Tuesday, August 5th at almost midnight
It's hard to believe that tomorrow night I will be sleeping in my bed, in my apartment, in Hoboken. I love London, miss the craic, yet am ready to be home.
The last 24 hours have been pretty fantastic. Last night I went to the Grange for dinner with Jessie, Gary, Maggie, Matt, Jenny, and Mike. We had a wonderful time over a great meal. Today I met Heather and Aunt Pam for a trip to the National Gallery. Between their combined knowledge of art and medieval history, it was like a professional tour. We stopped for lunch near Trafalgar Square, walked along the river, ate dessert near Covent Garden, walked through the shops from Neil Street to Bond Street, and met Patricia for dinner.
I feel like London is the perfect way to transition from Ireland to Hoboken. There is the diversity of home, the rain (of which there is plenty) smells like the city, and I've eaten American, English, and Spanish in the span of a day. My steak sandwich had butter and the Spanish omelette was mostly potato. It's like the perfect fusion of the familiar and the strangely European.
Walking about London was fantastic because: 1) my cousins are a riot, and 2) it's the perfect blend of memories and new discoveries. I found restaurants and shops from my first visit when I was sixteen, the location where I purchased my first formal suit, the bar where I ordered my first legal drink, the park where Jonathan and I had a picnic last spring, and so on. I also tried new foods and drinks which I cannot find without difficulty in the States.
Don't know when I'll next write. I intended this blog to be a travelogue of my summer experience. I may or may not post updates in the future. We shall see. For now, so long.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
London
Monday, August 4th at 5pm
I am wonderfully relaxed. Yesterday, all my cousins and my aunt stopped by. We had a barbeque on the back patio and caught up over the feast. Afterward, we played Wii Fit (I may actually consider getting a video game unit) and really talked. Matt and I spent the evening watching funny youtube vids while Maggie did some work. It was great to be amongst family - so very open, supportive, and fun. I am very happy I came to London and have had the chance to see everyone.
Today was a lazy day. Matt and I discussed everything from space flight to green engineering. Then we looked at different models of laptops for school this fall. I think we found a model that is cost-effective, meets school specs, and isn't too heavy. We then ordered Thai (I love spicy foods!!!) and have been taking it easy. I thought about running about London today but it rains on and off and I can't stress the weather at this point in time.
Tonight there are plans for a family dinner and tomorrow I am going on a family outing to the National Gallery followed by another family dinner. I don't know how I got so lucky!
In other news, I have been attempting to switch my sleep schedule by staying up later and later and waking up later. So far the staying up part is working but the waking part is still too early. Hopefully I can start the jet-lag adjustment here so I won't be a super early riser this weekend.
I am wonderfully relaxed. Yesterday, all my cousins and my aunt stopped by. We had a barbeque on the back patio and caught up over the feast. Afterward, we played Wii Fit (I may actually consider getting a video game unit) and really talked. Matt and I spent the evening watching funny youtube vids while Maggie did some work. It was great to be amongst family - so very open, supportive, and fun. I am very happy I came to London and have had the chance to see everyone.
Today was a lazy day. Matt and I discussed everything from space flight to green engineering. Then we looked at different models of laptops for school this fall. I think we found a model that is cost-effective, meets school specs, and isn't too heavy. We then ordered Thai (I love spicy foods!!!) and have been taking it easy. I thought about running about London today but it rains on and off and I can't stress the weather at this point in time.
Tonight there are plans for a family dinner and tomorrow I am going on a family outing to the National Gallery followed by another family dinner. I don't know how I got so lucky!
In other news, I have been attempting to switch my sleep schedule by staying up later and later and waking up later. So far the staying up part is working but the waking part is still too early. Hopefully I can start the jet-lag adjustment here so I won't be a super early riser this weekend.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Last Day...
Friday, August 1 at 9:41am
I just pictured myself typing the above date and time with the Big Brother voice. Just when my mind had begun making the switch to culturally Irish - I'm ripped back to the US!
Yesterday was in the office. Slept in, played guitar, transferred photos, and did some wiki lessons. Went home, packed, cooked, ate, watched a movie. Not much to share at this point. Saying goodbye to so many wonderful people this afternoon will be difficult.
