As my vacation posting has been scant, you're welcome to join me here on memory lane via my photostream. Coming back to my hometown always gives me a lot to think about, and at present I'm simply too pooped to scrape any of the thoughts together into a post.
I'll be back soon.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
'Twas the night before Christmas...
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Flattery will get you everywhere.
A few months ago I got a fan letter. A very nice guy wrote me a random email - an endeavor which could have easily come off as stalker-esque, but instead was well penned, witty and quite friendly. I was flattered (giggled and blushed intermittently all afternoon), and I even printed it off. Here's a few bits:
Towards the end of the day at work today I was feeling particularly unmotivated so I thought I'd poke around and see what other people were writing about. I started clicking the "Next Blog" button...
Eventually I landed on your blog, and spent a decent amount of time reading it. By decent amount of time I mean start to finish. Not in one setting mind you, I'm kind of a slow reader, but in one day at least. Does that speak poorly of me that that's how I spent a decent portion of my Friday?
Anyhow, it kind of hooked me, and I may have a slight cyber-crush on your blog. Any girl who's down with Jason Lee, quotes Clerks the cartoon, uses the word "Huzzah", digs Journey, and wears nerdy glasses is okay in my book...
Mostly just wanted to say thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it...Good luck, thanks again, and I'll be reading if you keep writing.
He went on to invite me to his blog for a look, warning that "his blogging skills weren't quite on par with mine" (which is an absurd claim, really - he's a great writer). I hopped over to his blog, which I found to be a cleverly-written, laugh-out-loud synopsis of his misadventures with the fairer sex. I promptly added him to the links list on my page, hoping that others will find their way to this delightfully funny read. (Probably not many others, mind you - I only have about two dozen readers. But anything I can do to help...)
Anyhow, we exchanged online pleasantries via email, and I became quite sure that if we lived in the same part of the country, we most certainly would have been friends.
I was psyched that someone was enjoying the maundering ramblings that I call a blog. I was more than content with the kudos I'd received from my new friend and reader. But last week he went one step further, writing a blog in which he listed five things on the internet that you should be reading (instead of his stuff). And he put me on his list. I'm pretty sure that me and my little blog don't deserve that kind of praise, but we're flattered and honored all the same.
So here's my thank you, and a shout out to a guy who makes me laugh every day. Thanks, Jesse. You keep writing, and I'll be reading too.
Towards the end of the day at work today I was feeling particularly unmotivated so I thought I'd poke around and see what other people were writing about. I started clicking the "Next Blog" button...
Eventually I landed on your blog, and spent a decent amount of time reading it. By decent amount of time I mean start to finish. Not in one setting mind you, I'm kind of a slow reader, but in one day at least. Does that speak poorly of me that that's how I spent a decent portion of my Friday?
Anyhow, it kind of hooked me, and I may have a slight cyber-crush on your blog. Any girl who's down with Jason Lee, quotes Clerks the cartoon, uses the word "Huzzah", digs Journey, and wears nerdy glasses is okay in my book...
Mostly just wanted to say thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it...Good luck, thanks again, and I'll be reading if you keep writing.
He went on to invite me to his blog for a look, warning that "his blogging skills weren't quite on par with mine" (which is an absurd claim, really - he's a great writer). I hopped over to his blog, which I found to be a cleverly-written, laugh-out-loud synopsis of his misadventures with the fairer sex. I promptly added him to the links list on my page, hoping that others will find their way to this delightfully funny read. (Probably not many others, mind you - I only have about two dozen readers. But anything I can do to help...)
Anyhow, we exchanged online pleasantries via email, and I became quite sure that if we lived in the same part of the country, we most certainly would have been friends.
I was psyched that someone was enjoying the maundering ramblings that I call a blog. I was more than content with the kudos I'd received from my new friend and reader. But last week he went one step further, writing a blog in which he listed five things on the internet that you should be reading (instead of his stuff). And he put me on his list. I'm pretty sure that me and my little blog don't deserve that kind of praise, but we're flattered and honored all the same.
So here's my thank you, and a shout out to a guy who makes me laugh every day. Thanks, Jesse. You keep writing, and I'll be reading too.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Hello from the Sunflower state...
I'm safely arrived back in Kansas. Today I went for a nice outdoor run - it's in the 40's here! Heatwave!
Tonight I went to Best Buy with my mom and brother. In the short time we were there I had chance meetings with three old friends. That's both what I miss the most and why I was ready to leave - I know twenty-three years' worth of people in Topeka. It's not a small town, but it sure feels like it. When I come back to visit, it's wonderful to unexpectedly bump into people. But when I was living here, sometimes I just wanted to escape - not the people so much, but the history. Every street has a story, every store and park and coffee shop has a memory attached. Most of my memories from here are fond ones, and I never felt as though I had anything to run or hide from - it was just time for a change. I think I've been able to grow more as a person by being in a new place. It's easier to move forward when you're not trapped in the past.
That said, I always get a kick out of coming back. It's bizarre being a tourist someplace so familiar.
Tonight I went to Best Buy with my mom and brother. In the short time we were there I had chance meetings with three old friends. That's both what I miss the most and why I was ready to leave - I know twenty-three years' worth of people in Topeka. It's not a small town, but it sure feels like it. When I come back to visit, it's wonderful to unexpectedly bump into people. But when I was living here, sometimes I just wanted to escape - not the people so much, but the history. Every street has a story, every store and park and coffee shop has a memory attached. Most of my memories from here are fond ones, and I never felt as though I had anything to run or hide from - it was just time for a change. I think I've been able to grow more as a person by being in a new place. It's easier to move forward when you're not trapped in the past.
That said, I always get a kick out of coming back. It's bizarre being a tourist someplace so familiar.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Travel news and other random business...
I haven't written much the past few weeks, although I've wanted to. But finally - the papers are handed in, the final exams are over, and I'm ready to show blogger some serious love. Hope you can handle it...
Luis leaves this afternoon for Boston. Wish I could go, because I haven't been out East to visit for a couple of years. Alas, I have my own travel plans for the holidays.
For years, Luis resolutely avoided owning a cell phone, but in the past year or so he's come around a bit and realized that it could prove useful during his many travels. This year I bought him one for Christmas. I loaded it with several cheezy photos of us, a garden gnome for his screensaver, and Sun-Eyed Girl as a ringtone. Welcome to the 21st century, Doc.
We had a meeting last week for my cohort of nursing students, which will start in the upper division nursing courses this spring. It's generally regarded as the hardest semester in the program, so I'm a little bit nervous. I have great classmates, though, and I think we'll be able to help each other through the rough parts. Plus, it'll be a great lesson for me in time management. (I don't think I'll have any choice.)
It's generally understood by Missoulians that weather delays are part of flying. Since we're in a valley, we get temperature inversions that trap low lying fog, and sometimes it stays for days. Three years ago I got stuck in Salt Lake overnight, and while waiting for my (canceled) flight, I met a mom and her son who had been trying to get home to Missoula for four days. Every flight they were rebooked on wound up getting canceled. When they canceled our flight that night, she gave up and rented a car. Two years ago, Luis and I got a phone call at 9:30 the night before our 6:00 am flight, telling us that our flight was canceled due to fog. They rebooked us on an early flight out of Helena, which meant that we left Missoula in the middle of the night to drive to Helena. In the dead of winter. Over MacDonald pass. Ick. The Missoula International Airport (teehee - international? Perhaps because we're so close to Canada?) has finally started battling the fog problem. I'd heard of this being used in other cities, and I'm glad they're trying it out here.
Next week I embark on a three week adventure back to the Sunflower state. I imagine that it will once again be that familiar mix of feeling completely at home, and at the same time slightly out of place. I always love being with my family, as well as seeing my old friends, but with each visit back to my hometown I'm more aware that it's not home anymore. (The exception to this is, of course, my mom's house - she says, "home is where your mom is," and she's right. Mom's house always feels like home.) I'm fascinated by the shifts that occur in friendships over time and space, so expect much meandering thought on this topic over the next month...
Luis leaves this afternoon for Boston. Wish I could go, because I haven't been out East to visit for a couple of years. Alas, I have my own travel plans for the holidays.
For years, Luis resolutely avoided owning a cell phone, but in the past year or so he's come around a bit and realized that it could prove useful during his many travels. This year I bought him one for Christmas. I loaded it with several cheezy photos of us, a garden gnome for his screensaver, and Sun-Eyed Girl as a ringtone. Welcome to the 21st century, Doc.
We had a meeting last week for my cohort of nursing students, which will start in the upper division nursing courses this spring. It's generally regarded as the hardest semester in the program, so I'm a little bit nervous. I have great classmates, though, and I think we'll be able to help each other through the rough parts. Plus, it'll be a great lesson for me in time management. (I don't think I'll have any choice.)
It's generally understood by Missoulians that weather delays are part of flying. Since we're in a valley, we get temperature inversions that trap low lying fog, and sometimes it stays for days. Three years ago I got stuck in Salt Lake overnight, and while waiting for my (canceled) flight, I met a mom and her son who had been trying to get home to Missoula for four days. Every flight they were rebooked on wound up getting canceled. When they canceled our flight that night, she gave up and rented a car. Two years ago, Luis and I got a phone call at 9:30 the night before our 6:00 am flight, telling us that our flight was canceled due to fog. They rebooked us on an early flight out of Helena, which meant that we left Missoula in the middle of the night to drive to Helena. In the dead of winter. Over MacDonald pass. Ick. The Missoula International Airport (teehee - international? Perhaps because we're so close to Canada?) has finally started battling the fog problem. I'd heard of this being used in other cities, and I'm glad they're trying it out here.
Next week I embark on a three week adventure back to the Sunflower state. I imagine that it will once again be that familiar mix of feeling completely at home, and at the same time slightly out of place. I always love being with my family, as well as seeing my old friends, but with each visit back to my hometown I'm more aware that it's not home anymore. (The exception to this is, of course, my mom's house - she says, "home is where your mom is," and she's right. Mom's house always feels like home.) I'm fascinated by the shifts that occur in friendships over time and space, so expect much meandering thought on this topic over the next month...
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
I want to write - -
Unfortunately, I'm not all that interested in writing a care plan.
But it's due tomorrow, so I must.
Then I'll be back and happily blogging.
(Well, after I finish the other paper I have due this week.)
I miss you, blogger.
But it's due tomorrow, so I must.
Then I'll be back and happily blogging.
(Well, after I finish the other paper I have due this week.)
I miss you, blogger.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Here, bloggy bloggy!
I had so much spare time over the holiday break, and yet I got so little done... blogging included. Here's a bit about what I did do:
Learned to purl. I taught myself how to knit last winter, but had until recently been unable to make the opposite stitch, a purl stitch. You can't really do any patterns without both, so my newly acquired skill has opened up a world of endless possibilities... of scarves. (I only knit scarves. They're easy, and I know I'll finish them and actually wear them.)
Cleaned out my closet. I had lots of clothes that no longer fit me (for the happy reason of having shed a few pounds this year), so I finally pulled the ill-fitting ones out of my closet and took them in to a consignment shop.
Cleaned up the apartment. We've been so busy this semester that our place was in desperate need of a little love.
Ate somewhere between 20 and 30 satsuma mandarins. I bought two five pound boxes at the store last week, and I'm hell-bent on finishing them before any go bad. (I've had six today...)
