Through some good friend, I recently discovered a website called Blogging For Books. I haven't posted to this blog in a very long time but with school wrapping up in the next few months, I thought using this blog to review books would be the perfect way to get motivated to read more and to get the word out about books I'm really enjoying.
I'm excited for this new journey! Join me.
Megan
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Thursday, June 7, 2012
My First Quick Attempt At Couponing---Kroger
So, I have been cutting out coupons and looking up how to save money at the grocery store online. I even made a binder and put a lot of the coupons I had clipped into it before the trip. I felt really prepared. Once I got to Kroger, where Lucas and I decided we would like to make our 'home' grocery store, I started seeing lots of things that I had coupons for BUT that's where this blog comes in. Lucas and I also really love Aldi's. Over the next several weeks I plan to really compare individual items and totals at each store to help me determine where to go for which item. Here is my itemized list of total cost of each item and grand total before and after taxes.
Loaf of Kroger Bread...................................1.00
Scott Bath Tissue (12 rolls)...........................8.99
Pretzels.........................................................2.49 X 2
Bananas........................................................1.54
Turkey Deli...................................................2.79
Spring Mix....................................................1.99
Carrots, Canned............................................0.54
Chicken Tenderloins......................................2.83
Chicken Tenderloins......................................3.35
Corn, Canned...............................................1.45
Sweet Tea (2 bottles)....................................3.18
Corn, Canned...............................................0.88
Corn, Canned...............................................0.80
Cheese.........................................................1.09
Snack Well's Bars........................................2.75 X 2
Pop Tarts.....................................................1.66 X 3
Bologna........................................................1.79
Red Grapes..................................................3.19
Biscuits.........................................................0.56
Monster Energy............................................1.00 X 5
Frozen Yogurt...............................................2.50
Tuna Family Packs........................................3.49 X2
Raisin Bran....................................................2.73
Lucky Charms...............................................3.92
Tortilla Wraps................................................2.49
Honey Nut Cheerios......................................2.74
Grand Total..................................................86.83
Minus Taxes.................................................79.76
Now, since I bought all of the supplies for a sandwich, I am going to calculate what one turkey sandwich would cost me.
2 slices of bread.......................0.10
4 slices of turkey......................0.20
1 slice of cheese......................0.07
Total.......................................0.37
That is pretty awesome!! I have been taking a turkey sandwich with a snack pack of Pringles that I believe cost me $0.14 each meaning my lunch has been costing me $0.51 everyday. Niceeeeee.
Until next time...
Loaf of Kroger Bread...................................1.00
Scott Bath Tissue (12 rolls)...........................8.99
Pretzels.........................................................2.49 X 2
Bananas........................................................1.54
Turkey Deli...................................................2.79
Spring Mix....................................................1.99
Carrots, Canned............................................0.54
Chicken Tenderloins......................................2.83
Chicken Tenderloins......................................3.35
Corn, Canned...............................................1.45
Sweet Tea (2 bottles)....................................3.18
Corn, Canned...............................................0.88
Corn, Canned...............................................0.80
Cheese.........................................................1.09
Snack Well's Bars........................................2.75 X 2
Pop Tarts.....................................................1.66 X 3
Bologna........................................................1.79
Red Grapes..................................................3.19
Biscuits.........................................................0.56
Monster Energy............................................1.00 X 5
Frozen Yogurt...............................................2.50
Tuna Family Packs........................................3.49 X2
Raisin Bran....................................................2.73
Lucky Charms...............................................3.92
Tortilla Wraps................................................2.49
Honey Nut Cheerios......................................2.74
Grand Total..................................................86.83
Minus Taxes.................................................79.76
Now, since I bought all of the supplies for a sandwich, I am going to calculate what one turkey sandwich would cost me.
2 slices of bread.......................0.10
4 slices of turkey......................0.20
1 slice of cheese......................0.07
Total.......................................0.37
That is pretty awesome!! I have been taking a turkey sandwich with a snack pack of Pringles that I believe cost me $0.14 each meaning my lunch has been costing me $0.51 everyday. Niceeeeee.
