Currently reading through 1 Kings made me wonder a few things. 1) New Testament is definitely more exciting and applicable (practically) that the Old Testament. 2) There are so many kings and characters how the heck am I suppose to remember all these people. And 3) There is such a huge contrast between the Old and New Testament in terms of worship style and relationship with God.
Just the sheer discipline and rules and laws would make me have to sacrifice everything I have. It only makes the coming of Christ that much more awesome. Of course the main being that he died for my sins and the sins of the world by paying the ultimate sacrifice of death not having deserved it, but also in the practical sense I don't have to follow all these rules and laws and what nots because Christ came. I don't have to go through a priest or offer a sacrifice to talk to my Father and ask for forgiveness.
Growing up as a Christian family, prayer has always been a part of my daily life. I prayed when I ate food, my mom prayed with us when she dropped us off at school and I prayed before I went to bed. And through the years I never really understood why we say "And in JESUS name I pray, Amen". Now having realized a few years back it only reiterates the fact that Christ plays a part in every bit of my life. When I go to school, go to the market, the bank, hang out with friends, etc, in some way shape or form I can glorify God or disappoint Him. As a human being and person who thinks very scientifically, it's easy to assume that a simple task like cooking doesn't really have any significance in my relationship with God. But this morning, as I was making my awesome egg fried rice and was waiting for the egg to cook, I took a moment to pause and was just grateful that I had something to eat. I reflected upon how so stinkin lazy I am sometimes that even though I have a full fridge (that my mom absolutely stuffed food with) I decide to drive 5 miles and buy a Chipotle burrito. As a first year med student we take this class called Human Context that sheds light upon being a physician and how we must take in the physical ailments and also address the emotional and spiritual as well. We write this paper every two weeks that does require a level or reflecting, and pondered on the fact how I take so many things for granted. Not just my relationship with God and the Gospel message, but little little things like my family, my friends, the fact that I have car, a place to sleep, food, etc. Yet, more often than not, I think that I don't have anything, that I need more and would only be satisfied if my desires were filled. For example clothes. Yes buying new clothes is awesomeeeeee, and I wanted to go to the PX to buy clothes that are not only at wholesale price but also tax free. I mean you can buy a La Coste polo shirt for 50 bucks! Holy snaps! But the other day as I was literally driving to the PX, I came to the realization, dude, I wear a stinkin uniform to school everyday and spend 6 out of the 7 nights a week in the library. What the snaps am I going to do with a new clothes? Then all of a sudden I just thought of the lyrics "you give and take away" from Blessed Be Your Name and just how easily God gave me the means to even consider buying new clothes, he can easily take that away from me.
More and more I hope that from the moment I wake up till the moment I check out for the night, there is not a moment where I stop thinking how in ALL things that I do, God plays a role in it.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
My First Chance
Wow it has been a while since the last one. Got through Officer Basic, settled into my new home for the next several years in the city of Bethesda, and already onto the third week of school. The schedule hasn't been too bad, just had our first biochemistry exam on Friday and now another exam for Structure and Functions Exam (both a practical and written exam) so it is essential two exams put into one. I think the biggest challenge is going to be balancing between the different classes, exams and papers, whilst still trying to manage(salvage) somewhat of a social life.
One thing I do not want to fall into is the trap of putting school before everything (including God) again. I did this as an undergraduate and I can see that it was definitely not greatest idea, especially putting it before God. I've yet to find a church, I checked out this one church for about a month and half but decided to look and check out some other churches. Growing up I've been actively involved in church, and even times when I changed churches and said that I wasn't going to get involved and such, I always ended up serving in some way or another. But with the given schedule and situation I believe it is God's way of telling me to be a learner, essentially a sponge for information and learning, and then serve again when the time arises.
My parents came to visit last week and it was really good seeing them. We got to see the city and visit the National Mall and got to eat at my fav restaurant here in DC. They loved the PX and commissary and spent so much money on cheap+tax free clothes and groceries. In addition, my momma made my a stink-load amount of food, enough to last me about a month and a half. Which should be just enough to get me wanting her food again when I visit home in Dec.
School is starting to pick up a bit faster and the word is it only gets worse. Only really had about a few hours to recover from the last exam before I started to study again....
I need a vaca...
One thing I do not want to fall into is the trap of putting school before everything (including God) again. I did this as an undergraduate and I can see that it was definitely not greatest idea, especially putting it before God. I've yet to find a church, I checked out this one church for about a month and half but decided to look and check out some other churches. Growing up I've been actively involved in church, and even times when I changed churches and said that I wasn't going to get involved and such, I always ended up serving in some way or another. But with the given schedule and situation I believe it is God's way of telling me to be a learner, essentially a sponge for information and learning, and then serve again when the time arises.
My parents came to visit last week and it was really good seeing them. We got to see the city and visit the National Mall and got to eat at my fav restaurant here in DC. They loved the PX and commissary and spent so much money on cheap+tax free clothes and groceries. In addition, my momma made my a stink-load amount of food, enough to last me about a month and a half. Which should be just enough to get me wanting her food again when I visit home in Dec.
School is starting to pick up a bit faster and the word is it only gets worse. Only really had about a few hours to recover from the last exam before I started to study again....
I need a vaca...
Monday, July 5, 2010
My first day of actual rest
Today was awesomeeeeeeeeee….other than the fact that I sneezed about 2 dozen times throughout the day it was soo nice to actually get some rest. Woke up at around 830 (8 hours of sleep!!!) and went downstairs for some breakfast. Had my French toast, eggs, yogurt and cereal and shimmied my way back to my room only to find myself watching TV and updating my Facebook for about 2 hours…summoned up the energy to run to the gym (about 1.5 miles) do some push ups and sit ups and then run back with Chip.
