Momma Mia, Mea Culpa

Four Years Ago

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Meleah

On this day, four years ago — I moved out of what I thought would be my “forever” home.

It was THE MOST devastating and visceral pain — I have ever experienced in my adult life.

(You can read those stories by clicking here).

Afterwards, I spent an entire year “train wrecking” — full of bad decisions, unable to get out of bed, and lost relationships with family & friends.

(2018-2019 = One of the darkest times in my personal history.)

Unbeknownst to me — that very unfortunate year led to my current path. And a whole new version of me emerged.

I discovered my passion.
I discovered what I want.
I discovered who I am.
And I found my life‘s purpose.
(On my own terms)

And here’s how…

In 2019 — while working as a housekeeper, in a nursing home, I came out of my fog. The elderly brought LIFE back into me. Simply giving them an extra towel = brighten their day, which sparked my need/want to do MORE to make their lives happier.

(You can read those stories by clicking here).

**I also have to note; I am mostly influenced by my beloved Gramma Evelyn, RIP **

So… subsequently, in 2020 — I attended ACI medical and dental school for 9 brutal months; DURING A PANDEMIC (where I received my certifications for CCMA, CPCT-A, CET, CPT, CPR – AND GRADUATED WITH HONORS) because the elderly gave me the gift/desire to LIVE again.

(You can read those stories by clicking here).

Luckily, I was hired directly from my internship at a sports medicine facility. And I got to work with the elderly! And I helped change their lives! And I helped get them out of pain! And I will forever consider that office and those coworkers, my family. (Holler @ Liza!)

That year — I learned so much (sterile procedures, PRP, stem cell, hormone replacement therapy) but I *still* wanted to learn more. And I wanted to be *even-more-hands-on* with the patients.

Therefore, in 2021 — I decided to go to college in order to get my RN degree.

(Unfortunately, I had to change jobs to accommodate my scheduling and finances.)

Fortunately, I have come to love internal/family medicine more than I thought possible! Mostly because — I had the pleasure of working under an amazing nurse practitioner that 100% solidified my commitment to medicine.

She brought out the best in me and taught me how to embrace my inner “secret nerd” with hands on training. To say it was a life-changing experience is an understatement.

And now?

In 2022 — here we are!!

I went from a “depressed-hot-mess” transformed into a confident, intelligent, ass-kicking scholar.

***And I could not be more proud of myself!***

Four years ago — I never imagined I would/could be where /who I am today.

Thank you; to everyone along my journey.

Y’all have held my hand, supported me, cheered me on, taught me, loved me, and believed in me.

I still have a lot more to accomplish!!!
And I still have a lot more to learn!!
This is just the tip of the iceberg!

Stay, tuned.

Love,
M

Posted in Brookdale, CCMA CPCTA CPT CET CPR, College, Dating, Family, Life, Links, Medical Assistant School, Registered Nursing School | Comments Off

College Update

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Meleah

Hey, y’all!

Honest to God — I seriously have NO IDEA how I am taking 14 college credits + working (triaging 17-25 patients – per day) + menopause (that is constant /severe) + Crohns & RA flareups (that are random /intermittent).

But here we are.

And here are my grades (post several mid-term exams).

Now if you’ll kindly excuse me, I’m going to pass out!

Love,
M

Posted in Brookdale, College, Life, Registered Nursing School, Work | Comments Off

Time Management

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Meleah

Howdy, Y’all!

Long-time. No-see.

Anywhooooooo…..

In my Health and Sciences class we were tasked with keeping a two-week-time-management journal. This way students can see [on paper] if they’re watching too much TV, not getting enough sleep, not eating properly, playing too many video games, spending too much time on the Internet, examine their study habits, ect. ect. ect.

I was surprised to learn that I need to pay more attention sleeping and eating better. And possibly figuring out how to carve out more time to socialize. (Although, I consider being in class, and on campus, as socializing. And I also consider being at work, triaging patients, and interacting with co-workers, as socializing too.)

But apparently, I’m ALSO supposed to make room for “self-care” and “having fun” in my life as well; in order to avoid ‘burnout’ syndrome and maintain a healthy wellness-balance.