Until next time...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
OT shadowing, Day 5 & Other News
Shadowing:
Kids get botox!! Yup, I've learned here that it is true that children who have problems with their joints and their joints not flexing or extending to the appropriate degree may be given botox injections in order to increase the flexibility there. I was definitely unaware of this practice before shadowing here. Often time, botox combined with casting really helps kids to reach new degrees in flexion and extension of their limbs.
Today, for one of the hours that I shadowed, I observed a woman that seemed very similar to me personality-wise. She was over-excitatory but I could tell that she thoroughly enjoyed what she was doing. I feel like the way that she worked with her patient is very similar to the way that I will work with my patient's in the future because I'm not a really loud person and I like a good combination and fun and seriousness. It was nice to see someone that I feel works like I do because it gives me an assurance that there are people with VERY similar characteristics as me in this field. Basically, it was a little confidence booster that I can be successful in this career with the personality that I have. :)
In Other News:
Lucas and I are transitioning very nicely into living together. I am actually quite surprised. I can see now that us being apart is the trunk of a lot of our arguements. It's very hard on my emotionally whenever we're apart and now looking back, I see that I take a lot of that emotion out on him on the occasion that we do get to see each other because I know it is going to end.
Anywho, we have been sharing ALL responsibilities. From cooking to trash to dishes to driving to work in the morning. It has been very nice knowing that he is just as willing to have an egalitarian relationship as I am. It's a great relief knowing that I will be able to rely on him when I need to in the future! :)
THIS WEEKEND: Lucas and I are going to meet with friends at the Good Guys Car Show at LP Field and spend the day there. I'm really excited because it was a lot of fun last year and it gives him and opportunity to spend time with his friends. I also enjoy spending time with Haven and Broady. They're a great couple to go on double dates with.
Also, on Sunday, we have plans to go to a Nature Area in the Brentwood area and take a picnic with us which will be really nice. Hopefully we'll go to church somewhere too. I think we both really need it AND we really need to start looking for a church home so that we'll have somewhere to attend after we get married and while I'm in graduate school.
Since this blog has been rather lengthy, I'll think I'll close now BUT before I go I want to leave you with this wonderful recipe that Lucas and I had last night. Butternut Squash, Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas--They were delicious!!!
Enchilada Recipe
Hope you enjoy! ~Megan
Kids get botox!! Yup, I've learned here that it is true that children who have problems with their joints and their joints not flexing or extending to the appropriate degree may be given botox injections in order to increase the flexibility there. I was definitely unaware of this practice before shadowing here. Often time, botox combined with casting really helps kids to reach new degrees in flexion and extension of their limbs.
Today, for one of the hours that I shadowed, I observed a woman that seemed very similar to me personality-wise. She was over-excitatory but I could tell that she thoroughly enjoyed what she was doing. I feel like the way that she worked with her patient is very similar to the way that I will work with my patient's in the future because I'm not a really loud person and I like a good combination and fun and seriousness. It was nice to see someone that I feel works like I do because it gives me an assurance that there are people with VERY similar characteristics as me in this field. Basically, it was a little confidence booster that I can be successful in this career with the personality that I have. :)
In Other News:
Lucas and I are transitioning very nicely into living together. I am actually quite surprised. I can see now that us being apart is the trunk of a lot of our arguements. It's very hard on my emotionally whenever we're apart and now looking back, I see that I take a lot of that emotion out on him on the occasion that we do get to see each other because I know it is going to end.
Anywho, we have been sharing ALL responsibilities. From cooking to trash to dishes to driving to work in the morning. It has been very nice knowing that he is just as willing to have an egalitarian relationship as I am. It's a great relief knowing that I will be able to rely on him when I need to in the future! :)
THIS WEEKEND: Lucas and I are going to meet with friends at the Good Guys Car Show at LP Field and spend the day there. I'm really excited because it was a lot of fun last year and it gives him and opportunity to spend time with his friends. I also enjoy spending time with Haven and Broady. They're a great couple to go on double dates with.