Luckily it was not as humid as San Antonio gets, but still sweated like no other. Took a quick shower and then drove down to the Riverwalk to eat at this Texican (Texas + Mexican) joint and had their guacomole and beans burger with fried…holy cripess I eat like poopie…
Afterwards took a nap for a couple of hours and then had to meet my platoon to tape our bags and load them onto the truck. Then got an email from our Platoon Leader about random drug testing and thankfully I did not get chosen…not because of the drugs, but because those who did got had to wake up at 0400 for the UA….suckssss…Johnny and Eric got chosen hahahahaha which totally whomps.
Have to wake up at 0450 so went to bed early…tomorrow we start field training, FTX, so kind of nervous and excited for that!!!
Thought of the day:
Take rest whenever you can. Can’t always be doing something ALL the time. Appreciate the times of rest and the times you have off. Even God rested on the 7th day.
Luckily it was not as humid as San Antonio gets, but still sweated like no other. Took a quick shower and then drove down to the Riverwalk to eat at this Texican (Texas + Mexican) joint and had their guacomole and beans burger with fried…holy cripess I eat like poopie…
Afterwards took a nap for a couple of hours and then had to meet my platoon to tape our bags and load them onto the truck. Then got an email from our Platoon Leader about random drug testing and thankfully I did not get chosen…not because of the drugs, but because those who did got had to wake up at 0400 for the UA….suckssss…Johnny and Eric got chosen hahahahaha which totally whomps.
Have to wake up at 0450 so went to bed early…tomorrow we start field training, FTX, so kind of nervous and excited for that!!!
Thought of the day:
Take rest whenever you can. Can’t always be doing something ALL the time. Appreciate the times of rest and the times you have off. Even God rested on the 7th day.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
My First Army Sunday
Sunday
Went to 930 Protestant service at the Fort Sam Houston chapel and it was very different indeed. They sang like 7-8 songs or worship…and not to be too critical or anything but the music and voices were not that great, not just the technical side of it but it seemed also the spiritual as well…just seemed kind of hard to get into and such. The message as well was very topical. Went over Romans 12 today and basically read through the chapter and did a run down of each section. Still informative and learned about how as Christians we are set apart from the nons.
In the afternoon a few of us went to the Guadalupe River and rode some tubes down the river. It was actually really fun. Jumped off a few 10 feet rocks and some ropes that were hanging off the trees and what not. Basically rode down the river for about 2.5 hours and got freaken sun burned like a crispy chicken in an oven….holy snapsss…
Came back tired and then went back out to watch Fourth of July fireworks. A couple of guys wanted to head down to the Riverwalk, but was wayyyy too tired.
Went to 930 Protestant service at the Fort Sam Houston chapel and it was very different indeed. They sang like 7-8 songs or worship…and not to be too critical or anything but the music and voices were not that great, not just the technical side of it but it seemed also the spiritual as well…just seemed kind of hard to get into and such. The message as well was very topical. Went over Romans 12 today and basically read through the chapter and did a run down of each section. Still informative and learned about how as Christians we are set apart from the nons.
In the afternoon a few of us went to the Guadalupe River and rode some tubes down the river. It was actually really fun. Jumped off a few 10 feet rocks and some ropes that were hanging off the trees and what not. Basically rode down the river for about 2.5 hours and got freaken sun burned like a crispy chicken in an oven….holy snapsss…
Came back tired and then went back out to watch Fourth of July fireworks. A couple of guys wanted to head down to the Riverwalk, but was wayyyy too tired.
Past days...
June 19, 2010
Saturday
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1100 Class
1100-1305 Lunch
1305-1315 Formation
1315-1730 Class
After class we went to go eat at the San Antonio Riverwalk at some Mexican restaurant called Casa Rio. It was pretty yummy and the Riverwalk was a pretty cool place but so many of us are so tired that we just went back to the hotel after dinner.
June 20, 2010
Sunday
Today was our first day off this whole week and spent most of my morning sleeping and watching the some of the world cup. Which sucks is that there is so much inprocessing paperwork and so many classes to keep up with that a day off is just a day to catch up on laundry, homework and learning the rules of becoming an officer.
Monday
0415-0630 APFT test
0630-0830 Breakfast
0830-1100 Classes
1100-1230 Lunch
1230-1700 Classes (boring as heck!!)
1700-1800 Dinner
Blerggg I failed my first APFT test. I couldn’t do my sit ups which was expected so not really surprised at that. I have a lot to make up for and got to work a littler harder for PT training to pass the retest next month…snapssss….if I don’t pass this I could lose my acceptance..scaryyyy… the morning classes were not that bad but holy snapsss the afternoon classes were sooo boring. It was about how to write and present information like an officer in the army during briefs and such and mannn I never found it that hard to not fall asleep in my life.
For dinner I was famished so I ate like beast and also didn’t do PT for the night. Just needed a break and some rest, don’t want to get sick. Starting tomorrow got to work a little harder.
June 22, 2010
0415 Pt formation in ACU (Army Combat Uniforms)
0415-0600 Waiting for the dental clinic to open up……blergggg
0600-0700 Dental exams
0700-0730 CAC Card!!! Official military ID!
0730-0855 Breakfast
0855-1130 Classes
1130-1250 Lunch
1250-1750 Classes
1750-1830 Dinner
June 23, 2010
0715-0730 Formation
0730-1630 Army residency programs and lunch, etc.
Got a briefing today about all the residency programs and such in
Internal
Pediatrics
Transitional year
• For people who want to go into other programs who didn’t get into the specialty they wanted.
• Anesthesiology
• Physical Med+Rehab
• Opthamology
• Dermatology
• Radiology
• Aerospace
• These are some of the specialties, there is a possibility of doing a transitional year.
• Brooke, Eisenhower, Madigan, Tripler, Walter Reed, William Beaumont are the locations of the transitional year programs.
