Touching Cow Hearts: A family pastime

DISCLAIMER: if you are a bit squeamish......there are real cow parts at the end of this post!  The cows were not slaughtered for science, science just benefitted because people wanted beef.

My youngest sister Jayli sent me a text today while I was in Cardiology clinic.  It said,

"Guess what I opened a cow heart!  Just for you! And I touched it and didn't pass out!"  

I cut open a cow heart in PA school last year.  It was so amazing because they are so big and you can see so much detail!  I told her how PROUD I was of her, and commented on the size of the heart, to which I got this reply:

"I know this was huge and it had fat on it!"

For those of you who do not know my lil sister well, this was a huge feat for her.  She grosses out at the littlest things, even the super fake stuff on Grey's Anatomy....she usually closes her eyes!  I told her she would probably end up liking the gory stuff.   She said she was nervous, a little warm, and her throat was dry at first, but then she ended up with her fingers inside the cow heart.  

Aaaaaahhh, the moments..........the intimate conversations, bonding between sisters........about cow hearts!  It was even appropriate for my current clinical rotation: Cardiology!  My mom has done this too, she grew up on a dairy/cattle farm.  =0)

Seriously though, she stepped WAY out of her comfort zone today, and I am proud of her!  I used to have a strong vasovagal response and just about pass out when I was in the O.R. (yeah, I had to sit down so I didn't black out & fall on my face a few times), and now I don't even have to worry about it, I don't get lightheaded at all, even in a warm room.  The more you expose yourself to something, the easier it gets.  

So in honor of my sister's accomplishment today, I found a picture of my cow heart experience with my military buds in PA school, Matt & Dan.  I look like krap in this photo like my eyes are closed..........but this is for Jayli!  Love you babe!

  

          My cow heart had fat on it too!

I've become the Seatbelt Nazi!

Last week was the end of my trauma rotation.....the end of 12-14 hr days, and the end of 2 hrs of commuting.  Even though the commute made it a rough one, I really enjoyed the people I worked with & I learned a lot about the SICU and got to see some sweet surgeries!  The rotation ended with a bang! We had 4 level I or II traumas on my last day, and the motorcycle crash guy transferred to us at end of the day resulted in an ex-lap & spenectomy in the O.R., 4 chest tubes, a subarachnoid bolt (placed in his head), chest compressions, and ultimately a bad outcome....he didn't make it.  So here are the additions to my previous list to avoid the trauma service:

1.  Don't race bullet bikes (or any other motorcycles).

2.  Don't stab yourself in the abdomen when you're mad at your family.

3.  Do NOT let your Grandpa or any other elderly relatives/friends climb on ladders.

4.  Wear your seatbelt (I know, this is redundant, but this is a recurring theme).

If any of you happen to have any other suggestions to avoid massive trauma, feel free to add your comments!

This pic is after one night when I took off my shoes last week.  Guess this is what happens when you are exhausted & get dressed in the dark!   Actually, I grabbed those socks folded together......and my extremely helpful husband who did the laundry matched and folded them......in the light.....hmmmm.  I think they matched how I felt better this way anyway!  Thank you Mark, for all you do!

Pour some Sugar on me!

Hello New Orleans!  So the Utes made it to a Big BCS Bowl, and it tastes so sweet!  I am super excited about the Sugar Bowl on January 2nd!  I love it when the Mt. West Conf upsets the BCS scene......sorry, Alabama.  I am sad that college football season is coming to an end.  =0(  Maybe I will actually get my master's project done.  Well, I posted some pics that are a lil old......I was actually the "Holy War" for Halloween (cheesy, but I needed a quick costume for the church trunk-o-treat).  Plus, thanks to my generous and thoughtful cousins Brandie & Jeff, I was able to cheer for the Utes at their last game of the season vs BYU.  Those pics were taken with my camera phone so they are a little rough.  

The Holy War

GO UTES!

And we give thanks for Turkey Day!

This year we were all gathered @ the condo in Spanish Fork, which is actually the upstairs to where we currently live (no commute, yeah!).  All of the fam was here except Ashley & John's family, who will save their flight miles for Christmas.  We had a good time, ate some good food, played football with the kids, and then watched a little college football.  Good times! Here are some pics from the festivus!

Sarah, thinks fingers are better than turkey

The girls laughing at Brandi! 