Spent time with friends. My family is too far away to spend Thanksgiving with, but Luis and I have been fortunate to have wonderful friends with whom we celebrate Thanksgiving. Our potluck style Thanksgiving has become a lovely tradition. I toyed with trying to write something about celebrating the holiday away from my family - certainly a bittersweet experience - but I couldn't recruit the right words to express it. However, Joe Nickell of the Missoulian wrote a sweet, touching column this week, and I think he put it well.
A whole lot of nothing. I spent inordinate amounts of time reading, knitting, and watching movies. It was wonderful. But now it's back to work for the remaining two weeks of the semester (I can't believe there's only two weeks left!), so off I go for a spot of studying. More again soon!
Learned to purl. I taught myself how to knit last winter, but had until recently been unable to make the opposite stitch, a purl stitch. You can't really do any patterns without both, so my newly acquired skill has opened up a world of endless possibilities... of scarves. (I only knit scarves. They're easy, and I know I'll finish them and actually wear them.)
Cleaned out my closet. I had lots of clothes that no longer fit me (for the happy reason of having shed a few pounds this year), so I finally pulled the ill-fitting ones out of my closet and took them in to a consignment shop.
Cleaned up the apartment. We've been so busy this semester that our place was in desperate need of a little love.
Ate somewhere between 20 and 30 satsuma mandarins. I bought two five pound boxes at the store last week, and I'm hell-bent on finishing them before any go bad. (I've had six today...)
Spent time with friends. My family is too far away to spend Thanksgiving with, but Luis and I have been fortunate to have wonderful friends with whom we celebrate Thanksgiving. Our potluck style Thanksgiving has become a lovely tradition. I toyed with trying to write something about celebrating the holiday away from my family - certainly a bittersweet experience - but I couldn't recruit the right words to express it. However, Joe Nickell of the Missoulian wrote a sweet, touching column this week, and I think he put it well.
A whole lot of nothing. I spent inordinate amounts of time reading, knitting, and watching movies. It was wonderful. But now it's back to work for the remaining two weeks of the semester (I can't believe there's only two weeks left!), so off I go for a spot of studying. More again soon!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Duties of the Hospital Floor Nurse in 1887
In addition to caring for your 60 patients, each nurse will follow these regulations:
1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient’s furniture and windowsill.
2. Maintain an even temperature on your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day’s business.
3. Light is important to observe the patient’s condition; therefore, each day fill the kerosene lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks. Wash the windows once a week.
4. The nurse’s notes are important in aiding the physician’s work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.
5. Each nurse on duty will report every day at 7 am and will leave at 8 pm except on Sabbath, on which day you will be off from 12 noon to 2 pm.
6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the Director of Nurses will be given an evening off each week if you regularly attend church.
7. Each nurse should lay aside from each payday a good sum of her earning for her benefits during her declining years, so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $20 a month, you should set aside $10.
8. Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop, or frequents dance halls will have given the Director of Nurses good reason to suspect her worth, intentions, integrity.
9. The nurse who performs her labors, serves her patients and doctors faithfully and without fault for a period of five years will be given an increase by the hospital administration of five cents per day, providing there are no hospital debts that are outstanding.
(excerpt bummed from Contemporary Nursing, 3rd Ed., Cherry & Jacob)
1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient’s furniture and windowsill.
2. Maintain an even temperature on your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day’s business.
3. Light is important to observe the patient’s condition; therefore, each day fill the kerosene lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks. Wash the windows once a week.
4. The nurse’s notes are important in aiding the physician’s work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.
5. Each nurse on duty will report every day at 7 am and will leave at 8 pm except on Sabbath, on which day you will be off from 12 noon to 2 pm.
6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the Director of Nurses will be given an evening off each week if you regularly attend church.
7. Each nurse should lay aside from each payday a good sum of her earning for her benefits during her declining years, so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $20 a month, you should set aside $10.
8. Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop, or frequents dance halls will have given the Director of Nurses good reason to suspect her worth, intentions, integrity.
9. The nurse who performs her labors, serves her patients and doctors faithfully and without fault for a period of five years will be given an increase by the hospital administration of five cents per day, providing there are no hospital debts that are outstanding.
(excerpt bummed from Contemporary Nursing, 3rd Ed., Cherry & Jacob)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sick.
Tomorrow I have a test to take and a project to turn in. Today, unfortunately, I am sick. I was fighting a scratchy throat throughout the latter part of last week, but yesterday I woke up and it had clearly won the battle. My ears are fuzzy and my head is dizzy, and there are hundreds of fire ants performing a ritualistic dance in the back of my throat. I just doused them in DayQuil, and I have now dragged my sorry butt out of bed to finish typing up my Gordon's Functional Health Patterns project.
I did well on the first two exams in my health assessment class, but this third one covers, among other things, function and physical examination of the neurological system. I'm good with the exam part, but terrible with the anatomy. I have a complete mental block when it comes to memorizing the ascending and descending tracts of the nervous system. Every time I try to force this stuff into my head, my brain glazes over, and all of the information slides back out into a pile on my notes. I'll have another look at it later tonight, hopefully I can get it to stick at least long enough to sit the test...
Tomorrow is my only day of class this week - Wednesday begins the Thanksgiving break. I'm looking forward to Margaret's amazing cooking, making my grandma's green bean casserole recipe, and spending some quality time sleeping. Perhaps the mess in my apartment will get a little attention as well...
In addition to putting up my before and after haircut photos here, I also posted them to my Flickr account. Today I got a stalker-esque comment on one:
"geomai says: That was nice of you for donating your hair and you are still a hottie. In fact I think it looks better short on you."
Flattered? Sure. Creeped out? Little bit... I don't know this guy from Adam. Although, when you put stuff about yourself on the internet you have to expect it, and eventally you do start to get used to it. I've met some really neat people online (*nods to four of the fifteen or so people reading this blog*), and I'm all for making new friends. His only error, I think, was the lack of communique prior to the comment. Generally, before making a comment like this, it seems as though some introductory comment may be in order. (Very often, those comments begin with something along the lines of "Hi, I'm not a stalker...) I think I'll send him a flickr message introducing myself, and perhaps we'll be friends.
I did well on the first two exams in my health assessment class, but this third one covers, among other things, function and physical examination of the neurological system. I'm good with the exam part, but terrible with the anatomy. I have a complete mental block when it comes to memorizing the ascending and descending tracts of the nervous system. Every time I try to force this stuff into my head, my brain glazes over, and all of the information slides back out into a pile on my notes. I'll have another look at it later tonight, hopefully I can get it to stick at least long enough to sit the test...
Tomorrow is my only day of class this week - Wednesday begins the Thanksgiving break. I'm looking forward to Margaret's amazing cooking, making my grandma's green bean casserole recipe, and spending some quality time sleeping. Perhaps the mess in my apartment will get a little attention as well...
In addition to putting up my before and after haircut photos here, I also posted them to my Flickr account. Today I got a stalker-esque comment on one:
"geomai says: That was nice of you for donating your hair and you are still a hottie. In fact I think it looks better short on you."
Flattered? Sure. Creeped out? Little bit... I don't know this guy from Adam. Although, when you put stuff about yourself on the internet you have to expect it, and eventally you do start to get used to it. I've met some really neat people online (*nods to four of the fifteen or so people reading this blog*), and I'm all for making new friends. His only error, I think, was the lack of communique prior to the comment. Generally, before making a comment like this, it seems as though some introductory comment may be in order. (Very often, those comments begin with something along the lines of "Hi, I'm not a stalker...) I think I'll send him a flickr message introducing myself, and perhaps we'll be friends.
Friday, November 17, 2006
My friend says I’m a catch…
Luis visited the mall tonight to get his watch battery replaced. He went to several jewelers, trying to find someone able to get the back off of his watch, but to no avail. Afterward he popped by my work to bring me dinner, and to let me know in advance that he’d likely been spotted in several different jewelry stores – Missoula is a small town. The advance notice is, of course, so I don’t get my hopes up when whispered words reach my ears about Luis standing near the sparkling display of engagement rings at Zales.
“But I did read about diamonds while I was there,” he says in his own defense, as I affectionately rib him yet again about the C-word. “I learned about color and stuff.”
“I’ve told you about that stuff,” I reply. “About color and clarity and cut - don’t you remember?”
“Yeah, but when it comes out of your mouth it sounds like 'wa-waaa-waaa-wwa-wwaa' -- like Charlie Brown’s teacher,” he says to me.
I laughed and told him he was mean, but really - that's funny. I know as a girl I should probably be offended or something, but that was comedy gold.
I went back to the nurses’ station later to relay the story, and my friend Tiffany said, “You know, it’s funny that you say that…”
“…I was just thinking the other day that Luis really ought to put something shiny on you, something worth some serious money, before you get away. You’re pretty, and young, and smart, and you’re gonna be a nurse. You’re a catch.”
See? I’m a catch. pssst...someone tell my boyfriend.
“But I did read about diamonds while I was there,” he says in his own defense, as I affectionately rib him yet again about the C-word. “I learned about color and stuff.”
“I’ve told you about that stuff,” I reply. “About color and clarity and cut - don’t you remember?”
“Yeah, but when it comes out of your mouth it sounds like 'wa-waaa-waaa-wwa-wwaa' -- like Charlie Brown’s teacher,” he says to me.
I laughed and told him he was mean, but really - that's funny. I know as a girl I should probably be offended or something, but that was comedy gold.
I went back to the nurses’ station later to relay the story, and my friend Tiffany said, “You know, it’s funny that you say that…”
“…I was just thinking the other day that Luis really ought to put something shiny on you, something worth some serious money, before you get away. You’re pretty, and young, and smart, and you’re gonna be a nurse. You’re a catch.”
See? I’m a catch. pssst...someone tell my boyfriend.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Almost halfway through...
This past Monday saw the beginning of a nine-day stretch of craziness in my schedule. Tuesday I had to pass a return demonstration of wound care skills (it's like a performance exam) and then turn in my first care plan. Yesterday and today were classes as usual, and tomorrow I have a big paper due. I work tonight through Sunday, and then on Tuesday I have another paper/project due and a test (which I expect will be the hardest of the semester.)
Poo on that, I say -- but at least it ends with a holiday break. And honestly, this is sort of the peak of the semester for my classes. It looks like after these next few days, we'll be sort of winding down. A few more tests and write ups, a couple more skills demonstrations, and then two cumulative finals. Huzzah!
I was up until just waaay too late on Monday night, and now my body feels like perhaps it's coming down with a cold. I haven't gotten a full-blown cold in ages, and I'm hoping to fight this one off as well. I'm all about the zinc lozenges and vitamin C at the moment, but a word of caution: don't take the zinc on an empty tummy! I just finished one and haven't eaten anything yet today, and it doesn't feel nice. Feels like heartburn, actually. I'm sure a bite to eat will help...
I'm really tempted to sneak outside for a short run - according to my desktop weather it's a balmy 44° outside! As the weather gets more wintery and unpredictable, I find myself going out to run at all sorts of random times. I have to take advantage of the opportune weather conditions whenever they pop up... on that note, off I go!
Poo on that, I say -- but at least it ends with a holiday break. And honestly, this is sort of the peak of the semester for my classes. It looks like after these next few days, we'll be sort of winding down. A few more tests and write ups, a couple more skills demonstrations, and then two cumulative finals. Huzzah!
I was up until just waaay too late on Monday night, and now my body feels like perhaps it's coming down with a cold. I haven't gotten a full-blown cold in ages, and I'm hoping to fight this one off as well. I'm all about the zinc lozenges and vitamin C at the moment, but a word of caution: don't take the zinc on an empty tummy! I just finished one and haven't eaten anything yet today, and it doesn't feel nice. Feels like heartburn, actually. I'm sure a bite to eat will help...
