Heavy Hearts

Today started like a normal day.. woke up for my 8am class and proceeded to whine about the long hours of class time ahead of me. Worrying if I had all the powerpoints printed and the articles read for the lectures. However I had no clue what was coming. My mother messaged me information that broke my heart. Patti, my grandfather's girlfriend of many many years, had passed away the night before. My world stopped. I knew she had been sick but my beautiful grandfather is always so positive and I assumed she would recover just as she had done many times before. But she wasn't coming home this time. How could she be gone? It felt like yesterday that we all sat at the SRV house laughing about something or other. I felt like I had just picked her up from her house and it took many moments as she described every photo on her piano explaining each memory...and fed all the dogs but really what I remember most if how her smile lit up the room. Those memories will always be in my heart especially one Thanksgiving in San Fran when she wore her signature pink velor outfit. 

I am blessed to have know her. My entire family is blessed to have had her as a part of our lives. We met her many years ago and every year we saw the life and spark she gave my papa. They were a pair, they were so connected. They were comfort and love and companionship to one another. Each bringing the child out of one another. And most of all they took care of one another with everything in their heart. My family is grateful and I am grateful for the woman she was. 

I hope one day I find these types of bonds...to find someone who accepts you and loves you with everything they can. I will never forget you, Patti. You have always felt like another grandmother to me and I am so thankful to have been part of your life.

Love you Patti. Thank you for helping my papa and for loving him and for loving me. I am sure our Lord is holding you in his arms and finally you have no pain. 

-amanda

To Every Thing There is a Season
Ecclesiastes 3

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Back to school

after the most amazing four weeks of my life, I am packing to go back to the cold.

I couldn't even begin to explain the amazing memories I have made and the millions of joyful moments I shared with my loved ones. Everything from Newport rain storms, wine nights with Eskimo kisses, sister days, family baking, apples to apples tournaments, bff days filled with sunsets, fireplaces, soft teddy bears, Santa Barbara strolls, and oh so much more.

Last week I did my second fieldwork at Ronald Reagen UCLA Medical Center in the Adult inpatient Mental Health Unit. It was an experience but I learned so much about myself and where my skills may fit within OT. It was a hard week emotionally. I felt like I took home each client but luckily Carissa was my house buddy. I am very thankful for her!

Now I have to try to pack everything I bought over break into the same suitcases that I brought home in December.

all my love.
amanda

1/7th done with OT grad school!!!

I am done with the semester. Thank goodnesss. After a hard week of finals and countless hours of studying....I get to come home.

I am so ready to get into the spirit of the season and be with family and friends. See you all soon!!!

love you all

Maybe I will be a OT hand therapist?!?!

Hand Therapists make splints... here are a few of the ones I made today...

 Metacarpal Bar

Swan Deformity Splint..













It was an awesome experience and Friday we get to make even more intense splints. :)

Also I finally went to my PT eval and they gave me a bunch of exercises to fix my bad posture!!!

and now back to studying.....:(

love u all

OT article

Here is a link to an awesome article about occupational therapist. link: OT: Best career of 2011

Here is the text version:

Best Careers 2011: Occupational Therapist

As one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011, this should have strong growth over the next decade

The rundown:
Whether it's helping a developmentally challenged toddler learn to follow directions or teaching a man with permanent spinal cord damage to dress himself, the goal of an occupational therapist is to assist disabled clients to recover or develop the skills they need to lead more independent, satisfying lives at work and home. While many OTs are employed by hospitals, the field is as diverse as it is gratifying. Other occupational therapists work in schools, evaluating and recommending therapies for specific students. They can be found in nursing facilities, helping elderly patients lead more productive lives. Or in mental health settings, where they teach time-management or budgeting skills that help developmentally challenged patients function more effectively. Occupational therapists also help people struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol or suffering from depression or eating disorders.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers of 2011.]
The outlook:
Demand for occupational therapists is expected to swell going forward, with employment increasing 26 percent between 2008 to 2018—significantly faster than other fields. Occupational therapists held about 105,000 positions in 2008, the Labor Department reported. As the baby boom generation retires in growing numbers, demand for occupational therapists specializing in elderly treatment will be particularly strong.
Money:
The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $69,630 in 2009, according to the Labor Department. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $100,000, while the lowest-paid 10 percent made less than $45,340.
Upward mobility:
Assuming managerial responsibilities such as supervision of aides and administrative tasks can help occupational therapists advance their careers. Developing an expertise in a specific area—say, physical rehabilitation or mental health—will push workers up the ladder as well.
Activity level:
Although it can vary depending on the clients, occupational therapy tends to be tiring work. Therapists are often on their feet for much of the day.
[See a list of the best healthcare careers.]
Stress level:
The degree of stress will vary depending on the client and setting, but it can be high. Because certain clients may take a long time to recover, occupational therapists must have plenty of patience. Those considering the field should also have the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of clients and work settings.
Education and preparation:
At a minimum, occupational therapists need a master's degree or higher in the field. Many universities have full-time occupational therapy programs, and an increasing number have weekend or part-time courses as well. A minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork is required. Upon graduation from an accredited program, candidates must pass a national certification test before obtaining their license.
[Find online degree programs in healthcare.]
Real advice from real people about landing a job as an occupational therapist:
Frank Gainer, a program director at the American Occupational Therapy Association, says, "The challenge will not be in finding a job, but finding the right job. New practitioners will have a number of job offers. Clinical training can help pinpoint what type of practice setting appeals to new occupational practitioners. Other considerations include: what types of patients do I want to help; how much supervision will I receive as a new graduate; what type of treatment team atmosphere is present; what are the productivity requirements; will I be required to supervise any support staff; what opportunities are there for professional development and promotion; are weekend hours required; what are the job benefits; and what is the pay structure—salaried or per diem?"

Relay for Life 2011

Less than 3 weeks away...

I will be home in less than 18 days!!!! Thank goodness it is starting to get COLD...

Snow in the forecast for Thursday woohoo but the 22 degree weather is not all that great.
Just 2 portfolios, 1 exam, 4 finals, and a few little papers and I will be on my flight home to CALIFORNIA... I am so excited to be coming home for the holidays. I cant wait to see everyone especially my beautiful family.

Love you all off to study and do Homework!!!!!

:)