The boys luvin' their pie & ice cream, plus some extra curricular activities

G'pa Berrett giving the lecture series to Mark & Tyler

Dallan displays the art of playing with his food!

Nathan & Landon with the coveted pomegranate 

Madison, luvin the food

The great cooks!

Brian is wishin' he was in front of these guys.....the food will be gone by the time he gets there!

Chelsea with the cousins: Kandalyn & Brianna

As you can see we have lots to be thankful for!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Mark's hunting continues.....

Kent with the pheasants & grouse

Mark's first whitetail deer

Mark has completed his 3rd and final hunt of the year in South Dakota.  He made the trek with his parents & some friends and found a b'zillion pheasants, and some unlucky deer on the Res.  They learned never to drive 15 hrs with excited dogs in the back (no I am not referring to Mark & Kent), and to focus on one animal each year (instead of 4 different kinds).  Sorry if you're a little squeamish, but this is how it is at our house!  

This post is for all his buddies............enjoy!

Got shanked?

So.........after spending 60+ hours with the Trauma Service this week, I have compiled a list of suggestions for all those who would like to avoid being one of our patients:

1.  Don't get "shanked" (or put yourself at risk by hanging at the State Penitentiary in Draper).

2.  Don't shoot yourself in the abdomen 3 times while running from police.

3.  Don't do drugs (someone might show up at your house & shoot you in the abdomen & butt, all while you were "minding your own business").

4.  Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, motorcycle, 4-wheeler, or even when crossing the street (this may not eliminate you from ending up in the trauma bay, but may shorten your stay).

5.  Don't try to defend your girlfriend's honor while unarmed.

6.  Wear your seatbelt, ALWAYS!

7.  Avoid hitting large animals with your vehicle (e.g. cows), especially if your pregnant.

8.  Avoid construction work at all times.

9.  Don't get drunk and fall off your porch.

10.  Don't get a gastric bypass (OK, so this is not trauma, but you won't have much gut left and you might need it later for when you don't abide by rule #2 or #3).

Well, good luck everyone!  I sincerely hope I don't see you in the trauma bay anytime soon.  If you broke any of the rules & end up in our E.R., then you probably deserve the C-collar, clothes cut off, log roll & rectal exam that comes with it! OK, so no one deserves a rectal exam.  I don't wish that upon anyone. =0(

FiVe ThInGs

Five things you may or may not know about me.....

10 years ago I was:

1.  In my first semester @ SUU.

2.  Dating Mark......he doesn't mess around, he goes after what he wants!

3.  Working @ the Computer Lab at SUU for minimum wage (at least I could do homework and download music from Napster).

4.  Driving a little red Saturn, and wearing a yellow backpack.

5.  Hanging out at Stadium Way apartments with Mark & our friends because I lived at home.

5 things on my to-do-list today:

1.  Go to clinic.

2.  Do Typhon (entering all the patients I see into the computer system).

3.  Buy 200 hot dogs and buns for the ward Halloween event.

4.  Keep the laundry progressing.

5.  Start on my test online & think of an EBM question.

5 snacks I enjoy:

1.  Diet Dr. Pepper (yep, I have switched to diet...amazing!)

2.  Sweet & Salty almond bars

3.  chips & fresh salsa

4.  chocolate

5.  fruit

5 places I have lived:

1.  Enoch, UT

2.  Cedar City, UT

3.  Houston, TX

4.  Nampa, ID

5.  Spanish Fork/Salem, UT  

5 jobs I have had:

1.  Housekeeper @ Comfort Inn

2.  Hotel Clerk 

3. Computer Lab Assistant

4.  Optometric Assistant

5.  Medical Technologist

5 pet peeves:

1.  drama caused by the same crazy people at work

2.  slow internet connections

3.  annoying drug reps

4.  when family members don't tell you about major medical problems/surgeries because they "don't want to worry you".  I understand if they want privacy, no problem, but I like honesty and no assumptions about me.

5.  allergies that make it hard to breath when I try to go asleep

5 things that bring me joy:

1.  My incredibly supportive, clean, motivated, and extremely good looking husband, Mark!

2.  My family.  I just love being involved in the activities and events of their lives!  They are soooo great & supportive as well.  I am blessed to have a tight family who trust each other and are involved in each other's lives!

3.  My church.  With all this great family, I am grateful to have them for eternity, find solace when in the temple, know the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus, and have a great ward family.