I'm really tempted to sneak outside for a short run - according to my desktop weather it's a balmy 44° outside! As the weather gets more wintery and unpredictable, I find myself going out to run at all sorts of random times. I have to take advantage of the opportune weather conditions whenever they pop up... on that note, off I go!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
TV
I don't watch much television, but there are few shows that I love:
Scrubs is pretty much the best show on TV. I'm glad that Comedy Central picked up the reruns. It's a funny show, but the message is always genuine. Makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
I also love Nip/Tuck. I happened to catch the first episode when the show started, and I've been hooked ever since.
Luis and I always watch the Biggest Loser. I'm generally opposed to "reality television" (I find that reality TV mainly consists of obnoxious people making fools of themselves, and it certainly isn't real - it's usually pretty much the Springer Show on location), but I do like this show. I don't care so much for the game aspect, but I like watching people make healthy changes that will profoundly impact their lives. It's inspiring.
Finally, after years of waiting - I got to see Detective Elliot Stabler (of Law and Order: SVU) making out with a chick on last night's episode. Hot. So hot. *fans face* I like all of the Law and Orders, but SVU is definitely my favorite. Good ensemble cast, and the lead detectives are two of my favorite television actors. And a little eye candy never hurts, either...
Scrubs is pretty much the best show on TV. I'm glad that Comedy Central picked up the reruns. It's a funny show, but the message is always genuine. Makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
I also love Nip/Tuck. I happened to catch the first episode when the show started, and I've been hooked ever since.
Luis and I always watch the Biggest Loser. I'm generally opposed to "reality television" (I find that reality TV mainly consists of obnoxious people making fools of themselves, and it certainly isn't real - it's usually pretty much the Springer Show on location), but I do like this show. I don't care so much for the game aspect, but I like watching people make healthy changes that will profoundly impact their lives. It's inspiring.
Finally, after years of waiting - I got to see Detective Elliot Stabler (of Law and Order: SVU) making out with a chick on last night's episode. Hot. So hot. *fans face* I like all of the Law and Orders, but SVU is definitely my favorite. Good ensemble cast, and the lead detectives are two of my favorite television actors. And a little eye candy never hurts, either...
Monday, November 13, 2006
Procrastination in progress.
Every launderable garment in my apartment is clean. All of the dishes have been washed and put away. The trash - taken out. Mail - sorted. I cleaned out the fridge. Dusted the living room shelves. Swept the bathroom.
This can really only mean one thing: I must have a paper due.
And I do. Two, in fact. One tomorrow, another Friday. It is now 5:30 pm and I have a large amount of work ahead of me tonight. But at least - at LEAST, this time I'm not STARTING the paper at 5:30 the night before it's due. I have nearly half of it done. Perhaps I'm making a little headway in the battle against my procrastination demon. (Of course, I'll know I've made some serious strides in time management when I wait until AFTER I've done my homework to blog...)
I just ate the biggest Fuji apple I'd ever seen - seriously, I'm talking the size of a softball. Enormous. And yummy.
Last night ended up being brother night. My nineteen-year-old brother Tony called me for financial aid and scholarship application help, because he's starting college in the spring. Then, not twenty minutes after we got off the phone, my younger brother Ricky called, needing help with his math homework . It's not easy to teach someone how to do linear equations and graphing without being able to see his work or write out examples! Poor guy - we were on the phone for about an hour and a half. I think his brain short-circuited by the end, but at least he got his homework done. I'm glad I'm still useful to them, even being so far away...
And speaking of family and far away, I've got a plane ticket to Kansas! I was only in town this summer for a couple of days, so I decided this winter I'd stay for a while - I'll be mooching off my parents for three whole weeks! I look forward being with my family, and catching up with old friends, and shopping with Erica, and eating Chipotle, and playing with Bart and Peanut, and untying the shoelaces of all my pregnant friends so I can laugh at them trying to reach their toes...
Okay, time to get to work!
This can really only mean one thing: I must have a paper due.
And I do. Two, in fact. One tomorrow, another Friday. It is now 5:30 pm and I have a large amount of work ahead of me tonight. But at least - at LEAST, this time I'm not STARTING the paper at 5:30 the night before it's due. I have nearly half of it done. Perhaps I'm making a little headway in the battle against my procrastination demon. (Of course, I'll know I've made some serious strides in time management when I wait until AFTER I've done my homework to blog...)
I just ate the biggest Fuji apple I'd ever seen - seriously, I'm talking the size of a softball. Enormous. And yummy.
Last night ended up being brother night. My nineteen-year-old brother Tony called me for financial aid and scholarship application help, because he's starting college in the spring. Then, not twenty minutes after we got off the phone, my younger brother Ricky called, needing help with his math homework . It's not easy to teach someone how to do linear equations and graphing without being able to see his work or write out examples! Poor guy - we were on the phone for about an hour and a half. I think his brain short-circuited by the end, but at least he got his homework done. I'm glad I'm still useful to them, even being so far away...
And speaking of family and far away, I've got a plane ticket to Kansas! I was only in town this summer for a couple of days, so I decided this winter I'd stay for a while - I'll be mooching off my parents for three whole weeks! I look forward being with my family, and catching up with old friends, and shopping with Erica, and eating Chipotle, and playing with Bart and Peanut, and untying the shoelaces of all my pregnant friends so I can laugh at them trying to reach their toes...
Okay, time to get to work!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Change is good.
I was ready for something a little different... and now I've got a long ponytail to send to Locks of Love tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A good day.
This afternoon my health assessment class covered pediatric examinations. As such, several of my classmates brought their children in to be our guinea pigs. It was fun to rub little bellies and check reflexes and do fun developmental screening tasks. Assessments focused on health rather than illness are a pleasant change of pace. And it was especially fun to hold all the babies...
I had clinicals again this evening. Over the past few weeks I've really started to enjoy my time at the nursing home. It's a great feeling knowing that you've been a bright spot in someone's day. Two little old ladies kissed me and told me they love me. I love that ten minutes of my time spent talking to an elderly woman who is a little lonely can make her day better.
I firmly believe that if more people in our society spent time in situations like these, the world would be a better place. Interactions with others - and especially those that cut through factors like age, ability, socioeconomic status - really get to the core of who we are as people. Get away from your creature comforts and spend some time with those in need. Financial need, social need, physical need - doesn't matter. I have enough opinions on some of these topics to write for hours (perhaps soon I will, just not tonight) - but I believe that the inordinate amount of stuff accumulated by most people is a sad attempt to fill a void that could be healed by more of these kinds interactions. New powerbooks and cars and furniture and ipods are nice, but they can't hold a candle to the human spirit. Every week I come home from this slow, sedate place, a place laden with the gradual deceleration of life, and I remember that I'm healthy. I'm whole. I have a warm bed and food to eat. I have a caring and thoughtful family, and a boyfriend who hugs and kisses me every day. My life is amazing. And with it I have the incredible ability to do good things. It's an awesome thought...
Tomorrow I have a hair appointment. I'm pretty excited - I'm feeling ready for a change. Perhaps I'll make it an all-girly day and give myself a pedicure too. Oh, and if only I had the money to work in a little shoe shopping - well, maybe I'll try some on, just for good measure. : )
I had clinicals again this evening. Over the past few weeks I've really started to enjoy my time at the nursing home. It's a great feeling knowing that you've been a bright spot in someone's day. Two little old ladies kissed me and told me they love me. I love that ten minutes of my time spent talking to an elderly woman who is a little lonely can make her day better.
I firmly believe that if more people in our society spent time in situations like these, the world would be a better place. Interactions with others - and especially those that cut through factors like age, ability, socioeconomic status - really get to the core of who we are as people. Get away from your creature comforts and spend some time with those in need. Financial need, social need, physical need - doesn't matter. I have enough opinions on some of these topics to write for hours (perhaps soon I will, just not tonight) - but I believe that the inordinate amount of stuff accumulated by most people is a sad attempt to fill a void that could be healed by more of these kinds interactions. New powerbooks and cars and furniture and ipods are nice, but they can't hold a candle to the human spirit. Every week I come home from this slow, sedate place, a place laden with the gradual deceleration of life, and I remember that I'm healthy. I'm whole. I have a warm bed and food to eat. I have a caring and thoughtful family, and a boyfriend who hugs and kisses me every day. My life is amazing. And with it I have the incredible ability to do good things. It's an awesome thought...
Tomorrow I have a hair appointment. I'm pretty excited - I'm feeling ready for a change. Perhaps I'll make it an all-girly day and give myself a pedicure too. Oh, and if only I had the money to work in a little shoe shopping - well, maybe I'll try some on, just for good measure. : )
Monday, November 06, 2006
Vote, dammit.
Flipping through the channels on television last night, I came across a campaign ad for the senate race. That alone isn't surprising - we're getting down to the wire in a pretty close competition. But the first ad was followed by another ad, for the other candidate. And then a third. And a fourth. And then Mandi shut off the television. At this point in the campaigns the gloves have long since come off, and every ad is a lesson in mudslinging. I can't take it anymore, and I swear my blood pressure spikes every time I start thinking about politics. It's all dirty and wrong. And slanted. And scary. So here's a rant about all things political, and then I'm going to go back to being quiet about the whole mess.
I don't like politicians. I believe a few important things can be said for almost anyone who has the money and the influence needed to succeed in politics:
1. They've long since sold out. Any decency they may have had was likely sacrificed in order to get them to where they are today.
2. They have absolutely no idea what it's like to be an average American citizen. They don't know the slightest thing about what life is like for you.
3. They don't care the slightest bit about what life is like for you.
4. Their goal is not to serve the best interest of the public - it's to serve their own interest, which generally means doing whatever is necessary to keep their position of power.
I don't like the party platform system. I think it's antiquated and narrow minded, and it stinks. That said, I'm a registered Democrat. I agree with some of what that party has to say, and more importantly, I fervently disagree with the actions of the Republican party. The current political regime has used fear and anger as a way to manipulate the public. They use religion as a justification for their actions (post concerning my thoughts on religion coming soon to a blog near you) and as a claim to a moral high ground that they simply don't deserve.
I have no problem with people who support a party different from mine. What I do have a problem with is people who can't tell me, at least in general, why they support who they do. I am tired of the lackadaisical mindset of the American public at large. It seems like much of the country has had the wool pulled over its' eyes. If people were paying attention, they'd be enraged. Instead, they take what they've been spoonfed and question no further. We've become complacent, concerning ourselves only with the mundane and letting the important things slip below our radars. Who cares about our civil liberties slowly being stripped away? Paris and Nicole are friends again - surely that's more newsworthy... I heard somewhere recently (although I can't find the original source now) about the steady increase in celebrity/entertainment magazine circulation, and at the same time a drop in sales of news magazines. This country has its' priorities all out of whack. It's sad. And right now it may be a benign little problem, but if we ignore our rights and responsibilities long enough, they're sure to disappear.
Okay -that's enough talk about politics. Tomorrow I will go to the polls and do my duty. You should too.
I don't like politicians. I believe a few important things can be said for almost anyone who has the money and the influence needed to succeed in politics:
1. They've long since sold out. Any decency they may have had was likely sacrificed in order to get them to where they are today.
2. They have absolutely no idea what it's like to be an average American citizen. They don't know the slightest thing about what life is like for you.
3. They don't care the slightest bit about what life is like for you.
4. Their goal is not to serve the best interest of the public - it's to serve their own interest, which generally means doing whatever is necessary to keep their position of power.