--------------------------------
Sunday, August 3rd at 12:35am
So this separation has been incredibly difficult for me. I have fallen in love with Donegal. The rest of Ireland is great, but the land and people of Donegal will forever hold a special place in my heart. I'm going to miss the craic, the free-flowing curses, football, properly poured Guinness, toast, and Irish Cadbury (especially when you split a twirl or other chocolate). I've met some all-star people who I hope to see in the future!
I spent eight hours today in Dublin airport after five hours on the bus from Falcarragh to Dublin (I left at 7:25am - 7:10am from the house). I sat next to a Polynesian woman on the bus who smelled like hand lotion and spoke with one of a contingent of twelve Texans. In the airport, I struck up a conversation with a Spanish girl (in Spanish, no less) so that I could leave my luggage for five minutes to use the little girl's room.
After finishing The Servant Leader last night, I began McCarthy's Bar (one of my wonderful gifts) today at the airport. By the time boarding began, I had read 210 out of 372 pages and I'm currently at page 259. Some accurate and wonderful quotes:
page 26:
'Do you know what I love about the Irish?'
I shake my head.
'The way they don't seem to be after your money. Everyone else in the world is. But the Irish don't care. They just want to know everything about you instead. I love it.'
page 161: This seems to be Ireland's power. After about ten minutes, everyone feels like they belong here.
page 210: It's no coincidence that the style of writing know as stream of consciousness was pioneered by Irish authors. Critics have missed the point, however, in regarding it as a radical, experimental reaction against literary convention. For many Irish people, the avant-garde monologue is the most commonplace form of everyday speech; and a very liberating thing it is too. Like the best kind of journey, it's always liable to veer off in entirely unexpected directions and lead you to destinations you might never otherwise have considered.
page 232: There's a roundabout of such consummate ugliness on the Galway ring road that it would have been refused planning permission in New Jersey.
I've at last made it London (to Ealing, more exactly) to the wonderful hospitality of my cousin and her fiance. Tomorrow I see all the relatives. I am very happy to be here.
--------------------------------
Sunday, August 3rd at 12:35am
So this separation has been incredibly difficult for me. I have fallen in love with Donegal. The rest of Ireland is great, but the land and people of Donegal will forever hold a special place in my heart. I'm going to miss the craic, the free-flowing curses, football, properly poured Guinness, toast, and Irish Cadbury (especially when you split a twirl or other chocolate). I've met some all-star people who I hope to see in the future!
I spent eight hours today in Dublin airport after five hours on the bus from Falcarragh to Dublin (I left at 7:25am - 7:10am from the house). I sat next to a Polynesian woman on the bus who smelled like hand lotion and spoke with one of a contingent of twelve Texans. In the airport, I struck up a conversation with a Spanish girl (in Spanish, no less) so that I could leave my luggage for five minutes to use the little girl's room.
After finishing The Servant Leader last night, I began McCarthy's Bar (one of my wonderful gifts) today at the airport. By the time boarding began, I had read 210 out of 372 pages and I'm currently at page 259. Some accurate and wonderful quotes:
page 26:
'Do you know what I love about the Irish?'
I shake my head.
'The way they don't seem to be after your money. Everyone else in the world is. But the Irish don't care. They just want to know everything about you instead. I love it.'
page 161: This seems to be Ireland's power. After about ten minutes, everyone feels like they belong here.
page 210: It's no coincidence that the style of writing know as stream of consciousness was pioneered by Irish authors. Critics have missed the point, however, in regarding it as a radical, experimental reaction against literary convention. For many Irish people, the avant-garde monologue is the most commonplace form of everyday speech; and a very liberating thing it is too. Like the best kind of journey, it's always liable to veer off in entirely unexpected directions and lead you to destinations you might never otherwise have considered.
page 232: There's a roundabout of such consummate ugliness on the Galway ring road that it would have been refused planning permission in New Jersey.
I've at last made it London (to Ealing, more exactly) to the wonderful hospitality of my cousin and her fiance. Tomorrow I see all the relatives. I am very happy to be here.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Night Out
Thursday, July 31 at 9:45am
I’m going into work late! Last night was fantastic (click for pics). After doing some travel planning on the computer, Nuala and I went to Gortahork to enjoy the sunshine, pass the time, and wait for everyone else to wake up from their naps/come back from their runs and go to dinner. I had my first spicy meal in Ireland (!!!) – chili chicken stir-fry – at the Ostan Loch Altan. After dinner and desert, I was presented with gifts, including ‘History of Ireland’ jewelry, a knit hat and scarf (so clutch for Hoboken winters!), three books (do they know me or what!?), and a poem written especially for me.
