An interesting thought

I borrowed the following quote from Dr. Amy Tuteur (who in turn got it from The Huffington Post). Though her most excellent post has more to do with epidurals during childbirth, this quote stuck out enough that I went back and read the article.

"In fact, for each year that a woman’s first full-term pregnancy is delayed, her risk of breast cancer rises 3.5 percent." 

This quote comes from a new bill (passed by New Hampshire's Tea*coughBAGcough* Party) requiring doctors to tell patients that abortions cause breast cancer. The quote is directly from the bill in New Hampshire and it makes me wonder:

If delaying pregnancy increases risk of breast cancer

and abortions increase the risk of breast cancer

Shouldn't we be encouraging girls to start getting pregnant as soon as they get their period?

This would, naturally, give each girl a great chance at not getting breast cancer. After all, according to this bill, if a girl (let's say she's 12) waits until she's 18 to have her first full-term pregnancy, she's 21% more likely to have breast cancer. Gosh, with that, I'm 45% more like to have breast cancer. I better go put a bun in the oven.

But wait ...

Doesn't the Tea Party advocate ABSTINENCE before marriage?

Now, I know that in New Hampshire a girl can be married at 13 with parental permission (which makes me go WTF??) and a waiver but still...what if she starts her period at 10 like some girls do? That's still a 7% increase.

Besides, what's the odds of getting married at 13 anyway? Most people wait, since most parents (hopefully) would rather keep their CHILD in school and not sell her off in marriage. So...

What I am really getting at is that this is the stupidest and *insert other synonyms here* thing I've heard in a while. After all... "There is no proven breast cancer link to abortion, according to the World Health Organization and the American Cancer Society." (See referenced article for quote). I think I'll believe the WHO and ACS. Idiot TeaBaggers.

Huh, well lookie at that!

It's December. When did that happen?

It's been a busy semester. It's going to be a busy two weeks. Tomorrow I have my ACLS exam and a major Shock and Trauma exam. On Thursday, we have Fall Summatives (OH SHIT!). Then next week, we start pre-finals*, followed immediately by FINALS. I'm looking forward to Winter Break, even though it's been shortened due to a serious of misfortunate events. I have to make up about 80hrs worth of internship due to illness (on my part and my preceptor) and random change in schedules. Ah well, I love being on the truck, so I don't mind cutting my break short.

In the mean time, I'll leave you with this bit of entertainment...

Prof quote of the day

Prof: "...FTD syndrome. You guys know what FTD syndrome is, right?"

Class: "Uhm..."

Prof: "Fixin' to die. It's a scientific term"

Professor quote of the day

“Worked with a guy, we called him Lucky*…He defibrillated himself five times. He had really curly hair…”

*Nickname changed to protect the *cough* innocent

(Note: This is meant to be humorous. We thought it was anyway.)

Word of the day

Abuts: Verb (used without an object)
             To be adjacent; touch or join at the edge or border (often followed by on, upon or against)

As in "The open part of the C-shaped ring, which abuts the esophagus, is connected by smooth muscle."
    ~Essentials of Pathophysiology, Carol Mattson Port, Ch 21 p 516

Learning point of the day...

Evidently Spock has green blood because he is a copper based organism.

The things we learn...

And on that note...

"There are these people with an LVAD in them. No heartbeat, no blood pressure. You listen to their chest and you don’t hear ba-bump ba-bump, you hear whhrrrrrr." ~Pharmacology Professor 

Quote of the Day

"That's how you make a cat sound like a dog, you know? You dump some gasoline on them, light it and they go 'WOOF'."

Tomorrow is the day!

School starts again! I'm excited. And a wee tiny bit nervous. This last week went by so much faster than I expected (it always does, but it always surprises me nonetheless). I've still ironing and boot polishing on my to-do list (as well as reviewing a couple chapters for tomorrow, yay for pre-class assignments) but I'm mostly ready.

Looks good, right? I also have Pharmacology: An Introduction and Bates' Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking but they are the e-version so I can't put a picture of them up.

I must say, it's not my biggest pile of books ever but I think it may be the scariest. But it's going to be fun, and a challenge, which I need.

On a related though different note, this song came on my radio and I realized ... maybe I should take a chocolate frog to school with me tomorrow...just in case!

Lazy summer days...

...bore the tar out of me.

I decided this morning that I wasn't getting up to my alarm. This is by no means an unusual occurrence, as I firmly believe morning shouldn't happen until around 12pm. So, I got up at 1230. Wandered around looking for my glasses which I'd knocked off my bed sometime in the night. Then I made coffee.