I don't like the party platform system. I think it's antiquated and narrow minded, and it stinks. That said, I'm a registered Democrat. I agree with some of what that party has to say, and more importantly, I fervently disagree with the actions of the Republican party. The current political regime has used fear and anger as a way to manipulate the public. They use religion as a justification for their actions (post concerning my thoughts on religion coming soon to a blog near you) and as a claim to a moral high ground that they simply don't deserve.
I have no problem with people who support a party different from mine. What I do have a problem with is people who can't tell me, at least in general, why they support who they do. I am tired of the lackadaisical mindset of the American public at large. It seems like much of the country has had the wool pulled over its' eyes. If people were paying attention, they'd be enraged. Instead, they take what they've been spoonfed and question no further. We've become complacent, concerning ourselves only with the mundane and letting the important things slip below our radars. Who cares about our civil liberties slowly being stripped away? Paris and Nicole are friends again - surely that's more newsworthy... I heard somewhere recently (although I can't find the original source now) about the steady increase in celebrity/entertainment magazine circulation, and at the same time a drop in sales of news magazines. This country has its' priorities all out of whack. It's sad. And right now it may be a benign little problem, but if we ignore our rights and responsibilities long enough, they're sure to disappear.
Okay -that's enough talk about politics. Tomorrow I will go to the polls and do my duty. You should too.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween...
It's 9:45 on a holiday and I'm sitting at home. Little bit lonely, to be honest. I made some tentative plans to go downtown and observe (and perhaps partake of) the general debauchery of the bar scene with a few friends, but then I decided not to go. It's really cold outside, I had homework to do, and for a rare moment, a glimmer of responsibility overtook me, reminding me that I have several hours of class tomorrow morning, followed by five hours of clinicals later. I can't afford to be tired and/or hung over, and I'm already operating on a sleep debt... (More often than not, when I have to decide between fun and responsibilities, fun takes the cake, and responsibility the backseat... at least for a bit.) Anyhow, now the homework is done, and the bored me is wishing I had punched the responsible me in the kidneys and headed out for the evening. Luis is in Seattle with the orchestra, so the apartment is pretty quiet. I did go out this weekend, which was a crazy good time, so probably I should quit griping. Hm... yeah, I'm definitely done complaining. : )
On to other news briefs:
My second day of clinicals is tomorrow (we have them weekly). I had a lot to contemplate after my first day, and I'm sure there's a blog in there somewhere. I just haven't had the time to extract it from my jumbled thoughts. We're working in a nursing home, and I saw some things which made me smile, and some that saddened me. More to come on this one...
APA format is for the birds. I spent the first zillion years of my life using MLA, but APA is standard for nursing. Poo on that.
I love Wasa crackers - especially the rye ones. Luis says they look and taste like corrugated cardboard, but I think they're delightful with cheese. Of course, nearly everything is better with cheese on it...
It's cold here. Like, really cold. It was 12°F outside this morning when I left for class, and it's 20° right now. All I want to do when it gets cold out is take baths. I've worked out an agreement with myself that I can take a bath in the middle of the day, so long as I take a textbook with me and study. Multitasking... smart, huh? And so far I've only dropped one into the bathwater.
Okay, now I'm just stalling... but I feel loads more cheerful, so it was time well spent. I'm off to catch up on some much needed rest! Ta-ta!
On to other news briefs:
My second day of clinicals is tomorrow (we have them weekly). I had a lot to contemplate after my first day, and I'm sure there's a blog in there somewhere. I just haven't had the time to extract it from my jumbled thoughts. We're working in a nursing home, and I saw some things which made me smile, and some that saddened me. More to come on this one...
APA format is for the birds. I spent the first zillion years of my life using MLA, but APA is standard for nursing. Poo on that.
I love Wasa crackers - especially the rye ones. Luis says they look and taste like corrugated cardboard, but I think they're delightful with cheese. Of course, nearly everything is better with cheese on it...
It's cold here. Like, really cold. It was 12°F outside this morning when I left for class, and it's 20° right now. All I want to do when it gets cold out is take baths. I've worked out an agreement with myself that I can take a bath in the middle of the day, so long as I take a textbook with me and study. Multitasking... smart, huh? And so far I've only dropped one into the bathwater.
Okay, now I'm just stalling... but I feel loads more cheerful, so it was time well spent. I'm off to catch up on some much needed rest! Ta-ta!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
It's just a jump to the left,
And then a step to the ri-i-i-i-i-ight...
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and with it comes all the creepy delights of the season. Earlier this evening I watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show for what has to be the umpteenth time, and it just keeps getting better... Tim Curry is strangely attractive in a corset.
Last night I went to the Halloween Bash at the Green Room/Red Light Lounge downtown. It was a good time - some drinks, lots of dancing, and I met some fun people. Photos from the evening can be seen here (although I only took a few.)
I dressed as Dorothy again this year, mostly so I could get another wearing out of my fabulous ruby slippers. Last year I rented a really authentic Dorothy costume, but this year it wasn't available, so I bought one from a Halloween shop. This brings me to my one beef with Halloween: why is every ladies' costume made as the "sexy" version? Can't be just a policewoman, has to be a sexy policewoman. Sexy pirate. Sexy witch. And the costumes which are somewhat provocative by default - cheerleader, nurse, schoolgirl, french maid - are tramped out to the max. They've even managed to turn Rainbow Brite into a whore. My friend Sammy said to me the other day that one year she decided just to go as a prostitute, because really, most girls' costumes boil down to that anyway. I understand that a lot of people enjoy dressing a little more risque than they would in their normal life, but it's bordering on ridiculous. For me, I guess, the fun is mostly in getting to be someone else for a little while. (I suppose I'm sort of the pot calling the kettle black, because this year I caved and bought the sexy Dorothy costume - although I have to say that it's hard to feel very seductive while wearing gigantic puffy sleeves roughly the shape and size of chefs' hats...) Anyhow, I love costumes and dressing up, so I'm hoping to find another excuse to don a costume before the 31st.
Poo. On an unrelated note, I just checked the weather forecast. Tonight - snow. Tomorrow - snow. Tomorrow night - low of 18. Burrr.
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and with it comes all the creepy delights of the season. Earlier this evening I watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show for what has to be the umpteenth time, and it just keeps getting better... Tim Curry is strangely attractive in a corset.
Last night I went to the Halloween Bash at the Green Room/Red Light Lounge downtown. It was a good time - some drinks, lots of dancing, and I met some fun people. Photos from the evening can be seen here (although I only took a few.)
I dressed as Dorothy again this year, mostly so I could get another wearing out of my fabulous ruby slippers. Last year I rented a really authentic Dorothy costume, but this year it wasn't available, so I bought one from a Halloween shop. This brings me to my one beef with Halloween: why is every ladies' costume made as the "sexy" version? Can't be just a policewoman, has to be a sexy policewoman. Sexy pirate. Sexy witch. And the costumes which are somewhat provocative by default - cheerleader, nurse, schoolgirl, french maid - are tramped out to the max. They've even managed to turn Rainbow Brite into a whore. My friend Sammy said to me the other day that one year she decided just to go as a prostitute, because really, most girls' costumes boil down to that anyway. I understand that a lot of people enjoy dressing a little more risque than they would in their normal life, but it's bordering on ridiculous. For me, I guess, the fun is mostly in getting to be someone else for a little while. (I suppose I'm sort of the pot calling the kettle black, because this year I caved and bought the sexy Dorothy costume - although I have to say that it's hard to feel very seductive while wearing gigantic puffy sleeves roughly the shape and size of chefs' hats...) Anyhow, I love costumes and dressing up, so I'm hoping to find another excuse to don a costume before the 31st.
Poo. On an unrelated note, I just checked the weather forecast. Tonight - snow. Tomorrow - snow. Tomorrow night - low of 18. Burrr.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Nasogastric good times!
Today in my clinical skills lab I let Courtney, a fellow nursing student, give me a nasogastric tube. An NG tube is a flexible hollow tube which is inserted through a nostril and then down through the esophagus into the stomach. They can be used for tube feedings, or for removal of stomach contents. I always carry my camera with me, so another student took some pictures during the "procedure". (To see a few other photos from class click here.) It wasn't the most pleasant experience I've ever had, to be sure. However, I wasn't the only one who did it - several of my friends in other groups did the same thing in their labs. My instructor thinks we're all crazy, because this certainly wasn't required of any of us. We have dummies in our skills lab to practice on, but I figure the more real life experience we get, the better. Now we've all gotten to see what it looks like on a real person. Plus, I'm sure that now I'll be able to nail it on our skills demonstration test in a few weeks...
Monday, October 23, 2006
Mess of a post.
Sleep has been eluding me some recently, probably at least in part to the inordinate number of thoughts tumbling around in my little head. I find that the thoughts which bring a mixture of emotions are the hardest to escape. (One that does it to me every time is the thought of going back to my hometown - excitement at the thought of seeing my family, but dreading the whole flying thing. Ick.) One of my current mixed-emotion mind-bogglers is the fast approaching start of my nursing clinicals. I've been excited about it for a long time, but now that it's nearly upon me a little bit of trepidation has creeped in too... Also, I'm starting back in my old job at the urgent care this week, and although I'm relieved to have a steady source of income again, I'm hoping that I haven't taken on too much... In class this past week we learned how to do an abdominal assessment, which rereleased torrents of thoughts about my uncle, who died in February from peritonitis and sepsis caused by a horribly botched gall bladder surgery. I drift between lividity and aching sadness at the memory... Last night I glanced at the clock for the last time at about 1:30, while thinking to myself how much 6:00am was going to hurt. I'm not gonna lie - I hit the snooze for 40 minutes.
Phew. All better. Perhaps now that it's all down in print I can dismiss the thoughts from my head for a bit.
For all my restlessness last night, I still had a really good day. I filled in at the reception desk on the internal medicine floor at the clinic, which is always fun. Most of the patients there are older adults, and I get a kick out of them. For lunch I went to the bagel shop, which is one of my favorite places in town. This afternoon I got to chat a bit with my old boss, who I love but rarely see anymore. After work I made a brief shopping stop and bought (another) gray cableknit sweater. Yay for big cozy sweaters... When I got home a couple of fun emails were waiting for me - one from my friend Heidi from high school, who is working on putting together our ten(!) year reunion, and another from my friend James, who is kindly consenting to hang out with me this weekend for the Halloween festivities, since Luis will be busy... All in all, a lovely day.
Eegad, this is a jumbled post. Sorry for the lack of paragraphical orderliness. Oh, and sorry for the emotional flip halfway through. I've actually felt very bouncy and cheerful today (as is often my disposition), but somehow when I started writing my worries down they just wooshed right out, so I went with it. Free therapy, I guess... thanks, I owe you one. :)
Phew. All better. Perhaps now that it's all down in print I can dismiss the thoughts from my head for a bit.
For all my restlessness last night, I still had a really good day. I filled in at the reception desk on the internal medicine floor at the clinic, which is always fun. Most of the patients there are older adults, and I get a kick out of them. For lunch I went to the bagel shop, which is one of my favorite places in town. This afternoon I got to chat a bit with my old boss, who I love but rarely see anymore. After work I made a brief shopping stop and bought (another) gray cableknit sweater. Yay for big cozy sweaters... When I got home a couple of fun emails were waiting for me - one from my friend Heidi from high school, who is working on putting together our ten(!) year reunion, and another from my friend James, who is kindly consenting to hang out with me this weekend for the Halloween festivities, since Luis will be busy... All in all, a lovely day.
