction, while the PA rotations are beneficial because of the practical knowledge gained, and its immediate use in the classroom.

I personally find the ambulance ride-outs to be more pleasant than the ER. Watching the EMT’s work is quite fascinating. In some ways it is similar to the work of an Athletic Trainer, in their abilities to process situations and the information being given to them, decision making, and communication with patients through question asking.

My time there was diversified with various events happening from kids playing with fireworks, heart attacks, to a double homicide, which I tearfully missed. The Monday I was there had already been a quiet day, and it just continued through the night, which according to the men and women there was a “good thing.” We began with a few transfers, where the ambulance provides complimentary rides back home for discharged patients. We traveled some distance to the outskirts of town and instead of heading back to central station (Nacogdoches Memorial); we stayed at the South Station Firehouse where I got the chance to hang with some firemen. They noticed my SFA Sports Medicine shirt and we talked about…yep, you guessed it, SFA Sports.

The following day, there was a new EMT who had just found out he passed his licensing/certification (?) which made him a full-EMT, if that is the correct term, so he was being congratulated and being given a hard time from the veterans of the group. After all the excitement and energy subdued, there was a call about a woman, who according to the EMT’s was a “regular,” experiencing severe chest pains and thought to be having a heart attack. As we approached the housing community where she lived, the ambulance stopped as we had to wait for the police escort into the facility. I thought that was interesting as someone could be dying at the moment, yet, our safety doesn’t trump hers, but is just as important. There may be other reasons as to why that is, which I talked with the EMT about later that evening, but I didn’t think too much into it. They basically gave me the explanation that since there are sometimes a lot of children around, especially with there being a middle school next door, they tend to cut the sirens and hopefully preventing a crowd from gathering, and the police helps with that effort. Gotcha! They later joked about the projects being not as scary as some other parts of East Texas. This is when one of the EMT’s proceeds to tell me about the small-town communities off the loop, where the locals don’t wear shoes, and have been known to walk around on all-fours. The EMT’s continued to say, “Now in those places, we definitely need the police escorts!” When we got back to the ER, the woman was treated for ulcers on her hands and problems unrelated to heart attack signs and symptoms.

The very next day was the much-heard double homicide involving four men in what seemed to be a bad drug deal. The EMT’s gave me all the details and were very distinct in their descriptions. I am unsure if I would have wanted to witness that, but the story was definitely intriguing as this one man was outnumbered and took on three other armed men. The EMT’s speculated whether the victim was a former soldier of some sorts, because the fashion in which he took out one of the other men, and because of the army-issued weapons and knives that were found at the scene. It must have been a wild sight.

Overall, this was a very fun rotation. I think the best way to sum it up is with the words of most of the EMTs, “you just really never know.” I think I learned more about people and interaction than practical and useful stuff directly related to Athletic Training.

25 Random Things....yada yada ya

25 Random things you +

don't know +

want to learn +

thought you knew +

heard +

feared was true +

about me.

1. I'm pretty sick of hearing the word swagger.  It's like everyone and their mama learned a new word at school today.  I swear, I haven't heard the word used so much since until Art Shell continually repaeated it in referencing regaining the Raiders' old ways of playing. Then that same year, Cam'ron came with the infamous "Swagger jackin" comment.  Next thing you know, everybody's "got swag," or their "swag is on low," or they ain't "cookin' with swag," or posting signs "this homework was done with swag," and even Old Spice has a product called Swagger haha. What's next, a Swag Energy Drink?  Shit spreads like the plague...

2. I think everyone's role model are their parents by default. Therefore, the person (non-related) I look up to the most is a man named Wayne Kitchen. Simply put, if not for him I would not be in the position I am today.  He is the former Director of Cal-State Hayward's Upward Bound program, and has had the most influence on me.

3. In 2007 I had three different people (all peers) genuinely tell me they admired me, and looked up to me, and I really valued that.

4.  My best friend Kwesi is getting married in 2010. Other than getting my Master's degree 1 month later, that is hands down the biggest thing I am looking forward to in the near future.  I have been best friends with him and one other guy for 12 years this July.  I consider them both my brothers. 

5. I can't remember the last time I've been under 200lbs.  Right now I am 5'11" 225lbs. and I feel good as ever.  A lot of that is muscle because I am stronger than I have ever been, too.  And my body has never been as cardio-efficient  as it is now.  Yes, everybody say "cardio-efficient"

6. I cried during President Barack Obama's Election Night speech. I secretly only moved to Texas to help in the efforts to get him elected.  Haha I told someone that once, and although I soon mentioned it was just a joke, I think that person still believes me to this day =)

7. I think anyone who tries to act hard while in college is a fraud! A wanksta, if you will. You are f*cking up the game, wanksta! Real thugs are out banging and don't have 8:00am class in the morning. Just be yourself.  How can you getcha thug on, but be in college?  You can't.