*** I just can’t figure out where/how? ***

[SIDE BAR: Also? I learned it takes too much time, to keep a time management journal!! Also? I learned, it takes too much time to update my FB with the classes I am taking and the scores/grades that I am getting – like I used to be able to do; when I attended ACI and even in my 1st trimester in the fall of 2021. I want to keep track/ document my progress. But, sadly, I can’t find/ don’t have the time.]

Below is a copy of my Time Management Journal.

And? Therein lies my questions.

Do y’all have any suggestions as to where I can ‘pencil in’ some “self-care” and/or “have fun” time — because as of right now, with the exams, quizzes, and papers I have to work on, both of ‘those things’ are just going to have to wait until I’m on Spring Break in March!

Below is a breakdown; of my life/time – within the past two weeks of my life.

HESC – TIME MANAGEMENT JOURNAL (TWO WEEKS)

WEEK #1

Monday 01/31/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00am – Get ready for work. Check Personal Emails.
8:30-5:30pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 23 patients).
5:30-6:00 – Quick Food Shop.
6:00-7:00pm – Wash my face, put on my pajamas, cook and eat dinner.
7:00-9:30pm – HESC HW: Discussion Boards, Research Links, Read Power-points.
9:30-10:00pm – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
10:00-11:00pm – Watch Jimmy Fallon on DVR, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:00-11:30pm – Typed HESC time management and HESC journal entry.
11:45pm – Bedtime.

Tuesday 02/01/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-8:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
8:00-9:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone calls and check personal emails.
9:00-9:30am – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
9:30-11:00am – Get ready for work & chat with friends via phone calls.
11:00-5:00pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 17 patients + Free Lunch From Drug Reps)
5:00-5:30pm – Drive to campus.
6:00-8:45pm – BIOLOGY LECTURE (ATEC) – Quiz #1
9:30-10:30pm – Home: Wash my face, put on my pajamas, cook and eat dinner.
10:30-11:30pm – Watch Jimmy Fallon on DVR scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:30-Midnight – Bedtime.

Wednesday 02/02/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-8:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
8:30-10:30am – MATH 021 via Zoom – Test Exam #1
11:00-12:00pm – Check in with my parents via phone call. Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades. And Personal Emails.
12:00-4:30pm – Math HW: Book practice problems and WebAssign.
4:30-5:30pm – Math Tutor
6:00-7:00pm – Cook and eat dinner and breathe.
7:00-10:00pm – Math Labs and Math quizzes online.
10:00-11:00pm – Watch Real Housewives while scrolling through Facebook/Instagram.
11:30pm – Bedtime.

Thursday 02/03/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone call and check personal emails.
8:00-10:00am – Check: Canvas, Brookdale Emails, Assignments, Grades.
10:00-11:00am – Get ready for work.
11:00-5:00pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 19 patients + Free Lunch From Drug Reps)
5:00-5:30pm – Drive to campus.
6:00-8:45pm – BIOLOGY LAB (Quiz #2)
9:30-10:30pm – Home: Wash my face, put on my pajamas, cook and eat dinner.
10:30-11:30pm – Watch Jimmy Fallon on DVR scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:30-Midnight – Bedtime.

Friday 02/04/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone call and check personal emails.
8:00-8:30am – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
9:00-11:00am – take a shower, get dressed, ect.
11:00-12:30pm – ENG 122 via Zoom – Analytical Paper Research Project.
1:00-8:00pm – Finish even more math homework, printed out BIO, ENG, and HESC power-points, reviewed HW assignments, make list for weekend HW schedule.
8:00pm-12:00am – Watched TV
Midnight – Bedtime.

Saturday 02/05/22
10:00am – Wake Up.
10:00-12:00pm – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
12:00-9:00pm: ALL THINGS BIOLOGY (LABS & LECTURE) HW / STUDYING (Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.)
9:00-11:00pm – Watched TV/Movie
11:30pm – Bedtime.

Sunday 02/06/22
10:00am – Wake Up.
10:00-11:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:00-12:00pm – Clean, Laundry, Unload Dishwasher, Take Out Trash
12:00-9:00pm: ALL THINGS HESC + ENG HW. (Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades, and personal email.)
9:00-11:00pm – Watched TV
11:30pm – Bedtime.