Eegad, this is a jumbled post. Sorry for the lack of paragraphical orderliness. Oh, and sorry for the emotional flip halfway through. I've actually felt very bouncy and cheerful today (as is often my disposition), but somehow when I started writing my worries down they just wooshed right out, so I went with it. Free therapy, I guess... thanks, I owe you one. :)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Do I know how to party, or what?
It's 9:45 on a cold, rainy Friday night. I'm jammie-clad and ready for bed. Took a long bubble bath with a glass of wine and a Harry Potter book (I'm classy, no?), and now I'm ready to be done thinking for the day. Turns out this week was a little exhausting, and now I'm hoping to turn my head off for the next 10-12 hours.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Bliss?
Follow your bliss.
Hm. An old adage adopted by hippies and peaceful people everywhere. Here in the liberal oasis that is Missoula, you get this advice from the bumpers of Subaru Outbacks and from the free spirited folk who wander the streets by the river. But these three little words have a lot packed into them. Follow (v. - to go or come after) may sound somewhat happenstance, but the trick is that the phrase instructs you to do it. No one else can do it for you. In a world full of people looking for someone to blame for their lot in life, this simple imperative statement stands up and says, "no, you follow your bliss." In my head, this would imply that the outcome of one's life his or her own responsibility. Not happy? Okay, well what would make you happy? Now figure out a way to do it. But perhaps it's easier said than done...
Here's the rub for me: At twenty-effing-seven years old, I feel like I should have a better idea of what my bliss is. In some ways, I'm approaching the proverbial crossroads. I'm on the path to a profession which excites me, and I'm at the beginning of the end of my overlong school career. But what next? I've got two problems, from what I can tell. First is my age. As I've mentioned, I took - oh, we'll call it the "scenic route" - through school. Turns out it was a necessary evil, because I'm pretty sure that back in 1997 (oh, shut it - it's not that long ago) when I first started college, I didn't have the drive nor the confidence to take the path I'm on now. I would have failed spectacularly, I imagine. Anyhow, fast forward to a few semesters from now - I'll be done with school and ready to unleash myself upon the world. Trouble is that I'll be 29. I'm sure it's a lovely age, but it seems like a late start on all the things I'd like to be doing, which brings me to problem two...
I love life. I'm a pretty content person, by and large. But there's so many things I'd like to do, and so many ways I can see myself being happy, that I just can't fathom actually choosing. Sitting here, I can see all sorts of future Mandis - there's the me that picked up all of the paperwork for the peace corps a couple of years ago, in case I didn't get accepted into the nursing program. There's the me I always assumed I'd be, which is a wife and mother. There's the me who would love to take a traveling nurse position, and work all over the country. There's a me who dreams of living in a big city, and still another who loves living in Montana. I like the view from where I am now, looking out at all of the possibilities. But I don't like the idea of giving any of it up. Once I decide on a path, some of these alternate identities will ultimately die. That makes me sad.
I suppose that instead of fussing about my lot in life, I could take a moment to be grateful for the fact that so many options are open to me. Unmarried, no children, no strings and only a little baggage. I can do pretty much anything I please, which to me is a rare and beautiful thing. At some point I'll have to pull on my big girl panties and make some real decisions, but for the moment I think maybe I'll sit and enjoy the blissful possibilities...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Roll call!
Hello! It's that time again where I beg everyone who has stumbled across my little blog (and stayed for at least a few sentences) to chime in for a hello. I've enjoyed some wonderful dialogue with several people I've met through blogger, and I'd love to know who all is out there... C'mon, don't be shy!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Many thoughts, one blog.
Assessment of the respiratory system involves some of the most fun terminology I've come across. For example, diaphragmatic excursion has to do with locating the lower lung border during both inhalation and exhalation, and noting the distance between the two. An even better one is whispered pectoriloquy, which is listening to the lungs with a stethoscope as the patient whispers words. Whispered pectoriloquy - it just gently rolls off the tongue. Fun to assess, more fun to say!
I'm ashamed to admit that one evening of dancing (albeit very enthusiastic dancing) has left me with sore quads. I'm a runner, for chrissake! Yes, I had on heels, and yes, I'd had enough drinks to lead me to believe that I should dip clear down to the floor, but no matter! Self punishment for poor physical condition will ensue tomorrow...
Diet Pepsi makes my world sparkle. I'll admit it - I'm a full-on addict. You know you've got a problem when you're visiting multiple convenience stores daily, so as to downplay the amount of soda purchased. I had cut waaay back for a few weeks, but once again I'm consuming more bubbles and aspartame than can possibly be good for one medium-sized human. Must work on this as well.
Since this post has turned into a parade of dirty laundry, I might as well out with this one as well: I love "tweenage" movies. Especially anything with Anne Hathaway in it. Yesterday I watched Ella Enchanted, and I've seen both of the Princess Diaries several times. Freaky Friday? Love it. What a Girl Wants? Sigh. Oh, wait - Colin Firth is in that last one. Better make it a *double* sigh...
I was reading through random profiles on myspace the other day, which is always a good waste of time. Most profiles include a response to the question, "who would you like to meet?" The funniest response I saw was from a wholesome midwestern gal about my age, although I'm pretty sure she wasn't joking. Her answer? Jesus and Oprah. OH!... Oh, I love it! (wipes tears of laughter from eyes) I don't have a problem with Oprah, nor Jesus, but somehow the combination of the two... oh, wow.
My mom always said, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Yep, I must say I agree.
I've always thought I was relatively bright. Not a genius, by any means, but pretty smart. Somewhere above average. But for some reason (or perhaps that reason), I tend to keep company with some insanely intelligent people. The conversation is always good, but once in a while I wind up feeling like a kid sitting at the grownup's table (often times while reading said smart people's writings). I don't understand how these people retain all the information they do. I've probably taken many of the same college courses, and even read some of the same books, but somehow I've failed to keep hold of much of the knowledge. Drives me crazy, and worse than that, it starts me questioning myself. Am I just a big dummy with a lofty self-image? I never thought so. I hope not. On the other hand, not knowing something usually triggers an information quest for me, in which I research the hell out of something until I understand it, so perhaps feeling dumb on occasion is a good thing. Mrs. Muelenberg, my gifted teacher in grade school (sort of worthless program, by the way) had a mantra: "Being smart is knowing where to find the answers." If she was right, then maybe I'm a little bit smart after all.
The saying, "why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free?" has been used for years. But recently, females have discovered that "there's no need to buy a whole pig in order to get a little sausage." (teehee, I love that joke.)
Okay, if you're still reading, STOP! (Although I appreciate your attentiveness.) Seriously, this much random information can't be healthy for anyone. I'm going to stop writing and start homework now. Ta-ta!
I'm ashamed to admit that one evening of dancing (albeit very enthusiastic dancing) has left me with sore quads. I'm a runner, for chrissake! Yes, I had on heels, and yes, I'd had enough drinks to lead me to believe that I should dip clear down to the floor, but no matter! Self punishment for poor physical condition will ensue tomorrow...
Diet Pepsi makes my world sparkle. I'll admit it - I'm a full-on addict. You know you've got a problem when you're visiting multiple convenience stores daily, so as to downplay the amount of soda purchased. I had cut waaay back for a few weeks, but once again I'm consuming more bubbles and aspartame than can possibly be good for one medium-sized human. Must work on this as well.
Since this post has turned into a parade of dirty laundry, I might as well out with this one as well: I love "tweenage" movies. Especially anything with Anne Hathaway in it. Yesterday I watched Ella Enchanted, and I've seen both of the Princess Diaries several times. Freaky Friday? Love it. What a Girl Wants? Sigh. Oh, wait - Colin Firth is in that last one. Better make it a *double* sigh...
It's unfortunate that alcohol leads us to believe we're much funnier than we actually are. It is fortunate, however, that it also compels others to laugh at our jokes.
I was reading through random profiles on myspace the other day, which is always a good waste of time. Most profiles include a response to the question, "who would you like to meet?" The funniest response I saw was from a wholesome midwestern gal about my age, although I'm pretty sure she wasn't joking. Her answer? Jesus and Oprah. OH!... Oh, I love it! (wipes tears of laughter from eyes) I don't have a problem with Oprah, nor Jesus, but somehow the combination of the two... oh, wow.
My mom always said, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Yep, I must say I agree.
I've always thought I was relatively bright. Not a genius, by any means, but pretty smart. Somewhere above average. But for some reason (or perhaps that reason), I tend to keep company with some insanely intelligent people. The conversation is always good, but once in a while I wind up feeling like a kid sitting at the grownup's table (often times while reading said smart people's writings). I don't understand how these people retain all the information they do. I've probably taken many of the same college courses, and even read some of the same books, but somehow I've failed to keep hold of much of the knowledge. Drives me crazy, and worse than that, it starts me questioning myself. Am I just a big dummy with a lofty self-image? I never thought so. I hope not. On the other hand, not knowing something usually triggers an information quest for me, in which I research the hell out of something until I understand it, so perhaps feeling dumb on occasion is a good thing. Mrs. Muelenberg, my gifted teacher in grade school (sort of worthless program, by the way) had a mantra: "Being smart is knowing where to find the answers." If she was right, then maybe I'm a little bit smart after all.
The saying, "why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free?" has been used for years. But recently, females have discovered that "there's no need to buy a whole pig in order to get a little sausage." (teehee, I love that joke.)
Okay, if you're still reading, STOP! (Although I appreciate your attentiveness.) Seriously, this much random information can't be healthy for anyone. I'm going to stop writing and start homework now. Ta-ta!
Paxilback
If for some reason you haven't heard Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back (whether it's because you have good taste in music, live outside the US or under a rock, or you are my mother), go visit iTunes for a listen and then come back for this video.
I hate to keep posting videos, but this is good...
I hate to keep posting videos, but this is good...
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sleepy
I have several little buds of posts started in my head, but for some reason I can't get them to develop into anything coherent today. Tired? Hormonal? Mildly gloomy? Yes, all of the above...
Today has been a cold, rainy day. I didn't get much sleep last night, and I spent most of the day watching silly movies and laying on the futon. Lack of sleep tends to affect me more emotionally than anywhere else. I have a harder time shaking off the ick when I'm exhausted. Of course, if I stay in the sleep deprived state long enough, I move from the emotionally drained stage into the delirious, uncontrollable laughter stage (anyone who has lived or worked with me can attest to that.) At least at that point I'm entertaining.
Probably the best thing for me now is bed. So I think that's what I'll do.
Goodnight.
Today has been a cold, rainy day. I didn't get much sleep last night, and I spent most of the day watching silly movies and laying on the futon. Lack of sleep tends to affect me more emotionally than anywhere else. I have a harder time shaking off the ick when I'm exhausted. Of course, if I stay in the sleep deprived state long enough, I move from the emotionally drained stage into the delirious, uncontrollable laughter stage (anyone who has lived or worked with me can attest to that.) At least at that point I'm entertaining.
Probably the best thing for me now is bed. So I think that's what I'll do.
Goodnight.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
How to enjoy a cruddy, dreary day:
- Bundle up in an enormous sweatshirt, crank up some obnoxious rock on your ipod, and go for a run.
- Spend some time in a hot bubble bath.
- Wear either something waffle knit or cable knit. Both work equally well.
- Go to the mall and buy polka-dotted panties and a striped camisole, preferably in outrageously bold colors. Then spend some quality time in the cosmetics aisle. Contemplate new lipcolor for fall.
