This will be a "no subject title" entry, simply due to the fact that I have an inability to think of something clever at the moment!
In the time since I wrote my last entry, a couple new things have occurred. The first is that I've gotten back into the habit recently of taking my camera with me and feeding my photography passion. I love it. I don't know what I would do without my little Canon Rebel Xti. It's an ancient model, now, with only 10.1 megapixels...but it takes beautiful shots and has superb quality lenses, so why replace it? I know it's a thing, as all our earthly purchases are, but I have a fondness and an attachment to it, almost like having a favorite toy as a child. I know my camera; what the perfect settings are, how to tweak it to get exactly the shot I see in my mind's eye. If I got a new camera, I'd have to re-learn most of that.
Also, in the beginning of September on Labor Day, Jason and I hiked up Old Rag, all the way through the basic rock-climbing to the summit, taking about six hours round trip. It was amazing. I'll be posting the pictures on Webshots soon.
Moving right along, I've also recently joined a gym, called Sport and Health Club, through Jason's work membership. He was allowed to add another person, so I now have the benefit of going to the gym whenever I want for 10 bucks a month (though I hardly think Jason will accept me paying him even that). It's nice to have an external motivator for exercise. I just can't seem to get into my own routine with my own intrinsic force (I have none), so going to a place where they have exercise classes and gym equipment is MUCH better suited for me. I have been going practically every day I'm off work, minus one in which I worked out at my place. It feels great. I've also stopped eating when I'm full instead of bloating myself just because the food tastes good, and I've been making consciously healthy choices. All this combined makes for a happy Alissa. Of course, Jason and I still have gelato dates....you can't pass it up once in a while.
Speaking of Jason, two new things have come up with us-- a vacation to Seattle, Washington/Mt. Rainier in December being the first, and officially reserving an apartment the second! Both are equally exciting. Having a week-long vacation together is long overdue and eagerly anticipated by us both. We're going from 4th Dec.-11th Dec., which is when the first snowfall will be occurring at Mt. Rainier. We're planning on doing a bunch of winter activities at the park, including mountaineering, cross country skiing, and a photo tour! Dinner at the Space Needle in Seattle is a must. There is also talk of us possibly traveling to Vancouver, Canada for a couple of days, since we'll be so close by.
In terms of the apartment, we had made the decision that for the quality we wanted, Fairfax was the place to be, for now. With that in mind, we chose an apartment here in the complex I've been in for the last 10 months now, partially because he and I really like it and mostly because the price for the quality is the best deal around that we've found throughout all our research. The apartment we've reserved is a two bedroom/two full bathroom flat with a fireplace, balcony (a must-have for me), a microwave (random), washer/dryer, and nice walk-in closets. That last sentence pretty closely resembled ads I've seen on apartment websites, haha. In any case, we're really excited to move in together--it's a big next step!
Other than that, not much else is new. Work is still rewarding, and life outside of work is incredibly joyous. I have no complaints!
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ignorant Americans are at it again! Take 5,485, 384, 193....action!
I am, once again, disappointed in humanity as a whole, and the average American specifically. I am, of course, referring to the current controversy over the proposed Muslim Mosque in NYC.
How can a group of murderers actually be associated with the true practice of Islam, which emphasizes love and peace? Ignorance, that's how. We are all acutely aware (at least those of us possessing any hint of intelligence are) that ignorance breeds all sorts of negative outcomes, namely intolerance and violence. Sadly enough, I feel that this is more natural for humans than is love and acceptance, which requires wisdom and appreciating a perspective/lifestyle/culture/belief other than your own.
Would people in this country be so quick to call a group of murderers claiming to be Christians true Christians? I think not. I think the general population would be quick to say, " Oh no, those aren't TRUE Christians. They don't represent America or what Christianity is all about. Jesus is love!", and so forth. Yet, when the situation is exactly the same involving a religion that the average American knows NOTHING about, the rapidly touted response is, "Those extremist Muslims! They're violent! Islam is all about jihads [again, a part of Islam rarely understood and often taken out of context] and killing non-believers!" How quickly they associate all Muslims with one group of people claiming Islam as their religion, when in fact this group of people possess not one of the qualities that makes up true Islamic practice.
I have grown so weary of religion as a whole. Instead of fulfilling its purpose, which across the board is generally peace, love and acceptance (and the occasional self-righteous assumption of being the "only TRUE religion"), we are left with the creation of many prejudices and heads buried in the sand. People, I think, are afraid to see things for themselves. They are afraid to accept or tolerate something that their religious leaders may tell them is "wrong" or "evil." If you believe in God, why not listen to God instead of other human beings? I don't think God would sit here insulting followers of any religion, and I highly doubt God would ever tell a group of faithful people they couldn't build a place of worship where they wanted to, despite the actions of a very small, non-representative group claiming to be part of that religion.
How can a group of murderers actually be associated with the true practice of Islam, which emphasizes love and peace? Ignorance, that's how. We are all acutely aware (at least those of us possessing any hint of intelligence are) that ignorance breeds all sorts of negative outcomes, namely intolerance and violence. Sadly enough, I feel that this is more natural for humans than is love and acceptance, which requires wisdom and appreciating a perspective/lifestyle/culture/belief other than your own.
Would people in this country be so quick to call a group of murderers claiming to be Christians true Christians? I think not. I think the general population would be quick to say, " Oh no, those aren't TRUE Christians. They don't represent America or what Christianity is all about. Jesus is love!", and so forth. Yet, when the situation is exactly the same involving a religion that the average American knows NOTHING about, the rapidly touted response is, "Those extremist Muslims! They're violent! Islam is all about jihads [again, a part of Islam rarely understood and often taken out of context] and killing non-believers!" How quickly they associate all Muslims with one group of people claiming Islam as their religion, when in fact this group of people possess not one of the qualities that makes up true Islamic practice.
I have grown so weary of religion as a whole. Instead of fulfilling its purpose, which across the board is generally peace, love and acceptance (and the occasional self-righteous assumption of being the "only TRUE religion"), we are left with the creation of many prejudices and heads buried in the sand. People, I think, are afraid to see things for themselves. They are afraid to accept or tolerate something that their religious leaders may tell them is "wrong" or "evil." If you believe in God, why not listen to God instead of other human beings? I don't think God would sit here insulting followers of any religion, and I highly doubt God would ever tell a group of faithful people they couldn't build a place of worship where they wanted to, despite the actions of a very small, non-representative group claiming to be part of that religion.
Friday, August 13, 2010
I'm reading Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, and boy is it depressing, albeit very well written. It's about a man named Gregor who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into what Kafka calls "a monstrous vermin." From this point on, his family (with the exception of his sweet younger sister) views him as nothing but this and forces him to stay in his room, completely rejected. As my sister put it, he has the uncanny ability to make people feel miserable. Either way, it's still a good short story. I'm going to finish it, tears or no!
In other news, Jason and I had a great time on his birthday, which was this past Wednesday. He suggested canoeing for the day before the Green Day concert that I had bought tickets to, so we traveled up to the Shenandoah River and rented a canoe. We traversed the river for about 3.5 miles, which took us just under an hour. It was relaxing, peaceful, and fun; we want to make an entire day of it, perhaps in September.
The Green Day concert was fantastic; they brought lots of fans on stage throughout various parts of the performance, and even let one sing the entirety of "Longview." The lead singer gave this particular fan one of their guitars, too! Even better is the fact that Green Day sounds great live. They played a lot of their old school material, which J and I were thrilled about!
Last night, Soheil, Laura G., Nicki and I went to this bar/restaurant called Spyder Kellys in Clarendon for happy hour. That was fun; they have a different happy hour special every night of the week, and the food is good and cheap. Last night was $3 margaritas, $3 craft beers and $2 bud lites.
Today I have been relaxing with tea, my book, Pandora radio, and some noodles that I made for lunch. I am in a slightly depressed mood, probably due to the combination of the book, the rain (which I actually like), and the fact that I'm working tonight. Sometimes that happens to me; after being off for a few days, I'm bummed when I finally have to return to work. I'll get over it as soon as I get into the shift, though. I've grown used to the pattern, which fortunately has almost completely faded.
Not much else to say, except that I'm looking forward to my first steak-broiling experience on Sunday-- Nicki and I are having a surprise dinner for Jake at my place, and I'm cooking steaks for him and Jason (since I had promised to make Jason one also for his bday). We'll see how it goes! =P We're also going put-put golfing, which should be fun!
In other news, Jason and I had a great time on his birthday, which was this past Wednesday. He suggested canoeing for the day before the Green Day concert that I had bought tickets to, so we traveled up to the Shenandoah River and rented a canoe. We traversed the river for about 3.5 miles, which took us just under an hour. It was relaxing, peaceful, and fun; we want to make an entire day of it, perhaps in September.
The Green Day concert was fantastic; they brought lots of fans on stage throughout various parts of the performance, and even let one sing the entirety of "Longview." The lead singer gave this particular fan one of their guitars, too! Even better is the fact that Green Day sounds great live. They played a lot of their old school material, which J and I were thrilled about!
Last night, Soheil, Laura G., Nicki and I went to this bar/restaurant called Spyder Kellys in Clarendon for happy hour. That was fun; they have a different happy hour special every night of the week, and the food is good and cheap. Last night was $3 margaritas, $3 craft beers and $2 bud lites.
Today I have been relaxing with tea, my book, Pandora radio, and some noodles that I made for lunch. I am in a slightly depressed mood, probably due to the combination of the book, the rain (which I actually like), and the fact that I'm working tonight. Sometimes that happens to me; after being off for a few days, I'm bummed when I finally have to return to work. I'll get over it as soon as I get into the shift, though. I've grown used to the pattern, which fortunately has almost completely faded.
Not much else to say, except that I'm looking forward to my first steak-broiling experience on Sunday-- Nicki and I are having a surprise dinner for Jake at my place, and I'm cooking steaks for him and Jason (since I had promised to make Jason one also for his bday). We'll see how it goes! =P We're also going put-put golfing, which should be fun!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Black Cherry yogurt at Trader Joe's is outstanding.
It's like having whipped black cherry pie in a creamy goodness. Mmmm.
Anyway, since I last posted, I still have not gotten my last tattoo. =P Since I had to end up spending that nearly $700 on my car (as previously mentioned in my recent post), getting the tat done was no longer a priority. Once I have more money saved up again, I'll do it!
In other developments, I've been approved to switch to mostly days. They're having EVERY nurse on staff sign up for at least 6-8 nights per seven weeks, which really isn't bad. So, I've signed up for my six today. The nice change is that my weekends I have to work are going to be mostly days. I have really stopped caring about what days I work, as long as I get my requested time off (which I have 100% of the time, so far). Nursing is a job in which time is more real, because the structured definitions of "weekend" and "work week" disappear, since hospitals never close and people never stop being sick and needing care. I've grown to actually appreciate and like Time as it really is, just flowing irregardless of you and your definitions and categories.
I rode my bike this past Saturday morning and it kicked my ass! I was going on mostly inclines for the entire 30-40 mins, though, so at least I got a workout. I literally lay on the floor for about 20 minutes after I got back. I need to get back to the yoga studio. Badly. It's been a few weeks. I'm so bad about exercising on a regular basis. I eat healthy, I just don't get enough exercise. At least I'm doing one thing right in that regard. =P
Jason's birthday is this Wednesday! We're going to a Green Day concert, which should be fun. I hope they play most of their old stuff, seeing as how neither Jason nor I really enjoy much of the recent tracks. AFI is opening for them, so I'm really interested to see how they've developed over the years since I last saw them at Warped Tour in 2003 or 2004.
