All it takes is a little change

I will start off with the usual spiel about my health. INR jumped to 3.4 this week, so I'm down 1/2 a mg of warfarin. I guess that would explain the huge bruise I recieved from my friend merely holding my leg in order to tickle my foot. So I have to take it easy until the INR is at least below 3 (if you don't remember what INR is it's a ratio of how long my blood takes to clot compared to a normal person.) Good news is that I only need blood taken every week instead of every 3 days! The techs were having to poke me up to 3 times in order to find even a decent vein, and it was starting to hurt.

The cold, dry air is giving me chest and back pain at nights. I'm going to condition my poor lungs by going for a walk every day. So far the pain is subsiding. As for my leg pain and numbness I've noticed an improvement in the last week. Things seem to be looking up! The only upsetting incident in the past week or so was a panic attack in a public place. I think it was started by the chest pain I was having due to the weather. Fortunately I had it under control after 10 minutes by stimulating the pressure point between the thumb and index finger. I know it works but previously I've only used it for minor things like headaches, and I was blown away by how effective it is.

I've since started joining class again, and although I couldn't do much it felt nice to be apart of the atmosphere that only training with your peers can produce. It really does feel like I have a second family there.

One last thing. Do you remember Sifu Brinker saying that you can't expect a different result by doing things exactly the same as before? Well, I'm here to quantify that statement with a "real world" example. Last semester I failed a linear algebra course. This semester I had to take it again. After failing the first few assignments, I came to the realization that I may be approaching it the wrong way. After looking at how I studied this course versus a course that I succeeded in, I decided to change how I studied it. I began to created notes with the same format as my biology ones, which is something I have never done with math before. Behold!! Math is no longer an abstract concept that makes me weep tears of frustration. It's just a language that describes daily life. Needless to say I'm doing SO much better in the course and actually enjoying it. Honestly, my outlook on life has changed. We all have to ability to accomplish what we want and to do it well. Sometimes it just takes a little change on our part. I feel like I can do ANYTHING now, including get through this nasty PE!

Karissa Martin

Silent River Kung Fu

Stony Plain, AB

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Next week I'll be "re-joining" class. Re-joining as in at least being on the other side of the bench. I never thought that having to sit and watch everyone would be such a soul-draining experience. At times I wanted to jump that little wall and start throwing thrust kicks, but in my heart I knew I wouldn't even be able to make it over the wall. I just need to start small, and I know that just being surrounded by everyone's energy will make a big difference in my recovery.

On another note, I'm terrified of having another PE. Every day I think "Is this going to be the day that it happens again?". It is mentally draining and I'm now having panic attacks because of the anxiety. For the first time in my life deep breathing does not seem to help. Sifu Brinker reminded me of the pressure point between the thumb and index finger. Does anyone have other suggestions? I'm tempted to ask my doctor for Ativan but I know I should try alternate methods first.

Sihing Karissa Martin

Silent River Kung Fu

Stony Plain, AB

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Medicine, art and design.

When people ask me what my career goal is I reply "a medical illustrator", only to receive a confused look. It's funny how we as humans categorize to the point where we can become narrow-minded. For example, most people will label themselves as a "science" or "arts" or "business" oriented person. I don't think of my interests and abilities in black and white, as a "science" or "art" oriented. Apparently to some, these lines do not cross. This is merely the accumulation of my thoughts and observations so if you think it's total bullocks please prove me wrong.

Maybe that's why a few people who asked what a medical illustrator seemed surprised that such a job actually existed. Or it's just not a well publicized career and a fairly new profession.

Good thing I found a blog that is dedicated to not only medical illustration, but the coverage of human anatomy in popular art and culture! It just makes me glad I'm not the only person who finds anatomy incredibly beautiful.

Sreet Anatomy was created to showcase the link between science and art in a way that is both practical and beautiful. I know there's artists out there in our kung fu family, so if you are one please check it out, because I think it's so darn neat. I'm not going to post a link because the content isn't appropriate for all ages.

Perhaps later this week I will post some of my artwork, seeing as adding to my portfolio is one of my UBBT requirements.

Peace.

Sihing Karissa Martin

Silent River Kung Fu

Stony Plain, AB

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Whew!

I just got back from the emergency room. My heart started to race and I became so anxious that it didn't go back down. Blood work was done to check for heart strain and damage. Nothing. Apparently I just need to take a chill pill.

At least I know my ticker is fine :)

Sihing Karissa Martin

Silent River Kung Fu

Stony Plain, AB

www.silentriverkungfu.com