Yesterday I gave my first consultation at the pharmacy. It was a prescription for amoxicillin for a little boy named Jameson. After I went through the consult, he cutely and politely said, "Thank you!" I think I just melted right there because I felt I made a difference in the world. Haha. It was a long 8 hour day. My preceptor got me to do reconstitutions, consultations, filling, answering OTC questions and galore. He gave me some homework to do too. Out of the three erectile dysfunction treatments (Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra), which one has the greatest bioavailability and longest half life? I've only had 6 classes of pharmacokinetics since the semester started and we just started talking about drug elimination and distribution. I feel stupid most of the time because of my lack of working in a pharmacy experience but I have a feeling I will be learning so much from my preceptor.
I've also noticed that my comics are slowly showing more personality than the usual formless blobmen that I draw. Hurray for creativity!
First week of class came and went. With it came new rules and expectations. I will seriously come to the PHRM 121 final naked...if given a million dollars haha but seriously, the rules are so ridiculous.
Also, yesterday was my first day of IPPEs at CVS Pharmacy in Elk Grove. My preceptor, Gregg, is a man jaded by the evils of CVS. Despite his less than optimistic outlook for the future of his pharmacy, his stern and strict attitude is going to keep me on my toes and I have a feeling my experience in a real pharmacy setting will be positive. First day, I got to do everything: work the register, scan waiting bins, dispense prescription, administer flu shots, guide customers around the OTC section, I even would have had the opportunity to consult if I was more confident in my abilities - but for now, I am going to listen and learn.
Guess who spent their new years at the happiest place on earth? That's right, I did. The last time I went to Disneyland was my senior year in high school and I thought that after that, I was too old to enjoy the magic of Disney. I was so terribly wrong. The feelings of adventure and excitement were the same as when I was thirteen as I drove through the Temple of Doom with Indiana Jones. Giddy-ness and laughter radiated from my face as I went to meet Flynn Rider aka Eugene Fitzherbert from Tangled. My chest puffed in victory as I beat my cousin in midway games. Tears filled my eyes as I basked in the wonderful glow of the World of Color water show. Disney, you never cease to amaze me.
I can't believe that I had lost faith in Disney when I just had lost faith in my imagination.
I am going to quote my cousin right now because his words are my thoughts exactly:
Disney embraces all the values that should be promoted in life. Disney pushes us to follow our hearts and always try to achieve our dreams. For those who hate on Disney, you must lead a sad life indeed because there never has been more of a happy place than Disneyland. - Steven
Disney's 50th animated feature film is Tangled a tale based off the classic story of Rapunzel. I went with a group of old high school friends to watch this movie last week and in short, I LOVE IT! Visually, this film is the lovechild of Disney and Dreamworks. It reminded me of a moving stained-glass painting. The Disney team did a creative job of reinventing the story of Rapunzel and made it their own. It was funnier than I expected and it's always nice to have your expectations exceeded. After watching this, I'm inspired to redo the story of the Fisherman and the Magic Fish and make it my own too! This will be my creative project for the new year.
***Spoiler alert: I just wanna say that the lantern scene between Rapunzel and Flynn is SOOO ROMANTIC! I want to be asked out like that someday *0* hehe
The doodle above is of Flynn Rider, the male deuteragonist and a major hilarious hottieeee haha
Just came back from China, where there is a 14 hour time difference and I am jet-lagged like woah.
Have you ever experienced two extremes? In Egypt, I faced over 100 degree weather everyday and probably sweat buckets by the end of the day. In Beijing, it was well below zero degrees (-15 C) at the Great Wall. Ice crystals would form on my peer's eyelashes because it was so cold.
To appreciate one thing, like heat, you need to experience cold, or the absence of heat. To experience true joy, you need to know what true sorrow is. Even a little bit of each is good. Like the saying goes, "what goes up must come down" and vice versa. I believe in constant growth. I see these hills, valleys, and plateaus and I want to overcome them.
That's me on the Great Wall of China in below zero weather, feeling quite joyful.
Here I go on another whirlwind adventure, this time to the Far East to explore complementary and alternative medicines. The year 2010 was a good year to travel for me and I am so incredibly blessed to have all these amazing opportunities. This trip is definitely something I was looking forward to during finals last week. The next ten days are going to be frikk'n awesome. China, here I come!
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars is one of my favorite songs that came out this year. When I came back from Egypt, I asked my friend Joline about current events that I had missed out on while abroad. She told me to listen to this song. At first, I didn't think it was anything special. The lyrics aren't profound or complex and are relatively simple in its message. In this simplicity, I find it so appealing. This song dashes out any insecurities, fears, and low self-esteem that women have about themselves which prevent them from realizing how truly amazing and beautiful they are! I love to belt out to this feel-good song when I hear it on the radio. It makes me want to tell all my friends and family that they are amazing, just the way they are, faults and all.