Family Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Preventative/Occupational Medicine
Psychiatry
Emergency Medicine
General Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Neurology
Tripler Army Medical Center
Army Community Hospital
Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Walter Reed National Military Med Center
Madigan Army Med Center
William Beaumont Army Med Center
Brooke Army Med Center
June 24, 2010
0615 Formation at D Fac (Dining facility) to ride bus
0615-1130 BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) to get shots and draw blood.
1130-1300 Lunch
Twas a short day
June 25, 2010
0615 Bus pickup 1384
0615-0630 BAMC
0630-1115 Info Mil Medicine
1115-1200 Lunch
1200-1700 More Info on Military Medicine
Order of Merit list
• ADT Performance (rotation performance)
• Med school performance
• Board scores
• Awards + Honors
• Mil + Extra-curricular activities
• Dean’s letter and LOR’s
• Interview
• Research + publications: advanced degrees
• Point is be well-rounded individuals
Resident Money
CPT <2 years: $3660.60/mos
BAS $223.05/mos
BAH $1254/mos (without dependents)
Variable special pay(VSP): slave pay
• Intern: $100/mos, 2nd year ~$500/mos
How to be a good med student
• Presentation
• Professional
• Involved
• Helpful
o Be on time and present
o Stay until work is done, don’t ask to go home
o Your appearance matters (wear uniforms, dress appropriate, wear coat→clean)
o Act happy to be there
o Pay attn, volunteer, speak up (voice your opinions/questions)
o Read, read, read and share what you learn
o Help out in any way possible and whoever possible
Presentation
• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Med
o Shift work
• General surgery
o 4 spots at BAMC
o @ BAMC trauma everyday
• internal Medicine
• Orthopaedics
o 5 years, intern year is gen surgery
o drawbacks: long hours, 20 spots in Army
• OB/GYN
• Ophthalmology
o 4 year residency
o 1 year transitional intern
• Otolaryngology (E.N.T.)
o 5 year→1st year as gen surg
• Pathology
• Peds
• Radiology
• Transitional year
The presentations has really got me pumped. However, ortho is ridiculous here at BAMC. Spent about an hour talking to the residency director and he said to accomplish and succeed the following:
• Grades
• Rotations
• Step 1
• Research-publications
• Community service
• Mil projects
Basically be a freaken rockstar with no life during med school.
June 26, 2010
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1200 Class
1200-1230 Lunch
1230-1700 Classes and dinner
June 27, 2010
It was my day off today and I was totally pooped. Few of the guys went to Six Flags (the Original one) but I was way too tired and had way too much to do so I decided to stay at in my hotel but started the day early. I got up at 7 to get some breakfast, ate and watched some ESPN till like 8ish and then my day got started. Studied for my midterm exam on Tuesday, figured out to logistical stuff for AKO, finished up some homework, updated my computer and hard-drive, worked out and sure enough it was already like 9 o clockish. So I took a shower and went to bed only to wake up at 445 to get ready for PT formation at 510.
Today was a good and restful day.
June 28, 2010
Monday
0510-0520 Formation
0520-0530 Stretch it out
0530-0630 PT (physical training)
0630-0750 Breakfast
0750-0800 Formation
0800-1130 Class
1130-1300 Lunch
1300-1600 Class
Afterwards went to the clothing store to exchange my beret and take my roommate to get his ASU fitted.
Had to study for a midterm about being an officer and all the basic strategies that all officers of the Army needed to know.
June 29, 2010
0510-0520 Formation
0520-0630 PT
0630-0800 Breakfast/get cleaned up and change
0800-1115 Class
1115-1230 Lunch
1230-1620 Class
1620-2200 Get stuff ready for tomorrow, figure out move, homework, etc blah blah blah….soooo much stuff to do its ridiculous…..
June 30, 2010
Wednesday
0520-0530 Formation
0530-0630 PT
0630-0800 Breakfast/change/shower
0800-1130 Class
1130-1230 Lunch
1230-1620 Class
1620-1730 Generals Reception
After the General’s reception (3 star General btw…..Lieutenant General), went to Armadillos to have what I have to call the biggest burger I have ever eaten…holy snapsss…it was really good as well….
July 1, 2010
0715-0730 Formation
0730-1130 Class
1130-1320 Lunch-but I spend that time setting up my move and what not.
1320-1600 M-16 Training…which was really coooool.
1900-1930 PCI check
July 2, 2010
Friday
0735-0745 Formation
0745-1130 Classes
1130→free dayyyyy
Got out early today in order to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
July 3, 2010
Saturday
Woke up today maddd tiredddd…..I hate not being able to sleep after waking up in the morning….so I decided to go get some breakfast at the hotel lobby and ate while watching the Germany and Argentina game…which was a total slaughter, 4-0, should be 5-0 but Klose totally botched one shot that should have been a goal. Then headed off to SEA WORLDDDDD which was totally coooolioo….I want a Beluga whale……man I haven’t been to Seaworld in like 15 years or so and it was all for FREEE!!! Suckazzzzz….
Then later in the night watched UFC 116 and it was sad. First of all watched Krystoff lose….and then Matt Brown got subbed…and thennn Lesnar won…FUDGEEEE talk about 3 strikeouts….now not only did Lesnar win, but he won by submission….an arm triangle…are you kidding meeeeeeee…the day started off well…but ended horribly…blerggggggg….
Saturday
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1100 Class
1100-1305 Lunch
1305-1315 Formation
1315-1730 Class
After class we went to go eat at the San Antonio Riverwalk at some Mexican restaurant called Casa Rio. It was pretty yummy and the Riverwalk was a pretty cool place but so many of us are so tired that we just went back to the hotel after dinner.
June 20, 2010
Sunday
Today was our first day off this whole week and spent most of my morning sleeping and watching the some of the world cup. Which sucks is that there is so much inprocessing paperwork and so many classes to keep up with that a day off is just a day to catch up on laundry, homework and learning the rules of becoming an officer.