I'm of the opinion that the inventor of coffee should be knighted, sainted and given a public day so we can celebrate.

Anyway, since I know we'll be taking a "I bet you haven't cracked a book since EMT class" test on the first day of medic school I actually went back to my old EMT book to review the bits that I'd had trouble with. Namely cardiac emergencies. For some reason, cardiac calls freak me out.

I think it has to do with the fact that my second ever call on an ALS truck was a cardiac arrest. My medic told me later that her first ever (serious) respiratory call left her nervous whenever she gets one now. We spend respiratory calls with me watching the patient and her watching the road.

Regardless, I read the medication/pharmacology chapter of my EMT book, and part of the cardiac chapter. It only makes me more eager to start class again, because now that I've seen a (tiny) bit, I -know- there is so much more to these calls that I'm missing.

I know that they're not as simple as the scenario's we ran through in class. For example, this is rarely the case:
  PT: My chest hurts.
  QLC: Oh! Your chest hurts! Let me check your ABC's, decide which hospital we are going to, then I shall perform a focus exam while getting SAMPLE.
  PT: My chest hurts. It's a 10/10.
  QLC: Well, from what I gathered, I can tell you you're probably having a cardiac event. Here, chew up this aspirin and since you have been prescribed Nitro, why don't I assist you with taking those?
  PT: Oh, that's lovely. My chest doesn't hurt any more, but  now I have a headache!

No, never that simple. After a couple runs, I could fumble through setting up the ECG - though I still have no idea how to read them. And I figured out how to spike a bag pretty easily, and pass things. But I want to know more!

I want school to start!

I want my ambulance rides back!

I even want my captain's chair back. I figured out how to make it into a roller-coaster feeling seat when we go lights and sirens.

I just came to a random conclusion: It's a good thing I'm not filthy rich, I'd die of boredom if there was nothing to get me out of the house. Huzzah for school.

Yeah!

Scored a new couch today. Well, a new old couch. It's new to me, even if it is pretty banged up. But now I have somewhere to sit!!

I used to sit on a futon that was covered in plywood upon which sat a very thin pad. But now I have a lovely green love seat and it's soft, and squishy and I'M SO HAPPY!!

What the world says...

And what is true seems to be totally different.

For example: Past students straight up told our class that getting a "C" for an internship is extremely difficult. Getting a "B" is amazing. And getting an "A" is nothing short of impossible.

The teacher who leads the internship hinted the same thing. He never specifically said it, but he did say he grades hard and that they were using this class to weed out the number of applicants to Core.

I got my grades back today.

I have accomplished the impossible.

My bestest best athiest called me insane and an alien. I was told that because it's a skill based class and not book lore that I could not be considered a nerd.

And then the insurance confirmation person congratulated me on my GPA. I'm not sure why she asked about my GPA in the first place, but she did. It was nice to hear though.

Sunless tanning lotion...

Stinks. As in, it doesn't smell very good.

Yes, random, I know.

But at least I'm not pasty any more. I'm not an avid tanner (I have a strong dislike for being sunburned - which is what happens to my fair Irish skin if I'm outside for more than 30 seconds without sunblock...Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but not much) but it is nice to have a little color. Even if it is fake.

Granted, if I stand next to someone who's been outside all summer in shorts it is VERY obvious that I am 1. a homebody who doesn't go outside 2. a person who wears pants (yes, thank you uniform) almost year round and 3. very pale even with a "tan".

At least by staying out of the sun, my freckles aren't readily apparent. And I'm (hopefully) minimizing the risk of skin cancer in a few  years.

Ok, enough distractions. Back to studying pharmacology. Though, it annoys me when my textbook tells me "other types of agonists exist although it is not critical paramedics know specifics about these". Maybe it is or is not critical for me to know them but...I'm going to look them up anyway. If you're going to mention them, then tell me about them. If you don't think I should know about them, don't say anything at all. However, I'm a firm believer in knowing things - even if my own knowledge is woefully lacking.

Goal of the Day: Work on that. Stop accepting things because someone says "it is so"...ok, that's maybe more of a Goal of the Lifetime. I'll work on it.