4.  My friends.  I have some near and some very far.....and they are all so different that they bring all kinds of experiences to my life.  They are available to talk, help, listen, teach me how to cook, and introduce me to all kinds of new things!

5.  Music.  I have always liked many different types of music genres, and I know that different music can help my mood, motivate me to move faster/longer, or express what plain words can't.  Don't be fooled.......I am not musical, artistic, or have an ounce of talent in that area (very much a scientific person), but maybe that's why I like it so much.

Sooooooo...........tag to anyone who wants to do 5 things.  No pressure. 

Buck Fever! Is it contagious?

So it's that time of year again, and Mark is just like a lil kid at Christmas!  He has 3 hunts this year, a mule deer hunt in Wyoming, then a regular deer tag in Utah, and in November he is going to North Dakota to hunt mule/white tail deer.  It's like paradise for him!  Well, the Wyoming hunt is over, and it was worth the 6 hour drive! He shot this 4 pt buck (that wants to be a 7 point on one side), and is 26 inches at the widest part.  It's the biggest deer that he has ever shot, and he is definitely going back next year.  They had a few issues with the back window breaking out of his brother's SUV, and then someone slashing their tent.....but in Mark's eyes it was small price to pay (and it wasn't his stuff, sorry Mike!).  I have a happy hunter who is still hitting up Utah for 1 more shot at another deer tomorrow before work.  Crazy, but totally makes him happy!  

THE BIG BUCK!

From the rear...

And the side view....

Btw, did you notice he left the eyeballs in the skull? Yuck! I know he's an eye doctor, but still.....that is gross!

Oh, sorry about the quality of the pics....they were taken on my phone.  When I get the pics in Wyoming from Mike's camera I will put 'em on here.

Fall is for Football!

It wouldn't be Fall if we didn't have the changing leaves, crisp cool air, the deer hunt on the horizon, and FOOTBALL!  I was at the Utah vs. OSU game last week and forgot to let all you guys know what an incredible game it was!  Sometimes there are serious perks to being a student.  I thought the game was over when Oregon State got their last touchdown, because Johnson had not done anything to help the offense in the 2nd half, and there hadn't even been a score until the last few minutes!  The end was fabulous though...........thanks to Louie Sakoda (pictured).  He has saved the Utes numerous times and this game was no different with a 37 yard field goal in the last few seconds of the game to win it 31-28!  Ya gotta love this! This weekend will be a good one too............for college football in general: Oklahoma vs Texas, Florida vs LSU, Utah vs Wyoming, and BYU vs New Mexico.  Aaaaaaaahhhh, good times!

My favorite part......

I usually think that I have to post a picture in order for me to post on my blog, which is entirely not true, but I still find that necessary.  So I am trying something different.  I have been in a primary care practice for the past 2 months which does a lot of OB/GYN and pediatrics.  I was terrified at the beginning because I knew NOTHING about taking care of someone throughout their pregnancy, and as most of you know, I haven't ever carried a child to full term so I don't know what that is like either!  So I often feel pretty inadequate when I try to sympathize with some of the pregnant women who have had numerous problems and suffered a lot during their pregnancy.  Then I remember that it's not about me sharing my experiences (or lack thereof) with them, but it's about helping them be as comfortable as possible, listening to their concerns and questions, knowing the answers, and giving reassurance.  

Also, I have discovered that deliveries are my favorite part!  I know that PAs aren't usually delivering babies, but I am still glad that I was able to participate in many moments when a little one takes it's first breath, cries for the first time, and even all the messy gooey stuff along the way. =0)  I was clamping the cord for an eager Dad to cut, and suctioning out a baby's mouth and nose last week, and I actually enjoyed it!  Surprise, I actually like OB!  After the class, I didn't think I would.......but I always wait and try to be open minded when I start in a new field.  I learned long ago when I was a Med Tech that what you learn in class isn't usually what real life is like.  

Anyway, just thought I would put that out there.............let you all know what I have been doing.  I am with Dr. Elizabeth Dayton, who is in Payson, UT near the Mountain View Hospital.  It might be really awkward to have her deliver my kids because I have worked with her, but I would recommend her to anyone!  She really cares for her patients and their children, and she prioritizes the care of her patients over their ability to pay.  What a great example and teacher!

Grandpa McKell's 90th Birthday!

