Happy Valentine's Day!

What a sweet surprise. The men of our 2010 class surprised all the girls with beautiful long stem red roses attached with hershey's wrapped in cellophane and heart shape cut tags with each of our 90 names!! *sighs* It sure feels awesome to be part of such a great class.

Anyways, the midterm marathon is over and I have to say that I am pleased and relieved that we can sit back and take a short breather. Though it was a hectic 2 weeks, I was really happy when I received my test scores. But I am still a bit iffy about how our classes were spread out these last two quarter. The first quarter curriculum was such a breeze (in retrospect) compared to this winter quarter. We only had 12 units of core classes (kinetics, biostatistics, clinical practice etc) during the first quarter whereas this winter quarter we are thrown with 18 core classes (no electives, just your good ol' p-chem, biochem, o-chem, clinical pharmacy). But I guess it all works out for first years to make their transition and become acquainted so that they are ready for their second quarter. Somehow I think moving a law and ethics to our first quarter would have been bearable and also given us first years the laws and regulations before we start working in the pharmacy. Nevertheless, this quarter was definitely bearable, but such a surprise after the first quarter curriculum. After all, when you're crunched for time like we were this quarter, you just become a more efficient student.

After classes ended, I made my way to Laguna Honda to visit my patient to drop off a small gift and candies for Valentine's Day. I am glad I did. Today, unlike my past several visits, my patient was sitting up in his chair. I almost didn't recognize him because I usually get his side view when I sit by his bed. On Monday I went in at noon and was disappointed that he was lying in bed. The nurse woke him up for me but he didn't want to get up nor talk to anyone, so I told him that I'd return on Wednesday. At first I was disappointed because I had gone out of my way on a rainy day to visit him and he refused to get up, but after today's visit I feel so much better.

He seemed so much more alert today. I even caught him smiling and laughing a few times. Enough to see all his perfectly align teeth. We also had an eye-sight contest, which he inevitably won because I am nearly blind. I took off my glasses and couldn't read the sign he had so easily read without any correction lens. He smiled and said that I was probably near sighted. I knew it too, but I'm sure it made him feel better. Today, unlike the other days, he didn't talk about dying or going down under. Instead, he told me about his time in LA. He told me about several landmarks that he remembered, Angel's Flight, Main Street, the huge supermarket down the street, the downtown Train Station and Post office, San Pedro Port, and I reassured him that they were still there. I am really amazed at his long term memory. We also talked about the politics and places he traveled.

One thing I was really impressed about was that eventhough the television was on, and his chair was facing toward the television, he made an effort to turn his body completely so that he was facing me when he spoke. His hearing also seems to be better when he's sitting upright. Anyhow I was really happy today about his progress. Additionally, his neighbor walked next to me and also engaged in our conversation. He had quite a few jokes to tell. My patient seemed disappointed that I had to leave but he thanked me for the gifts. I wish I could've stayed longer.