- Have something carb-licious, like pasta, for dinner.
- Change into jammies, get a glass of pinot noir and a fuzzy blanket, and plant yourself in front of a period film (after, of course, you finish blogging about your day).
_______________________________________________________
(Missoula has been swathed in a thick, hazy mist today, with temperatures hovering in the upper 40's. Ick. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and in the 50's, though, so that's something to look forward to...)
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Miscellany.
I just was out to get the mail, and it smells amazing outside. We had a pretty strong storm blow through an hour or so ago, and now it's cool and damp. I love the smells of fallen leaves and thunderstorms.
Last Saturday was a lot of fun. In the evening Luis and I had some friends over for food and games. What little domestic ability I have tends to show itself during the fall, so I took advantage of this rare mood and did some cooking. I made chili, cornbread, banana nut bread, pumpkin dip (served with gingersnaps - yum!), and homemade caramel corn. Our guests left a little before 11:00, and after cleaning up I headed over to my friend Ben's house for his 25th birthday party. I have to say, I can't recall the last time I was at a kegger - I felt like a teenager again for a few minutes! I stayed for a drink and a chat with some friends and then headed home.
On Tuesday we had a guest of the university stay the night at our apartment. A tall, handsome, classical guitar-playing Englishman with a penchant for high quality chocolate stayed in my apartment. I kept it together, never openly declaring my love for his accent. I did, however, stay up and listen as he and Luis talked shop about the classical guitar world. The information itself was, for the most part, lost on me. The words themselves, however... everything just sounds so lovely with a British accent. (Lame, I know. I just can't help it. Guys with accents make me weak in the knees, and particularly guys with a British accent. On the occasion when I do finally get to visit the UK, I may spontaneously combust.)
Last Saturday was a lot of fun. In the evening Luis and I had some friends over for food and games. What little domestic ability I have tends to show itself during the fall, so I took advantage of this rare mood and did some cooking. I made chili, cornbread, banana nut bread, pumpkin dip (served with gingersnaps - yum!), and homemade caramel corn. Our guests left a little before 11:00, and after cleaning up I headed over to my friend Ben's house for his 25th birthday party. I have to say, I can't recall the last time I was at a kegger - I felt like a teenager again for a few minutes! I stayed for a drink and a chat with some friends and then headed home.
On Tuesday we had a guest of the university stay the night at our apartment. A tall, handsome, classical guitar-playing Englishman with a penchant for high quality chocolate stayed in my apartment. I kept it together, never openly declaring my love for his accent. I did, however, stay up and listen as he and Luis talked shop about the classical guitar world. The information itself was, for the most part, lost on me. The words themselves, however... everything just sounds so lovely with a British accent. (Lame, I know. I just can't help it. Guys with accents make me weak in the knees, and particularly guys with a British accent. On the occasion when I do finally get to visit the UK, I may spontaneously combust.)
Monday, September 25, 2006
Mobash
Yesterday marked the official opening of Mobash, Missoula's new skatepark. Tony Hawk, Bam Margera, Mike Vallely, and others were on hand as a part of Tony Hawk's Secret Skatepark Tour 3. Eight thousand skateboarding fans turned out for the festivities. I didn't go to the opening (I had planned on it, but forgot all about it until it was too late), but this afternoon I went to the park to check it out. There were some good skateboarders there, so I sat back and enjoyed the show. I'm really too old for this stuff, but I took an interest when my little brother started skateboarding. I have no desire to do it myself, but I love to watch.
The park was designed by Grindline Skateparks and is located in McCormack Park, just off the Orange Street bridge. 15,000 square feet of concrete bowls, ramps and ledges, and all free to the public. I think it's a great addition to the city.
For more information on the park, here are some links.
Missoula Skatepark Association
article in the Missoulian about the skatepark opening
my photos from this afternoon at the park (on Flickr)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
WHY am I the last to find out about awesome things?
Boy, when they say "one-button publishing," they mean it! I typed my title with a little too much flourish and out of habit clicked enter, only to have the screen reply, "Files published...50%....100%" It was funny to see my blog yelling WHY am I the last to find out about awesome things? with no further explanation... I spent a few minutes enjoying a good laugh before finishing this post.
The awesome thing I didn't know until minutes ago is that today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! I forgot all about it! Dang, and I would have made good use of it, too. Well, in honor of the day, here is an english-to-pirate translation of an excerpt of my entry from last night:
a good english-to-pirate translator
talklikeapirateday.com
flickr's talklikeapirateday group photo pool
a great how to talk like a pirate video
The awesome thing I didn't know until minutes ago is that today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! I forgot all about it! Dang, and I would have made good use of it, too. Well, in honor of the day, here is an english-to-pirate translation of an excerpt of my entry from last night:
Today be a beautiful autumn tide. I love th' fall. I think 'tis me favorite season. That may be from a lifetime o' bein' a student - fall brings new classes an' textbooks, football games an' marchin' bands. I love 't all. Sweaters an' crisp sunny days, an' fallen leaves t' kick up as I keel haul.
Western Montana got 'tis first dustin' o' snow on Saturday - all th' mountaintops be shimmerin' white again.
Fer some reason fall always brings ou' me domestic side. (Luis may duel that I dasn't be havin' a domestic side, but ye`ll be havin' t' ignore th' lad's. I cook more than he does, e'en if that t'ain't sayin' a whole lot...) Last high tide' I made a big pot o' chili, an' I`ve got some super-ripe bananas ready t' go into a loaf o' banana nut bread next high tide'. I hate t' brag, but I make amazin' banana bread. An' snickerdoodles. An'... that`s about th' extent o' me expertise. I be passable at everythin' else, 'ceptin' whole poultry. They fstarboarden me. I`ve made turkey twice. Th' second time be good - th' first time be a fiasco I`d rather forget.
Here be some more links fer yer pleasure:
a good english-to-pirate translator
talklikeapirateday.com
flickr's talklikeapirateday group photo pool
a great how to talk like a pirate video
Monday, September 18, 2006
Autumn.
Today was a beautiful autumn day.
I love the fall. I think it's my favorite season. That may be from a lifetime of being a student - fall brings new classes and textbooks, football games and marching bands. I love it all. Sweaters and crisp sunny days, and fallen leaves to kick up as I walk.
Western Montana got it's first dusting of snow on Saturday - all the mountaintops are shimmering white again.
For some reason fall always brings out my domestic side. (Luis may argue that I don't have a domestic side, but you'll have to ignore him. I cook more than he does, even if that isn't saying a whole lot...) Yesterday I made a big pot of chili, and I've got some super-ripe bananas ready to go into a loaf of banana nut bread tomorrow. I hate to brag, but I make amazing banana bread. And snickerdoodles. And... that's about the extent of my expertise. I'm passable at everything else, except whole poultry. They frighten me. I've made turkey twice. The second time was good - the first time was a fiasco I'd rather forget.
Speaking of food and fall - one of my favorite snacks is a microwave apple crisp. (Thanks to Patt for getting me started on this - she made it for breakfast while Luis and I were visiting!) Here's the original recipe I downloaded:
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp quick-cooking oats
1 Tbsp flour
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 apple, peeled and sliced
Place butter in microwave safe container and heat until softened. Stir in sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon; set aside. Place apple slices in small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle oat mixture over apple. Microwave, uncovered, on 2-3 minutes or until apple is tender.
I make a few adjustments for calorie content - I use light margarine, and a teaspoon of brown sugar combined with a packet of Splenda. I use maybe a teaspoon of flour, and two to three tablespoons of oats. Perfect for a rainy day snack!
I love the fall. I think it's my favorite season. That may be from a lifetime of being a student - fall brings new classes and textbooks, football games and marching bands. I love it all. Sweaters and crisp sunny days, and fallen leaves to kick up as I walk.
Western Montana got it's first dusting of snow on Saturday - all the mountaintops are shimmering white again.
For some reason fall always brings out my domestic side. (Luis may argue that I don't have a domestic side, but you'll have to ignore him. I cook more than he does, even if that isn't saying a whole lot...) Yesterday I made a big pot of chili, and I've got some super-ripe bananas ready to go into a loaf of banana nut bread tomorrow. I hate to brag, but I make amazing banana bread. And snickerdoodles. And... that's about the extent of my expertise. I'm passable at everything else, except whole poultry. They frighten me. I've made turkey twice. The second time was good - the first time was a fiasco I'd rather forget.
Speaking of food and fall - one of my favorite snacks is a microwave apple crisp. (Thanks to Patt for getting me started on this - she made it for breakfast while Luis and I were visiting!) Here's the original recipe I downloaded:
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp quick-cooking oats
1 Tbsp flour
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 apple, peeled and sliced
Place butter in microwave safe container and heat until softened. Stir in sugar, oats, flour and cinnamon; set aside. Place apple slices in small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle oat mixture over apple. Microwave, uncovered, on 2-3 minutes or until apple is tender.
I make a few adjustments for calorie content - I use light margarine, and a teaspoon of brown sugar combined with a packet of Splenda. I use maybe a teaspoon of flour, and two to three tablespoons of oats. Perfect for a rainy day snack!
I could never be Miss America...
Why, you ask? Well, aside from my short stature, age, and distaste for all things pageant, it's mostly because I could never wish for peace on earth.
Wow, sounds evil... but it's not. Really.
Think for a minute about our world, and the wonderful myriad of viewpoints held by different people. Some of their ideals you embrace, and others you undoubtedly reject. Say, for example, that you hold a strong opinion about the war in Iraq, or on abortion, or on one of any number of hot topics. You believe firmly in your side of the issue and would argue in defense of your belief until your last breath. There are probably many people who hold an opinion similar to yours on the topic. However, for every person who agrees with you, there is one who would disagree with you, adamantly arguing that his side is right. With this comes contention and conflict, which is the opposite of peace.
So how would we achieve peace in this instance?
It seems to me that we would have to somehow silence an entire group of people. I can't figure any other way - it's highly unlikely that anyone could genuinely convince half of everyone that they are wrong, and even were the issue to become obsolete, people would still have opinions about it.
That's not peace. It's oppression. Cessation of variation can't be a good thing.
Perhaps we could strive for this instead:
And now, some food for thought:
Wow, sounds evil... but it's not. Really.
Think for a minute about our world, and the wonderful myriad of viewpoints held by different people. Some of their ideals you embrace, and others you undoubtedly reject. Say, for example, that you hold a strong opinion about the war in Iraq, or on abortion, or on one of any number of hot topics. You believe firmly in your side of the issue and would argue in defense of your belief until your last breath. There are probably many people who hold an opinion similar to yours on the topic. However, for every person who agrees with you, there is one who would disagree with you, adamantly arguing that his side is right. With this comes contention and conflict, which is the opposite of peace.
So how would we achieve peace in this instance?
It seems to me that we would have to somehow silence an entire group of people. I can't figure any other way - it's highly unlikely that anyone could genuinely convince half of everyone that they are wrong, and even were the issue to become obsolete, people would still have opinions about it.
That's not peace. It's oppression. Cessation of variation can't be a good thing.
Perhaps we could strive for this instead:
Maybe we could spend less time trying to conform everyone to our own personal ideals and just live by our own ideals.coexist (v) - to exist separately or independently
but peaceably, often while remaining rivals or adversaries.
And now, some food for thought:
- It's important to stand up for what we, as individuals, groups or societies, believe in. But to what end? Are the beliefs of any one group more important than the liberties or beliefs of another?