*~*edit*~*
I found another phrase that irritates me. "You should be familiar with the various receptor types, however it is not important to memorize the physiology involved in each of the receptors and their binding process." What I get from phrases like this is: "Just know the medicine you give when x=y and don't worry about what you're actually doing to your patient." I don't really want to be a protocol dependent medic - I got sucked into that when I started EMT. I'd much rather (and yes, I know it'll take time and a lot of work, but hey, I'm young) know -why- I'm giving a medication, what it's going to do and what are the potential side effects.

I'm glad we're not using this textbook for Core (our teachers have decided it's out of date - but still a good reference).

And since I'm quoting it, I should cite it. *dutifully cites in accordance with English class expectations*
Chapleau, W., Burba, A. C., Pons, P. T., & Page, D. (2012). The Paramedic. (Updated ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

And the world sleeps...

For a couple weeks anyway.

Summer classes are over (as of the 2nd of August) and the days find me waiting on my final grade for my internship class (I got an A in the Literature class I specifically took to get an A so...). Since I was allowed to attend the orientation and register for fall classes, I'm confindent that I did pass...but I want to know my grade!

Ok, I'm a bit obsessed with grades. I'm a nerd.

Anyway, I arranged my fall classes - well, tenchincally I was told which once I could sign up for and did so. After all of last year of hearing how hard and difficult and sleep depriving the Medic Core could be I was slightly worried. We all were, actually. It's one of the better conversation topics in the hallway at school. Then I looked at my schedule.

Yes, it is a lot of courses. Yes, there is a lot of knowledge and procedure I have to cram into my brain. Yes, it is probably going to be stressful.

Except I have 1,5 days off...not counting the weekend. Granted, that day and a half is supposed to go to my clinicals - both in hospital and on the rig, but still! That's a whole 3,5 days off a week...I'll be able sleep, do my homework (which we traditionally don't have much of anyway), study and practice my skills.

I don't see what they were fussing about. I mean, sure, there is going to be a lot to do, but with proper planning and a solid schedule it's not -that- bad. It's no worse than the 10hr days I put in studying a language for two years, plus fulfilling other duties. Granted, I was younger...but I'm not old yet. Even if I complain that I am sometimes.

So, therefore...come August 27th, I'll be starting Core. My days will revolve around Shock and Trauma + Practicum, Medical Emergencies Pharmacological Interventions I + Practicum, Field Skills Lab I, Introduction to Pre-hospital Pharmacology and my field and hospital clinicals (150 hrs per semester minimum). Now all I need to do is finish sorting out finacial aid so I can get my textbooks and start pre-studying.

I can't wait to get the green light to hook back up with my medic. It's crazy how much I've enjoyed working on the ambulance. I miss it.

Random bits of humor

As I descend further and further into my BLS intership, this clip gets funnier and funnier.

Lyrics (translated by yours truly, to the best of my French abilities)
Attention!
We have injured
We have a man, named Jean-Michel
And he has broken his leg.
With (him) is a girl, her name is Giselle
She's very beautiful
They climbed a tree, to make love.
They assumed the missionary position,
It's popular.
He fell. He broke his leg.
Attention!

Patient Jokes

Mr. Cowboy: "What do you a legless cow?"
Quarter Life Crisis: "Uhm...I have no idea..."
Mr. Cowboy: "Ground beef."

Fail...

Spent a long time polishing my boots... Scuffed them getting into the truck. *le sigh*

You know it's going to be a long night...

It's hot out here. I'm sitting in front of my AC and fan getting ready to go to work (ok, it's not technically work, it's a shift with my mentor on the ALS truck. But it is 12 hours, and I am expected to lead the calls, so I can call it work if I want to.). Doing my usual pre-work routine, making some snacks, making sure my uniform is ship-shape, etc...

Then I realize, as I'm running around in my t-shirt and pants, I've already sweated through my shirt. I haven't even left my house yet! I can only hope we get some good storms tonight that cools things off, or we're going to spend our evening treating heat exhaustion and dehydration again. For once, I'm actually looking forward to the cold temperatures of winter.

Father's Day

So, today was Father's Day. Sunday, June 17th.

Here's to all you men out there that stepped up and were "dad" "papa" or "daddy". By blood or by choice, you have my utmost respect. Here's also to all you mom's who worked two jobs, stretched the dollar and were both "mama" and "daddy" to your little bundles of joy. You only have to look at smiling faces to realize what a priceless job you have.

It's been four years (I think...maybe it's been longer, but who's counting?) since we talked, but...Happy Father's Day, dad. I hope the kids are keeping you entertained.