To be mooshy for a moment.....it doesn't cease to amaze me on almost a daily basis how great my relationship with Jason is. He is one of the greatest people I have ever known. We've already talked about "when we get married." It seems that we're unofficially engaged, haha. Oddly enough, I don't mind at all. I'm completely comfortable with it, because it's so real and natural. We're perfect for each other, as far as I can see. :)
Ok, that's it for now. What's new??
Anyway, since I last posted, I still have not gotten my last tattoo. =P Since I had to end up spending that nearly $700 on my car (as previously mentioned in my recent post), getting the tat done was no longer a priority. Once I have more money saved up again, I'll do it!
In other developments, I've been approved to switch to mostly days. They're having EVERY nurse on staff sign up for at least 6-8 nights per seven weeks, which really isn't bad. So, I've signed up for my six today. The nice change is that my weekends I have to work are going to be mostly days. I have really stopped caring about what days I work, as long as I get my requested time off (which I have 100% of the time, so far). Nursing is a job in which time is more real, because the structured definitions of "weekend" and "work week" disappear, since hospitals never close and people never stop being sick and needing care. I've grown to actually appreciate and like Time as it really is, just flowing irregardless of you and your definitions and categories.
I rode my bike this past Saturday morning and it kicked my ass! I was going on mostly inclines for the entire 30-40 mins, though, so at least I got a workout. I literally lay on the floor for about 20 minutes after I got back. I need to get back to the yoga studio. Badly. It's been a few weeks. I'm so bad about exercising on a regular basis. I eat healthy, I just don't get enough exercise. At least I'm doing one thing right in that regard. =P
Jason's birthday is this Wednesday! We're going to a Green Day concert, which should be fun. I hope they play most of their old stuff, seeing as how neither Jason nor I really enjoy much of the recent tracks. AFI is opening for them, so I'm really interested to see how they've developed over the years since I last saw them at Warped Tour in 2003 or 2004.
To be mooshy for a moment.....it doesn't cease to amaze me on almost a daily basis how great my relationship with Jason is. He is one of the greatest people I have ever known. We've already talked about "when we get married." It seems that we're unofficially engaged, haha. Oddly enough, I don't mind at all. I'm completely comfortable with it, because it's so real and natural. We're perfect for each other, as far as I can see. :)
Ok, that's it for now. What's new??
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Oy.
So today will be my first day back at work since last Thursday. It's been weird having so much time off, but also nice. I was able to take care of necessary things and pack some visits in.
I hung out with Camille on Saturday and we went to Crockett Park in the afternoon, which was great. We hung out in the forest and enjoyed the quiet and solitude that nature provides. It was odd that there weren't more people there, but maybe that was because it was around 5pm. We wanted to rent a paddle boat, but Camille had the pup with her so we couldn't since no pets are allowed on the water. Camel (yes, this is my nickname for her) also introduced me to this sweet music called dubstep. Apparently, in order to be classified as such, the bass has to be at least 140 decibles. You can imagine crazy that would sound at a concert. We watched a live video of it on YouTube and you could see everything vibrating, haha. It's very trippy, obviously bass-heavy music with a lot of ambient sounds. I really enjoy it! It makes me want to re-install my subs and amp into the car.
I also enjoyed a couple drunk dials from my wonderful boyfriend on Saturday night, since he was out of town at a wedding. It's amazing how quickly I begin to miss him when we're apart, even if it's only for a day or two. Is that pathetic? I don't think so. I think that's real love, baby. The nice part is, we're not obsessed with each other. Throughout all the crazy, intense and amazing emotions that have been our relationship thus far, we've still remained our own separate people, independent and confident. Being in love is really fun!
Speaking of cars, allow me to digress for a moment. Gertrude (the Buick I currently own) had to get a major procedure done this weekend. It wasn't so much the procedure as much as the price that was major. A bit of history: my brake light had been on for about a month now, but nothing bad was happening with the car, so I thought maybe it was just an electrical thing where the light came on randomly. Well, the other day while driving on route 5o, in mid-acceleration, my engine shut off. So, I pulled over into the nearest left turn lane, which was luckily red at the moment, and turned my car back on. Everything seemed normal, but that event was frightening enough for me to decide to take it into the shop. Since I'm a AAA member (which is awesome, I recommend it to anyone), I got free towing and an incredible deal on a rental car. It turned out that the ABS sensor, including the entire hub assembly (these are Jason's words, I have no idea what much of it means) had to be replaced. The price of the ABS sensor alone, since they had to buy it from the dealership, was $374. After labor and diagnositcs, my total bill, including tax, came out to $684. OUCH.
I would have had the car back by now, but when we went to pick it up on Sunday we discovered that the driver's side door handle had come loose and the locking mechanism was no longer working. Super! Luckily, I think they're repairing it for free. Unfortunately this does mean that Jason has to drop me off at work tonight and pick me up in the morning, and I've been stranded here at his place all day. That part doesn't really bother me, though. I plan on going on his roommate's exercise bike here soon.
Getting back on track, let's talk about Sunday: I went to a winery with Stevo's mom, Charlene, who is totally awesome. We always have fun together. We decided to go to a winery called Bluemont, which sits on a beautiful summit at 951 feet above sea level. The wine selection surprised us: They had two true whites (your typical vidal blanc and viognier), one red (a 90% merlot and 10% cab blend), and three sweeter wines. The three sweet wines, one of which I was actually impressed with and bought, included a peach (this is the one I purchased), a blackberry, and a strawberry. I have to admit that though I was skeptical of these particular wines prior to tasting them (as most of you know, I'm a very "red" person), I was overall impressed with each one.
The peach tasted more like a dry white with a background peach flavor. It was only 1.5% residual sugar, which gave it that slight hint of sweet with the peach notes. The reason I bought it was because it's a wine that is easily enjoyed on a really hot day, especially if you have some fruit to chop up and munch on.
The strawberry wine was next up with 4.5% residual sugar and a very nice strawberry palate. Again, I was surprised to admit my enjoyment of this one. Charlene and I agreed that this wine would be terrific with some angel food cake. I joked that I might actually be able to handle an entire half a glass.
The blackberry wine was the last tasting, coming in at 5% residual sugar but with a great tartness at the finish. I really liked this one because of that aspect. I could have dealt with less sugar, but what do you expect from a wine made out of a sugary fruit (I guess that assumption pretty much applies to all of them)? I could have this for dessert with nothing else. The tartness on the back of the palate is really quite enjoyable and very unique.
To give this winery some credit, it is only three years old and for what it's already offering, I could definitely see it going somewhere. The other nice thing about it is the lovely people who work there who all know LOTS about wine and have a lot to say about the way they harvest it. The other cool aspect of this place is that the berries they use in the last three wines I spoke of are grown by them on other parts of their property. As the driveway traces up the mountain towards the winery, you can spot some of the peach trees on the side of the hill.
What else? Ah yes, my lack of exercise in the last week. Ugh. Jason and I are planning a bike ride at night for this Thursday. That will mark probably 1.5 weeks since I've been on my bike, probably more like two. I can't let that happen again. I went to yoga last week, but it doesn't look like I'll be going again until next week, considering that the rest of this week and weekend until next Wed. are taken up. I did take some pictures yesterday, which was good. I need to replace the battery, though. Every time I charge it, no matter for how long, it always only charges to half life. Hmmm.
Future plans: see Camel for a little bit on Thursday afternoon, come back into town and go for a bike ride, work day shift on Friday, dinner/movie with Jay, Jake, Nicki that night, and then Saturday morning Jay and I leave for Richmond for wedding number 1. Wedding number two will be taking place on Monday (odd), but we'll be leaving for that on Sunday morning so we can have a mini beach vacay. Woo!
I hung out with Camille on Saturday and we went to Crockett Park in the afternoon, which was great. We hung out in the forest and enjoyed the quiet and solitude that nature provides. It was odd that there weren't more people there, but maybe that was because it was around 5pm. We wanted to rent a paddle boat, but Camille had the pup with her so we couldn't since no pets are allowed on the water. Camel (yes, this is my nickname for her) also introduced me to this sweet music called dubstep. Apparently, in order to be classified as such, the bass has to be at least 140 decibles. You can imagine crazy that would sound at a concert. We watched a live video of it on YouTube and you could see everything vibrating, haha. It's very trippy, obviously bass-heavy music with a lot of ambient sounds. I really enjoy it! It makes me want to re-install my subs and amp into the car.
I also enjoyed a couple drunk dials from my wonderful boyfriend on Saturday night, since he was out of town at a wedding. It's amazing how quickly I begin to miss him when we're apart, even if it's only for a day or two. Is that pathetic? I don't think so. I think that's real love, baby. The nice part is, we're not obsessed with each other. Throughout all the crazy, intense and amazing emotions that have been our relationship thus far, we've still remained our own separate people, independent and confident. Being in love is really fun!
Speaking of cars, allow me to digress for a moment. Gertrude (the Buick I currently own) had to get a major procedure done this weekend. It wasn't so much the procedure as much as the price that was major. A bit of history: my brake light had been on for about a month now, but nothing bad was happening with the car, so I thought maybe it was just an electrical thing where the light came on randomly. Well, the other day while driving on route 5o, in mid-acceleration, my engine shut off. So, I pulled over into the nearest left turn lane, which was luckily red at the moment, and turned my car back on. Everything seemed normal, but that event was frightening enough for me to decide to take it into the shop. Since I'm a AAA member (which is awesome, I recommend it to anyone), I got free towing and an incredible deal on a rental car. It turned out that the ABS sensor, including the entire hub assembly (these are Jason's words, I have no idea what much of it means) had to be replaced. The price of the ABS sensor alone, since they had to buy it from the dealership, was $374. After labor and diagnositcs, my total bill, including tax, came out to $684. OUCH.
I would have had the car back by now, but when we went to pick it up on Sunday we discovered that the driver's side door handle had come loose and the locking mechanism was no longer working. Super! Luckily, I think they're repairing it for free. Unfortunately this does mean that Jason has to drop me off at work tonight and pick me up in the morning, and I've been stranded here at his place all day. That part doesn't really bother me, though. I plan on going on his roommate's exercise bike here soon.
Getting back on track, let's talk about Sunday: I went to a winery with Stevo's mom, Charlene, who is totally awesome. We always have fun together. We decided to go to a winery called Bluemont, which sits on a beautiful summit at 951 feet above sea level. The wine selection surprised us: They had two true whites (your typical vidal blanc and viognier), one red (a 90% merlot and 10% cab blend), and three sweeter wines. The three sweet wines, one of which I was actually impressed with and bought, included a peach (this is the one I purchased), a blackberry, and a strawberry. I have to admit that though I was skeptical of these particular wines prior to tasting them (as most of you know, I'm a very "red" person), I was overall impressed with each one.
The peach tasted more like a dry white with a background peach flavor. It was only 1.5% residual sugar, which gave it that slight hint of sweet with the peach notes. The reason I bought it was because it's a wine that is easily enjoyed on a really hot day, especially if you have some fruit to chop up and munch on.
The strawberry wine was next up with 4.5% residual sugar and a very nice strawberry palate. Again, I was surprised to admit my enjoyment of this one. Charlene and I agreed that this wine would be terrific with some angel food cake. I joked that I might actually be able to handle an entire half a glass.
The blackberry wine was the last tasting, coming in at 5% residual sugar but with a great tartness at the finish. I really liked this one because of that aspect. I could have dealt with less sugar, but what do you expect from a wine made out of a sugary fruit (I guess that assumption pretty much applies to all of them)? I could have this for dessert with nothing else. The tartness on the back of the palate is really quite enjoyable and very unique.