Monday
0415-0630 APFT test
0630-0830 Breakfast
0830-1100 Classes
1100-1230 Lunch
1230-1700 Classes (boring as heck!!)
1700-1800 Dinner
Blerggg I failed my first APFT test. I couldn’t do my sit ups which was expected so not really surprised at that. I have a lot to make up for and got to work a littler harder for PT training to pass the retest next month…snapssss….if I don’t pass this I could lose my acceptance..scaryyyy… the morning classes were not that bad but holy snapsss the afternoon classes were sooo boring. It was about how to write and present information like an officer in the army during briefs and such and mannn I never found it that hard to not fall asleep in my life.
For dinner I was famished so I ate like beast and also didn’t do PT for the night. Just needed a break and some rest, don’t want to get sick. Starting tomorrow got to work a little harder.
June 22, 2010
0415 Pt formation in ACU (Army Combat Uniforms)
0415-0600 Waiting for the dental clinic to open up……blergggg
0600-0700 Dental exams
0700-0730 CAC Card!!! Official military ID!
0730-0855 Breakfast
0855-1130 Classes
1130-1250 Lunch
1250-1750 Classes
1750-1830 Dinner
June 23, 2010
0715-0730 Formation
0730-1630 Army residency programs and lunch, etc.
Got a briefing today about all the residency programs and such in
Internal
Pediatrics
Transitional year
• For people who want to go into other programs who didn’t get into the specialty they wanted.
• Anesthesiology
• Physical Med+Rehab
• Opthamology
• Dermatology
• Radiology
• Aerospace
• These are some of the specialties, there is a possibility of doing a transitional year.
• Brooke, Eisenhower, Madigan, Tripler, Walter Reed, William Beaumont are the locations of the transitional year programs.
Family Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Preventative/Occupational Medicine
Psychiatry
Emergency Medicine
General Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Neurology
Tripler Army Medical Center
Army Community Hospital
Eisenhower Army Medical Center
Walter Reed National Military Med Center
Madigan Army Med Center
William Beaumont Army Med Center
Brooke Army Med Center
June 24, 2010
0615 Formation at D Fac (Dining facility) to ride bus
0615-1130 BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) to get shots and draw blood.
1130-1300 Lunch
Twas a short day
June 25, 2010
0615 Bus pickup 1384
0615-0630 BAMC
0630-1115 Info Mil Medicine
1115-1200 Lunch
1200-1700 More Info on Military Medicine
Order of Merit list
• ADT Performance (rotation performance)
• Med school performance
• Board scores
• Awards + Honors
• Mil + Extra-curricular activities
• Dean’s letter and LOR’s
• Interview
• Research + publications: advanced degrees
• Point is be well-rounded individuals
Resident Money
CPT <2 years: $3660.60/mos
BAS $223.05/mos
BAH $1254/mos (without dependents)
Variable special pay(VSP): slave pay
• Intern: $100/mos, 2nd year ~$500/mos
How to be a good med student
• Presentation
• Professional
• Involved
• Helpful
o Be on time and present
o Stay until work is done, don’t ask to go home
o Your appearance matters (wear uniforms, dress appropriate, wear coat→clean)
o Act happy to be there
o Pay attn, volunteer, speak up (voice your opinions/questions)
o Read, read, read and share what you learn
o Help out in any way possible and whoever possible
Presentation
• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Med
o Shift work
• General surgery
o 4 spots at BAMC
o @ BAMC trauma everyday
• internal Medicine
• Orthopaedics
o 5 years, intern year is gen surgery
o drawbacks: long hours, 20 spots in Army
• OB/GYN
• Ophthalmology
o 4 year residency
o 1 year transitional intern
• Otolaryngology (E.N.T.)
o 5 year→1st year as gen surg
• Pathology
• Peds
• Radiology
• Transitional year
The presentations has really got me pumped. However, ortho is ridiculous here at BAMC. Spent about an hour talking to the residency director and he said to accomplish and succeed the following:
• Grades
• Rotations
• Step 1
• Research-publications
• Community service
• Mil projects
Basically be a freaken rockstar with no life during med school.
June 26, 2010
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1200 Class
1200-1230 Lunch
1230-1700 Classes and dinner
June 27, 2010
It was my day off today and I was totally pooped. Few of the guys went to Six Flags (the Original one) but I was way too tired and had way too much to do so I decided to stay at in my hotel but started the day early. I got up at 7 to get some breakfast, ate and watched some ESPN till like 8ish and then my day got started. Studied for my midterm exam on Tuesday, figured out to logistical stuff for AKO, finished up some homework, updated my computer and hard-drive, worked out and sure enough it was already like 9 o clockish. So I took a shower and went to bed only to wake up at 445 to get ready for PT formation at 510.
Today was a good and restful day.
June 28, 2010
Monday
0510-0520 Formation
0520-0530 Stretch it out
0530-0630 PT (physical training)
0630-0750 Breakfast
0750-0800 Formation
0800-1130 Class
1130-1300 Lunch
1300-1600 Class
Afterwards went to the clothing store to exchange my beret and take my roommate to get his ASU fitted.
Had to study for a midterm about being an officer and all the basic strategies that all officers of the Army needed to know.
June 29, 2010
0510-0520 Formation
0520-0630 PT
0630-0800 Breakfast/get cleaned up and change
0800-1115 Class
1115-1230 Lunch
1230-1620 Class
1620-2200 Get stuff ready for tomorrow, figure out move, homework, etc blah blah blah….soooo much stuff to do its ridiculous…..
June 30, 2010
Wednesday
0520-0530 Formation
0530-0630 PT
0630-0800 Breakfast/change/shower
0800-1130 Class
1130-1230 Lunch
1230-1620 Class
1620-1730 Generals Reception
After the General’s reception (3 star General btw…..Lieutenant General), went to Armadillos to have what I have to call the biggest burger I have ever eaten…holy snapsss…it was really good as well….