Reincarnation

I swear I was a cat in a previous life. All I want to do after I eat is sleep. Eat, sleep. Eat, sleeeeeeeeeeeee...

I do not like...

Drunks puking in my truck.

Scheeze.

Uhuh...

I like lights and sirens.

Drifting along with the tumbling tumble weeds

I got assigned to a mentor today, and assigned to an ambulance service! I'm so excited (terrified) to start. I'll be meeting my mentor next week and working 12-16 hour shifts for the next foreseeable future.

The best thing about it? I'll be working afternoon/night shifts. I HATE early mornings!

Oh, and another great thing that happened today. Someone I have never met (and only contacted through my official email) got my nickname right - spelling and all - without being prompted! That never happens. It's a fairly common nickname for my name, but most people don't spell it right. I am quite thrilled.

Real World Experience

Last Thursday I received an email requesting that the summer internship class help the EMSSA (Emergency Medical Service Student Association) as they were lacking volunteers for the weekend. So, I offered to help out - and nudged a classmate into coming with me.

So, Sunday I spent 12 + hours running the First Aid Station at the local soccer tournament. My area was four fields of games, with new games starting every hour. Let me tell you, that is a LOT of soccer, teams, kids, parents and flying balls.

And I was the only medical type person there. Granted, this is what I've spent my last year and a bit training for, but the first time I was called out to check on one of the players, my heart rate sky-rocketed, my palms got all sweaty and I was probably paler than she was. The idea that -I- was supposed to know if the kid needed a real doctor (she didn't...I hope) was like a drop kick to the stomach.

Luckily there were no major injuries, though I did advise (strongly) a couple parents/coaches to take the players in for a proper evaluation (possible concussion, twisted knee with impressive bruising, twisted ankle that could not bear weight and an awesome, fist sized bruise/lump to a player's elbow).

All in all, it was an invaluable experience. I would do it again. Though, I'm thinking that my internship (starting in two weeks!!) is going to help me a lot more, because I'll be able to watch my preceptor evaluate the injuries/medical issues -and- I'll get feed back when I do the same evaluations, instead of making my eval's and hoping I did it right. But I had fun, I learned a lot, and I like to think I helped the soccer kids...and the two crowd people.

Finals, Stress and Insanity

Yesterday marked the last day of school, with two finals (well, two finals and a chapter test) and a day of presentations.

I used to think that school didn't stress bother me much. In fact, I rather like the feeling of stress, it makes things seem clearer and move faster. So, when I realized I had a chapter test (100 points) and a final (60 points) for anatomy and physiology I thought I was rocking. I hunkered down in my apartment, stocked up on easy to make foods and coffee and set to studying and crunching numbers to see how many points I needed to bring my grades up.

I studied, and studied, and studied. Occasionally, friends would call. "Can you come out?" and "Are you still alive?" were common questions. I sent back the occasional text message, took mental health breaks with my bestest best atheist (and clarified random things) and studied.

Then Sunday night came. My house (which I keep neat) looked like a war zone, my laundry (clean) was piling up on my couch (which, other than looking untidy, is fine, since the couch is horrible to sit on anyway) and I ran out of food. My world came crashing down - I still had water-balance and acid-base to study, and three chapters to review.

And my hair was in my eyes.

In. My. Eyes.

All I can do is plead temporary insanity. And when I look at my bathroom sink and trash, I know it was nothing short of insanity. For, like the evidence of a crime, 2-3 inches of my (then annoying) brown hair lay fallen, unmoving; the casualties of a lost battle with my kitchen scissors.

I'm sorry to tell you

But it is difficult to field diagnose a tension pneumothorax without a BP cuff, vitals or SAMPLE/OPQRST history. Did you even get his name?

Talent

I just totally gashed my thumb open on Velcro.

Quote of the day

"With a ruptured, ectopic pregnancy - drive it [ambulance] like you stole it, with due care."

Odd Details

I went to school in flip-flops the other day. My class that requires a uniform was cancelled so I was in jeans and a t-shirt.

No comment on the unusual attire, the crazy hair do (humidity was up, I looked like I'd stuck my finger in a light socket) or the fact that I actually was on time AND my homework was done.

However, there were numerous comments on my blue toe-nail polish*. Evidently it is very cute.

I don't get it. I seriously don't notice toe-nail polish. I barely notice nail polish, unless someone scratches me or someone with those insanely long, deadly looking nail-types are trying to type. And then I just ask myself "Why?".