Settling
Light like a butterfly
Strong as an mighty ancient tree
Wise and competent
Confident as a big she bear
Where does this bear sleep?
Anywhere she likes!
Innocent and vulnerable
Expecting the best
Deep spirit of the universe
Open to the world
Bell ringing echoing the truth
Of being who you are
Our Kate Freed
“Star!”
Instead of going home, I decided to join Murt for the two-hour car trip to drop off Ciaran and Brian (author of the poem and former Shankill Road clergyman). We stopped at the ‘bridge of tears,’ a location on what was the Donegal railroad that transported emigrants to Derry for boats to America. Families throughout Donegal would walk to the bridge and say goodbye to their loved ones for the last time. There is currently a rock there with Irish writing on it, which we took a solemn picture beside.
Honestly, taking ridiculous photos in random locations is a necessary evil on any holiday. Today I’m bringing the guitar to work because no one has heard me play. Should be a productive day.
I’m going into work late! Last night was fantastic (click for pics). After doing some travel planning on the computer, Nuala and I went to Gortahork to enjoy the sunshine, pass the time, and wait for everyone else to wake up from their naps/come back from their runs and go to dinner. I had my first spicy meal in Ireland (!!!) – chili chicken stir-fry – at the Ostan Loch Altan. After dinner and desert, I was presented with gifts, including ‘History of Ireland’ jewelry, a knit hat and scarf (so clutch for Hoboken winters!), three books (do they know me or what!?), and a poem written especially for me.
Settling
Light like a butterfly
Strong as an mighty ancient tree
Wise and competent
Confident as a big she bear
Where does this bear sleep?
Anywhere she likes!
Innocent and vulnerable
Expecting the best
Deep spirit of the universe
Open to the world
Bell ringing echoing the truth
Of being who you are
Our Kate Freed
“Star!”
Instead of going home, I decided to join Murt for the two-hour car trip to drop off Ciaran and Brian (author of the poem and former Shankill Road clergyman). We stopped at the ‘bridge of tears,’ a location on what was the Donegal railroad that transported emigrants to Derry for boats to America. Families throughout Donegal would walk to the bridge and say goodbye to their loved ones for the last time. There is currently a rock there with Irish writing on it, which we took a solemn picture beside.
Honestly, taking ridiculous photos in random locations is a necessary evil on any holiday. Today I’m bringing the guitar to work because no one has heard me play. Should be a productive day.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ulster American Folk Park and Time with Co-workers
Tuesday, July 29 at 11:10pm
Today was great. Full stop. We went to the Ulster American Folk Park – an open-air museum dedicated to the emigration of Scots-Irish (Northern-Irish) to America. Famous emigrants/emigrant’s children include Davey Crocket, Woodrow Wilson, Ulysses S. Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Andrew Jackson, and Mellon (as in Carnegie-Mellon). The transition from old to new world was beautifully done with a trip through a recreated boat.
I hadn’t fully recognized what was typically American until I saw it juxtaposed to the Irish. Notable items include: log cabins, burning wood in fireplaces (as opposed to peat), wood fences (as opposed to stone walls), maple trees and syrup, quilting, “general store,” corn (not potatoes) and pigs (no sheep). There were actually transplanted homes from PA, maple trees, corn fields, and the like. I actually felt like I was in a colonial settlement. There was even one tree that had begun to change colors and drop red and orange leaves.
Tonight I went out with a few of the members of the Solas project. We had Irish pizza at this lovely restaurant that played Italian music and the old crooners. We sat in plus living room furniture and viewed impressionist art on the walls. The pizzas were not like home but weren’t bad and the desert was quite good.
A few phrases I am hearing all too often are “last week here,” or “rest of your time.” It’s hard to imagine that a week from tomorrow I will be back home – after visiting London. It is all ending way too quickly. I am just trying to enjoy it as best I can.
-----------------------------------
Wednesday, July 30 at 4pm
Today was quite emotional. I woke up earlier than any other day this trip and went to Letterkenny to visit the Acquired Brain Injury Program, Moving On. I left incredibly humbled. The training program caters to people with mental and physical injuries (for example, from a car accident). Whereas some people have a sense of superiority around those with mental or physical injuries, I feel inadequate. The accomplishments of the program’s participants are quite extraordinary, as well as their sense of pride and determination. Although I may have more physical strength holding the door open for one of them, they are much stronger for walking through it.