July 1, 2010
0715-0730 Formation
0730-1130 Class
1130-1320 Lunch-but I spend that time setting up my move and what not.
1320-1600 M-16 Training…which was really coooool.
1900-1930 PCI check
July 2, 2010
Friday
0735-0745 Formation
0745-1130 Classes
1130→free dayyyyy
Got out early today in order to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
July 3, 2010
Saturday
Woke up today maddd tiredddd…..I hate not being able to sleep after waking up in the morning….so I decided to go get some breakfast at the hotel lobby and ate while watching the Germany and Argentina game…which was a total slaughter, 4-0, should be 5-0 but Klose totally botched one shot that should have been a goal. Then headed off to SEA WORLDDDDD which was totally coooolioo….I want a Beluga whale……man I haven’t been to Seaworld in like 15 years or so and it was all for FREEE!!! Suckazzzzz….
Then later in the night watched UFC 116 and it was sad. First of all watched Krystoff lose….and then Matt Brown got subbed…and thennn Lesnar won…FUDGEEEE talk about 3 strikeouts….now not only did Lesnar win, but he won by submission….an arm triangle…are you kidding meeeeeeee…the day started off well…but ended horribly…blerggggggg….
Friday, June 18, 2010
My Nonexistent Friday
18th June 2010
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1100 Class
1100-1300 Lunch
1300-1615 CIF (field equipment pickup)
1615-1730 FTX Brief (Field training brief)
1730-1830 Dinner
Today was just like any other day here at OBLC but today we got issued our field equipment gear. Like Kevlar helmets, canteens, sleeping bag, etc. It has been a long day and as of right now can't pass the stinkin physical test....blerg....
Got a full day tomorrow, a Saturday, which is whack attack....
0745-0800 Formation
0800-1100 Class
1100-1300 Lunch
1300-1615 CIF (field equipment pickup)
1615-1730 FTX Brief (Field training brief)
1730-1830 Dinner
Today was just like any other day here at OBLC but today we got issued our field equipment gear. Like Kevlar helmets, canteens, sleeping bag, etc. It has been a long day and as of right now can't pass the stinkin physical test....blerg....
Got a full day tomorrow, a Saturday, which is whack attack....
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My First Day(s)
June 13, 2010
Day 1
Reported into FT Sam Houston San Antonio, Texas at 1200 and met my roommate, Tim from North Carolina...cool guy..gonna get married soon or something like that..our room is at the army sponsored hotel which is actually not that bad...air conditioning, fridge, microwave, and a little nook for food and stuff. The first thing that came into realization is that San Antonio is ridiculously hot and humid...is seriously like walking through hot syrup....as soon as I walk outside I start to sweat....blergggg...
As soon as I got to my room we had to change into PT gear and go get weighed and measured for height, as well as turn in some paperwork. On the way there somebody yelled at me because I didn't have my shirt tucked in....blergg....20 minutes in and I'm already doing things wrong...
June 14, 2010
Day 2
0415 Formation
0420-0600 Learned how to march
0600-0700 Breakfast
0700-1200 In processing
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1800 In processing
1800-1900 Dinner
Long stinking day...started out getting all lined up into the platoons that we were assigned to and lined up by squads. So it goes(i think) battalion > company > platoon > squad. As of right now I am part of the 187th AMEDD Alpha company, 6th platoon, 4th squad, A team. Normally each company usually has only a max of 4 platoons but because of size command changed up the numbering and stuff or something...
Still really hot and humid, everybody including myself is smelly...but luckily the food is actually pretty good, its kind of like the dorms over at UCI, but the food is soooo much better. The first day was a day of just classes and in processing. Learning the ways of the becoming an Army officer and to turn in paperwork and stuff.
June 15, 2010
Day 3
Similar to yesterday. But it was weird filling out life insurance and power of Attorney papers...weather sucks...
June 16, 2010
Day 4
0700-0830 Optometry clinic for field glasses
0830-1230 DNC(Drill and ceremony)
1230-0200 Lunch
0200-0600 In processing/classes
0600-0625 Dinner
Had to wake up earlier than the rest of the company because there are some issues with my security clearance that USUHS kind of messed up on. I made it in time for DNC and mann that was tough. Marching and learning how to march for 4 hours in the San Antonio weather was not easy...
After dinner roommate and I went to the commissary(military supermarket) and holy snapsss it is sooo cheap. I bought all these drinks to hydrate (gatorade, propel) and stuff and it only cost $17!!! Sweeetttt, and only a 5.5% surcharge and no tax...
June 17, 2010
0450-0630 PT(physical training)
0630-0800 Breakfast
0800-0900 Tricare presentation
0900-1000 Suicide prevention
1000-1100 Army Family Team Building
11000-1250 Lunch
1250-0500 Classes
0500-0530 Dinner
PT was not that bad but the test is on Monday and scared about sit ups...fudgeeee...got to work out a little harder this week. Tricare which is the army healthcare thingy and the brief was really helpful. Long story short, I don't pay for any thing if I get sick or injured...suckaaaaaaa...100% covered yeyaaaaa....and my family members too...the suicide prevention brief, basically don't commit suicide and watch your other brothers and sisters for signs. Rest of the day was basically pretty much filled with briefs and stuff. About to watch the Lakers lose while I finish some homework and some PT...C'MON Celtics!!!
Day 1
Reported into FT Sam Houston San Antonio, Texas at 1200 and met my roommate, Tim from North Carolina...cool guy..gonna get married soon or something like that..our room is at the army sponsored hotel which is actually not that bad...air conditioning, fridge, microwave, and a little nook for food and stuff. The first thing that came into realization is that San Antonio is ridiculously hot and humid...is seriously like walking through hot syrup....as soon as I walk outside I start to sweat....blergggg...
As soon as I got to my room we had to change into PT gear and go get weighed and measured for height, as well as turn in some paperwork. On the way there somebody yelled at me because I didn't have my shirt tucked in....blergg....20 minutes in and I'm already doing things wrong...