To give this winery some credit, it is only three years old and for what it's already offering, I could definitely see it going somewhere. The other nice thing about it is the lovely people who work there who all know LOTS about wine and have a lot to say about the way they harvest it. The other cool aspect of this place is that the berries they use in the last three wines I spoke of are grown by them on other parts of their property. As the driveway traces up the mountain towards the winery, you can spot some of the peach trees on the side of the hill.
What else? Ah yes, my lack of exercise in the last week. Ugh. Jason and I are planning a bike ride at night for this Thursday. That will mark probably 1.5 weeks since I've been on my bike, probably more like two. I can't let that happen again. I went to yoga last week, but it doesn't look like I'll be going again until next week, considering that the rest of this week and weekend until next Wed. are taken up. I did take some pictures yesterday, which was good. I need to replace the battery, though. Every time I charge it, no matter for how long, it always only charges to half life. Hmmm.
Future plans: see Camel for a little bit on Thursday afternoon, come back into town and go for a bike ride, work day shift on Friday, dinner/movie with Jay, Jake, Nicki that night, and then Saturday morning Jay and I leave for Richmond for wedding number 1. Wedding number two will be taking place on Monday (odd), but we'll be leaving for that on Sunday morning so we can have a mini beach vacay. Woo!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Meh
I feel like I've lost the motivation to write as much as I used to. I guess I just have more going on between my friends, family, work, Jason, etc.?
Anyway, nothing much outside the norm has been going on. I'm still riding bikes, doing yoga, reading, and hanging out with peeps. Jason is still amazing.
I'm going to be switching back to mostly days at about mid-September. I'm getting a little weary of having night schedule taking up most of my following day, since I have to spend about 2/3 of it sleeping. It's nice to work day shift and sleep on everyone else's normal schedule! But, since I love the people I work with and nights are more pay, I can do it for another two months. I can do anything for two months. It's not so bad. :)
I still need to get my fourth tattoo! maybe I'll get a wild hair up my ass one day during the five straight days I'm off between this Thurs and next Tuesday and finally get it done. I'll go to my buddy Mike in Warrenton. I know he'll do a great job, since he's been at this since '81 and has done two of my three current tats.
Anyway, nothing much outside the norm has been going on. I'm still riding bikes, doing yoga, reading, and hanging out with peeps. Jason is still amazing.
I'm going to be switching back to mostly days at about mid-September. I'm getting a little weary of having night schedule taking up most of my following day, since I have to spend about 2/3 of it sleeping. It's nice to work day shift and sleep on everyone else's normal schedule! But, since I love the people I work with and nights are more pay, I can do it for another two months. I can do anything for two months. It's not so bad. :)
I still need to get my fourth tattoo! maybe I'll get a wild hair up my ass one day during the five straight days I'm off between this Thurs and next Tuesday and finally get it done. I'll go to my buddy Mike in Warrenton. I know he'll do a great job, since he's been at this since '81 and has done two of my three current tats.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Since the last time I posted, here is what has been going on:
Work, obviously. I'm still a nurse. Last night was shitty, in that it was extremely busy the whole time and thus unorganized. Unfortunately I didn't leave until close to 9am. At least there is still the knowledge that when I left, my patients were safe and in good hands for the day shift. I have high hopes that tonight will be better.
I went to Kimmie and Brad's wedding last weekend, which was really, really nice. It was good to see everyone and witness two people in love.
I've been riding my bike, A LOT, except for the last week. Every time I've wanted to go outside, it's been 90 degrees (since like 10am that morning). So, night riding may be in the works for a while until it gets to a less dangerous temperature outside for people like me with low blood pressure.
I went to yoga this week, and LOVED the teacher. Cynthia's class was bright and early at 7am, which was fine since I had the previous day off and was back to a somewhat normal sleep pattern. She works on not just going through pose series, but focuses on FORM. I can't say how much I as a student appreciate that. The correct form is what gives you the benefit in yoga, so knowing how to pose correctly is paramount to the practice. The spiritual side is obvious and always there for me. It is never anything less than therapeutic.
Future plans consist of going to IKEA with Dad this weekend to FINALLY get a TV stand for my living room (it's only been 6 months since I moved in). I'm looking forward to spending time with him and also smelling all the fresh scents of a furniture store. I've discovered over the course of my short life how vision and olfactory-oriented I am. The following weekend Jason and I are trekking up to PA to help my sister move in/visit her and bring gifts/spend 4th of July. I'm really looking forward to that. I miss my Bean! It's different, and yet not so much, having her live up there long term. It's like an extended time period of college. I can't believe both of us are out of that world now. Time goes by so quickly, with no regard to anything at all.
I need to get out and take more pictures again. I haven't in a couple of weeks and I miss it. Eventually, I will get to the point where my time is better managed. It's not bad now, really, I just always think there's room for improvement.
I have an itching, not even a year out of school, to be back in it again. I want to become a clinical nurse specialist and/or an RN surgical first assist. The latter is definitely a goal I want to achieve in my career. I have to find out how soon I can start to do that. Do I need OR experience first before even getting into a school program, or what? Research is necessary. I will do it, though, mark my words.
Right now, that's about all I have. I'm still reading the Time Traveler's Wife (it remains a fantastic love story), and I just started reading Autobiography of a Yogi, which is about the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the greatest yogis ever to walk the Earth.
Have a super delicious day.
Work, obviously. I'm still a nurse. Last night was shitty, in that it was extremely busy the whole time and thus unorganized. Unfortunately I didn't leave until close to 9am. At least there is still the knowledge that when I left, my patients were safe and in good hands for the day shift. I have high hopes that tonight will be better.
I went to Kimmie and Brad's wedding last weekend, which was really, really nice. It was good to see everyone and witness two people in love.
I've been riding my bike, A LOT, except for the last week. Every time I've wanted to go outside, it's been 90 degrees (since like 10am that morning). So, night riding may be in the works for a while until it gets to a less dangerous temperature outside for people like me with low blood pressure.
I went to yoga this week, and LOVED the teacher. Cynthia's class was bright and early at 7am, which was fine since I had the previous day off and was back to a somewhat normal sleep pattern. She works on not just going through pose series, but focuses on FORM. I can't say how much I as a student appreciate that. The correct form is what gives you the benefit in yoga, so knowing how to pose correctly is paramount to the practice. The spiritual side is obvious and always there for me. It is never anything less than therapeutic.
Future plans consist of going to IKEA with Dad this weekend to FINALLY get a TV stand for my living room (it's only been 6 months since I moved in). I'm looking forward to spending time with him and also smelling all the fresh scents of a furniture store. I've discovered over the course of my short life how vision and olfactory-oriented I am. The following weekend Jason and I are trekking up to PA to help my sister move in/visit her and bring gifts/spend 4th of July. I'm really looking forward to that. I miss my Bean! It's different, and yet not so much, having her live up there long term. It's like an extended time period of college. I can't believe both of us are out of that world now. Time goes by so quickly, with no regard to anything at all.
I need to get out and take more pictures again. I haven't in a couple of weeks and I miss it. Eventually, I will get to the point where my time is better managed. It's not bad now, really, I just always think there's room for improvement.
I have an itching, not even a year out of school, to be back in it again. I want to become a clinical nurse specialist and/or an RN surgical first assist. The latter is definitely a goal I want to achieve in my career. I have to find out how soon I can start to do that. Do I need OR experience first before even getting into a school program, or what? Research is necessary. I will do it, though, mark my words.
Right now, that's about all I have. I'm still reading the Time Traveler's Wife (it remains a fantastic love story), and I just started reading Autobiography of a Yogi, which is about the life of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the greatest yogis ever to walk the Earth.
Have a super delicious day.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Statements to be made
My birthday weekend was amazing. I saw my wonderful friends at the BBQ we had that Friday (the 4th, and then Jason rented a sweet little room 1.5 blocks from the shore in Stone Harbor. We stayed Saturday-Sunday morning. We took a great walk on the beach the morning we departed, followed by these delectable pancakes at a mom and pop's joint near downtown. We rode a ferry from Cape May to Delaware, which was awesome. I loved feeling all that salty wind in my face and hair. My dress kept blowing up in Marilyn Monroe fashion, which was highly entertaining for both Jason and myself! We went out to dinner Sunday evening with my parents at this little Italian restaurant called Vespucci's, which oddly enough I believe is owned by a family of Moroccans. No matter, they're great people. It was such a lovely weekend. Jason is one of the best people I have ever known (and so are my parents).
This week I have ridden the Trek Jason bought for me twice alone. I love it. I have discovered that cycling gives me a feeling, a rush of liberation that only yoga has been able to accomplish thus far. Maybe even a little more than yoga (dare I say it?). I love the way my heart pounds, the feeling of the wheels and tires rushing down a hill, the coolness on my body that the sweat brings, the amazing feeling of my legs being able to contract and pull and push against a machine that makes me travel faster through space.
I've also still been taking pictures and practicing guitar. I've not been to yoga in a couple of weeks and I would like to change that. Perhaps Friday morning I'll find a class to pop into (I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, so here's a better one). You can find the latest pictures on my webshots page: http://community.webshots.com/user/MissLiss322
I'm getting better at memorizing chords, playing rhythms and switching between a couple different chords now and then when my fingers are feeling particularly nimble. Soheil also taught me this cool dexterity-building exercise, which is much too complex for my mind to transfer from memory to type.
This Sunday, Jason and I went to the park near Reagan National airport and smoked hooka whilst watching the planes soar into the sky. Some of them were so close that I felt like I might throw a rock and hit the wheels or something. Aftewards we stopped by our favorite gelato joint Arlington and sat together in the pleasant night air. We always have the best Sundays together. I can't even explain anymore how crazy my heart is for this man. Forget it! ;)
Anyway, to sum it up: I love my family, Jason and my friends. My life is a fuckin' blast.
picture!!
This week I have ridden the Trek Jason bought for me twice alone. I love it. I have discovered that cycling gives me a feeling, a rush of liberation that only yoga has been able to accomplish thus far. Maybe even a little more than yoga (dare I say it?). I love the way my heart pounds, the feeling of the wheels and tires rushing down a hill, the coolness on my body that the sweat brings, the amazing feeling of my legs being able to contract and pull and push against a machine that makes me travel faster through space.
I've also still been taking pictures and practicing guitar. I've not been to yoga in a couple of weeks and I would like to change that. Perhaps Friday morning I'll find a class to pop into (I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, so here's a better one). You can find the latest pictures on my webshots page: http://community.webshots.com/user/MissLiss322
I'm getting better at memorizing chords, playing rhythms and switching between a couple different chords now and then when my fingers are feeling particularly nimble. Soheil also taught me this cool dexterity-building exercise, which is much too complex for my mind to transfer from memory to type.
This Sunday, Jason and I went to the park near Reagan National airport and smoked hooka whilst watching the planes soar into the sky. Some of them were so close that I felt like I might throw a rock and hit the wheels or something. Aftewards we stopped by our favorite gelato joint Arlington and sat together in the pleasant night air. We always have the best Sundays together. I can't even explain anymore how crazy my heart is for this man. Forget it! ;)
Anyway, to sum it up: I love my family, Jason and my friends. My life is a fuckin' blast.
picture!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Vivid memory.
I remember, with great detail, our first date. I was still working at Crestwood. It was supposed to snow that night, and this is where I got my first glimpse at how chivalrous he is: he texted and asked me to tell him where to pick me up, because he didn't want me to have to drive in the potential snow. I said my place would be best and had to send another text with the address because I forgot to put it in the first. I left work, excited about our date that evening. I remember thinking, "Well, isn't this funny that there isn't a flake falling from the sky yet?" on the way home.
