PANCE Fever: Boogie Woogie Woogie

Ah, yes, PANCE fever... I could also include PANCE indigestion, PANCE attention deficit disorder, and PANCE tension headache (Oh Sven, Swedish masseuse of my dreams, where are you??). I have less than three weeks before the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). The pressure is on!! I have been studying for a while, but of course it is now becoming more intense. I've been working on my focus for long blocks of time to prepare for the 6 hour test ahead. My social contact is decreasing. There are some things that are helping me get through this.

One has to do with finding a good study spot. If there's no one around and watching TV, there's a spot I like to study as recommended by my cat (cats know the best spots). It's the carpet of the living room where the sun comes in and leaves a warm sunny spot that moves throughout the morning. Studying on the floor has an advantage because it is harder to fall asleep.

I do have to take an occasional break once in a while. One of my favorite things to do is play peek-a-boo on the stairs with my nephew.

Hopefully exposure to study materials is not a health hazard and will not be considered a form of child abuse.

He flew back to Alabama today and I'll miss him, especially his goofy expressions. I could always use a laugh.

Most people have heard that listening to music is a good study technique; what I have found to be helpful and enjoyable listening to an Icelandic group called Sigur Ros. I find their music to be very beautiful and mind-stimulating. Plus, it is easier to not be distracted when I don't know the words. I have learned that it is still possible to get their songs stuck in my head, so the best I can do is a fake - falsetto-Icelandic rendition. I think it would be hilarious to try to make anyone do this at a social gathering. There's a few samples of their music below.

Well, on to more studying... heart murmurs, pharm, and arrythmias are calling me. Until next time...

Recommendations

I was inspired by a friend and fellow blogger who has used her blog as a force for good to share her happiness with others. I shall attempt to do the same and see if I may have a bit of influence on other people's lives. Oh the power....muuuahahaha!! So here are just a few pearls of wisdom and experience I would like to share and maybe bring some enlightenment to all those who may stop by:

Sondre Lerche
In honor of the upcoming Norwegian Independence Day, I would like to highlight one of the musicians of Norway. He has a indie/folk/acoustic style and his lyrics are fun. He's the third song on my playlist and if he sound's familiar, he has sung and composed music for the "Dan in Real Life" soundtrack. There's a few other Norwegian musicians I'll probably highlight in future posts.
Hold Off On the Q-Tips
This one is more like a public announcement and it must be said!! Over the past few months I had quite a few patients tell me that they didn't know they shouldn't use Q-tips in their ears. The last time I went to the doctor I was asked about how I clean my ears. I think there may be a crackdown on Q-tip usage, so beware!! They are okay to use on the outside of the ear but there's a saying that nothing larger than your elbow should go inside your ear. A couple reasons: 1) Crud is just being pushed farther back, and you risk damaging your eardrum 2) You can irritate the inside of your ear which can lead to dry skin, itching and infection. There's also the memorable story from Dr. Van DeGraaff: college student + Q-Tip in use + ringing phone = permanent hearing loss in ear. So, you may be wondering: how do I clean them? Other than our natural mechanisms (sneezing, etc...) you can occasionally use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, and later in the shower let the warm water do it's thing. Cold water can be uncomfortable. There's also this way where you burn a long, cone-shaped "candle" and let physics do it's thing. I know a guy who did this during a first date. It's true, and it wasn't his last one with the girl either. A little earwax is fine, it offers some protection and it's an insect repellent too. Sorry if you're grossed out, but onto other things...

Northern Exposure
I fell in love with this show last year. Maybe because it has to do with a doctor in Alaska, or the early 90's nostalgia, but it was a hit back in the day and had won several Emmys. The reruns in southern CA run on the public television network most weekday nights at 10pm (no commercials) on channel 24. The series is also available on DVD.

Getting the Most Out of Life Tip #17
The next time you find yourself in a furniture store or office superstore, find the most expensive chair and sit in it. A moment of pleasure and luxury for free! I discovered this while I was waiting for some files to be printed up in a Staples store in Palm Springs a couple years ago. It was SO nice!

Best wishes in your pursuit of enjoyment!