Back from break

Boy, am I glad to be back. This last break just seemed to, well, stink. Sometimes during the almost two weeks off between terms, I get to feeling just a little lost. I actually miss my job. How many of you can say that? I know I couldn't stand my job when I finally made that leap and signed up for massage school. I was working 40 or more hours in a nursing home that made no effort to hide that the bottom line was more important than patient care. I felt so out of place there. When I called IoTM for info, Karl and I spoke for almost an hour about the future of massage and my place in it (yet I never once felt pressure to sign up). I brought my family to the open house. As I introduced my partner Jess to Karl and Brenda they both extended their hands in friendship without even blinking. There have been times when I needed time off for recovery and was told "No problem, Val." and they meant it. Brenda has had to literally pick me up off the floor a few times. I've gotten and given more hugs in the last two years than there are stars in the sky. My questions are answered and my advice is asked for. I can safely express my feelings and concerns without worrying about keeping my position. On and on and on...

Why am I bringing all this up? At the beginning of each term, I make a point of asking each of the "newbies", "Hey, why are you here?". I'm looking for the reason why they want to be massage therapists. This time I'm noticing that the first thing out of the mouths of these babes is "I hate my job". I just smile and knowingly nod my head. Yup, I used to be there. Then I became a massage therapist. 'Nuff said.

***Alert Alert Alert Alert***
I have signed up for the Insurance/Reimbursement class on April 15th. This means that chances are high that this class will be cancelled if anyone who has also signed up changes their mind. Please note, I know who and where you are. I will come and get you to ensure that you are in those seats so this class will go on as scheduled. ***

Update on the POS: The transmission was finished today. Total cost: 732 dollars. But we found out the U Joints are bad so the POS has another appointment Monday to get those done. Estimated cost: 400 dollars. I'll be applying for Welfare after I drop it off.

Update on the cell phone: The new phone showed up at IoTM about 10 minutes after I left. I am to pick it up Monday, and it should be activated Tuesday. I'll post when it's operational. Call the school or leave a message at my house if you need me.

Peace,
val.

Phone problems

If you have been trying to get hold of me on the cell, don't. It's not working. Just call me at home and I'll eventually get the message. I will let you know when the cell is back up and running.

val.

And along comes ...

It seems like a hundred years ago, but it was only about two, that I had in my pathologies class a smart alec guy that drove me crazy. He never took notes, always answered my questions correctly, and hardly ever fell asleep in class. After having talked to him a few times one on one, I realized we had a lot in common; we turned to massage after years of searching for a good "fit" that we weren't getting at our current occupations, we understood that massage was more than just a good rub, and that we both had deliciously sick senses of humor. I was tickled pink when I heard that after licensure, he had been invited to join the IoTM staff.

It is with pleasure that I introduce to you Mr. Darren Sloan, LMT as our newest instructor!

Darren will be teaching the evening Path/Pharm classes on Thursday and Friday. Darren has teaching experience and I'm confident he will do just fine. Many will remember Darren from your admission process. Yes, he really is that nice all the time.

Just remember when you are sitting in Path class, absolutely amazed at Darren's proficiency in all the gooey diseases, he learned it from me. LOL!

val.

This term went way too fast!!

Not only was it a short term to begin with (we received an extra week of break for Christmas), but the weather was a pain in the butt. I think Mother Nature was wearing her ovaries on the outside with all the ice and snow. And don't forget the Great White Death of '07! Now, with the warmer temperatures maybe all of us will be able to get outside and get our heads cleared.

Speaking of muddled up heads - let's hear it for our graduates! After next Sunday they will be walking around like manic ferrets getting ready for the State Board Exams in June. If you happen to see them out in public (buying Tylenol or Pepto), poke 'em with a stick and see if they do anything about it. I doubt they will. Ahhh yes, I remember those days.....

Speaking of remembering - for the students who are taking Pathologies/Pharmacology in the March term: The class covers both Path and Pharm at the same time. I know your schedule says "Path 1/2 and Pharm 1/2" trust me, we will do them at the same time.

Good luck on your final exams. I'll see you in about two weeks.

val.

IoTM has lost one of our own. Jerry, the maintenance man and the one helping Karl with the Leipsic building, was the driver of the bus involved in the Atlanta accident. Jerry and his wife were very good friends of the Meyer's. Jerry and I had some pretty funny conversations when I was teaching in Leipsic and was trying to stay out of his way!

As you can imagine, our prayers are with Jerry's and Jean's family and friends. Our hopes for comfort and understanding extend to all who are affected by this tragic accident.

Breathe, and know peace...
val.