I must have tried on about three different outfits before finally deciding on my black, short sleeved, button-up shirt with the black waist belt and dark jeans that cling all the way down your legs. I wore black earrings, thin and wide with one of those bohemian intricate, lacy designs. I wore black flats. My hair was long then, straight. I was nervous, which bemused me since I usually am never nervous on a date. There was something about him, though, that at that point I couldn't place my finger on.
He called to tell me he was outside, near my car, in the parking lot. My stomach turned a little as I walked out the door and turned the key in the lock. It was cold, typical for February. Still no snow.
I walked outside and into the parking lot, and there I saw his truck parked with the headlights dimmed, engine still running. I couldn't quite see him yet, and since it had been several days since that fateful night at the bar, I was afraid that I couldn't quite remember what he looked like (even though I knew I would find him handsome anyway). I opened the door and the smell of his light cologne and the truck came flowing towards me. He smiled; what a beautiful smile he has. I thought to myself "Wow, even in jeans and a sweatshirt this guy looks amazing." We hugged hello and proceeded to drive to the sushi place in Oakton he had found for our date.
We walked into the cozy atmosphere of the sushi restaurant, filled with the smell of rice, tea and seafood. The food was delicious, the conversation was lively, mellow and natural. We clicked, consistently and without interruption. I wasn't nervous eating around him, which was a first for me. Every time we looked at each other, we smiled, a knowing feeling there already.
After dinner, for which he paid, we went back to my place and sat and talked until close to 2am when he finally decided he had to drive home to get a few hours of rest before work. We hugged goodnight. I went to bed with my heart floating up out of my chest.
And now, almost three months later, I completely love him. I am his, in every way. I don't need him, but I want him, every minute. We fit perfectly together. What a rush, what a crazy wonderful feeling this is.
I must have tried on about three different outfits before finally deciding on my black, short sleeved, button-up shirt with the black waist belt and dark jeans that cling all the way down your legs. I wore black earrings, thin and wide with one of those bohemian intricate, lacy designs. I wore black flats. My hair was long then, straight. I was nervous, which bemused me since I usually am never nervous on a date. There was something about him, though, that at that point I couldn't place my finger on.
He called to tell me he was outside, near my car, in the parking lot. My stomach turned a little as I walked out the door and turned the key in the lock. It was cold, typical for February. Still no snow.
I walked outside and into the parking lot, and there I saw his truck parked with the headlights dimmed, engine still running. I couldn't quite see him yet, and since it had been several days since that fateful night at the bar, I was afraid that I couldn't quite remember what he looked like (even though I knew I would find him handsome anyway). I opened the door and the smell of his light cologne and the truck came flowing towards me. He smiled; what a beautiful smile he has. I thought to myself "Wow, even in jeans and a sweatshirt this guy looks amazing." We hugged hello and proceeded to drive to the sushi place in Oakton he had found for our date.
We walked into the cozy atmosphere of the sushi restaurant, filled with the smell of rice, tea and seafood. The food was delicious, the conversation was lively, mellow and natural. We clicked, consistently and without interruption. I wasn't nervous eating around him, which was a first for me. Every time we looked at each other, we smiled, a knowing feeling there already.
After dinner, for which he paid, we went back to my place and sat and talked until close to 2am when he finally decided he had to drive home to get a few hours of rest before work. We hugged goodnight. I went to bed with my heart floating up out of my chest.
And now, almost three months later, I completely love him. I am his, in every way. I don't need him, but I want him, every minute. We fit perfectly together. What a rush, what a crazy wonderful feeling this is.
(To be recited in the voice of Princess Daisy) Here I am!
I've discovered that I'm almost always ever so slightly depressed going back to work after having a couple or a few days off. I think it's because I have so much fun in between that the thought of being stuck at my job is a tiny bit daunting. Once I get there and get into my work routine, however, it's not bad at all. I love the people I work with, which makes it that much easier to be there.
Bean is done, officially, with college. Her graduation was very well put together by her school, with great speakers. One in particular, a former governor of a state I can't recall at the moment, had a particularly speech for the students about getting involved and being active in the things one is passionate about in society and the rest of the world. He talked about how important it is to put away all the eloquent speeches, big words and literature and actually go out and DO something. It was inspiring to listen to him. He didn't read from a piece of paper, either; he thought carefully through his words as he stood there poised at the podium. I liked that because it felt real, not rehearsed.
The rest of the day went well; we packed the last few items of Bean's into her and my dad's cars and then went to dinner at the country club in Uniontown. It was very delicious. Almost all of us had their renowned crab cakes, which were actually big slabs of crabmeat and not all breading, as most of the cheaper ones are. I enjoyed every last bite! That night Sarah, Bean and I went to stay at Bean's boyfriend Mike's house. His parents are two of the most welcoming, warm and open people I know. Mike's dad made us breakfast in the morning before we left...and let me tell you, that man can make some killer cheese eggs. Wow. Mike's mom sent us home with two of her jars of home-made peach jam as well, which is equally delicious.
Since that time, I have worked, hung out with Bean while she was home, done some yoga, practiced guitar, and taken a few pictures. I had the pleasure of going out with Jason and meeting his good friend Ashley. What a cool chick! I really like her old roommate, Noon (Nun? I have no idea how to actually spell her name)-- she and I really have matching personalities, so we hit it off right away. We all went to this dive bar called Wonderland, in northwest DC. I really like it; it's very small with table seating and a jukebox, and all sorts of cool vintage signs. One of the seats is actually a backseat taken from a van or a bus or something. It was very comfortable!
Today and tomorrow I work, which means I get actual Memorial Day off. This is nice because I can spend it with my friends who are, for once, off of work during the week. =)
Picture! (an oldie, from summer 2009, but a goodie nontheless)
Bean is done, officially, with college. Her graduation was very well put together by her school, with great speakers. One in particular, a former governor of a state I can't recall at the moment, had a particularly speech for the students about getting involved and being active in the things one is passionate about in society and the rest of the world. He talked about how important it is to put away all the eloquent speeches, big words and literature and actually go out and DO something. It was inspiring to listen to him. He didn't read from a piece of paper, either; he thought carefully through his words as he stood there poised at the podium. I liked that because it felt real, not rehearsed.
The rest of the day went well; we packed the last few items of Bean's into her and my dad's cars and then went to dinner at the country club in Uniontown. It was very delicious. Almost all of us had their renowned crab cakes, which were actually big slabs of crabmeat and not all breading, as most of the cheaper ones are. I enjoyed every last bite! That night Sarah, Bean and I went to stay at Bean's boyfriend Mike's house. His parents are two of the most welcoming, warm and open people I know. Mike's dad made us breakfast in the morning before we left...and let me tell you, that man can make some killer cheese eggs. Wow. Mike's mom sent us home with two of her jars of home-made peach jam as well, which is equally delicious.
Since that time, I have worked, hung out with Bean while she was home, done some yoga, practiced guitar, and taken a few pictures. I had the pleasure of going out with Jason and meeting his good friend Ashley. What a cool chick! I really like her old roommate, Noon (Nun? I have no idea how to actually spell her name)-- she and I really have matching personalities, so we hit it off right away. We all went to this dive bar called Wonderland, in northwest DC. I really like it; it's very small with table seating and a jukebox, and all sorts of cool vintage signs. One of the seats is actually a backseat taken from a van or a bus or something. It was very comfortable!
Today and tomorrow I work, which means I get actual Memorial Day off. This is nice because I can spend it with my friends who are, for once, off of work during the week. =)
Picture! (an oldie, from summer 2009, but a goodie nontheless)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. -- Lao Tzu
I love Lao Tzu; there's a person who always seems to have the right view on things.
Moving right along, last night was like any other shift for me until about 430 this morning when one of my patients complained of severe chest pain. Of course, the first thought in my mind was, "Shit, she might be having a heart attack." So, I called a rapid response (which is a team of experienced and trained doctors and nurses). The on-call rapid response resident and an ICU nurse showed up and we did an EKG (print out of live heart rhythms/patterns) and drew blood for the lab to test cardiac enzymes. The reason for that is some cardiac enzymes will be elevated in a heart attack, either immediately or for several days after heart damage has occurred. The resident also ordered a portable chest xray, which at the surface appeared to be normal. The EKG also showed normal readings, which was another good sign. I gave her Dilaudid (a very potent pain medicine) and three nitroglycerine tablets (specifically for chest pain), and she was stable by 6am. We all breathed a sigh of relief.
That experience made me realize, yet again, what a great team of nurses I work with. One of my coworkers gave my three patients their 5am,6am, and 7am meds for me since I was in my patient's room with her (you obviously can't leave your patient when they're that unstable). Another helped me do the EKG, and yet another put the STAT (aka, right-fucking-now) orders into the computer. The support that the nurses I work with give each other is humbling and is a major reward of the job. I don't know what I would have done without them!
Anyway, that's the biggest thing that has happened since I last posted, other than Alicia and Mike's wedding this past weekend, which was a blast! I'll post more about that later. Suffice it to say that it was a grand ceremony, filled with good times and even better people to spend it with.
Bean, my "baby" sister, is graduating this coming weekend, from COLLEGE. Jaysus, where has the time gone? I got her a lotus copper and sterling silver pendant with a silver chain and on the back of the pendant I had it engraved "Wherever you go, there we are." Too trite? Whatevs, biznatch. I liked it.
Picture! Never forget how beautiful the world is.
Moving right along, last night was like any other shift for me until about 430 this morning when one of my patients complained of severe chest pain. Of course, the first thought in my mind was, "Shit, she might be having a heart attack." So, I called a rapid response (which is a team of experienced and trained doctors and nurses). The on-call rapid response resident and an ICU nurse showed up and we did an EKG (print out of live heart rhythms/patterns) and drew blood for the lab to test cardiac enzymes. The reason for that is some cardiac enzymes will be elevated in a heart attack, either immediately or for several days after heart damage has occurred. The resident also ordered a portable chest xray, which at the surface appeared to be normal. The EKG also showed normal readings, which was another good sign. I gave her Dilaudid (a very potent pain medicine) and three nitroglycerine tablets (specifically for chest pain), and she was stable by 6am. We all breathed a sigh of relief.
That experience made me realize, yet again, what a great team of nurses I work with. One of my coworkers gave my three patients their 5am,6am, and 7am meds for me since I was in my patient's room with her (you obviously can't leave your patient when they're that unstable). Another helped me do the EKG, and yet another put the STAT (aka, right-fucking-now) orders into the computer. The support that the nurses I work with give each other is humbling and is a major reward of the job. I don't know what I would have done without them!
Anyway, that's the biggest thing that has happened since I last posted, other than Alicia and Mike's wedding this past weekend, which was a blast! I'll post more about that later. Suffice it to say that it was a grand ceremony, filled with good times and even better people to spend it with.
Bean, my "baby" sister, is graduating this coming weekend, from COLLEGE. Jaysus, where has the time gone? I got her a lotus copper and sterling silver pendant with a silver chain and on the back of the pendant I had it engraved "Wherever you go, there we are." Too trite? Whatevs, biznatch. I liked it.
Picture! Never forget how beautiful the world is.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Random
If you are a nursing mother, you should cover your breasts up if you plan on breastfeeding in public. If you weren't the type of person to randomly flash people in public places before, what makes you think that having a baby attached to your tit makes it ok to whip it out now? Gross. I'm all for nursing, but I don't want to see your boobs. Thanks.
I feel like a horrible person for saying this, but my friend just had her baby and he's.....well, ugly. I can't put it any better than that, and since this is my journal I don't have to use politically correct language. He's definitely not cute. I feel badly, but oh well. Sometimes peoples' genes just don't mix well. I'm sure they think he's adorable, and that's what ultimately counts.