WEEK #2

Monday 02/07/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00am – Get ready for work. Check Personal Emails.
8:30-5:00pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 22 patients).
5:00-5:30 – Drive to campus
6:00-7:45pm – HESC Class
8:30-9:30pm – Home: Wash face, put on pajamas, make and eat diner.
9:30-10:00pm – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
10:00-11:00pm – Watch Jimmy Fallon on DVR and scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:00-11:30pm – Type HESC time management and HESC journal entries.
11:45pm – Bedtime.

Tuesday 02/08/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone call and check personal emails.
8:00-10:00am – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades
10:00-11:00am – Get ready for work.
11:00-5:00pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 18 patients + Free Lunch From Drug Reps)
5:00-5:30pm – Drive to campus.
6:00-8:45pm – BIOLOGY LECTURE (ATEC) – Quiz #2
9:30-10:30pm – Home: Wash my face, put on my pajamas, cook and eat dinner.
10:30-11:30pm – Watch Jimmy Fallon on DVR scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:30-Midnight – Bedtime.

Wednesday 02/09/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-8:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
8:30-10:30am – MATH 021 via Zoom
11:00-12:00pm – Call parents. Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
12:00-4:30pm – Math HW: Book practice problems and WebAssign HW.
4:30-5:30pm – Math Tutor
6:00-7:00pm – Cook and eat dinner and breathe.
7:00-10:00pm – Math Labs and online quizzes.
10:00-11:00pm – Watch Real Housewives on DVR scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:15pm – Bedtime.

Thursday 02/10/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone call and personal emails.
8:00-10:00am – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
10:00-11:00am – Get ready for work.
11:00-5:00pm – WORK CCMA (triaged 19 patients + Free Lunch From Drug Reps)
5:00-5:30pm – Drive to campus.
6:00-8:45pm – BIOLOGY LAB (Quiz #3)
9:30-10:30pm – Home: Wash my face, put on my pajamas, cook and eat dinner.
10:30-11:30pm – Watch Real Housewives on DVR scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
11:30-Midnight – Bedtime.

Friday 02/11/22
6:00am – Wake up.
6:00-7:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
7:00-8:00 am – Catch up with my parents via phone call and check personal emails.
8:00-8:30am – Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades.
9:00-11:00am – take a shower, get dressed. Call My Brother: Wish Him Happy Birthday!
11:00-12:30pm – ENG 122 via Zoom – Analytical Paper Research Project
1:00-10:00pm – ALL THINGS ENGISH; Research, Writing, Zoom Meeting with Library = How to CITE MLA style within paper, and “How To” use ‘Noodle Tools’ properly. Polish paper: edit, have ‘new eyes’ / someone else read/critique, give advice, re-write again.
10:00-12:00am – Watched TV
Midnight – Bedtime.

Saturday 02/12/22
10:00am – Wake Up.
10:00-12:00pm – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.1:00-11:00pm: ALL THINGS BIOLOGY (LABS & LECTECURE) HW / STUDYING (Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades)
11:00-Midnight– Watched TV
Bedtime.

Sunday 02/13/22
8:00am – Wake Up.
80:00-9:00am – Drink coffee, watch the news, scroll through Facebook/Instagram.
9:00-10:00am – Clean, Laundry, Unload Dishwasher, Take Out Trash
11:00-6:00pm: ENG REVISE PAPER – FINAL DRAFT – SUBMITT PAPER (And Check: Brookdale = Canvas, Emails, Assignments, Grades. Personal Emails.)
6:00-11:00pm – SUPER BOWL AT MY PARENTS W/ THE FAMILY
11:30pm – Home, Bedtime.

Seriously, y’all.

Where/When am I supposed to find time for “self-care” and “fun” with friends?

I can barely post on Social Media.

ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED! (And so is a FREE deep-tissue masseuse!)

Stay. Tuned.

Love,
M

Posted in Brookdale, College, Life, Registered Nursing School | Comments Off

My Brush With Covid 19

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Meleah

For those of you who don’t know…

Last Thursday night my voice became a little scratchy and I felt slightly stuffy.