June 14, 2010
Day 2
0415 Formation
0420-0600 Learned how to march
0600-0700 Breakfast
0700-1200 In processing
1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1800 In processing
1800-1900 Dinner
Long stinking day...started out getting all lined up into the platoons that we were assigned to and lined up by squads. So it goes(i think) battalion > company > platoon > squad. As of right now I am part of the 187th AMEDD Alpha company, 6th platoon, 4th squad, A team. Normally each company usually has only a max of 4 platoons but because of size command changed up the numbering and stuff or something...
Still really hot and humid, everybody including myself is smelly...but luckily the food is actually pretty good, its kind of like the dorms over at UCI, but the food is soooo much better. The first day was a day of just classes and in processing. Learning the ways of the becoming an Army officer and to turn in paperwork and stuff.
June 15, 2010
Day 3
Similar to yesterday. But it was weird filling out life insurance and power of Attorney papers...weather sucks...
June 16, 2010
Day 4
0700-0830 Optometry clinic for field glasses
0830-1230 DNC(Drill and ceremony)
1230-0200 Lunch
0200-0600 In processing/classes
0600-0625 Dinner
Had to wake up earlier than the rest of the company because there are some issues with my security clearance that USUHS kind of messed up on. I made it in time for DNC and mann that was tough. Marching and learning how to march for 4 hours in the San Antonio weather was not easy...
After dinner roommate and I went to the commissary(military supermarket) and holy snapsss it is sooo cheap. I bought all these drinks to hydrate (gatorade, propel) and stuff and it only cost $17!!! Sweeetttt, and only a 5.5% surcharge and no tax...
June 17, 2010
0450-0630 PT(physical training)
0630-0800 Breakfast
0800-0900 Tricare presentation
0900-1000 Suicide prevention
1000-1100 Army Family Team Building
11000-1250 Lunch
1250-0500 Classes
0500-0530 Dinner
PT was not that bad but the test is on Monday and scared about sit ups...fudgeeee...got to work out a little harder this week. Tricare which is the army healthcare thingy and the brief was really helpful. Long story short, I don't pay for any thing if I get sick or injured...suckaaaaaaa...100% covered yeyaaaaa....and my family members too...the suicide prevention brief, basically don't commit suicide and watch your other brothers and sisters for signs. Rest of the day was basically pretty much filled with briefs and stuff. About to watch the Lakers lose while I finish some homework and some PT...C'MON Celtics!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My 9 to 5
Well actually its 8:00 to 4:30, and I am pretty excited to leave. I have really enjoyed my experience at CHOC and the people and relationships that I made here, but it’s time for me to move on with my life. Cleaning out some of the things on my desk and organizing some stuff opened the window for me to reminisce about my near two year career here. Most likely my last day of work will be May 21. I’m going to try to use my saved up vacation days to get an extra paycheck in there so I can offset some of the costs for the move to MD.
But this is the last thing on my mind. Right now my current dilemma is finding housing in Bethesda. So expensive and also not living near the area makes it that much harder. I’ll probably have to fly over there a couple weeks before I go to Texas to find a place for August…blerg.
With the next year pretty much planned out it has been a load off. Life has been pretty uppity these days but still just work, work, work. Many things to plan and figure out logistic-wise as well as start preparing my good-byes to those who warrant them. I just found out I have to buy all this army gear and stuff before I officially head out and it’s going be kind of weird seeing myself in army clothes hahaha…pictures soon to come I’m sure.
I will be trying to relax and do stuff I can’t really do for the next weeks. I already have a Vegas tripped planned and also a trip to Virginia to see Jeanhee!! Which I am excited for…Also for my time off between work and Texas which come to think of it is only about 2.5 weeks…wow sucks….probably can’t do anything significant…blerg…
In the meantime I am officially going to start honing my Korean speaking and reading skills. The military pays you if are competent in foreign languages!!! Also starting to prepare for my Step 1. May seem premature, but might as well get a start on probably what is the most important exam of my life...am I right?
Spiritual life:
Qt’s and prayer life have been going good. But in all honesty having a job I think makes QT’s a lot easier. When I get to my desk first thing in the morning, I do my QT’s, probably because I don’t want to start work. But on Saturdays and days I have off from work, I usually don’t do them. So even though I may be doing them, I don’t think my heart is 100% in them.
Prayer life has been significantly better than before. I think a lot of the times I am afraid to ask for pray for something because I am afraid that God doesn’t want it to happen and at some level I know that it’s not meant to happen, but because of my own selfishness I get scared and try to hide from God.
These days it seems that God has been telling me to be content with life and that looking at past experiences of how I always freaked out about things, in retrospect it was just a waste of time.
Right now I am doing my devo’s from 2 Samuel and Psalm. Learning about David has been edifying at the same time hopeful and humbling. His story was completely based upon trusting in God in dire times, especially during the times when Saul wanted to kill him. It is just a constant reminder that it is all about the heart and that true forgiveness comes only with the heart of repentance. Even though David was a sinner and committed pretty shady things, God still used him because he was a man after God’s own heart. And as I was reading the Psalms of how David was asking God for forgiveness, even just from the text you can infer sincerity and humility.
But this is the last thing on my mind. Right now my current dilemma is finding housing in Bethesda. So expensive and also not living near the area makes it that much harder. I’ll probably have to fly over there a couple weeks before I go to Texas to find a place for August…blerg.
With the next year pretty much planned out it has been a load off. Life has been pretty uppity these days but still just work, work, work. Many things to plan and figure out logistic-wise as well as start preparing my good-byes to those who warrant them. I just found out I have to buy all this army gear and stuff before I officially head out and it’s going be kind of weird seeing myself in army clothes hahaha…pictures soon to come I’m sure.