Also, on Sunday, we have plans to go to a Nature Area in the Brentwood area and take a picnic with us which will be really nice. Hopefully we'll go to church somewhere too. I think we both really need it AND we really need to start looking for a church home so that we'll have somewhere to attend after we get married and while I'm in graduate school.
Since this blog has been rather lengthy, I'll think I'll close now BUT before I go I want to leave you with this wonderful recipe that Lucas and I had last night. Butternut Squash, Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas--They were delicious!!!
Enchilada Recipe
Hope you enjoy! ~Megan
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Just Another Day in the Life of Me
Howdy! This girl is tired so this post may be rather short but I had a moment and thought that I would post.
953---Lucas tells me to remember that. He's fiercely working trying to get ahead before his work week starts.
Today was Mother's Day and I spent the better part of my day with my momma. Boy do I love her! She and dad have been two of the most supportive people in my life. They're ALWAYS there believing in me, supporting me and pushing me to better myself no matter the situation.
On Thursday night, I went to Willisburg, KY and camped out with Cathy, Amanda, and Clare until Saturday. It was a lot of fun and a great kick-off to the summer. I cooked burgers over a fire which I was really proud of!!
When I got back home on Saturday, I went to the movies with my mom, Katelyn and Kevin to see Dark Shadows. Saturday evening, Lucas and I went to class night to see his brother walk out!
Today, I ate at Ryan's with the family, Granny, Papa, Kevin, Wanda, Roger, Ricky, and Zach. It was really enjoyable although I ate way too much! I cannot go to all-you-can-eat buffets! Then, dad sent us (me, Kat and Mom) into Harbor Freight to look for tools. That was a site and a half. I was laughing the whole way and I'm pretty sure everyone else in the store was slightly amused too. Afterwards, we went to visit Granny and Papa and they had newborn kittys that were born outside their house. They were adorable!!
Now, I'm sitting on the couch with Lucas while he completes some work he's been trying to finish. Hopefully in the next few days I'll get to post some pictures of some of these adventures!! :)
Have a wonderful night and I'll try to as well!
953---Lucas tells me to remember that. He's fiercely working trying to get ahead before his work week starts.
Today was Mother's Day and I spent the better part of my day with my momma. Boy do I love her! She and dad have been two of the most supportive people in my life. They're ALWAYS there believing in me, supporting me and pushing me to better myself no matter the situation.
On Thursday night, I went to Willisburg, KY and camped out with Cathy, Amanda, and Clare until Saturday. It was a lot of fun and a great kick-off to the summer. I cooked burgers over a fire which I was really proud of!!
When I got back home on Saturday, I went to the movies with my mom, Katelyn and Kevin to see Dark Shadows. Saturday evening, Lucas and I went to class night to see his brother walk out!
Today, I ate at Ryan's with the family, Granny, Papa, Kevin, Wanda, Roger, Ricky, and Zach. It was really enjoyable although I ate way too much! I cannot go to all-you-can-eat buffets! Then, dad sent us (me, Kat and Mom) into Harbor Freight to look for tools. That was a site and a half. I was laughing the whole way and I'm pretty sure everyone else in the store was slightly amused too. Afterwards, we went to visit Granny and Papa and they had newborn kittys that were born outside their house. They were adorable!!
Now, I'm sitting on the couch with Lucas while he completes some work he's been trying to finish. Hopefully in the next few days I'll get to post some pictures of some of these adventures!! :)
Have a wonderful night and I'll try to as well!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Things that I have learned over the past few days
Since this experience (shadowing) is helping me to determine a big portion of my life I think that I should document it pretty thoroughly. That's why I'm posting again. Plus, right now, there's some downtime at the clinic to do so. Here are a few things that I have learned:
1. SOAP----Subjective: Who brought the child, who the child was, etc.
Objective: What did you do during the session. # of push-ups, # of steps taken, distance walking, etc. Contains numbers. Address each goal that you worked towards.
