Look Who Crawled Out of The Woodwork

So, it would seem that my goal of one blog a week didn’t turn out so well. But here I am again.
Second term is almost half way over and I am loving it. It’s a lot harder than first term in that our class volume has increased (we are taking seven classes instead of five, plus we have public clinic once a week), but a lot of things are coming together for me. All of the anatomy memorisation I did last term is starting to make sense as we’re able to actually apply the knowledge to real life situations.
We are also required to do 30 hours of outreach clinic and I did my first one at the beginning of June. It was a cancer research fundraiser where people cycle from to Toronto on the Saturday and then from Hamilton to Niagara on Sunday. My classmates and I were waiting on Saturday as the riders arrived to alleviate some of their muscle problems. I was able to apply a lot of the information I had learned in the first month of second term and that was really exciting. Spending that time at the outreach solidified that I definitely want to get into sport massage therapy.
Glacier was with me of course and he was fantastic. He got a little antsy towards the end of the day as we were there for over ten hours, but who can blame him? He was just tied to my massage table and I took my shoes off and treated in my bare feet just in case I stepped on him. I didn’t want to hurt him. Not to mention, when my hands are busy, I use my feet to “see” what is around me. It’s hard to “see” through shoes.
I’m again in the middle of midterms. That seems to be when I feel the need to blog. This week I have two more-the last two of ten or so-and then we’ll have some time off from testing before finals start. Glacier is doing well at school and is amazing in public clinic. Every once in a while he tries to pull a fast one and get petted by a client, but for the most part, he stays snuggled up under the massage table on his blanket.
I did have one incident where the receptionist did not tell clients booking in on my night that there was a working dog on site and I happened to get the guy with dog allergies. People were freaking out, but I just went back into the clinic room and was like “anyone want to trade clients,” and one of my classmates switched with me. Seriously, I don’t know what the big deal was. The switch didn’t hurt anyone. I think people are so obsessed with paper work because of the way our profession works, that little changes scare them even if they’re not a big deal.
I’ve been trying to spend time with Glacier doing non-school things as well. When we’re at school he works mostly inside and it’s such a small place that it doesn’t challenge him at all. Today, we took the bus out for lunch and then wandered over to Pet Smart. We had never been to Pet Smart before, so I was a bit worried we wouldn’t find it, but the dogs definitely knew where the store was and got us there quite safely.
I am having problems with the drivers in Cambridge though. Glacier’s crossings are much better now, but people around here don’t watch for pedestrians. It seems like no one walks-they all drive and drive way too fast and carelessly. Last time I checked people were supposed to slow down before turning a corner. It’s basic courtesy and physics! But here they don’t bother. Almost every time I’ve gone for a walk in my neighbourhood and surrounding area, I’ve almost been run over. Glacier’s traffic checking works well, but he’s so confused because we’re usually at least half way to three quarters across the road when people turn in front of us. It’s frustrating and a bit scary. I was even out with another guide dog user and someone turned between us! These people need basic driving lessons! Lol
Anyway, there was my big gush for the last month or so. I make no promises of when I’ll blog again, but I’ll be back eventually. 

Time Has Flown

Can you believe it? My first term of massage therapy college is nearly over! I wrote two oral practical exams this week and next week I have four more. And then-as long as everything goes as planned-I will be finished my first term! In some ways this term has absolutely flown, in others it has taken it’s sweet ass time. I do love the program and definitely think I have picked the right career option for me. Now, all I have to do, is make sure that I pass all of my finals next week. The only one I am worried about is Regional Anatomy. The information isn’t necessarily hard, it’s just a lot of information at once. For example, did you know that the foot has 26 bones and the hand has 27? I have to have all of these memorised and that is not including the other bones in our body nor the ligaments, muscles and joints that also exist. Plus, we have to know where every muscle originates and where it inserts on the body and their actions and what they’re acting on. Confused yet? I am and I’ve been taking it for four months. Needless to say, it’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding work and I am looking forward to starting my work in the public clinic, that the school runs, next term.
Glacier is also doing very well. He is so patient at school. He just curls up on his fuzzy blanket and passes out for the day. Jetta would never have liked this lifestyle. She always wanted, and still wants, to just go like crazy. Glacier is much more laid back with a touch of puppy playfulness and mischief too of course. He loves to work though, so when I get him out he is very excited. I am very impressed with his work on buses as well and we do a lot more freelance work than I ever did with Jetta. By that I mean, that I am more comfortable going out and looking for a place I’ve never been to before or working through a place I’ve only been to once. With Jetta I was a little more hesitant to do anything like that. His street crossings have improved as well and I’m really enjoying working with him. He does have to wear a gentle leader though. Ever since he went on an eating spree, he’s had to wear one because it gives me more head awareness. He’s also a big boy and my leash corrections were seeming to have no impact on him. So, the gentle leader just lets him know that I’m in charge. His obedience is excellent though and his recall is fantastic. I have no problem having him off leash. All and all, things are going very well and things are going even better because I’m about to have a week off and the spring weather has finally arrived…well, at least for this week anyway.
I must get going-I have four exams to study for and my classmates and I are going for a bike ride.

Sings: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...! Etc.

My baby turns two today! Happy birthday Ice man. We all love your giant white head and big, sloppy, wet tongue.
Thanks to my classmates who threw Glacier a surprise birthday party at lunch. The food was excellent and Glacier and I both appreciate that you thought about us. (My classmates gave me the proceeds from the potluck to help offset the expensive vet bill I incurred when Mr. G decided it was a good idea to eat random things and needed to have his surgery. There really are good people left in the world)!
Glacier got a Nutro dessert after his supper and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Tomorrow after first class we’re taking him for a run before our midterm starts. I’m planning on getting him a new nylabone as well. We just haven’t made it to the pet store yet.
So, happy birthday baby boy and hopefully many more…as long as you promise not to eat string, Velcro and other such things again.

Random Thought

Did you ever notice that mint tastes better in candy cane form? :)
Don't ask where that one came from...just my brain trying to avoid doing regional anatomy homework. We learned the bones/muscles/tendons of the forearm/hand today and I couldn't believe how much bloody detail there was! We have another midterm in that class in a week and a half-I've started studying now. lol

THANKS!

Again, I have been so inconsistent wih blogging. It just seems that things happen and I'm just too exhausted to sit down and actually write about them. I do want to say thanks to Laura, Willow and Stella for nominating Glacier for the award. He really appreciatd it. Sorry ladies it was a month later when I finally realised that you had done that.
I will try to be more consistent. I think that maybemaking a goal of one blog per week is a good starting point. What do you think? lol
School has just been so completely crazy! We're in the middle of midterms and they're supposed to last for two more weeks. Then, when that is finally over, we'll be getting ready for finals. This program is crazy! Did I mention that already? Not to mention, Glacier and I have moved, so between packing, unpacking, going to school, studying and all of that fun stuff, I have hardly had time to sit down and breathe.
I guess the other thing of note is that Mr. Glacier-AKA walking garbage can-decided it was a fantastic idea to eat a bunch of stuff he shouldn't have and needed surgery to remove the items from his stomach and intestines. He's recovered nicely though and everyone at school has been really supportive. (Some of them even fundraised some money for the hefty vet bill I incurred due to his munch mouth problem). I really appreciate their help!
Anyway, that is my brief update for now. I'll try to be better at blogging...try being the key word!