I've now reached food coma status. I'm going to read outside.
I feel like a horrible person for saying this, but my friend just had her baby and he's.....well, ugly. I can't put it any better than that, and since this is my journal I don't have to use politically correct language. He's definitely not cute. I feel badly, but oh well. Sometimes peoples' genes just don't mix well. I'm sure they think he's adorable, and that's what ultimately counts.
I've now reached food coma status. I'm going to read outside.
Monday, May 10, 2010
SWEETNESS!
Jason bought me a new bike; a really, really nice Trek bike. I am consistently pleasantly surprised with how thoughtful, caring and giving he is! He can also use the bike, which makes me feel better about him fronting the entire bill for it. I did offer to help pay for it, but he wouldn't have it. I'm not at all materialistic, so I wouldn't think any less of him if he hadn't bought the bike, but the fact that he did just adds icing to the delicious cake that is his character. Can we say keeper, ladies and gentleman?
Anyway, sorry for the gush about Jason. I am SO excited to have a brand new bicycle! This means I now have a vehicle that I can ride without polluting the environment. BP oil spills and coal mines (to name just two) already do that enough for us, right? I can't wait to go riding!! I know Ali shares my extreme excitement about cycling. ;)
Other than that, the weekend was really fun! I worked Friday night, so I didn't wake up until around 1ish on Saturday afternoon. After that, Jason and I lazed around for a bit and then went back to my place and enjoyed a wine Tasting at Total Wine and more and then proceeded to lounge on beach towels in the grass, soaking in the beautiful crisp weather. We left my apartment in the evening and dined at Anita's (my favorite Mexican restaurant), where I feasted on cheese enchiladas. Afterwards, we went over to meet up with the party crew for Megan's birthday. We played several rounds of flip cup and a couple rounds of King's Cup (ah, brings back the college memories), so needless to say we were well into an alcoholic state by the time the cabs came to pick us up. Megan wanted to go to Union Jack's in Arlington, so that's where the cabbies dropped us off. Everyone proceeded to become inebriated and all was grand. Jason and I took a taxi back to his place. We had great (albeit drunken) conversation with the cab driver, who I discovered to be a native French speaker; needless to say, I managed to have a very simple chat with him en Francais, which was really fun. I want to learn that language fluently one day.
On Sunday Jason and I went to The Bike Lane store in the morning and I went on a test ride on the bike that is now mine, and then I went out to my parents' house to spend the day with me mum. We went over to this plant/flower nursery called Meadow's Farm and I bought her this very cool flowering plant that hangs in a basket. The flowers are very brightly coloured (purple on the petals and pink in the middle) and hang gracefully down like dewdrops. Then, we lazed about on the back deck for a while, enjoying the sun with a glass of wine and spoke on all sorts of topics, and afterwards planted some marigolds around the front yard. We had Ledo's for dinner (always tasty), and sandie cookies for dessert. It was a lovely evening!
Next weekend will be the ringing of the wedding bells for my dear friends Mike and Alicia. :)
Anyway, sorry for the gush about Jason. I am SO excited to have a brand new bicycle! This means I now have a vehicle that I can ride without polluting the environment. BP oil spills and coal mines (to name just two) already do that enough for us, right? I can't wait to go riding!! I know Ali shares my extreme excitement about cycling. ;)
Other than that, the weekend was really fun! I worked Friday night, so I didn't wake up until around 1ish on Saturday afternoon. After that, Jason and I lazed around for a bit and then went back to my place and enjoyed a wine Tasting at Total Wine and more and then proceeded to lounge on beach towels in the grass, soaking in the beautiful crisp weather. We left my apartment in the evening and dined at Anita's (my favorite Mexican restaurant), where I feasted on cheese enchiladas. Afterwards, we went over to meet up with the party crew for Megan's birthday. We played several rounds of flip cup and a couple rounds of King's Cup (ah, brings back the college memories), so needless to say we were well into an alcoholic state by the time the cabs came to pick us up. Megan wanted to go to Union Jack's in Arlington, so that's where the cabbies dropped us off. Everyone proceeded to become inebriated and all was grand. Jason and I took a taxi back to his place. We had great (albeit drunken) conversation with the cab driver, who I discovered to be a native French speaker; needless to say, I managed to have a very simple chat with him en Francais, which was really fun. I want to learn that language fluently one day.
On Sunday Jason and I went to The Bike Lane store in the morning and I went on a test ride on the bike that is now mine, and then I went out to my parents' house to spend the day with me mum. We went over to this plant/flower nursery called Meadow's Farm and I bought her this very cool flowering plant that hangs in a basket. The flowers are very brightly coloured (purple on the petals and pink in the middle) and hang gracefully down like dewdrops. Then, we lazed about on the back deck for a while, enjoying the sun with a glass of wine and spoke on all sorts of topics, and afterwards planted some marigolds around the front yard. We had Ledo's for dinner (always tasty), and sandie cookies for dessert. It was a lovely evening!
Next weekend will be the ringing of the wedding bells for my dear friends Mike and Alicia. :)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Biiiiicycle, Biiiiicycle!
Jason is buying me a bike!! I am thrilled because this means I finally get to travel in something that doesn't pollute the environment and simultaneously benefits my health. He's so incredibly thoughtful and giving. I'm so lucky! I'll post pictures of my sexy new ride when we pick it up.
For now, a picture of something not bicycle-related:
For now, a picture of something not bicycle-related:
Friday, May 7, 2010
Blueberries are tasty in pie, cereal or just by popping them into your mouth.
I'm sorry it's been so long! I've noticed a sharp decline in my writing. I think it's because I'm now out of school and have far less time outside of work to sit at the computer and type out my thoughts. I'll try to get better!
Nursing is definitely my calling. I take care of SIX, yes count them, patients on a daily basis. I work nights now and love it. It can still be very busy, but it's still more calm than day shift. I can actually give a blood transfusion without feeling like it's going to fuck up the rest of my time management on the shift!
Speaking of transfusions, I now personally realize why it's so imperative that EVERY person who is able to donate should. I can easily give two to three pints (you fill one of those at a donation) of blood to a patient whose blood counts have dropped. IN ONE SHIFT. That doesn't include what the next shift may have to give them. So please, PLEASE, donate blood every 3 months if you're healthy!! You'll never know how many lives you're saving, seriously.
In other news, I need to upload recent pictures I've taken. I haven't gone on a real photoshoot in a few weeks. My time is definitely booked between work, friends, Jason and my family. But that's a happy place to be. :) I also have to go to yoga. I've been slacking on that in recent weeks; boo on me for that.
Jason is amazing. I can't say enough about what a wonderful person he is. I can't imagine being with anyone else, ever again. I'm totally smitten, I'll admit it.
My sister is graduating from college in two weeks! She also found her first big grown-up job at a law firm. My baby sister, wow. I can't believe how time has flown. When you grow up and spend literally your entire life with someone, it's amazing to see how life twists and turns their soul into a work of art. That is truly what she has become. She's amazingly intelligent, determined and passionate, and I love watching her. She's my best friend.
Nothing much else has changed. I try to avoid watching the news now, so I rarely know what the current events are. For some reason, taking a hiatus from all the drama that is CNN, Fox, et al. has been quite the relief! It's almost like taking a vacation, haha.
But wait! There's more! Soheil is teaching me guitar, and I'm practicing! Hopefully I'll be a rock star soon.
Nursing is definitely my calling. I take care of SIX, yes count them, patients on a daily basis. I work nights now and love it. It can still be very busy, but it's still more calm than day shift. I can actually give a blood transfusion without feeling like it's going to fuck up the rest of my time management on the shift!
Speaking of transfusions, I now personally realize why it's so imperative that EVERY person who is able to donate should. I can easily give two to three pints (you fill one of those at a donation) of blood to a patient whose blood counts have dropped. IN ONE SHIFT. That doesn't include what the next shift may have to give them. So please, PLEASE, donate blood every 3 months if you're healthy!! You'll never know how many lives you're saving, seriously.
In other news, I need to upload recent pictures I've taken. I haven't gone on a real photoshoot in a few weeks. My time is definitely booked between work, friends, Jason and my family. But that's a happy place to be. :) I also have to go to yoga. I've been slacking on that in recent weeks; boo on me for that.
Jason is amazing. I can't say enough about what a wonderful person he is. I can't imagine being with anyone else, ever again. I'm totally smitten, I'll admit it.
My sister is graduating from college in two weeks! She also found her first big grown-up job at a law firm. My baby sister, wow. I can't believe how time has flown. When you grow up and spend literally your entire life with someone, it's amazing to see how life twists and turns their soul into a work of art. That is truly what she has become. She's amazingly intelligent, determined and passionate, and I love watching her. She's my best friend.
Nothing much else has changed. I try to avoid watching the news now, so I rarely know what the current events are. For some reason, taking a hiatus from all the drama that is CNN, Fox, et al. has been quite the relief! It's almost like taking a vacation, haha.
But wait! There's more! Soheil is teaching me guitar, and I'm practicing! Hopefully I'll be a rock star soon.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Beautiful weather makes my soul sing.
It's been a while. I'm not as good about journaling as I used to be because, well, I just don't take the same amount of time to sit in front of the computer as I used to. Now that the weather is nice and I have a man (and of course tons of awesome friends), I don't have the time or desire to stick around inside.
However, I do like to update once in a while, and poor Sleeves wants to know what's going on in my end of the world when we're not chatting online (or so I think), so here we go!
Work has gotten better...not that it was bad, it was just difficult. It's still a definite challenge, but I feel like every time I work I get a little better at what I'm doing. I'm not sure how it will be when I get up to my unit since I'll be seeing different acuity levels and pts then what I've been training with on the telemetry unit, but I'll deal. It's show time (i.e., I'll be on my own) when I start up on the good old 8B on the 19th, so we'll see what happens! Being the tough cookie I am, I have faith that whatever happens, I'll be fine. As long as I don't make my patients any worse during my shift, I'm cool with whatever happens. I'm going to sign up to work nights only after this first month. I've discovered that nights are something that I really enjoy and actually have the energy to do. Plus, I feel like it allows me to work more slowly and thoroughly and spend more quality time with my patients than during the day time (and let's face it, I get paid more).
In other news, Jason and I had a very nice Easter sunday. We started out by taking his momma's convertible BMW Z3 to Sky Meadows and took a glorious hike in the beautiful weather. I forgot to put on sunscreen, so I got a pretty nasty burn on my shoulders...oh well. We then went to my parents' house for a bbq, which was delish.
Soheil and Nicki's bday celebration this past weekend was really fun. We started out by doing a bbq ( I love those, can you tell?) at Alicia and Mike's place and then went to the classic Patriot's Cafe for some karaoke. The guys all went up and did a fantastic rendition of "Baby Got Back," and I was able to do a Whitney Houston number for all the crowd to adore. haha. Yesterday, Jason and I took a trip into old town Alexandria after having brunch with my dad. Man, what a great afternoon and evening that turned out to be! We walked around the water front, took some pictures, and then strode around old town and stopped in a couple unique little shops. We ate sushi for dinner and then went to this cool movie theater (you can drink alcohol in there) and saw Clash of the Titans.