Moral of the story: You can change almost anything about your appearance, and colleagues notice toenail paint.




*The blue color was my own private joke. I had had recent occasion to apply an ice pack to my foot and...well, you follow me. Ice. Blue toenails. Anyway.

What I have learned in the last twenty four hours

1. You don't drink when you make a shot at beer pong, the other team does.
2. Tippy cup is about a light touch, not seeing how many times you can tip the cup.
3. Jello shots and Jager-bomb's kick my ass.
4. I sing when I'm drunk.
5. My friend's long couch is better for sleeping than her short couch.
6. Don't bet drinks when playing poker unless you're sober enough to cheat.

and last but not least

7. The longer I'm awake (yay for waking up five hours after going to sleep) the worse I feel. Food is helping though.

The point at which...

...you're running out the door and happen to glance in the mirror and realize: If I go outside with my hair standing on end, some child will see me and have nightmares for the rest of his life.

I love having short hair!

Spring Break

It's officially started. I have a week off of school and no official plans (other than to catch up on my studies and work towards my new fitness goals). But I'm sorta bummed. I've really been liking my Ambulance Operations class.

Scenario's have been amazing, and last week I had the most amazing team. We fit in three scenario's in the three hour period (we lost an hour of class for tests); an MVC, respiratory distress and a cardio. Our team was just amazing, I can't say it enough. I mean, we managed our MVC and were off scene in 6 minutes (the goal is 10, and it was the first time we'd worked as a team AND our first MVC period). I'm not trying to brag (much), I'm just very thrilled about class.

Besides missing this class, I am excited to be out of class for a while. Time to just relax, work on my run time, and rearrange my house. Should be nice...

At least it's not broken.

Ah, Thursday. I get my Girl Scout Cookies today. I can't resist Girl Scout Cookies, the Thin Mints especially. It feels like Saturday, even though my week was insanely short (I love the fact that I don't have school Thursdays and Friday's this semester, though I really need to be more disciplined about using my time wisely.)

My ambulance operations class on Tuesday went well. I didn't kill anyone (unlike last week, when I killed my manikin dead-dead-dead and would have shocked myself if I hadn't been using a trainer AED. "Clear" means clear of the cot as well, just FYI). In fact, my team was the only one to not kill our 16 month old anaphylaxis patient (what can I say, I'm terrified of anaphylaxis and I epi the tar out of it). I even led our team for an abdo pain, though I need to work on radio communications. Next time, I'll delegate it (not).

Gym however was painful, and after my Ops class ended (10 PM) my buddy and fellow EMT decided to take me to the ER. I didn't argue much.

We went out to dinner immediately after class as we were both starving and he made a comment that I was -still- limping. My reply was along the lines of "Yeah, my foot hurts. Something cracked in gym earlier." So, of course, he says let's see it. I mutter about the idea of taking my boot off at the restaurant but we're both too curious so...off it comes.

As I suspected, it was quite swollen (medial part of my arch), with the veins standing out nicely (my buddy commented on it) and bruised. We debated it back and forth for a bit, then I decided not to argue over much about seeing a real doc with letters after his name. I didn't want to drive though, since braking made me want to scream, so my buddy took me.

The official word was nothing is broken. I was vastly relieved, because I -CAN'T- miss classes. My entire income is based around school (grants, student loans and my VA stipend) so I'm really glad it isn't broken.

My only complaint is about the attitude of the nurse at the VA. Yes, I'm an EMT- that doesn't mean I can diagnose a broken bone, but it does mean I can and will work with severe pain until it is a reasonable time for me to see a doctor. Yes, I know to ice things, but when you have nearly 14hrs with only minimal breaks and the 'school nurse' closes at four, there's no where to get ice between school and the ER. And just FYI, I HATE going to the ER as a patient. I've only done it three times in the last 25 years. I know that Doc's and Nurses need to sleep at night, but 11 pm was the only time I could get there, since missing classes is not an option, period.

I understand that he was tired, that I didn't ice the foot before I came in and that I could sorta walk. But I really wanted to make sure it wasn't broken, because being able to stand is vital to my future career and I've taken too many idiotic risks already. However, it's not broken (thank God!) and ice and Tylenol work wonders.

Oh, and I now have an awareness of water rescue. I think I want to pursue actual water and ice rescue training when I can. I find I really enjoy the challenges of "rescue" work (at least the scenarios). I love the medical part of EMT/Paramedic training, but I want to go further with it I think. I'd like to get qualified in high and low angle rescue, HAZMAT (technician level, I think), Ice and Swift Water and search and rescue. I've really enjoyed the brief intro's we've gotten in my special rescues class. But I guess we'll see if I'm still interested after I get my medic patch.