On Friday morning I thought I just had a cold. After all, it is cold and flu season.

(It’s still totally possible to have a COLD and NOT have Covid.)

Therefore, I took my temperature and it was perfectly normal. I took my pulse ox and everything was fine. So, I went about my business.

But by last Saturday afternoon — I REALLY started feeling like crap. I felt extreme sinus pain and pressure. Severe ear pain and pressure. Crazy congestion with a nonstop runny nose and post nasal drip that would fill my throat with globs of phlegm. Regardless of how much cold/allergy medicine or how much Flonase I used — I had ZERO symptom relief.

And then?

Out of nowhere?

Food started tasting weird.

And by weird, I mean …

Salsa tasted sweet & sour — like one of those gross sour-patch kid candies. I tried to eat some olives and they tasted like a moldy sponge. I tried to drink Coca-Cola to settle my stomach and it tasted like actual dirt. Like soil. Like the way a rock smells. I don’t even know how else to explain it!! But eeew. No bueno.

That’s when my alarm bells started ringing. I have never tasted food so strange like that.

Then, I felt really hot yet I was shivering at the same time…But I thought, maybe I was having a panic attack? Maybe I’m overreacting? Maybe I’m hearing too many Covid stories and seeing too many patients on telehealth visits and maybe I just *think* that I’m Covid sick?

So that’s when I took my temperature = 101.6.

FML.

Then I finally broke down and took a Covid test — which came back positive.

On Sunday and Monday?

I was MANDOWN.

MAN. DOWN.

I literally slept for 48-72 hours — only waking up every six hours (via alarm clock) to take more cold medicine, and Flonase, and Advil, and chug a 12oz bottle of water. At one point … I think I dragged myself into the kitchen and made old school original Campbell’s chicken soup.

During that really blurry time frame I also remember my mouth feeling really fuzzy; like there was a sweater on my tongue. So, I went to brush my teeth and I couldn’t even taste my super strong minty toothpaste. That totally freaked me out.

On Tuesday afternoon (when I slowly started to come out of the haze) my fever was *mostly* gone and I started to feel a little bit better. However, I still had lingering exhaustion and some very mild cold symptoms.

I drank lots of fluids and watched TV — while desperately trying to stay conscious on my sofa. Because I had to rip off my sweat-soaked-germ-infested sheets and blankets to put on fresh bedding. And then I finally took a shower; for the first time since the previous Friday morning.

Wednesday morning, I felt a lot better. A lot better. Good enough to attend my Math 021 class on zoom from 8:00-11:00am … but then I had to take a nap immediately afterward.

Luckily, anytime I *was* awake, I took my temperature and it was back to normal.

Thursday I felt about 85% better. I was able to stay awake for the whole day without needing a nap. And food finally started tasting normal again! In fact; I ate ALL OF THE THINGS in my fridge, in my freezer, in my pantry, and in my cabinets — because I was so happy to taste food again.

Friday morning, I felt 100% better. And thanked my lucky stars that this damn virus never got into my chest or into my lungs; I never even had a cough. And I was able to attend my English 122 class on Zoom – without having to take a nap afterward.

Today, I am thrilled to announce that I survived Covid rather quickly and I am not experiencing any more lingering symptoms.

I am VERY much looking forward to returning to work next week AND attending all of my classes either on campus or online.

Now if you’ll kindly excuse me, I have Math and English homework to do!

And that’s a wrap.

Stay, tuned.

Love,
M

Posted in Strong Medicine | Comments Off

Here We Go Again! Spring 2022 Schedule.

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Meleah

HERE WE GO AGAIN, Y’ALL!

I think I might be tackling a little bit too much this semester. But I am going to do my absolute best to manage my time well enough to get all of this done. And, fingers crossed I will get another 4.o at the end of this semester! Wish me luck!

