Two Out of Three

Of the three courses this semester, I have completed two of them. Medical Terminology was only for one credit. I finished the requirements for that class several weeks ago and received an A.

The final for Medical Assessment was a head to toe assessment of a patient. My wonderful husband graciously volunteered to be my patient. Actually, I volunteered him, but he readily accepted the position. Of 170 possible points, I earned 169. The only thing I forgot was to test for skin turgor. Something very simple. I just didn't even think about it. I'm glad that class is finished and that I earned an A.

My only remaining class is Nutrition. The instructor is thorough, but I knew that from Microbiology. I have only two tasks left to complete. One is the class written project about healthy weight loss. I'm simply writing it. Everyone else is doing the research. Of the information submitted to me to date, this will not be an in-depth discussion. I'm thinking it will be an overview of healthy options. The second assignment to complete is an online timed test covering minerals. As I did not score as well as I would have liked on the online timed test covering vitamins, I'm concerned about this test. On the vitamins test, I earned myself 42 points of 50. Basically, a crap score. I wrote a note to the instructor inquiring as to how badly that score impacted my overall grade in the class. He indicated that I'm still well within the A range. Phew! My status on the President's List is still secure. Not that it matters to anyone other than myself.

I've decided to not to attend nursing school. I know, I know, I know. This was a difficult decision to make. Thankfully, my husband agrees with my choice. I've decided that I want to work for the city at an agritourism farm. I'd be much happier asking children if they want to pet a baby chicken. I've spoken with those who run the operation and they have indicated to me that once the city approved that money to fund an additional employee, I'm on the short list of potential staff. In the meantime, I think I'll seek employment at a dog kennel/day care. I just love the animals. Maybe, I'll take advantage of my husband's faculty position at the university and take a class or two. I'm thinking animal husbandry.

That Saddle

Okay, the saddle is a wee big at the withers. So, until I get a riser pad, I'll be riding without a saddle. The problem now is that my local tack shop, doesn't have riser pads for western saddles, only english saddles. I suspect I'll be forced to order one. Hopefully, I can find one that fits. It's not as if I can have Kadance go try one on.

Anyway, I rode my girl this past Saturday. This was the first time since my fall. I was very nervous. Kadance did well, as her trainer said she would. I guess I was lacking confidence. The pain of my fall and the subsequent rehabilitation is still in the fresh in my mind. It took a few minutes and a lot of reminding to breath before I relaxed enough to enjoy myself. Kadance was a champ and was not in the least bit concerned.

So, today I played with her for about an hour and then took a lesson with her trainer. It was amazing. Still bareback, we asked Kadance for a trot and she gave it. The very first trot with a rider! She is so smooth. I was able to easily sit her trot. Even when she got going a bit fast, I had no difficulty with her. Her trainer and I are both impressed with her progress. Concerned that my knee brace might be causing her some irritation, I lifted my leg up near her shoulder. Woohoo! That was something new that she wasn't exactly ready to experience and she bolted. I, however, remained right where I was and ended up flipping over her backside and onto the ground. As I was airborne, I focused on remaining relaxed and directing the impact away from my knee. There was just no way I wanted to explain to my husband, doctor and physical therapist that I hurt myself AGAIN. I hit the dirt right on my hip. You may recall the photographic evidence that I do not bounce...well, I hit in the same spot. I suspect that later this evening and/or tomorrow, I'll be bruised up. Just great. As my husband is returning home tonight from a 3-day trip to California, won't he be pleased at my discoloration.