- Think about the most important opinion you hold regarding some issue of social debate. How committed are you to your belief? If mine is the opposite of yours, and I try to convince you I'm right, will you change sides? Now, apply that the other way around. As committed as you are to your belief, the person on the other side is probably equally committed to his.
(I'm done. I'll get off my soapbox now.)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
If I could have your attention, please...
for a few quick announcements:
Luis is giving a recital tomorrow night, 7:30 at the Music Recital Hall, U of M campus. It'll be good, you should be there.
Today in my health assessment class we learned how to give proper eye and ear exams. Turns out I have lovely, easily viewable tympanic membranes. I guess we all have special gifts.
If you happen to live next door to me, I should apologize for the singing. I downloaded a bunch of cheesy 80's hair metal a few days ago, and I've been screaming along to this as I clean the kitchen...
Lastly, I'd like to call your attention to the right side of your screen. If you'll scroll down a little, you'll see the parade of photos marching down the sidebar. It's always been there, yes, but today on a whim I changed it to show a random selection of photos from my flickr account, instead of just the most recent ones. So refresh a few times, see what shows up! Could be fun...
Now I must return to my regularly scheduled homework assignment...
Luis is giving a recital tomorrow night, 7:30 at the Music Recital Hall, U of M campus. It'll be good, you should be there.
Today in my health assessment class we learned how to give proper eye and ear exams. Turns out I have lovely, easily viewable tympanic membranes. I guess we all have special gifts.
If you happen to live next door to me, I should apologize for the singing. I downloaded a bunch of cheesy 80's hair metal a few days ago, and I've been screaming along to this as I clean the kitchen...
Lastly, I'd like to call your attention to the right side of your screen. If you'll scroll down a little, you'll see the parade of photos marching down the sidebar. It's always been there, yes, but today on a whim I changed it to show a random selection of photos from my flickr account, instead of just the most recent ones. So refresh a few times, see what shows up! Could be fun...
Now I must return to my regularly scheduled homework assignment...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Breaking up is hard to do.
Two friends of mine who have been dating for a while broke it off yesterday. The event got me to thinking about the dynamics of a breakup, and how utterly strange it is. I can't think of any other interpersonal relationships that include this peculiar ritual. Other relationships end, sure, but usually without the bang. Friendships wax and wane, but rarely do they end with a sudden declaration of, "I don't want to be involved with you anymore." More often they just fade subtly, being quietly replaced with different ones. And with family, even if you choose to end an association with one of them, there's still that business of being related - tough to escape.
I don't suppose there is any way of ending a partnership other than just calling it off, but it's amazing how drastically it can change your life overnight. The sudden change of living situation, the keeping of different company - it's a surreal experience. It's difficult to pick apart the threads that have been twined together for so long.
My mom always said she didn't understand why young people leaped straight into big heavy relationships in their late teens and early twenties. She thought they should be dating and having fun, not tying themselves down. I get it now. Stop trying to grow up so fast, and actually spend some time growing. I finally know what she means, but of course, hindsight is always 20/20. Yet I don't think I'd trade my past, because it's shaped who I am now, and I like who I am. Strong, independent, confident - everything I wasn't at twenty.
I've been through two big breakups along with heaping handfuls of little ones, and from that a couple things have become important to me. The first is that I can handle it. None of them have killed me yet, so if I ever have to go through it again, I know I can. The second is an idea that may sound terrible at first, but hear me out - I don't 'need someone'. I know that we all need people to lean on, and I certainly need my family and friends as much as anyone else. I just like the idea of being okay sans relationship, and I know I could be. That's empowering. I know too many people who need a relationship, and I think that too often that keeps them in the wrong relationship, out of fear of not having one at all. They stay with 'someone', even if it's not the right one, because it seems better than no one.
I prefer the idea of wanting to be with someone, rather than needing. The two words' definitions are intertwined in the dictionary, but to me it's about attitude. It's a lot like the difference between having to do something and getting to do something. Now that I can bring to a relationship a whole, self-sufficient person, I can give so much more. And over time, in a committed relationship, I may grow to need that individual, but it's because of who he is and what we have, rather than just because he is 'someone'. And if I can keep a little want in there too, I think maybe that's the trick.
**Disclaimer: This is a reflection on past experiences, not some sort of foreshadowing of things to come. Luis and I are quite well. :) I don't want any freaked out phone calls... We're great, no worries.**
I don't suppose there is any way of ending a partnership other than just calling it off, but it's amazing how drastically it can change your life overnight. The sudden change of living situation, the keeping of different company - it's a surreal experience. It's difficult to pick apart the threads that have been twined together for so long.
My mom always said she didn't understand why young people leaped straight into big heavy relationships in their late teens and early twenties. She thought they should be dating and having fun, not tying themselves down. I get it now. Stop trying to grow up so fast, and actually spend some time growing. I finally know what she means, but of course, hindsight is always 20/20. Yet I don't think I'd trade my past, because it's shaped who I am now, and I like who I am. Strong, independent, confident - everything I wasn't at twenty.
I've been through two big breakups along with heaping handfuls of little ones, and from that a couple things have become important to me. The first is that I can handle it. None of them have killed me yet, so if I ever have to go through it again, I know I can. The second is an idea that may sound terrible at first, but hear me out - I don't 'need someone'. I know that we all need people to lean on, and I certainly need my family and friends as much as anyone else. I just like the idea of being okay sans relationship, and I know I could be. That's empowering. I know too many people who need a relationship, and I think that too often that keeps them in the wrong relationship, out of fear of not having one at all. They stay with 'someone', even if it's not the right one, because it seems better than no one.
I prefer the idea of wanting to be with someone, rather than needing. The two words' definitions are intertwined in the dictionary, but to me it's about attitude. It's a lot like the difference between having to do something and getting to do something. Now that I can bring to a relationship a whole, self-sufficient person, I can give so much more. And over time, in a committed relationship, I may grow to need that individual, but it's because of who he is and what we have, rather than just because he is 'someone'. And if I can keep a little want in there too, I think maybe that's the trick.
**Disclaimer: This is a reflection on past experiences, not some sort of foreshadowing of things to come. Luis and I are quite well. :) I don't want any freaked out phone calls... We're great, no worries.**
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Lists.
(Nicked the idea from Mer and Neena's blogs...)
Things to do while I'm alive:
• learn a foreign language
• visit Italy, England, and Spain... and maybe Africa
• graduate from college
• live in a big city
• take martial arts
• read the other 91 books on my "top 100 books you should have already read" list
• never settle
• take a drawing class
• learn a new instrument
• live more
• regret less
• get good at the tango
• stop trying to fix people
• learn to ski
• buy a pair of Jimmy Choos (or other ridiculously extravagant shoes)
• tell my family more often how much I love them
More things I love: (I did this one recently - fortunately, lots of things make me happy...)
• shoes
• the fact that I have friends who know everything about me and like me anyway
• cheese
• Luis (who is reading over my shoulder, and is sad that he came after both cheese and shoes... rest assured, these are not in any type of order)
• sleeping bags
• pulling out splinters
• people who are willing to go out of their way to help someone else, especially when the someone is a stranger
• sassy old ladies
• bare feet in cool grass
• writing
• sangria
Things which irk me:
• rude people
• hangnails
• drivers who don't know the rules at a four-way stop
• "reality" television
• misspelled signs, flyers or any type of published text
• people who make everything about them
• wasps
• people who don't think for themselves
Things to do while I'm alive:
• learn a foreign language
• visit Italy, England, and Spain... and maybe Africa
• graduate from college
• live in a big city
• take martial arts
• read the other 91 books on my "top 100 books you should have already read" list
• never settle
• take a drawing class
• learn a new instrument
• live more
• regret less
• get good at the tango
• stop trying to fix people
• learn to ski
• buy a pair of Jimmy Choos (or other ridiculously extravagant shoes)
• tell my family more often how much I love them
More things I love: (I did this one recently - fortunately, lots of things make me happy...)
• shoes
• the fact that I have friends who know everything about me and like me anyway
• cheese
• Luis (who is reading over my shoulder, and is sad that he came after both cheese and shoes... rest assured, these are not in any type of order)
• sleeping bags
• pulling out splinters
• people who are willing to go out of their way to help someone else, especially when the someone is a stranger
• sassy old ladies
• bare feet in cool grass
• writing
• sangria
Things which irk me:
• rude people
• hangnails
• drivers who don't know the rules at a four-way stop
• "reality" television
• misspelled signs, flyers or any type of published text
• people who make everything about them
• wasps
• people who don't think for themselves
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Holy holiday weekend, Batman!
First of all, let me encourage you to see a concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington, if ever you have the opportunity. Beautiful scenery, perfect climate, and not a bad seat in the house.
The Gorge has an adjoining campground, which can house close to half of the concert goers. It's like an after party with 10,000 of your friends.
I won't recount my weekend in detail, partly because I don't want to bore you with a long narrative, and partly because I'm lazy. I will tell you that it was awesome. We camped two nights and saw two concerts. If I can swing it next year, I will happily go all three nights. I've seen something like eight of their shows, and as long as they keep touring, I'm there.
As cheesy as it sounds, the Dave Matthews Band has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life for nearly a decade. I love their music. It makes me happy.
The Gorge has an adjoining campground, which can house close to half of the concert goers. It's like an after party with 10,000 of your friends.
I won't recount my weekend in detail, partly because I don't want to bore you with a long narrative, and partly because I'm lazy. I will tell you that it was awesome. We camped two nights and saw two concerts. If I can swing it next year, I will happily go all three nights. I've seen something like eight of their shows, and as long as they keep touring, I'm there.
As cheesy as it sounds, the Dave Matthews Band has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life for nearly a decade. I love their music. It makes me happy.
Come and relax now
Put your troubles down
No need to bear the weight of your worries
You let them all fall away...
Saturday, September 02, 2006
This weekend:
Friends. Drinks. Sunshine.
(Photo bummed from the official Gorge website.)
The perfect end to a great summer.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Finally!
Today was my first day of classes for the fall semester. We finally get to do some hands-on work - with real people! We are only doing about 25 hours of clinical time this fall, and it will all be at a nursing facility, but we'll spend a lot of time in the skills lab learning assessment skills and procedural techniques on the dummies (and often on each other). Today we started with bedmaking. I thought that sounded silly, since I make my bed every day. But it turns out we were learning how to make the bed with someone still in it. I'd never thought about it, but it makes sense to know how - some clients won't be able to get up, but the bedding has to be changed to maintain a clean environment. After making the beds we learned range of motion exercises to help maintain flexibility for immobile clients, how to reposition people in beds, and how to prevent decubitus (pressure) ulcers from forming. I'm glad they broke us in with easy stuff, but I can't wait to learn dressing changes and catheter placement. Yay!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
You call yourself a Liberal?
Why yes, I do. The dictionary defines liberal as:
Sounds good to me. Tolerance is a good thing. Bigotry is not.
I'll be the first one to admit that when it comes to politics, I'm pretty ignorant. I like it that way. The more attention I pay to the current dysfunction in our country, the angrier I get.
I've got my eyes scrunched shut for now - perhaps I'll peek out again in two and a half years.
"Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded."
Sounds good to me. Tolerance is a good thing. Bigotry is not.
I'll be the first one to admit that when it comes to politics, I'm pretty ignorant. I like it that way. The more attention I pay to the current dysfunction in our country, the angrier I get.
I've got my eyes scrunched shut for now - perhaps I'll peek out again in two and a half years.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Montana Mandi
It's been a very Montana weekend for me so far...