Shout-out to some lovely ladies:
Jasmine: As my other half, you should already know that my beauty is a reflection of yours. They say that a person's beauty can be attributed to the company they keep. I'd say you've already won Miss Universe in my book.
Joline: Princess Arwen, you are the shining star of Elendil. You are beautiful because you're a deep thinker with a creative mind that knows no bounds. You = intelligent + musically talented + funny = HOT.
Mariham: My bodacious Egyptian roommate. You're going to have keep the men off of you when you move back to Fresno. If you got it, flaunt it. Girl, you definitely got it.
Jaclynn: Sassy, sexy, sweet, and smart all in a petite figure like you. IT'S TOO MUCH TO HANDLE! As Sean Kingston would say, "Somebody call 911, shawty fire burning on the dance floor..."
Preet: The Punjabi Pearl of Pacific. You are the pretty princess in pink who provocatively points to her pudge which I pine to pet while piping prose. Pie. You are no pushover and please stay poised, pretty, and perfect.
Ana Laura: Pequena, I love you so much! Your radiant smile and cute little dimple (note: singular) brighten my day like an oven light after baking cookies. You give me warmth and the feeling of joy. I'm so proud of the beautiful struggles that you've gone through. You are gorgeous little one.
Angelina: My first memory of you is at Ambo retreat during the circle time. We were asked to touch someone who we would like to get to know better. I knew I made the right choice because you've added so much joy and perspective to my life. You grow more beautiful each day.
It's finals week for us pharmacy students and many of my female classmates have gone au natural because studying > gussying up. It's nice to see them in sweats and without make-up. During this time, I feel that this song is a wonderful reminder that we are so wonderfully made.
Psalms 139:14 says it best," I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." To my Creator: I feel beautiful because you shine through me even in my bum clothes and disheveled state of preparing for finals. Thanks again!
When I was younger, I would joke around with my dad how I was the son he never had. I'd rake the leaves, take out the trash, mow the lawn...I'd basically help out with any "manly" chores that my physique was capable of handling. During this short period in my life, I would often feel sad that my dad was stuck with me as his only child and that I wouldn't be able to carry on the family name for my dad or be that "son" he never would have. There are instances even today where I'd think it would be better to be a boy. No hassle of periods, child birth, being looked down upon in the workforce, etc.
This semester, I've been spending a lot of time with my Rho Pi Phi brothers down the hall from me. The picture to the left is of them and me at our annual Christgiving Potluck. I like to study there and ask them questions about life. One of them asked me, "Why do you always come here?" And I defensively answered, "Because I enjoy the environment and your company". It's come to the point where one of my bros said that I was part of the boy's club. I really do enjoy the sound of that and I am not sure if it's because of that wishful longing to be a boy when I was younger or the fact that it feels nice to pretend they are the real brothers I never would have had.
But then I remember how good I have it as a woman, of what God knit me to be in my mother's womb. Like with many things in life, I have come to terms with my double X chromosomes. I admit, I am a Daddy's Girl and I wouldn't have it any other way.
To the right is a picture of our womanly apartment (finally!) at our fraternity mixer. I really love them.
Preet and I watched Inception last Thursday at our school theater. In addition, last week's PHRM 111 quiz was on the gastrointestinal system. In a fit of extreme nerdiness and geekery, I spawned this ridiculousness. So what if no one with a medical background might not understand this or if they haven't seen the movie. Their loss.
Dr. Guire is a great professor, but I would totally pay more attention of Leonardo DiCaprio or Joseph Gordon-Levitt was teaching the class, lol.
Dr. Jasti teaches a portion of our PHRM 114 class and the content of his lectures mainly consist of drug history, patenting, formulation etc. In his words, "The topic is rather dry, but I'll do my best to juice it up, ok?"
One of the ways he's attempted to liven up the class is through the use of an online tool called Poll Everywhere. You basically text or instant message an answer to the corresponding number that is given on the screen and the class can instantly see the results. On the first day, Dr. Jasti made an open poll where the class could submit ANY answer. After that, he stuck to 4 multiple choice. Haha, pharm students are so mature...
White-Asian-Egyptian-Roommate is a name one of my roommates lovingly calls me at least once a day. The white is in reference to my pale skin, the Asian is, well, I’m Asian, and the Egyptian has been recently added due to my frequency of talking in Arabic and love for Egyptian food.
I love how culturally diverse my apartment is. And yes Jaclynn, white people have culture too. And I love being Vietnamese-Chinese and I’ve come a long way in embracing this.
