Browse Author: beakatude

Ahead of Schedule

As I’m typing this entry, I’m sitting in Dr. Chamkasem’s chair in his office waiting to get my teeth cleaned.

I just went to the DMV with my mom and got the red carpet treatment.  I went in with my 9:00 am appointment, got to cut in line a couple times, took my vision test and written test, took my photo, and was outta there in 30 mins.  I got my stuff done while she got to chat with her friends.  I also got an A+ on my written test.  Sweeeeet.

So, I’m just waiting for my turn and then it’ll be off to lunch with Marie!

I’m going home!!

I’m packing for a 4-day weekend in Cerritos!!!  Woo hoo!  I’ve been looking forward to this trip for a while and it’s going to be awesome.  I have appointments, lunch dates, a dinner reservation, and a day at Disneyland already lined up.  I’m looking forward to seeing family, friends, old co-workers, and the Japanese maple I planted in Irvine 5 years ago.  It’s going to be a hoot!

Vball Superstars

It was a beautiful day in SF and a perfect day for some beach volleyball.

We watched Olympic gold medalists, including Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, play in our backyard today at the SF stop of the AVP Tour.

It was a lot of fun watching the matches between the top competitors in the sport while sipping Bud Light in the stands.

Bang was inspired and got to test out his mad hops. It’s too bad that he’s 15 years older and more injury prone. With all his hopping around this afternoon, he hobbled home with a slight limp.  Good luck with him, Vyl.

Substitution!

This morning I got word that the lead instructor of my class had a death in the family and that she would be out for a week.  I called the Director of the OT program and she said that class was still being held but that they would have to figure out who was going to teach it.  I attended the class as expected and met the other two assistant instructors.  One assistant gave the first hour of lecture, then I co-taught the next two hours, and then they asked me to give the last hour of lecture!!  The students already had notes to go off of so all I had to do was talk and elaborate on the bullet points.  Luckily this is a clinical/practical class and the topic I talked about was about stuff that I can pretty much do in my sleep so it was pretty easy…and a lot of fun!  I wasn’t nervous and I said “um” only twice.  So, I have officially had my first lecture as a Graduate School Assistant Professor.  AWESOME.

Belize Recap

One week ago we were on our way home from Belize.  After hours of sifting through 818 photos, I’ve managed to narrow it down to 285.  Phew!  Instead of one full photo album, I divided it up into three for your viewing pleasure.

Airports & Caye Caulker, Belize (August 23-26)

San Ignacio, Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (August 26-28)

Caye Ambergris/San Pedro, Belize & Airport (August 28-30)

Overall, it was a relaxing yet adventurous trip.  I loved seeing all the creatures under the water, on land, and in the trees.  The Optio W30 did well underwater and in the rain and my Nikkor 18-200mm lens was the perfect travel lens despite its weight and heft.  I couldn’t believe how close I could get to the monkeys and birds up in the trees.  It practically doubled as binoculars in the jungle!  The Mayan ruins were amazing and our guide was a really cool guy.  We’ve met some interesting people along the way and made two friends who live nearby.  I came home with some color on my face and the bug bites weren’t all that bad.  I also LOVED my mosquito-repellent shirt and Keen sandals.  They were definitely worth the money.  It was also helpful to wear convertible pants and the little washcloth I brought along with me everywhere was often a lifesaver.

Dramamine is my friend on sailboats and having your own snorkel gear really ensures a hassle-free snorkeling trip – no seasickness and no water in the goggles!!  The food was yummy but can get old if you’re not into beans and seafood.  I LOVED the shrimp and salsa everywhere I dined.  Their lobster is also very tasty.  Panades, salbutes, and Johnny Cakes are AWESOME and have been added to my repertoire of foods.

Tips for Belize:

  • Bring plenty of US dollars to change when you get there.  You’ll get the best exchange rate at the airport in Belize City.  Make sure you have lots of small bills (in Belizean dollars) for tip and small purchases.
  • Pack light and be prepared for some crazy humidity.
  • Bring along some Ziploc bags to protect your belongings from the downpours and humidity.
  • Bring bug spray and beware of biting flies.
  • Use lots of sunscreen when you’re out in the sun ‘cuz the rays are strong.
  • The water is generally clean but when in doubt, order Belikin beer. 🙂
  • For sailing on Caye Caulker, go with Raggamuffin Tours.
  • For a Tikal guide, find Elias at Casa Blanca Guest House in San Ignacio.

OK. Enjoy the photos!! Peace out.