Grandpa McKell turned 90 years old on Sept. 17th, 2008!  On the 13th he had a party and flew in all the grandkids & their families from California, Washington, and Oklahoma (plus all of us that just live here in Utah).  It was a lot of fun for him, he made a grand entrance & everyone stood up and sang Happy Birthday to him as he strolled into the Chilon Reception Center.  All the grandkids sang "You can Make the Pathway Bright" and then the great grandkids & their moms sang "I am a Child of God."  Then all his kids and grandkids got up one by one and talked about their memories of Grandpa & Grandma McKell.  I think it all turned out well, and all the hard work that Marilyn put into the party, and Ashley put into the loaded digital picture frame, paid off and it turned out very special for him!

This is on his actual Birthday!  Mark and I took him to the Pizza Factory & they made him a pizza in the shape of 90, free of charge!  The waitress was sooooo cute & she gave him free cookies too!

Mark & Mark.....two of a kind!

Me, Grandpa, & Mark outside the Chilon

Grandpa & his only living sibling, Mary Helen

Chelsea & Brianna (one of my cute nieces)

Ashley & Allison (another cute niece)

All the Great-Grandchildren singing

The Family pics: Ash & Alli

Mike & Brandi & the Fam (yet more cute nieces & nephews!)

Chelsea, Brian, & Brianna

Melissa, Grandpa, and her kids (the eldest of the super cute nieces & nephews)

The singing Grandkids.......and Ashley is playing the piano.

The UTES! Killin' it at the big house!

One more thing.......

Just in case you weren't paying attention or you just don't follow football...........the University of Utah Football team beat Michigan at the big house in Ann Arbor!!!!!  I thought for a second that it was too good to be true......but once you get that offense on a roll, they can overcome some amazing odds (with the help of some crazy defense too).  I was a little worried in the second 1/2, but the 25-10 lead the Utes had at 1/2 time proved to be enough to overcome the comeback attempt from Michigan.  This was incredible!!  As a result, the Utes are now in the top 25 rankings and I am sure people are starting to remember who they are again!  I know I live in Utah county, and most of my in-laws are BYU fans, but that just makes this victory all the better!  Since I lived in the south, and felt the excitement with the BSU fans in Idaho, my friends have hooked me on college football & I get soooo excited every fall when it comes around!  This is the year......they are going to beat BYU at home!  GO UTES!

Diez Anos!

Wow! It's been 10 years since I graduated from Parowan High School, and I think I have set a blogging record for me today!  Jossie & Jennifer organized a great reunion during labor day weekend, and we had lots of people that came......considering that we graduated with a class of 52 students. =0)  She has all the pics, so I am going to refer you to her blog:  http://schauerhamers.blogspot.com  (under my friends/family blogs you can click on Schauerhamers).  I will take the bait and write about what I remember from high school too!

1. Since I went to such a small high school, I was involved in EVERYTHING!  I played volleyball, softball, danced with the Rammettes, was a member of FBLA, FHA, student government, newspaper, did a little one act with the drama kids my senior year, and like Jossie, ran for student body president (yeah, against my best friend.........but we both lost to a guy who bought snow cones & pizza for everyone).  

2.  Friends!  I only keep in touch with a few of them  now, but back then we did everything together!  We spent countless hours on buses, playing with each other on sports teams, hanging out at the games & dances, and eating with each other every day.  I didn't live in Parowan, so my friend's houses were home away from home.  I spent many lunches at my boyfriend's house, and then Jossie's house (when I didn't have that boyfriend anymore).  Eating with my friends at home gave me more $$ for my 2nd period coke breaks @ the Maverik!  Aaaaah, the good times with Coach Werber!  

3.  Boys!  The benefit of going to Parowan was that I wasn't related to anyone at the school, so my options were very open (small town, lots o' cousins!).  I had  the same boyfriend for 2 years (Jack), and then after that was over, I had a free senior year & became good friends with my 9th grade boyfriend, Shaylor.  Funny, I always dated guys in high school who's parent was one of my teachers!  I have to give a lot of credit to Jack though......I look back at all my letters of recommendations, references, and scholarship opportunities and they were all provided by members of his family.  I never would have known about Governor's Honor's Academy if Jack hadn't gone the year before & told me about the 4 year full tuition scholarship.  I got in by myself, but by introducing me to it he basically funded my education!

4.  Stud Hall & having 7-12 grades in 1 high school.  I was terrified of stud hall when I was younger.....but later on I was trying to trip my brother there and we both fell to the ground laughing (and it didn't bother me at all)!  

