Squirrel Days: 5/15/2011

Outside my window...
**The weather has definitely gotten more spring-like. The last few days have even ventured into summer-like. The older I get, I find that when daily temperature swings are greater than 30-degrees or so, like from the 30s to the 70s, my body doesn't seem to know what to do. Ultimately, the higher temperature makes me feel worn out and fatigued. I much prefer moderate transitions to the warmer temperatures, but... I'm not the one in control of the weather.

From the classroom...
**Well, I got the results back from my 'Basic Acute Care' assessment exam: 87%.

I confess that this depressed me as I thought I had done better than that. I did take some time to go back through the errors to learn what aspects needed to be refined and worked on. This actually was a good process as it showed me that none of my errors were related to the naming of procedures, medicines, equipment, labs, or pathologies. My trouble seems to be mistranslation of slurry speech. Go figure. Unfortunately, only time and practice will help me with this aspect.

This review also helped me to feel better about the exam overall, and I had to reminded myself that 87% would be a passing grade on the Final Exam. [An 85% is the cutoff point, so 84% would essentially be an "F" grade.] Another thing to remind myself is that the Final Exam offers three opportunities for students to get our best scores. [We are not allowed to take the same exam twice, but we do get one try at three separate exams.]

However, before I get to the Final Exam, I have the 'Advanced Acute Care' module to complete and then I proceed into the Transcription Editing portion of this course. It really is like climbing a mountain!

Stewardship or projects...
**The sunny weather has really started the need to work on the property. However, timing is iffy with the amount of school-time I have to invest. I will need to start figuring out how to fit in even just an hour or two here and there to make some progress. [Once I figure out how, it shouldn't be too difficult to maintain. I already use a kitchen timer to help me be aware of passing time when I'm eating lunch on the front porch or the like. Time really slips by quickly when distractions happen!]

Personal victories...
1.) I faced the results of my assessment exam and took the steps needed to understand my mistakes. This actually prompted some additional research on some documentation rules and guidelines that I had been neglecting. So that was a good thing, too!
2.) With the nicer weather, I've had a much easier time going for walks outside with Mr. Squirrel. [So I guess this could be co-listed under the Fun-time below.] It took a few tries, but we've also gotten back into the habit of taking the camera with us. [This would be listed on his fun-time list, I think, as he's been the shutter-bug on these ventures!] The walks are also an attempt to start getting used to the warmer temperatures.

What I am doing as Fun-time...
1.) Still reading: Book #4 "The Shadow Rising" of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series.
2.) Aside from going for walks and the before-bed reading, there really has been no time for anything else.

Thought(s) on my mind...
**I am even more grateful for the school extension. This advanced module makes me feel like I've almost started over. I'm heavily leaning on expanding my dictionaries with all of the new equipment, procedures, medications, etc. It is good for me to do this, but it has definitely slowed me down.

Counting blessings...
1.) My school extension.
2.) Everyone who has encouraged me to keep-on-keeping-on.
3.) Prayers for God's mercy and provision.

A picture I would like to share...
**One of the pleasures of spring is the return of the woodland flora and fauna.

I confess that somewhere in my brain I have a "cute and fuzzy" button. When it gets triggered, I turn into an excited 6 year old with a HUGE smile. It is an instant release from all adult responsibilities and cares. Of course, it also makes me want to run outside and cuddle the 'cute and fuzzy', which in most cases would be a bad idea. Fortunately, the adult brain kicks back in and (hopefully) I can make a grab for the camera ;)

This week, I spotted our first itty-bitty bunny of 2011. The evening of May 10th I saw this little fuzzy through our bedroom window just under the edge of our shed. So cute!

The space between pine straw and the edge of the shed is about 4-inches. I think he/she might have fit into a coffee cup.

[Photo source: Me.]

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