In 2007, I went to Kentucky for a mission trip. The area where my team was specifically serving lacked much ethnic diversity. I remember spending time with our family, the Burchettes, and their son Jake, I forgot his age but he was pretty young.
“Are you from China?” Jake randomly asked me one time in his Kentucky accent. I told him no and that I was born and raised in California.
“But you look Chinese! How can that be possible?” He replied. I explained to him how my parents immigrated over and blah blah blah. I then asked him what his ethnicity was and after some explaining of what “ethnicity” meant, he turned to me and proudly said, “I’M KENTUCKY!”
This story brings a smile to my face each time I think about it and I admire Jake’s boldness in embracing his “ethnicity”.
For the longest time I was not able to embrace my identity as being Vietnamese and Chinese. When people would ask about it, I would quickly mutter “Vietnamese” and emphasize the “Chinese”. I remember one time in high school, a friend was listing all the “admirable” contributions of each major Asian country. For example, South Korea has awesome TV dramas, China’s ballads, Japan’s anime, etc. Yes, it was a shallow observation looking retrospectively. Anyway, she asked me what Vietnam had to offer and I didn’t know except for the stereotypical, “nails”. I was ashamed of being Vietnamese because of the embarrassing stereotype of poor Vietnamese immigrants of only being qualified to handle manicures and pedicures, even more so because my mom did nails as a part time job to support herself and her growing family. I, sadly, rejected the “Vietnamese” in me.
I have come to realize that the beautiful struggle my parents went through is not something to be ashamed of. To be ashamed of this past is to discredit the effort and hardships they put forth in order to be where they are today. My mom no longer does nails but is a quality engineer and manager for a tech company. I’m very proud. And just like how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, I am now able to look at the art of nails with great humility, pride, and respect. I’m not comparing my mom to Jesus but I want to say that she has great humility. And humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking yourself as less than others.
Hi, my name is Antoinette. I’m not white, Egyptian, Native American, or Filipino. I’m Vietnamese and Chinese.
An update on life: Ah yes, so I survived my first set of pharmacy midterms and it was amazing. No straight A's but I'm trying my best. I've had lots of ideas for comics but I haven't had time to transcribe them down. My friend Stacey from Georgia came out to visit me and friends during her fall break. Participated in a diabetes walk around the same time. Had a military full physical and that was an uncomfortable and new experience haha. Participated in a health fair where I consulted people on OTC drugs - so exciting! Oh, I also saw Maroon 5, One Republic, and Bruno Mars in concert at the Arco Arena last Friday. They were pretty much amazing. Afterwards, chillaxed with my favorite socal Egyptian brothers, ate homemade koshouri and watched Sing'n in the Rain. Those are some highlights of the past two weeks minus a lot. El7aya kwaysa! (that's "life is good" in Arabic)
I've had so many thoughts running through my head and I want to write them down! Mainly on ethnicity, fears, my lovely roommates, and vivid dreams. I'll get to it within the next few days hopefully.
Currently in Mariham's room doing some review for biochem. She's painting a big ole icon of Saint Demiana. It's really beautiful. I'm going to start up painting again this Thursday.
This past Sunday, upon waking up and taking a shower, I discovered a large red bump on my chest that is slightly to the left over my heart. At first, I thought it was a huge pimple and after allowing one of my classmates to examine it, she exclaimed, "It looks like a third boob". Great.
I'm sitting in the living room right now, careful not to move around too much because whenever the fabric of my shirt grazes my third boob, it stings and starts to itch. It's beginning to look like a bulls-eye mark and it is slightly aggravating to the touch. My roommate told me it was more likely a spider bite than a pimple and I think I would have to agree with her. Once midterms are over, I am definitely going to wash my sheets.
Also, this past Saturday, I went to see "Waiting for Superman" which is a documentary on the failing public education system in America. My heart broke for those children and their families. It is a very powerful movie. Afterwards, John Legend answered a few questions on education in America and his musical career followed by a solo performance of about 6-7 songs. He is absolutely amazing live. I am definitely going to buy his new album once this week is over. Why are black men so sexy, especially those who are talented and fight for causes? Dreeeeamy siiiigh
---> Edit (10.10.10)
So I bought John Legend's Wake Up! album and it is great! I was never a huge fan of his earlier works because it seemed that all he sang about was cheating on a girl and being horny but this new album is so much more mature in content. It might be a stretch, but I would almost put it up there with Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". Been listening to it nonstop this past weekend.
