Wow...it has been a long time, and I must apologize, but I've been soooo busy. I received the files of ALL the participants in the study, and it was up to me to get them organized and filed properly. I didn't mind though it had its ups and downs of course. We also started clinic this week, and I really enjoy that time. I think it is amazing how the families enjoy themselves and don't feel that they are just a number on a chart. They really want to learn and become healthier.

This morning I must meet with my mentor to go over my introduction for the symposium...I hope it goes well. Wish me luck!

Yeaaaaaah!!!

Well, what is there to say except that I've been pretty busy. I've been doing the same thing that I've been doing last week with few changes. Aside from my work I want to talk about my friends that I've made. They are so fun and wonderful...We have gotten pretty close...

Well, so far so good here in the PCR building. I've been getting together bits and pieces of my power point presentation. I'v made a few new friends her, and it is fun. We eat lunch together, and just have a ball!!! Post to you later!!!

For most students this week was all about getting acquainted with the work routine for the next six weeks, but I had to get used to the walking routine! It is okay now, because I just view it as a way to get exercise and fresh air everyday. I opted not to take the shuttle because it was such a short distance from the hospital...No need to take space from someone else in the shuttle.

Well, how did I start my week? On Monday, we all did our OSHA training and library tour. After that we were free to go to our labs and begin work. I met up with Irma Richardson (who insists I call her Irma and not Mrs. Richardson), and she works with my mentor Dr Barkin on a project to increase physical activity in obese Latino children. We went over the grant for the project and she showed me to my office...With no windows!!! We talked for a while and generated a few research ideas, but I won't spoil the surprise.

Later on in the after noon we went to the YWCA to meet with a few of the participants of the study. I met a lot of different and interesting people...With accents( I love accents)!!!

On Tuesday, I was still getting adjusted but I found time to sit down and create a rough draft of my power point presentation...Yes I know, it's early. I wanted to get a general idea together for my mentor so she would know where I was going.

Wednesday, was fun, because we all got to eat lunch together and read last summers reflection paper (I enjoyed my own). When I returned back to the office I was given the charts with all the data necessary for my project, and I immediately began pulling out what I needed and generating ideas. I feel I am off to a great start!

Today, was busy. I met up with my mentor this morning and we discussed my title and slide show. She really helped me a lot, and made me think beyond what was on the page. We nailed down my research question and hypothesis. Dr. Barkin really helped me out today, and got me going in the right direction. I will begin going to the library to use some of the journals to support my research. This will be fun, because last year I never had to use the library so this should be a trip for me.

I will end this because I know you have many other journals to read, but before I do I must tell you about the birthday cards that Irma and I bought for the participants. Throughout the study the participants receive incentives that will encourage them to continue coming back, and this was one of them. I though this was a great idea, because it lets them know that the staff of "En sus Marcas" thinks of them aside from the study. It will make them feel very special.

This was my week, and I enjoyed every bit of it!!! I've been pretty busy, as you can probably tell!