8. I stopped watching BET and MTV about 3 years ago.  Thank goodness for digital cable which carries channels/shows for specific targeted groups, and not just sheep who believe everything they see or hear.  I remember when VH1 was considered only for old people...you probably think I'm old just for saying that

9. I think a lot of people are naive, and truly have no clue as to what exactly is going on around them, and, often in front of their own very eyes.  I think a lot of people are satisfied being told what to believe.  It's hard to think for yourself sometimes, but it is necessary, in order to have meaningful discussions.  

10. After reading #9, the thing I admire most about people is their ability to be an individual.  I have always been an individual.  As soon as too many peole beging to do something - I stop.  I used to wear a lot of Triple 5 Soul, used to rock braids/cornrows, listen to certain music, etc., but when the bandwagon got too full, I got off at the next stop.  I guess you can argue that those were phases in my life, but I would argue against that.  However, there are some things that are just too good to stop loving, regardless of the number of people who jumps aboard.  

11.  Kinda going along with the individualism theme, I cannot come to understand why soooo many people (girls) rock Coach bags, with Coach shoes, Coach sweaters, sunglasses, earrings, etc. Oh lord, you can see the most unpolished person in the streets jeans, flip flops, and white t-shirt, and almost always expect to see a Coach bag, like the bag just goes with every outfit, and completes everything they're trying to accomplish.  I'm not trying to offend, but it's pretty nauseating.

12.  The reason I am never stressed is because I have already gone through the most toughest, most distressful, times of life.  This is the easy stuff now.   Ask the people who have known me the longest and they will say that cannot remember a time of me "snapping" or "losing it." 

13.  The first instrument I learned was the alto saxophone which I played for 2 years, and was first-chair in my high school orchestra for two years.  Then I picked up the piano, and the rest is history.  

14. I think a person can be too smart for their own good.  Once you start overanalyzing and thinking too hard, I think the message gets muddled through all those metaphors and similies and brain processing activity which eventually leads to another question...which eventually leads to another question, and then another, and then....

15.  Whenever I go online, there are (4) websites I absolutely must visit.  In no particular order http://sfgate.com, http://huffingtonpost.com, http://mail.yahoo.com, http://bankofamerica.com.

16.  In 1999, I created a website called Tha FreakStylaz Board, which is essentially a huge message board where writers/emcees submitted and posted their work, only to be critiqued and and reviewed by other emcees.  This year August 12, 2009 will be the 10th Anniversary.  I never quite figured out how to generate revenue off it.  This site isn't mentioned in #15 because it's a given ;-)  Also another interesting fact about this is I never even owned a computer until last year (2008)!  

17.  I believe only boring people, get bored.  When I was little, I never had shit to do, and was tired of feeling that way.  So, I just learned a bunch of things that would occupy my time.  Everyday, my older brother and I stayed home alone while my mom was at work, and there just wasn't shit to do.  So I learned piano, write poetry/raps, read books, moved furniture, watched the news (we didn't have cable), styled my hair, played stickball, memorized and wrote out lyrics to songs,  flip through Eastbay magazines, cleaned toilets, watched Jeopardy, did push ups, folded clothes, learned to DJ, re-laced my shoes, all kinds of stuff - just so I wouldn't be bored.  I This may explain my cleanliless habits now haha

18.  The first "movie moment" (you know the type of thing you "once saw in a movie") of my life came in 1997 when I was in 7th grade, and I dated this girl whose parents didn't exactly approve of her dating, and we were getting "close"  in her parents house one afternoon, when she heard them return home from wherever they were.  Luckily her friend was in the living room and was able to stall them.   So I jumped out of the window and sprinted down the block, glad to still have my life.  They later found out all about what happened and about 1 month later we split.  I think the ruined window screen, shrubs and bushes outside the window, tipped them off.

19.  My "brush with death" came two years prior when a kid in my complex was really drowning in the 6ft-deep end of the pool, and I jumped in to try to save him, and instead ended up almost being drowned myslef.  Once I got ahold of him, he climbed on my back and kicked me underneath the water, and all I remember is seeing the light from the sun, from under water, and seeing legs, arms, and bubbles, everywhere, and waking up on the side of the pool hyperventilating.  Turns out someone else jumped in and got him off of me, and I pulled myself from the water, and passed out.  There was no supervision. 

20.  I sacrificed a lot, I mean A LOT, of fun, to make my mom happy, because I had a feeling it would dissappoint her.  She once told me, "it's a sin to make your mother cry," and I still believe her today.  She also told me when I was in kindergarten, "if I didn't wear my glasses, I would be blind in 2 years," and she TWICE locked herself out of the car and called the Fire Dept. saying, "she locked her baby in the car," so they would come faster.  Wild, but true! That last one sooooo puts things into perspective. 