• HESC-107-800RL: Health Care Career Exploration
Credits: 2 Credits
1/19/2022 to 5/10/2022
WORK 9am-5pm
Time: Monday 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Location: Lincroft Main Campus MAC 201 (Lecture)

• BIOL-105-801RL: Life Sciences
Credits: 4 Credits
1/19/2022 to 5/10/2022
WORK 12-5pm
Time: Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Location: Lincroft Main Campus Advanced Technology Center 103 (Lecture)

WORK 12-5pm
Time: Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Location: Lincroft Main Campus Mas 045 (Laboratory)

• MATH-021-004ML: Introductory Algebra
Credits: 4 Credits
1/19/2022 to 5/10/2022
Time: Wednesdays 8:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Location: Online Remote Hybrid (Online – Remote Live Classes)

• ENGL-122-078RL: Engl Comp: Writing & Research
Credits: 3 Credits
1/19/2022 to 5/10/2022
Time: Fridays 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Online Remote Hybrid (Online – Remote Live Classes)

• STUDY SCHEDULE:
Wednesday = Math Homework, Labs, Quizzes
Fridays = Biology Homework: Lecture & Labs
Saturday = Health/Sciences Homework
Sunday = English Homework

Stay tuned!

Love,
M

Posted in Brookdale, College, Life, Strong Medicine, Work | Comments Off

My Final Grades – Fall Semester 2021- Brookdale

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Meleah

Well, y’all!

My grades have been posted!

I am proud to announce that I am a ‘Straight A’ student. And I officially have a 4.0 GPA. And I have never been so proud of myself. All of my hard work and sacrifices have paid off!

Below are my actual final grades from the 2021 Fall Semester of College at Brookdale!

Posted in Awards, Brookdale, College, Life, Registered Nursing School, Strong Medicine | Comments Off

Happy 73rd Birthday, To MY Daddy!

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Meleah

Happy 73rd Birthday, To MY Daddy!

My Hero.
My Role Model.
My Protector.
My Safe Harbor.
My Savior.
My Comic Relief.
My Laughter.
My Friend.
(And, My Occasional Headache.)

Happy 73rd Birthday, Daddy!!!!!!

Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and my son. Thank you for believing in me, standing by me, and supporting me. Your unconditional love is more than enough. Not only did you save my life many years ago, but you gave me a life that I want to live. I finally found my place, direction, and my passion – largely due to you and Gramma Ev.

You have taught me the most important lessons; like what it truly means to be an important part of a real family and how to take pride in a hard day’s work. When I look at you, I see a man whose honor and integrity shine above all others. I can only hope that witnessing Justin’s evolution, and me getting a 4.0 in college, speak louder than these words.

I wish there was some grand gesture, or words bigger than ‘I LOVE YOU’ to express just how much I value, treasure, and cherish our relationship. But there aren’t.

I want you to know how special you are to me.

Please always know:
YOU are the family I have always wanted.
YOU are The Father I have always needed.
YOU are the best ‘thing’ that ever happened to me.

I love you daddy.

Happy Birthday.

Love Your Daughter,
Meleah Rebeccah

In honor of Family Tradition,
Here are my favorite stories/movies of my dad!
Enjoy!

CLICK HERE!

Posted in Brookdale, College, Family, Holidays, Humor, Life, Links | Comments Off

Brain Dump

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Meleah

These past six months have been an absolute whirlwind for me!

Between moving, changing careers from sports medicine to internal medicine, AND, beginning my journey in college — I’ve been anxiety ridden and panic attacking 24/7 since July!

That being said… I have truly come to love my job and the friendships I’ve formed with fellow coworkers. Every day — I am learning new procedures and new techniques and I feel very lucky to be part of such an incredible team.

With respects to college; on the one hand, this semester seemed to last forever — but on the other hand, it also went by sooooo fast! (I am low-key sad my classes have ended. I can’t believe I don’t have homework or tests to study for at this moment!)

However, I am really looking forward to sleeping-in tomorrow because I also have the day off from work!

#PerfectTiming

**Finally breathing a deep sigh of relief**

#WinterBreakStartsNow

(PS: Had it not been for my experience attending ACI medical & dental school to obtain my current credentials — I am not sure I would’ve done so well this year in college, or at my job! So, thank you, my teacher, Dr. M, for providing the skills I needed to succeed!!)

That is all.
Carry on.

Stay tuned.

Love,
M

*FINAL FALL 2021 GRADES WILL BE POSTED HERE ON 12/31/2021!*