Shots from San Francisco Ride

Would have been more, but as luck has it, my phone died.  What? Why didn't I bring a camera?  I forgot it.  What? Why didn't I charge my phone? Well, let's just say...see previous excuse.

DIY - Simple tire modification

I used a Sharpie Paint Pen to make a nice looking mod to my motorcycle's tires.  I think it gives it the look of a racing motorcycle, mixed in with a little throw back whitewall-esque flavor.  It was simple, all I did was clean the gunk off the sidewalls with an old t-shirt (soap and water), and dried it, then marked it up.  Only heads up I would give is to maybe use a rag, rather than a t-shirt because the old lint tends to stick onto the tires' surface.  Also, use a steady hand, as I messed up on the 'B' in Bridgestone and just decided to color in that top portion of the 'B'

Sharpie Paint Pen - 2/$5.00 @ Michael's 

Rear Wheel - right

Rear Wheel - right (zoomed in)

Front Wheel - right

Front Wheel - right

Front Wheel - right

Front Wheel - right

Rear Wheel - left

Front Wheel - left

Welcome the newest member of the family

Glad to have you, Mr. Ninja!

Kawasaki Ticket To Ride

Name That Condition

Name That Condition

Player is a 17yr. old male, participating sport is football. He reported to the Athletic Training Room complaining of an irritating bump that hasn't been bothering him, but it just has not resolved in the past few days, and just wanted to have it checked out. Upon initial examination, player had been treated it just simply by covering it with a band-aid and ointment. The scabbed-over marks are reportedly from turf burns. The site of the lump is along the medial joint line on the right knee. There is also an additional bump (picture 3) just proximal to the knee cap, about 1cm in diameter on the same leg. Player reported no increase in size, no change in temperature, it hasn't "raised" and has been mostly flat. This is the only site in which bumps exist.

On the surface of the furuncle, there are approximately 8 to 9 small crusted spots (picture 1) that were "poked" by his grandmother with a sharp pin, and then covered with Neosporin and a band-aid. There was no drainage of any fluid, but since, the site has become very tender to touch. Inspection of the site reveals a rigid surface, moves easily when shifted with examiners' fingers, painful when pressed, slightly moist, and noticeable elevated temperature when compared to surrounding skin. Player does not remember having any recent cuts or scrapes other than the turf burn, and has not reported any associated fevers.  

Name That Condition

Name That Condition

Wound Care

No, I didn't crash another motorcycle, although the product looks very similar.  This athlete suffered abrasions to the forearm as a result of a skateboard crash, with additional wounds to the hip and hands.  The wound site at the hip is by far the worst, or the deepest, with burns through the dermis layer.  Athlete is being treated with silver sulfadiazine cream, which is used to treat severe burns, and standard bandages/dressings.  Athlete is instructed to wash/rinse nightly with soap and water, and apply new dressings every day.

My Athletic Training Room

Desk/Work Area

View upon entrance, badly needs some banners

Treatment table and taping station, also some storage underneath

Supply area

Tables and small corner for storing coolers

Ice machine and workout area, also a sink in the corner

Alternate view of desk. Ceilings about about 15'

The Last Hurrah

This is a post dedicated to Upward Bound, a federally funded college-prep program for high school kids that is designed to increase their chances of success in higher education.  There is so much I can say about this program, but first, it saddens me to come to the realization that this past Summer is very, very likely my last time being involved with this Program in this capacity.

Just to put things into perspective, of how significant this program is, I personally, owe all of my success to my involvement with this program during my high school years.  All of it!  In one way or another, whether direct or indirect, my personal successes can be traced back to Upward Bound, or someone in Upward Bound.  It's true!

I have to say, the last five Summers I have been a Resident Advisor for Upward Bound, has been one helluva learning experience!  Especially, I have learned a lot of about myself, and how I relate not just with high school students, but other human beings.  So, so serious!  There is absolutely not enough time and space for me to write about everything I have done or learned during my time with this Program, also because there are minors involved with this program so I can't name their identities, but all I have to say is, this place has had a huge effect on my development as a person and I can't thank the people, supporters, and families of the program.  It's really too much to say, and would take me an eternity to give thanks -- at least, the type of thanks I want to.

But I have come to the point where all great things end, and now I must take my place in what Upward Bound essentially was designed to create for me - the very existence and life the program visions for its students.  There are things about the program I agree with, as well as disagree with, but overall, if those who are in charge of the program remain true to its identity without straying too far from the system that is known to work, I think it will be fine.  I think I had a lot to offer the Program as a student and as a staff member, but I know I could not become too attached for fear of not becoming what I initially got into the program to become - which is a working professional.  Otherwise, I could see myself in a leader position with the program, especially after Director Wayne Kitchen and Director Janice Dirden-Cook have had their influences on me.  I feel strongly for the program, but that just was not my calling.

I will miss the program, and I will definitely seek out other ways to be involved with it because I believe so strongly in the program, but as far as the capacity in which I have been involved in the past, that's all folks...

Farewell

Personal Reflections

After spending the last two days in airports, and my mom almost getting arrested by security, I have finally had time to reflect upon the last two years of my life.  Initially, this blog was created to chronicle my life on the road from California to Texas, and eventually becoming an Athletic Trainer.  Now that all that has been satisfied, I wondered to myself, if I should no longer post on this blog.  Even though it's over, I didn't want to say goodbye to this blog.  It was originally titled "Your Homie, Athletic Trainer," but once I got Certified, I figured it should be a little more professional, and certainly the description of the blog changed from "my journey to become a Certified Athletic Trainer," to my whatever the description says now -- I forget. Bu as for the blog itself, I felt I should continue to post as a means of getting information out about our profession, or just as a method of personal release because I know I have an interesting journey ahead of me; and it will get better with each and every day.

It's a little wild to look back upon the first entries of this blog.  It feels like such a long time ago.  I still remember the day this idea came to me, and how I wanted to make this a journey I would never forget.  It was while I was still working with Chabot College, and I was still in the process of applying to Graduate school.  Needless to say, I am glad I did this.  I love the fact that I did it, and will cherish the memories I have - those posted here, and those that aren't.

As for what's in store for me now, only thing left to do is find an Athletic Training job.  In the meantime, I will work with USF's Upward Bound Program which is just a temporary Summer position, but it should hold me over until I find a career-fulfilling position.

I am certainly excited about my future, and I also must admit, this whole becoming an adult thing can be scary at times, but what has gotten me through so far, is thinking about all the fun I will have doing whatever I want to do, when I want to do it.  That there, folks, is what freedom is all about.  And if you ask me, there is no feeling like the feeling of freedom.

See you guys at the Finish Line...

No More Classrooms

Well, I graduated...

Will miss all of you...