Breakfast!

This morning I asked my bestest, best atheist what I should have for breakfast. The reply? Pancakes. Which (I'm assuming from discussions in the past) means crepes, not the fluffy American things drowned in syrup (ick, anyway. I eat mine with jelly, but I'm strange). So, I'm making pancakes with a few additions.

I had a banana that needed eating (except its waaaaaaaaaaaaay past the point that I'll eat it willingly) so it got mashed up in my batter. It tastes nice, but the batter looks creepy and lumpy. And I think no self-righteous pancake maker would eat my pancakes. They end up in really weird shapes and sizes, but hey, it amuses me. And they're going to be eaten anyway, right?

Octopus, anyone?

Okay, maybe not so bad after all. They taste good at least.

Are you sure this is a good idea?

Lately I've been busy TAing an EMT basic class. I hang around for an hour or two and help them practice their skills, give advice on what to study and basically just make myself useful as another pair of hands for the prof.

Then my fellow TA disappeared. He has good reason, so I'm not blaming him.

But then I get a text: "Hey, you remember that study group I put together at [insert restaurant name]?"
My reply: "Yeah."
Long wait as I go in and out of service: "Would you mind leading that? I can't be there now."
Me, mentally: Oh shit, you want me to be IN CHARGE?? I'm a baby EMT. I just got my patch. OMG WHAT?........ect.
My reply: "Of course. I'll let them know on Wednesday."

I guess I better review their cardio chapters.

The wonderful world of dreams...

I dreamt all night trying to figure out the name of a specific condition. I -knew- I had studied it, and I vividly remembered watching two videos showing how you should and shouldn't handle it. Somewhere around 4am (still dreaming, and yes, I woke up enough to look at my watch and went straight back to dreaming) I realized I knew the initials of the condition.

E D

Yes, E D.

So...

Until 8am when my alarm went off, my dream fogged brain insisted that I was dreaming of erectile dysfunction. But with entirely different symptoms and the chance of being very serious...

The proper words I was searching for was "Excited Delirium"

*fail*

Spelling matters...

But so does knowing your vocabulary.

It is important to write ilium when you mean ilium and not write ileum, but when you use the example in class, it's best to use ilium and ileum not ischium and ischeum.

Though, Google searching ischeum kept me well amused in class. Evidently it's in Florida.

5 year olds are deadly...

Shortie: "Mom! I have my marshmallow gun!!"
Mom: "Oh, you do?"

*pitter-patter of feet running and the sounds of maniacal giggling*

*pop*

Mom: "OUCH!!"

Sometimes it's the little things

I read a blog recently about loss (I suppose I could link and all that, but that's too much effort right now). I had mentioned that grief never really goes away.

I learned again just how true that was today.

After class tonight, I sat down to finish some school work and prep for a long day tomorrow (which means I opened up my internet, which leads me almost always to Facebook). Browsing through quickly, I noticed some newly added pictures that really really really caught my eye.

My cousin posted pictures of my grandma. We lost her four and a half years ago and just seeing the pictures reduced me to tears. And I rarely cry.

I miss her so much.

It's official!

I am now a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT).

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Today is the day!

Today I find out if I have the knowledge to become an EMT (evidently they say I already have the skills). In less than one hour, I'll be wandering down towards the testing center (nearly an hour early, prepped with very specific directions from my friend who has taken this already) and sitting outside the room chewing what's left of my nails (that'll teach me to cut them short!).

My friend (same one) says I'm more prepared than he was (which is very sad, given that I didn't have my reference materials for three weeks) and that he passed, so I should do great. Regardless, my toes and fingers are crossed.

Results will come tomorrow...if they're good. If I fail, I'll probably go stick my head in a bucket somewhere and go back to cop school. Just kidding...

To all the math folk out there...

Question posed today in class (and no, it's not supposed to be a math class...yet)

You are hosting a party, with your significant other. You invite 20 couples (yes, it must be couples). Sometime during the party, you go around and ask each person how many people he/she has shaken hands with. The person cannot have shaken his/her SO's hand, or his/her own hand. Each person gives you a different number.

How many people did your SO shake hands with?

Why do you think your answer is right? I did end up with the right answer, however, my logic was flawed. And very very wrong.