5.  Assemblies!  We got out of class all the time!  I remember that for the Christmas assembly I received 2 gifts from Santa: a bucket to stand on to kiss my boyfriend (he's 6'4"), and then scissors to cut the piece of hair off that I ALWAYS played with.  

6.  Positive influences: teachers, coaches, & other faculty.  I thought that given the size of my school, I still was given incredible opportunities to grow and learn & I was encouraged all the way by everyone there!  

7.  Triumphs & Losses.  We took State in drill team my freshman year, and 2nd in state for a few times after that.  We also took 2nd in State Softball my senior year..........sad, we were beaten by a pregnant pitcher. = (  My youngest sister now plays LOTS of softball & has taken state herself......and every time I go watched her games I am reminded about how close we were.

Ok.  So this is getting long........but I feel fortunate that I had an excellent high school experience!  Not everyone had such a great time in high school, and for those people I am glad it's over!  I don't think I would do it again, but I don't regret what I did. =0)

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Copley!

My lil sister is MARRIED!  Jodi became Mrs. Jaryd Copley on August 15th, 2008, sealed forever in the Salt Lake Temple.  The bride, the flowers, the decor, and even the groom turned out beautiful.............but not without much stress and drama!  The store she ordered her dress from was closed & it had to be shipped to our house (which means my mom had to find someone to steam it quick before her bridal photos that were like 2 wks before the wedding); The tuxes were not ordered by the rental place, so they were over-nighted early AM to my cousin's house in West Jordan, and she brought them to the temple.  Then the lady that was supposed to decorate (who is kind of looney already) hurt her hand and was crazy on darvocet on Saturday.  It took her 3 trips to her warehouse in order to get the right back drop!  All this while our neighbor is ironing sashes & table cloths, and I am tying bows around chair covers (and I am not artistic, crafty, or decorative - I don't know if that side of my brain works!).  It all turned out fabulous in the end............Jodi has incredible decorating skills, and had orchestrated a gorgeous reception!  Even the 6 crazy groomsmen couldn't spoil it-but they tried to be embarrassing with the "Kama Sutra/277 Sex positions" book anyway!  Fortunately for my mom's sanity, it's over =0).  Plus, Jayli & I pulled off the twins look-amazing when you dress us alike. = P

The Bride & Groom

My Parents - the kiddos - Jaryd's Mom & G'ma

The Girls: me, my sisters, & sis-in-law Shalene

Mom & Dad (the Bish)

Jodi, Jayli, Me

Me, John, & Jayli

Think they're done with this yet?

The twinners!  Which one is which?

Yes, we are intelligent!  

Throwing us into the fire!

Sorry.......this is like a month old, but worthy of a blog entry.  My didactic year is over!!!!  For those of you who don't know, this is the end of 15 months of sitting within inches of another person for about 8 hours a day, enduring grueling finals, tricky therapeutics, and just psycho teachers! Ok, so its not all that bad....Class 38 is the BEST PA class ever!  We have a quirky sense of humor and usually a good time when we can.  

So the outdoor pics are from the partaaaay at Leigh & Kim's house.  They were gracious hostesses, and their house and yard were incredibly beautiful!  Good fun, good food, good company!  It was just so nice to relax, FINALLY, and talk about the pending anxiety toward the clinical era we were about to embark on =0).  

Then we had the send off breakfast, which I think is supposed to be for us, but was more for the faculty.  The food was great, and they gave out a few scholarships.  Then we had awards of our own thanks to Wayne and Yvonne.  That was the best part!  I would explain, but most of them were inside jokes. Ha ha!  

Now we are all doing our clinical rotations.....some in surgery, ER, OB/GYN, Peds, and all kinds of electives.  They have tossed us into the inferno.........let's hope we don't crash and burn!

Partaaay @ the big house!

Kim & Leigh - the hostesses & chefs

Leigh, Kristi, Katie

Irina, Steve boyfriend to Jen, & Mark

Tori & Katie (Tori is an honorary member)

Me, Nadia & Matt (the 2 best faculty members!), Yvonne

Me, Tracey, Yolanda

Me & Papa Don (he takes care of all of us)

The girls: Kristen, Me, Clarissa, Karla, Katie

My Group! Yvonne, Matt, Me, Matt B. + Darcie not pictured

The peeps

The boys....in their true form! Jake & Jason

Erin & Me (my reality TV junkie girl)