A brief review of the movie: I love Greek mythology, so I knew going in that I would enjoy the plot line. The action and special effects were totally awesome. Liam Nissen did not, however, play a large role as Zeus...he was really more in the background, popping into the action a couple of times. However, he did absolutely zero ass-kicking, which I was disappointed in. The Zeus he played was more of the fatherly role, not the lightning bolt-throwing Zeus. Oh well, he was still good. Perseus did most of the ass kicking, which was very fun to watch. The actor who played Haides kicked a lot of ass, too! So, at least there were asses being handed to their respective owners throughout the movie. The other thing I was less than impressed with was the neat and quick fashion in which the loose/problematic items were tied up in the end. The Cracken literally showed up in the last 10 minutes of the film to annihilate Argos. Anyway, overall I would give the movie a B+. I liked it well enough on the big screen, but I probably wouldn't buy it.
I've taken lots of pictures lately that I need to upload. I went to yoga this week once and plan to go again today. I really want to pick up piano and dance classes...the only problem is my irregular schedule. I may try to get Jason to teach me the piano basics, since he took it when he was younger. As for dance, not quite sure how to work that. I'll think about it.
However, I do like to update once in a while, and poor Sleeves wants to know what's going on in my end of the world when we're not chatting online (or so I think), so here we go!
Work has gotten better...not that it was bad, it was just difficult. It's still a definite challenge, but I feel like every time I work I get a little better at what I'm doing. I'm not sure how it will be when I get up to my unit since I'll be seeing different acuity levels and pts then what I've been training with on the telemetry unit, but I'll deal. It's show time (i.e., I'll be on my own) when I start up on the good old 8B on the 19th, so we'll see what happens! Being the tough cookie I am, I have faith that whatever happens, I'll be fine. As long as I don't make my patients any worse during my shift, I'm cool with whatever happens. I'm going to sign up to work nights only after this first month. I've discovered that nights are something that I really enjoy and actually have the energy to do. Plus, I feel like it allows me to work more slowly and thoroughly and spend more quality time with my patients than during the day time (and let's face it, I get paid more).
In other news, Jason and I had a very nice Easter sunday. We started out by taking his momma's convertible BMW Z3 to Sky Meadows and took a glorious hike in the beautiful weather. I forgot to put on sunscreen, so I got a pretty nasty burn on my shoulders...oh well. We then went to my parents' house for a bbq, which was delish.
Soheil and Nicki's bday celebration this past weekend was really fun. We started out by doing a bbq ( I love those, can you tell?) at Alicia and Mike's place and then went to the classic Patriot's Cafe for some karaoke. The guys all went up and did a fantastic rendition of "Baby Got Back," and I was able to do a Whitney Houston number for all the crowd to adore. haha. Yesterday, Jason and I took a trip into old town Alexandria after having brunch with my dad. Man, what a great afternoon and evening that turned out to be! We walked around the water front, took some pictures, and then strode around old town and stopped in a couple unique little shops. We ate sushi for dinner and then went to this cool movie theater (you can drink alcohol in there) and saw Clash of the Titans.
A brief review of the movie: I love Greek mythology, so I knew going in that I would enjoy the plot line. The action and special effects were totally awesome. Liam Nissen did not, however, play a large role as Zeus...he was really more in the background, popping into the action a couple of times. However, he did absolutely zero ass-kicking, which I was disappointed in. The Zeus he played was more of the fatherly role, not the lightning bolt-throwing Zeus. Oh well, he was still good. Perseus did most of the ass kicking, which was very fun to watch. The actor who played Haides kicked a lot of ass, too! So, at least there were asses being handed to their respective owners throughout the movie. The other thing I was less than impressed with was the neat and quick fashion in which the loose/problematic items were tied up in the end. The Cracken literally showed up in the last 10 minutes of the film to annihilate Argos. Anyway, overall I would give the movie a B+. I liked it well enough on the big screen, but I probably wouldn't buy it.
I've taken lots of pictures lately that I need to upload. I went to yoga this week once and plan to go again today. I really want to pick up piano and dance classes...the only problem is my irregular schedule. I may try to get Jason to teach me the piano basics, since he took it when he was younger. As for dance, not quite sure how to work that. I'll think about it.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Can I get a WTF?
Today was going well at work until about 5pm when I got an admission (who on top of all the admission crap also needed vitals done every 15 minutes, which of course didn't end up happening) and my other patient came back from a cardiac catheterization procedure (also requiring vitals every 15 minutes). On top of those two things, I had another patient getting meds through a PEG (i.e., intestinal) tube, which means I have to crush them up and flush them through, requiring more than the normal amount of time it usually takes to give meds. At that point, my time management skills seemed to fly out the window and into oblivion in outer space. I can't totally blame my patient load, though, because many other nurses have four or five patients. I only had three today. However, most of the other nurses I work with have been there for at least a year or sometimes many more, and I have been working with my preceptor for what, 6 weeks? That isn't that long, but I still wish my time management skills were better. I actually spoke aloud to whatever gods exist in the universe tonight on the way home, begging for some wisdom in learning how to manage my time so I'm not going crazy and getting out of work at 8:30pm.
Then, I get to Jason's (he lives 15 minutes from my job so I usually spend the night there before I work, and he actually loves it when I'm there), and he suggests that HE go out and get us some Pad Thai for dinner. He could tell how exhausted, both mentally and physically, I was and told me to stay here and relax and he would get everything taken care of. I am continuously and pleasantly surprised by how wonderful of a person he is. He does stuff like this for me at least once a week (whether I'm tired or not). I am so thankful I met him!!
Anyway, I'm going to talk to my preceptor tomorrow and get her advice on how I can improve and any suggestions she may have. As you can probably tell, tonight ended up being really discouraging for me. It'll get better; I just have to keep working hard and learning by experience.
Then, I get to Jason's (he lives 15 minutes from my job so I usually spend the night there before I work, and he actually loves it when I'm there), and he suggests that HE go out and get us some Pad Thai for dinner. He could tell how exhausted, both mentally and physically, I was and told me to stay here and relax and he would get everything taken care of. I am continuously and pleasantly surprised by how wonderful of a person he is. He does stuff like this for me at least once a week (whether I'm tired or not). I am so thankful I met him!!
Anyway, I'm going to talk to my preceptor tomorrow and get her advice on how I can improve and any suggestions she may have. As you can probably tell, tonight ended up being really discouraging for me. It'll get better; I just have to keep working hard and learning by experience.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Of thanks and gratitude...among other things.
The two incense sticks burning in my apartment right now smell incredible. Earthy, like a mixture of fine powder and flowers, with a little cedar in the background. I should have a second career inventing advertising descriptions.
I took a really hot (in degrees, like Fahrenheit or Celsius) bath this afternoon and started reading the Time Traveler's wife (again). It's superb so far. And so was the bath, with the spearamint eucalyptus bath bubbles.
I love my green tea that I'm currently drinking, because it tastes so good and is very healthy for you. I also especially like it today because it's gloomy-looking and a bit chilly outside today. I feel like Fall has snuck back in by some extraordinary time force this week.
I love science. Things like chemistry help us to understand little miniscule things in life, like why a spaghetti noodle changes texture, shape and even size when you place it in boiling water. Things like biology help us to understand why putting yourself in a bed of UV lights to try and be tan during wintertime is a horrid thing to do to yourself.
I'm going to have pasta and regular, classic marinara sauce tonight for dinner. On my deathbed, I want a huge vat of pasta and marinara sauce to eat. That or gnoccis. Or both.
I'm going to lay on the couch and read all night. Ahhh.
I took a really hot (in degrees, like Fahrenheit or Celsius) bath this afternoon and started reading the Time Traveler's wife (again). It's superb so far. And so was the bath, with the spearamint eucalyptus bath bubbles.
I love my green tea that I'm currently drinking, because it tastes so good and is very healthy for you. I also especially like it today because it's gloomy-looking and a bit chilly outside today. I feel like Fall has snuck back in by some extraordinary time force this week.
I love science. Things like chemistry help us to understand little miniscule things in life, like why a spaghetti noodle changes texture, shape and even size when you place it in boiling water. Things like biology help us to understand why putting yourself in a bed of UV lights to try and be tan during wintertime is a horrid thing to do to yourself.
I'm going to have pasta and regular, classic marinara sauce tonight for dinner. On my deathbed, I want a huge vat of pasta and marinara sauce to eat. That or gnoccis. Or both.
I'm going to lay on the couch and read all night. Ahhh.
Peanut butter banana gelato is...well, amazing.
It tastes literally like you would expect a banana dipped in peanut butter to taste. Mmmmmmmm.
So nothing much is new, yet I feel the need to post here so that all of you continue to be aware of my existence. I'm still loving my job at the hospital and enjoying my new budding relationship with Jason...not sure if I like the term "budding"; it sounds like something that happens to a 13 year-old pubescent female. Anyway, he's a wonderful guy and I'm very pleased with how things are going thus far.
I had an argument with my mother yesterday about the current profile picture I have up on Facebook. She says it is "highly offensive," and I say it is a joke. I found it amazing that we even argued about it. She wanted me to take it down because "What if people who see your Facebook page are bothered by it?" Well, they can choose to navigate AWAY from my page, then, or just choose to not be as sensitive. I'm not telling you what your religious/spiritual beliefs ought or ought not to be. I wouldn't be at all offended at a comical display poking fun at mine or anyone else's sprituality. I really can't relate to insecurity on that level. I wish people would take issues like health care and the environment as seriously as they do their man-made religions.
Anyway, suffice it to say that I believe my mother to be quite an insecure person in many ways, though she does possess many redeeming qualities. It's just tough to relate to her sometimes. Most often, we are different people and perceive the world from opposing points of view.
To be more positive, I'm going to donate blood today. You should, too, if you're able. It literally saves lives.
I've been taking pictures but need to upload them; also on today's to-do list. I'll post a couple when I get them on this piece of shit I enjoy calling my computer.
Anyone want to go on a camping trip? Jason and I want to get a group of people together!
So nothing much is new, yet I feel the need to post here so that all of you continue to be aware of my existence. I'm still loving my job at the hospital and enjoying my new budding relationship with Jason...not sure if I like the term "budding"; it sounds like something that happens to a 13 year-old pubescent female. Anyway, he's a wonderful guy and I'm very pleased with how things are going thus far.
I had an argument with my mother yesterday about the current profile picture I have up on Facebook. She says it is "highly offensive," and I say it is a joke. I found it amazing that we even argued about it. She wanted me to take it down because "What if people who see your Facebook page are bothered by it?" Well, they can choose to navigate AWAY from my page, then, or just choose to not be as sensitive. I'm not telling you what your religious/spiritual beliefs ought or ought not to be. I wouldn't be at all offended at a comical display poking fun at mine or anyone else's sprituality. I really can't relate to insecurity on that level. I wish people would take issues like health care and the environment as seriously as they do their man-made religions.
Anyway, suffice it to say that I believe my mother to be quite an insecure person in many ways, though she does possess many redeeming qualities. It's just tough to relate to her sometimes. Most often, we are different people and perceive the world from opposing points of view.
To be more positive, I'm going to donate blood today. You should, too, if you're able. It literally saves lives.
I've been taking pictures but need to upload them; also on today's to-do list. I'll post a couple when I get them on this piece of shit I enjoy calling my computer.
Anyone want to go on a camping trip? Jason and I want to get a group of people together!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Pistachio gelato is celestial.
It is SO good, in fact, that I'm still thinking about it after having eaten it on Sunday. I'll have to make Jason take me back there again for more. Things are going terrifically between us, he's really an amazing person.
Anyway, enough of that mooshy bullshit. My last two days at the hospital taking care of three patients were GREAT. I felt so confident, cool and collected this time. It convinces me that last Monday (the day when Hell came full force to the 6th floor of Virginia Hospital Center) was simply a bad day--for EVERYONE. I think I may have over-stretched a couple muscles in my back, though, because yesterday I basically had to support this little old lady's entire body weight to help her from the bed to the chair or to the bedside commode. Oh well, if it means she's a little more independent because of it, I'll do my best to help her out.