Luis and I are now the proud owners of a pair of 25° mummy sleeping bags and a three person tent. On Friday evening we stopped at a sporting goods store so Luis could pick up some ping-pong balls to use for fingernail repair. (Classical guitarists have to have longer nails on their right hand for picking individual strings, and when they break one a synthetic has to be used. Apparently a sliver of ping-pong ball works better than artificial fingernails...) Anyhow, we wandered around through the camping stuff and found some great deals on gear. I'll get the chance to break them in at the Dave Matthews concert in a couple of weeks!
On Saturday I met Layne for a morning hike at Kootenai creek. About half an hour in we started talking about floating, and on a whim we decided to turn back and head to the river instead. We gathered tubes and beer and our friend Misty, and had a ladies' float on the Blackfoot. After getting off the river we went back to Layne's for a little soak in her hot tub. A perfect ending to a lazy summer day.
Luis and I are now the proud owners of a pair of 25° mummy sleeping bags and a three person tent. On Friday evening we stopped at a sporting goods store so Luis could pick up some ping-pong balls to use for fingernail repair. (Classical guitarists have to have longer nails on their right hand for picking individual strings, and when they break one a synthetic has to be used. Apparently a sliver of ping-pong ball works better than artificial fingernails...) Anyhow, we wandered around through the camping stuff and found some great deals on gear. I'll get the chance to break them in at the Dave Matthews concert in a couple of weeks!
On Saturday I met Layne for a morning hike at Kootenai creek. About half an hour in we started talking about floating, and on a whim we decided to turn back and head to the river instead. We gathered tubes and beer and our friend Misty, and had a ladies' float on the Blackfoot. After getting off the river we went back to Layne's for a little soak in her hot tub. A perfect ending to a lazy summer day.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Big contented sigh
My family was in town last week. We went to Glacier National Park. Had Big Dipper ice cream. Saw bears. Hiked the M (or at least Luis and Ricky and I did). Slept in cabins. Went to Rockin' Rudy's. Had a great time.
Maybe it sounds silly, but having people out to visit helps to bridge the distance gap. After they've been a part of my world here, it feels like they're not so far away. It makes the 1400 miles seem insignificant.
It smells like autumn outside. The temperatures are back into the 80's and 90's again, but we had a bit of cooler weather a couple of weeks ago, and since then it feels different. Fall is on the way. I love autumn - new schoolbooks, crisp breezes, football games, sweaters and crunchy leaves.
Luis and I went to the Symphony in the Park concert on Sunday. (Another reason I love Missoula? Several thousand people showing up for a free classical concert in the park.) We stayed through the first half, chatted with some friends at intermission, then decided to head home. As we climbed the stairs on the Higgins street bridge, they began the Lord of the Rings symphonic suite, so we stopped to listen. It was one of those perfect moments - standing on the bridge as sunset bathed everything in a warm orange glow, a cool breeze dancing in my hair, with a heroic fanfare ringing from below. Perfect.
Maybe it sounds silly, but having people out to visit helps to bridge the distance gap. After they've been a part of my world here, it feels like they're not so far away. It makes the 1400 miles seem insignificant.
It smells like autumn outside. The temperatures are back into the 80's and 90's again, but we had a bit of cooler weather a couple of weeks ago, and since then it feels different. Fall is on the way. I love autumn - new schoolbooks, crisp breezes, football games, sweaters and crunchy leaves.
Luis and I went to the Symphony in the Park concert on Sunday. (Another reason I love Missoula? Several thousand people showing up for a free classical concert in the park.) We stayed through the first half, chatted with some friends at intermission, then decided to head home. As we climbed the stairs on the Higgins street bridge, they began the Lord of the Rings symphonic suite, so we stopped to listen. It was one of those perfect moments - standing on the bridge as sunset bathed everything in a warm orange glow, a cool breeze dancing in my hair, with a heroic fanfare ringing from below. Perfect.
Monday, July 31, 2006
6:09:04
Luis finished his first half ironman in six hours and nine minutes. He's awesome. And he's already looking into ironman races for next year...
My photos from the event can be seen here.
We had a nice trip to British Columbia. The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking. I met a couple of nice racers and a lovely trio of Canada geese. We realized on the drive home yesterday that since we've lived in Montana, we've entered Canada through three different ports. Perhaps it's worth hanging on to all the Canadian money we've accumulated, after all - we appear to visit with some regularity.
My photos from the event can be seen here.
We had a nice trip to British Columbia. The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking. I met a couple of nice racers and a lovely trio of Canada geese. We realized on the drive home yesterday that since we've lived in Montana, we've entered Canada through three different ports. Perhaps it's worth hanging on to all the Canadian money we've accumulated, after all - we appear to visit with some regularity.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I think you're crazy...
Tomorrow morning we leave (at 6:00 am - ugh) for Cranbrook, British Columbia, where Luis will compete in a Half-Ironman triathlon. I'm excited for him, as well as astonished and proud. Very few people could do what he's going to do. For those of you who aren't familiar with the sport, a triathlon comprises three events: swimming, bicycling, and running. The components are done one after another, and the event is timed as a whole from the beginning of the swim to the finish line of the run. The distances for a Half-Ironman are a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and then a 13.1 mile run. Sounds nuts to me, but he loves it.
Yay Luis! Love you baby!
Yay Luis! Love you baby!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
busy being lazy
*I just found this entry saved as a draft, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it...*
They say that if you need something done, ask a busy person to do it. The reverse also appears to be true - I have nothing going on, and I am getting nothing done. (Including blogging.) So once again I subject you to a boring rundown of the past few days in my world...
Last week I filled in at the office where I worked when I first moved to Missoula. It was nice to catch up with the gals again. Good people. On Saturday I went to a toga party. It was fun, but I went mostly because I love to dress up. On Sunday we floated the Blackfoot River. Western Montana has finally felt the heat the rest of the country has been suffering, and our weekend temperatures were in the low 100's. The river was packed with people. I don't think I've ever seen so many inner tubes in one place. In the rapids it was somewhat like bumper cars. All kinds of tubes spilling over the rocks. It was a great time.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Happiness is...
fresh watermelon
family
rainy days with a book and nowhere to be
skinny jeans that fit, even fresh out of the dryer
catching up with old friends
making new friends
laughing for so long you can't remember why you started
summer at dusk, when a cool breeze cuts through the dense, warm air
mint chocolate chip ice cream
dipping your feet into a freezing cold mountain stream
hearing a old favorite song you haven't thought about in ages
the smell of crisp leaves on a warm fall day
an early morning run
drinking cheap beer on the river with friends
old photographs
feeling content with the world
family
rainy days with a book and nowhere to be
skinny jeans that fit, even fresh out of the dryer
catching up with old friends
making new friends
laughing for so long you can't remember why you started
summer at dusk, when a cool breeze cuts through the dense, warm air
mint chocolate chip ice cream
dipping your feet into a freezing cold mountain stream
hearing a old favorite song you haven't thought about in ages
the smell of crisp leaves on a warm fall day
an early morning run
drinking cheap beer on the river with friends
old photographs
feeling content with the world
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I still love you.
Well, hello! Sorry about the lack of posting recently - it's been a hectic past couple of weeks. Between picking up lots of extra hours at work and having a visitor from out-of-town, I haven't had much spare time. (And when I have, I've been a complete bum.)
My best friend Erica was in town this past weekend. She was only here for a couple of days, but we made the most of our time. On Thursday night we went to Downtown Tonight, a weekly festival at Caras park which features local bands and foods. Friday we biked downtown from my apartment for breakfast and some shopping. That afternoon we floated the Blackfoot river. We came home and recovered while watching Pride and Prejudice (she hadn't seen the movie version yet), then went downtown for drinks and late-night grub at the Ox. On Saturday we hit the farmer's market, did a little more shopping, then went on a nice hike down the Bitterroot valley. We went out for dinner that night and then came home, so she could reluctantly pack up and head back to the (insanely hot, steamy) midwest. This was her third trip to Missoula in the three years I've lived here. Hooray for good friends!
My old cell phone broke in half last week, so I had to replace it. Boo for purchasing a phone before your scheduled upgrade! Cell phone companies totally screw their loyal customers, and I'm pretty sure they are the only ones who do that. Anyhow, my new phone takes pictures and plays real songs instead of midi files for ringtones. Not necessary features as far as I can tell, but fun to play with.
Well, I have to work in the morning, so off to bed I go.
My best friend Erica was in town this past weekend. She was only here for a couple of days, but we made the most of our time. On Thursday night we went to Downtown Tonight, a weekly festival at Caras park which features local bands and foods. Friday we biked downtown from my apartment for breakfast and some shopping. That afternoon we floated the Blackfoot river. We came home and recovered while watching Pride and Prejudice (she hadn't seen the movie version yet), then went downtown for drinks and late-night grub at the Ox. On Saturday we hit the farmer's market, did a little more shopping, then went on a nice hike down the Bitterroot valley. We went out for dinner that night and then came home, so she could reluctantly pack up and head back to the (insanely hot, steamy) midwest. This was her third trip to Missoula in the three years I've lived here. Hooray for good friends!
My old cell phone broke in half last week, so I had to replace it. Boo for purchasing a phone before your scheduled upgrade! Cell phone companies totally screw their loyal customers, and I'm pretty sure they are the only ones who do that. Anyhow, my new phone takes pictures and plays real songs instead of midi files for ringtones. Not necessary features as far as I can tell, but fun to play with.
Well, I have to work in the morning, so off to bed I go.
Friday, July 07, 2006
One hundred.
This is my one-hundredth post. I wanted it to be special, but I got nothin'. Sorry...
On to other random bits of news:
On to other random bits of news:
- Summer school is officially over! This last week has been a whirlwind of finals and last-minute papers. (Thus explaineth the lack of posting...eth. Or something.)
- We floated the Blackfoot on Wednesday, and after about twenty minutes of delicious sunshine it clouded over and sprinkled on us. Brrr. Still, time on the river is time on the river. And I didn't get chucked out of my tube on the rapids this time, so that's a plus.
- Luis is home! Hooray!
- Fourth of July was nice. Luis and I went for a run (I did five miles, but he kept on for a total of nine. He's nuts.), then we went down to the pool to cool off. We cooked burgers out on our little grill for dinner, and went up to the elementary school in the south hills to watch the city fireworks display. It was a lovely day.
- I've been filling in on the internal medicine floor of the clinic the past couple of weeks. I'd never worked there before, but I really like it. Most clients in internal medicine are older, and they're fun to work with. I really love the sassy old ladies - the ones who didn't get the memo that eighty-year-olds don't usually cuss like bikers or wear baseball caps. I hope I have that much spunk left in me in another half a century...
- I got a green plaid strapless sundress. It's cute. (My friend Michelle from Kansas has the same dress - we have several identical pieces in our wardrobes, actually. Great minds, I guess...) Anyhow, I accidentally won it on ebay - no, don't look at me like that, I know I'm not the only person who's done it! I got carried away while bidding, because every time I entered an amount I immediately got outbid. I only spent .50 more than my original cutoff, though, so it's okay.
- Why is there no key for the ¢ on the keyboard? Hm.
- Luis is working on some new music for his fall recital. It's going to be amazing - he's picked some really great pieces. I gotta say that there are worse things in the world than living with a classical guitarist. :)
- My little brother Ricky just turned fourteen. He looks like a teenager, too. It's wild.
- Tomorrow we're seeing Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and on Sunday we're planning a float trip with some friends. A good weekend. And no homework!
Life is wonderful.
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