I will be trying to relax and do stuff I can’t really do for the next weeks. I already have a Vegas tripped planned and also a trip to Virginia to see Jeanhee!! Which I am excited for…Also for my time off between work and Texas which come to think of it is only about 2.5 weeks…wow sucks….probably can’t do anything significant…blerg…
In the meantime I am officially going to start honing my Korean speaking and reading skills. The military pays you if are competent in foreign languages!!! Also starting to prepare for my Step 1. May seem premature, but might as well get a start on probably what is the most important exam of my life...am I right?
Spiritual life:
Qt’s and prayer life have been going good. But in all honesty having a job I think makes QT’s a lot easier. When I get to my desk first thing in the morning, I do my QT’s, probably because I don’t want to start work. But on Saturdays and days I have off from work, I usually don’t do them. So even though I may be doing them, I don’t think my heart is 100% in them.
Prayer life has been significantly better than before. I think a lot of the times I am afraid to ask for pray for something because I am afraid that God doesn’t want it to happen and at some level I know that it’s not meant to happen, but because of my own selfishness I get scared and try to hide from God.
These days it seems that God has been telling me to be content with life and that looking at past experiences of how I always freaked out about things, in retrospect it was just a waste of time.
Right now I am doing my devo’s from 2 Samuel and Psalm. Learning about David has been edifying at the same time hopeful and humbling. His story was completely based upon trusting in God in dire times, especially during the times when Saul wanted to kill him. It is just a constant reminder that it is all about the heart and that true forgiveness comes only with the heart of repentance. Even though David was a sinner and committed pretty shady things, God still used him because he was a man after God’s own heart. And as I was reading the Psalms of how David was asking God for forgiveness, even just from the text you can infer sincerity and humility.
Monday, March 22, 2010
My Future Plans
It has been mucho mucho time since the last update and many things have happened since. With the application cycle nearing to and end and after much thought and discussion with family, friends and of course praying and seeking God’s plan for my life, it seems that the most probable place for my future is to go to the Uniformed Services University of Health Science (USUHS).
Not only is the medical school-ing free, but also I will be commissioned as an army officer, O-1, 2nd Lieutenant, where I will be not only paid but also given housing allowance and food allowance as well. Just with the advent of how the economy has shifted and the possibility of healthcare reform, it is deducible that this would be the best route for myself as well as my family.
I am pretty excited to head out. I will be heading out to Fort Sam in Houston Texas for about six weeks starting in June till about the end of July for OBLC (Officer Basic Learning Course) training where I will learn the ins and outs of the army as well as meet my fellow classmates. Still trying to figure out the logistics about where I am going to live and stuff, hopefully it will get all figured out soon.
The most positive aspect for myself in terms of USUHS is that I will be debt freeeeee…yay…whilst earning my M.D. It is a pretty long commitment, 7 years post residency, but by then I should be a pretty experienced individual where, if I choose, I can start back in civilian medicine or continue on with the military.
Truth be told with the financial aspect of the next few years of my life secure the next chapter in my life would be marriage…hahah….we’ll see how that goes.
I was cleaning out my room yesterday and just getting things ready and organized for when I move and I have so much junk. But as I was rummaging through the clutter, I find a lot of things that brought back old memories. As I was looking through the pictures, the gifts, the cards, etc, we(at least for me) see things to much in the present. We think this is as mature as I can get (thinking that we are pretty mature and stuff) and that there is nothing in life that can teach us anymore. But that simply is not true.
This whole application cycle and process has been a valuable lesson in that truly, truly, as cliché as this sounds, God is in control of your life. I forgot the verse but I think it was a Psalm or Proverb but it says that even though kings may plan, God is the one who makes the paths….or something of that nature….point being, God is the man with the master plan. Something that Pastor Steve actually pointed out, saying, “it is easier to love than to trust.” When I first heard this I was like….whaaaa….but then when I thought about it, I know I love God, there is not a doubt in my mind of that, BUT, do I always TRUST him to have complete control over my life?.....sadly the answer would be, no, but working on it..….
In theme with the title now is the time to say my good-bye’s to all the people that I have come to know and care about for the last 23 years of my life. For many, I’m sure its more of ‘good riddance!’ but I hope there are a few that feel a little remorse.
Sucks to leave on a sad note, but gotta tear the band-aid off quickly…
So if any of ya’ll if you are ever in Washington DC, hollaaaaaa!!
Not only is the medical school-ing free, but also I will be commissioned as an army officer, O-1, 2nd Lieutenant, where I will be not only paid but also given housing allowance and food allowance as well. Just with the advent of how the economy has shifted and the possibility of healthcare reform, it is deducible that this would be the best route for myself as well as my family.
I am pretty excited to head out. I will be heading out to Fort Sam in Houston Texas for about six weeks starting in June till about the end of July for OBLC (Officer Basic Learning Course) training where I will learn the ins and outs of the army as well as meet my fellow classmates. Still trying to figure out the logistics about where I am going to live and stuff, hopefully it will get all figured out soon.
The most positive aspect for myself in terms of USUHS is that I will be debt freeeeee…yay…whilst earning my M.D. It is a pretty long commitment, 7 years post residency, but by then I should be a pretty experienced individual where, if I choose, I can start back in civilian medicine or continue on with the military.
Truth be told with the financial aspect of the next few years of my life secure the next chapter in my life would be marriage…hahah….we’ll see how that goes.
I was cleaning out my room yesterday and just getting things ready and organized for when I move and I have so much junk. But as I was rummaging through the clutter, I find a lot of things that brought back old memories. As I was looking through the pictures, the gifts, the cards, etc, we(at least for me) see things to much in the present. We think this is as mature as I can get (thinking that we are pretty mature and stuff) and that there is nothing in life that can teach us anymore. But that simply is not true.