Other than that, I have more pictures I've taken recently that I haven't uploaded yet. The sun is shining today, the sky is blue-- beautiful! I can't wait for spring to arrive.
I had dinner with my dad last night at Luciano's. Per the usual, I got gnoccis with marinara sauce, which was obviously delicious. I love Italian food, plain and simple. It truly is wonderful that you can take four or five ingredients and make loads of great dishes with them. We had a really unexpected, yet special experience as a result of where we sat. We overheard this woman talking with her mother, and apparently it was her 92nd birthday! The cool thing about this is that her mother doesn't look more than 80 years old and is sharp as a tack, to use a cliche phrase. So we all clapped for her being such a terrific-looking 92 year-old, and the couple next to their table gave them concert tickets (he's in an orchestra) for free. Then, another couple next to OUR table secretly paid their bill on the way out. I wish I could have taken a picture of the smile that went across that woman and her daughter's faces. She had an awesome birthday at a little Italian restaurant in Oakton, VA.
Stuff like that renews my hope that humans really do have the capability of being wonderful and loving towards one another.
Anyway, enough of that mooshy bullshit. My last two days at the hospital taking care of three patients were GREAT. I felt so confident, cool and collected this time. It convinces me that last Monday (the day when Hell came full force to the 6th floor of Virginia Hospital Center) was simply a bad day--for EVERYONE. I think I may have over-stretched a couple muscles in my back, though, because yesterday I basically had to support this little old lady's entire body weight to help her from the bed to the chair or to the bedside commode. Oh well, if it means she's a little more independent because of it, I'll do my best to help her out.
Other than that, I have more pictures I've taken recently that I haven't uploaded yet. The sun is shining today, the sky is blue-- beautiful! I can't wait for spring to arrive.
I had dinner with my dad last night at Luciano's. Per the usual, I got gnoccis with marinara sauce, which was obviously delicious. I love Italian food, plain and simple. It truly is wonderful that you can take four or five ingredients and make loads of great dishes with them. We had a really unexpected, yet special experience as a result of where we sat. We overheard this woman talking with her mother, and apparently it was her 92nd birthday! The cool thing about this is that her mother doesn't look more than 80 years old and is sharp as a tack, to use a cliche phrase. So we all clapped for her being such a terrific-looking 92 year-old, and the couple next to their table gave them concert tickets (he's in an orchestra) for free. Then, another couple next to OUR table secretly paid their bill on the way out. I wish I could have taken a picture of the smile that went across that woman and her daughter's faces. She had an awesome birthday at a little Italian restaurant in Oakton, VA.
Stuff like that renews my hope that humans really do have the capability of being wonderful and loving towards one another.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Some of these are out of order, but if you use your brain, you can figure it out.
A pretty sunset at my parents' house.
This was from the last big snow back in early Feb. The snow rest on the branches so delicately and beautifully.
Linear symmetry.
Les fleures.
Finished product. YUM.
Camille and I made delectable chocolate chip cookies from scratch.
Pretty plant, sunset in the background-- Camille's house!
The yummy fondu at Philip Carter with Stevo's momma. We were Valentine's.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.
For the first time, I felt like an epic fail of a nurse this past Monday. It was my first day with three patients, two of which were total care (meaning everything under the sun has to be done for them), and the other of the three being scheduled to go for a cardiac cath-- this wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that upon their return, you have to take vitals every 15 minutes for the first hour, every 30 minutes for the next two hours and then every hour for the next four hours. Plus, she ended up having to pee like every 10 minutes, so because she wasn't allowed to get out of bed for 4-5 hours after the cath, I had to put her on a bed pan. My one total care pt had, among other meds, 4 IV meds due, all at 2 fucking pm. ALL. Not to mention more at 4pm, and more at 6pm. My other patient was also incontinent and insisted that she was in Alaska most of the day. She also had meds.
The meds aren't so bad, but when combined with short intervals of time in which to give them and complex patients needing various things at the same time, it's enough to drive one batty. I don't know how I would have been able to hold my head above water if my preceptor hadn't been there to help me out. We still left at 8:30pm that night. Ugh.
Despite all this, I still love being a nurse. I love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything. Knowing that I'm making a difference and taking good care of people (at least emotionally) makes the tough, crazy days all worth it. And there are lots of crazy days.
In other news, which the readers following this blog are already aware of, I am officially dating Jason. He is super, and from what I've gotten to know over the last month seems to possess all the qualities I seek in a partner. So, we'll see what happens! :)
I argued with a guy at the bar last night, and another friend today, about the status of the health care system and debate here in the U.S. They tried to convince me that "big government take-over" would be horrible and take away everyone's choice and blah blah blah communismscarystupidhearsaybullshit. I posted this link comparing Canada's and the States' health care systems on my Facebook page today. I read through it and checked out some of the references and it's pretty good stuff. I'm all about socialized health care. I strongly, STRONGLY believe that it should never be a business venture; rather, it should be a right of every single citizen, NO MATTER WHAT. Don't come to me with your "oh woe are the insurance companies, poor them." Poor them? They're stuffing money in their pockets on a daily basis and in increasing increments at the expense of their payers' health. Fuck them, they can go under for all I care.
That's about it for now. Picture post coming soon!
The meds aren't so bad, but when combined with short intervals of time in which to give them and complex patients needing various things at the same time, it's enough to drive one batty. I don't know how I would have been able to hold my head above water if my preceptor hadn't been there to help me out. We still left at 8:30pm that night. Ugh.
Despite all this, I still love being a nurse. I love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything. Knowing that I'm making a difference and taking good care of people (at least emotionally) makes the tough, crazy days all worth it. And there are lots of crazy days.
In other news, which the readers following this blog are already aware of, I am officially dating Jason. He is super, and from what I've gotten to know over the last month seems to possess all the qualities I seek in a partner. So, we'll see what happens! :)
I argued with a guy at the bar last night, and another friend today, about the status of the health care system and debate here in the U.S. They tried to convince me that "big government take-over" would be horrible and take away everyone's choice and blah blah blah communismscarystupidhearsaybullshit. I posted this link comparing Canada's and the States' health care systems on my Facebook page today. I read through it and checked out some of the references and it's pretty good stuff. I'm all about socialized health care. I strongly, STRONGLY believe that it should never be a business venture; rather, it should be a right of every single citizen, NO MATTER WHAT. Don't come to me with your "oh woe are the insurance companies, poor them." Poor them? They're stuffing money in their pockets on a daily basis and in increasing increments at the expense of their payers' health. Fuck them, they can go under for all I care.
That's about it for now. Picture post coming soon!
Friday, March 5, 2010
FINALLY.
Hopefully this will become the norm for the rest of the United States (and the world).
DC legalizes gay marriage!!
DC legalizes gay marriage!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Here's your update, biatch!
Work is still going well! I'm up to two patients now, which is pretty good for only my third and fourth shifts. I'm learning to get into my own routine with my patients, seeing what works and what needs improvement in terms of time management and priorities. My attention to detail is good. I wish that I had more time to look up my patient's meds before I give them, though, but I suppose that's something I'll have to do at home. I've also been researching the common diseases/conditions that come to our unit in my spare time so that I can become familiar and assess for signs and symptoms that go along with them. My preceptor is this amazing woman from Nigeria. She's a brilliant, kind and gentle person and lets me do things on my own without hovering over my shoulder--she trusts me. She's also very entertaining with her little African catch phrases. She loves calling me "girl," which I believe is an affectionate phrase in Nigeria. :)
One of my favorite aspects about nursing is the connection I'm able to make with most of my patients. One patient I did not really connect that well with is a man who is just plain bitter, but understandably so. He's a bilateral below-the-knee amputee who has end stage renal failure and diabetes. He's only 50 years old. He is a drug seeker and asks for his dilaudid around the clock literally every three hours even though I can tell that his pain level is NOT a 10 out of 10 like he says it is. He's sitting there watching tv when he claims that he's in pain, so I know it's bullshit. However, I can understand why he wants to be doped up all the time. I would be too, if I were in his situation. The other point is, who cares? It's not like the pain meds are going to kill him, because his diabetes and renal failure will eventually do that. I say let him at least have what little satisfaction he can. So, I kept pushing his IV dilaudid and rubbing hydrocortisone cream on his skin, which made him feel at least a bit better.
My other patient yesterday was this sweet little 81 year old lady who is all about Jesus, but not in an annoying way. She is just a woman of very deep faith who believes that God is responsible for every little thing. She is super great about being knowledgeable about her health (she has CHF) and is very responsible and takes great care of herself. I really respect and admire that, because it makes my job so much easier, and her life better. So, I would help her walk to the bathroom and we would talk about the only "clean" tv shows left, which in her mind are Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right. :) We hugged when I discharged her yesterday and she said she would miss having me around.
Other than that, Jason and I have been hanging out (not obsessively, we've just gone on several dates). I REALLY enjoy his company, what a cool person he is. We have a lot in common, he's a gentleman, he's affectionate without being clingy, he's completely chill and totally confident enough to the point where I can talk all I want about Steve or any other past relationships, or flirt with my guy friends, and he doesn't give a rat's ass. I love that. I can't handle jealousy or possessiveness. So, I guess we're "seeing each other," whatever that means, and maybe it'll turn into something more. Who knows? I'm definitely enjoying myself right now.
In other news, I'm trying to stay up with my photography and yoga practice. Admittedly, my yoga has slacked a LOT in the last couple of months, partially due to getting a new job and that whole transition, but also because I've been lazy when I've had the opportunity to go. I need to kick myself in the ass and remember to prioritize.
One of my favorite aspects about nursing is the connection I'm able to make with most of my patients. One patient I did not really connect that well with is a man who is just plain bitter, but understandably so. He's a bilateral below-the-knee amputee who has end stage renal failure and diabetes. He's only 50 years old. He is a drug seeker and asks for his dilaudid around the clock literally every three hours even though I can tell that his pain level is NOT a 10 out of 10 like he says it is. He's sitting there watching tv when he claims that he's in pain, so I know it's bullshit. However, I can understand why he wants to be doped up all the time. I would be too, if I were in his situation. The other point is, who cares? It's not like the pain meds are going to kill him, because his diabetes and renal failure will eventually do that. I say let him at least have what little satisfaction he can. So, I kept pushing his IV dilaudid and rubbing hydrocortisone cream on his skin, which made him feel at least a bit better.
My other patient yesterday was this sweet little 81 year old lady who is all about Jesus, but not in an annoying way. She is just a woman of very deep faith who believes that God is responsible for every little thing. She is super great about being knowledgeable about her health (she has CHF) and is very responsible and takes great care of herself. I really respect and admire that, because it makes my job so much easier, and her life better. So, I would help her walk to the bathroom and we would talk about the only "clean" tv shows left, which in her mind are Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right. :) We hugged when I discharged her yesterday and she said she would miss having me around.
Other than that, Jason and I have been hanging out (not obsessively, we've just gone on several dates). I REALLY enjoy his company, what a cool person he is. We have a lot in common, he's a gentleman, he's affectionate without being clingy, he's completely chill and totally confident enough to the point where I can talk all I want about Steve or any other past relationships, or flirt with my guy friends, and he doesn't give a rat's ass. I love that. I can't handle jealousy or possessiveness. So, I guess we're "seeing each other," whatever that means, and maybe it'll turn into something more. Who knows? I'm definitely enjoying myself right now.