Today was also my last diary and day with the whole group of participants and staff. I am really going to miss many of them. Tonight the staff is going out for dinner so I’ll probably cry again (for the third time in public).
A very cool thing for me: I met someone and was able to identify their Donegal Town accent. Then we were able to do three degrees of separation through multiple paths. Only in Ireland.
Today was great. Full stop. We went to the Ulster American Folk Park – an open-air museum dedicated to the emigration of Scots-Irish (Northern-Irish) to America. Famous emigrants/emigrant’s children include Davey Crocket, Woodrow Wilson, Ulysses S. Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Andrew Jackson, and Mellon (as in Carnegie-Mellon). The transition from old to new world was beautifully done with a trip through a recreated boat.
I hadn’t fully recognized what was typically American until I saw it juxtaposed to the Irish. Notable items include: log cabins, burning wood in fireplaces (as opposed to peat), wood fences (as opposed to stone walls), maple trees and syrup, quilting, “general store,” corn (not potatoes) and pigs (no sheep). There were actually transplanted homes from PA, maple trees, corn fields, and the like. I actually felt like I was in a colonial settlement. There was even one tree that had begun to change colors and drop red and orange leaves.
Tonight I went out with a few of the members of the Solas project. We had Irish pizza at this lovely restaurant that played Italian music and the old crooners. We sat in plus living room furniture and viewed impressionist art on the walls. The pizzas were not like home but weren’t bad and the desert was quite good.
A few phrases I am hearing all too often are “last week here,” or “rest of your time.” It’s hard to imagine that a week from tomorrow I will be back home – after visiting London. It is all ending way too quickly. I am just trying to enjoy it as best I can.
-----------------------------------
Wednesday, July 30 at 4pm
Today was quite emotional. I woke up earlier than any other day this trip and went to Letterkenny to visit the Acquired Brain Injury Program, Moving On. I left incredibly humbled. The training program caters to people with mental and physical injuries (for example, from a car accident). Whereas some people have a sense of superiority around those with mental or physical injuries, I feel inadequate. The accomplishments of the program’s participants are quite extraordinary, as well as their sense of pride and determination. Although I may have more physical strength holding the door open for one of them, they are much stronger for walking through it.
Today was also my last diary and day with the whole group of participants and staff. I am really going to miss many of them. Tonight the staff is going out for dinner so I’ll probably cry again (for the third time in public).
A very cool thing for me: I met someone and was able to identify their Donegal Town accent. Then we were able to do three degrees of separation through multiple paths. Only in Ireland.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Last Weekend in Ireland
Sunday, July 27th at 12:30am
Time is passing all to quickly. This weekend I'm in Donegal Town. Last night we watched the men's team in the inter-firm finals - possibly the best game I've ever seen. It was fast-paced, intense, and card filled. First, picture a perfect Irish downpour - rain everywhere. Add a three-year long rivalry between the best two teams in the inter-firm league (we won two years ago, they won last year). Next, throw in the type of personal talent and cohesiveness that make for beautiful passing, flicking, and footwork. How could it get any better?
Laghy Waste scored in the first half with a beautiful goal. In the beginning of the second half, they received a yellow-card in the box (uncalled for - too much diving) leading to PK. The score is now 1-1. More pushing, cursing, and there are yellow cards everywhere. Laghy Waste scores with five minutes left with a shot from about 40 yards. Simply beautiful. Movie Madness scores with three minutes left. Another second yellow card (effective red) and red card for Movie Madness and we move into overtime with 9 players against 7. In overtime, Laghy Waste scores two goals to seal the championship. The entire match was a nail-biter (Nuala threatened to "eat her hat" at one point) and just beautiful to watch.
Afterward, we came back, got dressed-up (heels, makeup, the works) and headed out for the celebration. There were barbeques at the pubs for the players and supporters and a presentation of medals. I also got to listen to a great guy who played guitar and covered everything from classic rock to eighties pop to recent hits. The coolest part was sitting on the back patio and looking at the constellations - something near impossible in Hoboken. It was a long night and a great deal of fun.