This whole application cycle and process has been a valuable lesson in that truly, truly, as cliché as this sounds, God is in control of your life. I forgot the verse but I think it was a Psalm or Proverb but it says that even though kings may plan, God is the one who makes the paths….or something of that nature….point being, God is the man with the master plan. Something that Pastor Steve actually pointed out, saying, “it is easier to love than to trust.” When I first heard this I was like….whaaaa….but then when I thought about it, I know I love God, there is not a doubt in my mind of that, BUT, do I always TRUST him to have complete control over my life?.....sadly the answer would be, no, but working on it..….
In theme with the title now is the time to say my good-bye’s to all the people that I have come to know and care about for the last 23 years of my life. For many, I’m sure its more of ‘good riddance!’ but I hope there are a few that feel a little remorse.
Sucks to leave on a sad note, but gotta tear the band-aid off quickly…
So if any of ya’ll if you are ever in Washington DC, hollaaaaaa!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
My Big Apple
6:10am flight out of LAX to JFK. I was suppose to leave the house by 4am but woke up at 3:50am. Slept through my alarm but luckily David Hyung called me and woke me up and took my to the airport….Actually got there pretty much right on time. Luckily got to the gate right when they started boarding. Flight was long but not that bad.
Got to my cousin’s house just in time to eat some Gray’s Papaya hot dog and papaya smoothie. This is when my diet goes to crap. So I buy my hot dogs and eat them while I am walking to Shake Shack where I buy a burger and another hot dog. Wowwwww….so bad. I try to burn it off by walking back to my cousins, which was across the park. I try to go to bed early cause Hudson aka my human alarm clock is going to go off at around 5am ahahaha, luckily she’s a cutie.
Interview Day:
For breakfast I stop by for some H and H bagels, so that I won’t owe Dwight one, and it is very yummyyyyy. Toasty on the outside soft on the inside. I head over on the train to Brooklyn and wowser. Brooklyn is ghettooo. Holy Snaps. Right when I got out of the station, I looked out and I remember thinking…”I am not in Manhattan anymore.” First of all I was probably the only Asian probably within a 5 mile radius. Secondly I was in a suit with dress shoes making clack clack sounds like nobody’s business.
Amidst the area, after examining the school, and thinking about New York….I officially love New York, hopefully the school feels the same. The interview was cool, my interviewer was a physicist and he was a little out there and spacey, but my awesome skills of adaptation went into action. I think that I made my point that I want to be a part of the school and coincidentally it was the truth. The school is amazing. Not only is the school’s major affiliate King’s County Hospital but the school’s curriculum I think is a good fit for me.
After the stressful day my cousing took my out to eat NOBU SUSHI!!!!! Which was amazing. Snap diddysss…..they have this Yellow Tail Jalapeno which is rindonkulous….and probably the best salmon sashimi I have ever eaten in my life.
With my free time at the house I got to spend some more time with Hudson and the new nephew Brady. I now know how to hold a baby!!
The next morning I got up to run some errands with Janet Noona. Then got to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and for anyone who goes to New York, it is definitely worth it. However, you really need about an entire day to appreciate it fully, so plan ahead.
Time was pretty crunched during my time their, when I was home I either sleeping or babysitting the little ones. This was actually one of the trips where I wanted to stay as opposed to going home. New York is definitely a fun place but definitely a place fun only if you have money hahaha (I’m sure many New Yorkers can agree). As always my cousin and her husband were extremely hospitable and it is always a treat to come visit them.
For the coming months my prayer requests will probably be focused on getting into school obviously, but I really saw myself being a student at SUNY Downstate. I think I will really learn a lot just being in that part of Brooklyn.
Got to my cousin’s house just in time to eat some Gray’s Papaya hot dog and papaya smoothie. This is when my diet goes to crap. So I buy my hot dogs and eat them while I am walking to Shake Shack where I buy a burger and another hot dog. Wowwwww….so bad. I try to burn it off by walking back to my cousins, which was across the park. I try to go to bed early cause Hudson aka my human alarm clock is going to go off at around 5am ahahaha, luckily she’s a cutie.
Interview Day:
For breakfast I stop by for some H and H bagels, so that I won’t owe Dwight one, and it is very yummyyyyy. Toasty on the outside soft on the inside. I head over on the train to Brooklyn and wowser. Brooklyn is ghettooo. Holy Snaps. Right when I got out of the station, I looked out and I remember thinking…”I am not in Manhattan anymore.” First of all I was probably the only Asian probably within a 5 mile radius. Secondly I was in a suit with dress shoes making clack clack sounds like nobody’s business.
Amidst the area, after examining the school, and thinking about New York….I officially love New York, hopefully the school feels the same. The interview was cool, my interviewer was a physicist and he was a little out there and spacey, but my awesome skills of adaptation went into action. I think that I made my point that I want to be a part of the school and coincidentally it was the truth. The school is amazing. Not only is the school’s major affiliate King’s County Hospital but the school’s curriculum I think is a good fit for me.
After the stressful day my cousing took my out to eat NOBU SUSHI!!!!! Which was amazing. Snap diddysss…..they have this Yellow Tail Jalapeno which is rindonkulous….and probably the best salmon sashimi I have ever eaten in my life.
With my free time at the house I got to spend some more time with Hudson and the new nephew Brady. I now know how to hold a baby!!
The next morning I got up to run some errands with Janet Noona. Then got to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and for anyone who goes to New York, it is definitely worth it. However, you really need about an entire day to appreciate it fully, so plan ahead.
Time was pretty crunched during my time their, when I was home I either sleeping or babysitting the little ones. This was actually one of the trips where I wanted to stay as opposed to going home. New York is definitely a fun place but definitely a place fun only if you have money hahaha (I’m sure many New Yorkers can agree). As always my cousin and her husband were extremely hospitable and it is always a treat to come visit them.
For the coming months my prayer requests will probably be focused on getting into school obviously, but I really saw myself being a student at SUNY Downstate. I think I will really learn a lot just being in that part of Brooklyn.
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