Bonfire.

Last night was nothing short of awesome.

Aliso Creek Beach. Anna, her debut court (most of them at least), & her friends.

For me, it was really great to see everyone again. It’s been over a year (or maybe more?) since we’ve all seen each other. The good old days of debut practice in her garage with me, my sis, & amanda as choreographers.

I always love reunions with good friends. Not only was it a reunion, but it was also an event where I met some pretty cool people as well. Plus a bonfire with an overload of food. I haven’t eaten that much junk in a seriously long time…& it was nice to live a little bit.

Hotdogs, smores, drinks (the parrot bay & absolute were bomb), being surrounded by awesome people…what else could you ask for.

Anna & her court are like family to me. As well as the other debut courts I’ve choreographed for. It was the kind of night I’ve needed for a while. I missed that group & I was really glad to have gone…

…& this was only round 1. Round 2 again next wednesday.

‘Til next time.

Deuces.

On-Call.

This weekend went by WAY too fast for me. I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday.

I think the main reason is due to the fact that I was on-call in the O.R. this past Saturday. Normally, I’m used to being off on the weekends, but due to a busy surgery schedule at the hospital, I was called in.

Honestly, I didn’t mind so much. Yes, it was short-notice & a last minute thing, since I literally clocked into work 20 minutes after I had woken up. Ergo, I woke up, took a really fast shower after listening to my voicemail, & got to work. I had a very slight headache since it all happened so fast & I didn’t have much time to do anything.

But I still was glad to have worked a few extra hours & made some extra money. Last week was just busy at work for me. But within that week, I met patients that, I believe, made me become more empathetic & compassionate.

I’ve always been that way, especially when working with patients that are enduring some of the worst illnesses & have undergone some painful surgery. In the field that I’m getting into & at the type of health & medical facilities like the hospital I work at, you really must have some kind of compassion for the people you care for.

Unfortunately, I’ve met so many that have lacked this quality. That’s one thing I DO NOT understand. I realize that at times, our patience for others gets kind of worn down & we get frustrated & tired. However, for those that work in healing others, there must be some ounce of compassion.

My philosophy is as follows:

Passion for medicine & healing. Compassion for those being healed.

Whether or not some agree, showing others patience, kindness, & compassion rapidly speeds up the healing process. Why? Because when they see & feel that the ones taking care of them are working their absolute hardest to heal them while at the same time treating them with love & respect, they fight & don’t lose hope.

And that, my friends, is EXACTLY the type of message you want to give them: DON’T LOSE HOPE.

Being called in this weekend was sudden, rushed, unexpected…but great.

Last week itself was awesome. With everything going on in my life, I feel that the numerous patients I meet & care for help me discover more & more about myself & because of that, I continue to grow as a person. The gratitude they show because of my compassion inspires me.

So, if I were to give advice for you today, it would be to show the people around you compassion. Sometimes, the smallest ounce of compassion can go a long way…it gives others hope…

…& it could even save a life.

‘Til next time.

Deuces.

Cadaver.

"Cadaver" by Skek

Nice shot. Reminds me of the good old days in Anatomy & Physiology lab.

The CORRECT Way To Perform Percussion.

Creepy.

What a trippy, creepy piece of art.

But I like it :)

False Alarm

This week has been great so far. The whole summer has been really eventful as well. I've grown to love work at the hospital more, more so as a place for me to learn & grow rather than just somewhere for me to earn money...even though, I must admit, that's great as well :)

Today, however, was going really well, until...it happened.

"Code Blue, GI...Code Blue GI..."

The GI (Gastrointestinal) Lab is in my department, which is Surgery & the Operating Room (OR). At first, me & the RN I was working with didn't hear the code, since the intercom in PACU is slightly weak (something that's dangerous & should REALLY be fixed). We rushed over there as soon as we heard the code, joined the rest of our OR team & were ready to assist in resuscitation. The crash cart was rolled in, ambu bags were out, defibrillator was ready. The Code Blue team from ICU, ER, Pharmacy, Security, & OR was united.

Then, a few seconds later, the patient stabilized. He had stopped breathing during his procedure & had a decreasing O2 saturation of below 80%.

Thank goodness it was a false alarm & he soon regained consciousness.

The adrenaline rush struck me & hit me hard, since I had just been with the patient & had been caring for him with the RNs minutes before.

It was just another example that shows me how short life is, & how it can easily be over in a few seconds.

I'm lucky & thankful to be alive...& to be breathing.

Thank you Lord for bringing that patient back, restabilizing him, & opening my eyes once again.

'Til next time.

Deuces.

Elite.

Talk about the ULTIMATE goal. The biggest aspiration. The elite.

Awesome shot & angle.