This past week in my Nonprescription Therapy - Self-Care class we discussed oral pain such as recurrent aphthous stomatitis which is the fancy word for "canker sore". Interestingly enough, canker sores have no known cause while cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, the same virus that can be found around your "hoo-ha" if you're not careful or are into that sort of thing.
As of now, I now know how to screen for cholesterol, blood-glucose, blood pressure, bone density, am CPR certified and am able to administer immunizations. It's only been a month and I can only imagine what other cool things we're going to learn in the coming months.
Last night Mariham showed me a dress that I have been looking for awhile. I emailed my mom to tell her what I have been looking for and she emailed me back with this response:
Dr (Candidate) Dinh,
The style is very elegant :). Good for the Dr to be. I just remember when you were young you had couple dresses similar to this dress and you were look real good on back days with those dresses. Now I know what abjectly you have been looking for, I will pay more attention when I'm shopping may be I will find this dress for you.
About the clubbing, of course you can take a break from studying but not in before midterm or final. Why don't you go after midterm?
Will see you this Saturday,
Love Mom of Dr (Candidate) Dinh.
Haha, I don't know what I find more amusing. The fact that she refers to herself and me as "Dr (Candidate) Dinh" or that I'm still trying to figure out what "abjectly" means. My mom is a fob.
This is Alex Salazar (vocals). I discovered him a little more than a year ago when my friend posted a link to one of his covers of Musiq Soulchild's "Just Friends (Sunny)" which I have listened to over 100 times today. My roommate is going to teach me how to play it on the guitar. His voice is so soothing. <3
Dr. Chan is a beast. He teaches my Molecular Cellular Biology class. This man speaks a billion words a minute, never seems to make a mistake, and knows all there is to biochemistry. At the same time, he looks like an Asian Mr. Rogers.
Midterm for this class is probably going to be killer but I'm a champ just like Chan. Let's do this.
One of my roommates gave me a moist towelette from Hooters today. On the back of the package it reads, "Bartender: Pharmacist with limited inventory". I thought it was pretty amusing.
Midterms are coming up in less than three weeks and I am expecting my life to get less than adventurous in the next few weeks. I've been trying to squeeze in as much social life I can muster before I cloister myself in my room where I'll probably turn two shades paler than I already am. This first year in pharmacy school feels like I am reliving my freshman year as an undergraduate all over again. This past weekend I attended my first ever toga party that the Greek life on the undergraduate side was hosting. Being surrounded by scantily-clad, post-pubescent teens with raging hormones straight out of high school made me feel really out of place.
Not relating to the picture but a thought-provoking question Pastor Brad asked us in church on Sunday, "What would you do for God, if you knew you could not fail?" I definitely wouldn't be a bartender but the first image that popped into my head was my parents.
They came up this weekend to drop off homemade food for me and to see how I was doing. When I have kids, I want to be as good as parents as they are.
Ever since my freshman year of undergrad, my engineering friends would always poke fun at us pre-pharms. I recently took my written test to see whether I would be certified to administer immunizations to patients and I feel pretty good about it. This one is for Todd, who's having a blast at NASA right now.
It's almost 2:30AM here and I just covered material on acne and fungal infections for my OTC and Non-Prescription Drugs class for...this morning. It's funny how stress is a factor in worsening one's acne. And then you stress out on your appearance and then you stress out how to cover it up and stress out more about the other 4 quizzes and exams you have this week and when you go about treating the problem, the darn acne just flares up again because you're cold and clammy from malnutrition and in an attempt to keep yourself warm and comforted, you rub your face with your nasty hands that's taken out the trash and the P. acnes are just having a ball with all the buffet of contaminants that you just served them. It's a vicious cycle I say and I don't think I am making a lot sense right now because I would prefer to be snuggled up in bed with my pillow pet. But here I am, drawing a comic about acne when I have an interview in about 5 hours. My roommate is beside me and she just asked me something about undecylenic acid and I think I just drooled from staring blankly at her.
In other exciting news, I took my skills assessment test today where I injected my partner with saline solution and I passed. Hip-hip-hurray!
Yesterday I gave my first consultation at the pharmacy. It was a prescription for amoxicillin for a little boy named Jameson. After I went through the consult, he cutely and politely said, "Thank you!" I think I just melted right there because I felt I made a difference in the world. Haha. It was a long 8 hour day. My preceptor got me to do reconstitutions, consultations, filling, answering OTC questions and galore. He gave me some homework to do too. Out of the three erectile dysfunction treatments (Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra), which one has the greatest bioavailability and longest half life? I've only had 6 classes of pharmacokinetics since the semester started and we just started talking about drug elimination and distribution. I feel stupid most of the time because of my lack of working in a pharmacy experience but I have a feeling I will be learning so much from my preceptor.