Assessment: How did the child do compared to the last time, how are they progressing in their goals
Plan: What do you plan to do in the future to continue working towards meeting the goals?
2. ADL-----Activities of daily living: A lot of patients work on skills that they can use in their day-to-day life like buttoning their pants, tying their shoes, using the bathroom on their own, etc. There is an ADL room here in the clinic that is specifically used for working on these skills. It's pretty amazing.
3. OT's cast and splint which I was not aware of prior to shadowing here. It's not a requirement but with training a person can.
4. Vanderbilt inparticularly does their very best, from what I have seen so far, to ensure that the treatment they are giving the patients is covered by their insurance so that they pay the minimum amount. It's a really great practice in my opinion since I come from a low-income family that doesn't have that extra money to spend on medical costs. Also, in my hometown, this isn't a common practice at the facilities that I have been to. (Vision care and dental care) Regardless of whether it was covered by insurance or not, they did the treatment that they wanted to do without confronting me or my parents first which is essentially unacceptable for the population that those facilities are serving.
I'll add more later.
1. SOAP----Subjective: Who brought the child, who the child was, etc.
Objective: What did you do during the session. # of push-ups, # of steps taken, distance walking, etc. Contains numbers. Address each goal that you worked towards.
Assessment: How did the child do compared to the last time, how are they progressing in their goals
Plan: What do you plan to do in the future to continue working towards meeting the goals?
2. ADL-----Activities of daily living: A lot of patients work on skills that they can use in their day-to-day life like buttoning their pants, tying their shoes, using the bathroom on their own, etc. There is an ADL room here in the clinic that is specifically used for working on these skills. It's pretty amazing.
3. OT's cast and splint which I was not aware of prior to shadowing here. It's not a requirement but with training a person can.
4. Vanderbilt inparticularly does their very best, from what I have seen so far, to ensure that the treatment they are giving the patients is covered by their insurance so that they pay the minimum amount. It's a really great practice in my opinion since I come from a low-income family that doesn't have that extra money to spend on medical costs. Also, in my hometown, this isn't a common practice at the facilities that I have been to. (Vision care and dental care) Regardless of whether it was covered by insurance or not, they did the treatment that they wanted to do without confronting me or my parents first which is essentially unacceptable for the population that those facilities are serving.
I'll add more later.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Shadowing at Vanderbilt Pediatric Rehabilitation Center
The past two days I have been shadowing perdiatric OTs at Vanderbilt to get a feel of what it's like to work in pediatrics compared to geriatrics and to see what OTs actually do particularly in a hospital setting. Some things that I have seen that I really like are:
1. OTs here wear scrubs!! This is exciting for me because I don't really like to dress up and I thought that they might wear slacks and flats with a blouse which really isn't my style. I prefer comfort over cute.
2. It's a very goal-based career. Basically, the OT sets goals with the child and parents for every 3 months or so. Those are the goals that the OT works on for the 3 months following making them. After those 3 months, the goals are evaluated and either will continue to be worked on or will be checked off as accomplished. From talking with different staff members, it seems like there are normally 3-4 goals that are made for each time frame.
3. The one-on-one work. I definitely prefer to work one-on-one or in small groups with people rather than in large groups and OT definitely does that. So far, I have only shadowed in 1-on-1 groups and I'm fairly sure that's all they do here since each patient is working on specific goals.
4. The is such a variety in the work that the OTs do. I've witnessed casting sessions, sessions that focused on strengthening muscles, working on fine motor skills, sensory, ADL (activities of daily living), balance and coordination. Also, every patient is different. They have various diagnoses, a variety of cognitive abilities and each parent interaction is different which is something that I will enjoy. Also, as an OT, if you get bored with a specific area of the work or don't feel that it's your strong suit, you can focus on something else.