Today was the first day without rain and plenty of sunshine during my entire trip to Ireland. I actually wore a tank top and sunglasses. After doing some laundry, Nuala and I went to her Mom's house where her neice and nephew were visiting. Talk about angels. I truly felt like I was either on a movie set or in heaven, walking barefoot in the grass, rolling green hills in every direction and the sound of church bells. We brought her wee nephew to the trampolene and soaked up the sunshine. It was the perfect day to relax, get a tiny bit of tan, and enjoy the Irish country-side.
Tonight I tried Irish Chinese food from a restaurant called Shamrock Chinese Take Away. It is completely different here - I didn't see General Tso's on the menu, nor dumplings/wontons. They did have sirloin steak, curry chips with peas, chicken or beef hamburgers, and other traditional take-aways.
----------------------------------
Monday, July 28th at 10am
The weekend has been pure gorgeous! Woke up this morning and the sun is still shining. We finally got the weather that I've been wishing for!
Yesterday was just an easy-going day. Went to Nuala's mom's house for dinner with the family, read for a bit and tanned on the trampoline, went to dinner with friends. Now that the clouds have lifted, I can really appreciate the beauty of the rolling hills in southern Donegal and the Montana-esque mountains in the northwestern corner of Donegal.
Today we're going on a beach walk and bringing our lunches for a picnic. If only I hadn't sent my shorts home with my family!
----------------------------------
Monday at 5pm
The variety of beauiful scenery here is astonishing. I got a tan at the back strand (click for pictures) today - 75 degrees, sunny, and a nice cool wind. I'm really going to miss it here.
I also happened to see Gerry Adams today at the beach. Astonishing. Such a small island.
Time is passing all to quickly. This weekend I'm in Donegal Town. Last night we watched the men's team in the inter-firm finals - possibly the best game I've ever seen. It was fast-paced, intense, and card filled. First, picture a perfect Irish downpour - rain everywhere. Add a three-year long rivalry between the best two teams in the inter-firm league (we won two years ago, they won last year). Next, throw in the type of personal talent and cohesiveness that make for beautiful passing, flicking, and footwork. How could it get any better?
Laghy Waste scored in the first half with a beautiful goal. In the beginning of the second half, they received a yellow-card in the box (uncalled for - too much diving) leading to PK. The score is now 1-1. More pushing, cursing, and there are yellow cards everywhere. Laghy Waste scores with five minutes left with a shot from about 40 yards. Simply beautiful. Movie Madness scores with three minutes left. Another second yellow card (effective red) and red card for Movie Madness and we move into overtime with 9 players against 7. In overtime, Laghy Waste scores two goals to seal the championship. The entire match was a nail-biter (Nuala threatened to "eat her hat" at one point) and just beautiful to watch.
Afterward, we came back, got dressed-up (heels, makeup, the works) and headed out for the celebration. There were barbeques at the pubs for the players and supporters and a presentation of medals. I also got to listen to a great guy who played guitar and covered everything from classic rock to eighties pop to recent hits. The coolest part was sitting on the back patio and looking at the constellations - something near impossible in Hoboken. It was a long night and a great deal of fun.
Today was the first day without rain and plenty of sunshine during my entire trip to Ireland. I actually wore a tank top and sunglasses. After doing some laundry, Nuala and I went to her Mom's house where her neice and nephew were visiting. Talk about angels. I truly felt like I was either on a movie set or in heaven, walking barefoot in the grass, rolling green hills in every direction and the sound of church bells. We brought her wee nephew to the trampolene and soaked up the sunshine. It was the perfect day to relax, get a tiny bit of tan, and enjoy the Irish country-side.
Tonight I tried Irish Chinese food from a restaurant called Shamrock Chinese Take Away. It is completely different here - I didn't see General Tso's on the menu, nor dumplings/wontons. They did have sirloin steak, curry chips with peas, chicken or beef hamburgers, and other traditional take-aways.
----------------------------------
Monday, July 28th at 10am
The weekend has been pure gorgeous! Woke up this morning and the sun is still shining. We finally got the weather that I've been wishing for!
Yesterday was just an easy-going day. Went to Nuala's mom's house for dinner with the family, read for a bit and tanned on the trampoline, went to dinner with friends. Now that the clouds have lifted, I can really appreciate the beauty of the rolling hills in southern Donegal and the Montana-esque mountains in the northwestern corner of Donegal.