21.  My 1-yr older brother and I didn't truly become "close," until he moved out.  Prior to that, we had an okay relationship.  I think if I was ever in trouble, he would have my back and the same for me, but other than that, we weren't that cool

22.  My longest relationship was 2 years during high school.  Very unique relationship it was.  The closest I've ever come to that was 8 months.I like a variety of types of women so I usually don't categorize the specific characteristics.  But I will fall in love with a woman who wears glasses, plays basketball, is passionate about something, understands herself, fashionable, as comfortable at night as she is in the day ;-) and can dance!  A little bit of self-steem, wouldn't hurt...j/k

23.  The four years I spent studying at the Univ of San Francisco was hands-down the best four years of my life!  I enjoyed everything about it, and I am so thankful for the people I met, things I learned, and to have gone their and survived.  It is actually true what they say about "learning more outside the classroom" than inside, because the people I met, and things I learned, helped me to become the influential person I am today.  College was truly the bridge from childhood to adulthood.  I left college with an entirely differenet outlook on "how life should be lived," than what I originally believed. 

24.  I would describe myself as artisitc.  I certainly appreciate academics and smart people, but I think the truly amazing folks are those who make us laugh, smile, cry, and laugh some more, admire, grow, love, and all those other emotions and sentiments you feel when your eyes open wide, jaw drops, and knod with approval

25.  It would be nice to be married with children...someday.  I think too many folks fall victim to the idea of having to be married and beginning families, as if that is what will validate their successes and happiness.  There are plenty of people who are perfectly happy (or at least they say they are) single and without kids, or one of the two.  I think there are benefits to both but ultimately, everybody wants to be loved.  Same thing goes for home ownership versus renting.  This all goes back to #9, 10, and 11 - about people not thinking for themselves, and just believing the whole notion that "if everyone else says you must own a home, get married, and have kids," then it must be good.  Not asking you to think, just use your head

I know I am late with this whole 25 Random Things... list, but thank God I finally finished it.  It's been lamping on my Treo for weeks

This one is for Dilla

As seen on Dilla fans everywhere...

Snapping photos suprising folks

Still not ready, lemme find my pose

Making sure I'm fresh

Baby why you all up on me??!? Haha having too much fun

Rotation III - Softball

Alright. So here's the deal, everyone is saying 'what a lucky guy I must be' because my last rotation, which was softball, was practically on-the-road the entire time, and as a Level I graduate student, I am not allowed to travel with them.  During the scheduled two-week rotation (excluding weekends), I spent a total of six days with the team, which were all practices, and consequently equates to time away from the sport.  That is just not the case.  I really wanted to see this team play!  The main reason I wanted to see this team in action is because they have one of the most relaxed practices I have ever witnessed, and I wanted to see if that transcended onto the playing field.  I know they are currently under .500, but they did suprisingly knock off a nationally-ranked Texas A&M team, and boldly exceuted this in the Aggies' own house!  I mean, they went whole hog on 'em.  

As for the clinical rotation itself, I very much enjoyed my time there.  The Level II graduate student assigned is Donyelle, and there is also an undergraduate student assigned to this sport, Katie.  So between two other coaches and I, there were three males around the entire time.  That certainly did not bother me.  The Clinical Instructor is Jana, who is a 2nd year Graduate Assistant with SFA.  This was Jana's first time being a Clinical Instructor, and I was her lucky first subject.  Knowing this information, I entered this rotation with no expectations, mainly because I had nothing to go off of, like prior students detailing her personality. What I liked about Jana right from the beginning is that she actually quizzed me on injuries, anatomy, rehab, and treatment options!  I loved that!  Never before has a Clinical Instructor done that.  Jana was also good in explaining her other duties with softball that are not necessarily relevant to athletic training.  Such duties as hotel information, food, and travel.  She opened my eyes to the many responsibilities an athletic trainer may have to be well-versed in.  Additionally, she was well prepared in having her staff prepared.  Everything is always much better when everyone is on the same page and her student athletes seemed to know their roles and procedures.  I can definitely see that in her personality.  

What I did not like is that I was unable to talk about anything related to classwork, for example, proficiency testing/practicing unless it was scheduled 24 hours in advance.  That, I did NOT understand!  For instance, there was one particular time when it was super dead in the training room, and there was one softball athlete recieving treatment.  Jana's own words were, "wow, it must be a slow day today," and I, seeking opportunity and taking initiative (because that is my biggest complaint on my evaluations), asked politely, "well since it is slow, do you think we can practice some head/neck stuff?," and her response was a swift "no, schedule it."  Okay.  And some variation of this happened two other times, one where an athlete was recieving a paraffin treatment and I asked if I do it, can I count this as a practice? Answer was a "no, schedule it 24 hours in advance."  That is fine, I understand it is your rotation/sport and you manage it however you want.  I mean, I would manage it the way I wanted, also!  But the line between unreasonable and overmuch, here - is thin.  

I liked the rotation because the players really seem to enjoy Jana, she knows her stuff, and she does not interact with them like they are elementary children.  And this in turn, meant the players treated me and the other student trainers with apropriateness and respect.  This probably reflects some of the coaches' personality as well.  But without reading into all of that, softball definitely is a cool rotation.  I really appreciated Jana asking me questions regarding injuries and athletic training related things, because afterall, we are here to learn.