5. They get to be active with their patients! This is one of my favorite things about the career! I am a restless person and don't like to be coped up at a desk all day. As an OT, I would get to be out in a session for an hour or two, then come back to my desk and make notes for a little while.
6. Also, the scheduling seems to be semi-flexible which can be important in the case of emergencies although I rarely to never miss work.
7. It's a very practical career where the results are clear. That's important for me because when I see that a patient is making progress, I will feel that we as a team have done something worthwhile. Being able to check goals off will be just as if not more exciting for me as it will be for the patient knowing that my tactics are being effective and that the patient is gaining a better quality of life and is able to become more independent.
8. As far as the benefits of working with kids compared to other patient populations, children games and activities can be more exciting and the kids are more likely to comply and get excited about the activities from what I have seen so far. They seem to be more motivated to accomplish the goals because they are still really hopeful about their future whereas in the nursing home setting, I think that not complying or not trying could be a problem because the patients have lost hope that their health is going to improve.
That's all I can think of at the moment. If any more things come to mind, I will be sure to add them.
1. OTs here wear scrubs!! This is exciting for me because I don't really like to dress up and I thought that they might wear slacks and flats with a blouse which really isn't my style. I prefer comfort over cute.
2. It's a very goal-based career. Basically, the OT sets goals with the child and parents for every 3 months or so. Those are the goals that the OT works on for the 3 months following making them. After those 3 months, the goals are evaluated and either will continue to be worked on or will be checked off as accomplished. From talking with different staff members, it seems like there are normally 3-4 goals that are made for each time frame.
3. The one-on-one work. I definitely prefer to work one-on-one or in small groups with people rather than in large groups and OT definitely does that. So far, I have only shadowed in 1-on-1 groups and I'm fairly sure that's all they do here since each patient is working on specific goals.
4. The is such a variety in the work that the OTs do. I've witnessed casting sessions, sessions that focused on strengthening muscles, working on fine motor skills, sensory, ADL (activities of daily living), balance and coordination. Also, every patient is different. They have various diagnoses, a variety of cognitive abilities and each parent interaction is different which is something that I will enjoy. Also, as an OT, if you get bored with a specific area of the work or don't feel that it's your strong suit, you can focus on something else.
5. They get to be active with their patients! This is one of my favorite things about the career! I am a restless person and don't like to be coped up at a desk all day. As an OT, I would get to be out in a session for an hour or two, then come back to my desk and make notes for a little while.
6. Also, the scheduling seems to be semi-flexible which can be important in the case of emergencies although I rarely to never miss work.
7. It's a very practical career where the results are clear. That's important for me because when I see that a patient is making progress, I will feel that we as a team have done something worthwhile. Being able to check goals off will be just as if not more exciting for me as it will be for the patient knowing that my tactics are being effective and that the patient is gaining a better quality of life and is able to become more independent.
8. As far as the benefits of working with kids compared to other patient populations, children games and activities can be more exciting and the kids are more likely to comply and get excited about the activities from what I have seen so far. They seem to be more motivated to accomplish the goals because they are still really hopeful about their future whereas in the nursing home setting, I think that not complying or not trying could be a problem because the patients have lost hope that their health is going to improve.
That's all I can think of at the moment. If any more things come to mind, I will be sure to add them.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Quote to keep forever
"I see what I do to see what I believe."
---Sister Helen Prejean
She was a convocation speaker earlier this year and I didn't want to lose this quote because I feel like it is the essence of why I have such a difficult time figuring out what I want to do with my life. I want my life to exemplify my morals and values. I'm on the journey to figuring that life out.
---Sister Helen Prejean
She was a convocation speaker earlier this year and I didn't want to lose this quote because I feel like it is the essence of why I have such a difficult time figuring out what I want to do with my life. I want my life to exemplify my morals and values. I'm on the journey to figuring that life out.
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