Today we're going on a beach walk and bringing our lunches for a picnic. If only I hadn't sent my shorts home with my family!
----------------------------------
Monday at 5pm
The variety of beauiful scenery here is astonishing. I got a tan at the back strand (click for pictures) today - 75 degrees, sunny, and a nice cool wind. I'm really going to miss it here.
I also happened to see Gerry Adams today at the beach. Astonishing. Such a small island.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A few things to bring home
Friday, July 25th at noon
A great deal of the work I set out to do is completed so I have some time for reflection. When it comes to knowledge and skills I would like to bring back to the States, they can be categorized as personal, social, cultural, or work related. Here I'll focus on the latter.
The first idea that I really enjoy is the Social Model of Disability. It shifts the burden of adaptation from those with impairments to the whole of society. It asserts that different impairments do not necessarily limit ability, that society limits ability with value judgments and access. For instance, it is easier to add a wheelchair ramp to a home than teach a person how to get themselves and the chair up the stairs. The problem is not with the person but with the design of the home.
As it applies to mental health, the social model favors integration over segregation and public awareness over personal adaptation. One instance of implementation in Ireland is employment-based programs that provide skills training to clients and awareness training to employees. In the Solas program, we've done away with labels (forget about boxing people, we have no boxes) so that anyone can show their vulnerabilities and strengths - whether they are diagnosed or not. It provides a huge sense of equality and individual value that isn't too common in the States.
Another awesome idea is Person Centred Planning. This is the idea that regardless of diagnosis, everyone has strengths, weaknesses, and goals they would like to achieve - be it higher education, a career path, development of a skill, or some other accomplishment. Within the framework of any program are core and optional modules. This allows any program to be tailored to fit the needs of each individual. There is a great amount of flexibility in the training programs (a part of the health services here) that allows each person to reach their maximum potential, increase their societal contribution, and likewise their sense of personal value.
All of this goes along with the idea of socialized vs. private care - the government here takes an earnest interest in the welfare of its people. Similar to universal education, universal healthcare ensures that the country will have a competent, competitive workforce. The combination of clinical, training, and social assistance as a means to better health is not simply improving the life of each individual but the nation as a whole. It is truly a holisitic approach to health and well-being.
And notice, I have not once used the term medicine. Clinical intervention is only one aspect of healthcare.
A great deal of the work I set out to do is completed so I have some time for reflection. When it comes to knowledge and skills I would like to bring back to the States, they can be categorized as personal, social, cultural, or work related. Here I'll focus on the latter.
The first idea that I really enjoy is the Social Model of Disability. It shifts the burden of adaptation from those with impairments to the whole of society. It asserts that different impairments do not necessarily limit ability, that society limits ability with value judgments and access. For instance, it is easier to add a wheelchair ramp to a home than teach a person how to get themselves and the chair up the stairs. The problem is not with the person but with the design of the home.
As it applies to mental health, the social model favors integration over segregation and public awareness over personal adaptation. One instance of implementation in Ireland is employment-based programs that provide skills training to clients and awareness training to employees. In the Solas program, we've done away with labels (forget about boxing people, we have no boxes) so that anyone can show their vulnerabilities and strengths - whether they are diagnosed or not. It provides a huge sense of equality and individual value that isn't too common in the States.
Another awesome idea is Person Centred Planning. This is the idea that regardless of diagnosis, everyone has strengths, weaknesses, and goals they would like to achieve - be it higher education, a career path, development of a skill, or some other accomplishment. Within the framework of any program are core and optional modules. This allows any program to be tailored to fit the needs of each individual. There is a great amount of flexibility in the training programs (a part of the health services here) that allows each person to reach their maximum potential, increase their societal contribution, and likewise their sense of personal value.
All of this goes along with the idea of socialized vs. private care - the government here takes an earnest interest in the welfare of its people. Similar to universal education, universal healthcare ensures that the country will have a competent, competitive workforce. The combination of clinical, training, and social assistance as a means to better health is not simply improving the life of each individual but the nation as a whole. It is truly a holisitic approach to health and well-being.
And notice, I have not once used the term medicine. Clinical intervention is only one aspect of healthcare.
------------------------
Quote of the day, a la Nuala: “We’re all in this together, whether you’re a dog or a dolphin or a cow or a pig…”
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