In other news, I'm trying to stay up with my photography and yoga practice. Admittedly, my yoga has slacked a LOT in the last couple of months, partially due to getting a new job and that whole transition, but also because I've been lazy when I've had the opportunity to go. I need to kick myself in the ass and remember to prioritize.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I like striped socks.
My new job is going splendidly, just as I thought and hoped it would. I do 12-13 hour shifts, three per week, which is super because I get the rest of the days to myself! I love the people I work with so far, and I love the patients. Old people can be genuinely hilarious and a joy to work with. I worked with a 96 year-old man the other day who is sharp as a tack, a true gentleman (except when he gets out of bed and just lets the back of his gown fly open), and has many interesting stories to tell from 1913 to the present. He says that it's really nice to be his age because all the people you know are dead and you can do whatever the hell you want. ;)
I still haven't gotten my tattoo yet. The snow was what messed up my financial situation this time around. I just sit back and laugh now, but it seems that things are turning up. I'm not worried about it. I have my design and I'll get the blasted thing done one of these days.
I joined a group on Flickr called "Project 365," thanks to my friend Kristen B. It's a group to which you add a picture you take on a daily basis; thus, you are forced to get off your ass and be a photographer every day for a year. I really like the challenge of that, because it will help me to be innovative each day.
What else? I'm going on a dinner date with my friend Jason on Thursday. He's a really hot Asian (I know Joey will appreciate that one!), and he loves photography (major points), is a great cuddler, and has a good sense of humor. He's smart, too, which is a must-have trait for me. So, overall, this guy has a good shot....so we'll see how it develops! I'm also emailing with my friend Jonathan, who is a Marine currently on his way back to the States from his second deployment overseas, so we'll probably go on a date or two when he returns. I like this whole single life thing. ;)
Other than that, nothing much else is new. I went for tea and shopping with my mum today, which was grand! Hope you are well.
I still haven't gotten my tattoo yet. The snow was what messed up my financial situation this time around. I just sit back and laugh now, but it seems that things are turning up. I'm not worried about it. I have my design and I'll get the blasted thing done one of these days.
I joined a group on Flickr called "Project 365," thanks to my friend Kristen B. It's a group to which you add a picture you take on a daily basis; thus, you are forced to get off your ass and be a photographer every day for a year. I really like the challenge of that, because it will help me to be innovative each day.
What else? I'm going on a dinner date with my friend Jason on Thursday. He's a really hot Asian (I know Joey will appreciate that one!), and he loves photography (major points), is a great cuddler, and has a good sense of humor. He's smart, too, which is a must-have trait for me. So, overall, this guy has a good shot....so we'll see how it develops! I'm also emailing with my friend Jonathan, who is a Marine currently on his way back to the States from his second deployment overseas, so we'll probably go on a date or two when he returns. I like this whole single life thing. ;)
Other than that, nothing much else is new. I went for tea and shopping with my mum today, which was grand! Hope you are well.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
As the old adage goes...
This must be a little piece of heaven, this beer bread. I baked a loaf of it and just took if from the oven...I can easily say this is my best loaf yet. It's golden brown on top and soft inside, warm and moist. Maybe that sounded a bit too sexual, but I care not! It tastes amazing.
I'm in a strange state this week, with all the wintery weather cancelling things I was supposed to do. I feel like this whole week has been an extension of the weekend, save for yesterday when I went to one day of hospital orientation (this whole week was supposed to be orientation, mind you). It has been nice to be able to relax and do some light cleaning, reading, music listening and the like, but today I'm itching to get outside and do something. Today just happens to have weather that conflicts with those ideals, considering how windy it is and that there is still over two feet of snow on the ground.
I have thus been trying to fill my time with activities that will keep me from going completely stir crazy (hence, the beer bread and writing this entry). It's working fairly well, but I still have much of the day left...we'll see what I come up with!
Here's a picture.
I'm in a strange state this week, with all the wintery weather cancelling things I was supposed to do. I feel like this whole week has been an extension of the weekend, save for yesterday when I went to one day of hospital orientation (this whole week was supposed to be orientation, mind you). It has been nice to be able to relax and do some light cleaning, reading, music listening and the like, but today I'm itching to get outside and do something. Today just happens to have weather that conflicts with those ideals, considering how windy it is and that there is still over two feet of snow on the ground.
I have thus been trying to fill my time with activities that will keep me from going completely stir crazy (hence, the beer bread and writing this entry). It's working fairly well, but I still have much of the day left...we'll see what I come up with!
Here's a picture.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Lovely tree bones
Tonight I took a walk in the freshly fallen snow. This was wet snow tonight, the kind I prefer for its creaky wooden floor sound made under your feet at you tread along.
It is difficult to explain how much I love the quiet, the peace, the serenity, the beauty and stillness that is snow. As I walked, I looked up and amidst the delicate clusters of white falling from the sky were the dark, stiff branches of the trees. On them, perfectly balanced, infinitely still and perfectly held together, were tiny crystal piles of snow. Imagine a warm summer day when you bury your hand in sand at the beach and then gently bring it up so that the only sand left on your hands is that which outlines the hidden surfaces of your bones; this, to me, resembles how the trees appeared tonight. This type of beauty is untouched, like a spider's web freshly-made, symmetrical with the surface it touches, like a perfectly choreographed ballet--only this ballet is between chemistry and physics.
You can hear the snow falling, not like rain...like fluffing sheets on a bed, the sound of one soft object floating down upon another of the same quality. I felt the cool crystals fall against my face, my eyelids, my tongue. I tasted the snow, and smelled it in the air.
Experiencing the snow is such an amazing awakening of the senses and soul. I suggest you get out there and live it yourself.
Ah ha!
I was sleepy most of yesterday because I smoked pot for literally 9 hours on Sunday. It all started around 2:30pm when I went over to Andrew and Jess' apartment, where Jess had already been kind enough to pack me a bong bowl in anticipation of my arrival. She's schooled in being the perfect hostess, clearly.
So we did that for another hour or so and decided we would go out to the grocery store to buy stuff for dinner. Andrew thought that fish and chips, made properly with flounder covered in tempura batter and fried in olive oil, would be perfect and we agreed. They paid for everything, which was awesome of them! We even got some yummy crab dip and crackers. I'll tell you, it's really nice being friends with people who have made their careers in the dining business, because a) they know how to cook and b) they have a wealth of knowledge of what foods go very, very well together from start to finish.
Then we smoked more.
We watched the Pro Bowl, and smoked some more. I snuggled with Bailey, their Boxer/body pillow schmoggie.
Finally, I went home.
It took me two and a half cups of coffee to even get my day started at work-- started.
I think Benjamin Franklin should have added marijuana to the quote about beer being proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sheesha, sheesha, sheesha!
Soheil came over today and we walked over to Manhattan Bagel Bakery where I enjoyed, as usual, a Lox bagel and a sesame seed bagel with butter. After leaving there, we decided to check out the rentals at Blockbuster (and found three good ones). On the way over, I noticed this shop with hookas in the window and had to go in. I found one for 25 bucks. I now have a hooka with melon-flavored sheesha. We're smoking it and life is good.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Little, fat kids are the products of big, stupid parents.
Today I had the distinct pleasure of shoving two Q-tips down the fat throat of this shitty kid in the doctor's office. I would like to extend my personal thanks to his mother for sitting there like a passive bovine creature whilst I tried to convince her son that it would only take two seconds for me to get some bugs out of the back of his throat.
The opportunity was thus laid before me to place his round, greasy, chocolate-covered face into a head-lock, wait for him to open his mouth to yell at me to leave him be, then: BAM. Q-tips into the throat, thankyouverymuch. I always win in situations like these. Always.
Maybe this sounds a bit cold, as if I dislike little fat kids. No, I don't, I want to backhand their idiot parents for letting them chow down on lard and work their fat little thumbs over the video game controller buttons all day long. That is all.
Today was amusing.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Warning: if you currently read my LJ, this is cross-posted.
I gave blood this afternoon. I really enjoyed it, as I always do, but this time was extra special. Why, you may ask? Because the phlebotomist working with me and another donor was totally hilarious and jovial, and we all talked and joked the whole time. I've never laughed so hard in a blood donation center before. It was truly grand, and those are the small treasures that I remember in my life.
I started hearing "Walking in Memphis" today on the radio and wondered when Kristen and Steve would be arriving there. Man, I really wish I were on that road trip. Well, if I go to Peace Corps in a couple years, which I am seriously considering doing, I'll have plenty of adventure at that point.
I also began reading "The Sun Also Rises" today, and so far I'm quite impressed. I thought I had read this novel previously, but I'm failing to recall any of what I've read thus far so perhaps it was another work of Hemingway's. Nevertheless, I really appreciate his writing style in this story.
I've had to come to terms with the fact that a guy I liked (just a little, no big deal) decided he's "not ready to be romantically involved with anyone." Apparently he thought he was, and then the more thinking he did the more aware he became of a need to "get his shit together" first. Okay, whatever. Like I said, I really didn't have much invested emotionally, and nothing physically, so there you have it. What I did learn about myself is that I enjoy the chase. I suppose that may be a stereotypically male characteristic. After thinking about why I even remotely disappointed by this situation, I realized it was because he was hard to get. I didn't win. I really should get over myself.
In case you weren't previously aware, please refer to blog title.
This is the fourth (maybe fifth) blog attempt I have made here. This time, I'm really truly going to try and keep this updated, perhaps even more than my LJ. The reason for this is that I know of only one or two people who would read this: Steve and Soheil.
I'm kind of starting this for Steve since he'll be in Korea and probably won't update or check Livejournal very often. Am I assuming too much? Perhaps, but this is also a more private area where I can lay down the wisdom and knowledge on my deeper thoughts/emotions. I'll say everything in unabashed tones, without hesitancy or delay or thought for how it might make other people feel. There you have it.
So, with that, I will say how strange it is that one of my best friends is in the car right now, embarking on a road trip to eventually end up in the beautiful land of California, from which he will travel 35,000 above ground to South Korea.
There will be plenty of moments in which I want to randomly text Steve, or go to a winery, see a quirky foreign film or talk about a random heated political subject with Steve. Then I'll blink my almondy brown eyes and recall that he's thousands (I tried to look up the exact mileage but Google wouldn't help me out) of miles away in a completely different country. Thank the Creator of the Universe for Skype. Did he/she/it create Skype? Which came first, the Skype or the Creator? So many unanswered questions, but I digress.
The point of this blog is to say hi, here I am again, and a temporary farewell to my beloved friend Steve. I'm planning on saving my pennies so that I can travel over to see him in the fall. Maybe I should start a charity.
I'm kind of starting this for Steve since he'll be in Korea and probably won't update or check Livejournal very often. Am I assuming too much? Perhaps, but this is also a more private area where I can lay down the wisdom and knowledge on my deeper thoughts/emotions. I'll say everything in unabashed tones, without hesitancy or delay or thought for how it might make other people feel. There you have it.
So, with that, I will say how strange it is that one of my best friends is in the car right now, embarking on a road trip to eventually end up in the beautiful land of California, from which he will travel 35,000 above ground to South Korea.
There will be plenty of moments in which I want to randomly text Steve, or go to a winery, see a quirky foreign film or talk about a random heated political subject with Steve. Then I'll blink my almondy brown eyes and recall that he's thousands (I tried to look up the exact mileage but Google wouldn't help me out) of miles away in a completely different country. Thank the Creator of the Universe for Skype. Did he/she/it create Skype? Which came first, the Skype or the Creator? So many unanswered questions, but I digress.
The point of this blog is to say hi, here I am again, and a temporary farewell to my beloved friend Steve. I'm planning on saving my pennies so that I can travel over to see him in the fall. Maybe I should start a charity.
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